Disclaimer Everything in the Harry Potter world belongs to JK Rowling, I'm not doing this for profit, I'm doing it for fun.

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Chapter 12 – A Christmas Wish


Harry Potter was kneeling on the floor of Ginny’s bedroom at the Burrow. He had been there for hours, his knees were raw and painful, but he did not care. He just wanted Ginny back. “Come on, Ginny, wake up, please, you’ve got to wake up,� he cried, his glasses were foggy from the warmth of his tears.

Harry did not even notice the sound of Ginny’s bedroom door opening, nor did he notice the two figures that came through the door.

“Come away mate. We all want her to wake up, and she will, when she’s ready, you can’t stay here like this though. Aren’t your knees sore by now?�

“Ron! Don’t be so insensitive! If Harry wants to stay and talk to Ginny, let him do it.�

Harry could not help but crack a smile as Ron and Hermione bickered. “Thanks, Hermione, Ron. Look, I’ll be downstairs in a couple of minutes. I just want to stay with Ginny for a little while longer. I want to be here if and when she wakes up.�

Ron opened his mouth to argue against that idea but was stopped when Hermione stamped on his foot, as he hopped about the room clutching his foot in pain Hermione looked at Harry.

“Take all the time you need, Harry. Come on, Ron, let’s go help your Mum with the cooking.�

“But mum’s not cook…�

“Now, Ron!�

Ron protested no more and quickly hurried to the door, closely followed by Hermione as she was ushering him away.

Harry watched them leave and he heard the sound of their footsteps as they headed downstairs to the kitchen. When he was satisfied that they were gone he turned back to face Ginny, who was lying on her bed, unmoving, as she had been doing for the past month. Tears welled up in his eyes and his blood boiled as he re-lived the series of events that were responsible for her condition. It was his fault that Malfoy had nearly killed her. He couldn’t protect her. He had failed. He had let someone close to him come to harm, and that was something that Harry could never forgive himself for.

“I need you, Ginny. I need you to tell me it’s all going to be okay. Please, I wish you could wake up. It’s my fault you’re like this. I’m sorry, Ginny. I thought I could help you, I thought I could protect you! I’m sorry!� Harry cried, tears springing to his eyes. Harry sniffed and wiped his tears away, a sad smile on his face. “So much for the famous Harry Potter.�

Harry sat at Ginny’s bedside for another hour, talking to her, looking for any sign of life from her. Eventually Harry got to his feet, rubbing his knees to get some feeling back into them. He sat next to Ginny’s still form on the bed and gave her a kiss on the forehead, with a deep sigh; he left her room and headed downstairs.

Ron, Hermione, Bill, Fleur and Mrs Weasley were all in the kitchen. They were all looking very sombre. The Burrow was unrecognisable from the cheerful place it usually was. Christmas decorations had not been bothered with, unwashed pots and pans stood in the sink and there was the heavy smell of alcohol in the air. Ron was looking very pale, Hermione looked as though she had been crying, Bill was drinking heavily from a glass of Fire Whisky, Fleur was sat in silence, and Mrs Weasley was staring out of the window, as though watching for something, or someone. Harry could just make out the figure of Mr Weasley; he was outside in the yard, tinkering about in his shed, no doubt trying to work out the wonder of ‘eckeltricity’ Harry suspected.

Mrs Weasley looked from the window to Harry as he entered the kitchen. “Any change?� she asked anxiously; the others all fixed their eyes on Harry expectantly.

Harry shook his head. Sadness crossed the faces in the kitchen once again.

“What are you looking at, mum? Asked Ron, as he noticed Mrs Weasley looking out of the window once again.

“Oh. I’m waiting for Charlie to come back, he went to the village – last minute presents I suppose. Percy should be due any time soon as well.�

Almost as she spoke, Percy Weasley appeared with a loud crack in the middle of the kitchen. Percy was usually immaculately turned out, but Ginny’s condition seemed to be having a bad effect on him too. His robes were dishevelled, his glasses had fingerprints on them, his neat hair was straggly and out of place. Without a word he took a seat in the kitchen and joined the others in staring at the table.

For about an hour there was no sound at all, save for the clicking of glass as Bill drained another glass of Fire Whisky and then poured himself another. After his eighth, (or was it ninth? Harry couldn’t be sure, he had not been keeping much count.) Bill slammed his glass to the table so hard that it shattered, the resulting noise making everybody jump.

“Bill? What in heaven’s name is the matter?� said Mrs Weasley, hurrying over to her eldest son and pulling her wand out to repair the glass.

“I’ll tell you whassa matter,� slurred Bill, the effects of Fire Whisky evident for all to see. “My baby sister is layin’ upstairs, and we don’t know what’s wrong with her.� He staggered, lurching back and forth. “And it’s all his fault!� Bill roared, pointing at Harry.

“Steady on, Bill. It’s not Harry’s fault. It was Malfoy who attacked Ginny. If Harry had not done what he did then she’d probably be dead,� said Percy, trying to restrain Bill, who was attempting to get to Harry.

“Rubbish! If he had got a professional, she’d have been fine! But oh no, not the great Harry Potter! Had to do it all himself!�

Harry had had enough, he felt bad enough without all this. It was bad enough that what Bill was saying was probably true, but the fact that Harry felt the same way just made things worse. He got to his feet to leave. Ron and Hermione were sitting still; they seemed unable to move due to shock. Fleur was crying, Mrs Weasley had gone running out of the house to fetch Mr Weasley, unfortunately it seemed he had gone walkabout, as she returned alone.

“You’re not going anywhere, Harry!� shouted Bill, who now had his wand unsteadily pointing at Harry.

“William Weasley! Put that away at once!� demanded Mrs Weasley. “You’re drunk. You like Harry!�

“Don’t tell me anything like that!� yelled Bill, and he shoved Percy out of his way.

Harry had no choice but to draw his own wand as the oldest Weasley brother advanced on him. He did not want to jinx Bill, but at the same time he did not fancy getting into a fistfight with him either. Harry settled for disarming him, he flicked his wand and Bill’s wand flew out of his hand and into Harry’s. Before he could say anything though Bill was upon him and his fist had made contact with the side of Harry’s head, knocking his glasses from his face. The wands fell from his grasp as Bill grabbed him and threw him to the floor.

Bill was a good five inches taller than Harry, and was fighting in a drunken rage. It was only due to Harry’s Auror training that he was able to fend off most of Bill’s attacks. Ron and Percy had both tried to pull Bill off of him but had received a cut lip and a bruised ear as a result of Bill’s flailing limbs.

Harry thought he heard the door open as he fended off another of Bill’s wild punches. The flurry of fists suddenly stopped and Harry opened his eye, (one was swelled shut where one of Bill’s fist had gotten through) and saw Mr Weasley and Charlie pulling Bill away from him.

“What in blazes is going on here?� roared Mr Weasley, as he struggled to restrain Bill. “Molly. I think you’ll have to stun this one,� he said to his wife. Mrs Weasley, who had been tending to Ron and Percy’s injuries, turned to look at her husband wrestling with Bill. She nodded and pointed her wand at Bill.

“Stupefy!� A jet of red light flew from her wands and hit Bill in the chest. He slumped down to the floor. Mr Weasley and Charlie each took one of his arms and attempted to pull him into a chair.

Two loud cracks interrupted proceedings as Fred and George appeared in the kitchen, wearing the magenta robes of Weasley’s Wizard Wheezes. They had big smiles on their faces, which promptly faded once they saw the commotion in the kitchen.

“What’s going on?� asked George, looking at the stunned Bill and then at Harry, who was just getting to his feet.

“I’d say there’d been some sort of disagreement, George,� said Fred.

“I’d be a fool to disagree,� agreed George.

“Quiet you two! Give your father and Charlie a hand!� snapped Mrs Weasley.

Fred and George hurried over to where Mr Weasley and Charlie were struggling to get the unconscious Bill into a sitting position. Between the four of them they managed to hoist him up into a chair.

Mr Weasley sighed and looked at Harry. “You should wait outside while we sober him up.� There was no compassion in his voice, no warmth in his eyes. He was telling Harry to leave.

Harry obeyed and left the house without a word. He headed into the yard and sat underneath a tree, nursing his black eye, he had left his wand in the kitchen so was forced to suffer the inconvenience of having one eye swollen shut. He was in pain and felt at his lowest ebb yet. He cast a look back into the kitchen and saw Charlie wake Bill up. Bill immediately started thrashing about and shouting for Harry. It took all five Weasley brothers and Mr Weasley to restrain him again. Mrs Weasley forced a glassful of a blue-pink potion down his throat. He thrashed about once more and then his whole body seemed to relax and he stopped shouting and looked around confusedly.

I won’t go back in until I’m asked. If I ever am, Harry thought sadly. He looked away from the kitchen window and looked up at the clouds in the sky as snow began to fall. He knew what he had to say to her when she came around. It hurt him to think about it, so instead he dwelled on the fight with Bill.

Way to go, Harry, way to go. Your first Christmas at the Burrow in a year and you fight with Ginny’s brother. Nicely done. Very nicely done. That’ll be something fun to tell Ginny about when she wakes up. If she ever does. I wish she would.

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The world was out of focus when Ginny Weasley opened her eyes. Hey eyes felt strained, as if she had not used them for a long time. She sat up in her bed and gave a huge yawn, stretching her arms out above her head. She felt very relaxed. Then she suddenly remembered what had happened at Hogwarts, and she frantically checked herself for injuries however, there were no cuts, bruises, scars, and no marks of any kind. As far as Ginny could tell, she was fine.

Did I dream it all?

Wait a minute. I’m at home, how did I get here?

Where’s Harry?

God I hope he is okay.

Ginny needed to find out just what was going on. She reached under the pillow for her locket but it was not there. Ginny panicking and started searched for it. It was only when she saw herself in the mirror that she noticed she was still wearing the locket. She got up out of bed a little too quickly, and had to sit back down, her legs seemed to have forgotten how to work. She moved them about as she sat on the bed, willing them to work.

She took a deep breath and got to her feet again. Her legs were fine this time and she hurried to her wardrobe. She pulled out her dressing gown and threw it on over the top of her pyjamas. She walked towards her bedroom door but hesitated when she looked out of the window and saw snow falling. Ginny ran her fingers over the locket as she watched the snow fall. Smiling at the sight of the snow she headed out of her room and downstairs to the kitchen. It seemed unusually quiet for the Burrow.

Ginny entered the kitchen, and saw Ron, Hermione, Fleur, Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George all sat at the table. None of them seemed to be speaking; they were all looking at the table. Mrs Weasley was standing at the sink watching the snow fall. Mr Weasley was outside by his shed. Ginny looked around but her heart sank when she saw that Harry was nowhere to be seen. She was sure he would be spending Christmas with them this year.

“Who died?� she asked light-heartedly.

Everybody in the kitchen raised his or her head from the table to look at her. Ginny barely had time to register the looks of relief and joy on their faces before she was nearly crushed by the mass of bodies hugging her. None were hugging her as tightly as Mrs Weasley, who had tears streaming down her face and was shouting at the top of her lungs.

“ARTHUR! ARTHUR, SHE’S AWAKE!�

Mr Weasley came pelting into the kitchen and fought his way through the crowd until he laid eyes on Ginny. He had tears in his eyes and wore the same joyous expression of relief as everyone else. He embraced her as though he had not seen her for a long, long time. Ginny hugged her father, grateful for the attention, but not entirely sure why she was getting it.

“Mum, Dad, what’s going on?� she asked. “Crikey, Bill, let me go!� she said, as Bill hugged her again. He was looking a bit worse for wear. Percy and Ron both were looking a bit rough around the edges as well. Ginny was confused, as she asked again, “What’s going on?�

Mrs Weasley opened her mouth to speak but was still too overcome with emotion and she dissolved into more tears and ran into her husband’s arms.

Ron shook his head and spoke up, “Ginny, you’ve been unconscious for nearly two months now. We had to bring you home from Hogwarts. It was touch and go whether you’d pull through or not. I guess we have Harry to thank for that.� Ron turned away; Ginny thought she saw tears in his eyes as he moved towards Hermione.

“Is Harry here?� Ginny asked quickly.

Everybody looked away from Ginny; Bill was especially keen to avoid her gaze. When no one answered her question she assumed that Harry obviously was not there. Eventually Bill raised his head and looked at Ginny.

“He’s outside.�

That was all Ginny needed to know. She threw open the back door and ran outside, through the snow, looking for Harry. She finally saw him sitting underneath the tree at the back of the yard, his back to the house. She broke into a sprint as she headed towards him.

As Ginny approached Harry her mind started racing. She started thinking about what might have happened had Malfoy not interrupted them. The thought of Harry holding her in his arms was enough to keep Ginny warm even with the snow lashing down upon her.

She stood behind him. He seemed completely unaware of her presence. She decided to sneak quietly up to him, and she waited until he was looking the other way before she sat down next to him. She slipped her hand into his.

Harry leapt up as if he had been shot as Ginny’s hand touched his. “Ginny! You’re okay!�

Ginny gasped as she saw Harry’s face. His eye was blackened and swollen. “Harry! What happened to your eye?�

Harry reached a hand to his face. “Oh. That was Bill.�

“Bill? But why?�

“He had one too many Fire Whisky’s and decided that it was my fault that you were in a bad way,� Harry said, declining to mention that he had thought the same thing more than once.

Ginny gasped. She could not believe that Bill and Harry had had a fight. Bill was probably the most level headed of all her brothers.

Harry meanwhile, was smiling. “I’m glad you’re okay. His face cracked into a huge smile, and his unswollen eye had a twinkle in it.

Ginny was back on her feet now. “I understand I’ve got you to thank for that.�

Harry smiled even wider, “My pleasure.� He swept her up in his arms as he spoke.

Ginny loved being held by Harry. She closed her eyes and lent into him, waiting for the kiss that was sure to come. To her disappointment though, it did not arrive. Instead Harry let her go.

“Merry Christmas, Ginny.� He smiled at her.

Ginny’s eyes widened. “It’s Christmas? Nobody told me! You can’t even tell in there!� she said, gesturing at the house behind her. “Its lucky I bought all my presents early this year. Let’s get back to the house then!�

She started to head back towards the house. She stopped however when she realised that Harry was not following her. He had turned his back to her and was gazing at the sky once again.

“Harry, come on.�

“I can’t go back inside. I’m not welcome.�

Almost at that exact moment Mrs Weasley leaned out of the window and shouted to them, “Get in here you two! You’ll freeze out there!�

Ginny smiled at Harry. “See. You’re always welcome,� she said, offering a hand to Harry. He did not take it, but he walked back to the house with her.

When they got through the door, the house was totally unrecognisable from the place it had been earlier. Mrs Weasley was cooking up a storm. Christmas decorations hung from every available inch. Ginny rushed into the living room where a huge tree was standing with piles of presents underneath it. Fleur was sitting on the floor laughing at Fred and George as they took in turns to transfigure various parts of Percy’s body.

Back in the kitchen, Ron was stuffing his face with Mince pies; Hermione was watching him with a disapproving look on her face. Bill and Charlie had their wands out and were making two turkey legs fight on the kitchen table. Bill lowered his wand when he saw Harry enter and that allowed Charlie’s drumstick to knock Bill’s completely off of the table.

Bill got to his feet and headed towards Harry, Harry bunched his fists inside his robes just in case but as Bill approached he extended a hand towards Harry, which he shook.

“Sorry about that, Harry. No hard feelings?�

Harry thought that was a bit of a cheek, but it was Christmas and he did not want to fight with Bill again in a hurry. “Sure. No hard feelings.�

Mrs Weasley had stopped cooking to watch Harry and Bill, when it became clear that they were not going to start fighting again, she smiled. “That’s better. No more fighting.� Mrs Weasley hurried over to Harry. “Now let’s fix that eye of yours, dear,� she said, flourishing her wand.

“That’s fine, Mrs Weasley. I’ll do it myself, my wand is just over there,� Harry protested, attempting to reach his wand. Before he could say anything else, Mrs Weasley had waved her wand and Harry felt the swelling around his eye go down immediately; light filled his eye as it opened, it quickly found Ginny, who looked even more beautiful when looked at with both eyes, Harry decided.

Mrs Weasley stepped back, and let out a satisfied sigh. “That ought to do it. Now let’s go and join the others in the living room. There are still presents to open.�

Harry, Ginny, Bill and Mrs Weasley all bustled into the living room to join Ron, Hermione, Charlie, Percy, Fleur, Fred and George. Mr Weasley had also arrived in the living room and had a look of relief on his face at the sight of Harry and Bill not fighting. Harry found himself a nice little spot on the floor opposite Ginny and next to Charlie.

“I’m surprised you haven’t already opened the presents,� Ginny said, casting a look at Fred and George, who smiled and wore looks of mock outrage.

“Of course not, dear, we were waiting, just in case…� said Mrs Weasley.

“In case I woke up?�

“We had hoped that you might, its Christmas after all,� said Mrs Weasley, with a big smile on her face.

The living room of the Burrow was soon strewn with wrapping paper, as present after present was opened.

Hermione was admiring the golden bangle that Ron had bought her, which was now adorning her wrist; she was also looking delighted with the set of advanced Transfiguration books that Harry had bought for her.

Ron was wearing his Chudley Cannons replica robes, which Hermione had bought for him; he was also attempting to eat his way through a huge box of Every-Flavour Beans that Harry had given him.

“Your turn, Ginny,� said Ron thickly, through a mouthful of peppermint bean, “Lets see what you got.�

Ginny opened her present from Ron and Hermione, it was a set of Dragon pearl earrings, she put them on immediately and modelled them for the crowd. Harry then passed her the present that he had got for her.

“Merry Christmas, Ginny.� He smiled at her.

“Thanks, Harry!� Ginny said excitedly, as she carefully unwrapped a long, thin, velvet box, she opened it and inside was…

“A new wand!� she cried, “Thank you so much, Harry! Mum look it’s a new wand!� She gave it a cursory wave and made Ron’s packet of Every Flavour Beans jump up and down.

“Hazel and Unicorn Hair, 10¾ inches,� Harry explained. “Mr Ollivander said if there was a problem you could take it back and get a different one, one better suited to you, but he seemed sure this one would do the trick.�

“It’s perfect, Harry, thank you,� Ginny said earnestly, looking deep into Harry’s eyes, and ignoring the sniggers from Fred and George.

After the presents had been opened and all of the mess had been tidied away, Mrs Weasley announced that it was time for dinner. There was not enough room for everybody in the kitchen so Harry and Ron set the tables up outside while Charlie conjured a huge tent to cover them all. Ginny and Hermione watched from the doorway, each watching the man they loved hard at work.

“Hermione?� Ginny asked, “What happened to Lupin?� With all the excitement of Christmas she had totally forgotten to ask Harry.

Hermione tore her eyes away from Ron. “He’s not back yet. Harry says that he is tracking Pettigrew.�

“So is Harry teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts full time?�

“No. The Auror office wanted him to stand by in case Malfoy or Pettigrew are found. As far as I know Defence Against the Dark Arts had been suspended until Lupin returns.�

“Oh right,� said Ginny miserably, she had been hoping to see more of Harry at school, but it seemed extremely unlikely now. “One more thing. What happened to Lucius Malfoy?�

Hermione was looking at Ron again, watching him and Harry mess about like they did at school, bewitching snowballs to fly at each other. “He’s back in Azkaban. After Draco Malfoy fled, Flitwick and Slughorn came down to investigate, they must have gotten quite a shock when they saw Lucius lying in the school grounds,� Hermione said, smiling as one of Harry’s snowballs flew right down Ron’s shirt; the sight of him dancing about as the cold snow seeped down his back was very funny. “Anyway, I think its time for dinner now. Let’s go,� she said as she watched Harry and Ron put their wands away and head into the tent. Hermione and Ginny also headed into the tent. Hermione sat down next to Ron, Ginny sat opposite Harry.

After a long and filling Christmas dinner. The Weasley’s decided to retire back indoors; it was very cold outside. Harry however, asked Ginny to remain outside.

“Harry, what’s the matter?� she asked, wondering why he had asked her to stay behind.

“Nothing is the matter. I just thought that maybe it was time for another one on one lesson.�

Her heart leapt a little at the thought of being alone with Harry, but sank at the thought of studying.

“Harry, I don’t think I need to learn any more spells right now,� Ginny replied tactfully, as she watched the snowflakes perform their gentle dance on the edge of the wind, before landed gracefully on the floor.

“I wasn’t talking about spells. I was talking about…� Harry disappeared suddenly and reappeared behind Ginny, “…Apparition,� he finished.

“Oh…in that case, I accept your offer,� said Ginny, with a touch of embarrassment in her voice and a smile on her face.

“Let’s get out of the tent, it helps to have lots of room for this.�

Once they were outside Harry waved his wand and the tent disappeared. Harry then went about explaining to Ginny the art of Apparition. He told her all about the three D’s – Destination, Determination, and Deliberation, and how you needed all three to successfully Apparate, that is to say, without Splinching yourself.

Ginny gave it a try. She spun on the spot, and fell to the floor. She looked up at Harry and saw he was chuckling at her. She got up with a fierce look on her face, she fixed her mind on where she wanted to go, and she was determined to get there. She spun on the spot and disappeared with a loud CRACK, with another loud CRACK she reappeared above Harry and fell down on him, sending them both to floor. They both burst out laughing.

“Well done!� congratulated Harry. “Not perfect, but it’s a start. Let’s see you do it again.

Ginny did so, and this time she Apparated perfectly.

Harry gave her a clap. “Very good. Let’s see how well you do have it though. I’m going to Apparate to different places around the garden. I want you to follow me,� and he Disapparated in front of her.

Harry and Ginny played this game for the better part of an hour, when they stopped disappearing and reappearing all over the garden and inside the Burrow; they sat down together, smiles on both of their faces. Ginny slipped her hand into Harry’s, but he drew his away.

Ginny’s mind was racing. I need to talk to him.

She took a deep breath and spoke. “Harry, how do you feel about me?�

He looked taken aback, clearly unprepared for her to have asked him that.

“You know how I feel about you.�

“No, I don’t. I know how you felt about me. How do you feel about me now?�

“Umm, err, Ginny, me and you…I’m not sure it’s such a good idea.�

“What?� That was not the answer she had expected. “Why not?� She could feel herself getting madder and madder. How dare he do this to her! After everything they had gone through, he was having second thoughts?

“For the same reason it didn’t work in sixth year. You’re always in danger. I’d have thought Malfoy would have proved that to you.�

“It WAS working in school. You never gave it a chance! You left me! Convinced it was for the best, you broke my heart then! Then you asked me to marry you when you defeated Voldemort, I said no, and you spent the whole of your seventh year not talking to me. Then you leave school and still you didn’t speak to me!�

“I sent you letters! You never answered them!�

“The things we had to talk about couldn’t be answered in a letter!�

Harry opened his mouth to argue more but fell silent. Ginny was not stopping though.

“I don’t know what to think of you, Harry! You drive me crazy. You’ve been leading me on all through school and now you don’t want to know!�

“Ahem.� Harry and Ginny spun around; Ron was standing there, looking very uncomfortable.

“What do you want?� Ginny shot at him.

“Harry, I’ve just had word from the Auror office. Malfoy has been spotted.�

“Where?� Harry demanded, getting to his feet at once.

“Godric’s Hollow.�

“Godric’s…what the hell is he doing there? We better get going.�

“I’ll wait for you inside, when you’re ready,� said Ron and he walked back into the Burrow, rather quicker than usual as he saw the fury etched on Ginny’s face.

Harry turned to look at Ginny.

“Harry, you can’t just leave. What about us?� Ginny started.

“Ginny, look, I’ve got to go. I have to stop him.�

“Don’t you dare,� she said dangerously.

“I’ve got to.�

“Fine, go, get out, and TAKE THIS WITH YOU!� she screamed at him, and ripped the locket from her neck, and threw it at him, he caught it and looked at it sadly, then put it inside his robes and headed up to the house where Ron and Hermione were waiting for him in the kitchen.

“Ready?� asked Ron.

“Lets do it,� Harry replied.

“Good luck, the both of you. Please be careful,� Hermione said, hugging Harry and then kissing Ron goodbye.

Ron turned and disappeared with a crack leaving Harry alone in the kitchen with Hermione.

“How did things go with Ginny?� she asked.

“They could have gone better,� Harry said truthfully. “I’ve got to go.�

Harry cast one last look at Ginny as before he disappeared. He could see tears rolling down her freckled face. His heart heavy with sadness, Harry turned and Disapparated.

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A/N - Well thats that for Chapter 12, hope you all enjoyed it! Sorry about the delay! Thanks to Orlaith, my fantabulous Beta!

Disclaimer Everything in the Harry Potter world belongs to JK Rowling, I'm not doing this for profit, I'm doing it for fun.

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Chapter Thirteen – Godric’s Hollow

Harry Potter had arrived just outside Godric’s Hollow and immediately drew his wand, if Draco Malfoy was indeed here, then he’d have to be at his sharpest. He looked around at the place; he had been here once before, just before confronting Voldemort. He had decided to start his search on the outskirts of the village. There was a loud crack and Ron appeared beside him, he too drew his wand.

“How’d you manage to get here first? I left before you,� Ron asked Harry.

Harry shushed him. “It’s not the time or place for that. Eyes open, okay, Ron?�

“Yes Sir! Mr Potter, Sir!� Ron replied, sarcasm drenching every word, he smirked at Harry. “We better get looking.�

Harry nodded in agreement. “Let’s go.�

Harry and Ron walked towards the village of Godric’s Hollow. Harry found himself imagining what it would have been like to have grown up in his own house, with his mum and dad. He smiled at he thought of them; his smile was cut short however, when Ron decided to interrupt.

“Harry? We’re friends, right?�

Harry looked at Ron incredulously; after all they had been through together Ron felt like he had to ask Harry if they were friends. Had things got this bad? Harry thought, before replying, “Of course we are. Always have been. Always will be.� He smiled.

Ron did not smile. “Right, so tell me, what is going on between you and Ginny?�

Harry stared stupidly at Ron for a minute. He was certainly not prepared to talk to Ron about the mess he was in over Ginny. “Nothing,� he lied.

“Don’t lie to me, Harry. I’m not stupid.�

Harry sighed; he was doing Ron a disservice by not telling him. “We’re not together.�

“I know that much. Why not though? It’s plain for us all to see. She wants you. You want her.�

“I know. But we can’t have each other.�

“Why not, Harry? Answer me!� Ron snapped. He was beginning to go red around the ears.

“Ron…You’re right. I do want Ginny. I love her. But as long as I have enemies, me and her can never be together. It’s too dangerous. She wouldn’t be safe.�

Ron looked a mixture of shocked and confused. “You love her?�

“‘Course I do. I have since sixth year.�

“But…last year…you and her…not talking? Why?�

Harry’s mind raced. He was not ready to tell Ron that he had proposed to Ginny. “We had an argument. I thought it would be best to stay out of her way.�

“Well…I can understand that. But, Harry, you know that if anybody could keep her safe, it would be you.�

Harry and Ron both fell silent after that, Ron was looking at his feet sheepishly.

Harry took the initiative to change the subject. “How about you and Hermione, eh? Must be about a year by now?�

Ron went bright red. “Fourteen months actually.�

Harry laughed. “Well…it only took the both of you the best part of seven years to realise you belonged together. I thought you were never going to ask her out!�

“You mean…you knew?�

“Ron, mate, the whole damn school knew. Your family knew. Everyone knew.�

Ron went an even brighter shade of red and laughed nervously, “That obvious, huh?�

Harry sniggered. “Yes, mate, it was.�

Ron and Harry both stopped walking and laughed together, neither would have admitted it, but they missed times like this, just being boys together, laughing and just having fun.

Ron cleared his throat, “You know, I really thought you and Hermione would get together.�

Harry laughed again. “Nah, that would never have worked!�

Ron laughed too. “Yeah, but I wasn’t alone in thinking it. I’m sure a lot of people thought so too! It makes sense, the most famous boy in school and the smartest girl in school.�

Harry stopped laughing. “No way! What? Are you being serious? Well…that ship has sunk hasn’t it? You’re with Hermione, at long last. I’m happy for you two, mate.�

Ron grinned. “Thanks, Harry. You know I wouldn’t have minded if you asked her out, better you than say… Malfoy.�

Harry burst out laughing once again. “Now that really is messed up. I don’t think that would ever have happened. Not unless Hermione went through some major changes. In fact, she’d have to be a whole new Hermione to go out with that slimeball.�

Ron burst out laughing as well, and the two of them stood together, howling with laughter. This continued for the better part of five minutes until Harry suddenly remembered why they were there.

“Speaking of that slimeball, we better split up and look for him. I’ll take the right, you go left,� Harry said, pointing at a fork in the road. “If you spot him or get into any trouble, shoot up red sparks okay?�

Ron sighed. “I know the drill, Harry. This isn’t the first time we’ve been out together you know.�

Harry looked at him, he didn’t want to correct him, but this was the first time he and Ron had been out on assignment together. Harry usually worked alone; it was how he used to like it. Being around Ginny again had wrought changes in him. He was far more relaxed and approachable that he had been throughout last year.

“Good luck, Ron. And for heaven’s sake, be careful, else Hermione will have my head,� Harry said.

Ron sniggered. “Don’t worry. Good luck to you too, mate. First one to catch him buys the drinks?�

“You’re on.�

Harry looked on as Ron disappeared up the left road and into the approaching night. Harry took the right path and followed in for a good ten minutes. It did not seem to be going anywhere apart from into thicker and thicker grass, suddenly though, Harry emerged from the thicket and took a look at the village in front of him. He had lived here for one year of his life. It was on a cold Halloween seventeen years ago that Voldemort had came to this village, with the idea of destroying the child he believed was the one prophesised to destroy him. Harry had lost his parents that night, and was left with nothing but a scar on his forehead. His hand unconsciously went to his scar as he thought about it.

Harry continued walking through the village, searching for Malfoy. So far he had seen no evidence that Draco Malfoy had ever been here, be it recently or in the past.

This is pointless, he’s not here. Harry thought to himself, and he allowed his mind to wander onto other issues; issues that were playing heavily on his mind.

I wish Ginny could understand. I want to be with her more than I’ve ever wanted anything. She makes me feel warm, safe, and alive. I can’t risk losing her. If there was some way that I could keep her safe and be with her, then I would do it. I’m not putting her at risk so I can have the girl I want.

Another voice seemed to come into Harry’s head just then.

The girl of your dreams, Harry. Not just any old girl. This isn’t a Cho we’re talking about here. You’re going to have to decide. Have some faith in yourself. You know you could keep her safe if you really wanted to. Ron’s right.

Harry shook his head as if to shake the conflicting thoughts loose. He needed to be absolutely focused on the task at hand.

Having cleared his head of Ginny (for the moment at least), Harry continued to walk through the sleepy village. It was now pitch black. Suddenly he came to a stop as he saw it; the house he had lived with his parents in, for all too brief a time. The house had been left in ruins the night Voldemort came for Harry, it had since been rebuilt, and by the look of it, had a new family living there.

Letting his curiosity overtake his better judgement Harry decided he wanted to have a look around his old house. He pulled his invisibility cloak from his pocket and put it on. Safe in the knowledge that nobody could see him, Harry walked up to the door of his old house and tried it; naturally, it was locked.

You should stop now, Harry. It’s locked. Look for Malfoy, the voice inside his head spoke again.

Harry ignored the voice and pointed his wand at the door, the lock came undone with a click and Harry pushed the door open. Harry had an expression of utter disgust on his face as he walked through the house. Whoever lived there now decided it was a good idea to paint the walls a lurid green colour, which would have been bad enough, but when the house also had purple carpets, it was enough to make almost anyone slightly ill.

Harry continued his walk through his old house. He found himself thinking of his parents, wondering if he was standing on the spot where Voldemort had killed his father, as James Potter attempted to fight him long enough to give his wife and their young son a chance to escape.

Harry began to head upstairs but once again he heard the voice in his head, telling him it was a bad idea and that he had another reason for being here. Harry deciding it highly unlikely that Malfoy would be hiding in his parent’s old house, turned around and headed back through the front door, locking it as he left.

As Harry stepped outside, he looked up into the night sky. The full moon was clearly visible, it looked big enough to reach out and touch.

Wherever Remus is, I hope he’s staying out of trouble, Harry thought to himself. He had not heard from Remus since he had told Harry that he was tracking Pettigrew. Harry hoped that Lupin had managed to find a supply of Wolfsbane potion.

Walking towards the back of the village, his path lit by moonlight, Harry knew what was at the back of the village. He had visited his parent’s graves there last time he was in Godric’s Hollow. Harry stopped walking as he approached the graveyard, there was a figure there, tall and hooded, sitting on one of the gravestones.

Harry broke into a sprint at the sight of the figure. “MALFOY!� he hollered.

Harry was out of breath by the time he arrived by the gravestone the figure had been sitting on; the hooded individual was nowhere to be seen.

“Damn it!� Harry shouted out loud, he was angry with himself, if that was Malfoy he had escaped again.

Harry looked down at the gravestone where he stood. He recognised it and tears sprang to his eyes as he looked down at his parent’s grave. Harry knelt down beside the black marble stone and ran his fingers over the names engraved upon it in the golden lettering. The graveyard was completely silent, save for the occasional cawing of a nearby raven.

The cawing suddenly stopped and Harry looked up from his parent’s grave, the raven had disappeared, scared perhaps, by the hooded figure who now stood behind Harry.

“Having a nice chat with the folks eh, Potter?�

Harry shot to his feet and drew his wand as the hooded figure pulled back their hood. Sure enough, the pale, pointed face of Draco Malfoy was underneath.

“Malfoy,� Harry hissed.

“Come to pay your respects, Potter? Don’t worry, you’ll be joining them, and your little Weasel girlfriend soon,� Draco smirked, his eyes narrowing maliciously.

Harry snorted, his eyes burning into Malfoy. “You’ve got it wrong, Malfoy. You couldn’t finish Ginny, you won’t finish me.�

Malfoys eyes narrowed. “So… the Weasel girl survived. No matter, I don’t need her to beat you - you got lucky the last time.�

“Luck had nothing to do with it, Malfoy. You’ve never been able to beat me. What makes you think you can now? If I was you I’d be giving up right about now.�

“Still so cocky, Potter. I learned the Dark Arts from the Dark Lord himself. I killed that lunatic Moody and that pathetic excuse of an Auror, Shacklebolt.� Malfoy’s sinister smile grew wider as he remembered the deaths; his eyes narrowed even further. “Who have you killed?�

“I don’t need to kill, Malfoy. You, like Voldemort before you, you fail to understand there are worse things than death.�

“There is nothing worse than death, so save your breath, Potter; there won’t be much of it left when I’m done with you.�

“Bring it on, Draco. I’m sure Lucius will be eager for some company in Azkaban.� Harry grinned. “Oh and for the record, its pathetic of you to take credit for killing Alastor, he was already dying from fending off Avery and Nott, you attacked him from behind, gave him no chance. Yeah, you certainly beat him didn’t you.� Harry paused as he watched Draco flush with anger. Grinning further, Harry continued to goad him, “And Kingsley, yes, well, its easy to use poison on somebody, isn’t it? I understand he still gave you a thrashing up until the point when the poison reached his heart. You’re rubbish, Malfoy, admit it.�

“I’m past caring, Potter. People may think of me as a failure, but that will all change when you are dead.�

Harry had just opened his mouth to reply when Malfoy spun and disappeared, reappearing behind Harry, his wand pointed at Harry’s back. He shot a blast of red light at him.

Harry spun on the spot and flourished his wand, deflecting Draco’s stunning spell far into the night sky. “Nice try, Malfoy, but you’ll have to do better that than,� said Harry, flicking his own wand at Malfoy, a jet of water squirted from the tip and hit Malfoy in the face.

“Don’t mock me, Potter. I will kill you!� shouted Malfoy, his face dripping with water, his grey eyes burning with a furious rage that threatened to burst free at any moment.

“Oh really? Is that why you’re doing such a good job of it right now?� Harry said, Apparating and Disapparating on the other side of the graveyard.

Draco walked towards Harry and raised his wand, he bought it down in an arc, slashing at the ground beneath him; the ground was scorched where Malfoys wand had touched. Harry raised his wand as the ground beneath him began to shake. Harry felt something grab his leg and he looked down in horror; a grey hand, maggot-ridden and rotten had closed its fingers around his ankle. The ground continued to shake as the bodies of the dead begun to climb from their graves. He looked up and saw a look of triumph crossing Malfoy’s pale face.

“Die, Potter! There’s no Dumbledore to save you from the Inferi this time!�

Harry twirled his wand around his fingers almost lazily. A circle of flame burst from its tip, surrounding him. The hand holding his leg released its grip and dove back into the ground, as the fire burned hotter the other Inferi sank back into the ground, leaving Harry and Draco alone once again. Harry twirled his wand again and extinguished the fire coming from it. Harry heard a crack and saw Malfoy disappear once again; he looked around frantically, his wand at the ready.

“Imperio!� whispered Malfoy, who had reappeared behind a gravestone near Harry.

Harry did not even see the spell coming, it hit him and Harry felt the floating sensation as every thought and worry in his head was wiped away, leaving him with nothing but a feeling of untraceable happiness that occurred when under the Imperius Curse.

Drop your wand. Malfoy’s voice was audible in his head, commanding him to do as he said.

No, said another voice, Harry’s voice.

Drop your wand!

No!

DROP YOUR WAND!

NO!!!

“No!� shouted Harry, as he broke free of the Imperius Curse. Harry felt all his thoughts and memories come flooding back to him. He turned to face Malfoy, who had a panicked expression on his face; he clearly had not been expecting Harry to break the curse so easily.

“Serpensortia!� Malfoy shouted, waving his wand madly.

A long black snake flew from his wand and headed for Harry, fangs bared. Harry gave the tiniest of flicks with his wand and watched as the snake burst into flame and disintegrated.

“I told you, Malfoy, you can’t beat me. Give yourself up.�

“Never, Potter. You’re not sending me back to Azkaban, if that’s what you think. I’ll finish you here just like the Dark Lord finished your parents!�

That was it for Harry, he completely lost his cool. “Don’t you ever talk about my parents!� he roared at Malfoy, sparks flying from the end of his wand.

Too late he realised that the temporary distraction was what Draco was looking for. Too late he saw Draco’s wand pointed at him. Before he knew what had hit him Harry was laying on the floor, tightly bound by thin ropes. Draco was standing over him; looking at Harry with a look of loathing he lifted his foot and stamped hard on Harry’s face, shattering his nose, spraying blood everywhere.

Draco began to laugh, softly at first, his eyes getting gradually more and more intense as he laugh became longer and harder until he was roaring madly with laughter. “Oh. The great Potter. That was too easy. Who’d have thought that would happen twice! I think it felt even better this time! Do you miss your mummy and daddy?�

Malfoy stopped laughing suddenly. His cold grey eyes were fixed on Harry’s. “You ruined my life, Potter. I won’t stop until I’ve ruined yours. I think we’ll start by say…having you watch as I kill Weasley. Yes. That will be a good start.� Draco waved his wand and Harry found himself pulled to his feet, still tightly bound. Draco walked up to him and punched him hard in the face. “Red sparks, wasn’t it?� Draco waved his wand once more and sent Harry flying across the graveyard, landing in a heap by a leafless tree.

Harry groaned, his glasses were broken and cutting into his face, the glass was dangerously near his eyes. He had to do something. He realised he still had his wand in his hand; it was tightly bound to his leg. A plan formed in his head as Draco raised his wand and shot red sparks into the air.

CRACK!

Ron had appeared almost instantly, wand ready. His eyes went wide at the sight of Harry tied up and he rushed over to untie him, he did not even notice Draco standing to his left.

“Expelliarmus!� said Malfoy casually. Ron’s wand flew from his hand into the long grass surrounding the graveyard.

“Malfoy!� Ron hissed.

“Well well, Weasley, who’d have thought that you had what it takes to become an Auror?� Draco grinned smugly at Ron, whose face was beginning to go red. “I may have failed in my attempt to kill your filthy sister, but I will not fail to kill you, and once you are dead, I think I’ll kill your father, god knows he has caused enough trouble!� Draco raised his wand to strike Ron down but before he could utter a spell Ron was upon him, tackling him to the floor and raining blows down with his fists.

“You leave my family alone, Malfoy!� yelled Ron, as he continued to rain punches down on Malfoy.

For all his manic punching and obscene language Ron had failed to notice that Draco still held his wand, he managed jab it into Ron’s ribcage. Ron winced in pain as the wand dug into him, sensing an opportunity, Draco muttered an inaudible spell and Ron was blasted away from him, he sailed at least twenty feet and crashed through the wall of the nearby church with a sickening crunch.

Harry meanwhile had managed to cast a cutting spell and managed to find way out of the ropes. He threw his broken glasses to one side. Seeing what had happened to Ron, Harry sprinted across the graveyard towards Malfoy, his wand outstretched, flecks of blood flying from his nose as he ran.

Malfoy turned and saw Harry coming at him; with a smile on his face he flipped a cocky salute to Harry and Disapparated.

Harry arrived at the spot where Malfoy had been a second too late. “Damn it! He’s gone again!� Harry let loose a verbal tirade just then which put Ron’s earlier blast at Malfoy to shame.

Ron let out a groan, and Harry suddenly remembered that Ron was still in the graveyard. Harry rushed to the church wall, which now had a hole in the side of it. Lying inside the church, looking very dazed and confused, was Ron. He had a large cut on the back of his head, and his right arm hung limply at his side, but apart from that he seemed fine. Harry leaned down and helped Ron to his feet.

Ron held a hand to the back of his head. “Did you get him?�

Harry sighed. “Nah. He Disapparated before I could get to him.�

“Son of a…I guess that means nobodies buying the drinks this time.�

Harry laughed. “Come on, Ron, Lets get you back to the Burrow.�

Ron shook his head, “I need my wand first; I think its over in that patch of grass.� he said, pointing with his left arm.

“I’m not searching through that in this darkness,� said Harry, holding his own wand aloft. “Accio Wand!� Ron’s wand flew from the patch of grass of into Harry’s waiting hand, he flipped it over and handed it back to Ron, who promptly used it to fix his broken arm.

“Thanks for that, Harry.�

“No problem. Ah yeah, I could have done your arm, sorry about that.�

“It’s no problem. Got other things on your mind?�

“Yeah,� said Harry, summoning and repairing his glasses as he spoke. “You better get back to the Burrow.�

Ron looked at Harry with a quizzical expression on his face. “You’re not coming?�

Harry thought about it for a moment, and put his hand inside his robes, he ran his fingers over the locket Ginny had thrown at him before they left.

“No, I’m going to head back to Grimmauld Place for a little while. I’ve got to get my head around some things. Tell everyone to have a Happy New Year.�

“It’s been a fun Christmas eh, Harry? Just like old times,� Ron said, with a grin very reminiscent of Fred and George. “Don’t stay gone too long Harry.�

With that, Ron turned and Disapparated with a loud crack.

Harry did not Disapparate straight away. He walked back to his parent’s grave.

Hi Mum, Dad.

I’m sorry I haven’t been to visit you much. You probably know that I’ve been busy. Anyway that’s no excuse. I wish you were both here. I need some help.

There’s this girl…Ginny Weasley, I’m totally crazy about her. But I can’t be with her…could I? I don’t want to risk losing her, but I can’t risk not being with her. What am I supposed to do? I don’t know if I could protect her or not… I think I could… I don’t know.

Help me out.

Harry turned to leave but stopped suddenly, he turned back to look at his parents gravestone, was it just his imagination…or was the ‘O’ in Potter glowing? Harry knelt down to have a closer look; it was definitely glowing, the golden letter was glowing, it seemed like something was being pushed from the gravestone. Watching open-mouthed Harry placed his hand underneath the ‘O’; whatever it was that was coming out he was going to catch. Harry felt something drop into his hand and then as suddenly as it had started the golden ‘O’ stopped glowing. Harry got to his feet and opened his hand; sitting in the middle of his palm was a small band of gold, Harry brought it closer to his eyes, it bore an inscription upon it: -

I’ve got everything I’ll ever need in you.

Harry smiled as he looked at his parent’s names on their gravestone.

Thanks Mum. Thanks Dad. I love you.

Looking at the ring in his hand Harry turned and Disapparated. He felt things were a lot clearer now.

---

A/N - Thats the end of Chapter 13, hope you enjoyed it!

Disclaimer Everything in the Harry Potter world belongs to JK Rowling, I'm not doing this for profit, I'm doing it for fun.

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Chapter Fourteen – Seeking More Than the Snitch


Ginny Weasley found herself in detention for the third time this week; she had not been paying attention in Charms, and had accidentally managed to make half the desks in the classroom run out of the room in fright, when she was supposed to be making them dance a jig in front of the class.

As she wrote her lines, ’I must not frighten the desks’, she allowed her mind to wander onto other things including the upcoming Quidditch match against Slytherin, where she could finally get some revenge against Colm Lucas. Whoever won that match would win the Quidditch cup, and Ginny, in her first and last year as Gryffindor Captain, desperately wanted that cup. Mainly though, she thought about Harry; she hadn’t seen him since their argument at Christmas. Ginny knew that Harry had been in contact with Ron and Hermione, but every time she attempted to speak to either of them about him they mysteriously had something else to do.

Ginny sighed, she missed Harry desperately; all she wanted to do was say she was sorry for what happened at Christmas.

Well…that’s not all I want to do. she giggled to herself.

Ginny looked up and out of the window, it was a sunny May evening and she could hear the students outside talking loudly and laughing. Taking her eyes from the window, Ginny looked at the old clock hanging on the wall; it was ten to six, and her detention was nearly over. Ginny did not feel like eating dinner tonight (it was due to pre-match nerves, though she would never admit it) and she planned to go straight to the Gryffindor Common Room as soon as she could.

Today had been a long day, long and uneventful. Fridays were usually amongst the busiest days of the week, but since Lupin and Harry both disappeared and caused Defence Against the Dark Arts classes to be suspended, the students taking the subject at N.E.W.T level were left with a lot of free time.

Just as well, Ginny thought, the exams were in a little over a month. None of the N.E.W.T Defence Against the Dark Arts students were worried though, they were all sure that they had learned enough from Lupin and Harry to comfortably pass their exams.

Ginny looked up at the clock again and saw that it was now six o’clock. She threw her quill into her bag and left the piece of parchment bearing her lines on Professor Flitwick’s desk, which gave the tiniest shudder of fear when Ginny approached it.

After being harassed by Peeves the Poltergeist on her way back to the common room, Ginny decided she would settle down in one of the comfortable chairs by the fire and finish her Transfiguration homework.

When she arrived, Ginny saw that the common room was empty; she suspected that everybody was still at dinner. She pulled one of the chairs up to her and withdrew her quill, a textbook and a long piece of parchment from her bag, opening the textbook to page three-hundred and thirty-four, Ginny began to read.

After a couple of minutes Ginny began to feel tired, Transfiguration was not a fun subject to read about. She decided to give her homework a rest for a moment. She put her textbook and piece of parchment to one side and set down her quill. Ginny stared into the fire, watching the flames dance and lick over the logs, she began to feel extremely drowsy…Ginny’s eyes snapped open as the fire in front of her grew large and roared emerald green.

What’s going on? Nobody can come through the Hogwarts fireplaces, she thought frantically.

Ginny gasped as she saw Harry appear in the flames, clear as day, he extended a hand to her and she took it, letting herself be pulled into the fire. Ginny’s head spun as she travelled through the Floo Network. The spinning began to slow as Ginny gradually came to a halt, she stumbled out of the fireplace and looked around; she was in Grimmauld Place, but it was not how she remembered it, where it had once been dark and dank it was now light and dry, it was liveable, and when she looked next to her, she saw Harry standing next to her.

“Harry? What’s going on?� she said.

Harry said nothing, he merely raised a finger to his lips.

Ginny fell silent as Harry took her hand in his and pulled her into him, his face was close to her, she could see into his eyes, she saw herself there. Ginny closed her eyes and lent into Harry…

“Ginny! Ginny, wake up!�

Ginny opened her eyes, Colin Creevy stood in front of her, fanning her with a piece of parchment. “Colin…what? Where’s Harry?�

Colin looked at Ginny with a curious expression on his face. “Harry? I don’t know. He hasn’t been in since Christmas has he?�

Ginny sighed; it had all been a dream.

The common room was now packed with people, more people than usual it seemed, Ginny guessed most of them were simply hanging around in the common room longer than usual so they could wish the Gryffindor Quidditch team luck for tomorrows big game.

Ginny decided that she needed to be alone, so she left to go up to the girls dormitory, before she could get there however, she was accosted by Demelza Robins, one of the Gryffindor Chasers.

“Hi, Ginny.�

“Hello, Demelza. Look I don’t want to be rude but I’m just about to go up to bed so would you mind?

“Oh right, ok. It’s just…Euan sort of…well…got sick.�

Ginny swore loudly; Euan Abercrombie was the Gryffindor Seeker. “What do you mean he got sick?�

“He got sick. I’m not sure what happened. I think somebody dared him to eat a pound of doxy eggs for a bet.�

“Who dared him to do that?�

“Some second year…Hamish McClaggen, I think.�

“McClaggen? Not Cormac’s little brother is he by any chance?� Ginny asked; she thought she already knew the answer.

“Yes, he is. Why?�

“Cormac ate a pound of Doxy eggs for a bet once, it kept him in the hospital wing for about three days I think.�

Demelza sighed. “Euan, the idiot. Well…what do you want to do? We need a Seeker.�

“I’ll play Seeker tomorrow. Use Jack Fife, you know, the fourth choice Chaser.� Ginny pointed, indicating a tall youth with short brown hair sitting in the middle of a big crowd of people. “Take him out tonight and make sure he’s up to speed. He should do alright, he only narrowly missed out during trials.�

An amused expression came over Demelza’s face. “Isn’t he that guy that has a major crush on you?�

“How should I know? Just take him out alright!� Ginny snapped.

“Shouldn’t you… I mean, you’re the Captain after all.�

Ginny hesitated; she should really oversee proceedings and see if Fife was up to the task. “Oh… I’m not feeling too good. I trust you anyway, Demelza, you make the call, okay?�

Demelza Robins looked very pleased with herself. “Okay, Ginny. You get some rest. We need you on form tomorrow!�

Ginny smiled. “I’ll be fine, right, I’m going up to bed, see you tomorrow.�

“Night,� replied Demelza, and she moved out of Ginny’s way, letting her climb the staircase to the dormitories.

Ginny changed into her pyjamas as soon as she got into the dormitory, she reached to her neck to take off her locket, just as she had done every night for the past five months, and when her hand found it wasn’t there, she felt awful, just as she had done every day for the past five months.

Ginny was not actually feeling very tired as she got into bed, she had all intention of finishing her Transfiguration homework, but as soon as she got under the duvet, she felt extremely tired and fell asleep almost immediately.

After a bad nights sleep, in which she had dreamt about Hermione enticing Harry away from her, whilst wearing a very short skirt and lots of dark makeup, Ginny got up out of bed and looked at her watch; it was a quarter to nine. Ginny got up and brushed her hair, she threw on some robes and headed down to breakfast. Ginny received a loud ovation as she entered the Great Hall, the Gryffindor, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff tables were all cheering loudly, the Slytherin table were booing at hissing. Ginny smiled. You can tell it’s a Quidditch day.

Ginny did not eat much for breakfast, although she was a seasoned Quidditch player and a two-time cup winner, Ginny still got nervous before the big games; the only difference this season was that she was the Captain, and she could show no fear.

After breakfast Demelza Robins took Ginny to one side. “Fife is in. He’s not brilliant, but he’ll have to do. When Euan gets better I’m going to kill him!� she hissed.

Ginny laughed and sat back down at the Gryffindor table. Luna Lovegood had wandered over; she was wearing her famous lions head hat, which was at the moment purring softly as she tickled it with her wand.

“Good luck today, Ginny,� she said in her usual floaty voice.

“Thanks, Luna, want to come sit with us?� Ginny said.

“Oh no… I better not. It’s best to sit with my own house, I suppose,� said Luna, though she looked more than a little put out.

“I wonder why she did not get put into Gryffindor,� said little Dennis Creevy, who had popped up opposite Ginny.

Ginny pondered before answering, she had wondering that same thing. “Maybe the Sorting Hat got it wrong. I’m told it happens from time to time.�

“Who told you that?�

“…Well, nobody, but I’m sure it does get it wrong from time to time!� Ginny blushed.

Most of the students remained in the Great Hall until it was time for the Quidditch match. Ginny led her team to the Gryffindor dressing room where they all changed into their scarlet and gold uniforms.

“Let’s do this, guys,� she said, giving every member of the team a meaningful glance.

Ginny led the team out onto the pitch; the crowd was a sea of scarlet and gold, save for one quarter that was silver and green. Ginny looked around; you could smell the excitement on the air. A familiar roaring sound was coming from near the commentary box, and sure enough, when Ginny looked up, she saw Luna Lovegood standing there with the magical microphone, her hat roaring loudly.

Ginny stood opposite Colm Lucas, the Slytherin Captain, they shook hands and Ginny made sure to attempt to crush his hand, just as he was trying to crush hers.

Ginny mounted her broom and flew up to join the rest of her team mates in the air. Madam Hooch blew her whistle to start play and opened the chest releasing the balls. Ginny hovered higher than her team mates, keeping an eye out for the elusive Golden Snitch.

Almost immediately Gryffindor had scored, as Demelza Robins scored her first goal of the game; she was easily the best chaser on the field seeing as Ginny was not playing in that position. Ginny caught a glimpse of the Snitch hovering near Lucas’ broom, Ginny gave chase to the little golden ball, she followed it as it dipped and dived, ducked and dodged through the stadium; it was currently heading for the Gryffindor box, Ginny sunk down on her broom and gave a burst of speed, she was getting close to it, the Slytherin Seeker was nowhere to be seen. Ginny stretched her arm out to catch the Snitch when it suddenly darted upwards, leaving Ginny a clear view of the person stood in the front row of the Gryffindor box, it was Harry, looking resplendent in his old Gryffindor robes, his Captains badge still pinned to his chest.

Seeing Harry totally took Ginny’s mind off of the game, and when she tried to grab the Quaffle off one Jack Fife, her team mates called for a timeout.

“Ginny, are you okay? asked Dennis Creevy, resting his beaters club on his shoulder.

Ginny looked at her team, concern was etched on their faces, and they needed her. “Yes, yes. I’m fine, let’s get on with it!� she said enthusiastically.

When play resumed however, the Gryffindor team were not as sharp as they were beforehand, and Slytherin were taking advantage; Sixty-Forty, Sixty-Fifty, Slytherin were catching up, Sixty-Sixty, Sixty-Seventy. Now Slytherin were now winning, Ginny needed the Snitch. Sixty-Eighty. But she just could not focus, she dropped altitude a bit to clear her head, however she looked over at Harry as she did so, she could not help it, she was drawn to him just as she always was.

What is he doing here? I’ve got to get away! Ginny panicked to herself, and she shot upwards on her broom, back into the fray going on above her. Ginny flew high, high above the other players, but she could not stop thinking of Harry.

Shaking her head, Ginny decided there was just one thing for it. She had to play again, with or without Harry on her mind. She needed the Snitch.

And she saw it. She saw the figure of Colm Lucas chasing the lightning flash of gold, putting all her flying skill to use Ginny gave chase, she caught Lucas, and began to go past him; the Snitch suddenly accelerated away from them both and shot upwards at least one hundred feet, Ginny continued the chase, Lucas however, dropped off the pace, and grabbed a bat from one of the Slytherin Beaters. He took aim at the Bludger coming towards him -

Ginny almost had the Snitch, it was brushing her fingers, all she had to do was close her hand… SMASH!

Ginny felt a blinding pain in the back of her head, and everything went hazy, instinctively she raised a hand to her head and she lost control and slipped off of her broom.

Ginny began to scream as she fell, the sharp air whipping across her face, her broomstick was flying off of its own accord. Her team mates hovered in midair, watching her fall with terrified expressions on their faces; all of them too shocked to move. Ginny screamed again, preparing herself for the fall that would surely kill her when she found herself swooping off of the pitch, carried away by someone on a broomstick, someone who was skilled enough to fly a broomstick with no hands.

The world was a blur as Ginny flew away from the Quidditch pitch and towards the lake, she felt herself coming to a halt underneath a tree by the lakeside. Ginny looked up at the figure who was holding her in his arms, and as her eyes came into focus her heart skipped a beat. “Harry!�

“Hiya, Ginny. I’m back.�

Words were no longer necessary. He pulled her closer to him and he kissed her. Ginny felt all of her worries and anxieties fly out of her body, she was electrified by the touch of his lips on hers, enraptured, she drank him in; she never wanted this moment to end. After what seemed like an eternity, Harry pulled away. Ginny moaned as his lips left hers so she grabbed him and pulled him back in; she had got him now and she wasn’t letting him go. Eventually she decided to loosen her grip; they did need to talk after all. As she let him go Harry pulled away from her, he was breathing heavily, and grinning at her.

“I’m back, Ginny.�

“You said that already,� she smiled at him, she felt exhilarated.

“I’m back for good, back for you. I’ve been thinking non-stop about you for the last five months,� Harry said, his voice full of emotion.

Ginny looked deep into his green eyes; they were dancing with excitement. “You’re really here right? I’m not dreaming again?�

He kissed her again.

“Nope, not dreaming,� he said.

“Definitely not.� She smiled up at him.

“I want to be with you, Ginny. No. I need to be with you. No, please. Just listen to me, Ginny,� Harry said when Ginny had opened her mouth to interrupt. “I’m not saying I’m not worrying about what might happen but if anything threatens you. I promise I’ll be there to protect you.�

“I know you will, Harry. But I can look after myself too you know. You’re a good teacher.�

“Thanks,� he said, smiling at her, “Anyway, I think you’d better have this back.� He reached into his robes and pulled out her locket, Ginny smiled as he fastened it around her neck. “Much better.�

“I couldn’t agree more. I’ve missed this. I’ve missed you. Do you know how long I’ve waited for you to hold me, Harry?�

“Getting on for two years?� Harry sniggered.

“Oh trust you to ruin the mood!� Ginny laughed. She moved to get up in mock anger but it was not until she moved that she realised she was in agonising pain.

“Ouch!� she shrieked.

“Oh yeah, your head, sorry, Ginny, I totally forgot…I just thought what I had to give you was the sort of thing that could not wait.� Ginny smiled wider when Harry said that. “We better get you to the hospital wing,� Harry said, “We better return this as well.� And he opened his hand to reveal a small golden ball, struggling against his grip.

“Where did you get that?�

“Caught it, right before I caught you. Why don’t you give it back? At least that way Gryffindor will have won the cup!� he said, letting the snitch go and then catching it again, Ginny nodded in agreement. “Right, it’s time to go.� And without another word Harry scooped Ginny up in his arms and carried her to the hospital wing.

Ginny sighed as Harry carried her to the hospital wing; things were certainly looking up.

---

A/N - Thats it for Chapter 14 - Sorry about the long wait!

Disclaimer Everything in the Harry Potter world belongs to JK Rowling, I'm not doing this for profit, I'm doing it for fun.

---

Chapter Fifteen – Explanations and Aggravations


Ginny groaned as she woke from a deep sleep, the pain in the back of her head still throbbing. The pain was numbed when Ginny thought of the kiss she had shared with Harry by the lake; she still could not believe that it had happened.

“Harry?� she called out.

No answer.

“Harry?� she called again.

Still no answer.

Propping herself up on her pillows, Ginny looked around the Hospital Wing that she found herself in. Looking around she saw that it was completely empty except for a rather small boy with prominent ears, smiling and walking towards her.

“Hiya, Ginny!�

Ginny sighed as she looked at Euan Abercrombie, the fourth year who played Seeker for Gryffindor; she liked him well enough, he just was not who she wanted to see at that point in time.

“Hi, Euan,� Ginny said, before remembering why he was here in the first place. “Eating Doxy eggs, eh? How did you think that was a good idea?� Ginny snapped at him.
The smile disappeared from Euan’s face as he looked at Ginny; her face wore the same blazing expression she wore when she was playing Quidditch. “Oh…you heard about that? I’m okay, now, Madam Pomfrey says I can go.�

“Why eat them in the first place, Euan? You’re smarter than that,� Ginny said.

A sheepish smile began to slide its way onto Euan’s face. “Well…McClaggen made me a bet.�

“And you had to take it? Knowing that you’d probably be sick, putting the team’s chances of winning the cup in jeopardy? Did you know that somebody made McClaggen’s older brother that same bet once?�

“No… I did wonder where he got the idea from, though. I’m sorry…Captain.�

Ginny made a dismissive noise; she was in no mood for this. She was angry that Harry was not with her. He surely had not left again?

“Just drop it, Euan, you’re still on the team.� Ginny relented, but then added after noting the smile creeping back onto Euan’s face, “If anything, and I mean anything, like this happens again you are off of the team. Do I make myself clear?�

“Yes, perfectly clear.� Euan hesitated before continuing to speak; he shifted his weight from one foot to the other and cleared his throat, “…Ginny?�

“What?�

“Why were you calling out for Harry? Is that Harry Potter you were after? Didn’t you used to date?�

Ginny could feel herself going bright red. “That is none of your business, Euan! How dare you ask me that? It’s nothing to do with you who I am looking for!�

Euan took a step back as Ginny’s anger washed over him. He took a glance over her left shoulder before looking back at Ginny. “Maybe I should just go. Hope you feel better, Ginny.� And he turned and ran out of the Hospital Wing without looking back at her.

“Euan?� Ginny called after him. He did not reply - he had disappeared into one of Hogwarts’ many corridors.

Totally perplexed by Euan’s sudden exit, Ginny sank back down onto her pillows. She sighed as she wondered where Harry was.

A shuffling sound from behind her made Ginny turn so quickly that she hurt her neck. “I think you scared him away, Gin.�

Standing by her bedside were Ron, Hermione, Fred, George and Mrs Weasley.

“Mum? What are you doing here?� Ginny asked quickly, she was glad to see them of course, but more than a little surprised.�

“Harry told us that you’d had an accident playing Quidditch, and that you were in the Hospital Wing, so we decided to come and check on you,� replied Mrs Weasley, as she fussed over Ginny and insisted on checking her for other injuries.

“Mum, mum, I’m fine, honestly, mum, STOP IT!� Ginny shouted, before turning to the others and talking, “Do you know where Harry is?�

“He went to speak to Professor McGonagall soon after we arrived,� Hermione said, smiling knowingly at Ginny.

“How long have you been here?�

“Long enough to see you tell off that little boy. Really, Ginny, you should be setting an example!� Fred sniggered.

“He ate Doxy eggs for a bet!� Ginny protested.

“Ah…a fine way to get sick,� said George earnestly, nodding his head as he spoke.

Ginny laughed, but her laughter was short lived when she saw the look on Ron’s face. “Ron? What’s the matter?�

Ron looked at the floor as he spoke. “Trouble at work.�

“What sort of trouble?� Ginny asked, as Hermione patted Ron gently on the arm.

“Well…I’m not really in trouble, Harry is.�

“What? Why?�

Ron sighed, and raised his head to look at Ginny; his expression was strained. “The Minister isn’t too happy with Harry. Scrimgeour thinks that Harry isn’t taking his job seriously. He was absolutely livid when Harry told him he was going to come back here. You can’t blame him really, Harry hasn’t been into work for about five months; I’m amazed he’s even still got a job.�

“Scrimgeour doesn’t want Harry at Hogwarts?� Ginny asked anxiously, ignoring the comment about Harry missing work for five months. How could Rufus Scrimgeour, the Minister of Magic, be such an idiot? Harry practically shut himself off from the world when he started his Auror training.

“The Minister doesn’t think that Hogwarts is a priority, doesn’t think that Malfoy would attack here again.�

“But he’s already come here once! Surely it makes sense to have someone here?� Ginny protested.

“You’d think so, but Scrimgeour seems to think that Harry wants to be here for a different reason.�

“…Which is?� Ginny asked, she could not help but notice Hermione, Mrs Weasley, Fred and George all look sheepishly away as she asked.

Ron sighed again and cast Ginny a very dirty look. “Because of you, Ginny.�

Ginny laughed nervously, she was not sure she wanted to tell her family about her and Harry just yet. “Me? Don’t be silly, Harry was here to keep us all safe!�

Ron looked sceptically at Ginny, it was clear he was not convinced. “Are you telling me that there is nothing going on between you and Harry?�

“No. There’s nothing. Anyway how does Harry being in the Minister’s bad books affect you?�

“Well I’m his mate, aren’t I? So I’m the one who gets all the questions when Harry doesn’t show up at work. It’s a hassle I don’t need.�

Ginny looked at Ron, an awkward silence falling between them. Fred and George tried to lighten the mood by showing Ginny some of their new trick wands, but to no avail.

“Come on now, you two, it’s not worth arguing about,� Mrs Weasley reasoned. Hermione nodded in agreement.

“I’m not arguing,� hissed Ginny.

“Nor am I,� said Ron.

“There’s a lot of love in this room,� said Fred.

“Too much love,� said George.

“You can never have too much love,� came another voice.

Ginny felt like leaping out of bed as she saw Harry walking towards her, a broad smile on his face, Ginny resisted the urge to jump into his arms as she decided she was not ready to let Ron know, especially after just telling him there was nothing between them.

“Harry, dear!� exclaimed Mrs Weasley, as she dashed over to hug Harry. Harry eyes remained fixed on Ginny, even when Ron, Fred and George went over to greet him. Ginny could not help but notice the sour look on Ron’s face.

Hermione, meanwhile, stayed by Ginny’s bedside as the others all spoke to Harry, Fred and George were showing him the new wands, Mrs Weasley was thanking him for saving Ginny’s life once more. Ron was saying nothing, but was giving Harry a filthy stare.

“So,� Hermione said, leaning in close to Ginny. “What is the real story with you and Harry?�

Ginny hesitated before she answered, but she decided she could trust Hermione, after all, she had confided her feelings about Harry to Hermione all those years ago. “He caught me during the Quidditch match. He flew me out of the stadium and we landed down by the lake…then he kissed me.�

Hermione let out a shriek of excitement, then lowered her voice to a whisper when Ron looked over in interest. “You kissed?! That’s fantastic! So what happened then?�

Ginny fell silent as Mrs Weasley, Fred and George walked back over.

“What are you girls talking about then?� George asked eagerly.

Ginny did not answer; she was more interested in the developing situation between Harry and Ron, who were still standing away from her bed, and talking in raised voices.

“I don’t care if he’s not happy with me, Ron!�

“Yeah…well I do. I’m the one who is suffering for it! Its just like school, you’re the big attraction and I’m just there as a sidekick!�

“It’s nothing like school! Don’t be stupid! You got into the Auror office by yourself! What I do has nothing to do with you!�

“It does when it involves my sister!�

“What?�

“You heard me. I know you volunteered to be stationed at Hogwarts just so you could be near Ginny! I’m not stupid, Harry!�

“That’s not it, Ron!�

“No? Forgotten our little chat in Godric’s Hollow have you?�

Harry was silent after that, he had forgotten telling Ron that he loved Ginny, that he wanted to be with her.

“I thought so! If you want Ginny so much then why do you keep walking out on her? Eh? Well, it stops now. No more walking out of her life and leaving her devastated. I’m warning you, Potter, if you go near Ginny again, you’ll have me to deal with!� Ron yelled, and he pushed his way past Harry and stormed out of the Hospital Wing.

“Oh dear,� said Mrs Weasley, as Harry approached them, a furious look on his face.

Harry slumped down in a chair by Ginny’s bedside, and for a few minutes nobody spoke.

“Sorry you had to see that,� Harry said to everyone.

“We’ve seen Ron tantrum before Harry, don’t worry,� said Fred.

“In fact…we’re probably responsible for a number of them,� sniggered George.

Harry laughed; it was a mark of just how much the Weasley’s thought of Harry as a part of the family that a blazing row between him and Ron did not matter to them.

“So, Harry, I’m sorry to ask, but we could not help overhearing, did you come back to Hogwarts just to be near Ginny?� asked Mrs Weasley, looking hopeful.

Harry took a deep breath. “No…I did volunteer to be stationed here so that I could watch for Malfoy if he came back.� He paused, “…but being close to Ginny has become something of a perk.�

Harry reached his hand towards Ginny, and to Mrs Weasley’s delight, Ginny took his hand in hers, and she pulled Harry up so he was sitting next to her on the bed. Not caring that her mother, or brothers were watching, Ginny kissed Harry.

Mrs Weasley and Hermione both let out excited squeals; Fred and George stared in shock.

As Harry and Ginny pulled apart and looked around guiltily at the others, they both flushed a deep shade of scarlet.

“Well…well…Ron isn’t going to like this,� said Fred, smiling as he shook Harry’s hand.

“About time, Harry!� grinned George.

Mrs Weasley composed herself long enough to speak, “Congratulations!� she beamed, and she pulled them both into a bone-crushing hug. “I always knew Ginny would get you again in the end.�

“That’s right, Harry, you don’t escape a red haired witch. Once she’s got your heart that’s it, you’re not getting it back,� sniggered Fred.

I don’t want it back, Harry thought, smiling to himself.

“Look at him, look at that smug grin on his face,� laughed George.

“Shut up, George,� Harry laughed back; his laugh cut short when Ginny held her hand out to him, and he sat with her, and put his arm around her.

“Awww bless!� said Hermione, beaming.

“So,� said Mrs Weasley, “how exactly did this happen?�

Harry and Ginny then took it in turns to explain everything, about what had happened at Ginny’s coming of age party, about Harry teaching her, the attack by Malfoy, the argument they had at Christmas; neither of them mentioned what had happened the night Harry defeated Voldemort though.

“Well,� sighed Mrs Weasley, “it’s taken long enough, but I couldn’t be happier that you are finally together again.�

“Yeah, congrats you two. Well, much as we hate to leave, we have to get back to work, that shop doesn’t run itself…yet,� said Fred and George, before they headed for the exit.

“I should get going as well,� said Mrs Weasley. “Arthur will be home soon, I can’t wait to tell him the news!�

And Mrs Weasley hurried off after the twins, not before she had given Harry and Ginny another hug each, though.

As they watched her leave, Hermione sighed, “I suppose I should go and find Ron.�

“Hermione…don’t tell him about us,� Ginny said, looking at Hermione with wide eyes.

Hermione laughed, “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me. You know that. I’ll see you two later. Congratulations once again.�

“Thanks, Hermione,� said Harry. “Try and calm Ron down, would you?�

Hermione nodded, and then walked to the doors, she waved as she disappeared from view.

As soon Hermione had left, Harry and Ginny were in each others arms, their lips on fire, their robes entangled. Harry soon moved his lips from Ginny’s and onto her neck. Ginny groaned as she pushed him away.

“What’s wrong?� asked Harry, looking a bit disappointed.

“Why did you come back? Where did you go after Christmas?�

“I came back for you, Ginny. It was killing me to stay away from you, but I thought that if I kept away, I could control my feelings. I thought you’d be safer with me away from you. Malfoy proved that it’s not safe to be with me,� he replied.

Ginny raised a hand to Harry’s face. “I don’t care, Harry. I can look after myself, you didn’t need to leave.�

“I know you can look after yourself, Ginny. I just wasn’t sure before I left whether or not I could look after you. Malfoy nearly killed you. I can’t let that happen again.�

“It won’t. You’re here to protect me now.� Ginny smiled up at him. “And who would be foolish enough to try and hurt me when I’ve got the great Harry Potter wrapped around my finger?�

Harry laughed. “I’m not wrapped around your finger.�

“Not yet you’re not, give it a few weeks though.�

“Yes, Miss,� said Harry, laughing louder. Ginny joined in the laughter.

“I love you, Harry.�

Harry looked at Ginny; his green eyes meeting her big brown ones.

“I’ve always loved you, Harry. I loved you first time I saw you. I loved you more when you saved me from Riddle; my love for you has gotten stronger and stronger every year. It nearly killed me last year when you wouldn’t talk to me.�

“Ginny, I…� Harry began

“You don’t need to explain yourself, it’s in the past now, I just want you to know that I love you…�

“I love you too, Ginny.�

Tears filled Ginny’s eyes as she heard him say the words she had wanted to hear ever since she first saw Harry at Platform 9 ¾ all those years ago, when he was just a little boy who needed help to get on the platform.

She bought her eyes up to his; there were tears in his eyes too.

“Its ok, Harry, don’t cry,� she said through her own tears.

Ginny lent forward and pressed her lips to Harry’s, when Harry suddenly jerked his head back and stared wide eyed at something behind Ginny.

“Harry, what…� And then she turned around, standing behind her, was a shining silver wolf.

“I’ve got to go and find Ron,� Harry said quickly.

“What? Why? No! You can’t go already!� Ginny said, more than a little put out that he was leaving her so soon.

“Ginny, it’s Lupin, he’s found Pettigrew,� Harry replied simply.

Ginny fell silent, Harry had been searching for Pettigrew for years now, was she really going to stand in his way?

“I understand. Be careful, Harry,� she said.

Harry smiled at her and lent over and kissed her. “I always am.� And turned on his heel and left Ginny alone in the Hospital wing.

Good luck Harry, come back to me.

---

A/N - Sorry about the wait folks, I know its been a while. I'm aware that Harry is a bit OoC in this chapter, but it wouldnt work without him being that way. Chapter 16 on the way soon!

Disclaimer Everything in the Harry Potter world belongs to JK Rowling, I'm not doing this for profit, I'm doing it for fun.

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Chapter Sixteen – Meeting of the Marauders


Harry rushed through the corridors of Hogwarts; he still remembered them like the back of his hand. He hated having to leave Ginny so soon after telling her he loved her, but this was important, he had to find Ron. Though he was not even sure that Ron would want to see him.

“Get out of the way!� Harry shouted at some second year students, who had tried to stop him and talk to him. He was used to that, everybody wanted to talk to him since he defeated Voldemort, usually he would indulge them, but this couldn’t wait.

Where is he? Harry thought to himself as he rounded another corner, colliding with a massively fat man with a huge moustache.

Harry picked himself up and shook the grogginess from his head as he looked at his old Potions teacher, Horace Slughorn.

“Harry, m’boy!� boomed Slughorn. “How wonderful to see you again - an outstanding N.E.W.T. Very impressive indeed. Lily would be proud.�

Harry smiled at the mention of his mother. “Sorry about that, Professor. I’m in a bit of a hurry.�

Slughorn seemed to ignore the last part of what Harry had said. “No need to call me ‘Professor’ anymore, Harry! You may call me Horace, m’boy!� Slughorn beamed down at Harry. “How about we go to my office for a glass of the finest mead? I’ve got a couple of things I want to talk to you about anyway.�

“I’m sorry, Professor, I mean, Horace, I don’t have the time at the moment. I need to find Ron, have you seen him? It’s urgent.�

Slughorn’s smile vanished from his face; his moustache drooped and the disappointment was evident in his voice. “That’s too bad, Harry. Too bad indeed.�

Harry pressed the matter further. “Have you seen Ron? I’ve got to find him!�

Slughorn finally seemed to hear Harry, however his expression remained blank. “Ron? Who is Ron?�

“Ron Weasley. You know, my best friend when I was at school. Tall, red hair, he got poisoned in sixth year?�

Slughorn shrugged. “Sorry, Harry, m’boy. I don’t think I know who you’re talking about.�

Harry sighed. “He’ll probably have been with Hermione Granger?�

Slughorn’s wide face broke into a smile that seemed to make his moustache dance. “Ah, yes, of course, Miss Granger, another of my favourite pupils! Very talented young witch, indeed.� Slughorn paused to catch his breath, and then began again, “A tall redhead, you say? Yes, yes, I do believe I saw them in the Great Hall. I think they were talking to dear Minerva.�

“Thanks, Professor,� Harry said quickly, “I’d stay and chat, but I’ve got to get going. I’ll see you around, sir.�

Harry moved past Slughorn before he could say anything else and rushed towards the Great Hall.

As Harry entered the Great Hall the smell of a hundred different delicious meals hit him; it was obviously dinner time. Harry ran towards the staff table, where he saw Ron and Hermione deep in with the Headmistress.

As Harry ran the length of the Great Hall the students sat at the various house tables turned to stare at him; some started whispering excitedly, others pointed, some just watched him in silence. The Gryffindor table however, gave a large cheer as he passed them.

“Harry, what on earth is the problem?� Hermione asked, as Harry pulled up next to the table.

Harry did not answer her; instead he turned to face Ron. “Ron…�

“I don’t want to hear it, Harry. Whatever you’ve got to say to me - I don’t care.�

“Ron!� Hermione said angrily.

“Oh that’s right! Take Harry’s side. You always do!� Ron yelled at her.

That was enough for Harry; he leapt over the table and crashed into Ron, knocking him to the floor. As they rolled on the floor, exchanging punches and obscenities Hermione and McGonagall had leapt to their feet to avoid the two men wrestling on the floor. The students in the Great Hall had all stopped what they were doing and most were standing up to get a better view of what was happening.

Harry managed to break Ron’s grip on his robes and leapt to his feet, his wand outstretched, pointing at Ron’s chest. Ron lay on the floor, his eyes wide at the sight of Harry’s wand trained upon him.

“…Harry,� said a small voice, and Harry turned to see Hermione with her wand pointing at his chest, “I can’t let you do that.�

“Go on, Harry!� shouted one of the students at the Slytherin table.

“Mr Lucas, you be quiet!� yelled McGonagall.

Harry lowered his wand, looking at Hermione as he did so. Slowly she nodded and lowered her own wand.

Harry waited until Hermione had put her wand away before he moved again, he bent down and grabbed Ron by the neck of his robes and pulled him to his feet.

“Listen to me, Ron! There are bigger things happening here than you and me. I’ve just got a message from Remus, he’s found Pettigrew! I came up here to get you, seeing as we’ve been working together on this,� Harry hissed, releasing Ron’s robes and pushing him away. “But if all you’re going to do is be an idiot, then you should stay here.�

Ron’s eyes went wide when he heard the news of Pettigrew’s sighting. “Harry, mate…� he started, before cutting off and turning to Hermione. “Hermione, I’ve got to go.�

“I know you have, Ron, and I’m coming with you two,� Hermione said, and she got to her feet.

“No, you’re not,� Harry and Ron said in unison, each one glaring at his other as they spoke.

“What? Why not?� Hermione looked crestfallen.

“Hermione, look, this is our job. This is what we do. Pettigrew is a dangerous wizard, and we don’t know if he’s even alone or not,� Ron replied.

“Ron’s right, Hermione. You’re not prepared for this. We know you’re a great witch, but you haven’t duelled properly in over a year.�

Hermione looked for a moment as though she might cry, but when she spoke her voice was steady. “I understand. Both of you be careful. I don’t want you going through any more walls, Ron.�

Ron gave her a small smile, and pulled her into a hug, without saying another word he kissed her and headed out of the Great Hall, shoving his way past Harry as he did so.

Harry glared at Ron as he watched him leave, once he was safely out of sigh Harry turned back to Hermione. “Can you do me a favour, Hermione?�

Hermione smiled. “Don’t worry, Harry. I’ll keep an eye on Ginny for you.�

Harry smiled back at her. “Thanks, Hermione.�

The two friends hugged and Harry turned to leave the Great Hall when Hermione called out, “…Be careful, Harry. Make sure Ron is safe.�

Harry nodded and walked out of the Great Hall, leaving to loud cheers from the Gryffindor table.

Hermione watched him leave and then sat back down, Professor McGonagall returned to her seat, and order was restored to the Great Hall.

“Don’t worry about them, Hermione. They’ll be fine,� said McGonagall, forcing her lips into a thin smile.

“I know, Minerva. Like Ron said, it is their job.�

“Precisely. Now, as I was saying about the Transfiguration position…�

---

Remus Lupin reached into his shabby robes and withdrew a pocket watch, the dial illuminated by the light of the Crescent Moon in the black night sky. Harry should be here by now; Lupin had sent the message almost ten minutes ago and Harry had not replied, which was unlike him.

Lupin decided to leave it another five minutes before he sent another Patronus to Harry. He could not be sure that his presence had remained undetected, nor was he sure that Peter Pettigrew was alone in the dilapidated house that stood opposite the wood Lupin was currently standing in.

A huge clap of thunder split the silence and the skies, as rain began to fall. Another loud crack made Lupin spin around, wand in hand. He let out a sigh of relief as he turned to see Harry and Ron standing in front of him.

Lupin quickly lowered his wand and shook Harry’s, and then Ron’s hand. “I wasn’t sure or not if you had got the message. Not replying, Harry? That’s not like you at all.�

Harry withdrew his wand, just to be on the safe side. “Sorry, Remus. There was a bit of a hold-up,� he said, looking at Ron, who looked back at Harry with venom.

Lupin laughed nervously, he had never known Harry and Ron to be anything other than the best of friends; he did not like being caught in the middle of an argument. Thinking better of it than to try and act the peacemaker, Lupin simply stood in silence until Ron broke the silence.

“So where is he, Remus?�

Lupin pointed at the run-down house the stood behind him. As they laid their eyes upon it Harry let out an audible gasp, Ron however, was less subtle. “Bloody hell! Harry, that’s the Malfoy mansion!�

Harry rolled his eyes. “I can see that, Ron,� he said sarcastically.

Ron opened his mouth to retort but Lupin got there first. “You two listen to me. I don’t know what the problem is, but I am sure it’s got nothing to do with this. So drop it until we’ve got him okay? I’m going to need your help, so just leave it alone okay.�

Ron closed his mouth and nodded in agreement, Harry slowly nodded as well.

“Why didn’t the Ministry search this place?� Harry wondered out loud.

“The Minister didn’t consider it a priority after they searched it for Lucius and Draco,� Ron replied.

“Scrimgeour. That idiot. I told him to keep some eyes on this place. Honestly, that bloke is worse than Fudge,� Harry sighed.

“Careful, Harry, he’s still the Minister,� Ron said gently, not wanting to provoke Harry again.

Harry sighed even louder than before. “I know, but he’s still useless. Anyway, back to the matter at hand. Remus?� Lupin turned back from the Malfoy house where he had been keeping a careful eye out for anything or anyone suspicious.

“Yes?�

“How do you know he is here?�

Lupin took a deep breath and smiled. “Well, as I’m sure you remember, I chased him into the forbidden forest that night at Hogwarts. By the way, I trust that Ginny is fine now?�

Lupin immediately noticed the look on Harry and Ron’s faces at the mention of Ginny; he had suspected that she was at the heart of the argument, but had not wanted to say anything. He hastily continued before either Harry or Ron could say anything.

“Ahhh…I’ll just assume that she is. Anyway, I trailed Peter with ease for three days and three nights, though it became much harder to pursue him when I had reverted to my usual form. Fortunately for us though, I was able to achieve it.� Lupin paused to catch his breath, “Peter knew I was following him, so he continued to run, he flitted from one place to another. Then the full moon came again, luckily I was able to secure a dose of the Wolfsbane potion, a very kind witch named Agnes Merryweather was able to brew me a large quantity; enough to last me at least six months. I used magic to fill a flask with the dose.�

Lupin stopped when Ron cleared his throat, Ron looked mortified at the interruption and shook his head. “I didn’t have anything to say, I was just clearing my throat.�

Lupin nodded and continued his tale, “Well, during my stay at the Merryweather’s, Peter was able to escape me. Once I had transformed though I was able to pick up his scent, I remember it well from our days at school together, and I was able to pursue him again. Peter was able to give me the slip about a month ago, when I ran into some very hostile werewolf hunters.�

Ron cleared his throat again, and this time he spoke, “So how do you know he is in there?�

“By sheer luck, Ron. After I had escaped from the hunters I decided to visit some hotspots, places where gossip is rife, the HogsHead and the Leaky Cauldron to name just two of them. Aberforth was extremely eager to help, but unfortunately had no information I could use; he did enlighten me however, on which charms I should never use on a goat. So I continued my search; about a week ago I decided to stay at the Leaky Cauldron, when I ventured downstairs on the Wednesday morning I caught the scent of Peter, I asked Tom who had been in the bar the previous night, he told me the usual names, none of which I suspected, and then he mentioned Narcissa Malfoy.�

“What was she doing in the Leaky Cauldron?� Harry asked.

“I have no idea, Harry. Probably just doing some shopping. Anyway I decided to come here, to check it out. Surely enough, when I arrived, I got the full scent of Peter; he is in that house. I am sure of it.�

Harry nodded. “That’s good enough for me. Let’s go and pay Narcissa a visit shall we?�

Lupin and Ron both nodded, and together with Harry they exited the woods and strode towards the once-magnificent Malfoy house, wands at the ready.

They stood outside the door of the house, Lupin looked at Harry, the son of his best friend. “We’ll get him tonight, Harry. He has had this coming for seventeen years.�

Harry said nothing, he merely looked intensely at Lupin, Ron was looking very pale, but very determined.

Reaching out his left arm Harry knocked on the door, and was thrown backwards as the door was blasted off of its hinges, Lupin dashed down to help Harry from under the heavy oak door, Ron however ran inside to confront the caster of the spell.

“Are you okay, Harry?� said Lupin anxiously, as he helped heave the door off of Harry.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m fine. Hang on. Where’s Ron?�

Lupin looked around. “I think he went inside.�

Harry jumped to his feet. “Let’s go!�

He ran into the house, Lupin at his heels, and saw Ron engaged in a fierce duel with Narcissa Malfoy, whose long blonde hair was snapping at her face as she threw spell after jinx after hex at Ron, who was ducking and dodging her spells, but not offering up much in the way of offence.

Harry raised his wand ready to help Ron, but at the last moment had to alter the angle of his wand to deflect a stunning spell, fired from a previously unseen caster, who had quickly disappeared behind a door. Harry ran towards the door.

“It’s him, it’s Pettigrew! He’s through here!� shouted Harry, as he threw himself against the door.

Lupin began to follow Harry. “I’m coming with you!� he shouted over the loud bangs coming from Ron and Narcissa’s wands.

“No, you stay and help Ron.�

“Both of you go, I can handle this,� shouted Ron, “I’ve been waiting ages to jinx a Malfoy!�

Harry smiled at Ron and turned his wand on the door before him, Lupin was standing behind him, his wand ready for anything that might come at them.

“Reducto!� bellowed Harry, and the door that stood in his way was blasted off of its hinges and thrown across the small room that Lupin and he now stood in. Standing in the corner of what used to be the Malfoy’s study, was Peter Pettigrew; looking as small and rat-like as ever. When he saw Harry and Lupin standing with their wands pointing at him, he merely smiled.

“Remus, my old friend, Harry, managed to find me at last. James would be proud of you…�

Anger boiled in Harry faster than he had ever known. “Don’t let me hear you ever talk about my dad again!� he yelled, raising his wand level with Pettigrew’s black heart. To Harry’s amazement, Lupin stepped in front of his wand, his back to Harry.

“Move, Remus!�

Lupin did not budge. “No, Harry. I want this. He betrayed James and Sirius; he cost me my two dearest friends. I mourned his death for thirteen years, all the while convincing myself that Sirius was guilty. If anyone has reason to want to kill this man, it is you, he cost you your parents and your godfather, but Harry I ask you, please, leave this to me,� Lupin said, turning his head to look over his shoulder at Harry.

Harry stared into the face of Lupin; into the face of the man who remained the closest thing to a father that Harry had left. It was then that Harry understood what this meant to Lupin. He understood that Lupin had lost everyone that he cared about that night in October, he had lost James and Lily forever, he had lost Sirius, convinced that he was a murderer, and not the man that Lupin though he was. He had also lost Pettigrew that night, for thirteen years he had mourned Peter Pettigrew, and he had wandered through his life, alone, for the first time since he had arrived at Hogwarts, the three boys who became men that had been cornerstones of his life were gone.

Harry nodded his head, and opened his mouth to speak, when a yell came from the room behind them.

“Go and help Ron, Harry! I’ll be fine. I’ve been waiting for this!� Lupin said to Harry.

Harry dashed backwards through the door, leaving Lupin and Pettigrew alone, both facing the other, wands in their hands.

“Alone at last, Remus,� said Pettigrew, his rat-like face contorting into a twisted smile.

“Are you ready, Peter?� said Lupin quietly; he had waited for this moment for so long.

Pettigrew’s smile grew more pronounced. “You may have outmatched me at school, Remus, but today, I shall prove that I was and will always be the best of the Marauders, the last one is about to be destroyed.�

Lupin laughed. “Oh, Peter, you really have no idea what it takes to be a great wizard, it’s not all spell casting. You need feeling, and you need heart. James and Sirius had those in bucket loads; you have no feeling, and a black heart. When your heart turned black, you lost the right to call yourself a Marauder.�

Pettigrew laughed in turn. “Enough talk.� And he quickly raised his alarmingly short wand to Lupin and green light rushed from the end of it; and the battle was on.

---

Harry entered the room where Ron and Narcissa were still throwing spells at each other; Ron was sporting a nasty-looking burn on the side on his face. Narcissa was looking furious and crazed as she continued to rain spells down upon Ron. When she saw Harry though, she screamed and turned her wand onto him. Harry was forced to dive to one side to avoid the killing curse that flew at him, he landed with a loud thud next to Ron, who was sheltering behind a battered sofa, which, judging by the look of it, and the smoke coming from it, had seen a fair share of spells.

“I thought I told you I didn’t need any help?� snapped Ron irritably, as he fired a stunning spell at Narcissa, which she reflected back at him, Ron made an odd little yelping sound as he ducked the spell.

“No, you’re right. You’re doing just fine!� Harry laughed, firing his own spell at Narcissa, who was still screaming madly and firing spells wildly in their general direction.

The briefest of smiles flashed onto Ron’s face. “You know, Harry, this isn’t the time or the place, but I’m sorry.�

Harry was so taken aback he totally forgot to cast a spell when he poked his head over the sofa, and he had to duck again very quickly when Narcissa fired one at him.

“What?�

“I’m sorry, Harry. I just don’t want to see Ginny continuously getting hurt.�

Guilt welled up inside Harry, “Ron…You know I would never do anything to hurt Ginny.�

“Yeah I know, but…�

“Me and Ginny are together, Ron.�

Spells continued to fly from Narcissa’s wand; the wands in the hands of Harry and Ron were still, although Harry kept his wand ready, just in case Ron made an attempt to jinx him.

“You’re what?�

“We’re seeing each other, or rather, we’re going to be. We kissed just before I called you up to the school.�

Ron looked blankly at Harry, spells continued to fly over their heads, making Harry’s messy hair stand on end.

“You kissed?�

“Yeah, I’m sorry we didn’t tell you.�

“Who else knows?�

“Hermione, your mum, Fred and George.�

Ron opened his mouth to reply but a particular loud explosion of spells from Narcissa Malfoy drowned any sound he made out. Harry and Ron found themselves exposed at the sofa they were hiding behind was blasted to smithereens.

“Oh, for the love of God!� Ron exclaimed, “Would you give us a break!� And he flicked his wand at Narcissa, the invisible spell he sent her way connected and Narcissa was sent flying backwards into the wall behind her.

“Good shot, Ron!� said Harry, grinning at Ron.

“Thanks…not bad considering I didn’t even mean that,� said Ron, grinning back. The grin promptly disappeared from his face as he and Harry strode over the unconscious Narcissa. “Harry…You and Ginny.�

“I know, I know. You’re not happy,� Harry mumbled, staring at Narcissa’s prone form slumped against the wall.

When Harry looked up though he saw that Ron was smiling. “Ron?�

“Of course I’m happy, Harry. Why wouldn’t I be? I just need to know that you’re always going to be there for Ginny.�

“Of course I will be,� said Harry, smiling at Ron

Harry move towards Ron, the man he knew better than anyone else, and extended his hand, Ron shook it, and the two friends stood together, united once more.

“Keep and eye on her, just in case,� Harry said to Ron as he conjured ropes to tie up the prone body of Narcissa Malfoy, “I’m going to help, Remus.�

Ron nodded as Harry dashed back through the door into the study where Lupin and Pettigrew remained locked in magical combat.

Harry raised his wand and ventured into the study, but given the confined space there was very little room to manoeuvre, and Harry found himself having to Apparate a number of times to escape stray spells. Deciding that he was better off supporting Remus from a safe distance Harry Apparated back outside the study, watching from the doorway as Lupin and Pettigrew traded spells.

Lupin sent a spell at Pettigrew, who had to conjure a mirror to shield himself. The spell disappeared harmlessly into the mirror, which Pettigrew then threw down to one side; the mirror shattered, releasing an unholy screeching sound through the house.

Pettigrew managed to catch Lupin with a banishing spell as was knocked off balance, Remus sailed through the air and landed with a crunch into a bookcase, he fell to a heap at the bottom of it.

Harry raised his wand again, preparing to engage Pettigrew, but he saw Lupin looking up at him, he saw Lupin shake his head, and lowered his wand.

Peter Pettigrew advanced upon the fallen Lupin, ready to finish it. He would be the last Marauder. He raised his wand, ready to land the killing curse, when he was suddenly blasted from his grip, it flew towards Harry, who caught it and snapped it in half.

Pettigrew let out a scream of anguish as he saw he wand lying broken on the floor, before he could flee however, he found himself hoisted into the air, suspended by the ankle, held up by invisible hands.

Lupin was back on his feet at once, his wand pointing into the heart of Pettigrew. Anger blazed in Lupin’s eyes, “It’s over, Peter. You’ve been running for seventeen years. No more. No more running.� Lupin snatched his wand upwards and Pettigrew fell to the floor in a heap, whimpering in pain.

As Pettigrew got to his knees he found himself looking at the end of Lupin’s wand. “This is James, for Lily, for Sirius. For everyone your actions have ever hurt. And Peter?�

Pettigrew nodded feebly.

“This is for me.�

Lupin flourished his wand, “AVADA…

“Remus, No!� yelled Harry and he ran into the room, and knocked Lupin’s arm to one side, “I’m not going to let you do this. I wouldn’t let you kill him five years ago, and I won’t let you now. Would my dad, and Sirius, want you to stoop to his level?�

Lupin shook his head, and lowered his wand. “I suppose you are right, Harry, you are so like James. He wouldn’t want Peter dead.�

Lupin raised his wand again, and Harry went to protest. “I’m just going to stun him, Harry, that’s all.�

Harry nodded and stepped aside, Lupin raised his wand at Pettigrew, who by now was pleading with him. “Remus, Remus, please! Not Azkaban, kill me! I’d rather die!�

His pleas fell on deaf ears.

“Stupefy!� said Lupin, as a jet of red light crashed into Pettigrew’s chest; he slumped over onto his face, his nose cracking as it hit the floor.

“It’s over,� Lupin said quietly to himself.

“Over,� said Harry, and it was over. The man he had been hunting was finally caught; he would finally see Azkaban for his crimes.

“Where is Ron?� asked Lupin.

“I’m through here!� shouted Ron.

“We better call the Ministry, and tell them we’ve got two more for Azkaban,� Lupin suggested.

“Agreed. But I’m going to the Ministry with them, I don’t trust Scrimgeour to get it right,� said Harry.

---

Long after the Ministry wizards had come to take Pettigrew and Narcissa away, and long after Harry had argued with Rufus Scrimgeour about his dedication the Auror Office, Harry, Ron and Lupin were sitting in three comfortable chairs, in the employee’s lounge of the Ministry of Magic.

“Well,� said Ron, stretching his arms over his head and yawning, “You got him, Harry.�

“Actually, Lupin got him.� Harry smiled, pointing at Lupin.

“WE got him,� Lupin corrected, and he shook Harry and Ron’s hands once again. “You two would have made wonderful Marauders.� He smiled at them.

“I think this calls for a celebration. How about we go to the Three Broomsticks for a little party tomorrow night. Get the rest of the family to come too?� suggested Ron.

“Excellent idea,� agreed Lupin.

“I agree,� said Harry. “I better let Ginny know.� And he got up and headed to the Owlery, a smile on his face, punctuated by thoughts of a darker nature.

Pettigrew’s gone. That leaves one left: Malfoy.

Harry shrugged the thoughts of Draco Malfoy off. He was determined to enjoy himself from now on.

---

A/N - Well, thats all for Chapter 16, Chapter 17 is beta'ed and ready to go asap!

Disclaimer Everything in the Harry Potter world belongs to JK Rowling, I'm not doing this for profit, I'm doing it for fun.

---

Chapter Seventeen – Dinner in Hogsmeade


“So, how do I look?� Ginny Weasley asked anxiously, as she looked at herself in the mirror.

Luna Lovegood sighed and looked up from the note she was reading to where Ginny was standing. “For the tenth time, Ginny, you look gorgeous,� replied Luna with a sigh. “Harry won’t know what’s hit him.� She smiled.

Ginny looked backward over her shoulder, and smiled at Luna. Luna was the only person that Ginny had told about her and Harry, a part of her felt guilty at not telling Colin and Dennis, as they were firm friends of hers as well, it just seemed that Luna would be more understanding.

“That’s the plan,� Ginny replied, as she lifted her hair onto her head, and held it up with a pin. “Up or down, Luna?�

Luna laughed, her long blonde hair flapping around her face. “Up. That was you’ll really be able to see your locket, and your hair won’t take the colour from your dress.�

“Can I have a look at the note again?� Ginny asked, but it was not really a question.

Luna nodded and stood up from the toilet upon which she was sitting; that was the problem with being in different houses, after classes has finished there were not many places that Ginny and Luna could spend time together, and even fewer places where Ginny could get Luna’s opinion on the dress robes she had picked out for the Hogsmeade dinner with Harry.

As Luna stood up and walked towards Ginny, the head of a girl floated up through the toilet seat, followed by the rest of her body. Moaning Myrtle was weeping loudly as she finished emerging from the toilet.

“Nobody ever wrote me a note,� Myrtle said sadly, her pearly face was wet with ghostly tears.

Ginny and Luna looked at each other and sighed, Myrtle was the other disadvantage of having to hang out in an out of order bathroom.

“Oh, Myrtle. I’m sure that’s not true,� Ginny said calmly.

That was the wrong thing to say.

“Oh, so I’m a liar, am I?� shrieked Myrtle, bursting into tears once again.

Ginny hastily worked to retract her comment, “No, no, Myrtle. Of course not.�

Myrtle cried even louder. “So you agree? Nobody would send me a note. Who would want to send a note to ugly, fat, moaning, moping Myrtle?� Myrtle promptly let out a loud shriek and dived back into her toilet, sending water splashing out from under the seat.

Ginny and Luna burst out laughing, they were used to Myrtle’s outbursts, as were most of the older pupils; occasionally a younger pupil would stumble upon Myrtle and then emerge from the encounter looking very shaken, it was not a nice experience to have a ghost cry all over you, and then splash you with water from the toilet.

“Anyway, here,� said Luna, handing Ginny the piece of parchment she had been looking at.

Ginny took the rolled up piece of parchment and unrolled it, her heart starting to beat a little faster as she looked at the curves of Harry’s writing, seamlessly joining into each other. Ginny giggled as the butterflies in her stomach started to fly as she thought thoughts that were most unsuitable for thinking whilst getting dressed in a toilet. Putting the thoughts out of her mind Ginny began to read the note.

Ginny,

We did it! We got him! Pettigrew is on his way to Azkaban right now.

We’ve decided to have a bit of a celebration tomorrow at the Three Broomsticks; all of your family should be there, as well as Remus and Tonks too. Make sure you dress smartly.

I’ll be arriving at the castle at 7pm to escort you there.

Can’t wait to see you.

All my love

Harry

“What time is it?� she asked when she had finished reading.

Luna pulled back the sleeve of her robes and look at the watch on her wrist. “Six-forty-five.�

Ginny felt incredibly nervous, she still was not sure whether or not it was a good idea to go, especially if Ron was there; she didn’t want a night out where she had to pretend to just be friends with Harry.

Luna was looking at Ginny as though she was a mildly interesting play. “What did McGonagall say about you going to Hogsmeade, anyway?�

Ginny swallowed; she had not yet asked the Headmistress whether or not it was even okay for her to leave the castle, she would surely be out past curfew, and Professor McGonagall was not the most lenient of Headmistress’. “I haven’t asked her yet,� Ginny said truthfully.

Luna’s blue eyes seemed to grow to twice their normal size. “You haven’t asked her yet? What if she says no?�

“I don’t know. I was hoping that I could sneak out without her knowing.�

Luna laughed. “That’s never going to work. You had better ask her.�

Ginny nodded and headed towards the door of the toilets, she clutched a hand to her locket as she headed out into the corridor.

The reaction was as Ginny had suspected, students were looking at her in shock, most of the boys could not take their eyes off of her - even Colm Lucas stopped and stared as he watched Ginny walk past him, resplendent in the veils of scarlet silk that adorned her body.

Now let’s hope Harry has that reaction, she thought to herself, as Lucas blinked stupidly at her as she walked past him.

Ginny headed through the corridors towards the Great Hall, where the Headmistress was likely to be, as it was still dinner time. After dismissing a number of awful attempts by awkward first and second years to talk to her Ginny arrived at the doors of the Great Hall, as she peeked inside she could see that the Headmistresses chair was vacant.

“Wow,� said a voice behind her.

Ginny felt like she was soaring as she turned to see Harry standing there, wearing his best bottle green dress robes, his untidy hair was still untidy, no amount of combing could change that, his green eyes sparkled, their colour enriched by the colour of his robes.

“Harry!� Ginny shrieked excitedly, and she ran towards him.

“Hiya, Gin, I missed you,� he replied, taking her in his arms and kissing her softly.

“I missed you too.�

Harry stared at into Ginny’s eyes. “You look…beautiful.�

Ginny could feel herself blush crimson, which must have clashed terribly with her dress she thought.

“Thanks, you scrub up pretty well yourself,� she giggled.

Harry chuckled with her, and took her hand in his, and he led the way towards the main gates of the entrance hall.

“Mr Potter, Miss Weasley?�

Ginny’s heart stopped as her and Harry turned to see Professor McGonagall standing behind them. “Where do you think you are going this time of day, Miss Weasley?� she demanded.

Harry looked at Ginny with interest. “Did you forget to ask?�

Ginny nodded.

Harry cleared his throat, and addressed the Headmistress, “We’re going to Hogsmeade, for a bit of a celebration. You see we managed to catch Peter Pettigrew last night and myself, Remus and Ron thought it would be a good idea to celebrate. You don’t need to worry Professor, she’s in good hands.� And he smiled at Ginny as he spoke.

McGonagall however, did not smile; she looked Harry up and down. “Mr Potter, its not that I don’t think you’re capable of looking after Ginny, but rules are rules, you know that as well as anybody.�

Harry allowed himself a small smile as he remembered his own rule-breaking days at school. “Professor, Ginny is of age now, and we’re only going to Hogsmeade. Surely you can make an exception this time?�

“Please, Professor?� Ginny pleaded.

McGonagall looked them both up and down again and sighed. “Oh fine, very well, not a word to anyone, Miss Weasley. Mr Potter, I expect her to be back at school by midnight at the very latest.� Then a smile began to crawl across her face. “I must say, you do make a fine couple.� And she turned on her heel, and walked back into the Great Hall.

“She’s right you know, Ginny,� said Harry, turning back to Ginny and smiling from ear to ear.

“About what?�

“We do make a fine couple.�

“Stop it, you’re making me blush again! We better hurry, we don’t want to be late,� said Ginny.

Harry and Ginny set off on the short walk towards Hogsmeade, as they passed through the rather secluded field that led to the village, Ginny remembered what she was supposed to ask Harry. “Harry?�

“Yeah?�

“Is Ron going to be there?�

“Yeah.�

“Is that a good idea?�

“Yeah.�

“Am I going to have to pretend not to be with you?�

“No,� said Harry, beginning to smirk as his one-word answers amused him.

“Well… why not!? Tell me!� laughed Ginny, even though she was a bit annoyed at Harry’s immaturity.

Harry stopped walking and looked at Ginny. “Because I told him the truth.�

Ginny gasped. “You told him… when?�

“When we were at the Malfoy’s.�

“When were you at the Malfoy’s?� Ginny asked anxiously.

“That’s where Pettigrew was hiding; we had to take Narcissa Malfoy in to Azkaban as well. I told Ron when we were there.�

“Was he okay with it?�

“Of course he was. He just wanted to make sure that I would always be there for you.�

Ginny smiled. “And will you?�

Harry smiled back at her. “Of course I will be.�

Ginny felt her eyes well up with happiness; he was really hers now, and he was not ever going to leave. Ginny drew him close to her and kissed him gently, he responded, meeting her kiss and putting more intensity into his, his lips soon left hers and moved down to her neck, Ginny moaned softly as Harry’s lips continued to work their magic upon her skin, while his hands were working their magic upon the zip on her dress.

---

At half past seven Harry and Ginny arrived outside the Three Broomsticks; they could hear a great deal of laughing and good-natured shouting coming from behind the door of the building.

“Looks like the party started without us,� Harry said, running a hand through his hair; he was still finding blades of grass in it.

“We shouldn’t have taken that detour then,� said Ginny, giggling madly and squeezing Harry’s hand.

Harry smirked at her. “That was your idea.�

“I didn’t hear you complaining.�

“Of course not, it was a very enjoyable detour.�

Ginny took a deep breath as Harry pushed the door open and led her through it. Hand in hand they walked through the door. As they entered Harry looked at Madam Rosmerta and pointed to a table towards the back of the building; she need not have bothered for as soon as Harry and Ginny had looked upon the table then they were weighed down as a crowd of people descended upon them.

“Harry, Ginny, so glad you decided to grace us with your presence,� sniggered Fred Weasley, clumsily grabbing hold of Harry’s hand and shaking it with vigour.

Harry smiled at Fred’s overexcited handshake; he had a slight smell of Butterbeer to him, Harry suspected that Fred, and George if his equally enthusiastic hug of Ginny was anything to go by, had been in the Three Broomsticks far long than the others.

“Harry!� shouted George, and he grabbed Harry and gave him a hug, while Fred shook Ginny’s hand, causing her to giggle madly.

“Hi, George,� smiled Harry, as he struggled to draw breath over George’s crushing hug.

After shaking hands with Mr. Weasley, Bill, Percy and having Fleur swoop down on him to kiss him on both cheeks, Harry felt exhausted by the time he got to his seat next to Ron and Hermione, who greeted Harry with enthusiasm, and were opposite Lupin and Tonks, who had her hair in her preferred bubblegum pink colour.

“Wotcher, Harry,� said Tonks, reaching over the table to shake his hand, and promptly knocking over a couple of bottles of Butterbeer.

“Hiya, Tonks. How are you?� Harry replied, as he quickly pulled his robes out of the way of the Butterbeer, before vanishing the spill with a wave of his wand.

“Oh, not bad, Harry, not bad. Nice spell work there by the way.�

“Thanks,� said Harry. “What have you been up to since you left the Ministry then?� Harry asked. Tonks had left the Aurors office soon after the fall of Voldemort.

“Not much to be honest with you, Harry.�

Lupin laughed. “Come now, Nymph. Tell Harry what you’ve been doing.�

Tonks blushed, but she immediately covered it up by screwing up her eyes and turning her hair a darker shade of red than the shade she was blushing. “I’ve been working on a reversal of the anti-Werewolf legislation.�

Harry looked at her, impressed. He would never have thought that Tonks would have turned her attention to anything like that. Still, he thought, when you are living with a Werewolf I suppose your priorities change.

Before Harry could reply however, he was joined at the table by Ginny, who was looking very flushed and out of breath, it appeared she had not managed to escape the barrage of hugs quite as quickly as Harry had done. Ginny sighed as she slumped into her seat, Harry put his arm around her and saw Ron stiffen slightly.

“Ron?� Ginny asked.

“What?� said Ron defensively.

“Are you sure you’re fine with this?� Ginny asked, pointing between Harry and herself.

Ron immediately loosened up and acted as though nothing had happened. “Yeah, yeah I’m fine. Why wouldn’t I be?�

Ginny smiled. “You tell me.�

Ron stuttered and stumbled over the words he tried to get out, eventually he relented, and simply smiled. “I’m happy for you two okay. It just took me by surprise to actually see you together again.�

Ginny smiled as she felt Harry squeeze her hand, she looked at him and saw that he was smiling as well. “Anyway,� she said, turning to face Hermione, “How are you, Hermione?�

Hermione looked up from her Butterbeer. “I’m fine thanks, Ginny. Just a bit preoccupied, that’s all.�

Before Ginny could ask why Mrs Weasley had talked talking to her. “Ginny, dear, I forgot to ask, how are your classes going at school? With all the excitement we’ve not had a chance to ask you and find out.�

“Oh they’re fine, Mum. Professor Flitwick keeps telling me I’m a natural at Charms. He thinks I could easily get an ‘Outstanding’ at N.E.W.T for it.�

Mrs Weasley beamed proudly at her daughter, then turned to Lupin, who was chatting animatedly with Ron. “Remus, are you going to return to the school now?�

Lupin turned from Ron, leaving him to try and join in the conversation that Harry and Hermione were having about Goblins. “Of course I am, Molly. I’ll be returning tomorrow,� he said, then added, when he noticed the look on Ginny’s face. “Don’t worry, Ginny. There isn’t that much to catch up on. I’ve already covered just about everything with the O.W.L and N.E.W.T students to enable them to get through the exams.� He smiled reassuringly at her.

Ginny smiled back and nodded her head, before turning to her father, “Dad, could Percy not make it tonight?�

Mr Weasley was deep in conversation with Bill and Fleur; they seemed to be discussing the possibility of grandchildren, so it fell to Mrs. Weasley to answer, “He wanted to come, dear, but he said he had a lot of work to do, the Minister is working him extremely hard. It doesn’t seem fair.�

“Oh. And Charlie’s back in Romania?�

“Yes…he tried to get some time off, but his boss yelled at him, said he’d already had too much time off this year.�

Ginny opened her mouth to reply by was distracted by Fred and George, who were taking it in turns to see who could turn the other into the most impressive canary.

“Fred, George, stop it!� hissed Mrs Weasley, looking mortified as the twins drew a variety of strange looks from the other patrons.

“Come on, Mum, don’t be a spoilsport!� slurred Fred, as he fell into a seat next to Mrs Weasley, and promptly grabbed her and gave her a huge hug.

“We love you, Mum,� said George, who had just returned to his usually human form, and had proceeded to hug both Fred and Mrs Weasley.

After Fred and George had been persuaded to sit in their seats and be quiet for a few minutes, and after everybody had enjoyed a hearty laugh at their antics, Ginny sat down next to Bill, Fleur and Mr Weasley, and was soon deep in conversation. Ron was talking with Lupin and Tonks, and was answering a lot of Tonks’ questions about how the Auror Office had changed since she had left, which, as Lupin pointed out, was not a lot, seeing as she only left nearly two years ago.

Harry, meanwhile, was talking to Hermione. “So how are things between you and Ron?�

Hermione grinned from ear to ear. “They’re fine, Harry, couldn’t be better in fact. I have no idea why we didn’t become an item sooner.�

He didn’t have a clue about you then. And that thing with Krum did nothing to help matters, Harry thought to himself.

“That’s really great. I’m happy for you guys.�

Harry opened his mouth to talk some more when Ron shouted across the table to Hermione, “Tell everybody the news!�

“No, Ron, not yet, shut up!� hissed Hermione, but it was too late, everybody had stopped what he or she were doing and were looking keenly at Hermione, who had flushed a deep shade of crimson.

Ginny moved from her seat next to Bill and Fleur and walked back to where Harry was sitting, she pecked him on the cheek as she sat next to him, both of them were watching Hermione, who was now on her feet and still bright red.

“Ahem. Well, as you know I was up at the school when Ginny got hit by that bludger,� Ginny winced and raised a hand to the back of her head as she remembered how much that it had hurt, �And whilst I was there I was talking to Professor McGonagall. I mentioned that I was looking to move into teaching and if she would have any objection to me applying at Hogwarts. Needless to say, she had no problem with it, in fact, she was rather enthusiastic and she explained to me how she was going to have to step down as Transfiguration as the workload of that, couple with being Headmistress, is simply getting too much.�

“So?� said Fred, quite rudely.

“So…from the start of next term I will be teaching Transfiguration as Hogwarts!�

For a little while nobody spoke, all of them simply stared at Hermione, it was Mrs. Weasley whoever, who broke the silence. “Aren’t you a little young to be a teacher, dear?�

Hermione’s face fell, and for a moment she looked as though she might cry, however, she composed herself and spoke up once again, “…Well, it is true that Hogwarts have never had a teacher so young.�

“What about Har…?� started George.

“FULL TIME teacher,� hissed Hermione, George looked like he had just been slapped in the face, and promptly elbowed Fred, who had been laughing at him, hard in the ribs.

“Anyway, as I was saying,� Hermione started again. “I would be the youngest teacher they have had at Hogwarts. Minerva thinks that I am capable, and I know that I am. So there is no problem.�

“But…� started Fred and George.

“There is NO problem,� Hermione said, putting a great deal of weight behind her words.

“Well congratulations, Hermione. I think you will make an excellent teacher,� said Lupin, reaching forward to shake Hermione’s hand.

“Hear, hear!� said Harry and Ron, clinking their glasses together in a rather pitiful toast.

“I agree, well done, Hermione. Too bad I leave at the end of the year,� said Ginny, as she stood up and gave Hermione a hug. “Come on, let’s give her a round of applause!� Ginny said, looking at the other members of the table.

At Ginny’s request the Weasley family, Harry, Lupin and Tonks all clapped and cheered Hermione, Mrs. Weasley still looked slightly pensive about the whole thing, but she still joined in with the applause. When the applause and hearty cheering subsided, Hermione sat back down next to Ron, looking more than a little pleased with herself.

The next hour or so passed in a flash, a blur or laughter and merriment, at half past ten Mr. Weasley got to his feet, stumbling slightly as he did so, he had drunk quite a bit of Butterbeer after all.

“Can I have your attention please? Everyone? Anyone? CAN I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE?� Mr Weasley shouted, causing most of the table to jump.

“No need to shout, Dad,� said Ron, who looked very pale, just like he always did when something made him jump.

“Well, if I could just have everyone’s attention?�

“You’ve got it, Arthur, now hurry up!�

“Now, Molly, don’t be like that,� Mr. Weasley said to his wife. “Okay, have I got everybody’s attention?�

“YES!� shouted the rest of the table, this time causing Mr Weasley to jump.

“Well, that’s better. Now, as I was about to say. I would like to propose a toast to…Oh for heavens sake what now?!� Mr. Weasley cried as the lights went out in the Three Broomsticks.

Assorted voices all said “Lumos!� at the same time. Nothing happened. No light became visible at all.

Suddenly Fred’s panicked voice rang out in the dark, “Its Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, it must be!�

Harry heart skipped a beat and he immediately searched for Ginny. “Ginny? Ginny!? Where are you?�

“Harry!� came Ginny’s frantic reply, “Harry! Help me! It’s Mal…� she screamed.

“Where are you?!� shouted Harry, smashing his kneecaps against the table in the darkness.

No reply.

“Ginny!� he shouted again.

No reply.

Then the lights came back on.

The Three Broomsticks looked exactly has it had done before, with the exception that the patrons were now looking very worried, and a number of bottles of Butterbeer had been knocked over and were running across the floor. But something else was different as well; Ginny Weasley was no longer in the building.

“Ginny!?� yelled Harry, as he searched frantically for his love.

“Where is she!?� roared Ron, as he prowled around the room, looking for her.

“She’s gone, my baby daughter is gone!� wailed Mrs. Weasley, who was looking unusually white. Mr. Weasley rushed over to comfort her, a grave expression on his face. He ushered her outside.

Fred, George, Ron, Lupin and Tonks all followed Mr. and Mrs. Weasley outside the Three Broomsticks to search the rest of Hogsmeade. Hermione was sitting very still; a shocked expression on her face. She was snapped back to her senses when a chair came flying past her left ear, courtesy of a furious, and worried Harry.

“Harry! Stop it!� she cried, as she watched Harry start flipping the tables of the bar over.

“Where. Is. She?� He yelled, each word coinciding with the flipping of a table.

Hermione cringed as another chair flew past her, smashing through the window of the Three Broomsticks, showering the ground outside with glass. Hermione had not seen Harry lose it like this in a long time, and to see him in such a state was frightening.

“Harry, calm down, maybe you go into the Ministry, and see if you can find anything out there.�

Harry stopped flipping over tables and glowered at Hermione, for a moment she thought he was going to yell at her some more, instead he nodded his head, turned on the spot, and disappeared, leaving Hermione standing alone in the empty, wrecked pub.

---

A/N - Chapter 17 down, Chapter 18 lies with my beta - enjoy!

b>Disclaimer Everything in the Harry Potter world belongs to JK Rowling, I'm not doing this for profit, I'm doing it for fun.

---

Chapter Eighteen – A Rat’s Tale


Harry Potter woke from a deep slumber and immediately regretted it. His head was sore, and one quick glance at the table by his bedside revealed why; it was littered with empty bottles. The sun beamed in through his window, dousing the room in warm, bright, light which did nothing to help Harry’s headache.

Harry dragged himself from his bed, and slouched into the bathroom, he pressed a flannel to his face, the cold water soothing his head. Groaning loudly, Harry pulled on his clothes and staggered downstairs, flannel still glued to his forehead.

He collapsed into a chair by the table in the kitchen, where Hermione Granger was sitting, waiting for him.

“Whatchu doing here?� he mumbled, closing his eyes as he spoke.

“Good Morning to you too, Harry,� Hermione replied haughtily. “Good grief…you look awful!�

Harry forced a laugh. “Thanks a lot.�

Hermione watched him as Harry got to his feet and stumbled towards the oven, where he clumsily began making himself breakfast. After he had burnt the fifth rasher of bacon Hermione got to her feet and walked over to help him. “Harry, sit down. I’ll do it.�

“It’s fine,� he grouched at her.

“Come on, Harry, please.�

Harry said nothing but instead picked up a couple of eggs, one of which he cracked into a frying pan with a little too much force, causing it to fly all over the kitchen. Harry then threw the other egg against a wall, and turned to face Hermione. “It’s not fair! I told her I’d protect her!� he cried, his eyes, already red due to the night before, were now glistening with tears.

Hermione put down the pan with the bacon in it, and put her arms forward to steady Harry as he began to slump forward, he fell forward into her arms and began crying on her shoulder. “What if she’s gone, Hermione? What if she’s dead?� he said, as all the thoughts he had been having over the last week came gushing out.

“Harry! Don’t say that. She’s still alive.�

“How do you know?�

“I just… look she is okay! This isn’t you, why aren’t you out there looking for her? Like everyone else is?�

Harry sighed, and retracted himself from Hermione’s arms. “I tried. I went into the Ministry, they were no help.�

“No sign of them?�

“No,� Harry replied, though his face looked pained.

“Harry? What is it?�

“My head hurts.�

“What is it really?�

Harry fixed his green eyes on Hermione, his face no longer looked pained; it looked furious. “I don’t think they have done everything they could do.�

“What makes you say that?�

“I just have a hunch. I don’t think that have bothered questioning Pettigrew for starters.�

Hermione looked stunned. “Wouldn’t that have been the first place they would start?�

“You’d think. Scrimgeour swears that he had him interrogated, and that Pettigrew knew nothing. I just don’t believe it.�

“If the Minister said so…�

“…it must be true, right?�

“Well…�

“Wrong. Scrimgeour doesn’t know what he is doing. And he’s got a real problem with me.�

Hermione tutted. “Really, Harry. He is the Minister for Magic; he can’t hold petty grudges.�

“This is not in my head, Hermione,� Harry snarled at her, as he began to pace the length of the kitchen.

Hermione sighed; there was no talking to Harry when he was in such a mood. “Why don’t we have some breakfast and talk about this properly?�

Harry stopped pacing and sat down; a sly smile crossed his face.

“Why are you smiling?�

“You’ve burnt the bacon.�

Hermione smiled back at Harry, and set a plate of eggs and slightly burnt bacon down in front of him, before making herself a plateful and taking a seat at the table opposite Harry.

“Treat Ron like this?�

Hermione laughed, “He wishes.�

Harry laughed as well. “So, tell me, Hermione, why are you here?�

Hermione’s smile vanished from her face, and she looked around the kitchen awkwardly. “I wanted to see how you were, Harry. We’ve all been worried about you.�

“Why didn’t the others come?� Harry said, as he rose from his seat and poured himself a glass of Pumpkin Juice. “You want one?�

“Oh yes please, Harry,� said Hermione, and she watched as Harry poured a second glass of Pumpkin Juice and set it down in front of her, before sitting back in his seat. “Well, I came because I’ve got to get up to the school anyway, and Ron wanted to come, but he’s having some trouble at work though.�

“What kind of trouble?�

“I’m not sure, he won’t say. I think it has got something to do with Scrimgeour.�

Harry allowed himself a smirk. “Rufus is getting on with everybody then, isn’t he?�

Hermione grimaced. “Not funny, Harry.�

“Sorry.�

“That’s quite alright. So when are you going to go to the Ministry and get some answers?�

“I’m not planning to do anything like that.�

“What? Why not? Don’t you want to find Ginny?�

“Of course I do!� shouted Harry, flinging his empty glass across the kitchen.

“Then why not?�

“Because!� shouted Harry as he leapt to his feet and threw his arms up into the air.

“Harry…�

“Because I couldn’t protect her, okay! I lost her, it’s my fault! And you want to know the truth?� said Harry, as he ran his hands through his hair, making it messier than it had been before.

“I suppose…�

“I told her I could protect her. I told her she would be safe. I can’t face her again with her knowing I failed.�

“Harry Potter!� cried Hermione, getting to her feet and shoving Harry back into his chair and leaning over him, hands on her hips. “What are you talking about?! Ginny loves you. You love Ginny. You think she’s going to be thinking ‘Oh no, Harry failed me’? Or do you think she’ll be thinking ‘I hope Harry comes soon’? Well? Which is it?�

Harry smiled the slightest of smiles as he looked in the fierce face of Hermione, which was still hovering over his. “She’s probably thinking, ‘Why is Harry such an idiot?’.�

Hermione took a step back. “Probably.�

“Thanks, Hermione,� said Harry. “I’d better be going.�

“That’s quite alright, Harry. Bring back Ginny.�

“I will,� Harry replied, “Oh, and, Hermione?�

“Yes?�

“Do the washing up, would you?� Harry said cheekily, before giving Hermione a hug, turning on the spot, and disappearing.

---

Harry felt the familiar sensation that felt like being squeezed through a thick rubber tube as he reappeared inside the Ministry of Magic, surprising several witches and wizards as he popped out of thin air in the reception.

“Ah, Mr Potter! The Minister wishes to see you,� said a short, squat witch with thick black hair from behind the reception desk.

“Perfect,� replied Harry, thinking he could get some answers straight from Rufus Scrimgeour himself.

Harry walked out of the reception area and walked through the various corridors of the Ministry of Magic. He looked through the door as he passed the Auror Office and the unmistakeable figure of Ron being shouted at by the head of the Auror Office, Gawain Robards. Harry felt like storming in there and sticking up for Ron, but he decided that his search for Ginny was the highest priority.

Harry berated himself as he stepped into the elevator that would take him to the Minister’s office; he could not believe he had been foolish enough to leave Ginny in the hands of Malfoy for a week. Deep down, he knew that she would never have blamed him for it. So why did Harry blame himself?

He did not have an answer as he stepped out of the elevator, breathing a sigh of relief, the music played in the elevator could have sent a troll to sleep.

Harry did not even knock on the ornate oak door to the Rufus Scrimgeour’s office. Before he walked through the door, he removed his wand from his robes, and placed it up one sleeve, for easy access. Just in case, he thought to himself.

Harry pushed the heavy door open and strode through, immediately noticing that Scrimgeour was not alone, he had several Aurors stationed in his office.

“Expecting an attack, Rufus?� asked Harry politely.

“That depends on you, Mr Potter.�

Harry laughed dismissively; he had been expecting an answer like that. Raising his eyes from the deep red carpet he looked straight into the eyes of the Minister for Magic, and he saw fear and jealously in them. “You’ve nothing to fear from me, Rufus.�

Scrimgeour’s expression loosened. “Harry, we need to talk.�

“Yes, we do,� said Harry indignantly.

“Why haven’t you attended work in over five months?�

Harry shrugged. “Been busy.�

“Hmmm,� said Scrimgeour.

Harry said nothing; he was determined to make sure that Scrimgeour asked the questions.

“Doing what exactly, Mr Potter?�

“I don’t think that is any of your business.�

Scrimgeour laughed, and his expression hardened once again. “Don’t be so insolent, boy. You might have defeated Voldemort, but you are still working for me!�

“You have no authority over me, Rufus. And I have lost all respect for you. You lost my respect the day you approached me after Dumbledore’s burial.�

“How dare you!� Scrimgeour exploded, drawing his wand. The Aurors in his office did the same.

Harry remained calm, his wand still hidden. “Where is Ginny Weasley?�

Scrimgeour snarled and lowered his wand, motioning for the Aurors to do the same, he moved toward Harry, limping slightly on his left leg. “We don’t know.�

“Rufus. That’s a load of rubbish and you know it. Ask Pettigrew.�

“We did.�

Harry laughed again, he began pacing back and forth; smiling quite madly at Scrimgeour, “Don’t lie to me. Pettigrew knows. Why haven’t you asked him? Tell me the truth, for once in your miserable term as Minister.�

Scrimgeour looked for a moment as though he was about to raise his wand again, “I don’t consider it of any importance.�

Harry felt his temper rising; Scrimgeour had just admitted what Harry had suspected. He did not care if Ginny lived or died, as long as Malfoy stayed quiet. “Not of importance? She’s important to me, damn it! Get out of my way, Rufus,� said Harry, as Scrimgeour moved in front of Harry to stop him leaving.

“No. You’re under arrest.�

Harry laughed. “No, I’m not.� And he twirled his wand around his fingers, thick black smoke billowing from its tip, engulfing him. Under the cover of smoke Harry left the Minister’s office, and ran to the elevator.

---

Harry emerged from the elevator and pulled his invisibility cloak from his pocket; he always kept in on him, ever since Dumbledore had told him to over two years ago. He threw the cloak over him and hurried towards a door at the end of the corridor.

Harry re-entered the reception area under the cover of Invisibility. It was a good thing too, as it seemed like the whole of the Ministry was now looking for him; various witches and wizards went flying by him, wands out, hexing anything that looked slightly suspicious.

Harry took a door branching off from the left side of the reception area, and proceeded to run down the corridor. He stopped dead however, when a familiar red-haired figure stepped out in front of him.

“Take off the cloak, Harry.�

“Ron, come on. Move. I’ve got to save Ginny.�

“Take off the cloak.�

Harry looked at Ron from underneath his invisibility cloak. He could see that Ron’s face was pale, and his expression pained; there was a definite slouch to him that he had not had before.

“No,� Harry said.

“Harry…� Ron started.

“Ron, no! Look I am doing this to save Ginny, now please. Move.�

Ron looked extremely uncomfortable as he fought with the conflict inside him. “Harry…this is my job. I want to keep it. I’ve got to arrest you.�

Harry could not believe his ears. “Ron! Are you mad? If you take me in, that’s it. Ginny will die. Do you want that?�

“Of course not.�

“Then move!�

“I can’t, Harry!�

Harry decided to waste no more time with Ron; he simply walked past him, using his invisibility to his advantage. Harry looked back at Ron, who was still talking to thin air, before he pushed open the door in front of him.

Harry looked around wide-eyed as he found himself in the Potions stockroom. It was a huge room, shelves hung from rickety brackets on every wall, pausing only for the door that Harry had entered through, and another door that stood in the right-most corner of the room. A single wizard; young and spry, stood by a desk, with a quill in his hand and very bored expression on his face.

Harry whipped off his cloak and slipped his wand into his hand, he pointed it at the young wizard sitting in front of him; who now had an expression of extreme fear on his face.

“Please! Mr Potter, don’t!� pleaded the wizard, who sank to his knees.

“Get up, you idiot. I’m not here to kill anyone. Tell me where the Veritaserum is,� Harry snapped, tucking his cloak back into his pocket.

The wizard simply whimpered a pathetic response.

“What?� roared Harry, causing the young wizard to whimper even more.

“It’s over there,� he managed to say, before he passed out on the floor.

“Idiot,� murmured Harry, as he stepped over the wizards limp form. He walked over to the small, glass shelves low in the top right corner of the room. He reached down and picked up a single bottle of completely clear liquid. Harry pocketed the Veritaserum before a voice behind him made his blood freeze.

“Drop the wand, Harry.�

Harry turned to face Rufus Scrimgeour, his wand still in his hand.

“Drop it,� Scrimgeour repeated, as at least twenty wizards walked into the Potions stockroom behind him, all with their wands pointed at Harry.

“I can’t do that, Rufus,� Harry said simply, and he raised his wand so that it was pointing at Scrimgeour, Scrimgeour’s own wand was pointing at Harry.

“Then I have no choice, Harry. Do nothing until I say so,� said Scrimgeour to the assembled wizards, with the air of someone who had just achieved something he had been longing to do for a long time.

Scrimgeour muttered something incomprehensible and a burst of sky blue light shot from his wand, Harry conjured a mirror from thin air and the spell dissipated harmlessly on the surface of the glass. Harry threw the mirror to one side and shot a stunning spell at the Minister, who reacted far too slowly, catching the stunning spell straight in the chest.

Harry smiled as Scrimgeour hit the floor, before he closed his eyes and braced himself as twenty flashes of red light streaked towards him.

Harry opened his eyes, he checked himself; he was fine, no injuries, nothing out of order in anyway. Unless you were to count the twenty wizards who were now lying on the floor, besides the limp figure of Rufus Scrimgeour.

It took Harry a moment to notice the figure standing beside him, the figure who still had their wand pointing at the pile of wizards.

“Ron!� Harry shouted, relief rushing through him.

Ron did not reply, he simply remained where he was; he looked very green, as if he might be sick at any minute.

“Ron! Come on! We’ve got to get out of here,� Harry pressed.

“What have I done?� said Ron, staring at his wand. “How did I do that?�

“I don’t know, Ron. What spell did you use?�

Ron shook his head, “I don’t know. I remember seeing those guys rush to Scrimgeour. I came in through the door behind you. I saw you stun Scrimgeour, and I saw the others shoot their stunners at you. I don’t know, my mind froze, all I could think to do was cast a shield spell, it shouldn’t have done that!�

Harry was looking at Ron, impressed. “Ron, shield spells can be that powerful, if there is enough emotion behind it.�

Ron was still shaking his head. “I stunned them all. I’ll be kicked out for sure.�

“Do you care? Do you want to work for a Ministry that wouldn’t even look for Ginny?�

“What?�

“They never questioned Pettigrew, Ron. Scrimgeour told me so. All they have been doing is wasting time.�

“They what?!� Ron roared, as Harry heard the footsteps of more wizards approaching, and he saw Scrimgeour begin to stir.

“We’ve got to go, Ron. Come on.�

“Go where?�

“Azkaban.�

“Why?�

Harry pulled the little bottle of clear liquid from his robes. “We’ve got some questions to ask.�

Ron looked at the bottle, then looked at Harry, and slowly nodded his head.

The two friends took one last look at the pile of wizards, who were all starting to stir now, and turned on the spot, disappearing with a crack.

---

Harry and Ron both reappeared outside Azkaban within seconds of each other. Harry appeared silently, Ron, with a small popping sound.

The bright sunshine that had been shining when Harry had woken up was gone; replaced by cloudy skies and heavy rain. It was always raining at Azkaban; the sun was not welcome at the prison.

“Come on, Harry,� said Ron. “Damn rain. Why can’t we just Apparate inside?� he complained, holding his arms up to shield himself for the downpour.

“Well,� said Harry, as he began to walk towards the gates of Azkaban. “If we could do that, then everyone else could as well. There’d be too many breakouts.�

Ron laughed. “Yeah I know. Rhetorical question, Harry.�

Harry smiled, but the smile quickly faded from his face. “Ron…you won’t be able to go back. Even if they would forgive you for jinxing half the Ministry… you’re helping me, and I’m a wanted man.�

Ron stopped laughing instantly. “Yeah I know, Harry. That doesn’t matter. I don’t want to go back. They’ve just left Ginny, she could be…� he stopped, the next word apparently too painful to say.

“She’s alive, Ron,� Harry said, putting his hand on Ron’s shoulder.

Ron said nothing; he simply nodded at Harry.

Walking in silence the two friends reached the gates of Azkaban. Harry withdrew his wand. “This could get messy, Ron. You ready?�

Ron withdrew his own wand. “Always.�

“Then let’s go.�

“Harry, wait.�

“What?� said Harry, slightly impatiently, as he turned from the gates to face Ron.

“Doesn’t feel right, does it?�

Harry sighed. “I know. There’s probably the entire Ministry force waiting for us in there.�

“Not that. I meant, it doesn’t feel right doing something like this without Hermione. I miss those days, just the three of us.�

Harry smiled at Ron. “So do I, Ron. Let’s reminisce after we’ve got Ginny back.�

“Good point,� Ron grinned. “After you, then.�

Harry took a deep breath and pushed the gates open, he found himself in an empty corridor; he thrust his wand out in front of him, just in case anyone attempted to jinx him.

“Where is everyone?� Ron asked, just as Harry was thinking the same thing.

“I don’t know. Come on, let’s get under the cloak, just in case,� Harry said, as he reached into his pocket and withdrew the invisibility cloak.

“Ah, more fun memories,� said Ron, grinning as he slipped underneath the cloak.

“Sssh!� said Harry, as a single, lone guard strolled into view.

Harry and Ron shuffled after the guard as he walked past them, the cloak was much too small to cover them both now, it wrapped around their legs; causing them to stumble. Ron lost his balance completely and fell out from under the cloak with a loud crash. The guard spun around, wand in hand, but froze as he saw Ron, Harry watched anxiously from under the cloak; his grip tightening on his wand, he breathed a sigh of relief though as he saw the guard lower his wand.

“Ron? Ron Weasley?� said the guard, looking at Ron with a curious expression on his face. Harry could have sworn he knew the voice…but could not quite place it.

“Justin?� said Ron, looking up at the guard.

“That’s right! What are you doing here, Ron?� said Justin Finch-Fletchly.

“Never mind me, what are you doing here?�

“Oh… well I didn’t quite get the grades I needed to be a healer…so I’m working here until something better opens up.�

Ron stifled a laugh. “That’s great. Well, Justin, as you’re here…can you take me to Peter Pettigrew’s cell?�

Justin’s face fell. “Not really, Ron. I’ve got to arrest you, you attacked the Minister.�

“That was fast,� Ron murmured, before realising properly what he just heard. He raised his wand, causing Justin to take a step backwards. “That wasn’t me.�

“It was me,� said Harry, pulling the cloak off of himself.

“Harry Potter!� squeaked Justin. “Don’t kill me!�

Harry laughed. “Justin, I’m not a killer. Yes, I stunned the Minister, and yes, I’m sure you’ve been told to arrest me. So go ahead, if you think you can take me and Ron.�

Justin whimpered meekly.

“That’s what I thought,� Harry said with satisfaction. “There is another way.�

Justin looked curiously at Harry. “Another way?�

“Yes. You take us to Pettigrew, and when we are there you let one of us stun you, and when the other guards ask what happened, just tell them you didn’t see anything.�

Justin nodded slowly. “Do I have to be stunned?�

“Yes,� said Ron, “But you can either let us do it, or make us do it.�

“Okay,� Justin relented. “I’ll take you to him.�

“Excellent!� said Ron, patting Justin enthusiastically on the back.

“We’ll be under the cloak,� said Harry, pulling the cloak over Ron and him. “So don’t walk too quickly.�

Justin nodded and put his wand away, before walking slowly ahead, before turning left and leading them down a dark corridor.

The three followed the corridor for a good five minutes; it seemed to be leading them towards the darkest and most unpleasant part of the prison.

“Just where he belongs, eh, Harry?� whispered Ron.

“You’re not lying,� Harry whispered back.

“Where do you think Ginny could be?�

“I have no idea,� Harry replied truthfully. “But I will get her back, Ron.�

“Harry… it’s not your fault you know. Nobody blames you. Malfoy came out of nowhere, and it was dark. You couldn’t have stopped him.�

Harry suddenly felt like a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. “Ron…thanks,� was all he could say.

“Will you two be quiet?� Justin snapped. “You’re not supposed to be here, so at least be quiet.�

Harry and Ron smirked at each other, and then fell silent.

I’ll find you, Ginny. I will save you, Harry said silently to himself, the knowledge that nobody blamed him was a great load of his mind.

The rest of the walk passed in silence. After about a further ten minute walk, they had arrived outside Pettigrew’s cell; it was certainly situated in the worst part of Azkaban, Harry was sure that the walls were made of filth, such was the dirtiness of this part of the prison.

“Well… we’re here,� said Justin, shaking slightly and looking very pale.

“Open the door, Justin,� said Harry, pulling the cloak off of Ron and himself, before tucking it back into his pocket.

Justin did as he was told, and opened the door to Pettigrew’s cell. Harry thought he saw a flash of black, he raised he wand but as he looked harder he saw nothing, just the dirty blackness of the stone walls, and a small, quivering man sitting hunched in the corner of the cell.

Harry and Ron entered the cell, Justin went to follow them, Ron turned and stopped him. “You know what happens now, Justin.�

Justin nodded. “Yeah.�

“Thanks for the help,� said Harry, before nodding to Ron.

“We’ll see you again someday, Justin,� said Ron, before he pointed his wand at Justin, who closed his eyes and swallowed.

“Get it over with,� he said.

“Stupefy!�

A jet of red light shot from the tip of Ron’s wand, hitting Justin in the chest, rendering him unconscious, he began to fall to the floor, but Ron waved his wand again, and the resulting spell slowed Justin’s decent, causing him to land gently on the floor.

Ron shrugged at the curious expression on Harry’s face. “Well, he did help us after all.�

Harry nodded, and turned back to face the huddled mass of rags on the floor. He kicked out at the bundle, which whimpered and recoiled. “Get up, Pettigrew,� Harry ordered.

Pettigrew stayed where he was, which caused Harry to point his wand at him, with one quick flick Pettigrew was lifted into the air, he body stretched until it was upright.

“We’re going to ask you some questions,� Harry started, before Pettigrew started protesting. “And you will answer them,� he finished, raising his voice just enough to be heard over Pettigrew.

“Why should I tell you anything?� Pettigrew hissed, his demeanour changing suddenly from that of a pathetic, broken down man, to a vicious, stubborn wizard.

“You’re not the one asking the questions,� said Ron, as he stood shoulder to shoulder with Harry; his wand was also pointing at Pettigrew.

“Exactly. Now, tell us the details of your plan with the Malfoys.�

Pettigrew shook his head; Harry waved his wand, causing Pettigrew’s body to stretch even more.

“I won’t tell you anything!� Pettigrew insisted.

Harry sighed, and lowered his wand, causing Pettigrew to fall to the floor. Harry reached inside his robes and withdrew the bottle of Veritaserum. “You know what this is, don’t you, Peter?�

Pettigrew looked at the little bottle of potent truth potion and snorted, “You don’t have the authority.�

Harry and Ron both laughed. “Look at us, Pettigrew. We stunned a guard. We’re acting on our own authority. Now open up,� Harry said.

Pettigrew, as expected, did not open his mouth. He merely glared at Harry. “It won’t do you any good, you don’t know which questions to ask.�

Harry was taken aback; slightly confused he looked at Ron, who was looking equally perplexed. “I’ll ask you what I want to know, that’s enough,� Harry said, pointing his wand at Pettigrew, who shrieked and tried to hide from it; which was a futile effort given the tiny amount of room in the cell.

“Stupefy!� said Harry, almost casually.

Ron made no attempt to extend Pettigrew the same consideration that he had shown Justin; instead he just let Pettigrew crash to floor as the blast of red light hit him straight in the face. Pettigrew landed on his face with a sickening crunch, as blood began to seep out from his nose, which was now clearly broken.

Harry tossed the bottle of Veritaserum to Ron, and together they approached the limp form of Pettigrew. Harry turned Pettigrew over so that he was lying on his back, and opened his mouth. “Three drops, Ron.�

Ron nodded and uncorked the little bottle; he leant over Pettigrew and tipped the bottle slightly, causing three drops of clear liquid to fall onto Pettigrew’s tongue.

“Enervate!� muttered Harry, pointing his wand at Pettigrew. Pettigrew’s eyes snapped open as the spell from Harry’s wand hit him. He did not move however, he simply lay on the floor. His eyes now had a misty glaze to them, as if he had just received several sharp blows to the head.

“Can you hear me?� Harry asked, as he and Ron hoisted Pettigrew into a sitting position against the nearest wall.

“Yes,� came Pettigrew’s reply, it was not his usual voice however, more of a dull monotone.

“Excellent!� said Ron.

Harry nodded in agreement. “Now, I would like you to tell me what the details of your plan with the Malfoys were.�

Pettigrew took a deep breath and began to speak in the same dull tone. “Draco wanted to come straight for you. He wants you dead at all costs. He suggested to his father that they hunt you down and kill you.�

“Nice guys,� said Ron sarcastically. “So what happened?�

“Lucius was against the idea of hunting Harry Potter down; he thought that they should lay low until public interest in their escape from Azkaban had waned.�

“How does Ginny fit into all this?� asked Harry quickly.

“Draco and Lucius began to argue, and were about to duel when I made my presence known. I told them I had information that would be of use to them.�

“What information?� Harry and Ron asked at the same time.

“That Harry Potter would be teaching at Hogwarts. And that Ginny Weasley had feelings for Harry Potter.�

Harry felt his body stiffen. “How did you come by this information?�

“I used Polyjuice Potion to disguise myself as a worker in the Ministry of Magic. Whilst I was there I was able to befriend a wizard called Percy Weasley. I earned his trust, and he shared the information about Harry Potter teaching with me. As time went by he began to confide in me, he admitted that he was worried about his sister. That he was concerned she had not fully gotten over her feelings for Harry Potter.�

“Percy, you idiot,� said Ron.

Harry held up a hand to signal Ron should be quiet. “Continue, what happened when you told the Malfoys this information?� he said to Pettigrew.

“Draco suspected that you would still have feelings for Ginny Weasley. The three of us decided that the best course of action would be to attack and kill Ginny Weasley, using her death to draw you out, and then to attack you whilst you were distracted by grief.�

Harry felt sick, it all came back to him, he was the reason Ginny was taken, they were using her to hurt him, and it was working.

“Where has Malfoy taken her?�

“I do not know. I know that he wanted to destroy you in front of her, and in the same place that Albus Dumbledore fell.� Pettigrew fell silent.

Harry felt his heart give a little leap; Ginny was still alive, if Malfoy wanted her to watch him die, then he would not have killed her. He was waiting for Harry at the top of the Astronomy Tower, the place where he had ambushed a weakened Dumbledore nearly two years ago.

“When?� Harry asked.

“Tonight,� replied Pettigrew.

Harry’s mind began racing, he had to get to the Astronomy Tower; Ginny’s life depended on it. He snapped back to reality, and was aware of Pettigrew once more; with a look of disgust on his face Harry fixed his wand upon Pettigrew, and stunned him once more, then turned and left the cell, Ron close behind him.

“The Astronomy Tower,� Harry said.

“We’ve got to get going,� Ron said anxiously.

“No. I’ve got to go by myself. No, Ron, listen,� Harry said, as Ron began to protest. “I need you to go into the school, you need to tell Hermione, Remus, anyone who could help, and get them to the Tower. I can take Malfoy.�

Ron looked for a moment as if he might protest again, but nodded instead. “Let’s get going,� he said simply.

Harry nodded as well, and the two of them broke into a run, they pelted through the corridors and passageways of Azkaban until they reached the gates. As soon as they were in the open air they both turned on the spot and disappeared.

---

Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy stood hunched in front a fireplace, deep in conversation with an unseen figure.

“So you revealed the plan to Pettigrew?� the figure asked.

“I did,� Draco replied, smiling maliciously as his eyes left the fireplace and rested upon the unconscious form of Ginny Weasley; who was slumped in a chair in the room of the tiny house that Draco was hiding in. The Muggle owners of the house were lying dead in a corner of the room.

“And you were not seen?�

Draco hesitated before answering; he was sure that Harry might have seen him before the disillusionment charm took full effect. “I am sure, sir. I was not seen.�

“Excellent. Then you must go. You know what you have to do. I do not want Harry Potter alive after tonight.�

Draco smiled. “Don’t worry, he will be dead before the night is out. You have my word…Minister.�

---

A/N - Chapter 18 is down, its one of my favourite chapters, chapter 19 lies with my beautiful beta :-D

Disclaimer Everything in the Harry Potter world belongs to JK Rowling, I'm not doing this for profit, I'm doing it for fun.

---

Chapter Nineteen - Amor Vigoratus



“What are we doing here, Harry?� asked Ron, as he looked around at his surroundings; Hogsmeade Village was back to how it had been the night Ginny was taken. The Three Broomsticks’ window was repaired, and the village looked as sleepy as ever.

“Can’t Apparate inside the school.�

“Oh yeah, I forgot,� said Ron sheepishly, his ears going ever so slightly pink - not that you could tell in the dusk light which the two friends stood in. “We could have Apparated a bit closer though.�

“We could of.�

“Then why didn’t we?�

“I thought you’d enjoy the walk,� Harry said sarcastically. “Okay, listen. If Malfoy is on top of the Astronomy Tower then he can probably see most of the school grounds and the surrounding area, it’s safer to appear here, and make the rest of the journey under the cloak,� Harry said, withdrawing the invisibility cloak from his pocket with a flourish.

“Oh, right,� replied Ron, he had a grim expression o n his face. “Do you think Malfoy is up there?�

“Pettigrew says so.�

“Yeah, but…�

“No buts, Ron. No one, not even slime like Pettigrew who have sustained their life by lying, can resist Veritaserum. Now let’s get a move on. I need to get to Ginny.�

“She’s my sister, Harry. I want to get to her as well.�

Harry did not reply, he merely turned and began running towards Hogwarts, Ron running behind him.

“Harry…the cloak…need…put it on,� Ron panted as Harry and he ran through a puddle of mud, which splashed up and dirtied his robes.

Harry stopped running, and turned to face Ron, with a somewhat sheepish expression on his face he looked down at the cloak that he still held in his hand. “Good point, Ron,� he said, as he flung the cloak around his shoulders. Ron hurried towards him and ducked under the cloak; it was a tight fit, but they managed to stay well hidden.

Running was now impossible since the cloak barely covered Harry and Ron; it flapped around their ankles if they moved above walking pace. As a result the short walk towards Hogwarts took far longer than Harry would have cared for, as every moment he spent on the journey towards the school was another moment that Ginny was left alone with Malfoy, and that, Harry thought, could not be a good thing.

Eventually Harry and Ron reached the gates of Hogwarts. The journey from Hogsmeade had been cold, wet, and silent. Harry and Ron walked towards the Entrance Hall of the school, and once they were safely inside they both emerged from the now sopping wet cloak. Harry sighed and wrung it out, splashing the cold stone floor with water as he did so.

“It’s freezing out there,� said Ron, shivering as he spoke.

Harry did not reply, the time for talking was over. He stuffed the cloak back into his pocket and turned, not saying a word to Ron. He began to walk towards the Astronomy Tower.

“Harry?� Ron said tentatively.

“What?� said Harry, stopping in his tracks but not turning around, he merely tilted his head to one side.

“Wait for me,� said Ron, as he moved to stand beside Harry.

“Ron, you’re not coming with me,� Harry answered. “I need you to find Hermione, Remus, McGonagall - anybody who can help us. Malfoy can’t escape this time.�

“No, Harry, you’re going to need my help on this.�

“He’ll kill her if he even suspects I’m not alone. I’m not risking it.�

“She’s my sister, Harry!�

“And she’s my world, Ron!� Harry shouted, causing a couple of old wizards who were wandering amongst the empty picture frames to jump and squeal ever so slightly.

That last remark from Harry seemed to hit the right spot, as Ron nodded his head slowly. “Okay, Harry, you get your way. I’ll find help, and we’ll get to the Astronomy Tower.�

Harry nodded and started to walk again, when Ron’s voice stopped him once again, “Harry?�

“What, Ron!? We don’t have a lot of time.�

“Make sure she’s okay.�

Harry turned to face Ron, and nodded his head, before he turned and walked towards the Astronomy Tower, leaving Ron standing alone in the Entrance Hall, watching him until he was out of sight, before Ron also turned and headed towards the Headmistress’ office.

---

Harry broke into a run as he neared the Astronomy Tower. The tower’s huge outline was silhouetted against the darkening sky, the top of the tower was not even visible from the ground, the rain, which was now pelting down, clouded Harry’s vision, causing him to stop and wipe the excess moisture from his glasses.

Harry stood outside the massive oak door which led into the Astronomy Tower, he paused before he pushed it open; he had to get himself prepared. Harry knew full well that Ginny could already be dead - Malfoy might have tortured her beyond all repair, and he would surely do the same to Harry if he gave him the chance. Malfoy could not have that chance.

The spiral staircase that Harry now climbed seemed to go on forever, its hard, stone steps sending chills through Harry’s feet every time he stepped upon one of them. The grey walls seemed to encroach upon him as Harry climbed the stairs; he fought off the dizziness that came with climbing a spiral staircase of this height.

Finally, after it seemed like he had been climbing forever, Harry came to the end of the staircase. All that was keeping him from Ginny, and unfortunately Malfoy as well, was the door that stood before him. He closed his eyes, he tightened his grip on his wand, his eyes snapped open, and Harry pushed the door open.

The wind rushed Harry as he stepped through the doorway; he had to steady himself else he would surely have been blown backwards down the staircase. The rain was coming down much harder than it had been before Harry began to climb the tower - it stung his face, countless drops fell upon his skin, each one felt like a pinprick. Harry lowered his head and walked forwards, he could see the blurry form of two figures, one standing tall, the other kneeling on the floor.

The figures grew bigger as Harry neared them, he could hear the sound of crying; the kneeling figure was crying, and it cut through Harry, he knew that cry. It was Ginny.

She’s alive, Harry thought.

The two figures became clear as Harry came to a halt in front of them. Malfoy was standing over Ginny, his wand pointing down at her. Harry noticed he had another wand tucked into his robes; it was the wand that Harry had given Ginny for Christmas. Malfoy’s pale face contorted into a maniacal smile as he saw Harry, his dead eyes gave the slightest sparkle of life, as they narrowed into pure hatred. Malfoy raised his wand from Ginny and pointed it at Harry, as he did so he lashed his foot out at Ginny, kicking her right in her face; she fell to the floor, crying louder.

Harry felt his own anger rising up inside him as he saw Malfoy. His hand tightened around his wand, which was now pointing at Malfoy. However, Harry felt sick when he shifted his gaze from Malfoy to the crying heap that was Ginny; her face was a bloody mess, various cuts and bruises adorned her skin where her robes had been ripped away, she looked as though she could break in half at any minute. She gave a small cough, bringing up blood as she did so.

“Ginny,� Harry said, as he kept his wand trained on Malfoy.

“Harry…� she said feebly, every word a strain on her battered frame.

“Get up, Weasel!� hissed Malfoy, as he bent down and dragged Ginny to her feet. Like a coward, Malfoy stood behind her, his wand digging into her neck; Ginny winced at he twisted the wand, digging it further in.

Harry started toward Ginny, his wand still trained on Malfoy.

Malfoy gave his wand a quick jab. “Ah, ah, ah, Potter. Not so fast. You wouldn’t want anything to happen to the Weasel, would you?�

Harry stopped where he was. “Lower your wand,� Malfoy demanded.

Harry slowly lowered his wand. A triumphant smile crossed Malfoy’s face as he continued to twist his wand into Ginny’s neck. “Well, well, well, Potter, once again we find ourselves up here, and once again you’re unable to attack, only this time, you don’t have that old fool Dumbledore to keep you safe.�

Anger boiled in Harry’s veins. “Don’t you talk about Dumbledore, you couldn’t kill him, you didn’t have it in you!�

Malfoy gave a cold, hard laugh. “You think so, Potter? Or could it just be that I wanted to test Snape’s loyalty. I knew the other Death Eaters suspected him, and I wanted to see whether or not he could go through with fulfilling his vow. Obviously he valued his own life above Dumbledore’s.�

Harry did not reply; he simply paced back and forth, seething, helpless, he needed an opening, he needed a slip up from Malfoy.

“Stand still, Potter!� roared Malfoy.

Harry stopped pacing and looked past Ginny, who was now silent, but gritting her teeth in pain as the tip of Malfoy’s wand continued to twist into her neck, and into the cold eyes of Draco Malfoy. “Why are you doing this Malfoy? Voldemort is dead. We won. You picked the wrong side, deal with it.�

“Don’t you talk to me like that, Potter. I’m the one holding your little girlfriend here, remember that. Now, you ask why I’m doing this? I’ll tell you why, because I just plain do not like you, Potter, I have never liked you, and you sending me to Azkaban was the last straw. Who on earth do you think you are? You’re nobody Potter, you’re nothing!� Malfoy yelled, letting his guard drop for a second.

Harry used the momentary distraction to whip his wand back up he pointed it at the spot where Malfoy’s head had just been. Malfoy had seen this coming however, and had ducked behind Ginny, forcing her forward between him and Harry’s wand.

“Drop it, Potter,� he snarled, “or your little girlfriend here takes a flight off of the tower,� Malfoy threatened, his usual maniacal smile returning to his face.

Harry did not lower his wand; he was calling Malfoy’s bluff.

Malfoy’s smile widened. “Cold, Potter, very cold. But as you wish,� and he waved his wand, lifting Ginny from the floor, with another flick, he sent her flying over the edge of the tower.

“No!� shouted Harry, and he waved his own wand, Ginny hung suspended in midair before Malfoy waved his wand again, which caused Ginny to fly back into his grasp, once again, his wand was jabbing into her neck.

“Hmmm…well, I see that that won’t work,� growled Malfoy, his eyes flashing with anger again. “But how about this?� Malfoy removed his wand from Ginny’s neck, and held it again her face, he mumbled something Harry could not quite hear, and began to draw his wand down Ginny’s face, blood began to seep from the trail that Malfoy was tracing upon Ginny’s face. “Drop it, Potter, or I’ll just keep going,� Malfoy hissed, as he drew his wand over the bridge of Ginny’s nose.

Harry hesitated, if he lowered his wand he would surely be killed, but on the other hand, he could not stand to see Ginny dead. Reaching the only logical conclusion, he dropped his wand, it landed with a rattle of the hard, stone floor of the Astronomy Tower roof.

“Perfect,� smirked Malfoy, and he threw Ginny hard to the floor; she banged her head hard on the stone floor. Malfoy turned back to face Harry, bringing up wand in a sweeping upwards arc as he did so, “SECTUMSEMPRA!� he bellowed.

Harry felt a white hot pain sear through him, and he stumbled backwards as his eyes clouded with blood, he felt like his chest had been sliced open, he blinked the blood out of his eyes long enough to see the gaping wound on his chest, his hands were stained crimson.

Harry lurched forward, slumping to his knees, he felt dizzy; the blood leaving his body was taking his strength with it. He heard Ginny screaming his name in the background; her screams were drowned out by Malfoy, who was standing over Harry with his wand raised, as Harry slowly fell forward; he tried to stretch him arms out in front of him to stop himself falling flat on his face, his arms would not work though, he did not have the energy left.

�Everte Statum!� bellowed Malfoy, making a jabbing gesture with his wand.

The blast of the invisible spell smashed right into Harry’s chest, causing him to be blasted backwards, the force of the spell sent him crashing through the solid stone battlements that stood on top of the tower, dust and debris littered the roof as Harry’s limp form fell out of sight.

“Harry!� cried Ginny as she watched him fall, he could not die, he just could not. He would appear back on top of the tower at any minute. He had to.

Malfoy was laughing as he watched Harry fall. Ginny saw Harry’s wand lying a few feet from her, if she could get to it, then maybe she could jinx Malfoy long enough to allow her to escape. She inched towards it, wincing in pain as she crawled across the cold stone floor, the rain continued to pelt down upon her. Inch by inch, she neared the wand, the dried blood on her face pulled at her skin as she winced, she stretched out her arm, her fingers scrabbled at the wand.

“Drop it.�

Ginny froze and looked up in horror, standing behind her, with a sneer on his face was Malfoy. His wand was pointed at Ginny.

Ginny drew her hand away from the wand; she had been so close to it. Now there was no hope, she would surely be killed. Not even the sound of footsteps coming up the stairs was enough to save her as Malfoy raised his wand. �Avada Kedav…�.

�Expelliarmus!� came another voice.

Malfoy’s wand flew from he hand, and the wand that he held in his robes, Ginny’s wand, shot from his robes and landed with a rattle next to Ginny; she reached out and snatched it up before she turned to look at the door; standing in the doorway, wands outstretched, were Ron, Hermione, and Lupin.

“Ginny!� shouted Ron, abandoning all pretence and rushing towards his sister.

“Ron! No!� yelled Lupin.

Too late did Ron see Malfoy shoot a fist towards him. Ron winced as Malfoy’s fist connected with his jaw, before he knew what was happening, Malfoy had stolen his wand from him and had it jammed up under his throat. Ron snarled as he smelt Malfoy’s stale breath and heard him growl into his ear.

“Not so hot without Potter, are you, Weasley? Well, maybe you take a look over the edge of this tower. I think you’ll be surprised.�

Malfoy flicked Ron’s wand, “Accio!� He hissed. His own wand, which was lying several feet away from him sprung into his grasp.

Hermione and Lupin both had their wands trained on Malfoy. Ginny had used the distraction to use her own wand to heal her wounds, she was still sore, but at least she was alive. She got to her feet and brandished her wand at Malfoy, who sneered as he saw her.

“Well, well, the littlest Weasel has some guts after all,� he smirked, before whispering in Ron’s ear once again, “How does it feel, Weasley? Knowing your little sister is better than you?�

“Bugger off, Malfoy,� Ron muttered, choking slightly as Malfoy tightened his arm around his neck.

“Tut, tut. That’s not very nice at all. I’ll have to teach you a lesson.�

“Let him go, Malfoy! It’s over. You’ve lost!� said Hermione, a determined look on her face as she took a step closer to Malfoy.

“You shut your mouth, Mudblood! I don’t take orders from you! I don’t take orders from anyone!�

Malfoy waved his own wand, and Ron shot from his grasp like a bullet from a gun, he crashed into Hermione and the two of them went sailing into the wall. Ginny ran towards them while Lupin dodged a stunning spell shot by Malfoy, he shot his wand back up, but Malfoy was gone, a distant figure on a broomstick flew through the air, hurtling away from the Tower.

“He’s gone,� Lupin said sadly. “Ginny, where is Harry?�

Ginny stood up from the tangled mess that was Ron and Hermione, “Oh my god, Harry! Remus, you stay here and look after these two, I’ve got to go find Harry!�

“Ginny, what…�

But Ginny was already gone; she had bolted towards the door, and began sprinting down the staircase.

He can’t have gone. He can’t have gone. He can’t have gone, she told herself, as she ran down the spiral staircase.

She emerged at the bottom of the staircase and ran towards the spot where Harry had fallen.

Please let him be okay. I can’t lose him! It’s not fair! Ginny thought as she approached the spot she was looking for.

Lying in front of her was Harry; she cried out loud and knelt down beside him. Harry was in a bad way - he was battered, bloodied and broken.

But he was alive.

Just.

His eyes were wide open, but the warmth that shone from them was missing, replaced by fear. It was plain to see, Harry Potter was terrified.

“Oh my god, Harry.� She felt the warmth of her tears as they fell down her face; she tasted their salty flavour as they rolled onto her lips. “Harry…please. You can’t leave me!�

“Ginny?� said a voice behind her. Ginny spun around and saw the figures of Colin Creevy and Luna Lovegood walking towards her.

“Luna, Colin, go and fetch Madam Pomfrey!�

“Ginny, what?�

“Go! Now! Go!� she bellowed at them.

Neither of them asked any further questions, they turned away from Ginny and broke into a sprint, running as fast as they could towards the hospital wing.

Ginny watched them leave and turned back to Harry; his breathing was getting shallower by the minute, his green eyes, usually so full of life, were taking on a greyish tinge, they were still fixed firmly upon Ginny, but they were beginning to close. Ginny cried even louder as she saw his eyes close completely. Madam Pomfrey would not make it in time. Ginny blinked back tears as she held Harry close to her, her mind raced, there must be something she could do.

Then it hit her. The notebook. The spell. Something she hoped never to have to use.

Ginny allowed herself a brief moment of hope; it had to work. She laid Harry back on the ground; his chest still moved up and down, but only just. She drew her wand and pointed it at the love of her life.

“A…A…� The words would not come.

Relax, Ginny. You can do it, a voice inside her head told her, Harry’s voice.

She steadied herself, and pointed her wand again. “AMOR VIGORATUS!� she bellowed, she closed her eyes, she could not even bear to watch as a white light emanated from the end of her wand, surrounding Harry, lifting his broken body from the floor. The light penetrated his body; another jet of light of white light branched off of the main beam, and surrounded Ginny. Ginny struggled to stay conscious as the light penetrated her body, her wand was shaking uncontrollably, and her strength was rapidly draining from her body.

“Harry!� she yelled, as darkness began to take over her. With her last ounce of strength, she reached for his hand, his fingers closing around hers as she slipped into darkness.

---

A/N - Well, well, well, we're nearing the end now, next Chapter soon.

Chapter Twenty - A Question Without An Answer

The hospital wing came into view as Ginny’s eyes forced themselves open. She blinked as the light shone through the windows, illuminating the darkness in which Ginny had been unconscious.

It took Ginny a moment to realise that she was not alone in the Hospital Wing. She could overhear the shrill voice of her mother, and the sharp voice Ginny recognised as belonging to Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse.

“…Calm down, Molly. She’ll wake soon.�

“…What happened to her, Poppy? And to Harry?�

Madam Pomfrey sighed. “I wish I knew, Molly. I wish I knew.�

Ginny heard her mum give a sniffle, and quickly closed her eyes as Mrs Weasley looked towards her daughter; she could not think why, but Ginny did not want to reveal that she was awake just yet. Thoughts of Harry filled her head as she closed her eyes, she saw him falling, and she remembered rushing to his body, casting the spell and then nothing, just blackness.

Ginny heard footsteps approach her bedside as she lay perfectly still; she heard Hermione’s soothing voice beside her, and felt the bed sink slightly as Hermione sat down beside her.

“Oh, Ginny…wake up, you’ve got to. Harry needs you.�

Ginny’s eyes snapped open. “Where is he?� she demanded, fixing Hermione with a stare.

Hermione let out a shriek and fell off of the bed in shock. “Ginny! You’re awake!�

Ginny opened her mouth to respond, but was interrupted by the high-pitched squeal of Mrs Weasley, “Ginny! Oh, Ginny! You’re okay! I knew you would be okay!�

Ginny struggled to breathe as Mrs Weasley threw herself on top of her and wrapped her arms tightly around her. “Mum… can’t…breathe,� she spluttered.

“Give her some room, Mum,� a voice called over the commotion, and Mrs Weasley retracted her arms from around Ginny revealing Fred, George, Bill and Ron standing behind her, all of them were looking embarrassed at their Mum’s behaviour, but all looked equally thrilled to see that Ginny was awake.

A thousand questions flew through Ginny’s mind as she stared at the crowd of people gathered around her, however, her eyes shifted back on to Hermione.

“You never answered my question, Hermione,� she said coolly.

Ginny could see Hermione’s eyes go wide as she looked at her.

“What question was that, Gin?� asked Fred and George at the same time, neither of them had seen the look on Hermione’s face.

“Where’s Harry?�

Immediately Ginny felt guilty for asking, watching as the expressions on each of her companions faces faded from their initial joy at her own awakening, to a pain and grief that was no doubt caused by Harry’s condition.

For a moment there was silence, Ginny’s mind raced during the quiet, thoughts of the worst entered her head. Harry could not be dead… surely not. It was Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived – he must be alive, he had to be.

Ginny stared fiercely at her family and Hermione, waiting for an answer, that she got it when Mrs Weasley shooed Ron and Bill out of the way.

As they moved, Ginny could see the bed next to hers; lying there, unmoving and unconscious was Harry Potter, no longer bloodied and broken, just very, very still.

“He’s not… dead?� Ginny asked, her voice quivering as she struggled to hold back the tears that were threatening to escape her.

“He’s not dead, Miss Weasley.� Ginny looked up as Madam Pomfrey interjected, the Hogwarts resident nurse had come over to check up on Harry, she was checking his breathing as she spoke, “He’s still alive, his breathing remains steady, his wounds have healed, as far as I can tell he is completely healthy, he’s just unconscious, but nothing will rouse him.�

The tears started pouring down her face as Ginny could hold them in no longer, what was wrong with Harry? Why wouldn’t he wake up? Was this because of what Malfoy had done, or because of what Ginny herself had done?

“Ginny, dear, what happened to Harry?� Mrs Weasley asked kindly, stroking her daughter’s hair as she did so.

“I don’t know, Mum,� Ginny began, “Harry had come to try and save me, he lowered his wand to Malfoy so nothing would happen to me, and Malfoy hexed him, and blasted him off of the top of the Astronomy Tower. I managed to disarm Malfoy using Harry’s wand, but he escaped, I rushed down to where Harry landed and saw him lying there, broken and bloodied.� Ginny paused to wipe the tears out of her eyes. “I remembered something, an incantation that I had read in the notebook Harry had given me for my birthday, I used it, but I don’t know what was supposed to happen… it might be my fault that Harry is lying there like that.� Ginny broke down completely as the realisation that it could be her fault dawned upon her.

“Don’t be silly, dear, it wasn’t your fault,� Mrs Weasley started.

“How do you know that?!� Ginny snapped.

Ron opened his mouth to speak at this point, but seemed to think better of it, instead Hermione spoke, “Ginny, Harry wouldn’t have wanted you to learn a spell that would do this to him, I’m sure he’ll be fine, he probably just needs a lot of rest.�

“Of course it wasn’t your fault, don’t be so silly,� Madam Pomfrey snapped. “Whatever spell it was that you cast on him saved his life, I have no doubt about that.�

Ginny smiled through her tears, Hermione was right, Harry wouldn’t have wanted her to learn a spell that would leave him in limbo.

“Can you give me a minute alone with him?� Ginny asked, looking around at her family.

It was Mr Weasley who spoke first, “Of course Ginny, take as long as you need.� And he ushered the rest of the Weasleys out of the hospital wing, Hermione leaving hand in hand with Ron, Lupin however stayed behind.

“Ginny, I know how you feel about Harry, you must stay positive, for his sake, if he is lost on his way back, he’ll need your love to find his way.� He smiled at Ginny, before speaking again, “I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but your N.E.W.T’s start tomorrow.� Lupin smiled again, turned, and left Ginny alone next to Harry.

Ginny got up out of her bed, and walked over to where Harry lay, she sat down next to him on the bed, and took his still hand in hers, weeping softly to herself, and sat with him for hours, until she was interrupted by a stern voice.

“Miss Weasley.� Ginny gave a small jump in fright and turned to see Professor McGonagall stood behind her. “I think you should head up to your dormitory now, your N.E.W.T’s start tomorrow, you need to rest. I will, of course, permit you to visit Mr Potter at any time you desire, but for now, you must leave him.�

“No, I can’t leave him, I don’t care about my exams, all I want is Harry back.�

McGonagall looked as though she was about to shout, but instead her expression softened, and when she spoke again, her voice was full of sympathy, “Ginny, we all hope Harry makes a full recovery, and I am sure that he will, like I have said, I will permit you to see him at any time you wish, but for now, you must get some rest.�

“Can I stay here with him tonight?�

McGonagall said nothing for a moment, apparently thinking. “Of course you can, I shall inform Madam Pomfrey, but you must be ready for your exams by nine o’clock tomorrow morning, you first exam will be Charms. Goodnight, Miss Weasley.� As she left she waved her wand, causing Harry’s bed to extend to twice its usual size, making room for Ginny to lie beside him. Within a moment of lying down next to Harry, Ginny’s eyes were closed, and she fell into a deep sleep once more.

“Ginny! Ginny! Wake up, you’re going to be late!� Ginny groaned, as she opened her eyes and saw Luna Lovegood and Colin Creevy standing by the side of the bed, fully clothed and ready for their exams. Ginny sat bolt upright and looked at Harry, there was no visible change in him since the day before, but Ginny could swear that his breathing had become more pronounced. Ginny leaned over and kissed him goodbye, and rushed up to the Gryffindor dormitory, grabbing her wand and getting dressed, she then rushed to her first exam with Colin and Luna.

Ginny found herself with less and less time to visit Harry, she had to get her N.E.W.T exams out of the way before she could concentrate on seeing him again. She sat her exams one by one, until finally the last one had finished, as soon as the examiner had announced that they could leave, Ginny ran as fast as she could to the hospital wing to find Ron and Hermione gathered around Harry’s bedside.

“Hi, Ginny, how did your exams go?� asked Hermione, lifting her gaze from Harry and meeting Ginny’s eyes.

“They were fine, had a little trouble with Potions, but other than that, no problems,� Ginny replied, looking from Hermione, to Ron, to Harry.

“What do you think you’ll do after school?� Ron said, whilst giving Ginny a brotherly hug.

“I don’t know. I want to make sure Harry is okay first of all, if, no, when he is better, I thought maybe I’d like to teach Charms here.�

Hermione beamed at this remark. “We’ll both be teachers then – that would be brilliant!�

Ron sighed. “It’s alright for you two, I don’t know what I want to do anymore.�

Hermione looked up in shock at Ron. “I thought you wanted to be an Auror?�

“I did, but it won’t be the same if Harry isn’t there with me.�

It was Ginny’s turn to look at Ron in shock. “Why wouldn’t Harry be there? He’s going to be okay you know!�

“I know, Ginny, I know, but Harry isn’t welcome at the Ministry any more, I heard it all when I went to find him after he disappeared from Hogsmeade. He broke into the Ministry’s supply of Veritaserum, made an unauthorised visit to Azkaban, the only reason he hasn’t been arrested is because he’s Harry Potter, but I was told by Rufus Scrimgeour himself that Harry was no longer welcome to train as an Auror.�

Ginny felt sick, Harry had gone to the Ministry to try and find information about her, and had succeeded in losing his job, the one job he had wanted to do since his forth year at Hogwarts. “Surely they’d take him back, he’s Harry Potter!�

Ron shook his head. “They don’t think he has the right temperament for an Auror.�

“But with Malfoy still out there…?�

“I know, Ginny, I am well aware of it,� Ron snapped, “but Harry will not be welcomed back into the Ministry!�

Ginny opened her mouth to retort but fell silent; Hermione, was silent as well, looking more than a little awkward at being trapped between the two Weasleys, Ron was seething, his face red.

Ginny turned back to Harry, she gazed at him, her big brown eyes welling up again as she looked at his lifeless form, when a pair of vivid green eyes opened, staring right at her.

Ginny nearly fell off of the bed in shock, those eyes were still staring at her. “Harry?� she whispered. Ron and Hermione’s eyed both darted down to where Harry was laying, his eyes resting on each of them, and then back to Ginny.

“Hi, Ginny,� Harry croaked, in a voice that hadn’t been used in a long time. “Ron, Hermione.�

Hermione burst into tears, Ron was looking at Harry like he was looking at a ghost, his face as white as a sheet, Ginny however, just smiled. “You’re back.�

“I’m back.�

“How?�

Harry propped himself up on his pillows, and took a deep breath. “You used my spell didn’t you?�

“Yes, but I…� Ginny started.

“Don’t worry, you did it properly, it worked just like it worked when I used it on you, just before Christmas.�

“What does it do?�

“Brings a loved one back from the point of death, I started researching it just after Dumbledore died. I worked under his belief that love is stronger than any kind of magic, and although I couldn’t find a spell that could counter ‘Avada Kedavra’, or bring someone back from the dead, I was able to create the spell that we have both used.�

“How does it work?�

“Well, the caster must have deep feelings of love in order for it to work, that’s why no dark wizard would ever be able to use it – they cannot love to the degree that is needed. When the spell is cast, part of the casters soul is transferred to the injured person, that part of the soul heals wounds, eventually becoming part of the person, in this case, part of your soul became linked with mine.�

“And part of yours linked with mine?�

“That’s right.�

“Why was I unconscious after casting it?�

“It takes a huge effort, only those with huge feelings of love can cast the spell, anyone can say the words, but they won’t do anything unless there is love behind them. You passed out because you were prepared to give me part of you in order to heal me. The part of your soul that you gave to me is restored during your period of unconsciousness, making your soul whole again.�

Ginny blinked and looked at Harry, she couldn’t believe that she had saved his life, part of her soul was now part of him, and part of his soul was part of her.

Harry was looking at Hermione and Ron, both of them were now as white as sheet, looking at him in awe.

“Guys, it’s great to see you, but I think Ginny and I need a moment alone.�

Hermione spoke first, “Sure, Harry, its great to have you back.� And she gave him a hug, and took Ron’s hand and went to leave, Ron wasn’t ready to go though, he was still staring at Harry.

Ron slowly held his hand out to Harry, and Harry shook it, before pulling Ron into a brotherly hug. Ron pulled back, grinning. “See you, Harry, Ginny.�

Harry watched the two of them leave and turned back to Ginny, who was smiling at him. “Now, Miss Weasley, care to join me on a walk of the grounds?�

“It would be my pleasure, Mr Potter,� she replied, smiling more than ever and helping Harry to his feet.

Harry and Ginny walked around the grounds together, until they arrived at the lake, the place where they kissed after Harry had saved Ginny in the Quidditch match. Harry stopped as they reached the lakeside, and turned to face Ginny.

“Ginny, I need to ask you something, I’ve been thinking about it for a while now, I was going to ask you in Hogsmeade, but…� he trailed off, and reached into his robes, Ginny couldn’t believe what she was seeing as Harry lowered himself to one knee and took her hand in his, “Ginevra Molly Weasley, will you marry me?� Harry opened the little velvet box in his other hand, inside was a shining silver ring, engraved with the message ‘I’ve got all I ever needed in you.’ “It was my mother’s, my father gave it to her the day he asked her to marry him. It’s one of the few things of theirs that I’ve managed to find.�

Ginny began to cry, not out of sadness, but out of joy, she’d refused him once, and had spent over a year regretting it, she wasn’t about to make the same mistake twice. “Of course I’ll marry you, Harry!� she shrieked excitedly, beaming from ear to ear, Harry’s face broke into a huge smile as he slid the ring onto her finger, and stood up to take her in his arms, he kissed her and held her tight, before breaking away.

“We better go tell everyone.�

“I’ve got six brothers, are you sure you know what you’re doing?� Ginny teased.

“Never been more sure of anything in my life.�

“Harry?

“Yes?�

“What are you going to do now that you’re not welcome back as an Auror?�

Harry looked at her; this was just one reason why he loved her so much, even at a time like this, she could always speak what was on her mind. “Oh, I thought I might send Oliver Wood an owl.�

Asking no more questions, Ginny smiled as Harry took her hand in his, leading her back to the castle for the last time.

What a perfect way to leave school, Ginny thought to herself, as she and Harry entered the castle together, as night set on the first day of the rest of their lives.

---

Draco cursed under his breath as he made his way down the corridor; the lilac walls seemed to close in upon him as he felt the shaggy carpet underneath his feet. He took a deep breath as he neared the ornate mahogany door which grew closer and closer. He raised his hand to knock, hesitated a moment, and then knocked on the door.

“Enter,� said a deep, coarse voice from behind the door.

Draco pushed the door open and strode into the dark room; he smirked as he saw the silhouette standing beside the window.

“Potter?� hissed the coarse voice that belonged to the Minister of Magic.

Draco smirked. “…Dead.�

“You’re sure?� the voice asked quickly.

Draco’s smirk flashed into the same dangerous smile he wore most of the time. “Absolutely.�

Laughter filled the air, cold, high, mocking laughter. “Then why is he, at this very moment, walking the grounds of your old school with the Weasley girl?�

Draco face froze in shock. “What?�

“You heard me, Draco, you failed… again. I grow tired of your failure.� Draco made a noise to interrupt, but the voice continued to speak, “Do not interrupt me, Malfoy, know your place. I could have you put back in Azkaban any time I wish.�

“Forgive me, sir,� Draco replied, “What can be done?�

“Ginny Weasley wears the ring, she and Potter are in love. This is not helpful news to us, Draco. You must destroy that love.�

“How?� Draco asked, completely bewildered by it all, how could Harry Potter still be alive?

“You must find the Book of Malice, an object though long lost, only through the incantations in that tome will you be able to permanently obliterate the love that Potter and Weasley share.�

“Where will I find the book, sir?� Draco asked eagerly, anxious to cause yet more pain to Harry and Ginny.

“I shall tell you, but first, come closer, sit with me.�

Draco crossed the floor of the candlelit room and found a chair at the desk. He pulled out the rough wooden chair and sat down.

“The Book is hidden far from here, deep in the heart of Bulgaria, you must travel quickly, this cannot wait. Go now, Draco, succeed, and I shall reward you beyond all others.�

Draco nodded and stood up; he pushed his chair back under the table before he headed for the door. “Thank you, sir.�

The voice laughed. “You know I dislike the term ‘Sir’, Draco.�

Draco laughed. “Of course, Minister.�

The door slammed shut behind him.

THE END.

---

A/N - Well...that's all for this story, it's been a long road here, but I think it's been worth it, thanks to all my readers, without you, there's no point in writing, thanks to everyone who has left reviews, sorry I've been too busy to respond to most of them, and thanks to Robyn, thanks for taking a chance on my little story and making it better, you rock! Thanks again everyone, Lee.