The Refiner's Fire

Abraxan

Story Summary:
Complete. Prequel to "The Time of Destiny." In the summer before his sixth year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter learns to come to terms with the death of Sirius. As he heals and grows emotionally, he learns how to enjoy life again. But there's a war on, and Voldemort's primary objective is to kill Harry Potter, by any means necessary. As a result, Harry and his friends have a very adventurous sixth year at Hogwarts. Canon-based through OotP with some OC.

Chapter 39

Chapter Summary:
Harry and his friends are surprised to see several well-known faces as well as strangers at the Head Table during the Leaving Feast. Arthur and Molly get some news that shouldn’t really surprise them, but does.
Posted:
06/23/2005
Hits:
4,257
Author's Note:
Many thanks to Kelpie, my brilliant Brit-picker, and to Blakevich, Starfox, Iris, Asad and Shawn for beta reading!


Chapter 39 - The Leaving Feast

The rest of the week passed all too quickly, and before he knew it, Harry was sitting down at the Gryffindor table for the Leaving Feast. The Great Hall was decorated in scarlet and gold Gryffindor banners. The Head Table included some strangers as well as Madam Bones, Minister of Magic, Arthur, Molly, Fred and George Weasley. Ron, Ginny, Harry and Hermione ran up to say hi to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, then joined the many who had gone up to greet to the Weasley twins. The students hurried back to their tables as the rest of the staff entered. Each House table was full of students whispering excitedly, wondering why these extra people were here, and what interesting things might happen that evening.


After the, as usual, excellent feast, Dumbledore got up and raised his hands for silence. "And so we come to the end of another year at Hogwarts. It has been anything but boring, as I believe you will agree. We have had tremendous fun, wonderful learning opportunities and some very sad occurrences. We lost a number of dear friends recently. We toasted them not long after their deaths, but I would like to honour them one last time. Raise your glasses to the fallen."

Everyone stood and solemnly said, "The fallen," then drank from their goblets, then sat back down after a moment's silence.


"Now, on to more cheerful things. I'm sure you've noticed the decorations this evening. We have several awards to distribute. First, the Quidditch Cup, which we were unable to award at the final game due to circumstances beyond our control." A nervous titter of laughter floated across the hall - "circumstances beyond our control" was a very mild way of referring to Harry's abduction and the subsequent battles. "Harry Potter, as you all know, is captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Harry, would you please come forward?" Harry rose and strode down the aisle between tables, smiling at the headmaster, Remus, Hagrid, Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Firenze, Professor Sinistra and the others. "Once again, Gryffindor wins the Quidditch Cup! Three cheers for Gryffindor!" Dumbledore cried. As the students cheered, Dumbledore handed Harry the huge silver cup, which Harry lifted over his head in triumph as he turned and faced the crowd. The Gryffindor table went wild, the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs joining in the cheering. The Slytherins made a show of barely clapping their hands and looking sour. Harry turned to Professor McGonagall and presented the cup to her.

"Thank you, Mr. Potter," she said fondly, a warm smile spreading over her face. Harry grinned at her in return.

As Harry returned to his seat, Dumbledore spoke again. "The House Points stand as follows: Gryffindor, 486; Ravenclaw, 415; Hufflepuff, 402; Slytherin, 324. I am pleased to present the House Cup to Professor McGonagall on behalf of Gryffindor." Professor McGonagall stood up, smiling broadly. "With my compliments," Dumbledore said, bowing a little as he handed her the Cup. He turned to face the students again and led the cheer, "Well done, Gryffindor!"

When the applause died down, Professor McGonagall sat down, but Professor Dumbledore wasn't finished. He raised his hands for quiet again and said, "I have the honour and privilege of presenting some special awards. I will be giving a plaque individually to several students, a copy of which will go on permanent display in Hogwarts' Trophy Room. When I call your name, please come forward and receive your award."

At this point, Hermione nudged Ron, who kicked Harry and tilted his head toward the far end of the Head Table. One of the strangers was obviously a reporter, a Quick Quotes Quill busily at work in front of him. Harry scowled, but then sighed. The man was here with Dumbledore's approval, or he wouldn't be at the Head Table.

Dumbledore smiled benignly at the waiting crowd, then lifted a large wooden plaque with the Hogwarts Crest in bronze mounted on the top, a smaller bronze medallion with the Gryffindor crest, and a large brass plate on the bottom. He read the inscription: "For extraordinary service to Hogwarts, this plaque is awarded to Ginevra Weasley, for training and leading the Healer Squad of Dumbledore's Army." Blushing madly, Ginny walked up and accepted her plaque, shaking hands with Dumbledore and then glancing at her parents. Her mother was wiping tears from her eyes and both parents were smiling hugely. The twins gave Ginny a big "thumbs up." She waved at them and went back to her seat, still blushing prettily.

Dumbledore picked up a second plaque and read from it: "For extraordinary service to Hogwarts, this plaque is awarded to Hermione Granger, for having the idea to start Dumbledore's Army and helping to organize it, as well as her excellent work as second-in-command to General Ronald Weasley." Hermione blushed nearly as much as Ginny as she accepted her award and the warm smiles of the Weasleys.

"I am especially honoured to award this plaque to Ron Weasley," Dumbledore said, holding up a plaque like the others, but which also had a large star with crossed wands beneath it as an extra decoration, "whose brilliant battle strategies minimized casualties while shortening the duration of the battle - I particularly liked the pincers movement, Mr. Weasley," he added, his eyes twinkling. "Very effective." Ron's pulled his ginger hair over his beet-red ears to hide them, but he couldn't hide the blush suffusing his face. Dumbledore handed Ron his plaque and told him to turn around and face the students. "I believe Mr. Weasley is due an extra cheer. His wisdom in leading the battle saved many of your lives. Hip Hip!"

"Hooray!" yelled the students. Harry, Hermione, Ginny and the twins cheered the loudest.

"Hip Hip!"

"Hooray!"

"Hip Hip!"

"Hooray!"

Ron ambled back to his place, his face split in an ear to ear grin, his cheeks as red as his hair. As he plopped down in his seat, Dumbledore held up another plaque and called Harry forward. This plaque had the Hogwarts crest, the Gryffindor crest and a brass plate with an inscription, but also included a bronze image of a phoenix. Dumbledore read the inscription: "For extraordinary service to Hogwarts, this plaque is awarded to Harry Potter, who trained Dumbledore's Army and led by example, inspiring them to go far above and beyond their personal expectations; who did his best to protect as many D.A. members as possible, while battling Voldemort and numerous Death Eaters; and who selflessly tended the most severely wounded despite being badly injured himself." He handed the plaque to Harry, and smiled down at the boy.

Harry was hanging his head. He didn't want a plaque. He didn't deserve awards. He'd rather Seamus and Katie were safe and well and sitting at the table with him enjoying the feast. He looked up at Dumbledore for a moment as he accepted his plaque.

"Well done, Harry!" Dumbledore said quietly. The hall rang with cheers again.

Harry turned around and looked around the room uncomfortably as the cheering went on and on. When the tumult settled down, he turned around and asked Dumbledore, "May I say something?"

"Of course, dear boy. The floor is yours," Dumbledore said kindly, then sat down.

Harry stood turning the plaque nervously in his hands, glancing around the Hall. Everyone sat quietly, waiting for him to speak. "Erm. . .I don't. . ." he stopped and cleared his throat. "Well. . .I wanted to say, um. . . ." He took a deep breath, straightened his shoulders and looked at Ginny. Keeping his eyes on his girlfriend, he found his voice and carried on. "I wanted to say that I don't feel I deserve this award, or any award. If I'd been smarter, if I'd fought better, if I'd managed to kill Voldemort, we wouldn't have so many empty seats here. I'd much rather have Seamus and Katie sitting at the table with me than have any award. I do appreciate it," he said hurriedly, turning to look at the staff behind him, "but what I mean to say is," he said as he turned back to face his fellow students, "you lot were brilliant. I wanted to visit each of you after the battle, but I wasn't strong enough. And since then. . .well, I didn't want to remind you about sad things when you were studying for exams, or enjoying your free time. But now that I have the chance, I want to thank you, all of you who came to help me. You were brilliant, you really were." He stopped for a moment, looking around again, and his eyes fell on Alex McCullough, the Ravenclaw boy who'd asked Harry if he'd killed his dad. "Someone recently told me he wasn't as brave as I am," Harry said slowly. "I told him I'm not brave, and that's true. I get in these stupid situations and then have to find some way out of them. I get lucky a lot. I get a lot of help. Some things I do manage on my own, granted, but without the help of my friends, I probably wouldn't be standing here today. So thank you. That's all I wanted to say," he murmured, ducking his head and going back to his seat.

The Hall was quiet for a moment, then thunderous applause broke out, accompanied by whistles and cheers. Several people patted Harry on the back or shook his hand. It took a while for the Hall to settle down again. Professor Dumbledore joined in the applause and cheering and let it run its course before standing to speak again.

"Well said, Harry. I'm sure your words meant a lot to your classmates. Well done." He smiled at the young man fondly for a moment before going on.

"I'd like to introduce Madam Amelia Bones, Minister of Magic. She has some awards to present, as well." Dumbledore helped Madam Bones with her chair, and then sat down, smiling beatifically over his steepled fingers.

Madam Bones left her place at the Head Table, walking behind the table to the end, stepping down off the raised platform to stand on the students' level. She stood centred in front of Dumbledore, a table beside her covered in small boxes of various colours. She looked over the assembled students slowly, her eyes resting a moment longer here and there as she saw people she recognized, smiling in particular at her niece when she saw her, and at Harry, as well. She finally cleared her throat and began speaking.

"In the history of Hogwarts, students have gone to battle only once before, around four hundred years ago, when the Seventh Year students participated in a minor skirmish. Never before have students faced such a foe as they faced this year in Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Dumbledore's Army fought valiantly, brilliantly led by Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger and the various Squad Leaders. I've viewed the Omniocular records of the battle, and I must say, every one of you acquitted himself or herself admirably. You each stood your ground. You each listened to your leaders. Many adult wizards and witches could not have performed as well as you did under those circumstances. Well done!

"We will be awarding two brand new medals to you this evening. One of these awards was specially created to commemorate the Battle of Little Hangleton, the other to commemorate the Battle of Hogwarts. The Ministry of Magic is pleased to present these awards to those who fought to defend us from Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters.

"In your presentation boxes, you will find a medal and a ribbon. The medal is to be worn on all formal occasions, and may be kept either in the presentation box, or in a frame on the wall of your room, if you prefer. The ribbon is to be worn on your everyday robes. The proper placement for such ribbons and medals is the left front of your robes, over your heart. You have earned these awards. Wear them proudly! And when you see someone wearing such a ribbon, from these or other battles, treat him or her with the utmost respect and honour, for the Ministry does not give such awards lightly.

One of the strangers at the table got up and stood at a distance in front of the Minister. When he got his equipment set up, it was obvious he was a photographer.

She looked at the Gryffindor table and said, "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, would you please come forward?"

Harry and Ron looked at each other nervously, then walked up to the front table, shoulder to shoulder.

"I am pleased to give the first two Battle of Little Hangleton medals to Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley," she said, opening a box covered in purple velvet and removing a small bronze medal hanging from a purple and gold ribbon, then pinning it to Harry's robes, shaking his hand as she handed him the box with the remaining ribbon in it. She repeated the action with Ron. The photographer moved around, taking pictures of each presentation, as he would continue to do during the rest of the ceremony.

"Thank you for your service, gentlemen," the Minister said. The boys thanked her and started to go back to their seats when she stopped them with a quiet word just for them. "I'd like you to do the presentations, gentlemen. These young people worked their hearts out for you. They risked their lives for you. They deserve to get their medals from you."

Ron blushed, dropping his eyes in embarrassment, then glanced up at his parents. They had heard the Minister's quiet comment and were bursting with pride. He gazed at them a moment, trying to get over his nerves, trying to work out how to deal with this situation. Even the twins were smiling at him proudly, no teasing in their eyes at all. Ron had always wanted to do something to stand out from the rest of his brothers. He suddenly realized he'd done so without even noticing it. He stood tall and proud and turned to face the student body, accepting the honour with good grace.

Harry blushed and looked uncomfortable. He honestly didn't want any medals. He'd led kids to their deaths. He glanced up at Remus and saw his godfather's understanding. Harry's heart was in his eyes. He didn't want to turn around and face the rest of the students with a medal on his robes. He just wanted to go somewhere quiet with his friends and not think about battles, but he couldn't do that, not right now.

Remus smiled at him warmly. "You'll be fine," he whispered.

Harry took a deep breath. These kids had earned these awards in the eyes of the Ministry. It was his job to hand them out. He took a deep breath and blew it out, straightened his shoulders and turned to face the student body. He would hand out the medals with sincere thanks to each one who received it. Once he sorted this out, he felt much better and finally smiled at the assembly.

Madam Bones seemed to understand that the boys needed a moment to themselves before going on. When they both seemed ready to move on, she said, "Now, those who fought in the Battle of Little Hangleton, please line up in front of Mr. Weasley. Those who fought in the Battle of Hogwarts, please line up in front of Mr. Potter." She handed a box to each boy, then stood quietly waiting until the noise of many feet moving on the stone floor stopped. "The Ministry of Magic is pleased to present battle medals to commemorate your participation in each battle. Thank you for your service to your country." Madam Bones stood between Harry and Ron and a little ahead of them, shaking the hand of each student who came forward. The students then filed up and received their awards and a handshake from Harry or Ron, then returned to their seats.

"Staff too," Madam Bones insisted. The staff lined up and Harry and Ron presented them with awards. Firenze looked amused as Harry tried to find someplace to pin the award, then finally gave up and handed it to him in its box.

Several unclaimed medals remained on the table. Madam Bones indicated them and spoke again. "The Ministry of Magic will be sending these medals to the families of those who perished in the fight, or as a result of their injuries.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley," she said, opening new boxes and pinning a new medal on each boy. "These medals are for those who were wounded in the battles. If you are among those, please line up in front of Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley." She handed both boys new boxes. "You know what to do." Again, Madam Bones made it a point to shake the hand of each student as he or she filed past, thanking them for their service.

When the last student left, Madam Bones said, "Staff too," and Remus came to get his award. He and Harry shared a blushing smile as Harry pinned the medal on his robes.

"Professor Hagrid?" Madam Bones called. "I understand someone named 'Grawp' also fought and was injured?"

"Minor injuries, yes, Madam Minister," Hagrid agreed. "He's me half-brother."

"Since he isn't here, would you please accept his award?"

Hagrid's face lit up. "Oh, yes, I'd be honoured. Grawpie will be that thrilled," he said as he hurried to accept the Minister's handshake and the award from Harry. He returned to his seat, the bristling of his black beard showing that he was beaming. He wiped tears from his beetle black eyes as he admired Grawp's medal.


"Wonder where Grawp's going to pin that?" Ginny said, nudging Hermione. They both giggled, then smiled and waved as Hagrid caught their eyes and held up the medal for them to see. Harry and Ron started to go back to their seats, but the Minister touched them on the sleeve, indicating they should stay where they were.

"There were several feats of particular bravery in each battle, for which the Ministry has created special awards. For risking his life under fire to retrieve the fallen and fighting to protect his patient, the Ministry of Magic is proud to present this Golden Star award to Neville Longbottom." As an astonished Neville made his way forward, Madam Bones went on. "The Omnioculars showed this particular instance which, in the opinion of the Awards Panel, merited a special award. The Healer Squad did a magnificent job overall, but at one point, Neville Longbottom was attending a fallen student and came under attack himself as he was lifting that student onto his broom. Longbottom fought back valiantly, saving his and the other student's lives and capturing the Death Eater who'd attacked him. Mr. Longbottom was wounded during this action, but when he delivered his patient to the treatment area, he jumped on his broom and went right back into battle. Well done, Mr. Longbottom," she said, pinning his medal on his robes. "How did things go with that patient?" she asked as she handed him the box and shook his hand.


"He. . . he died," Neville replied quietly. "It was Seamus Finnegan. He died from his wounds after he got back to Hogwarts."

"I'm so sorry. You certainly did your best to save him. Well done," Madam Bones said kindly. Neville posed for his photograph with the Minister, then went back to his seat.

"The Omnioculars also showed one student who led a charge into the midst of a large group of Death Eaters. This student was struck down, but not before he hexed several Death Eaters. His squad was inspired by his charge and cleaned up that area quickly. I understand the student was seriously injured, but is well now. The Ministry of Magic is pleased to present the Golden Star award for bravery to Mr. Colin Creevey."

Colin bounced to his feet and nearly ran to the front, his face wreathed in smiles as he got his award and his picture taken with the Minister.


"Could I have a copy of the photo, Madam Bones? Would you autograph it for me?" he asked eagerly.


"Of course," she said with a smile. She glanced at the photographer. "Make a note of that request, please." The man nodded and wrote something on a scrap of parchment. "And if any of the rest of you would like copies of the photos, please see the photographer after the Awards Ceremony and he'll take your names. There will be no charge for the photos. After what you've done for us, giving you photos of you receiving your awards is the least we can do for you." She smiled graciously at the applause that rang through the hall.

"One student was seriously injured, losing the bones in both legs, and yet kept fighting from his position on the ground. Then he managed to overcome his predicament with a Levitation Charm and relieved the tension of the Healer Squad by doing a marionette show with his boneless legs. Laughter often is the best medicine. I'm glad to hear he's fully restored to good health now. The Ministry of Magic is pleased to present the Golden Star award for bravery to Ernest McMillan."

The Hufflepuff table went wild. All the special awards had gone to Gryffindors so far. Ernie could barely make it to the front of the Hall for all the backslapping that was going on as he moved forward.


"Well done, Mr. McMillan," Madam Bones said as she pinned the award to his robes. "I was so upset while watching the battle through the Omnioculars. It was astonishing to see you sitting still yet battling for all you were worth. And then, for you to be so funny about your injury. I needed a laugh almost as much as those you made laugh at the time. Thank you for your service to your country."

"Thank you, Madam Minister," Ernie said formally, bowing a little as he shook her hand. He puffed his chest out for the photographer, strutting back to his place at the Hufflepuff table proudly, amidst renewed cheers and whistles.

"I've never seen such courage as I saw in the Omniocular account of this battle. The bravest, most selfless, most awe-inspiring fighter I've ever seen is Harry Potter. Mr. Potter, it is my extreme pleasure to present you the Golden Star Award with a Mystic Cluster for courage above and beyond the call of duty, strength of will, generosity of spirit and a command of magical powers rarely seen. This medal has only been awarded once in the last century, when Professor Dumbledore was awarded it for his battle with Grindelwald. It's an honour for me to be able to present this medal to you tonight." She pinned the medal on Harry, then stood with her arm around him to pose for the photographer. The medal was a Golden Star like the others, but the Mystic Cluster was a glittery haze surrounding the star, making it appear to be part of a galaxy.

Harry looked down at the medal, dazzled by its beauty, dazed by all that was going on this evening. He just wanted to go sit in the Common Room with Ginny in his arms, his friends by his side, laughing and playing a game of Exploding Snap. What did all of this ceremonial stuff mean? Love and friendship were what mattered, not medals. He wondered if he'd ever work out how to deal with such experiences.

"The Battle of Little Hangleton marked a change in battle tactics in many ways. Harry Potter came up with the idea of organizing Dumbledore's Army in a Muggle military fashion, with commanding officers, lower level officers, and specialty squads. The commander, or general, would plan strategies, train the troops in these strategies, and oversee the battle, changing strategies as needed. Mr. Potter chose Ronald Weasley, a brilliant chess player, as the general. Ron Weasley studied battle tactics in Muggle books to understand them, and then came up with plans that would work for him and Dumbledore's Army. For his brilliance in planning and executing these tactics, the Ministry is pleased to present Ron Weasley with the Golden Wand Award for Meritorious Achievement. This award is rarely given, and is a great honour." She handed the astonished Ron a plaque with a golden wand and an inscribed golden plate on it, and pinned another medal on his robes. "This award includes a monetary gift as well," she added, placing a heavy bag of gold in Ron's trembling hands.

Ron was speechless. He stood staring at the bag in his hands, then gazed wide-eyed at the Minister. "Th-th-thank you!" he stammered.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," she said warmly. She turned back to face the audience. "For his ingenious concept of using organized battle forces and training Dumbledore's Army, the Ministry is pleased to present Harry Potter with the Golden Wand Award for Meritorious Achievement." She handed Harry the plaque and pinned a medal on his robes, but he pushed the bag of gold away.

"No, please, I don't want it," he muttered uncomfortably.

The minister leaned in to speak to him privately. "You can do what you want with it. Share it with your friends. Give it away. Throw it in the lake. But you do need to accept it. A grateful government chose to give this to you, lad. You earned it."

With a heavy sigh, Harry took the bag and shook her hand, muttering "Thank you," and trying not to look to miserable. He looked at Ron, who was still gazing at his bag of gold in awe. Yes, Harry could give his bag of gold away. He'd send some to each family who'd lost a child in battle. That decision made, his heart lightened and he paid attention to the ceremony once more.

The Minister was speaking again. "One of the tactics Ron Weasley included in his plans was air strikes. His brothers, Fred and George Weasley, are the creative minds behind Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes, a company that has cut a wide swath in the joke industry since it began nearly a year ago. Fred and George Weasley, would you please come down?" The twins elbowed each other playfully as they stood up. Molly looked as if she might scold them, but then thought better of it. The twins soon stood before the minister, huge grins on their faces. "For extraordinary service to our country, and the brilliant development of weaponry, the Ministry is proud to give you both this special award." She presented them with certificates and a large bag of gold, as well as Battle of Little Hangleton medals. "The monetary award is to not only repay you for the expenses you incurred in using up your stock in battle, but also to fund research and development of other aerial weaponry. Well done, gentlemen. I will be speaking to you about a contract for such research soon."

"Cool!" said Fred.

"Wicked!" said George, then both remembered their manners.

"Thank you, Madam Minister," they intoned solemnly together. The photographer snapped their picture as they shook her hand and accepted their awards.

Dumbledore spoke up. "I, too, have an award for the Weasley twins," he said as he made his way to the presentation area. "Never in all my years of teaching have I met a pair of mischief-makers like you. In some ways, Hogwarts has been a bit dull since you left. You always found a way to make everyone laugh, and in these times, we need as much laughter as we can find," he said, his eyes twinkling at the young men before him.

He turned suddenly to Madam Bones. "By the way, there's a swamp in one of our corridors these boys made as a prank. At first, it was so large, our caretaker had to ferry students across it!" He chuckled at the memory. "Professor Flitwick removed enough to make the hall passable, but preserved part of it as a memorial to their ingenuity. You must see it before you leave." She smiled and nodded her agreement.

"Fred and George Weasley, it is my pleasure to present you each with an honorary diploma from Hogwarts," he said, handing a rolled-up parchment to each of them. They grinned and shook Dumbledore's hand.

Up at the Head Table, Molly Weasley burst into tears. "Oh, Arthur," she murmured. "They finally have their diplomas!"

"There, there, Molly," Arthur replied, putting his arm around her and patting her comfortingly.

As they walked back to their seats, the twins elbowed each other and whispered giddily together. "We couldn't pay for publicity like this!" Fred enthused.

"And a government contract! Have you felt this bag of gold?" George said gleefully. They plopped into their chairs, giving their parents cheeky grins, then waving merrily at the cheering students.

When things quieted down again, Madam Bones said, "Earlier this year, there was a battle in France, in which three students and one Hogwarts staff member participated. Also participating in that battle were Arthur Weasley, head of the Ministry of Magic's Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office, Auror Nymphadora Tonks and retired Auror Alastor Moody. The Aurors will be presented their awards in a separate ceremony. Since Mr. Weasley has children here at Hogwarts and fought alongside them, the Ministry thought it appropriate for him to receive his award along with his children. These medals commemorate their participation in the Battle of Cascade Prele du Chevaux. Please come forward as I call your name." The Great Hall quieted.

"Professor Remus Lupin," she called. Remus came down to the presentation area and Madam Bones herself pinned the medal to his robes, handing him a purple and gold box as she shook his hand and thanked him.

"Arthur Weasley," she called, and went through the same process with him. Molly wiped her streaming eyes with a lace hanky. Her face was glowing, she was so proud.

Madam Bones took her time with each of the awards, spending a moment thanking each person as she handed out the awards. Ginny, Ron and Harry each received an award and stood in front of the Head Table along with Arthur and Remus. Arthur put an arm around each of his children and hugged them. Remus did the same with Harry, keeping his arm around Harry for the rest of the presentation.

"The Ministry would also like to present an award to Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, who not only arranged for the rescue of these boys, but also helped overcome the diplomatic nightmare that followed." Dumbledore smiled and nodded as he accepted his award. Soon, everyone was allowed to return to their seats - all but Harry.

"Mr. Potter, please stay up here," Madam Bones said as he started to follow Ron and Ginny back to the Gryffindor table. Harry looked startled, glancing at his friends, then at Dumbledore, whose eyes twinkled as an enigmatic smile crossed his face.

Oh, no, Harry thought. Now what?

"After the Battle of Cascade Prele du Chevaux, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore put in a recommendation for Harry Potter to receive the Order of Merlin, Second Class. The Ministry of Magic does not hand out Order of Merlin awards lightly. The documentation on Headmaster Dumbledore's recommendation was gone over thoroughly, and the matter considered very carefully. The Ministry decided that, at the age of sixteen, Mr. Potter was simply too young to be awarded an Order of Merlin despite his many accomplishments. After the Battles of Little Hangleton and Hogwarts, I, personally, was quite angry that Mr. Potter had led children into battle. I came to Hogwarts' hospital wing to see Mr. Potter and try to decide on what punishment would be appropriate for what I saw as a serious misjudgement on his part. He was too ill for me to visit, and then I learned my own niece, Susan, was injured. I spoke with her," she smiled at Susan, "and she told me the way things really were during the battle. Harry Potter was under attack from Lord Voldemort as well as his Death Eaters, yet he managed to send a Blocking Spell that saved Susan's life. I visited other survivors of the battle. From their accounts, Mr. Potter did this type of thing several times. He was trying to protect the students while his own life was in mortal peril. Then I saw the Omniocular record of the Battle of Little Hangleton. I had copies made that could be projected on the wall, and showed them to the heads of all the departments in the Ministry of Magic, the Wizengamot and everyone else who had any say at all in how we deal with either awards or punishments in our world. I thought it was of the utmost importance that anyone in a decision-making position within the Ministry understand what we're facing. Too many of them were still in denial about the return of Lord Voldemort, and the need for the Ministry to act aggressively to stop him and his Death Eaters. Thanks to these visual records, which are being preserved in the Ministry's archives, the doubters and nay-sayers were finally convinced." She took a deep breath. "It is the unanimous decision of the Ministry of Magic that Harry Potter be awarded the Order of Merlin, but not Second Class, as Headmaster Dumbledore recommended after the first battle. It is my extreme pleasure and honour to name Harry Potter as the youngest Order of Merlin, First Class, recipient in our history." She reached behind her and pulled out a sizeable golden box. She opened it, revealing a large sunburst-shaped gold medallion hanging from a golden ribbon with purple stars woven into it. She had to ask Harry to bend down so she could put the ribbon around his neck. She shook his hand as the photographer took several pictures, the flashes of his camera making spots in front of Harry's eyes. The Minister turned Harry to face his classmates, standing with him and posing for the photographer. "Smile, Harry. This story will be on the front page of the Daily Prophet tomorrow," she said, glancing up at him with a warm smile.

Harry just gazed back at her, fighting to quell the flip-flops of his stomach. Oh, boy, more newspaper stories. Just what I wanted. He sighed, wishing his life was different. But then he heard the sound of the applause, the cheers, the stamping of many feet in congratulations. He looked up, gazing around the Hall, his eyes resting on familiar faces here and there. And finally, he smiled.

* * * * *

Gryffindor Tower was the site of a huge party that evening. Arthur, Molly and the twins, as well as Remus and Professor McGonagall, joined the Gryffindors in celebrating all the honours heaped upon their House. Harry was getting sore from his back being pounded so often. As soon as the senior Weasleys arrived, Ginny took them into a quiet corner to talk with them. Harry glanced over toward them and saw her showing them her ring. Her mother's face was stunned. Harry's heart sank.

"A ring? Do you mean to tell me you two got engaged without so much as a by-your-leave to us?" Molly cried.


"No! No, Mum, it's not like that at all!" Ginny said, feeling she'd done the entire thing completely wrong. She hadn't wanted to write to them about the promise ring - it felt like something that should be told in person, but there hadn't been a chance to do so until now. As soon as she saw the chance to talk to them alone, she took it. Now she was regretting it. She was surprised at her mother's negative reaction. As many times as her parents had said they loved Harry, as often as they'd seen Harry and Ginny together, and as much as they'd seemed to approve of them going out together, Ginny had expected her mother to celebrate this happy news with her, not to be upset by it. Suddenly she felt a strong, gentle arm come around her shoulders and a tall, warm, comforting presence by her side. She leaned against Harry, glad he'd come to her rescue.

"Mrs. Weasley, I hope you don't mind," Harry said calmly, despite the fact his heart was in his throat. Her parents could force them to break up. They could forbid Harry to see her again. But he didn't think they'd actually do that. They might even be pleased with the idea once they got used to it. He glanced at Arthur and saw no real surprise in his eyes. So he guessed, did he? Harry thought, smiling at the man.

"What do you think you're doing, giving her a ring and . . ." Molly sputtered incoherently. Her emotions had been so abused all evening, and now this? She didn't know how to handle this situation at all!

"Mrs. Weasley, please, let me explain," Harry said with quiet intensity. "I love Ginny. She loves me. This is a promise ring. It means someday I'm going to come and ask you properly for her hand. That day won't come for a long time, though. We both have a lot of schooling to finish. But . . . ." He looked down at Ginny, his heart in his eyes, not knowing quite what to say next. "I, um, I just wanted her to know how much she means to me, that's all." He gazed earnestly into Molly's eyes. "Please don't be angry with her. The ring was my idea, so if you need to be angry at anyone, it should be me." He paused, glancing down at Ginny again before continuing. "We love each other. I hope you and Mr. Weasley understand."

Molly appeared to be fuming.

Harry tried again. "I didn't want to ask you formally because we're not ready for that yet - we're too young." He stopped and studied Molly's face hopefully for a moment, then realized he had one more detail to add. "I bought myself a ring at the same time, to show that I'm spoken for." He held his left hand out so they could see his gold Gryffindor ring.

Arthur put his arm around Molly and gave her a squeeze. "Molly, dear, I told you I had a talk with Harry in France. I suspected then that they were very serious. I didn't think this would come so soon, but I'm not surprised. Surely it's not that much of a shock to you? Ginny's letters have been full of nothing but Harry for months."

"I know," Molly said, trying hard to control her emotions, which were ranging between rage and heartbreak. "I just didn't think my little girl would grow up quite so soon."

Arthur drew her into a hug and kissed the top of her head. "Look what a wonderful young man she's chosen, love. We couldn't ask any better. You know that."

When Ginny and Harry heard Arthur's words, they looked at each other hopefully. Maybe everything would be all right. Harry tightened his arm around Ginny's shoulders, and she leaned her head against his chest, the contact comforting both of them.

Arthur broke the stalemate. He released Molly and held out his hand to Harry, a warm smile on his face. "Harry, we're happy for you both. I know you'll take good care of our girl."

Harry shook his hand and said, "I'll do my best, Mr. Weasley."


Molly opened her arms to her daughter and held her closely. "Will you at least let us know when the wedding is?" she said bravely through her tears.

"Mum! That won't be for ages!" Ginny protested. "We both have loads of studying to do first. We've already talked about that."

"You have? What else have you talked about?" Molly wanted to know.

Ginny whispered in her ear about her and Harry's discussion of where to live, how many children they wanted, and how long they'd have to wait before starting their life together.

Molly stepped back and looked her daughter in the eye. "You really are serious, aren't you?" Ginny nodded, her heart in her eyes for anyone to see. Molly smoothed Ginny's hair away from her face, lifting the heavy locks off her shoulder and putting them behind her back, straightening her collar, all the little things mothers do to tidy up their children, or just to show affection.

"Please be happy for us," Ginny murmured.

"I am, baby. I am." Her heart aching, Molly cupped her daughter's cheek in her hand and smiled sadly at her for a long moment. Then her eyes moved to Harry, who was watching her uncertainly. "Harry, dear, come here." She opened her arms and gave him a brief hug, kissing him on the cheek when he leaned down to hug her. "You've always been like part of the family. I could not be happier in Ginny's choice." She patted his cheek and let him straighten up, then reached blindly for Arthur's hand. "It seems we'll need to have a party when the children get home," she said, smiling bravely up at her husband.

"That's a wonderful idea," Arthur agreed, hoping Molly's heart would soon follow her words in acceptance of the situation.

Suddenly, the twins swooped down on them. "Did we hear something about a party?"

"What's the occasion?"

"We do fireworks for parties!"

"We have all kinds of party favours."

"Party is our middle name!"

"Where, when, and who do we send the bill to?" they said, talking over each other as usual.

Molly smiled at their enthusiasm. "At The Burrow, as soon as we can arrange it after Ron and Ginny get home from Hogwarts. I don't know that we'll need party favours, but I think fireworks would be a very nice touch."

"You're on!" said Fred.

"And we'll give you a family discount!" said George.


"What's the occasion?" they said together.

"Ginny and Harry are. . .well, betrothed isn't quite right," Molly said uneasily.

"We just say 'spoken for,'" Harry said with a grin at the twins.

"You're kidding," said Fred, not really believing what he was hearing.


"Harry and Ginny?" said George, his eyes widening as realization hit.


"Harry Potter's going to be a Weasley?" Fred said in astonishment.

"No, you dolt, Harry won't be a Weasley, Ginny will be a Potter!" George corrected him.

"Wicked!" they said together.

"We will definitely outdo ourselves on those fireworks, Mum," Fred promised.

"And anything else you want for the party, let us know. We've got contacts in all the entertainment fields now - caterers, bakers, decorations of all kinds, bands, whatever you want, we can find it - and get it at a discount!" George declared.

The twins descended on Ginny and Harry. "Welcome to the family, brother!"

"Good going, Ginny!"

"You picked a winner, Gin!"

"Harry Potter's going to be our brother!" They chortled and hooted with glee, lifting Ginny in their arms and doing a bizarre three-way dance with her, only stopping when all three were so dizzy that Harry had to catch a laughing Ginny or she would have fallen. The twins, as usual, managed to hold each other up while laughing merrily.

"What are you lot up to?" Ron said as he and Hermione joined the family gathering.

"You two don't have something you need to tell me, do you?" Molly said suspiciously, looking at Hermione's left hand, which only bore her charm bracelet on her wrist.

"No, Mum, we're not promised to each other," Ron said, glancing sideways at Hermione. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he just wasn't ready for such a commitment, despite his love for her.

"Honestly, Mrs. Weasley, I don't think Ron and I are ready to make that kind of commitment," Hermione said, as if reading his mind. Ron breathed a sigh of relief, smiling down at her.

Molly looked from Ron to Hermione and back uncertainly. She could smell a rat somewhere. They were very serious about each other, it was obvious. So why were they not in the same kind of rush as Harry and Ginny?

Meanwhile, the twins had filled Ron and Hermione in on the raucous plans they were making for what Molly had thought would be a nice quiet family gathering. She threw her hands up, surrendering to the twins' keenness. "I'll just let you lot plan it, then, shall I?"

"Brilliant!" Fred and George agreed.

Arthur saw the sadness behind Molly's smile. "Come with me," he whispered in her ear. "I have something to tell you." They excused themselves and went up to Ron's and Harry's room to have some privacy.

"What is it, Arthur?" Molly asked as she straightened Ron's bed and tutted about the state of Harry's clothes, which were strewn everywhere and could use a wash.

"I wanted to talk to you about Ginny and Harry."

"What about them?" she snapped, more harshly than she'd intended. Alone with Arthur, she could allow her emotions to show. Tears streamed down her angry, hurt face.

"I believe the reason they've become serious about each other so young is that Harry doesn't believe he has long to live," Arthur said gravely. "His life seems to be . . . I don't know, accelerated somehow because of You-Know-Who. He seems to be very determined to get everything he can out of life while he's able to. You can understand that, can't you?" He watched Molly's face as she considered what he'd said. "I think he's hungry for love, since he's had so little in his life growing up. Ginny's loved him her whole life, and the real Harry is so much better than the Harry she loved from the stories about him. She's just as much of a nurturing, loving person as you are, and that's good for him. Have you watched the two of them? If they're apart, even if they're busy talking to someone else, they look for each other. When they're together, she's always touching him, seeing if he needs anything, looking after him, letting him know he's cared for, and he treats her the same way. He is a very loving young man, you know that." She nodded. "Ginny's good for him. And he's good for her. I might have preferred they wait until they're older to get serious, but I can't see any reason to object to their relationship."

"Yes, but if he . . . if he. . . if he dies," Molly said, her voice breaking as her fears found their voice, "Ginny will be heartbroken."

"She will always have the memories to treasure, if that does happen," Arthur reminded her. "I wouldn't put it past Harry to win this war and come out of it all in one piece, ready to have a long and happy life with her. They've already been through a lot together. If she couldn't handle the kind of stress that's involved in being part of Harry Potter's life, the constant worrying about his safety, taking care of him when he's ill or hurt, all that - she would not have gotten involved with him at all. She's seen him fight You-Know-Who twice now. I can't imagine how she managed to stay on her broom and do her job with the Healer Squad while he was risking everything right in front of her, but she did. She's extremely strong when she needs to be - just like you. Their relationship seems to be solid. I believe we need to be supportive of both of them, and be there for them when they need us. And if they wind up marrying young. . .well, Harry's parents, James and Lily, married right out of Hogwarts, and they were incredibly happy together from everything I've heard. We've known many others who did the same. And I would have married you right after Hogwarts if you had agreed," he reminded her.

"I had this silly notion that I wanted a career teaching school," she said, smiling at the memory. "I had no idea I'd wind up with a whole houseful of children of my own to teach."

"It wasn't a silly notion, and you can go back to teaching any time you want, now that all the children are nearly grown," he reminded her.

"I'm looking forward to having some grandchildren to teach," she said with a tender smile. "Just not from Ginny and Harry, not for a while!" She moved into his arms, looking up at him fondly. "I wouldn't change a thing in my life, Arthur Weasley," she said, pulling him down into a kiss.

"Me either," he agreed, holding her closely. "Now, are we all right on the Ginny and Harry issue?"

"Have they actually talked about the possibility of his. . .being killed?" she asked anxiously.

"I think it's more of an understanding between them. I don't think Harry talks about it much, if at all, but I see that knowledge in his eyes from time to time. He has the saddest eyes I've ever seen sometimes, haunted, even. He's tough, and an amazingly powerful wizard. As terrible as his duel with You-Know-Who was, it was a thrill to watch Harry fight. He's amazing. I know you were too far away from the centre of things to see much, but it was absolutely astonishing to watch him - terrifying, since I was so worried about him, but fantastic, as well. I believe he'll survive this war. I certainly hope he does, anyway."

"Ginny's being put right in the heart of danger, being so close to him. Ron, too," Molly worried.

"And there's nothing we can do about it," Arthur reminded her. "Being close to Harry Potter is a dangerous thing, I grant you, but it's also one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. He's such a dear boy. I couldn't be more proud of him if he were one of our own."

Molly sniffled a bit, trying to control her emotions yet again, scrubbing the tears off her face. She squared her shoulders, preparing herself for whatever was coming. "He will be one of our own someday," she reminded her husband bravely, "and that's a wonderful thing, isn't it? Let's go back down and enjoy the party, shall we?"


The rest of the Gryffindors, all of whom were aware of Ginny's and Harry's relationship, had noticed the scene in the corner between Ginny, her parents and Harry. When the Weasley parents disappeared up the stairs, there were some worried glances among Harry's friends, and between Ginny and Harry themselves.

When Arthur and Molly came down a few minutes later, they went to find Ginny and Harry, hugging them with joy on their faces.

"What happened?" Ginny asked cautiously.

"It took me a little while to get used to the idea, that's all. I'm sorry I reacted badly before. It was just a bit of a shock, and coming so soon after hearing about your battles again and all. . .well, I apologize for my behaviour. I am so happy for you, sweetheart, so proud of you. You know how much we love Harry. How wonderful that he's going to be 'officially' part of the family!" Molly said with obvious sincerity. "Now let me see this ring," she said, taking her daughter's hand in hers and admiring it quite satisfactorily.

"Welcome to the family, son," Arthur said, shaking Harry's hand and then pulling him into a hug.

"Thanks for understanding," Harry replied. "I'll take good care of her."

"I know you will," said Arthur.

Once the Gryffindors saw the Weasleys were accepting the situation with good grace, the party just grew noisier and even more fun. Finally, near midnight, Professor McGonagall, Remus and the Weasley parents and twins all left. Professor McGonagall reminded her House that they needed to pack, since they'd be leaving on the Hogwarts Express the next morning. Eventually, everyone went up to bed except for Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione. They sat in the comfortable old armchairs that were their favourite seats, the girls in their boyfriends' laps, all of them tired but not wanting the evening to end yet.

"I can't believe it. We go home tomorrow," Hermione said wistfully. "Where has the year gone?"

"I can't believe I have to go back to the Dursleys," Harry grumbled.

"Is that why you haven't packed yet?" Ron asked curiously.

"Yeah. I can't stand the thought of going back to Privet Drive."

"Can't blame you, mate," Ron agreed. "But didn't Remus say you wouldn't have to be there long?"

"Yeah, but even one second is too long," Harry said, getting more depressed by the minute.

"I know what you need, Harry Potter," Ginny said suddenly. "You need to do something FUN!"

"We've been partying for how many hours, and you think I need some fun?" Harry said, grinning at her. One of her talents was getting him to smile when he was down. It was one of the many reasons he cherished her.

"Yes, you do. You are in need of significant fun. Now let's think. What can we do that's loads of fun?" Ginny said, being very theatrical about putting her chin in her hand and thinking very seriously about his problem. "Oh, I know," she said, giggling, then leaned over to whisper in his ear.

Harry blushed madly and laughed. "Yeah, that would be fun!" he agreed, still chuckling.


"So?" Ron said. "Are you going to keep this fun idea to yourselves? We could use some fun too!"

Ginny looked at Harry gravely. "Should we share?" she asked.

"It would be the polite thing to do, I suppose," he agreed.

Ginny hopped off of his lap and, looking around to be sure they were alone, sat on the arm of her brother's chair and whispered to Ron and Hermione, "Shrieking Shack," then burst into giggles.


"But. . ." Hermione began.

"It's just an idea," Ginny said, shrugging and climbing back into Harry's arms.

"It's brilliant! You take the Shack, we'll take the tunnel to Honeydukes," Ron agreed.

"Why don't you use the tunnel to the Shack, so we can travel together under the Cloak? That way, you're in no danger of getting caught coming out of the tunnel," Harry reasoned.

"Yeah, that's even better! OK," Ron agreed.


Hermione had watched this entire exchange in disbelief. "But we haven't packed!" she cried. "How are we going to get everything done?"

"Haven't you learned the Pack Spell yet?" Harry teased her.


"The Pack Spell?" she repeated.

"Yeah, Tonks showed it to me last year, and I looked it up and learned how to do it. I'll teach you in the morning," Harry said. "It's easy, and very fast. In the meantime, it's late. We'd better set the alarms on our watches so we get back in plenty of time." He started to follow his own suggestion, then grumbled angrily.

"What's wrong?" Ginny said, surprised at his sudden change in mood.

"My stupid watch. Damn Voldemort anyway." Harry looked at his faithful watch, the one he'd bought to replace the one ruined in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Its crystal was starred, its face nearly melted, but it had kept running, if not exactly keeping time, until this evening. It was now a completely useless decoration he'd kept on his left wrist for no understandable reason.

"What?" Ginny said, studying his face seriously.

"It was damaged by spell fire in the battle. When my arm healed, I put it back on anyway." He shook his wrist and looked at the watch again hopefully, then sighed with disgust. "It's dead. I'm surprised it kept running this long. I just couldn't throw it away while it still worked." He unbuckled it and tossed it in the bin.

"I can set the alarm on my watch," Ginny offered, hoping he'd get his playful mood back. "Four AM sound about right?"

"Perfect," Harry replied, a bit of a sheepish smile on his face. "Sorry."

"No problem," she said serenely.

"Yeah, four o'clock," Ron agreed, setting his watch as well.

"I'll go get my Cloak," Harry said, gently lifting Ginny off his lap and setting her back in the chair before racing up the stairs. Before long the four of them were huddled together under the Cloak, hurrying across the darkened grounds toward the Whomping Willow. Harry transformed into the cat and pushed on the knot that stopped the tree's motion, and the other three hurried into the tunnel, Ginny picking up the cat as they went underground. Once in the tunnel, Ron pulled the Cloak off of him and the girls, Harry changed back into himself, and the four of them ran laughing down the tunnel. About halfway to the Shrieking Shack, the tunnel widened. Ron and Hermione stayed there and Harry and Ginny ran on toward the Shack. Ron did a Cushioning Charm on the floor and he and Hermione leaned their lit wands against the wall, giving the room a soft glow.

"This may be it for a while," Ron said seriously. "If your parents take you to Italy for the whole holiday. . . ."

"Yeah," she replied. "We'll have to make this last." Her breathing was already quickened, her heart beating faster as he leaned toward her. After all this time together, her nerves still tingled with joy when their lips met. She hoped it would always be like this, with them finding such fulfilment together, so much delight in each other's company, such ecstasy when they made love. He trailed a line of kisses down the side of her neck, making her gasp with pleasure. His hands found her bottom, pulling her close to him, gently squeezing the lovely round softness there. He slid his hands up, pulling her shirt out of the waistband of her skirt, his hands gliding up inside the shirt as his lips made their way down her body. He expertly undid the catch of her bra, gently sliding his hands under the bra and lifting it away from her breasts, his hands softly kneading her breasts as he nibbled her earlobe and the side of her neck. She gasped, arching her back, pressing herself to him, and then tugging his shirt out of his waistband roughly. "You have too many clothes on!" she said huskily.


"Bossy little witch, aren't you?" he chuckled, his lips against her throat. He straightened and undid a few buttons, then pulled the shirt off over his head as she fumbled with her own buttons. Soon they were completely entwined, hands and mouths exploring hungrily.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny had finally reached the Shack. As they ran up the stairs, gasping for breath, Harry laughed and said, "It didn't occur to me they'd save time and energy by using the tunnel. Next time, they get the bed and we get the tunnel!"

"Works for me!" Ginny agreed, trying to catch her breath at the top of the stairs. She didn't have much time to do so, because his lips were glued to hers as soon as they stopped moving. He kissed her eagerly, lifting her into his arms without breaking the kiss, and carrying her into the bedroom. They managed to undress while still kissing and soon were revelling in the glorious sensation of skin against skin. His hands glided over her breasts as hers slid down his back, both savouring the delicious feelings their hands and bodies were experiencing. Moonlight spilled between the boards over the windows, casting a golden glow over their bodies.

"You are so beautiful," Harry said when the moonlight outlining her curves caught his attention. "Too beautiful for words." He gazed at her, drinking in the sight of her eyes half-closed as she lost herself in passion while his hands explored the lovely warm mounds of her breasts, the delicate arch of her hip, the long lean lines of her legs. He moved over her, gently caressing her, kissing her everywhere, treasuring every moment with her. He trailed kisses down her body, giving her beautiful breasts extra attention, then sliding down to blow a wet raspberry in her tummybutton, making her laugh. He rolled her over and playfully tickled the backs of her knees with his tongue, then kissed the tops of her feet, her ankles, her calves, rocking her back and forth to find new places to tantalize as he worked his way back up her body. She giggled and gasped as he teased some parts of her, tormented others, kissing and nibbling every inch of her lovely skin, bringing her to the absolute heights of pleasure.

She pushed him off and rolled him onto his back, her eyes full of heat. She ran her hands and lips over the soft hairs on his chest, teasing his nipples, giving him a tummybutton raspberry in retaliation, her long hair trailing deliciously over his body, driving him mad as she wandered further down.

If she touches me there one more time. . ., Harry thought, torn between ecstasy and worry. He pulled her on top of his body, engulfing her lips with his own, and rolled her onto her back.

"I love you so much," she moaned, her breath coming in gasps as they rocked together, locked in passion. "I never want to let you go."

"I love you, Ginny, I love you, I love you," he murmured, enfolding her in his arms and kissing her deeply. Her sighs of pleasure were the most wonderful music he'd ever heard. They loved on and on through the night, not wanting to waste time on sleep this last night together for who knew how long.

Four AM came all too soon, with very little rest for the four friends. Ginny's watch went off and they dutifully got up, helping each other dress amid much laughter. They entered the tunnel, being deliberately noisy in case Ron and Hermione had overslept. They were relieved to find the couple standing there with silly grins on their faces, waiting for them.


"Did you have fun, then?" Ron asked cheekily.


"Oh, yeah!" Harry replied. "You?"

"Yeah!" Ron agreed with a cheeky grin. "Ladies?"

"Mmmm," Hermione murmured.


"Mmmmm," Ginny agreed with a warm sultry chuckle, snuggling against Harry as they walked with their arms around each other.

"How in the world are we supposed to survive the holidays?" Ron mused. "I don't think I'll make it."

"You'll manage," Hermione assured him. "Great idea, you two," she complimented Harry and Ginny.

"Yeah. We're geniuses, you know," Harry joked.


"I think so," Hermione agreed, making the others laugh.

They made it to the Common Room without incident and kissed goodnight, then headed up to their respective rooms.

"I wish. . ." Harry said as he climbed into bed alone.


"Yeah, me too," Ron agreed.