Reign O'er Me

cts

Story Summary:
This fic picks up from where OotP ended; unlike many fics dealing with this period that are angst-ridden, this fic explores a different direction - what might happen if Harry should instead start to get his life together.

Chapter 06

Chapter Summary:
At Wisteria Walk, Ron complains about the speed at which Harry is moving and about Ginny's choice of wardrobe. Harry and Ginny deal with some of the practical problems of living in close proximity, and Molly takes the pragmatic view. Remus disrupts the schedule again, and the twins visit and make a confession. Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts, Trelawney predicts a uneventful summer for Harry, and declares a H/G romance just won't work; their charts are all wrong. But she manages to complicate things anyway.
Posted:
07/02/2004
Hits:
3,540


Chapter 6 - How Many Friends

"Bloody hell, Harry, really you let Snape have it. I wasn't sure he was going to get back up after..." Ron said as Harry and Ginny emerged from inside the house, joining Ron and Hermione on the porch.

Harry nodded distractedly. "Let's go back inside; it's getting hot out here, and this hardly seems like something we want to discuss outside." Harry and Ginny led the way back inside, and again sat on the couch; this time Ron and Hermione sat in chairs that had been occupied earlier by Dumbledore and Flamel.

"Ron, are you sure you're all right with... with all this?" Harry asked his friend.

Ron glanced at Hermione as he answered, "Well, it was a bit of a surprise, but yeah, it's no big deal." He looked at his sister. "Just... spare me any more details, ok?"

Hermione warned, "Ron...."

"Ok, ok, I guess it took some getting used to, but Hermione... helped...."

Harry laughed. "Hermione, by how much did I miss getting hexed into next week?"

"By four or five steps, and a pinch of floo powder." Hermione told him. She went on to tell them a somewhat edited version of what had happened earlier that morning from the time she received Mrs. Weasley's owl until arriving at Mrs. Figg's, to Harry and Ginny's amusement, and Ron's discomfort. "It's a good thing I came over to get you by myself, though," Hermione said, thinking that she had teased Ron enough, and that it was Harry's turn. "If Ron had seen the two of you cuddled together like you were this morning, I'm not sure I could have stopped him."

Ron sighed in exasperation and glared at Harry. "Fine, fine, I suppose there's no way Ginny would end up an old maid, so it was going be somebody, so it might as well be Harry. Couldn't ask her out like anyone else, no, not Harry Potter. Couldn't even sneak up to the Astronomy Tower like a normal bloke, no, not Harry Potter. Mum sends Ginny over with a picnic basket so you get a square meal for a change, you hardly eat but end up snogging madly and releasing wild magic, and a couple hours later, Mum's tucking the two of you in together for the night. Even by wizarding standards, that's moving bloody fast. But hey, it's just another typical day in the life of Harry Potter."

Ron then turned his glare to Ginny. "And I can't believe Mum actually let you out of The Burrow dressed like that. But hey, you've been trying to get Harry's attention for the past five years; I guess you finally found something that worked."

Seeing Ginny's temper starting to flare, Hermione broke in quickly. "Wish I'd thought of that; it would have been a lot easier than what I had to do to get your attention this morning, Ronald Weasley."

Ron looked speculatively at Hermione. "Well, compared to some of the stuff Harry's gotten us into.... Hermione, you know, maybe Harry's right, perhaps we should, uh, take the same precautions."

Hermione nodded as if she were seriously considering Ron's remarks, "Perhaps you're right, Ron. Or I least maybe I should. Harry, do you have a free hand?"

She got up as Harry and Ginny slid over, making room for her to sit beside Harry. Harry and Hermione joined hands as Harry smirked. "Brilliant idea, Ron."

They were still laughing when Molly Weasley returned. Molly was heartened to see the four of them together, acting like normal teens. She had been worried about Harry most of all, but now, sitting between Ginny and Hermione, he looked as if he didn't have a care in the world. Ron seemed satisfied with the state of affairs; Ginny had been radiant since taking Harry's hand, and while this was not the timing Molly would have chosen, she was not unhappy with the result.

"Well, Harry, Ginny, everything has been arranged. Your aunt and uncle were not particularly happy about it, at least until Remus brought up covering costs. He offered them far too much, I think, but at least I don't expect there will be further problems there... especially since half the amount is contingent on that. They expect that you'll come here in the mornings, and to return in the evening most days, and are aware that several of us will be close by and keeping an eye on things. One thing that may things easier as your uncle is planning to be traveling for the next two weeks; first to a conference, then something else to do with his business. For the most part, everyone will try to stay out of each other's way. You'll take all your meals here, of course."

Harry nodded. "That sounds better than I'd expected, actually."

"Now, I need to close up The Burrow for a few weeks, and I could use a spot of help. Hermione, would you mind helping Ron and me pack up a few things and get things ready for us to be away for a few weeks?"

"No, I'd be glad to help. Ginny, would you like me to pack for you?" Hermione and Ron both stood.

"If you wouldn't mind. You know where everything is, anyway. All my school stuff is still in my trunk, but I think I'm going to need more summer stuff; that's mostly in drawers in my room and the closet," Ginny replied.

"Ok, that'll be easy enough," Hermione agreed. "Don't guess you have anything there, Harry?"

"No, all my stuff's a couple streets over... though maybe I should bring my books and school stuff here, under the circumstances," Harry replied.

"That reminds me, Harry, if you need to get anything from there, this afternoon would be a good time; Remus and I barely caught your aunt and uncle. They'd gone out this morning, and had just come back to pick up your cousin for some sort of muggle thing, something to do with a box, I think. Anyway, we should be back in two or three hours; there's plenty of sandwich makings in the kitchen should you two get hungry; Tonks is upstairs, and someone else will be along if we're not back by the time she has to leave for the Ministry." Molly herded Ron and Hermione through the fireplace, and with a quick glance back at Harry and Ginny, she followed them into the green flame.

"And then there were two." Ginny smiled mischievously. "Can you believe Mum left without a warnings to behave, not a single 'Be Good'?"

Harry laughed. "Guess she knows it's too late for that, thanks to Snape."

"It's nobody's fault but her own. I was just doing what she said," Ginny said in her most innocent voice.

Harry tried to sound hurt. "You mean... if your Mum hadn't said what she did... all you'd have done last night is hold my hand?"

"No, silly. That's one genie that's not going to go back in the bottle, ever. Though you missed a good one on Hermione this morning while you were asleep."

"What happened?"

"Well, Hermione said you were looking better, and I said that I'd wanted to let you rest as long as possible since you'd had a rough night. And she started looking upset, and asked if it was Voldemort, and I told her, no, silly, because of me."

"Was that what she was laughing about when I woke up?"

"A point for Gryffindor, Mr. Potter." Ginny giggled. "Today, I thought Hermione was going to loose it when Dumbledore said that was the one thing you and Snape actually agreed on...."

"See what a good influence you are on me... even Snape's agreeing with me. I'm glad you stopped me when you did earlier, I was...."

"Five points from Gryffindor, Mr. Potter, you're not allowed to get all serious on me; not today. Tomorrow we have to start working, so today we're going to relax and have fun."

Harry nodded, "Ok, I can live with that. Want to see if we can play a game of exploding snap one-handed?"

"No, I want a shower and you could use one too; and since your relatives aren't home, we can grab your stuff on the way back. Surely the great Harry Potter can find it in his heart to loan a girl a t-shirt...not a white one, though."

Harry, to his credit, didn't blush then. "Well, I guess we can manage like we did this morning...."

"Harry... the modesty is touching, really, but let's be realistic. This isn't casual, not for either of us. We both know that; this isn't a two or three week thing; nothing will take me from your side...."

"Now who's getting all serious...?"

"Alright, then, let me put it in terms even you can understand. It's a right hassle to wash long hair at all, and I'm not about to try it one handed. You can come along and help with your eyes closed, if you insist, though I won't, or hope they don't cart you off to Madam Pomfrey with your scar bleeding so she can stuff you into those itchy pajamas. Either way, your modesty looses. It's your choice, Potter...but if you're a good lad and do what you're told, I'll do your hair; I'll wager I can get it to lay flat."

"Uh... you're not... exactly leaving me a lot of choices, here."

"No, I'm not. Your life just got a lot simpler in some ways, Harry. Come on."

"Yeah, until your six brothers arrive, anyway."

Harry followed, as she tugged him along back to Privet Drive. Most of the reluctance Harry felt was tied to the pending return of Mrs. Weasley and Ron more than anything else, though he was also concerned that things were moving far more rapidly than he was prepared to deal with.

Upon reaching Number 4, Ginny flicked her wand and unlocked the door; she led Harry through the empty house to his room; Harry found a suitable t-shirt for Ginny and clean clothes for himself; then they moved to the bathroom. Ginny looked at Harry, suddenly serious. "Harry... this time at least, let's keep it mostly showering. There's nothing I'm not ready for, but there is one thing I'm not prepared for."

Harry nodded in understanding.

At Hogwarts, most of those remaining in the castle had gathered for lunch around a single round table in the Great Hall. Dumbledore, McGonagall and the Flamels were present, and Sybill Trelawney had made a rare trip from the confines of her tower to join them. She had declined to leave on holiday, and if the truth were known, Dumbledore was far more comfortable with her remaining inside the castle walls. Snape had been present for a short time; he had sat alone, as far from the others as possible, and had eaten quickly and left without exchanging as much as a word with any else.

"In any event, it appears that it will be necessary to change our plans for tomorrow yet again," Dumbledore was saying. "A short time ago, I heard from Bill Weasley and Remus Lupin that Mordant has agreed to move hold the reading as quickly as possible, which would appear to be at eleven A.M. tomorrow."

"Are matters concerning young Harry always so unstructured?" Nicholas Flamel asked, with a touch of a smile.

"Yes!" McGonagall, Dumbledore and Trelawney answered; all then Trelawney continued alone. "But my inner eye shows a period of calm approaching for Harry; likely an uneventful holiday; perhaps even a summer romance."

Dumbledore could hear McGonagall muttering beside him; even he didn't manage to catch most of it, but he did hear something about a belfry and the word fraud more than once. Trelawney smiled dreamily.

Perenelle Flamel said, "Structure notwithstanding, this reading will hardly be easy for Harry. It is good Sybill's prediction has already come true and that Harry will have Ginny beside him."

"Ginny? Ginny Weasley?" Trelawney asked. "Oh, no, simply not possible. He's a Leo; she's a Scorpio; it would be a difficult relationship at best; their charts are simply not compatible."

"Perhaps fortunately for them, they failed to consult their charts before deciding they are together," McGonagall said dryly.

"Oh, I'm sure will be a cute little fling, but nothing will come of it. The Weasley girl is much too moody - and intense - for a Leo like Harry," Trelawney said airily. "It simply can't last."

Trelawney pushed back from the table and started to stand; suddenly, her expression changed; her eyes lost focus and she dropped back into her chair. She began to speak in strange, hoarse tones. "Chaos shall reign! The seventh has bound him and death shall free him. The servant shall lead and he will find and loose death and the dead. One shall be two; two shall be three and then burn; three have become four; four and eight shall stand. The betrayer shall deal betrayal; betrayal shall lead to betrayal and love shall seek in desperation... and if answered shall be repaid in full measure."

She sat there unmoving for a few moments, then said, "Yes, it won't last," and then stood as the others at the table watched guardedly, unspeaking. She airily walked out of the Great Hall, no doubt to return to her tower.

As the doors closed behind her, McGonagall whispered, "Was that... real?"

"Indeed," Dumbledore replied. "We may have just witnessed Sybill's third true prophecy. Though perhaps we should continue this discussion back in my office."

At Privet Drive, a little over an hour had passed. Ginny, wearing an orange Cannons t-shirt that had once been a gift from Ron, and Harry walked back to Mrs. Figg's, carrying Harry's magically lightened trunk between them. Harry's hair, for once, was almost flat. As they entered the house, Tonks was waiting, looking mildly annoyed. "Next time you two decide to pop off, tell someone where you're off to, eh?"

"Sorry Tonks, I thought you were sleeping," Harry said.

"No, just resting. I heard the door close and looked and saw you where you were heading, so I didn't worry too much, but next time... the two of you look refreshed... nice shirt, Ginny, didn't realize you'd packed... and Harry, did you change your hair?"

Both Harry and Ginny blushed, but Ginny grinned back and said, "Well, it was either give up showering and washing my hair for two or three weeks and living within arms length of Harry in the same condition or showering together. I chose clean over modest, and didn't give Harry much choice."

Tonks chuckled. "You certainly seem to be handling yourself exceptionally well, under the circumstances. Harry, you should keep letting Ginny do your hair; she might actually get it trained eventually, that is, if there's enough of it left to worry about once her brothers get done with you."

Ginny laughed. "They have to get through me first."

"Well, one of them will have a chance in a few minutes. Charlie is supposed to take over neighborhood watch shortly."

Ginny squealed in delight. "That's great. I didn't even know he was back." Harry seemed a bit less enthusiastic.

Tonks nodded. "Both Bill and Charlie will be around for at least the summer, perhaps even longer. The plan was they would share some of the neighborhood watch duties with me."

"You mean Harry-sitting?" Harry asked, unable to quite keep all the bitterness out of his voice.

"No, I mean neighborhood watch. My job is to keep the troublemakers out, monitor the wards, and make sure things stay secure for everyone who's going back and forth. Dumbledore was pretty clear on that point; that if he was going to regain your trust, he'd have to be worthy of it."

"Sorry, Tonks. I guess I'm still a little...."

"Don't sweat it, Harry. Besides, I'm not worried about you; you handled yourself pretty well at the ministry, and after last night, I feel sorry for whoever gets between you and Ginny."

As Tonks was speaking, there was a pop as Charlie Weasley apparated into the room. He looked at Ginny's fingers intertwined with Harry's, and frowned. "That might be me, Tonks. I need to have a little talk with these two."

Charlie took a step forward, his hand on his wand, an upset look on his face. Ginny made much the same move as Harry had hours before with Snape; still holding his hand, she shifted in front of him, placing herself between her brother and Harry.

"Careful, Charlie," Tonks warned. "I tried to get between them, and Ginny reducted me across the room flat on my arse without even bothering with a wand."

"There's one thing I want to ask you two," Charlie growled, but seemingly heeding Tonks advice, came no closer. "Just what took you two so long?" he asked, a huge grin breaking out. "Damn, I blew it; that was supposed to be Bill's line, wasn't it?" He stepped forward and pulled the laughing Ginny into a hug, then clasped Harry's arm. "Welcome again to the family, mate."

Ginny looked at Charlie, then Tonks. "Guess somebody's been talking."

Charlie nodded. "Good news travels fast. I didn't get the whole story, but I did see Bill for a few minutes in Diagon Alley before coming here. Why don't you tell me what happened from the start?"

"I'd love to hear some of it myself, but I have to at least make a token appearance at the ministry today. But I'll be back later tonight. Until then, I suppose." Tonks said as she apparated away.

Harry and Ginny took up their familiar place on the couch; Charlie sat nearby and they took turns describing the events of the last day. Charlie told them that he was home for the summer at Dumbledore's request but refused to go into details about where he was spending his time, saying they would find out soon enough. Charlie would, however, talk about his work on the dragon reservation; after catching up on recent events, he entertained Harry and Ginny with stories of his work until Molly, Ron and Hermione came through the fireplace, arms laden.

Charlie stood and went to hug his mum; after returning briefly it, she chided, "At least let me get the soot off first." With a flick of her wand, the traces of their travel through the floo network vanished, and then hugged her second son again. "I knew you coming, but wasn't sure when you'd arrive. It's wonderful to have you home, Charlie."

"It's great to be here, Mum. Think you can stand to have me and Bill underfoot again?"

"Nothing makes me happier than having lots of children underfoot...I wish Percy...." Molly sniffed, a tear coming to her eye.

Charlie quickly changed the subject. "Yeah, I was just talking to Bill about that; we're both are hoping Harry and Ginny will at least get their fair share of hints about grandchildren."

"Honestly, anyone listening would think I'm awful, listening to the two of you talk," Molly said, shaking her head.

"Just keep smirking, Ron, your turn will come soon enough." Charlie warned his youngest brother.

"Ron should be in line before us anyway. Hermione graduates a year before I do," Ginny added.

"Enough!" Molly said firmly. "Ron, you and Hermione take those sheets upstairs and change the beds. Charlie," pointing at a basket, "would you take that in the kitchen, enlarge everything back to normal, and put things away?"

As Ron and Hermione moved up the stairs, Charlie winked at Ginny and then quietly said to Molly as soon as the two climbing the stairs were out of hearing, "Mum, you know, I'm old enough to take it straight - you know, get lost so I can talk to Harry and Ginny."

Molly exhaled, mildly irritated. "Am I always so obvious?"

Charlie and Ginny nodded vigorously. Even Harry grinned.

"Alright, then, have it your way. Charlie, out." Molly motioned the two remaining teens back to the couch and sat down in the nearest chair. She looked back and forth between them a few times before she began, "The two of you seem to have everything under control. You're handling it better than I am, anyway. I can see you worked out one of the problems somehow while we were at the burrow... though I suppose you actually worked some of that out the first night; it's just more obvious now."

Harry started to say something, but Molly held up her hand and continued, "Wait, Harry, let me finish. I know I'm being silly; Ginny's my baby, and my only girl; I knew this would happen sooner or later; I just counted on it being a lot later; at least not before she'd finished school. Then, again, everyone attending seven full years of Hogwarts is a pretty recent thing; even in my grandmother's time, many left after their OWL year to work or marry. I'd be worried far more if it were anyone other than Harry; if nothing else, he doesn't make casual commitments; and the bonding is proof that your hearts were sure, even if your heads have been playing catch-up."

Both teens nodded; whatever they had expected, this was not anywhere close. Molly looked to Ginny. "Your father's taking this a bit harder than I thought he would. He called while we were at The Burrow; he said he was working late tonight, but I know him well enough to know he's still not completely come to terms with all of it, and he cares about both you enough to not take a chance saying he'd later regret."

Ginny nodded, tears in her eyes. Molly reached out and took her free hand. "It's ok, Ginny, he just needs a day or two. It might have been the other way around if it had been Ron instead of you."

Trying desperately to lighten the mood, Ginny murmured, "Harry fancies girls, Mum."

It took a moment for Ginny's comment to register; Molly finally chuckled. "Yes, I guess he does at that. But before you get me sidetracked again, believe it or not your father and I were young once, too. Take too much time, too much opportunity, and too much pressure - and being in the middle of a war is about as much pressure as you can get - and too much can happen before you're fully aware of what's going on. I had Madam Pomfrey send this," she said, pulling a bottle containing some sort of potion. "Er, I'm not suggesting... and, uh, not encouraging... but if...er...."

Ginny laughed, partially from the look on Harry's face, and partially from her mother's loss of words, "Mum, are you trying to say that if we can't be good, you'd rather we were careful?"

Molly nodded. "I started worrying the way the two of you were looking at each other last night, and when Hermione told me what you said this morning... I called Poppy and she already had this prepared. This will last until you return to Hogwarts, then you're on your own, and I don't want to know if you go back for more or not. The directions are on the bottle."

Harry sat, shaking his head, clearly upset. Molly and Ginny both turned to him; Molly said, "Harry, I'm sorry; if I could have gotten Ginny alone...you may have been the first male alive to heard this sort of talk without eavesdropping... but the two of you are kind of inseparable right now."

Harry sighed. "It's not that... Madam Pomfrey... already had it ready? Do I dare open the Daily Prophet?"

Molly laughed. "Albus doesn't miss too many tricks. I dare say this would have reached you one way or another by tomorrow. Believe it or not, this is isn't the first, or even the thousandth bottle Poppy has dispensed. And so far, you and Ginny haven't made the Daily Prophet, though I did look this morning. But when the news does break, you may want to avoid picking up Ginny's Teen Witch Weekly for awhile."

Harry groaned; Ginny and Molly laughed. Molly said, "Well, let me check and see if Charlie put anything up while his ear was glued to the door. At least the twins weren't here with those horrible ears, and Ron and Hermione were safely upstairs. The last thing I need is Ron thinking I'd actually sanction something like this." She stood and walked to the kitchen.

Ginny looked at the bottle, read quickly, glanced at Harry, then swallowed the contents; meanwhile, upstairs, a grinning Ron and Hermione quickly wound their extendable ears.

She started to say something when a pop announced the arrival of Remus Lupin. He nodded at the two teens. "Hi, kids. Are Ron and Hermione here? And Molly?"

Molly entered from the kitchen. "Hello, Remus. Ron and Hermione are upstairs. Shall I call them?"

Remus nodded in the affirmative; Molly called upstairs for the two to come down. Ron and Hermione quickly appeared, looking slightly guilty, then relieved on seeing Lupin standing there.

Remus nodded to them, and said, "I'm afraid there's been another change of plans. The reading of Sirius' will has been scheduled for 11:00 tomorrow at Gringotts. The training for tomorrow is postponed; at least for a day. All of you will need to be there."

"All of us, Remus?" Molly asked. "Whatever for?"

"I don't know any details; but I do know that Ginny and Hermione are in the will, and my guess is Ron is as well. In fact, all of you including Arthur, Bill, Charlie and the twins are invited. Only Percy wasn't mentioned."

Molly nodded. "What are the arrangements?"

"We'll meet here about ten-thirty and then portkey to Gringotts. Professors Dumbledore, Flamel, and McGonagall will be attending as well; Dumbledore and Flamel representing Harry, and McGonagall as a beneficiary in her own right. Oh, is Tonks back yet?"

Harry replied, "No, not yet."

"She'll be expected as well. Make sure she's aware of it when she arrives. Charlie is supposed to be here now," Molly nodded, "and Bill already knows. I'll go to Diagon Alley next and see if I can track down the twins."

Hermione asked, "What should we wear?"

Lupin looked thoughtful. "School robes should be fine; this is a formal occasion, but not exactly where you'd want dress robes."

"We'll be ready," Molly said.

"In that case, I'll see if I can locate the twins."

"Wait," Harry asked, "Why are Dumbledore and Flamel representing me?"

Lupin replied, "Dumbledore is your guardian of record for wizarding affairs; and Nicholas Flamel is your something-grandfather... something being a large number of greats, a couple different ways, actually... so between the two of them, they should be able to deal with any contingencies that might arise."

As Harry nodded, Lupin disapparated.

In the Hogwarts Headmaster's office, Dumbledore, McGonagall and the Flamels had been attempting to make sense of Trelawney's words.

"It seems clear enough that 'The seventh has bound him' refers to the bond between Harry and Ginny; she is the seventh child of Arthur and Molly," McGonagall said. "But the next words are chilling; does this mean that Ginny Weasley is fated to... die?"

Perenelle shuddered. "That would be devastating. Not to just Harry, but perhaps for our world as well. Ginny is now a very significant part of what he sees himself fighting for. And to loose that now...." She looked sadly at Dumbledore, "It almost destroyed you, Brian. And you had not bonded, and had the advantage of many more years of experience and wisdom than does Harry. I am unsure Harry could recover from such a blow so soon after...."

Dumbledore nodded slowly. "We cannot allow that to happen at any cost. It is difficult to use prophecy to predict how events will unfold as the meaning is rarely clear until afterwards; however, I confess I can as of yet see few other possibilities."

"But later, it says the three have become four," Nicholas said. "If we assume the three are Harry, Hermione and Ron, and Ginny is the fourth, it seems strange this would follow something predicting her death; unless it should actually mean only death can separate them. If Harry should triumph, perhaps that will be long indeed in coming, or it's a play on words that only death can free him, though that seems a stretch as it's worded."

"Are we even sure that any of this refers to Harry or Ginny at all?" McGonagall asked, thoughtfully. "All of the events surrounding them have been both sudden and unexpected; they progressed from friends to the most intimate relationship known in the space of a single hour. I have as of yet to even begin to understand how or why this could have possibly happened. I find difficult to use something none of us seem to understand to interpret a prophecy so vague and lacking in substance."

"It is difficult to be sure of anything involving prophecy," Perenelle said slowly, "even after events appear to have sufficiently unfolded, the true meaning sometimes remains hidden until much later. However, the bond they share does not trouble me; I have but touched the surface of what lies between them; but I do know this; if what should be, shall be, then this should be! Minerva, our knowledge of the universe has long surpassed that of the muggles, but even their scientists have begun to understand more of the true nature of things. Cause does not always come before effect; indeed, causality can be complex and intermingled beyond understanding. And, while the bonding was sudden, it is still incomplete, their contact is intense; perhaps now they are making up for lost time."

"And I have become increasingly convinced that more is at work here than we yet understand," Flamel added. "And I believe the words 'he' and 'him' refer to Harry, and that the 'seventh' is Ginny." He looked speculatively at Dumbledore. "You are his guardian in our world; the death that frees him could be yours, Brian. And I can perhaps see one other possibility as well, though I had at first thought that had already been addressed elsewhere." He looked toward the two birds, preening on their perch, seemingly ignoring the humans in the room.

"That had not occurred to me." Dumbledore nodded. "By the same token, it could refer to Harry's aunt and uncle; to the muggle world, they are his guardians; his aunt's death would render most of the protections we have built around Harry ineffective. That would without doubt free him in a sense. But 'two shall be three and then burn'? That makes no sense in the context to which you refer."

"Then what of the other combinations?" McGonagall asked. "One shall be two? Three have become four?" She noticed that Dumbledore and both Flamels had glanced toward the two birds sharing Fawkes' perch. "There seems to be a great deal of Arithmancy involved in this prophecy. Do we dare consult with Vector?"

Dumbledore said, "One shall be two? Perhaps this is another reference to Harry and Ginny? I confess I do not as of yet have an idea about the eight. But... the servant; I do believe that was the term Sybill used in her second prophecy to refer to Peter Pettigrew."

"And the betrayer? Could that refer to Pettigrew? Or perhaps Severus Snape?" Nicholas suggested.

Dumbledore sighed. "I would hope it would not refer to Severus; but after what Harry said.... Particularly since it indicates betrayal after betrayal. I still do not believe that Severus would intentionally betray us."

Perenelle asked softly, "Are you sure, Brian? Once before...."

Dumbledore nodded sadly. "No; I cannot be certain. Indeed, as I grow older, I find I am certain of less and less."

Nicolas chuckled. "My boy, you have no idea. At some point, you give up worrying overmuch about it, and follow your heart. Little different than what you do now, other than less worry, which never accomplishes anything anyway. All we can do is to hope, as Perenelle said, that what should be, shall be."

"And love shall seek in desperation... another reference to our young couple?" Minerva suggested.

"I think not," Perenelle replied. "Whatever ties between them that are involved - and there is a very strong temporal element between the two of them - I do not see any element of desperation in their relationship. You might even say that it has thus far lessened the desperation of Nicholas and Brian."

"It seems strange that a prophecy would have so many repeated elements," Nicholas said. "I believe this and following to be something that has not happened yet. The rest of the prophecy was quite clear about past and present tense. I have my doubts that we will gain full insight before more events unfold; however, understanding the prophecy is not our greatest problem."

"I know." Dumbledore looked troubled. "Given the promises I have made, what and when do we tell Harry?"

At Mrs. Figgs, after Lupin departed, the rest of the day was spent getting settled in Mrs. Figg's house, a few games of chess (after an abortive attempt proved exploding snap unfeasible for Harry or Ginny), and discussing the events of the last two days. As the day turned to evening, they were joined by Bill, then Tonks, and finally by Fred and George apparating in.

"Ickle Harrykins..." one of them began.

"And Ickle Gin-gin..." the other continued.

"Harry finally noticed."

"Took him long enough."

"Bloody hell, Fred, who would ever have guessed the great Harry Potter would have even looked twice at a poor little Weasley girl?"

"Oh! Look, George, they're even holding hands."

"Ah, Fred, they're growing up so fast." George sniffed, as if fighting tears. "It seems like only yesterday Gin-gin was putting her elbow in butter when Harry spent the summer at The Burrow."

"That's enough, you two," Molly said, frowning.

"Fred, could this be all our fault?"

"Do you think we started it...?"

"Back in Ginny's first year?"

"You mean that valentine we sent to Harry for her?"

"Yes, how'd it go? Eyes as green as a fresh pickled frog?"

"No, I'm sure it was toad... fresh pickled toad."

"That was the two of you? You... you..." Harry demanded, at a loss for words; at least words he was willing to use in front of everyone.

"But... Harry...."

"You're our friend...."

"Our partner...."

"And now, our brother... it looks like everything worked out in the end."

"All's well...."

"That ends well."

"If I had any idea," Harry spat, "that the two of you were behind that, I'd have... have done...."

"Thanked us?"

"George... he doesn't look very happy."

"Gin-gin does, though."

"Ugh!" Harry shouted. "If I had any idea that was the two of you... I'd have... I'd have given the prize money to... to... Malfoy. That was the most embarrassing moment of my life."

"Uh, Fred, Harry still doesn't look happy."

"Maybe a song?"

Grinning wickedly, Fred and George sang off-key. "Harry and Ginny, sitting in a tree, S-N-O-G..."

"I said that's enough!" Molly said sternly.

"Mum's not feeling it, George."

"But You-Know-Who is feeling it."

"And he's not real pleased, we can tell you."

The twins looked at each other, and said together, "Just like Mum."

"Fred! George, THAT'S ENOUGH!!!" Molly shouted.

"Just a bloody minute, Mum. We're just getting to the best part."

"Yeah, we've thinking hard about this since we heard the news."

"For at least 20 minutes."

"There's just one more thing we'd like to share...."

Fred moving near Harry, as if to say something privately and holding his hand as if wanting to prevent Molly from hearing, said in a stage whisper, "How to get dear Old Mum off your back, by just repeating the simple basics...."

George also moved closer to Harry. "Ooooooh!"

"One, 'we're still in school'," Fred said.

"Two, 'we've got no money'. That always works for Dad," George added.

"Three, 'You-Know-Who is still after me'."

"And the most important of all," they said together, "'We're just not ready!'"

Molly had started moving toward them as Tonks warned, "You lot should be careful, picking on Harry like that," and told a slightly embellished version of Ginny's wandless spell the evening before. Fred and George looked at their sister with new respect; Harry didn't completely escape from their wit the rest of the evening, but they were careful not to push Ginny to far.

Harry had laughed along with the rest of them, but Ginny could tell his heart was not in it; the laughter rarely reached his eyes. As the sunlight began to fade, she nudged Harry and whispered, "Shall we head on?"

Harry nodded; they stood, Harry saying he was tired and wanted to read a few things over before the reading tomorrow; Ron and Hermione also stood, and said they'd walk them at least part way.

As they walked toward Privet Drive, Hermione asked, "Harry, are you really all right with all this?"

"I guess it's happening kind of fast. Remus mentioned it yesterday, but it seems like so much is happening so fast, I've not had any time to think about it."

Ron said, "We're here for you, mate. For both of you."

"Thanks, Ron."

"I mean it, Harry. Hermione may have had to stop me long enough to think it through, but there's no one else I'd want more for a brother as well as a brother-in-law."

"That goes for me too, Harry, Ginny" Hermione said quietly.

"Again, thank you both." Harry, wondering again what he'd do without his friends, and promising himself that some way, some how he'd make amends for the last year.

Ginny had grinned wickedly at Hermione's remark. "Harry as your brother-in-law, Hermione? Is there something the two of you aren't telling us?" Hermione blushed; but Harry said nothing and Ron tried to act as if he had not heard his sister.

"Well, mate, we'll see you in the morning," Ron said as they reached the front of Privet drive. Ron and Hermione began their return to Wisteria Walk; Harry and Ginny walked up and entered the house, and walked up the stairs and a short time later entered the smallest bedroom.

As Harry locked the door, Ginny pulled him into a hug, and spoke softly next to his ear. "Earlier, I was going to suggest we give Tom hell tonight, but this isn't the time."

She felt Harry nod as he held her. "Yeah, Remus kind of took the wind out of my sails. Will you just hold me tonight? And talk? There's a lot of stuff I've been holding inside and..." his voice broke, "and I... have to talk to somebody about it. Before... I come apart tomorrow."

Ginny gently pulled him down so they were sitting side by side; as Harry sat there, tears brimming in his eyes, she slipped off his trainers and socks; then slipped his shirt off, kicked her own shoes off, then pushed him gently down on the bed and tugged at his jeans; he started to protest, but Ginny hushed him and whispered, "I said we'd talk and I meant that, but I've got six brothers, and I know how you sleep in the summer. I'm wearing shorts, so I'm fine, but you'll be more comfortable in your grundies." Harry lay quietly; moments later, she was curled beside him again, his arm around her, her right hand holding his left.

She waited, saying nothing, waiting for him to speak. She and Ron and Hermione had fretted for untold hours about this - separately and together - about how to get Harry to share some of the things he had kept bottled up inside; even before Sirius had died. Was he, at last, willing to let her in? And let her help?

Harry finally gave a long sigh, almost as if deflating. "Merlin, I miss Sirius...." Ginny still said nothing; she gave his hand a slight squeeze, enough to let him know she was there and listening, and waited. Harry finally began to speak, slowly at first, describing his life before Hogwarts, his first encounter with Voldemort, how he had met Sirius and how his hopes of living with him had been dashed; the end of the tournament and the resurrection of Voldemort, including many parts she had never heard before; Harry continued on until he reached the events of last year. Finally, as he was telling her of the unused mirror, Harry broke down into sobs. Ginny held him, comforting, waiting; after several minutes, he continued, ending with how Sirius seemed to fall backwards in slow motion. Ginny squeezed his hand, but waited. After a few moments, he turned to her, almost pleading. "And now, after all that, after I lead everyone on a wild goose chase and get him killed he was planning ahead for me... taking care of me... and leaves me...."

"Easy, Harry. Remember his letter...."

"I know, I know.... but I can still miss him, can't I?"

"Yes, we both can. And Harry, we can make him proud. And we can honor what he gave his life for, and give it meaning. If he can see us now, what do you think he's thinking?"

"That I'm a damned fool...."

"Harry?" Ginny whispered, worriedly.

"A damned fool for waiting to tell you how I feel."

"That's past, Harry. I'm here."

"No...."

"Harry?"

"I... love you, Ginny. I love you."

"Harry, I love you. I always have. I always will."

No more words were exchanged that night; before many minutes had passed, Harry had fallen asleep, exhausted, drained, but unburdened in a way he not had been since sometime in his third year at Hogwarts, when he had planned to live with Sirius. Ginny, however, remained awake longer, with Harry's words ringing in her ears. He'd said the words; they had been there, of course, since the previous night, but hearing them spoken had thrilled her to the core. But more, he'd opened up completely to her; in addition to his love; she had been given his trust as well; she lay there treasuring both until she, too, joined him in sleep.


Author notes: Next up, in "A Legal Matter", the instructions Sirius left manages to kick the sleeping law of unintended consequences again.