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 18

Chapter Summary:
Events come to a head in the Wizengamot, and Dumbledore's plan to get the votes he needs falls one short... or does it? A prodigal returns, we get another glimpse of Lena, and the kids interrupt Molly's night out.
Posted:
09/10/2004
Hits:
3,176


Chapter 18 - It's Your Turn

Up here on the ledge
I'm getting pushed to the edge
People line up behind me to step into my shoes,
Up here in the precipice
I'm getting close to my nemesis

- It's Your Turn, The Who


Nothing was said for a minute or two after Harry told them what the rest of the note from Dumbledore had said. Finally, Ron broke the silence. "Guess I kind of put my foot in it. Sorry, Harry."

"It's okay; none of us had any idea, though I guess we should have at least realized there was a pretty good possibility," Harry replied. "But it sounds like this Electra Rosier was killed about twelve or thirteen years ago. Where would we even start looking? I have no idea where to begin."

"Offhand, I think any Auror would tell you that you start by following the trail, no matter how cold it is," Sirius said. "But that's one thing we don't have to do by ourselves; this is one place we can bring in the professionals, both wizard and Muggle."

"How do you do that?" Ginny asked.

"By spending Harry's inheritance," Sirius said. "There are wizards who do this sort of thing, as well as whole Muggle companies. Jon Howe has the contacts and knows how to make it happen."

"In New York?" Harry asked, a bit dubiously.

"As a matter of fact, yes," Sirius replied. "Or anywhere else we need to go. Don't worry; I'll get this started first thing in the morning. Let me see that note." Harry handed Sirius the parchment, and he read through it. "It's a pity we don't have a name, though it might not help much if we did."

"How about magical means?" Harry asked.

"Like sending an owl and following it," Ron suggested.

"That'd be a long, hard chase if whoever you were looking for was on the other side of the pond, or in Australia," Sirius said.

"Not to mention you'd need a name," Hermione said. "Or, if you had a name, you could try the address writer at Hogwarts."

"Sirius, do you have any idea what my parents named... I mean would have... er, were planning to name... her?" Harry asked. "Bloody hell, we don't even know if there is or ever was such a person. Yet we're acting like...."

"Harry, do you really want to take a chance?" Hermione asked softly. "Think about how Voldemort reacted."

Harry nodded. "It just doesn't feel right; any sort of family I've ever imagined never included another kid; and on top of it, we're talking about a supposed sister that a Death Eater gave birth to and raised and no one's ever heard of. It sounds almost too convenient, and given where it came from... if we chase this, are we falling for another of Voldemort's tricks?"

"When I went to listen to what Peter had to say, I didn't think he could have anything, other than maybe something about where Voldemort was," Sirius said. "But he believed what he told me, and it... well, it felt true. And so far, the little we do know fits. Lily was pregnant. And to answer your first question, Harry, I heard them mention a few different names, must have been before they knew it was a girl because they'd kidded me about using my name and Moony's... But the only girl's name I ever heard either of them mention seriously was Jamie."

"Jamie..." Harry shook his head slowly, and said, "Maybe it'll seem more real when we have something definite to go on. Right now..."

"Hermione," Ginny said, "A few nights ago, when you were talking about portkeys, didn't you say the book we found at Hogwarts had something about making a portkey that would take you to a relative?"

Hermione thought for a moment and replied, "Yes, there was a charm that could be combined with a portkey, but without blood from the target, it doesn't do us any good. I can't even think of a way to use an affinity or tracking spell, all of those are based on having something that belongs to the person or that they have handled."

"How about the Rosier family? Is there anyone who might know something?" Ron asked.

"I doubt it," Sirius answered. "They had cousins in most of the pureblood families, but Evan and Electra were the last two of their line. Probably a good thing for Dumbledore; if there was someone who could lay claim to being their heir, that'd be one more vote he'd have against him."

"How'd we end up in the middle of all that, anyway?" Harry grumbled. "I don't exactly have fond memories of the Wizengamot."

"Both you and Sirius are the heirs to old wizarding families that were influential in 1605 when the Convention was put into place," Hermione said. "It's a very important responsibility, particularly in a time like this."

Both Harry and Sirius rolled their eyes; then Sirius said, "Hermione, most of the old families show up at the Wizengamot when the Aurors drag them there. From what Albus told me the other night, some of those now claiming a place were last involved in the Wizengamot in the 1600s. My grandfather used to go dabble occasionally; he liked that sort of crap. But in general, it's the elders, who have nothing better to do, and the professional Ministry and judicial staff that deal with most issues. Maybe someone will show up when a family member is involved to speak on his or her behalf. But the last time something like this happened, where everyone came out of the woodwork, was in 1605 when the Convention was put into place."

They continued talking into the evening; Molly came up to check on Harry and her youngest and sat with them for a bit; she told them that she had been surprised when Bill had shown up for dinner without the ponytail; Sirius remarked that what he was really looking forward to was seeing Charlie deliver on his commitment.

At ten o'clock, Molly said goodnight, and within the hour, Ron and Hermione also departed. Sirius asked Harry if he could borrow Hedwig and wrote a long note that he said he was sending to Jon Howe. Sirius suggested they come downstairs a little earlier than normal just in case Howe had any questions before heading downstairs himself.

Harry gave every indication that, left to his own devices, he would continue sitting there just staring into space, but Ginny pulled him to his feet and coerced him to get ready for bed. Once there, she curled against him, but Harry remained distant as they both drifted off to sleep. Throughout the night she was awakened as he tossed and turned; it was the first restless night they had spent together.

When the alarm went off the next morning, they were both still tired, but after a shower Harry seemed to be fully awake and in better spirits; Ginny was still a little tired, but tried not to let it show. Hopefully a cup of tea, or perhaps some hot chocolate would help, even if it were the middle of summer.

They went downstairs; there was no sign of Sirius, but Molly told them Hedwig had brought Sirius a message that morning, and he'd left as soon as he'd read it but had left a message for them to wait for him in the kitchen, at least until it was time for their lesson to start. Ginny muttered, "Bloody Sirius and come down a little early, I could have used another half hour," as she fixed a plate.

Harry replied, "Yeah, me too," as they claimed their places at the table.

Sirius returned a few minutes later, and after making a cup of tea, joined them at the table. "Things have been set in motion, Harry. Jon already has his people working on it, both wizards and Muggles. Tonks is going to take a gander through the files in the Auror division, and see if there are any additional details that can be found in the files and will also check through the records of whatever Electra Rosier had on her at the time she was killed. He understands that we need this quickly, and I've told him to buy our way to the front of the line or grease as many palms as necessary without quibbling... and where possible to make it hard for anyone else to get the same information."

"Great," Harry said. "What are we supposed to be doing now?"

"There's not much we can be doing, other than wait," Sirius replied. "The people that are working on this are supposed to be very good at what they do; they can get into all the records Muggles keep, and if there's any sort of trail at all, they'll find it."

"Then what?" Harry pressed.

"Why, you'll stay here where it's safe and secure while older and wiser heads assess the situation, of course, young mushroom," Sirius said, grinning.

"Yeah, just like I did last time," Harry replied, grinning back at Sirius. "That seems to have worked out okay, at least, rumor has it you haven't been missing any meals... lately, anyway."

"Honestly, Harry, if and when we get something to go on, all we can do is wait until we know enough to do something," Sirius said. "You know, it was your Dad who always came up with the plans, and Moony who'd poke holes in them. I guess I've always been more of a make-it-up-as-you-go kind of guy."

"In that case, Sirius, the most recent events may play to your strengths," Perenelle said as she entered the kitchen. "Bon. You are all here. I am afraid that things have changed rather drastically in the past few hours. Molly, child, have you heard from Arthur?"

Molly had poured two cups of tea and placed one in front of Perenelle before taking a seat at the table; with a worried look, she answered, "Not since early yesterday evening. He's still spending most nights on the cot in his office."

"Last night," Perenelle said, "Both Amelia Bones and Arthur received official letters from Cornelius Fudge, suspending both of their temporary assignments and inhibiting Amelia from exercising anything other than the administrative powers of Law Enforcement. Arthur was limited to the Muggle Artifacts office, though left without a staff. His letter implied quite strongly that if he became involved again in another department, he would be dismissed."

Molly shook her head, "I was afraid something like this might happen. Arthur said yesterday that a number of things he had done were suddenly reversed or changed without any explanation."

"How... how can Fudge do that?" Hermione asked. "I thought the one thing all sides were in agreement on is there would be a vote of no confidence? He shouldn't be making changes."

"That too, child, seems to have changed overnight. It is now only our coalition that seeks a vote of no confidence. And more, there has been activity going on around Lucius Malfoy, and the orders authorizing it have all come directly or indirectly from the Minister. And this morning, he was in his office, early; this is a total departure from his recent pattern. Aurors have been posted outside the doors, and very few have been given admission. Indeed, some of the Minister's own staff have been excluded.

"And more, yesterday the Daily Prophet accepted a series of articles by Rita Skeeter. These exposed a number of questionable acts by the Minister, including the details of Dolores Umbridge last year at Hogwarts. But last night, there was a fire at the Prophet, which destroyed almost all of the printed copies as well as severely damaged their equipment. The editorials had all called for an immediate vote of no confidence."

"Does that change things for what we were to do?" Harry asked.

"Only the timing, Harry. Brian asked that I bring you to the Wizengamot this morning. They will not adjourn again before this is decided. Bill and Charlie will join us shortly, and we will conduct you there. Ginny, child, you will need to come as well; Brian has arranged for a private box in the Gallery, normally reserved for the families of those involved in a proceeding for us. This should keep you and Harry in close enough proximity."

"How about us?" Ron asked.

"You and Hermione may come; there is room, and under the circumstances, both your support and your wands will not be amiss," Perenelle replied. Ron and Hermione exchanged a proud glance; Perenelle was counting on them as part of the team, not children to be protected. Molly had also picked up on that point and looked far less pleased, though she did not comment.

"And now, if you would all go and put on dress robes; Harry, the dark blue with silver trim would be most suitable, I think. Sirius, there was a black cape that your grandfather always wore. By any chance does it still exist?"

Sirius nodded. "Yes. But please don't tell me...."

"Yes, Sirius. If it would stir any old memories at all... any advantage, no matter how small..."

"All right," he said quietly.

Sirius and the four teens left the kitchen and headed upstairs as Molly said to Perenelle, "I'd like to go as well. Is there room?"

"I had thought you might; and it would be good for Arthur to see you there as well," Perenelle replied. "Go and get ready; I will tend to things here."

The four teens returned first; Bill and Charlie had arrived, and were also dressed in formal robes. Ginny teased Bill about his hair; his only comment was that it would grow back. Molly arrived next, and finally Sirius re-entered the kitchen, dressed in jet-black robes and a cape with silver buckles and trim. As he walked into the kitchen, the cape billowed out behind him. Ron said as all four teens smirked, "You look like Snape in that thing."

Sirius made a sound that was more like what one would expect from Padfoot as he looked at Ron, then with a wry grin he said, "The sacrifices I make. I'd still have rather worn my leather jacket."

"It looks dashing," Perenelle said as Molly and the girls nodded. She pulled out the key ring that had been used as a portkey several times and asked, "Are we ready? This will take us to Dumbledore's office at the Ministry, the Chief Warlock's office. From there, we will all initially proceed to the Gallery."

Everyone touched the key ring, and moments later, they appeared in the Ministry. The portkey had brought them to Dumbledore's private office; Perenelle opened the door a crack, and after looking out, opened it and motioned for them to follow. Sirius remained in the inner office. Pandora Jones, Dumbledore's assistant, looked up and said, "Good, you're here. The session just began a few minutes ago. Do you know where to go?"

"I believe so. Box number three in the Gallery," Perenelle replied.

"Yes, the password is 'Canary Crème,'" Jones said, as the teens exchanged grins. There were at least a few things that remained constant.

Perenelle lead them from the office and through several corridors until they reached a large open room with several double doors that led to the public gallery of the Wizengamot. She led them to a smaller single door on one side, a door that blended into the wall so well, it was not obvious unless you were looking for it. The door opened onto a narrow hallway that ended in another door, which opened into a small box, with room and seats for ten people, overlooking the Wizengamot.

Perenelle motioned for Harry to sit beside her; Ginny sat by Harry, and the others found places; they then watched the proceedings. Perenelle sat quietly for several moments and then whispered, "The motion of No Confidence has already been introduced; they are now wrangling over points of order. The voting will begin soon. An Aye vote will be in favor of the No Confidence motion. If it passes, Cornelius Fudge will no longer be Minister of Magic, and his replacement must then be chosen." She continued whispering softly, primarily to Harry, explaining what he needed to do.

As the role was called, Perenelle whispered to them after one of the members voted, "That was a surprise. We had counted on his vote." Then, as the role neared the end, Perenelle whispered again, "It is well Harry and Sirius are both here. It is close indeed, but their votes will give us enough to ensure a tie. It is time, Harry. She looked at Bill, who rose and followed Harry as he left the box."

A few moments later, the door to chamber opened, and Harry walked alone into the center of the room. He waited until the member being called had responded to the roll, and then said, his voice amplified by the Sonorous charm. "Chief Warlock, I am Harry Potter. I stand before you as heir of the House of Black and the House of Potter, and I wish to take my place." Buzzing broke out through the chamber as the members and guests whispered among themselves at this latest development.

Dumbledore, as the presiding officer, said, "Welcome, Mr. Potter. If without objection, I recognize Mr. Potter as the heir of both the Houses of Black and Potter."

There were loud and immediate objections, including Harry's age and that Sirius had been seen and was apparently alive. Aubrey Wilkes, who seemed to have emerged as the point person for the opposition, called on a point of order for an immediate decision if a single individual would be allowed more than one vote.

Dumbledore knew the opposition had expected Harry to claim his place, and he had made sure that the rumor mill knew of the intent for Harry to claim both votes. Based on the information his sources had gathered, Dumbledore had expected the issue of Sirius being alive to be the primary basis for objecting to Harry casting both votes... but Wilkes was taking another and unexpected approach. The plan had been the motion denying Harry the House of Black vote would have indirectly resolved the issue of Sirius' status, and then Sirius would make an entrance and be able to claim his place without opposition, but Wilkes had short circuited that.

The motion limiting Harry to one vote then passed. Unfortunately, this left the question of Sirius wide open. The Convention had been ambiguous on this point, on one person having the votes for two hereditary Houses; but it was not to be. At least there had been no further objection to Harry taking his place, other than an easily dismissed objection to his age; Harry's emancipation had been widely reported. If only that member had not switched sides at the last moment, Dumbledore thought, Harry's single vote would have been enough to force a tie in the No Confidence vote; this did not bode well.

Sirius then entered the hall, the cape billowing behind him. As he entered, the buzzing started again, louder this time as Sirius made his claim. Again, there were many objections raised; by the time order had been restored, Wilkes held up a copy of Sirius' death certificate and loudly said, "Isn't it convenient how even the dead seek to cast votes. Legally, Sirius Black is dead; clearly, this is a subject that needs to be reviewed by the Wizengamot through the normal judicial channels. Once that is resolved... why, certainly, Sirius should take his place if the review finds this is indeed Sirius Black, and not some plot to change the outcome of the current vote." There were several shouts of agreement. Sirius offered to submit to any tests required; however, Wilkes made a point of order motion that the Wizengamot take up Sirius' status as the first order of business following resolution of the No Confidence motion and election, if necessary, of a new Minister. This motion carried by two votes. Harry had voted Nay.

Wilkes' manner was now cocky as he said to the assembly, "It would appear, honored Chief Warlock, that Mr. Potter is indeed now faced with a decision of picking under which house he shall cast his vote. There seems little question that for the moment, he is indeed the heir of both houses. For the record, of course." Many of his backers were chuckling openly; it appeared they would still maintain a two-vote margin and that Dumbledore had been outmaneuvered.

In the box, they exchanged worried glances; they had all been counting, and it looked as if they were still two votes short of a tie even with Harry voting.

Ginny whispered urgently to Perenelle, "Did Dumbledore have another vote?"

"Yes, child," she replied sadly, "but he will not use it now; it would not matter. We cannot discuss that here. It seems we have lost."

As Harry prepared to answer, he heard Ginny through their link, "Harry, say that you are voting as the heir of the House of Black. Now!"

"But..."

"Please, Harry. There's no time. We're a vote short. Trust me."

Harry looked at Dumbledore and clearly said, "In that case, I am here as the heir of the House of Black, and I hereby cast my vote of Aye for the Motion of No Confidence."

Dumbledore looked surprised, but nodded. It didn't really matter, with Sirius' claim in limbo, they were still a vote short even with his final backup; if the measure had tied, he, as Chief Warlock, could have broken it. At least, he thought, the difficult decision to compromise one of the two remaining information sources was now easy. He held out his hand to the clerk for the parchment containing the tally."

"Wait!" Ginny had touched her wand to her throat, stood, and moved forward. Her voice rang out from the Gallery box where she sat and reverberated through the chamber. As all eyes turned toward her voice, they saw a young woman with standing in one of the small gallery boxes, one hand holding to the rail of the box. When all eyes were on her, she tossed her head subconsciously to move her hair from in front of her eyes; the torchlight reflected in her hair, making its copper color appear is if it were aflame. She continued, her voice still amplified, "I hereby claim my voice and vote as an heir of the House of Potter." The buzzing of conversation quickly became a roar.

"Ginny," Ron hissed, "What in bloody hell are you doing?"

Ginny felt the same thing from Harry, though wordless. Dumbledore mostly succeeded in controlling his expression, though Nicholas and a few of the elders who knew him well could see this had taken him by surprise. Perenelle reached out and seized Ginny's hand as she turned to leave the box, as if to stop her, then her expression changed and she whispered, "Child, we have not considered the possible ramifications or risks."

Ginny flicked her wand again, and then said quietly, "It's already done."

Perenelle nodded as Ginny's gaze locked with hers, then she said, "Indeed. Make your intention clear."

Ginny turned, and amplified her voice again. Her words rang out, "Chief Warlock, please permit me a moment to reach the chamber."

Dumbledore only nodded; and Ginny turned to leave the box, but Ron, Charlie and Molly blocked their way. Ginny touched her wand to her throat, and said, softly, "There's no time to explain; I'm doing this, the damage is already done; stand aside or I'll... I'll reduct the lot of you if... you don't...."

Molly and Perenelle exchanged a look, and Perenelle nodded; Molly reluctantly pulled Ron and Charlie aside. Ginny looked straight ahead; she was afraid if she looked at Molly her already shaky resolve would weaken and she would not be able to go through with this. Unfortunately, she had been this scared before, and that did not make this time the least bit easier.

As she climbed down the stairs, she told Harry what she'd planned. At first, he objected strongly, but she pointed out the deed was already done; the mere act of making the claim was enough that questions would be asked; even though she felt his worry, she also felt his pride when he had thought, "You are truly Gryffindor!" Suddenly, she realized she was no longer afraid.

Bill was standing near the door to the chamber as they approached. He looked worriedly at his youngest sibling. He asked, softly so that only she and Perenelle could hear, "You're going to tell them, aren't you?"

Ginny nodded and said, "How else could I make the claim?"

Bill hugged her for a second and whispered in her ear, "I'm very proud of you, Gin." He opened the doors for her.

Perenelle said, "From here, you must go alone. Join Harry, and stay close together."

As soon as Ginny had first spoken, Nicholas Flamel had left his seat and moved toward the dais; Dumbledore also left his chair and they whispered quickly to each other before returning to their seats as Ginny entered the hall. The buzz of conversation, which had grown softer while she left the gallery to reach the chamber, began to swell again.

Ginny walked forward to somewhere near the point where Harry had first spoken and again touched her wand to her throat; Harry had appeared from somewhere and stood beside her as she said, "Chief Warlock, I am Ginevra Weasley Potter. I stand before you as an heir of the House of Potter, and I wish to take my place."

Wilkes shouted over the roar, his voice amplified, "What is the meaning of this? This... this child, this delusional child is underage and is the daughter of Arthur Weasley; she is no more a Potter than I am." There were many shouts of agreement.

Dumbledore attempted to restore some order; finally, as the noise began to subside, Ginny clearly said, "I am Ginevra Weasley Potter. Harry Potter and I are Anima Iugum Nobilis; we are soul-bonded. Again, Chief Warlock, I wish to take my place." And again, the noise swelled.

Dumbledore made a show of standing and flicking his wand toward where Harry and Ginny, then he nodded, "Ms. Potter speaks truly; they have achieved Anima Iugum Nobilis. Then, if without objection, Ms. Potter, you may take your place."

Arthur Weasley had stood, and after amplifying his own voice, shouted over the roar, "Ginny... I cannot permit this."

Ginny cringed inside, but her expression did not change as she replied, "Harry Potter has been emancipated; thus, his status now determines mine. I'm... I'm sorry, Dad. Chief Warlock, I wish to take my place." Arthur slowly sat down; Amelia Bones had moved beside him and was whispering to him.

"If there are no further objections, Ms. Potter, you may take your place."

The roar continued, but no further challenges were raised. Dumbledore nodded, though he seemed to be looking elsewhere. Ginny said, "I hereby cast my vote of Aye for the Motion of No Confidence." Harry then led Ginny to where he and Sirius had found a place to sit.

They heard Wilkes shout, "You're still a vote short, Dumbledore...."

The door had opened again, and an imperious voice rang out, "HOLD!!!" Harry, Ginny, Sirius, and indeed the entire hall turned; for a moment, silence reigned, then, as she moved regally forward, the buzz of many conversations began again; the Death Eaters and their allies began laughing openly; many of Dumbledore's backers suddenly looked ill. Reaching the spot where Harry and Ginny had stood, she said, "I am Narcissa Black Malfoy. I stand before you as an heir of the House of Malfoy. I wish to take my place."

Dumbledore looked stricken; Harry felt sick; Ginny had told him Dumbledore had another vote somewhere up his sleeve... but this would put them behind again, and Ginny's courageous stand would accomplish nothing. In the box, Hermione whispered to Perenelle, who had returned to the box with Bill when Ginny entered the hall, "We've lost, haven't we?"

Perenelle nodded toward the floor, where her eyes were riveted, and replied, "Watch, child. There are no contradictions, only errors in our assumptions. Watch, and learn."

Dumbledore stood on the dais, and raising his voice, said, "If there are no objections, Ms. Malfoy, you may take your place." Dumbledore's shoulders sagged as he spoke; he looked very tired.

The noise continued, consisting of mostly those aligned against Dumbledore laughing and congratulating each other. Those who had backed Dumbledore sat quietly, certain they had lost.

Narcissa Malfoy then shouted, "QUIET!" After a moment, the noise largely faded. She then continued on in a calmer tone, "I hereby cast my vote of... AYE for the Motion of No Confidence."

Pandemonium broke loose all at once. Somehow, Sirius was suddenly standing beside his cousin, his wand in hand; Wilkes and several others - all of them suspected Death Eaters - started to move toward Narcissa as a number of Aurors appeared from somewhere behind the dais, their wands drawn.

"SILENCE!" Dumbledore shouted. "WE WILL HAVE ORDER!" Slowly, the roar began to die as the Aurors began to move toward the members. When the noise had lessened enough for him to be heard, Dumbledore said, "The vote is tied. As Chief Warlock, I will therefore break the tie by voting Aye. The motion of No Confidence is hereby approved."

It was almost silent for a few seconds; many of those who had been cheering moments before when Narcissa Malfoy had entered the hall were sitting in stunned silence. Those who had backed Dumbledore were also quiet for the most part, though their expressions had changed to one of determination. Tiberius Ogden then stood. "Chief Wizard, I nominate Amelia Bones as Minister for Magic."

"And I second," Griselda Marchbanks said.

As Harry looked around, he noticed that many of those who had been laughing the loudest a short time before were now leaving. He heard Wilkes, who had approached the dais before being stopped by two burley Aurors, "You'll not get away with this, Dumbledore." Dumbledore calmly ignored him, and said, "Are there any other nominations?"

Arthur Weasley said, "I move nominations be closed," and that motion was duly seconded and approved. Then Dumbledore called the question, again using a roll call vote. Most of those who had opposed Dumbledore did not answer; they had already left or were leaving the chamber. A few of those who had opposed the No Confidence motion this time voted with the winning side; this time the votes that were cast were overwhelming in favor of Amelia Bones as the next Minister.

As Harry and Ginny stood with the clapping and cheering crowd, Ginny threw her arms around him and kissed him. Harry noticed after several moments it had grown quiet, and then there was a flash of light. He and Ginny broke apart then; standing a few feet away were a grinning Rita Skeeter and her photographer, Bozo. The crowd began applauding again; both teens blushed as they realized everyone was now looking at them. Rita approached Harry and Ginny, and said just loud enough to be heard over the crowd, "This picture's gonna be page one above the fold and on the cover of Teen Witch Weekly. I'll want to talk to you both later, but kid, what you did today took a lot of guts. I hope you listened to what I said about your mail. Read my article in tomorrow's paper - the Prophet and Quibbler will be doing a combined issue. You're gonna love it."

Harry doubted that, but Ginny looked pleased. "I hope Cho takes the paper," she said.

"Cho Chang?" Rita asked, as Harry wondered if her grin had once been part of her purse. Ginny nodded, and Rita said, "Honey, I'll check the subscription rolls, if she's not subscribed, I'll see she's sent a copy personally."

Dumbledore had again restored order, and Madam Bones was then sworn into her new office. Afterwards, she said, "Chief Warlock, as I recall, a motion was made that our next order of business was to consider the status of one Sirius Black. I move that the Wizengamot recognize that the reports of Mr. Black's death were totally in error, and that all records be corrected immediately, and that Sirius Black shall enjoy all the rights and responsibilities of citizenship in our world, and more, the thanks of this administration for his courageous stand today."

Again, there was cheering and applause, but this time for Sirius as he stood in the center of the floor beside his cousin. Dumbledore said, as the noise abated, "It would appear we have consent, so ordered."

"Chief Warlock," Madam Bones then said, "Now having dispensed with matters placed on the agenda during the tenure of the prior administration, it is my wish that my first act as Minister for Magic shall be to recognize the Potters - Harry and Ginny, as they are known to their friends, for their courage in standing up today and being counted; their actions not only have made a profound difference in the outcome here today, but will impact our world for a long time to come. Further, let the record show this government wishes the Potters great joy and long life together. I so move."

When the cheering and applause finally began to soften, Dumbledore said, "Without objection, so ordered."

Amelia Bones made a series of motions, all of which were approved. Narcissa Malfoy was recognized and thanked. Arthur Weasley was confirmed as head of the department of Magical Law Enforcement and Dolores Umbridge was summarily removed from her position. Harry saw Sirius motioning to him; Nicholas Flamel and Narcissa Malfoy were standing near him. Harry took Ginny's hand and they joined Sirius; he muttered, "We're getting out of here while the getting is still good; come on." Glancing up, Harry realized the gallery box was empty.

Nicholas led the way, with Narcissa following him; Sirius took up a position on one side of her and motioned for Harry to walk on the other. In one of the corridors, they met the others who had watched from the gallery; Molly had wrapped her arms around Ginny; she only reluctantly let her go after Perenelle's urgent reminder they needed to leave.

They entered the Chief Warlock's office; Pandora Jones greeted them with a smile. Perenelle handed something to Sirius and said, "This will take you to Hogwarts; Minerva will be waiting for you and will get Narcissa settled." Sirius nodded and held out something - it looked like a key - to Narcissa; she touched it, and they vanished. Perenelle then reached somewhere within her robes and held out the key ring that had brought them there, and as soon as everyone was touching it, she trigged it, returning them to the kitchen of Grimmauld Place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When they had returned to Headquarters, Ginny found herself the center of attention; Hermione and all of the Weasleys had thought the events that had unfolded had been part of Dumbledore's plan all along, but it quickly came out that Ginny had acted on her own, even taking Dumbledore and the Flamels by surprise.

"How did you know?" Hermione finally asked.

Ginny blushed as Molly answered, "Silly old bodice-ripper romance novels."

Hermione also showed a touch of color in her cheeks as Ginny responded, "Those were your silly old bodice-ripper romance novels, Mum."

Molly nodded, thought for moment and finally said, "Warlock's Destiny, wasn't it?"

Ginny nodded, and said, "I'll find it for you, Hermione, and transfigure the cover next time we're at the Burrow." Hermione gave Harry an exasperated look.

Nicholas said, "Surely none of you were thinking she learned it in History of Magic?"

As the laughter started to die, Perenelle added, "Perhaps there needs to be a new a new textbook. Warlock's Destiny, did you say?"

After the laughter died again, Nicholas said, "In all seriousness, Ginny, that was a very brave thing that you did today. Despite hours and hours we have spent attempting to explore every possible angle, the possibility had not occurred to us. Well and bravely done."

"Ginny," Arthur Weasley said as he entered the kitchen. As Ginny turned, Arthur stopped and held out his arms; she ran to him, and he hugged her tightly to him, lifting her feet from the floor. "I'm so proud of you, Ginny, so very, very proud."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It had been one of the most relaxing, easy-going days Cat could remember. Joe had finally run out of questions; he had fixed lunch for the two of them and had then left for a meeting at the mission he ran. He'd told her to soak her ankle again, and he'd put a fresh dressing on it when he returned that evening. He had suggested she spend the time reading but had told her she could also watch the small TV that was downstairs; after spending half an hour in the tub, she'd dressed again other than her socks and sneakers; she padded down the stairs barefoot and turned on the TV.

Joe did indeed have a meeting at the mission with several of the volunteers; fortunately, this had gone quickly, leaving him time to run an errand before returning to Cat, or Lena as he now thought of her. He drove to a nearby precinct station, and as luck would have it, his friend, a detective, was in. He'd asked the man to run the name Lena Rosier through their computer, and there'd been results, several pages of them. After reassuring the detective he'd be in touch if he actually saw this Lena Rosier again, a statement both of them knew to be patently false. He then left and returned to his office at the mission to study what he'd been given.

It looked as if what she had told him had been pretty accurate. From the grainy photo printed on the first page, it was little doubt it was the same girl who was now in his house; it had been taken when she was around twelve. The background info said that she had been abandoned as a toddler at a daycare center in Jersey City, New Jersey; the address and phone number given by the person who had dropped her off turned out to be nonexistent in the case of the address, and the number had been for a payphone. Lena had then been placed in the foster care system, and had been considered a problem child; the background info said she had moved regularly between foster parents and temporary placements due to a variety of problems.

She first ran away four years ago, and as she had said, had quickly been picked up. She'd made two other attempts where she'd made it on her own for less than a week, then, she'd disappeared for several months, only to turn up in Philly a few months later; she'd run away again; the pattern repeated itself in several cities; in general, she had headed more or less south; she'd last been picked up in Greenville, South Carolina. It was surprising she had gotten away with running away so many times; however, it seemed by the time she had been identified and the paper work had caught up with her, she'd managed to slip away from whatever temporary home she'd been placed in. She had a fairly long police record; most of it related to running away, truancy, and occasional petty theft, usually food.

Unfortunately, it looked like she'd also been truthful about not belonging anywhere. Joe had really expected to find, if he'd found anything at all, that somewhere there were parents or family who would be desperately seeking this child; it was hard to believe that one of their children, as rare as they seemed to be, had been abandoned in the way she apparently had been.

Joe carefully placed the papers in a file, and then locked it in his desk drawer. He left the mission then and returned home to find Lena sitting about a foot from the small television; it suddenly became clear to him why she had acted so strangely when he'd mentioned books; she badly needed glasses.

He put another dressing on her ankle; it still looked ugly, but it was at least drained and beginning to heal. He told her to put on her shoes and socks, and they would do a bit of shopping. She seemed both scared and excited by the prospect, and a few moments later she was ready, and he drove them to a mall on the edge of the city. She seemed a little nervous, but her confidence seemed to grow as no one took any particular notice of her. Joe led her to a chain eye-ware store, with an onsite optometrist who checked her eyes and confirmed his suspicion; Lena was nearsighted. At first, she had been quite reluctant at the idea of glasses, but seeing how the world suddenly came into focus looking through the diagnostic equipment, she eagerly selected a pair of frames and they placed an order, to be ready in an hour.

They then went to the food court; Joe let Lena choose anything she wanted. There were almost too many choices, but she finally settled on a burger and a hot fudge sundae, then they picked up her new glasses. Joe had been amused watching the paradigm shift they had introduced to Lena's world, seeing things so differently; he decided to take her to a movie. There was a new picture that was opening that looked as if it might contain sufficient excitement for her and also be interesting for him; they purchased two tickets for Independence Day; he bought the overpriced popcorn and sodas, and they entered the dark theatre where Lena was enthralled for the next two hours.

Afterwards, they returned home, and from his earlier hunch, he asked her to take a look at a book he selected for her. She looked up after a page and said, "I can actually read this now for more than a few minutes without it hurting."

"Then give that one a go, Cat," Joe said. "If you liked the movie, I think you might like this, too." She settled back in an armchair, one leg hooked over the arm, with a copy of The Hobbit.

It was approaching ten that evening when she suddenly gasped and dropped the book; when Joe looked toward her, she was tightly grasping her side. He walked to her, asking what was wrong, she was in agony, both hands pressed over her abdomen. Joe knelt beside her and gently pulled her hands away. One hand was smeared with blood; she had already bled through her clothes.

He picked her up and sat her on the couch, and snapped the jeans and pulled her shirt back; the scar he had noticed the first day had become an angry red and had opened; Lena looked at him, terrified, as he tried to reassure her; not an easy task, as he was unsure himself what to do.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sirius had accompanied Narcissa to Hogwarts, where Minerva McGonagall had welcomed Narcissa and had shown her to one of the small apartments in the staff wing. Narcissa had said very little, and Sirius was unsure where to begin any sort of conversation; she had thanked him briefly, and then had closed the door, leaving him standing with McGonagall.

Sirius had asked if he might have use of a fireplace; McGonagall had led him to the empty staff room; Sirius told her that he would most likely depart from there, or walk to the gates and Apparate; she nodded, wished him a good day, and departed.

Sirius placed a floo call to Jon Howe; Howe told him that he had dispatched an owl a few minutes before when he had been unable to reach him. Howe told Sirius that he had received several pages that he wished Sirius to look at, and handed them to him through the fire.

Sirius studied the grainy photograph for a moment, and then said, "That's her, Jon. No doubt at all. The resemblance... even if we'd not been looking and I ran across her in the street, there wouldn't have been any doubt. Have you located her?"

"No, she's a runaway. Read though the report, and you'll see what I mean. It looks like she was in New York until about four years ago, and has been generally moving more or less south since. I've told them to do everything possible to pick up the trail from where she was last picked up."

Sirius nodded. "Is this my copy?"

"Yes. And another thing," Howe added. "As far as I can tell so far - and it's a slower search, because it still has to be done by hand - there's no record of a Lena Rosier, or any Rosier for that matter, in the US Department of Magic. There's no indication that the Yanks have any record she exists."

"Isn't that unusual?" Sirius asked. "Wouldn't her birth have been recorded?"

"The Yanks use a system similar to ours, but we really have no idea where she was born. There's no birth certificate or any sort of record. The paper trail starts when she was about three."

"Thanks, Jon. Any speculation at all on where it goes from here?"

"Not really. She's pretty good at ducking the system; the guy I talked to said it was damned unusual for her to successfully run away so many times. By the third or fourth time, they usually lock them up pretty tight."

"Okay, keep me posted, I guess. Will you be in tomorrow morning?"

"Plan to be."

"I'll check with you then."

Sirius closed the connection and then settled in a chair to read through the papers. He read through it once and then flipped through the papers, rereading various parts. Finally, he stood and walked to the fireplace and returned to Grimmauld Place.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Evening had come to a mostly empty Grimmauld Place. The Flamels had returned to Hogwarts and Arthur Weasley had taken Molly for a quiet dinner and evening together in Diagon Alley to celebrate his new position. Bill and Charlie had left for destinations undisclosed, but given their dress, it would not have been unreasonable to assume their plans were social. Sirius had said something about "kicking the tires and lighting the fires" as he had rolled his motorcycle out the front door, and Tonks, at last report, was alternating between Hogwarts and the Ministry. Remus was locked away in his cellar room, and Dudley was somewhere in the house, most likely with the exercise equipment. Sirius had Dobby preparing and serving Dudley's meals separately.

The four teens were in the kitchen finishing the meal Dobby had prepared and discussing the events earlier in the Wizengamot. Harry had the feeling that something was bothering Hermione, but she changed the subject when Harry tried to steer the conversation in that direction; he decided to try and talk with her alone later. Ginny had been more quiet than usual; an hour or so after they had returned to Grimmauld Place, she had experienced a bad case of the shakes and had lost what little had been in her stomach. Harry had taken her upstairs to lie down; when they emerged for dinner, Ginny seemed to be all right but was still subdued. She held to Harry's hand as if they still needed to remain in constant contact.

Ron had been gleefully describing the reactions of some of those who had opposed Dumbledore as Narcissa Malfoy had cast her vote; from the gallery, he and Hermione had enjoyed a much better vantage point that Harry and Ginny on the floor. Suddenly, a robed figure, with hat pulled low, stumbled into the middle of the kitchen. Ron and Hermione, who were sitting on one side of the table facing away from the new arrival, turned and then drew their wands, while Harry, at the end of the table, stood and roughly pulled Ginny up and behind him.

As the new arrival turned toward them, Ron's eyes flickered in recognition. "How in the bloody hell did you get here?" he demanded.

"Percy!" Ginny gasped.

At the sound of Ginny's voice, Percy took a step in their direction, but the wands Ron, Harry and Hermione held on him finally registered, and he stopped. "Come any closer, Percy, and you'll wake up in St. Mungo's. How the hell did you get here?" Ron demanded again as he stood.

"Where is Professor Dumbledore?" Percy replied, his eyes wildly searching the room, "I need him, now! Where is he?"

Percy started to move toward them again, and Ron swished his wand and said, "Locomotor Mortis! Does this look like Hogwarts? You don't have any business being here, Percy. I hope to Merlin Ginny put your useless carcass out of a job today! How'd it feel to see the arse you've been kissing get kicked for a change?"

"Ron, stop this foolishness this in..." Percy said, but that was as far as he got. Ron surged forward and unleashed a vicious uppercut that landed on Percy's jaw. Percy dropped to the floor like a poleaxed steer; Ron stood over him, awkwardly flexing one hand and holding his wand on Percy with the other.

"Ron! No!" Ginny shouted, as she pushed past Harry and dropped to her knees beside Percy. Ron started to pull her back, but Ginny raised her hand in a way he had seen her do twice before. He took a half step back, but kept his wand trained on his older brother.

"Percy, please, why are you here?" Ginny asked.

Percy answered groggily, "Don't know where here is; have to find Dumbledore, they've taken Penny."

"Penny? Penelope Clearwater?" Ginny asked. Harry and Hermione moved closer; Hermione lowered her wand though Harry kept his at the ready.

"Penelope Weasley... my wife." Percy shook his head, trying to clear the cobwebs. "Please, I'll explain later, get Dumbledore, he gave me the portkey that brought me here; it was only for a dire emergency. They've taken Penny, I've got to get help while there's still time..."

"Who has Penny?" Hermione asked, joining Ginny beside Percy.

"Baddock and Bletchley. They're Death Eaters."

"How do we know this isn't some sort of trick," Ron demanded harshly. "Seems passing strange that you'd show up now with this sort of cock and bull story just after your lot got booted."

Ron's words seemed to cut Percy deeply. He ripped back his sleeves and held up his thin arms. "I'm not a Death Eater, Ron. Please, call Dumbledore; get help. Penny... Penny's in the family way; if they rough her up..."

Ginny had heard enough. She stood and walked to the fireplace, took a pinch of powder and threw it in the flames, and said "Albus Dumbledore." She placed her head in the flames, and found herself looking into Dumbledore's empty office. She withdrew, took another pinch of powder, and said, "Nicholas Flamel." Again, she was looking into an empty room. She tried McGonagall, the twin's shop and Fleur Delacour, hoping to find Bill there, but again, no one was home.

"Harry?" Ginny turned toward Harry, looking for suggestions. Sirius was riding; all the older Weasleys were out, Lupin was in no condition to help, and none of the professors who were staying at Hogwarts for the summer - or at least the ones Harry would call on for help - were in. And he didn't know how to reach Tonks at Hogwarts, and he certainly wasn't going to try to reach her at the Auror division. He shrugged and said, "I guess it's up to us, or we wait."

Ginny returned to Percy's side; he was sitting up; Hermione had done something to ease his jaw, and Ron had reluctantly released the leg locker curse at Hermione's insistence. Harry took a step forward and held out his hand; Percy took it, and Harry pulled him to his feet. Ginny held his other arm; he was still a little unsteady. Ginny led him back to the table and got him to settle in a chair.

Ginny joined her fingers to Harry's for a few moments; Ron was still looking dubiously at Percy, but Hermione realized that something had passed between the two of them. Harry said, "Percy, we're all the help that's here right now. Tell us what happened."

Percy sighed and shook his head as if there was no hope but finally said, "Today, Roderick Baddock and Miles Bletchley left the office before I did. There's nothing the least bit unusual about that, but they'd been smirking and giving me lip all day, and when they were leaving, Bletchley said something about they'd see me later... Something... something just didn't seem right about it, and I left a few minutes after they did; not that it mattered much, I haven't had much to do for weeks. I saw them - Baddock and Bletchley - go into the building where Penny and I have a flat. I... I slipped up behind them and heard them force their way into the flat... I listened outside the door for a few minutes; they were asking Penny about when I'd be home, what time I usually came. When I heard that... I... was... afraid to try and take them alone. If Penny were banged up or hit with a spell," his voice dropped to a whisper, "she could lose the baby. The healer has already been warning her..."

"Where's the flat?" Harry asked.

"It's near Blackfriars," Percy replied.

"Tell me everything you can about the flat," Harry commanded. "Is there a second door? How's it laid out?"

Percy talked for several minutes, prompted by Harry and Hermione. Hermione found parchment and a quill and asked Percy sketch out the floor plan. Staring at the parchment, he said, "What am I doing this for? You lot can't help me. I can't go to the Aurors; I've got history with several of them; all of them hate me over the pay changes, and most seem to be convinced I'm a Death Eater, too."

"Percy? Please?" Ginny begged.

He sighed and sketched the flat. Harry took the parchment when he'd finished, and placed in on the table where they all could see.

Hermione said, "If they're waiting to ambush Percy, the best chance of them both being away from Penny would be when Percy comes in."

Harry and Ron nodded.

Percy had told them the flat was on the third floor, and the back door opened onto a rickety iron fire escape; Harry pointed to the parchment and said, "What if we do this? Percy makes a noisy arrival; and as he's going in, Ron and I will come in through the back. Ginny and Hermione will be just far enough behind Percy to be out of site while he goes in the door. If they're watching the front door, their backs should turned toward us if we're coming out of the kitchen. Ron and I will each try to take one of them; when we make our move, Ginny and Hermione will rush the door and have the drop on them from behind if they manage to turn and face us."

The other three teens nodded. "Hermione, can you get us there?"

"Blackfriars... anywhere close to St. Pauls?" Hermione asked.

"Yes, that's quite close by, but..."

"Here goes nothing," Hermione muttered under her breath, then, louder, "Portus," as she touched her wand to the quill Percy had drawn the map with.

"What...? How...? You can't do that; that's a reserved...." Percy sputtered.

Hermione cut him off. "Shut up, Percy. You can snap my wand later."

Ron pulled Harry up and aside and said, "What if it's a trap?"

"What if it's not?" Harry replied. "Would he have had a portkey that would bring him here if he wasn't on the level? I don't want to take that chance. We'll try to look before we leap."

Ron nodded; they moved back toward the table where Hermione and Ginny were now standing; Hermione held out the quill and asked, "Coming, Percy?"

Percy looked at the four of them as they stood there, determination written on all their faces. He still thought this half-baked plan was hopeless, but he dared not wait; he had not told them the leering threats they had made toward Penny. He stood and moved closer and touched the quill.

Hermione triggered it; a moment later, they were in shrubbery beside the cathedral. Percy quickly got his bearings, and led them forward.

They walked for several minutes before Percy stopped and pointed. "That's the building."

"Okay, Harry and I will need a minute or two to get into position," Ron said.

"How will we know?" Percy asked, fearing he'd just found the flaw.

"I'll know," Ginny said. "It's a long story; I'll tell you later."

Harry and Ron split off and trotted one street further down so they could approach Percy's building from the rear. They found the fire stairs as Percy had described them; they looked for any sign of anyone watching from above, and seeing nothing, stealthily began to climb.

They reached the small platform behind Percy's flat; Ron cautiously looked in the window; the kitchen was empty; the only light was from the front room. Ron removed his wand from his pocket and cast the unlocking spell and nodded to Harry.

Ginny, waiting with Percy and Hermione one flight down, whispered, "Ok, go on up the last flight, then when you see me nod, count one, two, three, and open the door. Try not to let it lock behind you."

Percy nodded reluctantly and walked noisily up the stairs. He paused before the door for a moment and fumbled with his keys - this was a Muggle building - and opened the door. Two wizards faced him, wands drawn, but one of them was Marcus Flint. Bletchley was nowhere to be seen.

As they swaggered toward him, grinning, each was hit in the back with a stunning spell; they fell loudly. As Ron and Harry started to come into the room, and Ginny and Hermione entered behind him, Percy frantically pointed toward a partially open door.

Bletchley's voice came from the back room. "Finally. You'd think that arse-kissing prat would just stay on a cot at the office like his old man as late as he gets here. Can't see why with a wench like...." He started to walk into the front room, but stunners from Ron and Harry hit him almost before he realized that his companions were down, Percy was still standing, and there were extra people in the room.

Percy rushed through the door past Bletchley's unconscious body; Ron and Harry followed him and almost ran over him as he suddenly stopped. Penelope Clearwater had been tied to the bed; Harry could see one eye was black and swollen; her clothes were torn and her top had been ripped partially open.

"Hermione! Ginny!" Ron called, then stepped to his brother and guided him back out of the room. "Let them get her ready," Ron said.

Harry took his wand and bound all three Death Eaters. Percy just stood there, staring into space.

Perhaps ten minutes later, Hermione and Ginny led an unsteady Penny into the front room. Percy ran to her, and she collapsed sobbing into his arms. Harry gave them a moment before saying, "We need to get out of here."

Ron closed and locked the door to the flat, while Hermione cast another portkey spell to return them to Grimmauld Place. Hermione held out the quill; Percy asked Ginny to steady Penny for a moment, then moved toward the unconscious Bletchley and kicked him as hard as he could in the face. He then returned and placed his finger on the portkey; Hermione triggered it, and they returned to the kitchen they'd left almost two hours before.

The kitchen was no longer empty; it was crowded. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Sirius, Nicholas, Perenelle, Arthur, Molly, Bill, Charlie, the twins and Fleur Delacour were gathered around the table. Several of them had their Order communicators on the table in front of them.

The two groups stared at each other for a long, silent moment until Molly angrily began, "I have never in my life seen such utter and gross irresponsibility in my life. Just when you lot actually manage to act halfway like adults, not even six hours later you decide you have to undo it completely. The first night Arthur and I have had together in I don't know how long, and... you... Percy???"

As Molly was speaking, the four Weasley brothers had risen to their feet, one by one. All of them had their hands on their wands, and their faces were hard. Arthur remained seated, but there was no welcome in his eyes for Percy.

"Penny's been hurt, Mum," Percy said. "We need a healer."

Dumbledore reached for his communicator and spoke briefly; the tall witch being supported by Percy and Ginny finally registered on Molly's consciousness. Molly said, "Help her to a chair, we'll get help." Bill, Charlie and the twins settled back into their chairs, but continued to regard Percy warily.

Nothing further was said until Madam Pomfrey emerged from the fireplace a few minutes later; Percy's attention was focused completely on his wife. Madam Pomfrey made a cursory examination of Penny and conjured a stretcher and declared that Penny needed to be in bed. She and Dumbledore whispered quietly, then Sirius was added to their huddle; a moment later, he was leading Madam Pomfrey and the stretcher out the door; Percy started to follow, but Dumbledore placed a hand on his arm and asked him to wait for the mediwitch to get Penny settled.

"Now, will someone please tell me what has happened?" Molly asked insistently.

"Harry and Ron and Hermione and Ginny... they saved Penny..." Percy replied, then went on to explain how he had arrived using the emergency portkey he had been given, how Harry, Hermione and his younger siblings had analyzed the situation, devised a plan, and then executed it. He carefully avoided mentioning the portkey, though it was obvious to everyone that there were gaps in his story.

When he was finished, there was silence for several moments, until Ron added, "Oh, there are three Death Eaters, out cold and tied up in Percy's flat. One of them probably needs healing." Dumbledore again reached for his communicator.

"But... how did Percy know to come here?" Molly asked.

"Percy has been working covertly for me and the Order," Dumbledore said. "Not only did he serve as my eyes and ears in Fudge's office, one of his office mates thought to recruit him as a Death Eater, and shared much useful information. Percy originally approached me some time ago; he felt remorse at how he had acted during and after the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and sought my advice on how to best approach his family to attempt to reconcile. I imposed, greatly I fear, on him to maintain the charade for a time given his position in the office of the Minister."

"Mum, Dad... I'm sorry. I was wrong and pig headed and selfish. And Harry... after how I treated you...I'm sorry. Bill and Charlie, Fred and George, Ron and Ginny; I'm sorry. I don't deserve a family like you, and if you told me to... get... get out now, it would only be what I deserved. I'm sorry I ruined your evening, Mum. You and Dad deserved to celebrate; he's earned that promotion ten thousand times over."

"Ruined my evening?" Molly said. "Son, you've not ruined my evening; this is the best evening I've had since your sister was born. All of my boys are here under one roof again; all seven of them... and Ginny, too."


Author notes: Please review!