Harry Potter and the Rise of the Phoenix

Chapter 18 ~ Moving in the Right Directions

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Before you climb the mountain
First the foothills must appear.
Step high and light
And take up your staff and shining armor...
The stars on the horizon
Stretch as far as the eyes can see.
They represent the souls of those
Like you and me.

Jayhawks ~ Smile
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Today we'll discuss the second 'rule' of the Theory," Dumbledore said as Harry got comfortable in his armchair before the fire. "Every action has an equal and opposite reaction. If you use magic there is an effect. You know this." Harry nodded; you cast a spell, something happens. It didn't take a genius to realize that. "Normally, the only reaction is the depletion of your own magical stores. However, when you borrow magic, the reaction is not just toward you, but to whom you borrowed from as well. If you use too much, you will kill or destroy the borrower, just as you can burn your own magic out."

"Life is magic," Harry repeated from one of the first lessons.

"Exactly," Dumbledore agreed. "However, that is connected with the third 'rule', let us instead consider what the borrowed magic does to the spell once cast. You don't change your spell, and the effect stays the same."

"Yet there's more magic behind it," Harry mused. "So, when I knocked Thia out with what I thought was a weak spell, I was actually borrowing magic from some one or some thing."

"Correct," Dumbledore said with a nod of congratulations. "Now, remove your Shield and borrow some magic from Fawkes."

"What if-"

"You won't," Dumbledore assured him. "Phoenixes are one of the very few animals that can drop their Shields and can protect themselves from such an attack. He will cut you off long before you even hurt him."

Harry nodded, and then dropped his Shield. He carefully unwove part of Fawkes' Shield and pulled out with his magical 'hands' a small string of magic. He carefully fused this magic to his wand, using his own magic as the glue that held it in place. He noted how much magic Fawkes had so that he could replace what was borrowed later.

"Now cast a transfiguration spell on this rock," Dumbledore said, placing a rock on the low table in front of the fire. Harry decided to turn the large, oval-shape, pink rock into a piglet. He cast the spell and was surprised when the rock blew up.

"Was that supposed to happen?"

"I would have been surprised had it not," Dumbledore replied honestly. He continued to explain how Harry was supposed to control the extra magic. It took Harry both class hours to start to get a grasp on this. It was a lot harder than borrowing from rocks like he had until today.

"How are your plans for the dance coming?" Dumbledore asked as they walked down to the Great Hall. "Everything falling into place?"

"Yes," Harry answered. "Thankfully. We're decorating tomorrow before the Feast. The band is still coming. Everyone's coming that I've talked to. No one's boycotting it or anything. It should be fun."

"We have everything arranged for your apparation test on Sunday," Dumbledore informed him. "You leave at three."

"Sounds fine to me," Harry agreed. "I'm ready to finish those lessons. I've got the spell down."

"That's good to hear," Dumbledore said. He held the door to the Great Hall for Harry. "Any troubles as Head Boy?"

"I'd die without Blaise, Hermione, and Ron," Harry said with a laugh. "Just a few Death Eater wannabe's causing trouble once in awhile, but nothing too much. Nott is actually the worst, but he never does anything bad enough to report."

"The most frustrating of trouble makers," Dumbledore agreed. They had reached Harry's normal spot at the Gryffindor table. "Have a good evening."

"Sir, a quick question, is there a rule about sitting at House tables?"

"No," Dumbledore answered. "Why?

"Just wondering, I've been trying to find one, but haven't been able to so far," Harry told him. "Have a good evening, sir."

"You too, Mr. Potter."

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Harry stood in front of the mirror trying desperately to get his hair to lie flat. In the background he could see Seamus sitting nervously on his bed. It was common knowledge among the seventh year boys that Harry felt like Seamus had stepped on his turf without asking. Seamus thought this was unfair; he had talked to Harry before he had even seriously considered Ginny as a potential date! Harry chalked his feelings up as older brother protectiveness. Of course, he knew full well that he was lying to himself, but sometimes that was better than the truth. For, there were times (and this was one of them) when the truth just caused too many problems to face.

"Give it up, mate," Ron said, exasperated with his two friends. "Give it a rest and get out of the way. At least I have some hope of getting my hair to look good." Harry moved out of the way and put on his Head Boy badge. He was the only seventh year Gryffindor without a date. Ron had Hermione, Neville had Luna, Dean was going with Padma as friends, Lavender was with some Slytherin sixth year and Seamus... Seamus was a backstabbing fiend who didn't - Harry stopped that train of thought and took a calming breath.

Everyone had known this was going to happen. Of course Ginny would have a date. Girls didn't go to dances alone unless a whole bunch went alone. It just didn't happen. Ginny was the funniest, most beautiful, greatest witch at school. Of course someone was going to ask her. And Harry had stupidly told Snape he wouldn't care.

"Let's go," he said gruffly when Ron was finished with his hair. Harry left the room without saying goodbye and went down to the common room.

"There's Hermione," Ron said, pointing to his girlfriend. Hermione looked stunning in her flowing goldenrod colored dress robes. The fitted bodice had flowers embroidered on it in reds, purples, and oranges, odd colors that looked wonderful together. Ron hurried over to her and kissed her softly. His deep mahogany robes matched perfectly with hers and Harry couldn't help but feel a tad bit jealous. And standing next to Hermione was the girl of Harry's dreams.

"Hey, Ginny," Harry mumbled, ignoring his friends as best he could. "You look nice," he muttered. Great! You sound like a bloody idiot, Potter! he yelled at himself. Ginny, of course, was indescribably beautiful. Her night-sky blue robes contrasted with her wonderfully bright red hair. He shifted uncomfortably when he realized his deep-red robes complemented hers perfectly.

"Thanks," Ginny said softly, sounding irritated. Why was she annoyed at him?

"Let's go, Harry," Hermione said nicely. "We need to get there early." Harry nodded and followed the couple heading towards the Great Hall. Never had he felt like a third wheel with his friends before this. They had always included him equally...

Then again, you've always had Gin with you, you great big dolt! Why didn't you ask her?

'Because you're just FRIENDS' another voice replied. Harry thought it sounded a lot like Snape's sarcastic voice and if the voice had eyes to roll, Harry was sure it would have.

That's what she wants!

"How do you know that? You shouldn't let her be so stubborn!" a voice a lot like Althea's responded.

*Maybe she just told you that because that's what she thought you wanted?* a voice sounding like Hermione's commented shrewdly.

How 'bout you all stop messing with my head? I have enough problems as it is! The voices quieted and Harry realized they were already at the Great Hall.

"Harry?" Hermione asked worriedly.

"What?"

"We've been talking to you for the past ten minutes, haven't you been listening?" she asked softly.

"Sorry, just lost in thought," Harry answered honestly. "What were you saying?"

"Are you alright with Ginny and Seamus?" she asked carefully. By the look on Ron's face, this was not what they had been talking about, but Harry knew better than to dodge Hermione's question. They sat down, Hermione sitting between the two boys.

"Sure, what made you think I wasn't?" Harry lied smoothly. If Seamus hadn't just entered with Ginny walking next to him, Harry might have pulled the lie off.

"Then stop glaring at Seamus as if you were planning his murder," Ron said with a laugh. When Harry shifted nervously, Ron looked at him worriedly. "What were you doing to him?"

"Tar and feathering him," Harry answered honestly. "I thought I could move on. Have a good time, just be her friend. It's what she wants and... Merlin! This is going to be the worst torture ever." Seamus and Ginny came over, ending the conversation. Hermione gave him a look that said they'd be picking it back up later and to play nice with Seamus. Harry nodded in understanding; it was his fault Ginny wasn't with him.

"Hey," Seamus said nervously from across the table. Ron stomped on Harry's foot, causing Harry to both curse under his breath and stop glaring at Seamus.

"Hey," Harry said, the pain lacing his words. "Shit. Did you have to squash my little toe?" he asked, whispering in Ron's ear.

"Yes," Ron said, not bothering to whisper. "I didn't say how beautiful you look when I saw you in the common room, little sister. You are a stunning beauty."

"A rare gem," Dean said, sitting next to Seamus and in front of Harry.

"A true goddess," Neville agreed, sitting on Harry's other side. Everyone turned to look at Harry; everyone but Ginny that is.

"What can I say? There are no words to describe your beauty," Harry answered honestly. Ron groaned, Seamus shifted nervously, the others rolled their eyes, but Ginny - Ginny smiled at Harry. A true, honest to goodness smile, the one that Ginny saved just for him. Harry felt his stomach flip. "What?" he asked the others. "There aren't any!"

"Lovesickpuppy," Ron muttered under his breath, and only Hermione and Dean caught the actual words. Those two started laughing uproariously.

"What did you just say, Weasley?" Harry asked, knowing it had been a dig at him.

"He didn't say anything," Hermione managed to get out through her laughter.

"If I can have everyone's attention," Dumbledore said, standing up. "There is no need to sit so separated tonight. This night is a celebration of the houses coming together as one. Mix and mingle." After the announcement, Blaise, Sephra, Luna, Padma, Hannah, Justin, and Susan all came over to sit with Harry and the other Gryffindors. Harry noticed that most of the Aurors were missing and guessed that Thia had posted extra guards to protect the school tonight. Harry hoped that nothing would happen to warrant the extra protection.

As normal, the feast was fabulous. Dumbledore dismissed the younger students for their game night, some of the older students trailing after. Motioning for everyone to back away, he removed the house tables, set a long table out (which was laden with food immediately), scattered small round tables around a dance floor, and set up a stage. With a quick spell, the decorations that had previously been invisible came to life. Harry had to admit that they had managed to put together a fine dance.

Several people started to set up the equipment for the band, Remus showing up to help. He joked around with a few of the other workers, seeming completely at ease with them. Harry had never seen him so relaxed before, not even with Thia and Tonks. A woman in black silk and leather hurried on to the stage and all the workers stopped to listen to her. Something about the way they all reacted triggered something in Harry's memory.

"They're a pack," Harry muttered to Hermione and Ron. Hermione looked up and, after a moment or so of watching the group's dynamics, nodded in agreement. This was Remus' werewolf pack. "Some werewolves he happens to know. What a liar."

"Why is Remus a liar?" Ginny asked, joining the conversation from where she, Seamus, Dean, and Padma were sitting at the table behind them.

"Look at them," Hermione said, motioning at them. "They're a pack. And the only reason Remus would fit in so well is if it was his pack as well."

"Well reasoned, Miss Granger," Snape said from behind her. Hermione jumped, causing the others to laugh. Hermione glared at them.

"You should have seen your face, Hermione," Harry said in his defense. "Do you know them, Professor?" he asked, ducking the girl's punch.

"I've only heard Remus talk of his pack as a whole," Snape answered. "Mainly about how much he missed them. He had forgotten how hard it was to be a 'lone wolf' as he put it."

"Wasn't he alone up until he joined that pack?" Ron asked.

"I guess the relationship he had with the Marauders was close enough to a pack that only his early childhood was pack-less," Snape replied neutrally. Harry smiled thankfully at Snape; the man was working on his hatred towards the Marauders (particularly James). "He joined the Full Moon from the start. I guess he played a major part in getting Bird and Richardson to work together. Something about Alpha status getting in the way."

"Very true," a voice growled behind Snape, causing the man to jump. Harry kept his laughter in, knowing that Snape's temper was not something to mess with. Ginny's mouth dropped when she recognized Michael Richardson. "Remus was a smart man. Or rather, a very stupid one, getting in the way sometimes. Cassie and I fought like mad the first few times he made us meet, he's the only reason we didn't kill each other. And then the full moon came and she won dominance. Remus was smart enough to just bow out."

"She's alpha?" Dean asked, stunned.

"That girl plays dirty," Richardson said in his defense.

"Actually, you were the one to cheat," Remus remarked with a laugh. "And that was your downfall. Mic, Cassie wants you to go back to the band. She says scaring audience members is bad form."

"He made the pretty lady jump in fright," Richardson said in his defense. "I couldn't let that go."

"Hey, everyone," Remus said, greeting the students and ignoring the rocker. "Cassie wants to know if you want to say something before hand," he said looking at Hermione and Harry.

The Head Girl and Boy exchanged startled looks. "One of us should thank them for performing..." Harry said reluctantly.

"Go for it," Hermione replied softly.

"No way, you get to," Harry argued back.

"You booked them."

"I don't want to get any more attention."

"Don't use that excuse."

"It's not an excuse!"

"Is-"

Richardson cleared his throat and they stopped arguing. As one, they turned to look at the amused werewolf. "I'll take Remus' word when he says you're only friends. But back in the Muggle world, that's what we'd call a lovers' quarrel. Cut it out, so that we can start our show." Harry and Hermione blushed, Ron just laughed at them.

"I'll do it, you're right, I did book them," Harry muttered, following both werewolves over to the stage. "Remus, what should I say?"

Remus smiled at him. "Just thank them for playing, make a joke or two. You'll be fine, Harry. You're good at talking in front of crowds."

"I hate it."

"That means nothing."

"Rem, this your pup?" Cassie Bird asked, coming over to talk with them. Harry shook her hand in greeting, surprised at her strength.

"Yeah," he answered. "Harry, this is Cassie. Cas, this is Harry."

"Nice to meet you," Cassie said. "Rem has told us loads about you. Having you and Sirius and Thia and Tonks in his life has sure gotten rid of the angst-ridden rocker I used to know. Glad to lose that guy. Good riddance to bad rubbish."

"Thanks for the compliment, oh mighty high alpha," Remus said with a laugh. "Harry's going to thank and introduce you, then the stage is yours 'til midnight."

"Good deal," Cassie said, turning around to bellow instructions to her pack.

"Angst-ridden rocker?" Harry asked, his eyes promising a long conversation later.

"Just go introduce them," Remus said laughing. He slipped behind the set and wrapped an arm around Tonks.

Harry walked on stage, taking one of the mics. "I'm supposed to say a few words here. All I can think of is thanking Michael Richardson for making Professor Snape jump in fright. Any person that can make Snape jump three - er, excuse me - Professor Snape jump three feet into the air is welcome here whenever they want. It's my greatest honor to introduce FULL MOON!" Richardson and Cassie jumped onto the stage, band members filling in their spots. The students clapped and cheered, starting to dance as Full Moon started their first song without waiting. Harry hurried to find his friends and sat down next to Ron.

"I hate that," Harry informed those around him.

"You did just fine, though Snape looked like he'll kill you the next time you run into him," Ron finished with a laugh.

"He's welcome to try," Harry replied, yelling over the music. "He won't succeed until after I kill Voldemort!"

"Not funny, Harry," Ginny yelled back, but Harry only shrugged. That wasn't a joke he was about to stop making.

"Come on, Gin, let's dance!" Seamus shouted.

"Sure!"

Harry had to keep himself from hitting the guy. That was his nickname for Ginny! He had used it long before the two of them had even started dating!

The other couples also left to dance, leaving Harry to sit at the table alone. A few people came by to talk with him, never staying long. Harry danced with several girls, Hermione more than twice. He made sure that at the end of each song he wasn't anywhere near Ginny. He didn't trust himself enough to dance with her.

One of the times he was sitting at an empty table, Remus and Tonks made their way over, sitting on either side of him. They sat in silence, just listening to the band play.

"Angst-ridden rocker?" Harry asked as another song came to its end. The music didn't start again, as the band members were joking with the crowd.

"So what? That was a long time ago," Remus answered, taking a swig of butterbeer. "Well, maybe not the rocker part, but the angst-ridden. Right after the war ended I..." Remus shrugged, there weren't any words to explain it. Two best mates dead and the third their betrayer, not to mention a sister and her friends dead as well. "I'm just glad I found these guys in time. Kept me from doing anything too stupid."

"So you never..." Harry asked, motioning to his black scar.

"No, not everyone's favorite werewolf pup," Tonks replied in a sickly sweet voice, reaching behind Harry to ruffle Remus' hair.

"That reminds me, Cassie called me your pup," Harry remarked, looking at Remus for an explanation.

"You're one of my 'packmates' pup, so that makes you one of mine," Remus answered. "The pack truly does raise the pups, and seeing as that pack never officially ended, you're still stuck with me."

"I could think of worse things," Harry countered with a laugh. "Like, finding out your absolutely, least favorite professor is your uncle by marriage... that'd be worse for sure!"

"What's this about Snape being your uncle, Harry?" George Weasley shouted from across the table as he pulled out a chair to sit down. Cassie and Richardson were singing again, this time a dark, soul-wrenching ballad.

"You're right though, I can't think of anything worse than that!" Fred yelled in agreement, also pulling out a chair to sit.

"Good thing he's not mine then!" Harry replied smugly. "He's yours!"

"No, he's not!" Fred denied.

"We would know!" George countered.

"Yeah, Mum's brothers just had wives, and Aunt Leah's husband is blonde! Dad's brothers' all got wives!" Fred argued

"So you see," George concluded, "there's no possible way our uncles married Snape and no way Leah's husband is the slimy git."

"You forgot Aunt Sam!" Bill replied loudly, perfectly dressed for the rock concert going on in the background. Tight jeans artfully ripped and a Full Moon t-shirt had many of the girls eyeing him up. Bill took a seat across from Harry before continuing. "She had three little ones and we used to play all the time. Well, Charlie and Percy did, you two weren't old enough yet.''

"And do you want to know who their dad was?" Harry asked, leaning closer to the three Weasleys. They in turn, leaned closer, Tonks and Remus (who had already put two and two together) also moved closer so that they could hear as well. "Profes-"

"Harry!" Ron shouted, walking over. "Fred! George! Bill! What are you doing here?"

"Shut up, I was just about to find out who Seirian and Sloan's dad was!" Bill yelled at his brother, motioning for Harry to continue.

"Professor Snape!" Harry said dryly. Fred, George, and Bill exchanged glances and then started laughing.

"No way!" Fred exclaimed.

"Nice joke, Potter!" Bill agreed.

"Not Snape, he's not the fatherly type," George replied, just as serious as Harry had been. Harry looked over at Ron, exaggerating the movement. The brothers looked at the youngest Weasley brother and all three faces went pale white.

"No way..." Fred muttered.

"Not Snape..." George reiterated.

"Anyone but him," Bill finished, but then nodded in realization. "Yeah, the black hair and eyes... they're the same... I wonder if Mum knows...."

"What are you three doing here!" Ginny squealed, pulling the three semi-stunned men into a huge hug.

"Couldn't miss a Full Moon concert at Hogwarts!" Bill replied. "Melissa sends her love. Is it true... you're not lying, Harry?"

"Wouldn't dream of it," he replied smiling. "Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction!"

"Oh, Uncle Snape," Ginny replied exasperated. "Actually... wouldn't it be Uncle Severus?"

"Ginny, you're splitting hairs that don't need to be split," George scolded her. "Now why don't you take Harry out for a spin?"

"Poor lad was sitting all alone when we got here," Fred said with a laugh. George glared at him and Fred put on a very serious face. "We can't have that."

Ginny and the twins got into an argument over their right to interfere in her life. Harry and the others quickly excused themselves. Harry headed over to the refreshment table to get a drink. Walking over to another empty table he sat, looking into his goblet moodily.

"They were only trying to help," Bill said, sitting next to him. "Bummer about you two. Though bringing her favorite band to Hogwarts will score you some serious brownie points."

"I don't want brownie points," Harry replied. "I want everyone to leave us alone and let us sort it out."

"Just humor the twins," Bill advised. "If they think they're helping, then they let you be. If you keep fighting them, they turn mischievous and dangerous."

"Thanks for the advice," Harry said with a smile. "I'll only do it if they convince Ginny first off."

"That is a wise decision," Bill told him getting up. "Now, I think I'm going to join the dancing, I love this song."

Harry sat there, thinking over what Bill had said. A new song started, and Ginny came over in a huff. "I hate my brothers, but come on. I want them to leave me alone!"

She dragged him out to the dance floor, and he started to panic. It was another slow dance, and he wasn't sure how he should dance with her. Deciding to let her pick the distance, Harry started to sway with her, looking around the Great Hall to avoid Ginny's gaze. His eyes caught the twins who gave him the thumbs up. Near the table where he had left his drink, Nott was talking with Malfoy. Nearly arguing Harry would guess. Nott stomped off, but Malfoy sat in the chair Harry had just vacated.

The movement of the other dancers moved them so he couldn't see Malfoy any longer. He laughed when he caught sight of Remus and Tonks. Mocking the bands romantically moody ballad, they were dancing wildly and uncontrollably.

"What are you laughing about?" Ginny asked, trying desperately to fight through the awkwardness. Harry spun them around so that she could see the couple.

"Look at those two. Who would have believed Remus had it in him to dance like that."

Ginny smiled and looked up at Harry. "You did a good job, marrying those two off. They're perfect for each other. He keeps her grounded, yet she reminds him to fly." The song ended, they clapped politely, and left the floor, Harry headed for his table, Ginny towards Seamus who was speaking with Lavender.

He sat down and watched jealously as Ginny and Seamus walked out to the dance floor. He had to admit to himself that it was more than older brother protectiveness that made him want to punch the other lad. It was not a comforting thought.

"You should have asked her," Dumbledore commented, sitting down next to Harry. "She would have probably said no, but at least then she would have known that you're still interested."

"Have you always helped with your students' love lives?" Harry asked as Dumbledore took Harry's forgotten drink in his hand.

"Mind if I have this? It'll save me a trip to the table," the headmaster asked, avoiding the question smoothly. Harry waved his hand; he wouldn't be drinking it. "Love is a dangerous thing, Harry." With that said, Dumbledore stood, downed the pumpkin juice in one large gulp, and walked away.

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"How'd the patrol go?" Ron asked, as Harry neared the Gryffindor table where he and Hermione were sitting.

"Hogwarts is way too big," Harry complained, setting his dress shoes on the table before sitting down. It seemed as if all the prefects had taken off their shoes and left them on the six tables. "Is clean-up done down in the game room?"

"Oh, no," Ron answered with a laugh. "Some third year Ravenclaw managed to plaster one of the walls with boogers! I still haven't gotten the full story out of the boy!"

"Shouldn't you be down there helping with the clean-up then?" Harry asked the prefect who had been put in charge of that. "You volunteered for that task, remember?" Ron just laughed harder.

"He got out of it," Hermione huffed. "The house elves kicked them out, saying it needed a professional touch. The whole force is down there trying to scrape all the crud off the wall and sanitize the room." Ron laughed even harder at that.

"It's amazing!" he said, arms wrapped around his rib cage. "I didn't think anyone had enough boogers to cover an entire wall!"

"It also means we are on our own up here," Hermione continued, ignoring her hysterical boyfriend. "I swear no one knows how to clean up by hand, let alone with magic!" Ron calmed down enough to explain.

"See those trash bags over there," he said, pointing to a far corner. "Well, let's just say that the pile used to be a lot smaller, but instead of making it vanish some Slytherin prefect, Brian Breeves I think Blaise said, multiplied it by four!" Harry had to laugh as well, trust a Slytherin to mess it up! "He's a Muggle-born too! He isn't a pure-blood snob!"

"Thanks for that, Weasley," Blaise said, walking over. "At least, I know you're a true blue lazy Gryffindor boy." He turned toward Hermione. "We're almost done here, high commanderess. Anything else that we can do for you?"

"No," Hermione replied. "Everything looks like it's almost in order. You want to call over the prefects that were on patrols?" she asked Harry, who nodded.

"Oy! Any prefects that went on patrols, over here!" Harry shouted, waiting for the students to come over. "Who took away points for past curfew?" Every hand went up and Harry took out his 'point notebook'. "Hermione, you want to help with this?" The Head Girl nodded, taking out an identical book. Every point given or taken away by a prefect had to be logged in these books and only by the Head Boy and Girl. Only after being written down would the points be added or subtracted from the House hourglasses. This was Harry's least favorite part of being Head Boy. It was amazing how many points the prefects handed out and took away.

"Okay, anyone hand out detentions?" There were several nods, so Harry distributed detention forms. As with the points, the Head Girl and Boy had to approve detentions, then they had to hand the forms over to the Heads of House for final approval and punishment assignment. Once everything was filled out, Harry looked around at the room. "Give the clean-up crew a hand and then go to bed." Harry joined the dress robe clad army and within ten minutes the Great Hall was as good as new. Hermione dismissed them all, and the Golden Trio hung back to talk.

"That went well," Hermione commented, sitting at the Gryffindor table once again. Ron nodded enthusiastically, but Harry just grunted.

"You danced with Ginny more than Seamus did," Ron threw out trying to cheer up his best mate.

"Only because the twins forced us to dance the last, what, five or six dances together," Harry muttered darkly. "It's not my fault your Aunt Sam decided to marry Professor Snape. They couldn't have thought up a worse punishment."

"Why don't you just ask her out for a second first date?" Hermione asked abruptly.

"Because we're 'just friends' and you know that, Hermione," Harry spat bitterly.

"Why can't you two see how miserable you are?" Ron questioned, his frustration coming out in his voice. "Everyone else can see it, it's not that hard. Even the twins picked up on it. I can't stand seeing my best mate and little sister so miserable."

"Do you think I should?" Harry asked, trying to keep the hope building up inside him down.

"I think you should think about it," Hermione replied. "You both have recovered quite a bit in the past two months. Do you realize how hard this past summer was on Ginny? First you get kidnapped, then she loses her dad. When we go to rescue you, you almost kill her. You two had that weird fight at the wedding and then the whole suicide ordeal. Did you know she's still blaming herself?"

"No," Harry said faintly.

"And then, she chickened out all of August when she knew she needed a break, a breather, time for her to fix her own messed up head," Hermione continued relentlessly. "By ignoring it, she let all her resentment for herself and you build up and...well what happened at the Welcoming Feast happened. She blames herself for all of the Daily Prophet articles about you since then."

"Why didn't she tell me any of this?" Harry asked softly. "None of that was her fault! It was all mine."

"You know, that's what's wrong with you two," Ron commented thoughtfully. "Neither of you will share blame with others. It's both of your faults, and yet none of yours. It's all Voldemort's, when you get right down to it."

"I think I might ask her..." Harry said thoughtfully. "What about Seamus?"

"He and Lavender are a couple again," Hermione said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Ginny nearly had to push them together, they were being that stubborn."

"Reminds me of someone I know," Harry commented dryly.

"Me too," Ron agreed. "Me too."

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There was something about spending an hour in the hospital wing every Monday that bothered Harry. As if his Mondays weren't full enough, he had to spend that one long hour there, the only place he actually hated at Hogwarts. There were just too many memories, all of them bad, connected to the room. The company, however, couldn't have been better.

"Harry, stop daydreaming and help me with this cauldron," Ginny chided, her grin betraying her.

"Your wish is my command, milady," he responded. Althea rolled her eyes at the two teens, but Harry just ignored her. After thinking about it all weekend, Harry had decided to flirt for a bit and see how Ginny would react. So far it was rather promising.

"My knight in shining armor," she joked back, moving over so that he could help with it.

"Did you really brew this Wolfsbane Potion all on your own?" Harry asked, impressed. That was a seriously tricky potion, one that Harry doubted he could pull off on his own. He had even scored higher on his O.W.L. exam.

"Yeah," Ginny replied, following as Harry backed out of the room devoted to potion brewing. "Be careful."

"Hey! Harry!" Hermione yelled from the other side of the Infirmary. Ginny's concentration slipped and the cauldron slipped with it. It dropped in what seemed like slow motion to Harry. He pulled out his wand and stopped it from spilling. "I'm so sorry, Ginny," Hermione cried, running over to make sure everything was all right.

"No harm done," Ginny said, ignoring her best friend and looking at Harry strangely. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet. "That was fast. Really fast."

"Training," he answered with a shrug, hoping that Ginny would stop looking at him like that. It made him feel as if she was trying to get into his head. "What did you want, Hermione?"

"Really sorry," she muttered again and then handed Harry a slip of paper. "Dumbledore wanted me to give this to you."

Harry-

While talking with Thia, she mentioned that you did not know how to use your Pensieve. If this is still the case, please bring it to our lesson on Friday. It would be a shame if you were not able to use such a precious gift: Peace of Mind. I have also had a cupboard installed in your dorm room so that you can store it securely there and need not worry about it.

-Dumbledore

"That'll be good," Ginny mentioned, leaning over Harry's shoulder to read. "I still think that was an awesome gift."

"Yeah," Hermione agreed. "What is that? Is it Wolfsbane?" Ginny nodded. "What are you doing with that, doesn't Professor Snape brew that down in the dungeons?"

"I brewed it," Ginny explained proudly. "Althea wanted me to give it a try. We were just carrying it out of the Infirmary and then I was going to float it down to Uncle Severus." Ginny had started to call him that whenever people that knew were around; it managed to bug the crap out of both Snape and Ron. Anything that accomplished that was held high in Ginny's opinion. "He's going to look it over and then let me know how I did."

"Why didn't you levitate it out of here?" Hermione asked thoughtfully.

"They're re-doing some wards in here," Harry explained. "The magic of a levitation spell messes with the half finished wards. Did I ruin it with the spell I used? It was just a cushioning spell." Althea took out her wand and muttered a few spells.

"Nope, no damage done," Althea answered. "Why don't you go get that down to the sourpuss?"

"Alright, Harry, help," Ginny commanded. Harry bowed to her and picked up his end of the cauldron. Hermione let out a tiny giggle and followed them out of the hospital wing.

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"Well, let's see if it worked," Dumbledore commented and Harry nodded in agreement. Dumbledore entered the Pensieve first, followed by Harry. Wednesday night's Quidditch practice had been a pleasantly dry and windless event. Harry walked over to where Dumbledore was sitting in the stands, watching the Gryffindors fly.

"I always loved flying, but never playing Quidditch," the old man commented as Harry sat. "Aberforth and I used to chase Nancy around in the air during flying lessons. Drove our flying instructor batty. I think what annoyed him most was that I wasn't even in the class. Just showed up once a week for that lesson with my brother." Harry smiled at the story, watching his team fly.

"This is a different perspective," Harry commented after five or so minutes of silence. "No wonder you use a Pensieve; it makes reviewing memories much easier."

"Extremely," Dumbledore agreed. "Miss Kilpatrick is a bit weak on her left side." Harry watched the second year, nodding his head as he watched her pass to the left.

"I'll have to tell Ron that," Harry remarked. "Natalie and Kendra can switch sides; Natalie's strong going both ways. Next week's going to be hectic with four practices in five days. The three we'll have this week are hard enough."

"Is your schedule wearing you out?"

"Not really," Harry answered honestly. "The D.A. is down to one practice a week and now that I have my apparation license there's one less thing to learn."

"I heard you scored top marks on the test."

"Yeah, I even beat Hermione by a point," he answered with a laugh. Dumbledore smiled appreciatively, pulling a sack out from inside his pocket.

"Lemon drop?" he asked, un-sticking one and popping it in his mouth.

"No thanks." They sat in silence, each thinking their own thoughts. Harry's thoughts turned to Nott and Malfoy. Something about those two was bothering Harry. He had spotted them together more often than normal. Once he had to take points and give them detentions for being out of bounds past curfew. Professor Snape was just as worried, so it wasn't just him being obsessed. One thing had changed that worried Harry most: Nott was now labeled a Death Eater sympathizer.

"A lemon drop for your thoughts, Harry?" Dumbledore asked, looking over at the young man.

"Just wondering about my classmates," Harry answered evasively. Dumbledore didn't share Snape's and his worries about the two Slytherins.

"Any one or ones in particular?"

"Malfoy and Nott," Harry replied eventually. "Something about those two bothers me..."

"You and most of the professors," Dumbledore added when it was apparent Harry wasn't finishing his sentence. "Minerva believes it is possible that Nott is an animagus. He and Miss Granger have been fighting it out for the top spot in Transfiguration for years. And if Hermione can manage the transformation, than so can Mr. Nott."

"Wait... Hermione's an animagus?" Harry's question interrupted the old man. Dumbledore nodded, his eyebrows arched in thought.

"Has she not told you?"

"No... obviously not," Harry answered. "We're going to have to have a conversation, her and me and Ron and Ginny."

"Anyone else?" Dumbledore asked with a mischievous grin.

"I don't think so," Harry answered with a smile of his own. "Sir, can I ask you a personal question?"

"Go ahead, Harry," Dumbledore answered, watching the practice intently.

"Why did you do it?"

"My suicide attempt?" Dumbledore asked needlessly. Harry nodded, watching the headmaster intently. "Many reasons." Harry waited patiently as Dumbledore thought back to that time. He seemed to age before Harry's eyes. "Harold Hezzad was my mentor for many years. He was the greatest Transfigurist alive, and I learnt more things from him than I can even start to count. He was also the non-Ministry leader of the war against Grindelwald."

"Like what you are against Voldemort?" Harry asked.

"Yes, in many ways, we are the same," Dumbledore agreed. "Unlike you, though, I chose the fate of being the one to take on Grindelwald. I had been training for six years, alongside my duties as the Transfiguration teacher here. Hezzad was the one who taught me how to feel magic, though he himself couldn't do it. It happened about a year before I finally defeated Grindelwald. I was alone one week in the summer, thinking about the war and my task in it. By the end of it, I had sunk into the depression that had been attacking me for two or three years. I sunk so deep, that alas, my depression convinced me to take my life. Knowing that there was no way for the Killing Curse to fail, I used it."

"But it didn't work," Harry supplied when Dumbledore didn't continue.

"No, it did not," Dumbledore agreed. "Thankfully my brother had decided to visit me that day, or I would have bled to death. He had found a slim tome on failed Killing Curses used in suicide just that week and had been reading it. He saved my life."

"That book says how to treat it?" Harry asked, interested.

"Only if the soul wishes to return," Dumbledore corrected. "After an interesting conversation with Godric Gryffindor, my mother, and my grandfather, I returned. Jumped, as you explained."

"What did Gryffindor say to you?" Harry asked, not realizing how personal the question was.

"That some day I'd meet a young boy and he would be my 'downfall'," Dumbledore said with a small smile. "He was right. You, Harry, you ruined all my plans for Voldemort's demise. I couldn't stay detached. In the end, that was for the best, for it is love that Voldemort does not possess or understand. That is the power he knows not."

"The power he knows not..." Harry repeated, thinking about that phrase carefully. "Ginny told me about this strange aura that surrounds me when I think too much about those I love. Well, maybe not too much, but when I think about how much I love them and need them or miss them, depending whether they're alive or dead. Could that be something?"

Dumbledore was silent for a long time, clearly thinking this new information over carefully. Harry watched the man for a bit, and then turned to watch his team, taking mental notes on the things that they needed to work on before the game on the fourteenth. Ron tended to drift right if the quaffle remained on the far side for too long. Ginny, though perfect in Harry's mind, did need to work on passes to her right side. Sloper needed to work on his back swing; it was a bit weak.

"Remus told me that you saw some things that happened to Ginny during your captivity," Dumbledore commented, causing Harry to nod in agreement and think of the possibilities.

"Could my mum's rings magnify the bond between Ginny and me, letting me view the things happening to her?" he asked the wiser man.

"That could be a real possibility," Dumbledore mumbled, still clearly thinking. "I think everything about you made this possible. You're ability to feel so deeply: love, anger, hate, joy, passion, etc, the ability to remove your Shield between you and magic, and your strong mind made this happen. This is something I will need to think on for awhile. We may have found a weak link in Voldemort's chain mail."

"I need to head to my office soon," Harry commented after looking at his watch. "Anything you want me to work on this week?"

"No, I'll give you the week off because of the game next week," Dumbledore answered. "What day is your free day?"

"Monday," Harry answered with a smile. They stood and started to walk along the row of seats.

"We'll take Fri-" Dumbledore paused mid-word, his right hand clutching at his chest. Harry grabbed his elbow, keeping the headmaster steady as he dealt with the dizziness that had over come him.

"Are you alright, sir?" Harry asked nervously.

"I'm quite alright, Harry," Dumbledore answered. "I am growing too old for my jobs. As I was saying, we'll take Friday off. Gryffindor needs their seeker and captain well rested."

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Harry stepped into the dorm room after a hot shower Saturday evening. Ron and he had gotten back from dueling, Ron calling the first shower. Now the redhead was sitting, propped up against his headboard, reading a textbook. Dean and Seamus were playing a game of Gobstoppers on Neville's bed. Neville had been playing Dean before Harry left to take his shower, but must have lost if Seamus was now playing.

"Ron, experts say you shouldn't work on your bed," Harry commented, as he pulled on his pajama bottoms. Deciding not to put a top on (Neville, Ron, and Dean were cold-blooded and needed the room toasty hot), Harry got out his Pensieve and placed it on his bed. He threw himself down next to it and started to remove memories.

"Yeah, well, experts haven't sat in one of the chairs downstairs," Ron replied sarcastically. "You finally learn how to use that thing?"

"Dumbledore taught me yesterday," Harry answered slowly, pulling out a thought as he said it. "Rather easy once he explained it."

"Is that," Dean asked, pointing at the new cupboard, "for that?" he finished pointing at the Pensieve.

"Yes, it is," Harry replied. "It's keyed to my touch so no one else can open it. That way I can put whatever memories I want into it and not have to worry about you guys snooping."

"We wouldn't-" Ron started to say, but Harry's pillow caught him in the face. "Hey! Throwing pillows with magic is against the rules!"

"Rules are made to be broken," Harry countered dismissively. The four boys fell into companionable silence. Ron shifted on his bed, laying on his stomach and carefully balancing an ink bottle on the bed so that he could start writing his essay. Neville and Dean laughed as Seamus was squirted with blank ink. Harry carefully pulled out a silvery strand of thought, thinking back to when he was dancing with Ginny a week ago.

"Harry, I wanted to apologize for asking Ginny out," Seamus said, once Dean had won their game. "I never did really ask you if it was okay. I didn't mean to get you angry."

"Don't mention it," Harry said forgivingly. "Made me face reality and got you and Lavender back together."

"True," Seamus agreed still unsure of himself.

"Sorry 'bout the death glares," Harry replied in turn. "Like I said, it made me face reality."

"Have you asked her out yet?" Dean questioned from where he sat now playing Neville again.

"No," Harry admitted. "I'm not going to rush into it just to have it fail miserably. Slow and easy does it." The boys rolled their eyes and laughed at Harry. He knew Ginny would say yes if he asked, a week's worth of outrageous flirting had taught him that. Yet, something told him to wait. Ginny had to take the next step... whatever that was. He had started it, and now it was her turn.

"You guys ready for next week?" Dean asked once Neville won. "Your last game versus Slytherin."

"Don't remind me," Ron muttered, turning pale white. Though he could deal with most of his nerves, Ron still got them every so often. "The first of my last games playing Quidditch... and it's against Slytherin. At least it's not Malfoy and his company of dumb baboons. It should be a good game; Sephra's done a nice job developing her team this year."

"So have we," Harry reminded the still pale Weasley. "The girls are flying much better since you switched Natalie and Kendra last night. They have four nights to practice in those positions, which is more than enough time for them. These Beaters are better than the twins, at least I think so. They have the control that those two lacked. Ron, you're still a superb keeper and I haven't lost a game since third year." Harry bowed as best he could while lying on his stomach.

"Don't jinx it, Potter," Dean warned. "I don't want to shout that Sephra Carrigan caught the snitch, do you hear me?"

"Loud and clear," Harry replied. "What are the bets on the game?"

"Everyone's favoring Gryffindor," Seamus answered.

"Not everyone," Neville corrected. "There are a few that have you at equal odds and a few that even have the Slytherins winning."

"There's an owl at the window," Ron said, pointing. Harry saw Isis' gray face staring back at him through the glass. He got up and opened it, letting the owl perch on his arm.

"That's a beautiful bird," Neville said, his voice filled with awe.

"Harry got her for Ginny's birthday," Ron said, answering the unasked questions.

"So that's Ginny's bird?" Seamus asked.

Ron nodded with a sly look on his face. "What does my sister want with you?" Harry looked up at his best mate. He had been too busy petting and praising the bird and ignoring the teasing to actually look at the parcel.

"The notebook..." Harry said, barely above a whisper. He took the small book off the owl and placed her on the empty stand, giving her some treats. "Do you know what this means?"

"No, why don't you explain," Ron prompted.

"We wrote letters to each other last year, but stopped when I came back from the Manor," Harry explained. "That's why Ginny got me another notebook for my birthday; she had used the last few pages to write to me so we needed another one and as a not so subtle hint that I should write. I was a bloody git and didn't write until I messed up on our date for her birthday and she never wrote back. I should of known something was up when she didn't return it."

"Well, go on, read it!" Neville encouraged him. Harry smiled, sat on his bed, and drew the curtains shut around him. He placed a silencing charm to drown out the others who were laughing and cat-calling, and lit his wand to read the letter.

Harry,

I thought it was about time I returned this to you. Two and a half months is a long time to go without writing you a letter. I hope you forgive me, but... I just didn't know what to write... Hell, I still don't, but I'll give it a try any ways.

I'm sorry if Seamus and I going to the dance on Halloween upset you. Even though it wasn't your decision, you're opinion means a lot to me. I am glad that Seamus and Lavender are back together. No more listening to that girl complain. Now if only that worked for others...

I happened to walk past the Room the other day, and it made me smile. We have some good memories in that Room. Remember the time Dobby brought us fruit to dip in chocolate. I haven't had better strawberries since! Or the time we walked along the beach, hand in hand? How 'bout tag in our dress robes! That was great. I'm just glad I took off my heels or I would've turned an ankle.

This has been the best week of the year. Thanks for the help with the Wolfsbane Potion. Uncle Severus was so impressed... maybe impressed isn't the right word... The potion satisfied his requirements so well, he bottled it up and told Remus to give it to his friends! And I'm to make it next month as well! Healing class is my favorite, but it tends to be rather boring when it's just me and Althea. I don't know how you do one-on-one classes, but they make me feel uncomfortable. And you have what, three or four of them!

I can't wait til the Quidditch game a week from today! It's going to be soooooooooooooooooooo much fun!!!!!! Quidditch does make life more fun, don't you think? That was a smart idea, switching Kendra and Natalie. It plays to their strengths much better and I'll work on my right throw. Though you should probably work on your Feints, they're starting to become predictable. If you need some help I'm willing to practice with you after normal practices.

Well, room mates just came in so I'm going to wrap this up... Talk to you tomorrow morning!

Yours forever,
Gin

Harry sat, stunned. She might as well have asked him out for all the hinting she had done! Harry stuck his head out the curtains and looked at Ron.

"I love your sister," he stated calmly. He read some of the lines to the others. "So, do you think she wants me?"

"No," Neville replied seriously. The young men looked at Neville for a few seconds and then started laughing. Neville's serious look broke and he was laughing just as hard as the rest.

"So, tomorrow morning, you'll ask her out?" Ron asked.

"I do believe I will."

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AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Okay, first and formost, i just want to apologize for the long wait. After getting my repaired laptop back (thankfully the hard drive is just fine) I had to concentrate on studying for my midterm exams. That is over and I have a full week off to recover. I hope to get 19 out soon (cross your fingers, you never know)

Huge thanks to the following: The Wizard Of Joz, rose king, Sectum, Unknown777, mouchardchercheur, hpmyman2389, izza, dave1234, hermionegranger123, Arachnia_Payton, and dumbledore42!!! Getting reviews really helped me get through the past two weeks... Kept me distracted as I realized that I couldn't study without my notes and whatnot... I really do appreciate the time Dave1234 took with his review questioning my decision for Ginny and Harry's break-up. I even gave away more info than I expected in the answer...

Now... just a pet peeve I have... If you want to flame me, go ahead and flame me! I actually get a kick out of them. But please if you're going to use such language that ****'ed is all I read, then PLEASE leave me some way to contact you.

HP freak 13: you obviously spent quite a bit of time insulting me (honestly... never thought of cozing up to Voldemort... but oddly, I can't get that thought out of my head now... I thought Snape in leather would be the strangest obssession I would ever get, but this... this has to top it, so thanks for proving me wrong!) and your extensive vocabulary astounded me! Unfortunately you left me no way to reply other than putting in my normal comment. I hope you go back and read them, because I felt the need to give you an honest reply. If you ever want to flame again, please don't do it as a guest. Take some pride in your opinion ('casue in many ways I agree with you. leaving all you thinking that Harry had killed himself was evil of me. I often have cussed at myself for some of the things i've done to harry.) but a bit of faith in the author who named her fic HARRY POTTER and the Rise of the Phoenix would be greatly appreciated! Oh, and if and when you read this (because I don't think you left, what with your review for chapter 3) I would like an apology. have a bit of faith!

oh... and... please... do not insult me by saying that i'm not a true HP Fan... I spend HOURS writing a Harry Potter fic and HOURS beta'ing it and HOURS reading reviews and responding and HOURS reading HP fanfics and HOURS talking HP, so... please, don't doubt that I'm a harry potter fanatic. thank you!

wow... okay, that rants done... seriously, everything is welcomed: rants, raves, comments, questions, suggestions, and flames! I love it all! they all serve their purposes!

Huge thanks to the Stalkers!! Want to welcome Britt to the group and our first ff.net cross over stalker: Jelly!! or 233 as her guest name is! hehe... It's a pleasure to have you both join the group, but really, some guy out there has got to have enough spare time to join the group!

Just a plug for 19 (I LOVE THAT NUMBER!) and then I'm submitting this!

"A Little Talking, A Little Flying, A Little Pacing" is the wonderfully inspired title of the chapter. We begin with a chat amongst friends and a sad day in the lives of the Weasley family. The first Quidditch game of the season is played, but Sephra is calling for a replay by the end of it! And there's a bit of pacing in St. Mungo's by the end of the chapter... Yes, 19 maybe my favorite number, but I am evil! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Until next time,
Devotedly Yours,
Ioci the Contrite and Nefarious

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