Harry Potter and the Reign of Darkness

Chapter Four - Bonds of Blood

Stretched before them, Diagon Alley looked as it usually did, except the streets were nearly devoid of people. An occasional witch or wizard was seen entering or exiting a store, but never before a quick, wary look down the alley. Harry glanced at Ginny, who was trying to suppress a look of concern. Even Fred and George had nothing to say as they stood there with slight frowns on their faces. Refusing to let his birthday become a downer, Harry stepped forward. "Right, jus' means we won't get separated." Harry popped another Switcher Sweet in his mouth and chewed. Despite the horrible appearance his face took on, there wasn't much else for Harry to complain about as the chocolate was quite good.

Hermione stepped through next. "Where would you like to go first, Harry? It's your day."

Harry looked back and smiled at her, seeing the Weasleys slowly filtering in behind them. Ron looked especially nervous. "Quality Quidditch Supplies would be wonderful, I've run out of polish for my broomstick."

Hermione sighed. She had never been the biggest fan of Quidditch but did her best to support Harry and Ron, although her enthusiasm for the sport had grown somewhat after Ginny had become Gryffindor's star Chaser. "Alright, let's go have a look."

The group made their way to the store, one of the first from the entrance to Diagon Alley. The bell jingled as the door swung open, and the young wizard behind the counter nearly leaped out of his skin in surprise. "OH! Oh, hello there....Yes, welcome to Quality Quidditch Supplies," he said, his voice slightly shaking.

Harry was the last to enter the store, and he smiled briefly at the wizard behind the desk, who upon looking at Harry, made a face as if a skunk had just walked through the door. Harry walked towards the back of the shop where the broom maintenance items were kept. Fred and George started ogling the display brooms along with Ginny, but Ron and Hermione had stopped at the entrance and were now speaking in hushed tones. After Harry grabbed a bottle of polish and walked back to the skittish wizard at the counter (who still looked mortified at the sight of Harry's face), Ron and Hermione quickly hushed up. Hermione then walked over to Harry. "We're going to go look around for a birthday present for you. None of us have been allowed out like this in ages ourselves and we haven't had the opportunity."

Harry shook his head. "You really don't need to get me anything...."

Ron stepped forward, brushing against Hermione's shoulder. "That's rubbish, Harry! We're going to get you some proper birthday presents. Fred, George and Ginny'll stick with you."

Fred and George both looked up at the mention of their names. "Sorry mate, but we've got a touch of business to attend to. We won't be gone too long. Ginny'll stay with you, Harry." After another brief look at the newest Nimbus model, Fred and George swept out of the store as Ginny walked over to Hermione, her eyes still focused on a pair of gloves on a rack towards the back. She then leaned in and whispered in Hermione's ears for a moment. Hermione nodded and smiled back, and then turned towards the door.

"Alright, Harry. We'll meet you outside of Fortescue's in about a half an hour," she said. Ron smiled and then opened the door, allowing Hermione to exit first and then stepped out of sight.

Harry had heard Ron, but only barely, as he was looking back to the rack holding the gloves that Ginny had been looking over, when he was interrupted by a loud cough. The skittish wizard behind the counter was now looking impatient. Harry quickly placed his polish on the counter. "Sorry," Harry said, "How much for those gloves over there, the red Dragon skin with double straps?" He pointed where he had seen Ginny staring.

The nervous wizard looked over where Harry was pointing with a look of recognition. "Those are some fine gloves, mate. Eight galleons seems fair." Harry turned to look at Ginny, who was staring at him with a mix of confusion and admiration. Taking his money sack out of his pocket, Harry produced the eight Galleons for the gloves and five sickles for the polish and placed them on the counter before turning back to Ginny.

"Go ahead, grab them. We need to have a chaser with a fine set of gloves." Ginny smiled brightly at Harry and walked over and picked up the gloves, placing them in a bag, which featured a broomstick soaring through the air spelling out the Quality Quidditch Supplies logo, which the skittish wizard had put the polish in.

"Have a safe day!" the wizard behind the counter cried, before turning to look out into the alley through the front door window. Ginny and Harry stepped outside, the door to the Quidditch store slamming shut with a bang, and Harry heard the wizard inside cry out in fear at the sudden noise.

"Harry...." Ginny said in a quiet voice, and Harry turned to look at her. She looked as if she had been given a gift of the utmost meaning. "Thank you," she said firmly and kindly. Harry smiled, but said nothing in return as they began to walk down the alley way.

The relative quiet was unsettling to Harry. Every time he had visited Diagon Alley in the past, it had been a busting marketplace. Street vendors had been peddling their wares and there was scarcely a place one could stand still for more than a moment before being shoved along. Now, the streets were all but empty. No street vendors had opened shop, and Harry noticed that Flourish and Blotts had a large "CLOSED FOR REPAIRS" sign hanging on its front door. Harry reached into his coat pocket and removed another Switcher Sweet and tossed it in his mouth. "I must look quite a fright," said Harry, before turning to look at Ginny as they walked.

Ginny laughed. "Yeah, I can say that you do, Harry Potter. Although your disposition is quite a bit sweeter than ol' Mundungus." She smiled brightly at Harry, who in turn smiled back. It was nice to be out with no Dursleys or professors of Order members telling him where to go. As Harry and Ginny approached Gringotts, however, the silence became more pervasive. Wizards with Ministry badges were standing outside the entrance. Ginny leaned in to Harry's ear. "Aurors," she whispered. "We shouldn't hang around here." Harry nodded and they picked up the pace as they passed parallel to Gringotts. Harry absentmindedly looked down the road to his left, which led to Knockturn Alley, and then clutched his forehead as his scar began to sting. "Harry, what is it?" whispered Ginny, but Harry didn't reply. Down towards the bend in Knockturn Alley, Harry saw Tonks talking to a couple of dodgy characters, shrouded in black. He knew it was Tonks because of her lime green hair which stood up in spikes. Harry turned to Ginny as they drew farther away from Gringotts.

"What's she doing down in Knockturn Alley?"

Ginny shrugged. "She's an Auror, Harry. They're probably questioning some of the shady characters who fancy that place, see if anyone knows anything. We just need to be sure she doesn't see us or we'll all be in big trouble." Harry nodded, as much as he didn't like the idea of Tonks, a prominent member of the Order, hanging around the type of wizards who frequented Knockturn Alley, Ginny's explanation made sense. She was, after all, a Ministry Auror. His scar's pain had quickly subsided, so he dwelled on it for only a few seconds more.

Harry and Ginny spent the rest of their time before their meeting time with Ron and Hermione window shopping at the Magical Menagerie and Gambol & Japes. As they passed by the entrance to Knockturn Alley once more, Harry checked to see if Tonks was still down there, but she, and whoever she had been talking to, were long gone. The other Ministry officials that had been outside were gone as well. Harry thought it curious, but wasn't concerned. Looking up ahead, Harry saw the sign for Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor. The outside cafe section that Harry had enjoyed so much, however, was not out today. As Harry and Ginny neared the door, Harry looked in through the window and quickly slowed, pointing out the curious scene in the parlor to Ginny.

Inside, Mr. Fortescue had just handed a cone of what looked like strawberry ice cream to Hermione. Ron already had a double-scoop cone of chocolate in one hand, but as Hermione presumably reached for her gold, Ron held out his hand and mouthed something neither Harry or Ginny could understand. However, Ron quickly delved into his own pockets and produced a collection of sickles and knuts, which he placed on the counter. "Did he....just....pay for her?" Ginny said breathlessly.

Harry nodded dumbly. "He did." Very slowly, a grin stretched over Harry's face. "I can't believe it...." Harry grabbed Ginny's hand and whipped her around against the wall and out of sight. He looked at Ginny, his eyebrows perched above his glasses, a knowing smile on his face.

Ginny looked at Harry quizzically for a moment before a shocked look of recognition flashed across her face. "No!" she cried. "Surely you can't think...."

Another brief second of silence flashed between the two, and then both of their heads slowly craned around the corner, sneaking a peek inside the Parlor once more. Inside, Hermione was glancing at her watch and mouthing something. "Probably complaining that we're late," thought Harry, as he quietly placed another Switcher Sweet in his mouth and began to chew.

"Look at him! He's staring at her! I've never seen him so interested in anything!" Ginny began to giggle. "This is too much!" Harry nodded rapidly in agreement, and then began to wonder why he hadn't noticed this before.

"What's going on here?" said a sly voice from directly behind Harry and Ginny. The two turned around quickly and saw Fred and George, grinning at them. "What're you two gawk-"

"SHH!" said Harry and Ginny simultaneously.

Harry motioned for them to come closer. "Your brother's gone all puppy-dog eyes for Hermione. Take a look." Harry motioned to the window to the parlor, and soon all four of them had their heads craned around the wall, staring in. Hermione and Ron were talking freely now. Fred and George did their best to hold in their laughter, but soon all four of them were giggling freely as Ron made a surprisingly wide array of silly faces. Hermione, however, didn't appear to notice and seemed to be enjoying the ice cream more than their conversation. After a few minutes, Ron began to frown as Hermione appeared to get more and more agitated. Finally, Hermione shot out of her seat and mouthed something that was almost audible through the Parlor window and then, after grabbing a small bag, stormed out into the street.

"Ooooh, Ronald We-" Hermione turned and saw Harry, Ginny, Fred and George all either looking straight up or straight down, twiddling their thumbs and shuffling their feet. Fred was even whistling. "Harry! Gin....Everyone. Hi." She paused for a moment. "Did I miss something?"

"Miss something?" Harry said, doing his best to sound surprised at the notion that he, Ginny, Fred and George all huddled together, acting incredibly suspicious, couldn't possibly be up to something. "No, no I don't think you did. We all just....happened to be....just here."

"Just now," Ginny added quickly.

"Just waiting," the twins said in unison.

Hermione looked confused, but her attention turned and she scowled as the parlor door opened once more and Ron emerged, looking angry and dejected.

"Let's be off," Hermione said curtly, and then took off back towards the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron.

Harry looked to Ron. "What was that about?"

Ron shook his head. "We had another row about Viktor...." His voice slowly trailing off.

"What did you say?" Harry asked.

"Oh, nothing much....just that Krum's a git. She didn't like that much."

"That couldn't be all."

"Well, no....I....elaborated a bit. On him being a git and all."

Harry shook his head. "You may want to go apologize, Ron," Ginny said calmly.

"Apologize, to her? I wouldn't get out one letter before she'd rip into me again! It's not like I'm the only one at fault here," Ron said pleadingly.

Ginny only shook her head. "Ron, you just don't get it do you?" With that, Ginny took off to catch up with Hermione, who was passing Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Ron looked back to Harry and his brothers, looking very confused. "What? What did I say?"

Harry, took a step forward and placed his arm around Ron's shoulder and began to walk. "It's okay, Ron. It's okay." Fred and George started to follow behind them, but after a pop came from farther back in the alley, followed by the curiously loud call of a canary, they quickened their pace considerably.

The walk back to the back alley where the entrance to the Order's headquarters was hidden was spent in absolute silence. Even the twins quiet, watching like hawks as Hermione stormed ahead of the rest of the group, followed closely by Ginny. Harry and Ron kept their distance from the girls, bringing up the back. When they turned into the alleyway, Fred and George gave Ron a wink and then, with two cracks, disapparated.

Ron turned to Harry. "Be careful, mate." Then, with another crack, Ron disapparated as well.

Harry sighed, and turned to Hermione, who had just flung open the top of the dumpster. "Horrid stench go away, come to haunt another day, when danger lurks do not part, only pass the pure of heart," she muttered quickly, and then beckoned for Harry and Ginny to come closer. As Harry walked over, he removed the invisibility cloak he had been keeping in his coat and covered himself, Hermione and Ginny with it. "Alright, now," Hermione said in a huff. "Not a word until we get upstairs." Harry and Ginny nodded, and then the three of them climbed over the top and stood inbetween two large sacks of trash. Harry noticed the pleasant cinnamon smell once again, and then the three of them slipped through into a brief freefall.

The three of them landed, invisibility cloak intact, with an audible thud. Quickly scanning the kitchen, Harry was relieved to see it was empty. A glance into the family room revealed why, as a grime-covered Mrs. Weasley, still clutching a feather duster in her right hand, had seemingly fallen asleep on the musty old couch, which looked much less musty than the night before. The three then creeped to the foot of the stairs before Harry removed the invisibility cloak, smiling at Ginny. The three then proceeded to the top of the stairs and made their way towards the boys' bedroom when a door with green paint swung open and a drowsy Mundungus Fletcher stepped out. Harry kept his cool as he walked by, muttering a small "Hello." Hermione and Ginny did the same.

"Huh? Oh, hello there...." Mundungus replied, but as the three filed into the bedroom and shut the door, a splash of recognition fell across his face. "What the....?"

Ron was sitting on his bed, kicking off his shoes and leaning back onto his pillow, and the twins were sitting on their respective beds pawing through some unknown pieces of parchment. As the three entered, Ron, Fred and George looked up. "Any trouble?" Ron asked.

Harry only shook his head. "Your mum's asleep. Worked herself into it."

Fred, George and Ron breathed a heavy sigh of relief. "Well played everyone. Very well done," said Fred proudly.

"We'll see you at dinner, Harry," Hermione said brusquely, and she and Ginny exited the room. As the door shut, Ron sighed quietly, but not too quietly.

Harry frowned. Why hadn't he seen it before? "I must be really thick," he thought. Harry started to open his mouth to confront Ron about what had happened at Fortescue's, but then thought better. It was better to let Ron say what he felt when he felt ready.

Harry turned and walked over to the twins, removing the half-full bag of Switcher Sweets and holding it out. "Thanks, you two. These were a real life saver."

George shook his head. "All yours, mate." Fred nodded in agreement.

Harry looked down at the Switcher Sweets, wondering when he'd ever need to resemble Mundungus Fletcher ever again, but only shrugged and smiled at Fred and George as he tucked them back into his jeans. He then walked over to his bunk where Ron sat sprawled out, his hands cradling the back of his head, staring at the bottom of Harry's mattress. Harry could only smile weakly at Ron, who didn't appear to notice, before he climbed up onto his own bed and laid down. Something about Tonks in Knockturn Alley bothered him, Auror or not, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Deciding there was nothing more to be done, Harry began considering some new Quidditch strategies for the coming school year.

The rest of the afternoon passed without incident, Fred and George seemed deeply involved in their collection of parchment, Harry occasionally heard them crunching numbers, but couldn't make out anything else. Ron remained silent the whole time, but both times Harry had leaned over to see if he was asleep, Ron's eyes were wide open and staring at Harry's mattress, just as Harry had left him. When the grandfather clock struck six, Mrs. Weasley cried out from the bottom of the staircase. "Dinner!" Harry flopped off of his bed and looked to Ron, who was getting up slowly. Harry turned to look at the twins, who both looked deep in thought.

"Are you coming?"

Fred raised his left arm and flapped his hand up and down. "Later."

Harry shrugged and turned back to Ron. "Come on." Ron nodded and they walked out into the hallway. The door across the way opened as well and Ron and Hermione found themselves face to face for a moment. Ron's eyes sparked as he began to open his mouth but Hermione only frowned, still looking furious, and headed downstairs in a huff. Ron sighed once more as he, Harry and Ginny made their way down as well.

Mrs. Weasley, still looking tired, had the table laid out in spectacular fashion. The table was covered with a festive, polka dotted table cloth, and balloons were strung up on the ceiling. In the center of the table sat a particularly inviting side of corned beef, along with mashed potatoes, string beans, dinner rolls and Yorkshire Pudding. Hermione had already taken her seat, and Ron quickly took the seat next to her, much to her dislike. Harry sat next to Ron and was then flanked by Ginny.

Mrs. Weasley turned from the oven for a moment to face the table. "Where's Fred and George?"

"They'll be down in a minute, Mrs. Weasley," said Harry, "Just, uh, putting away some notes."

"Have you caught up alright, then, Harry?"

"Oh yes, I think so." Harry did his best to suppress a grin.

Mrs. Weasley smiled and turned back to the oven, peeking inside.

A swift crack sounded in the kitchen, and Mr. Weasley apparated next to his wife. "Good evening, Molly," he said, sounding extremely drained.

"How is it, Arthur?" Mrs. Weasley replied, sounding concerned but still looking in the oven.

Mr. Weasley moved into the family room as he removed his coat and hat, and returned a moment later without them. "It's a mess, dear. If Shacklebolt and Tonks are right, which I think they are, then there's a bewitched Muggle camera out there with a penchant for Harry, but no leads! So frustrating...." He leaned in and gave his wife a kiss on the cheek before turning to face the table. "Well, happy birthday to you, Harry!" Mr. Weasley smiled warmly at Harry as he took a seat at the table.

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley," Harry said with gratitude.

"I've got a surprise for you, just managed to get the slip today, actually," Mr. Weasley said with a touch of excitement in his voice. He reached into his pants' pocket and removed a small slip of parchment, handing it to Harry. "Happy birthday from Molly and I."

Harry read the slip aloud.

This receipt is to show that HARRY JAMES POTTER has an appointment at the Apparition Test Office, Ministry of Magic Headquarters, London at 9:30 AM on AUGUST 31st

Gerard Kessler

Apparition Test Officer

Harry grinned as he set the receipt down in front of him. "An apparition test! But, I have never been taught h-" Mr. Weasley held out his hand, waving it back and forth. "Don't worry, Harry. Fred, George and Ron'll be happy to help you, and I'll do my best for real lessons when I'm around. Together, we'll have you apparating in no time."

Harry nodded. "Thank you Mr. Weasley, Mrs. Weasley."

Mrs. Weasley turned and smiled at Harry. "You're welcome, Harry. I've got something else for you after dinner." She turned back to the oven, and began tinkering with whatever was inside with her wand.

Ron leaned over to Harry's ear and whispered. "Apparating's a nightmare, best let Fred and George give you the pointers. I'm hopeless."

Harry turned to him, still smiling. "You did pass, Ron."

"Barely."

Another crack filled the room, and Tonks appeared, still sporting the lime green hair that Harry and Ginny had seen earlier. "Hi everyone! Harry! Happy birthday!" she said breathlessly as she immediately sat at the table.

"How were things at the Ministry for you today, dear?" Mrs. Weasley said.

Tonks only shook her head. "There's nothing I hate more than being stuck behind a desk all day. We should be OUT there, especially after what happened! Ah well, after what McGonagall said, I do have to be ready...."

Harry looked very confused, and turned his head to Ginny, who was looking the same. Harry knew that he had seen Tonks at the alley today, it hadn't sat right with him then and now she's denying she was ever there? Harry began to open his mouth when he saw Ginny rapidly shaking her head. She leaned in very close to Harry's ear and whispered, "We weren't there, remember?" Harry nodded in reply.

Mrs. Weasley and Tonks were oblivious to Harry and Ginny's brief, frenzied exchange. "So you're on duty tonight with Arthur?"

Tonks sighed, "I am. I still have a lot of paperwork to fill out."

"Well you picked a good night, dear. There'll be plenty of cake to go around." Mrs. Weasley turned to face the table, placing a hand on her husband's shoulder and looking at Harry. "Well, I think everyone's here for the evening. You said the twins'll be down?" Harry nodded. "Alright then, just leave room for dessert!" Mrs. Weasley sat down and the whole group began to eat.

Over the course of the meal, Harry noticed that Ron and Hermione were being extremely polite to each other, the kind of polite that only happens when both people are fighting but don't want to cause a scene. The food itself was wonderful, and Harry had to restrain himself from eating a third helping to ensure room for dessert. Sure enough, after everyone had finished their meal, Mrs. Weasley produced a chocolate birthday cake with Happy Birthday Harry! written on it in crimson and gold frosting. The candles had flames that liked to leap from one candle to the other, which made it difficult for Harry to blow them out. It took him three tries. After everyone clapped, the cake and ice cream went around (Ron and Hermione both passed on the ice cream). As expected, the cake was delicious and after two pieces, he felt his stomach admitting defeat. Harry leaned back in his seat with a satisfied sigh. Mrs. Weasley reached over with her right hand and patted Harry on the shoulder. "So glad we could be with you for your birthday, dear. So glad."

Harry smiled back at Mrs. Weasley, and then Ron patted him on his other shoulder, smiling. Hermione leaned over and smiled at him as well. With a couple cracks, the twins apparated beside the table. "I hope you left some for us!" Fred cried.

Mrs. Weasley frowned briefly. "There may not be since you two were so late for the occasion!" The twins picked over the leftovers and made themselves plates of food before taking a seat.

After the twins devoured their meal and started on the cake, Mrs. Weasley rose from the table and headed into the family room. A moment later she returned, sporting a gray sweater with a lion's head on the front, she walked over to Harry and handed it to him, leaning in to kiss his cheek. "Happy birthday, Harry. I made it myself," she said proudly. Across the table, Fred and George rolled their eyes, but Mrs. Weasley didn't notice.

Harry held it up in front of him. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. It's wonderful." Harry smiled at her until she took her seat once more. Hermione stood up and walked over and placed a neatly wrapped book in his lap. Harry removed the paper, revealing Signs of the Seeker: A Quidditch Tactics Guide. Harry stared down at the cover, which featured a Golden Snitch flapping about. Harry stood up and hugged Hermione. "Thank you, this'll come in handy, no doubt," he said. Hermione smiled back at him and sat.

Ron reached under his chair and pulled out another wrapped book, however this one was much larger, and placed it on the table in front of Harry. Harry looked both confused and amused for a moment, it wasn't like Ron to get Harry a book, but after he tore off the paper, he realized why Ron had bought it.

It looked very beaten up, but that didn't bother Harry much. It was a Hogwarts yearbook, and as Harry flipped through the pages, he saw a picture of his parents with the phrase "Head Boy and Girl" beneath. His father James was standing with his hands resting on his hips, chest puffed out and defiant smile on his face while his mother did her best to restrain a fit of laughter. It was always so hard to see pictures of his parents because they were both so happy looking in the photos he had been shown and it caused a deep pang in his stomach to form. Harry stared at the picture a bit longer before turning to Ron, who looked nervous, probably thinking Harry wouldn't like it.

Harry quickly stood and threw his arms around Ron. "Thank you," he said firmly. "Thank you so much." Ron patted Harry on the back twice and then pulled away, smiling at him.

As Mrs. Weasley began to collect the plates, she turned to Ginny. "Do you have something for Harry, dear?"

Ginny looked over to her mother. "Yes, mum, but it's upstairs, I'll give it to him later," she explained.

"Why don't you give it to him now?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"Mom! I'm going to give it to him later, alright?" Ginny looked very annoyed.

"Alright, alright. Have it your way." She turned to Harry, "Happy birthday again, dear."

Mr. Weasley shot up out of his chair as Ron, Hermione and Harry began to get up. "Hold on a minute!" He rushed out of the room. "Just one minute!" Mr. Weasley cried, apparently a couple of rooms away. Finally, he rushed back in holding an extremely old camera with an extra large flash. "Alright everyone, gather in, gather in," Mr. Weasley asked, "and we'll get a good shot."

Harry stood over in a corner, and Ron stood next to him. Harry expected Hermione to stand on the opposite side of him after their row, but she pushed right up next to Ron and Ginny stood on Harry's other side. Tonks made her way in as well. The twins stood behind the group and Mrs. Weasley put her arm around Ginny. "Okay," Mr. Weasley said anxiously, pushing a few buttons before setting the camera down and rushing over next to his wife, "everyone say 'Quidditch'!"

"QUIDDITCH!"

There was a large flash that nearly blinded Harry for a moment. "Excellent!" cried Mr. Weasley, who walked back over to the camera. "This'll look just wonderful. I'll get copies for all of you."

Harry looked down to Ginny who grabbed his arm and immediately began leading him upstairs. Ron, Hermione, Fred and George followed after them, but Ginny led Harry into the girls' bedroom and shut the door behind them. Harry hadn't been in the girls' room yet, and at first glance, it was considerably smaller (and cleaner) than the boys' room. Harry noticed Crookshanks, who had been curiously out of sight during most of his time at the new Order headquarters, resting peacefully on what must have been Hermione's bed. On the opposite wall, Harry saw something that looked distinctly out of place: a deck with golden banisters. Ginny turned around to face Harry, who looked confused.

"Alright, Harry. Now, close your eyes." Harry did so, and he felt Ginny grab one of his hands and lead him towards where he had seen the deck.

"Can I open my eyes yet, Ginny?" Harry asked. Ginny only shushed him.

"Just hold on for a minute, Mr. Potter."

Harry heard Ginny scuttling around the girls bedroom and then heard her whisper, "Incendo," again and again. Finally, Harry heard her stop moving only inches away from where he was standing. "Alright, Harry."

Harry opened his eyes and made an "O" with his mouth. The deck, now surrounded with lit candles, was much larger than it had looked in the dark. Harry peaked over the side and saw the small backyard that Lupin had conjured. He turned back to Ginny, who was now wearing beautiful new dress robes and her hair let down and styled, and grinned, stifling a laugh out of joy and surprise. "This is really....well, beautiful, Ginny."

Ginny walked over to the banister and leaned on it with her forearms, craning her head to look at Harry. "Hermione and I were working on it all afternoon, it's no easy feat to put something like this together, you know." Harry hadn't meant the deck.

"Your dress robes are, well, they're stunning." Harry said as he looked them over. They were an enticing shade of deep red and complimented her hair nicely.

Ginny smiled and blushed. "I had Hermione pick them out for me today while I was with you, that's why I couldn't afford the gloves. Thank you, for the gloves, I mean. That was really nice of you."

"Nice of me? You spent all afternoon putting together this production...." Harry sighed, "I just don't understand, why all this?" Harry motioned his hand around the deck that seemed to glow under the ambiance of the candles, which floated gracefully along the banister

Ginny looked confused and a little hurt. "Oh come on, Harry," she said in an exasperated tone, "Don't play dumb."

Harry turned to look down at the courtyard and sighed once more. "I'm not the boy for you, Ginny. I'm, it's just too dangerous."

Ginny pushed away from the banister. "Harry Potter, don't you even start with this nonsense. Don't you respect me enough to make the decision whether or not it's too dangerous? What is it going to take to prove to you...." her voice trailed off.

Harry turned to her. "But this is Voldemort, Ginny, VOLDEMORT," he noticed that Ginny didn't flinch at the mention of the Dark Lord's name, "Voldemort will know. We're bound by blood now, Gin. The link between us has only grown since the Tri-wizard Tournament. He knows what I'm feeling, he may even be able to see what I'm seeing! He'll come after you. He'll know how I feel for you. I, I can't always be there...." Harry turned away from her.

"He already knows, Harry! He already knows," Ginny said matter-of-factly, "How easily you forget...." She turned and walked to the opposite end of the deck, resting her hands on the banister next to one of the floating candles. "I still hear him," she said breathily.

Harry turned his head back towards her, looking shocked. "But, we, we destroyed the diary. The memory is gone."

Ginny turned around quickly. "He's NEVER gone, Harry! NEVER." She began to sob, drying her eyes with her hands as best she could. "Look, Harry. This is really simple," Ginny paused for a moment and took a deep breath, her eyes locked on Harry's, "You either want me or you don't. This has nothing to do with Voldemort. I don't care anymore, I don't care if he knows. It's time to decide, Harry." She looked at him with an expression Harry couldn't decipher, and Harry stared back, speechless. He had thought it had only been a second, but it apparently was a second to long and Ginny began to storm past him.

Harry's hand rocketed out and grabbed Ginny by her wrist and he pulled her close. She looked up at him, her eyes pleading. Harry stared down at her for a moment, and then looked straight up at the stars. It was a beautiful, cloudless evening, the sun had almost completely hid behind the backdrop of London. "I couldn't imagine losing you, Ginny. I'm just, I'm frightened. He's in my head, all the time. I can't shake him." Harry looked back down at her, and saw eyes that understood. Eyes that truly understood.

"I know, Harry, I know because he's in my head too, and that's why I know I belong with you. I understand, Harry. I understand what you're carrying on your shoulders....because I'm carrying it too."

Harry looked up from her and out into the yard below once more, his arms clenched around her tightly. She began to squeeze him back. Tears began to stream from Harry's eyes. No matter where he turned, Voldemort was always there, nipping at his heels. First his parents, then Sirius and Dumbledore, he didn't want to imagine who could be next. The picture of his parents smiling in the yearbook raced through his mind, and his scar began to sear with pain. He did his best to ignore it. "I miss them so much, Ginny. Every single day, I miss them and he's always there, in the back of my mind, laughing."

"Then we'll stop him. We'll stop him together, Harry," she placed a hand on his cheek, bringing his eyes back down to meet his. "For both our sakes."

Harry sighed, as if trying to push out some of the horrible memories with his breath. "I'm just....I'm going to need....some time, Ginny. Some time to have it all make sense," Harry tried to continue, to explain what his heart was feeling, but Ginny silenced him with a finger pressed against his lips.

"Take your time, Harry. Take all the time you need, I'll be right here, waiting." Ginny leaned up to him and placed a brief kiss on his lips before pulling away. "Happy birthday, Harry."