Harry Potter and the Dangerous Choice

Chapter Seventeen

Revelations

The next morning at breakfast, Harry's head was full of the thought of his auror lessons with Mac. He had not told anyone this news yet, including Ginny. The little incident with the Pensieve had driven everything else from his mind, temporarily. Last night he had considered telling Ron and Hermione as they worked their way through an essay on the safe types of human transfiguration, but then he had stopped himself. Harry realized that his friends would surely question why he was being given auror training. The reason would lead right back to the prophecy. He frowned and glanced over at Ginny. She had told him several times that he should confide in Ron and Hermione; that they could help him. Still he could not bring himself to do it.

As Harry ate his toast, the usual bevy of owls swooped into the Great Hall. A large black and white hawk owl fluttered down and landed in front of Ginny with a letter. "Who are you?" she asked inclining her head toward the owl and removing the letter. The owl hooted softly and took a piece of bacon she offered it, before it took off. Ginny opened the letter and began to read.

"Who is that from?" asked Ron watching the owl take flight.

"Mum," said Ginny with a bit of nervousness in her voice. Harry could guess the content of the letter and swallowed hard. "Apparently, that was our new owl," said Ginny as she read. "His name is Merlin. It seems that mum sent Errol off with this letter the other day and he just circled the house and came back in. Won't go out on anymore deliveries; so they let him rest on his perch and bought that new one."

"Good," pronounced Ron. "Errol was getting totally too unreliable, and the old thing deserves a rest." Ron got up from his seat, "C'mon Harry. Let's get to class."

Harry would have loved to stay and read the letter, but he guessed Ginny would fill him in later. At least it wasn't a howler Harry thought gratefully. So he slung his bag on his back and went off with Ron.

After lunch and Care of Magical Creatures, where Harry and Theodore Nott pretended to be irritated with each other, to the amusement of the Slytherins, Harry hurried off to the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. MacNessa was waiting for him and motioned him into the office, where he closed the door before leading Harry to a table covered in books and papers. "Sit down boy!" he said.

Mac took a seat and shifted a stack of parchment. "Harry, I have been asked to instruct you in the techniques and skills used by the Ministry aurors," said Mac. "I used to train aurors, although it was many, many years ago. Still, I believe that I can do a passable job of providing you with the basics. Now boy, we have the two class periods a day at our disposal for this training. If you were in regular auror training, you would have lessons for three days per week, and then you would have a day for research and a day in which you worked along side an auror on the job. So, we are going to be hampered, somewhat by the lack of time. On the positive side we have this: first, the training will be one on one, which always proceeds faster, and second, you are already more skilled than the average new recruit." Mac was keeping a stern, all business look upon his face, but Harry couldn't help but smile.

"I don't want you getting a big head, young Harry, for that will not serve us well at all, but when I show you the standard auror training schedule, you will see that you are already fairly accomplished in several key areas. I will be preparing your specialized training schedule over the course of the next week and we will see from that where to concentrate our efforts." Harry nodded trying to suppress his excitement. "You may come here during our normal class period and do whatever studying you have for other classes, while I map out the course outline."

Harry nodded and then retreated to a chair by the fire where he spent the rest of the class time reading his Charms textbook and glancing up occasionally at Mac who seemed very focused on a large book and a stack of parchment. Every few minutes Mac would mutter something like "Nonsense," or "Good point," or "Rubbish," which Harry found amusing.

After about an hour, Professor Dumbledore strode into the room. "Hello, Harry, Conner. Might I have a word?" he said looking at Mac. Harry thought Mac looked unhappy about Dumbledore's intrusion. "Harry, would you mind taking your books into the classroom?" he asked.

Harry gathered up his things and went to take a seat in the other room. Mac and Dumbledore stayed in the office and Mac closed the door. Harry returned to his reading until he heard Mac's raised voice coming from the office. "No! I said No, and I meant it..." Harry looked behind him. The door out to the corridor was closed. He got up and walked quietly over to the office door, ready to sprint back to his chair at the slightest movement of the doorknob.

"Conner, Conner, it's just that you would be so very valuable to our cause." Dumbledore was saying.

"It's my final answer Albus and it's no good trying to change my mind. I don't care about your Order's secrets, and I don't need to know them. I'll not join your group and that's flat.... But...I will teach the boy. I'll teach him whatever I can to keep him a step ahead of the enemy, and, frankly so he's a step ahead of you lot. I don't wish to know what you're planning for him but I'll try to make sure he can defend himself." Mac said, sounding very angry.

Then he continued a bit more calmly, "You know I am not interested in being the one to send young men to their deaths. I can't do that again. Still have the nightmares sometimes. I won't put others lives in danger. I'll only try to save the ones we have."

"I thank you for training Harry. I wish we could take you into our counsel but I understand that you don't wish this, and I respect your decision," said Dumbledore.

Mac spoke again. "I rather like young Potter, and I feel I owe his grandfather whatever help I can give."

"Will you agree to stay on at Hogwarts next year?" asked Dumbledore.

"Yes, I will come back if you want me." said Mac.

Harry crept back to his seat. The two men emerged a few moments later and Dumbledore left immediately, with a parting smile to Harry.

That evening, Ginny passed Harry a small scrap of paper telling him to meet her in the passage behind the tapestry. Harry got a few books so he would appear to be going to the library, and headed out through the portrait hole while Ron and Hermione were pre-occupied arguing about house-elf rights, still a favorite subject with her.

When he was face-to-face with the tapestry, he looked up and down the corridor before stepping behind it. This passageway had become their regular meeting spot. Ginny was waiting with the letter from her mother in her hand. Harry smiled at her. "What did your mum say?" he asked cautiously.

"Surprisingly little," remarked Ginny, handing the letter to Harry. He took it and unfolded the parchment, then read the brief note. Mrs. Weasley had just said she hoped Ginny and Harry were fine and that she would be glad to talk to Ginny about anything she wanted, at anytime. Then she pointed out that it might be unwise to make their affections public. "Sort of vague," said Harry re-reading the note.

"I suspect they don't quite know what to say," said Ginny. "Not at all like mum to be without an opinion."

"Do you think your parents are upset?" asked Harry.

"How could they be?" asked Ginny. "I've got the best boyfriend at Hogwarts."

Harry smiled at her and took her in his arms, hugging her tight. Then she tipped her head back and he kissed her obligingly. "We need a better meeting place," he whispered.

Ginny breathed, "What do you have in mind?" softly in his ear.

"I'll think about it," he whispered back. Just then Harry jumped as he heard his name spoken, but not by Ginny. The sound was coming from his pocket. He reached in to it and pulled out the communication mirror. Remus' face was smiling at him.

"How are you, Harry?" he asked.

"Fine, Remus," said Harry cheerfully.

"Just thought I'd check on you. I think you got quite a shock when you used Dumbledore's Pensieve the other day."

"Ummm...well, I didn't know the memory with Ginny in it would be able to get in there too," said Harry, his face coloring slightly.

Remus laughed again, "I think Ginny is lovely and I'm actually glad you confided in someone. We don't want lots of people being privy to the prophecy, but it seems foolish to try to make you deceive your very close friends, especially, those who have helped you and whom you trust. You'll need them before the end. Oh, and in case you were wondering, Arthur seemed quite all right after the initial shock of seeing his baby girl snogging in front of his eyes," laughed Remus.

Ginny winked at Harry over the mirror. "Thanks Remus," he said. As the mirror went blank, Harry shoved it back in his pocket and kissed the lovely Ginny again.

After a week of preparation, Mac said he was ready to begin Harry's auror training. Harry's excitement was renewed. He didn't know exactly what to expect but he was convinced it would be interesting. When he entered MacNessa's office, Mac was sitting at the table with several neatly printed pieces of parchment in front of him. As Harry set down his bag, Mac beckoned him to an empty chair next to him at the table.

"Boy, there is a lot to do, and today, we'll try to make a start," said Mac with a stern look. Mac began to explain, "This is the list of skills that an auror trainee must be able to demonstrate before being accepted for employment with the Ministry. This is the beginning of a list of skills that I know you currently possess. It will need updating, but not until you have demonstrated the skill to me. This is a list of books you must become familiar with."

"Yes sir."

"You will need to exercise a lot of discipline to work your way through these requirements," Mac said, indicating another sheaf of papers. "We will have to remain focused. Are you sure you are up to the challenge?"

"I think being an auror would be the best job I could get, and I also need to learn this stuff to help me....emmm....defend myself."

"Yes, young Harry, I know that Dumbledore wants you trained. Unlike Defense Against the Dark Arts, auror training is more in the nature of offense rather than defense. I'll train you the best I can so you can save your skin. Again I must warn you...keep you mindful that you alone know what's best for you. You always have a choice."

This conversation was definitely taking the excitement of auror training and turning it around to the fear and uncertainty of his inevitable fight with Voldemort. Harry hung his head. "I know. I know I have choices, but there is only one that gives me a future, isn't there." He looked sharply up at Mac. Mac returned his gaze but didn't say anything for a long moment.

"All right then, let's begin," he said. "Do you know where the term 'auror' comes from?"

"No," Harry replied.

"The term comes from the word 'aura' which, in the muggle world refers to a radiation of light around the head of a person which indicates their nature...their essence. The auror is a person who is to seek out those who practice the dark arts, those who have a dark soul or dark essence."

By the end of the class, Harry found that he had quite a lot of assignments to keep him busy. In addition to studying, Mac wanted him to improve his physical condition. He was told to run up and down the stairs from the entrance hall to the top of West tower where the owlry was, three times in a row, every morning before breakfast. He was to do this to build up his strength and endurance. Mac said that even a wizard needed to be in good physical condition if he planned to fight. Harry was to see Madam Pince in the library for several books that he needed to begin reading, including one on poisons and one on magical objects.

That evening Harry went to the library with Ron and Hermione. "Potter, come here please," said Madam Pince, in her high squeaky voice as they walked in. Harry went to stand in front of her desk while Ron and Hermione chose a table. "Professor MacNessa asked especially that I find these books for you." She stacked four books on the desk in front of him, and picked up the top one. She brandished it at him, "This book in particular is not normally allowed to be checked out of the restricted section, much less out of the library, but as he indicated there is a special circumstance, you will be allowed to use it, along with the rest of these for the remainder of the term." Harry was sure she was not at all happy at all about this situation. She dumped the stack into his arms. The top book had an old worn leather cover and Harry could not make out the title.

"Thanks," he said over his shoulder as he carried the books back to his table and set them down. "Mac got Pince to lend me these books for the rest of the year," he explained. As Hermione had never met a book she didn't like, she could not resist opening the cover of the top one and inspecting the contents. Harry didn't think a potions book or a spell book would seem unusual reading assignments, but he stopped short when he saw Hermione's face redden and her mouth dropped open.

"Harry, the title of this book is Killing Thy Enemy: The Aurors Guide to Spells and Potions by Conner Fergus MacNessa. He wrote a book, and it's all about how to kill!" said Hermione in disbelief. "What kind of..."

"Lower your voice," said Harry. "Let me see that." Madam Pince glared in their direction. Harry took the book and began to leaf through it. In disturbing detail it talked about combinations of ways to kill, disable and otherwise incapacitate a foe.

Ron got up and looked over his shoulder. "Brilliant," he whispered. "Great bedtime reading, that." Hermione pursed her lips and returned to her own book.

Easter break arrived with a dreary, gray sky. The weather was damp and cold, making it difficult to stray too far from the warmth and dryness of the fires. Harry too found it hard to drag himself from his warm four-poster early in the morning to run up and down the castle steps as Mac had instructed him to do. He was always bleary-eyed as he pulled on pants, sweatshirt and trainers. The workout took him about forty-five minutes given the layout of Hogwarts. He was winded and his legs were aching by the time he was finished. As the days had gone on, the running became easier and he could actually go the entire distance without stopping.

The Easter break gave Harry an opportunity to search out a better meeting place for him and Ginny. The Room of Requirement seemed the prefect answer, so he had gone there and wished a cozy room with a comfortable sofa in front of a large fireplace. Ginny approved when he showed her, and they spent their stolen moments together there curled up in front of the fire.

On their way back from their secret meeting place the last night of their break, they ran into Hermione who was returning from the library. "Oh," she said, "Where have you two been?"

Harry stuttered, "We just happened into each other on the stairs. I was coming from seeing Mac and..."

"...I was talking to some Ravenclaws I know," interjected Ginny. Harry thought it sounded suspicious and he was sure his face had given him away. Lying was not his strong suit.

Just then they heard other voices in the next corridor that made them stop and listen. It sounded as though it was McGonagall, Flitwick, Hagrid and Sprout. They were discussing the fact that Hogsmeade was being turned into a veritable wizard refuge camp. Tents of all kinds had sprung up in the fields surrounding the tiny hamlet. The streets were packed with wizard families who had decided that the dragon protection and the Ministry security forces made them feel safe from Voldemort's random assaults. The Daily Prophet had run some pictures showing the crowds of wizards filling the narrow streets and camped in the fields next to the village. Wizards were quoted in the Prophet as saying that they felt safer being in the all wizard community at this time, and also nearer a wizard such as Albus Dumbledore.

"They think with Dumbledore close by, that there is extra protection in Hogsmeade. They'd camp right on the school grounds if allowed to," said Professor Sprout.

"Well, a course they would," boomed Hagrid, "Only one You-Know-Who ever feared was Dumbledore."

"Well, they should be looking to their own defenses," said McGonagall. "They should be doing what they can to protect themselves. What if the Ministry sent the dragons home? Then what would all those people do?"

Harry agreed with McGonagall and thought it might actually make it easier to mount an all out attack, with loads of people crowded in one spot. Clearly the wizard families who had moved to Hogsmeade were mixed blood families or those who openly opposed Voldemort. It was almost too easy. Dragons, what ever their powers, seemed more for show than for practical defense. Harry recalled that with a broomstick, he had been able to get past one when he was only thirteen.

That night, by the fire, he voiced his concerns to Ron, Hermione and Ginny "What can the ministry be thinking?" he asked. "It seems dangerous grouping everyone together."

"Harry, I'm sure is not as bad as you are imagining," said Hermione. "Those people want protection and now they have it. When this is all over with, they can go back to their homes."

Harry was hit hard by that comment. He was one of a very few people in the world who knew the prophecy and there was no plan for it to be all over. No one was going home until he and Voldemort faced each other. "I just think people would be better off scattered around not grouped together. Voldemort could easily have spies in the village."

Ron spoke up, "Dad said he's not keen on the idea either, but as soon as the dragons were brought to Hogwarts the Ministry was flooded with demands to have the dragons guard Hogsmeade as well. Then the tent city just sort of started. He'd like to get everyone back in their homes, but they feel safe here. So, he says the Ministry is putting warning posters up everywhere."

"I wonder what can kill dragons?" Hermione speculated. "I mean, what if Voldemort knows a way to neutralize dragons?"

"Dunno," said Harry. "I'm sure there is a way though." Now he had another thing to worry over.

On the Monday that classes resumed, Harry and Ron were late for Charms and as they came around a corner on the second floor. Harry stopped dead in his tracks at what he saw. Down the hall he saw Malfoy, flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, talking to Ginny. Ginny had her wand out behind her back and Malfoy was nearly toe-to-toe with her. She was standing very stiffly and Harry heard Malfoy saying, "So, Weasley, you think you can ignore me like that and get away with it? You've got another thing coming, if you do. You need to be taught some respect. You're just a girl and you'd better learn your place."

Harry's temper flashed white-hot in an instant. He shot forward. He hadn't even thought to raise his wand. He grabbed hold of Malfoy's robes and flung him across the hall before Crabbe and Goyle could begin to react. Harry registered their dull, open-mouthed looks as he approached Malfoy, who was now crumpled against the wall.

"Stand up and come at me, why don't you," snarled Harry. "Or don't you have the stomach to take on someone your size, you little....slimy.....coward!" No taunt seemed enough. Harry wanted Malfoy to come at him; he wanted nothing more than to hear the crunch of Malfoy's jaw, as he hit him.

Harry was vaguely aware of Ron nearby with his wand trained on Crabbe and Goyle. "Don't even think it," Ron was sayings in a slow and dangerous voice.

Malfoy looked around, assessing the scene, then he rolled over on hands and knees, and began to climb to his feet. Harry was not fooled by Malfoy's action and so when Draco jumped up, wand in hand, he came face to face with Harry's wand. Harry was standing sideways, so as to present a smaller target; a trick that Mac had mentioned in Defense Against the Dark Arts class. "I swear, Malfoy, if you bother her again, I'll kill you," Harry said, almost in a whisper. Malfoy lowered his wand and said, "Crabbe, Goyle, let's get out of here and leave these maniacs to each other." He retreated rather quickly with Crabbe and Goyle jogging to keep up with him.

Harry let out a breath and turned to Ginny. "Did they hurt you?" he asked with concern.

"Ya," said Ron. "If that scum, Malfoy touched you, he's done."

Instead of looking relieved, or scared, or displaying any of the possible emotions that Harry expected at that moment, she rounded on him and Ron angrily. "What do you two think you were doing?" she demanded. "I can handle Draco Malfoy. He's nothing but hot air. You two act as though if you hadn't ridden in on your white horses, I'd be in real trouble. I can defend myself against the likes of that little Slytherin git just fine, thank you very much!" Then she turned and stalked off leaving Harry and Ron quite dumb struck.

"What was that about?" asked Ron. "She should've thanked us. She's such a brat sometimes." He slapped Harry on the back and started walking down the hall. Harry just stood there, not moving. Was she really angry that he had stepped in? That was crazy! Draco and his goons could well have hurt her, and even if they didn't touch her, they were not going to get away with insulting her, that was for damned sure.

Ron was shouting at him now, "Harry! Snap out of it, mate! She'll thank us later. You know girls, she's just moody."

Ginny did not thank him later. She totally ignored Harry at dinner, refusing to meet his gaze. Back in Gryffindor Tower, she went directly to her dormitory, completely forsaking the common room for the evening. Harry waited up until one in the morning on the chance she would come down. At last he went off to bed, very confused and now just a little angry. After all, he had driven Malfoy off when Malfoy was bothering her. Why would she be upset with him over that?

Harry did not sleep well. He really hated the thought that Ginny was angry with him. He felt guilty, but he didn't know for what. He also felt put out that she was upset, when he had tried to defend her. After he tossed and turned till nearly daybreak, he got up and dressed in the dark, then made his way down to the Great Hall.

Breakfast was not being served yet, and the room was empty, and silent. Harry took a seat at the Gryffindor table and rested his head in his hands. He tried to put the problem out of his mind, but he found it bothered him greatly. He was so absorbed that he did not hear the approaching footsteps

"Young Harry," said the familiar voice, "What brings you here so early?" Harry turned and saw Mac, holding a large mug of coffee and several parchment rolls.

"Morning," said Harry half-heartedly.

"What's the problem boy?' asked Mac.

"Nothing," said Harry automatically.

"Don't be foolish," said Mac, taking a seat next to him. "I can clearly see there IS something wrong. Now, I'm not your mother, or your best friend, but I do have some talent in listening to problems. So spill it Harry, and let's see what can be done." He leaned back, resting his arm on the table and took a swig of his coffee.

Harry did not really want to tell anyone about Ginny, but that was what he found himself doing. "...and then I pulled my wand and Malfoy ran off," Harry concluded, having told the story as best he remembered it.

"Harry, Harry," grinned Mac, "Woman don't generally want to be saved every time a small altercation comes along, at least not strong women. This Ginny Weasley is a formidable young lady. No one is going to be pushing that lassie around, I can tell you. She'd do just fine up against that spineless, Malfoy any day. I've watched her duel in class. I think you'd better say you're sorry, boy, even if you're not. Don't ever take a woman like that for a fool or a damsel in distress. You'll be sorry for that."

Harry had just about convinced himself to take Mac's advice, although he was still not convinced that he had acted improperly. Ginny, however, managed to steer clear of him until Friday. They had Defense Against the Dark Arts together today, so she wouldn't be able to avoid him.

Mac was giving a lesson involving shield charms. Harry was only half paying attention. He was mostly trying to catch Ginny's eye. After Mac had talked for awhile, he asked for volunteers for a dueling exercise. Harry was surprised when his name was called. As he got up and walked up to the dais, Mac chose Ginny to face him. Ginny's face went red, but she stepped up on the platform, wand drawn.

Mac explained the defensive skills for using Shield Charms and then he squared them off to fight and signaled them to begin. "Why are you mad at me?" asked Harry through clenched teeth as they bowed to each other. Ginny threw a Leg-Locker curse that Harry dodged as he produced a shield to block it.

"You thought I couldn't handle myself," hissed Ginny as she spun past him, aiming a Bat Bogey hex at him.

"Impedimenta," he said, sort of half-heartedly. "I was just trying to help you."

"Stupefy!" she shouted, shooting a spell under his defenses. He found himself lying on the mat while various girls twittered in the audience. "I don't need all that much helping, Harry," she whispered, as Harry climbed to his feet slowly.

Mac was chuckling as he complimented Ginny on her speed. "So, the lesson young pupils, is never underestimate the person next to you..."

Harry walked behind Ginny back toward his seat. Just then, Mac called for a break and in the confusion of sliding chairs and people standing and talking, Ginny turned to face Harry. "You have to trust that I can handle myself. If you think I need constant protection then you'll be susceptible to being tricked by Voldemort again. You'll have to have more faith in my abilities, or this will never work," she whispered.

Harry caught up with Ginny once class was over and beckoned her to follow him to an empty classroom. Once she had followed him in, he closed the door and faced her. "Ginny, I...." Harry found his tongue didn't seem to want to move and he didn't know what to say.

Ginny looked down at the floor, "Harry, I suppose I should have thanked you that day, but honestly, I've fought with six boys all my life. Truly, I can handle myself." Ginny looked at him earnestly, "Harry, this could get hard before it's over. You know that. You have to let me try to defend myself." She was quite pretty standing there looking at him sternly. He wanted to be able to keep all the evil in the world away from her but he knew he couldn't. He didn't know how he was supposed to feel.

"If you were Ron, I'd have done the same thing," said Harry miserably. "Ginny, don't ask me not to help you when someone attacks you."

Ginny's face broke slowly into a smile and then into laughter making Harry looked at her quizzically. "Oh, Harry," she said, wrapping her arms around him, "All right, you can save me, but at least let me have the first shot, agreed?"

It took Harry a moment to catch on to what she was saying. "Sure, you can have the first shot," he said grinning. He felt warm relief spread through him, although in a tiny corner of his brain he still felt rather confused about the entire situation.

It was Sunday afternoon and the common room was very quite. Most of the Gryffindors had gone off for a dragon visit that Hagrid had arranged. Since Harry, Ron and Hermione had seen quite enough dragons close up; they passed on the field trip. They had been sitting quietly in a corner, Hermione knitting and Ron and Harry playing chess. Harry knew that Ginny was in the library studying with her fellow fifth years for their O.W.L's.

Harry noticed that Ron and Hermione kept throwing each other side-ways glances. After several of these, Hermione said, "You know there have been a lot of odd things happening this year. Trelawney getting kidnapped for instance and Percy escaping from a locked ward and attacking your dormitory room."

"You mean you think something bigger is going on, Hermione?" asked Ron in a tone that sounded a bit rehearsed.

"Lots of bad stuff has been happening this year," replied Harry as calmly as he could. "Look at the attack on the Quidditch match and on all those muggle and wizard families. I guess it's been pretty dangerous everywhere." Harry tried not to look up from the board. He knew now that Hermione, at least, had guessed something. He wondered if, regardless of their reactions and the danger it might subject them to, if he shouldn't simply tell them everything. It was a lot like the fight with Ginny. He had assumed she couldn't handle it by herself and therefore had taken away her chance to test herself against Malfoy. Hermione and Ron were his closest friends. Ron was back to his usual self after the accident, so there was no longer that excuse. Still he didn't like telling them that his fate was to kill or be killed. By not telling them he could still act as if it wasn't so. If he didn't see it in their eyes every time he looked at them he could pretend for awhile it wasn't true.

On Friday night, Harry had arranged to meet Ginny in the Room of Requirement at seven. It would give them almost two hours together before curfew, and Ginny said she could stand a study break. Harry and Ginny thought themselves quite clever. They had managed to fool everyone about their relationship for several months. There had been several close calls, but on the whole they felt they had been quite careful. Harry easily lit the candles in the two candleholders when he entered the room, using his elemental spell for fire. He was becoming quite good with the small spells and was trying to remember to not use his wand if he could do what he wanted without it. The storm spell he could produce was getting more violent but he was also becoming more able to control it. He knew Dumbledore was pleased by this.

Many nights he and Ginny just sat and talked in their secret room. There was a fair amount if kissing too, thought Harry with a grin. He watched the door for Ginny's arrival. As soon as she came in, they curled up together on the sofa together in each other's arms.

They had barely gotten settled when Harry heard the click of the door lock, and jumped to his feet, putting Ginny behind him, and grabbing for his wand. The door opened wide and two figures were silhouetted in the doorway. He recognized them immediately, and slumped a bit with a sigh.

"I told you so, didn't I" said Hermione's voice.

"Well, we should just leave them alone, as they obviously don't want anyone knowing," said Ron with a sarcastic edge.

Harry couldn't discern how angry they were, however, he knew that now he'd have to explain. "Why don't you come in and shut the door, before someone else comes along," he said quietly.

Ginny got up and put her hand on Harry's shoulder. "This will be easier for you to do if I'm not here," Ginny whispered in his ear. Harry turned toward her. He realized that she was right and he was grateful that she understood. Ginny gave him a light kiss on the cheek and then said goodnight to a confused Ron and Hermione as she left.

Ginny had encouraged him on a number of occasions to tell them about the prophecy. She knew, as he did, that explaining their relationship and why they were keeping it quiet would mean telling the entire story. If he didn't, Hermione would pick away at him until it all came out anyway. It was like a house of cards.

Ginny reasoned that Harry needed people on his side and that Ron and Hermione would be angry being kept out of it. Harry, on the other hand felt he couldn't face his friend's reaction because it would make the thing so much more real. Somehow, telling Ginny had not been like that. She hadn't tried to over analyze the situation and just let him talk himself out. Now he would have to tell everything, since it was all connected. Harry took a deep breath and looked at his two friends. Right now, however, Ron and Hermione looked more like the enemy than friends. He couldn't blame them. "Will you sit down?' he asked apprehensively.

"Will you tell us the truth?" asked Hermione piercingly.

"I'll tell you everything, although you'll wish you hadn't asked," Harry said. Ron and Hermione sunk on to the sofa and Harry sat down on the rug with his back to the fire.

"Harry, you could have told me you were with my sister," said Ron crossly. "How long has this been going on? And, why would you want to sneak around like this?" That was the question, wasn't it, thought Harry. That was the question that he couldn't answer without lying or without explaining the prophecy. "Did you think I'd be angry or something? I mean, we're friends. Actually, I'm glad you two are together. Why wouldn't you tell us?" Ron asked irritably.

Harry stared at the rug thinking how to begin.

"That's not the only thing you haven't been telling us, is it Harry?" asked Hermione, in an annoyed tone of voice. "I told Ron there was a lot more to this... and there is... isn't there."

"Yes," said Harry. "There's a bit more to it."

Hermione seemed to be holding her anger at him just under the surface. When she spoke, her voice sounded logical and controlled, "Since Christmas I've thought something was wrong, but now I think it goes back even farther than that. The private lessons this year, the way you can light candles without your wand when you think no one is watching, this thing with Ginny, and that book that MacNessa got you. I don't know what it all means but you ought to tell us, unless you really think we can't be trusted."

The last sentence stung Harry. "I would trust you two with my life," he said sincerely. He had rehearsed this speech in his mind before, but it never went well. "Whether you believe this or not, I haven't told you everything because at first I thought it would put you in danger, and it still might, but also because I knew you'd want to help me and I don't think you can help me, not with this." His voice trailed off.

Harry steeled himself for what was to come and then plunged in. He started back on the night of their battle in the Department of Mysteries with the death eaters. He filled in all the gaps that they had not witnessed. Then he told them about being sent by portkey to Dumbledore's office where he heard the dreaded prophecy. Hermione gasped and Ron slumped back in his seat, just shaking his head in disbelief as Harry recounted the words that had become his fate. He told them everything that Dumbledore had told him. He explained how Remus and Ron's dad had been assigned by Dumbledore to help him if he needed them. Explaining that Dumbledore had decided that he would need extra training, he told them why Mac had been brought in and what he was now being taught. He went on to tell about Professor Trelawney's kidnapping and that it could mean that Voldemort was in possession of the entire prophecy. When he thought he had covered everything, he explained how he had run out on all of them on Christmas night and how Ginny had seen him go and then return. Then he told how he and Ginny had sat by the Grindelwald stone where she had confessed to him what she had overheard. He told them how he had broken down and told her everything.

Harry was hoarse from talking, and he felt as though his soul had been wrung out on the rug. Ron and Hermione sat there in front of him speechless. Dully, he checked his watch and saw that it was now fifteen minutes until curfew.

Hermione seemed to want to ask a question. At least the look of anger was gone, but the look that had replaced it was not much better. "So, you have to kill Voldemort or be killed by him, he can't be gotten rid of in any other way, and a bunch of grown wizards are pushing you to do this, but they don't know how you're to do it." It didn't sound good when put like that.

"That's about it," said Harry tiredly. "Look, we should get back to the common room. Maybe we can talk about it more once everyone goes off to bed." Harry rose stiffly. Ron and Hermione climbed to their feet like zombies. "I hope that you won't be angry at me for holding out on you like this. It's just...I just couldn't....It felt good to be with people who wouldn't look at me like I was a marked man," he finally managed, the words catching in his throat.

Hermione looked up into Harry's face and as her tears began to flow, she hugged him tightly. Ron hugged him too, but quickly broke away. "What are we going to do?" Ron asked. "We've got to find a way for you to beat him, we just have to," he said looking desperate.

Harry pried Hermione away from him gently and looked from one to the other. "Thanks," he said.

That night they sat by the fire, Harry, Hermione, and Ron. How many times had the three of them sat up until late into the night talking, planning, sometimes plotting, he couldn't say. The discussion was continuing. "We were just surprised that you didn't say anything to us," said Ron. "Hermione figured out that you and Ginny were both missing at the same times, so she said we should trail you."

Just then Ginny came down stairs and took a seat next to Harry, taking hold of his hand. "So you've told them everything?" she asked. He nodded. Ginny looked Harry in the eyes. She was perfect, he thought warmly. "Do you think anyone else has guessed?" Ginny asked Hermione, "Because we thought we were being very careful?"

"No," said Hermione, "I think it's just us."

"Harry, how can they expect you to just go and fight Voldemort, I mean you're a sixteen year old wizard. You're great at everything, of course, but ....." Ron trailed off.

Hermione's face was still ashen, and before Harry could answer Ron, she said, wretchedly, "I'm hurt that you didn't think you could tell us this right away, but I'm more surprised by Dumbledore. Harry, how can Dumbledore expect you to deal with this? It's outrageous! You'll simply have to hide out. You'll have to stay away from Voldemort as long as possible. The Order should find a way to get you as far away from Voldemort as possible."

Harry looked at his two friends. "I've already decided not to hide. I don't know how to defeat Voldemort, but I don't think hiding is the answer. People are dying because I haven't defeated him yet." Then he told them about the Elemental magic test, and what Dumbledore was trying to teach him but that no one was sure that it would work against Voldemort.

"Brilliant!" said Ron with rising anger. "The worst of all possible situations, and they don't seem to know what to do?"

"We've known you were depressed and we thought it was because of Sirius," said Hermione. "We never guessed in all the times we've talked, that it was something like this."

Harry didn't know what to say. He mostly kept quiet while they ranted at all the people who knew about the prophecy but couldn't tell him how to defeat Voldemort. They said aloud all the things that he had rolled around in his head for months, coming to no better conclusions than he. At least he was sitting in a warm room with his friends. Ginny was snuggled next to him, holding his hand and the threat of Voldemort didn't seem as bad as normal tonight. He let them talk themselves out before suggesting they go off to bed.

It was Thursday morning when Dumbledore announced a Hogsmeade visit for the older students for the coming Saturday. "What!" said Ron as the Great Hall erupted in excited conversations. "Why'd he wait until the last minute to tell us? I told Charlie I'd come down and see him on Saturday."

"Just send him an owl then," said Ginny, buttering some toast.

Harry knew that Ron enjoyed being with Charlie. As far as Harry could tell, they just sat around and talked, and drank butter beer, which Charlie brought up from the village, but Ron always returned in a better mood after these visits.

Harry glanced quickly over at Ginny. He'd love to spend a carefree afternoon in Hogsmeade, strolling around and holding her hand. Unfortunately, that would not be possible. Still, they could go with Ron and Hermione and at least be together.

"I'm sure Professor Dumbledore waited so that there would be less chance of an organized attack by Voldemort and the Death Eaters," said Hermione. With dragons at the gates and set around the village, she felt an attack was rather unlikely; however, Harry was not as sure.

On Friday, their Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson was given by a guest speaker. Mad Eye Moody came and brought a load of different dark detectors to show the students. Snape and Dumbledore were standing in the back of the room, spectating. Harry had seen most of these items when Barty Couch Jr. had impersonated Moody in Harry's fourth year. Still, it was interesting to hear the real Moody describe the items and how they worked. The small silver sneak-o-scope that Moody produced immediately whirred and spun on the table, making all the students laugh nervously. "Which one of you lied about your homework assignment," asked Moody with a crooked smile. Snape sniffed loudly with a sour look on his face.

At the lunch break, Moody motioned Harry and Ron over to him. "How are you boys?" he asked in his usual gravelly voice.

"Fine, sir," said Harry. Ron nodded.

"How's that leg, Weasley?" he asked turning to Ron.

"Not bad, really," said Ron, coloring a bit.

"Well, could be worse, son," laughed Moody rapping his wand on the side of his own wooden leg.

Ron and Harry exchanged quick glanced and they laughed along with the old auror. "Harry, I understand that Conner MacNessa is here at school. I was hoping to have a word with him."

"Would you like me to go fetch him?" asked Harry.

"Would you?" asked Moody. Harry told them he'd be back shortly, and set off for Mac's office. He was sure he'd find Mac there, perhaps working out Harry's next auror lesson, since he wasn't teaching today.

In the entrance hallway, Malfoy was leaning against the wall. His little rat face twisted into a smile. There were few students about as they were all still examining the dark detectors Moody had laid out on tables for them to inspect. "Well, Potter, what kind of glory stunt are you planning today?"

"Buzz off Malfoy" said Harry. He didn't care to deal with Malfoy's taunts right now.

"Look at me when I talk to you, Potter," spat Malfoy. It was a sort of strange comment.

Harry stopped and turned toward Malfoy. "If you ever had something to say worth hearing, I might." Harry turned to walk away. Suddenly a red light shot across Harry's path. Malfoy had thrown a spell that hit the suit of armor across the hall. "What are you doing Malfoy?" yelled Harry as he pulled his wand. Suddenly, there was Snape with a sour sneering grin.

"Potter... Detention... My office tonight at seven."

"What? Malfoy did the spell, not me," shouted Harry.

"Keep it up Potter, and I'll have you in detention for the rest of the term." Snape turned on his heel and swept off down the hall in a billow of black robes.

Harry stalked off very angry. He was, if anything, even angrier by the time he reached Mac's classroom. He stepped inside the classroom and saw that Mac was talking to Professor McGonagall. Harry stood in the back of the room and waited. A moment later he heard a hiss behind him. He turned and saw Theodore Nott. Nott slipped inside the classroom and quickly whispered in Harry's ear, "I think something's up. Be really careful going to that detention tonight. If I hear more I'll try to get a message to you."

"What do you mean?" began Harry, but Nott had already turned and slipped back out the door. Harry looked blankly at Nott's retreating back feeling very confused. McGonagall hurried past him with a quick nod and Harry moved forward to give his message to Mac.

"What did that Slytherin boy want?" asked Mac, as he cleared his desk to follow Harry down to the Great Hall.

"That's Theodore Nott, and we're sort of friends. He's ok," said Harry. "Malfoy shot a spell at me in the hall and Snape came along and gave me detention. Theodore was warning me that he thought something fishy was going on."

"Really," said Mac, almost to himself.

"I think Snape's wanted an excuse all year to give me detention, but as I'm not in his class anymore..."

"Harry, what time is this detention?" interrupted Mac.

"Umm...seven," said Harry. "I've had detention with Snape before. It'll be all right."

Mac smiled at him and patted his back as they left the room.

As they ate lunch, Ron said, "Neville got detention from Snape for fighting with Crabbe in the hall. I saw it. It wasn't even Neville's fault. Crabbe started it by banging into Neville and making him drop his books."

"Snape is just vile," said Harry. "I actually got detention too, for 'bothering' Malfoy. Of course, Malfoy got no punishment at all. Then, Nott came and warned me to watch out in detention."

Hermione looked up from her shepherd's pie with a quizzical look on her face, "Maybe you should listen to him."

Harry set off for Snape's classroom in the dungeon at about a quarter to seven that evening. When he reached the entrance hall, he ran into Mac who appeared to be going in the same direction. "Hello young Harry," he said brightly.

"Where are you going?" asked Harry.

"I found it necessary to give young Mr. Malfoy a detention this evening for loitering in the hall, and I told him to meet me in the potions classroom."

Harry realized immediately what Mac had done, and was doing. He was going to get Snape back for his unfair punishment of Harry. While Harry was touched that Mac would do this, he was also used to fighting such battles on his own and didn't want to appear weak, especially in front of Snape. He found he was reluctant to say this to his professor.

They reached the potions classroom just as Malfoy did. "Well... go inside boy," MacNessa snapped at Draco. Draco sneered and made a face, but pushed the heavy door open.

"What are you doing here...?" Harry heard Snape saying before he entered the room behind Mac.

"Malfoy and Potter both are serving detention's tonight, Severus," explained Mac, "So I thought they could serve detention together and we could discuss the giving of detentions in the future."

Snape went even whiter than normal, giving his sallow skin a pasty grey quality. He began to fidget. "I get your very subtle point, MacNessa," Snape said gaining control and drawing himself up. "Let's call it a draw for tonight and allow the rule breakers to go back to their common rooms."

Mac bowed slightly to Snape as if to say, we understand each other. Mac put a hand on Harry's shoulder and steered him back out into the corridor and they began to climb the steps back to the entrance hall.

Harry heard Draco's footsteps going down toward his common room.

Suddenly, Mac halted. "Oh, I forgot something I need to take up with Professor Snape. A book I need. Go on then Harry, I'll see you later." Mac turned and Harry continued back to Gryffindor tower, hoping that Mac had not made matters worse by his little stunt.

The students queued up early the next morning near the front doors waiting to be released to walk down to the village. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny stood waiting while Filch checked them off his list. Harry noticed Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall talking down the hall. Madam Pomfrey was pointing and seemed quite upset. "Wonder what she's on about," whispered Ron, who had noticed too. Just then the line began to move and they were soon out in the fresh air with Hagrid calling them all down the lawn toward the gate. Hagrid was charged with escorting them past the dragon at the gate and into Hogsmeade, which meant passing a second dragon. He was positively bouncing as they set off. The day was fresh and damp. Smells of springtime were wafting through the air. The sky was light grey but the sun was attempting to pierce the high misty clouds.

The walk to the village was leisurely, which worked out fine for Ron, with his limp. Although his strength had returned, and he was able to keep up with the group, a slower pace was easier for him to manage. Ron and Hermione held hands as they walked. Harry looked over at Ginny, who gave him an affectionate smile, as they strolled along next to each other.

Once in Hogsmeade, Hermione wanted to pick up some parchment in Scrivenshaft's, so she and Ron went off in that direction, leaving Harry and Ginny alone together, and that was more than Harry had expected. Hermione gave them a backward glance as she steered Ron off down the street, and Harry was sure she winked.

They strolled through several shops together, then struck out in the direction of the Shrieking Shack. Here they found clearing among some trees where they could not be seen. After some furtive glances around, Harry took Ginny's hands and pulled her close to him. You couldn't ask for a better day, in Harry's opinion. Ginny was wrapped in his arms, her cheeks pink from the cool air and her hair smelling of spring. Harry and Ginny's lips met gently, but a sudden explosion of wings caused them to startle and step apart. A huge flock of ravens had all taken flight simultaneously from the trees around them, filling the sky with their black bodies and beating wings. As the birds winged toward the north, Harry felt an instant of foreboding, but Ginny brought him quickly back to himself as she resumed their interrupted kiss. After a while, they sat down on a large rock, holding hands and talking.

Harry felt his pocket for the tenth time and his mouth went a bit dry. He had planned what to say as he lay in bed the previous night. There was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to do it, but he was afraid it wouldn't come out right and he wasn't at all sure how these things were supposed to be done.

When there was a pause in the conversation, Harry, put a hand inside his robes. "Ginny, you know how I feel about you. Being with you always makes me feel good, no matter what else is going on." He drew out the small velvet bag that held the necklace that Neville's mom had sent him, the one that had belonged to his mother. "I love you Ginny, and I'd really like it if you'd wear this," he said tentatively, taking the necklace from the bag and laying it in Ginny's hand. "It was my mother's and it's a rune of protection..." Harry had gone red and his tongue felt as though it had forgotten how to work.

"Oh Harry!" exclaimed Ginny, as she touched the rune with her finger. Harry saw tears brimming in her eyes, "Oh, Harry," was all she could say. She flung her arms around his neck and buried her face against his neck. "I love you too," she whispered. "I'll always keep it safe."

Harry helped her clasp the chain around her neck and she held the rune up toward him before dropping it down inside her blouse. It was another secret they had between them and Harry felt warm all over, knowing the necklace was hanging close to Ginevra Weasley's heart.

They made their way back into the village; Harry feeling as though he'd burst with pleasure. He was uncommonly happy and it must have shown on his face. When they caught up to Ron and Hermione, Ron asked him what he was thinking about. Before he could come up with an answer, Ron said, "Day dreaming about his Firebolt, I reckon. It always gives him that goofy look."

"Let's go to the Three Broomsticks" said Harry, ignoring Ron's comment. He wanted to just sit with his friends and drink a butterbeer for awhile.

"I need to nip over to the post office for just a minute," said Hermione.

"Harry, get us a table, I'm just going to go with Hermione and we'll be there right along," said Ron.

"Ok," said Harry. "Ginny, let's go get a table then."

Ginny let out a small gasp, "I said I'd get some new quills for Natalie. She didn't want to come today. I'll be back in a moment." She squeezed his hand so no one could see, smiled and hurried off.

Harry entered the Three Broomsticks. There was the noise of a busy Hogsmeade weekend in the air. Lively chatter and the sound of chairs scrapping across the worn wooden floor greeted Harry as he entered. He went to the bar where Madam Rosmerta was talking to some of the customers, and placed his order for four butterbeers.

"I'll bring them right over to your table, hun," said Rosmerta with a welcoming smile.

Harry found an empty table near the window and settled into one of the chairs. He was surveying the room, and had just waved at Parvati and Lavender who were two tables away, when Dean entered in a rush, looked frantically around and then hurried over to Harry.

"Harry, have you seen Neville today?"

Harry thought for a moment "No, I don't think I have. He was up and out of our room before I got up. His bed was made and all," said Harry.

"I know, I thought that too," said Dean, "but no one has seen him since last night, and I'm getting worried. I think he had detention with Snape last night. I don't recall seeing him after that."

It had not hit Harry before now, but Neville should have been in Snape's office or classroom last night when he and Mac had arrived for the detention. "Dean, why don't you go find McGonagall and tell her Neville's gone missing. I'll go start looking for him. If you see Professor Snape..." Harry began with an unusually bad premonition rising in his chest. "Well, never mind. Let's just look for him." Harry left the table and headed out the door with Dean. He figured Ginny, Ron and Hermione would catch up later. Dean jogged back toward Hogwarts and Harry started down the streets of Hogsmeade. He checked in the various shops as he went. No one he met had seen Neville all day.

Harry came across Draco Malfoy lounging against the wall of Zonko's Joke Shop. Crabbe and Goyle were standing right by as usual. "What are you up to, Potter?" asked Malfoy.

"Nothing to concern yourself about, Malfoy" said Harry with a dismissive tone.

"And here I heard you were chasing around looking for that idiot, Longbottom," said Malfoy. "He probably got lost and can't remember where he put his map." laughed Malfoy. Crabbe cackled at this. Harry ignored them and continued down the street.

"Hey, Potter," shouted Malfoy, "Aren't you going to ask me if I've seen Longbottom?"

Harry turned and starred at Malfoy, suspicion rising in him, "So, did you?"

"Thought I saw him go through there a while ago," drawled Malfoy and he pointed to a near by alleyway between Scrivenshaft's and Gladrags Wizard's Wear.

Harry did not respond but started down the alley Malfoy had indicated. Harry fully expected to find Neville jinxed and lying helpless on the ground, a victim of Draco's spite.

There was barely room for two people to walk next to each other between the buildings on each side. Harry sidestepped around some crates and wooden barrels blocking part of the alley. Just as he past them, he heard the crunch of gravel from a footfall behind him and then everything went black.