Aftermath

Ron Weasley awoke early; it was just a little past six a.m. He stretched and looked around the room he shared with Fred and Harry. Sitting up, he noticed that there was a nice fire going in the fireplace. Tom, the innkeeper, must be up and about already, he thought. Ron slowly got out of bed and looked at the two sleeping figures. It didn't surprise him to see that Fred was still asleep, but he couldn't believe that Harry was still snoring loudly. All of that dancing and butterbeer must have done the trick and worn poor Harry out. Ron smiled when he thought about the previous night's fun. Everyone was really in a party mood after Dumbledore's announcement that Ron's dad had been offered the position of Head of the Ministry of Magic. After his dad had accepted the offer, the party really got started. All of the men had taken turns dancing with Molly and Ginny--the women were ready to collapse by the end of the evening. Fred had even managed to sneak each of the boys a glass of brandy. Ron decided he didn't like brandy very much; he would just stick to butterbeer from now on. He finally managed to pull himself all the way out of bed and made his way to the shower. He finished his shower and opened the overnight bag that he had packed for the trip. Underwear; socks, jeans, sneakers and his favorite Chudley Cannons sweater, and Ron was all set to go. Hermione had tried to tell him before, that the sweater, along with his bright red hair, was a trifle overpowering, but it was his favorite thing to wear.

Hermione, how he wished she had been able to attend the party last night. He didn't know for sure what Dumbledore had planned for them today, but he hoped there would be time to go to St. Mungos. He thought back to the Battle of Diagon Alley, when, Hermione had been attacked by the seniors Crabbe and Goyle. He also thought of what he had done to the two men, and he shuddered. He hadn't known that he was capable of such violence.

He trooped down to the common room of the inn and was surprised to see Ginny sitting there, curled up on a sofa and having a cup of tea. Ron had Tom get him some tea, and he joined Ginny on the sofa.

"I can't believe you are up so early, Gin; after all that dancing, I figured you would sleep till noon," he laughed.

"The dancing was fun, but that brandy didn't agree with me," she replied.

"Brandy, how did you get into the brandy?" he asked.

"Fred isn't the only one in this family who can be sneaky," she said, smiling.

"What are you doing up so early?" she asked.

"Don't know, I just woke up, and I've been thinking of Hermione," he replied.

Ginny knew that Ron grieved terribly for Hermione. She had been in a coma for months, not knowing that Ron was there every day to visit her. Still, they were lucky that both Hermione and Harry were still with them. Ron had just gotten to Crabbe and Goyle in time to prevent them from hitting Hermione with another curse. Her brother, Percy, had deflected Voldemort's Avada Kedavra curse so that it had just brushed Harry, as Harry unleashed his own killing curse against the Dark Lord. Poor Percy, she thought, he had been estranged from the family for so long, but in the end, he had proven himself, and he was now a hero of the wizarding world.

"Do you think we will have time to visit her today?" Ginny asked.

"I'm going to make time; I don't care what everybody else does," said Ron.

Ron took Ginny's cup and got them both some more tea.

"You know, Gin, when I saw her the other day, I thought that she was looking a little stronger--she had a bit more color, and--I could have sworn I saw her hand move a bit as I was leaving the room," he said, trying to sound hopeful.

"Oh, Ron, that's wonderful, perhaps there is a chance," said Ginny.

She smiled at her brother, trying to be reassuring, but feeling in her heart that Hermione was lost to them forever.

Just then, Harry and Fred entered the common room, both looking a little the worse for wear.

"There's my Fred Astaire," laughed Ginny.

"Fred who--?" asked Harry, not knowing what she was talking about.

"Fred Astaire, he was part of a famous muggle dance team, along with his partner, Ginger Rogers, I read about them once in a muggle book that Hermione loaned me. You are my Fred, and I am your Ginger," she laughed.

"I hardly think we were that good, but I did have a lot of fun, Gin, and Fred told me that you were really good at the fast dances, too. Where did you learn that?" asked Harry.

"From the same person, who's taught me about so many muggle things, from Hermione," she said, lowering her voice.

"I'm going to go visit her today," said Ron.

"Mind if Gin and I come along?" asked Harry.

"You know better than to ask that, of course I want you two there," replied Ron.

"I want to go, too!" spoke up Fred.

"Of course, we'll all go," said Ron.

They sat down at the table as Tom brought them all some hot tea.

"Care for breakfast yet?" asked the jovial innkeeper.

"Not yet, Tom, the old folks aren't up yet. It may be a while," yawned Fred.

Just then, they all heard a pecking at one of the common room windows.

"Harry, its Hedwig!" said Ginny excitedly.

She rushed to the window, opened it, and allowed the beautiful white bird to fly to Harry. Ever since Harry had lost his eyesight, the magical bird seemed to sense that he needed assistance in receiving his mail. She would land near Harry, and gently scratch at him, so that he could easily find her. Harry found the letter that Hedwig had brought, and Ginny gave the grateful bird some peanuts from the bar.

"Hedwig has been staying with Hagrid for so long, I wasn't sure she could find her way back to me," said Harry.

"It's from Hagrid all right, I'd recognize that handwriting anywhere," said Ron, looking over Harry's shoulder. "Do you want me to read it for you, Harry?" he asked.

"Sure, Ron, go ahead," said Harry.

Harry

Hope you are doin well, lad. Say hi to everyin there fer me. I know by

now you've heard that Hogwarts is openin soon. So many bad things has happened since

the school closed, won't never be the same. But, it'll be nice to have you and Ron,

and of course Ginny come back. How is Hermione? I miss her so. You'll have a lot of hard work ahead of you, Harry, but with the plans that Dumbledore has for you, I'm sure you will do well. I don't suppose I should have said that. Looking forward to seeing you all soon.

Hagrid

After Ron read the letter, both he and Harry were left feeling depressed. They always got that way, when anyone mentioned Hermione. They felt that they had let her down, that they should have done more to protect her. Harry was also wondering what Hagrid was talking about, when he mentioned the plans that Dumbledore had for him. What plans?

Harry's thoughts were interrupted, as Arthur and Molly entered the room, both of them moving rather slowly, in contrast to the previous night, when they had matched the youngsters dance for dance.

"Hi, Mum, how we feeling today?" said Fred, grinning.

"Oh, Fred, your Mum's an old fool; I hope I didn't embarrass you all too much last night," said Molly sheepishly.

"I thought you were great, Mum, both of you, you looked like that Ginger Astaire and Fred Rogers, those dancers, that Ginny was telling us about," said Ron.

They all seated themselves at a large table, and breakfast was served. Hot tea, pumpkin juice, eggs, sausages, bacon, hotcakes and toast. The Weasleys did enjoy breakfast.

"Dad, do you suppose that sometime today, it would be alright if I went to visit Hermione, if it doesn't upset your plans too much?" asked Ron

"Actually, they are Dumbledore's plans, and he has planned all along for all of us to go to St. Mungos today, to visit Hermione and for another surprise," said Arthur.

This announcement was met with much hand clapping and cheers from the young people.

They finished their breakfast and returned to their rooms to collect their things in preparation for the trip to St. Mungos.

"Do you suppose Neville will be there today?" Ron asked Harry.

"I don't know, Ron, ever since his Gran died, he spends more and more time at St. Mungos with his parents, even if they don't know he is there; I think it's his way of keeping what's left of his family together, and I think he needs that." Harry replied.

"With his Gran gone, I don't how he will continue to be able to pay for his parent's care at St. Mungos. She left Neville a little money, but most of what she got from her pension went to St. Mungos, and her pension stopped when she died," commented Fred.

"I wish there was some way we could help him," said Ron.

Harry didn't say anything, but the faintest of smiles appeared on his face. He was the only one in the room who knew that Neville had nothing to worry about. Neville and the other wizarding families who needed help caring for loved ones, which had been harmed by Voldemort and his disciples would soon get all of the help they needed.

They all gathered back downstairs.

"Everybody ready?" asked Arthur.

With a chorus of voices answering in the affirmative, the group headed outside to the waiting black limo that was now Mr. Weasley's official Ministry of Magic vehicle.

Ron was deep in thought as the car wound its way toward St. Mungos. These visits to Hermione were a two edged sword. On the one hand, he loved to be near her, to hold her hand, and whisper words of encouragement. On the other hand, he was frustrated that he couldn't do anything to help her, and he was especially upset that the medical wizards hadn't been able to find a way to bring her back. He had voiced his displeasure with the medical wizards on more that one occasion, and they now tried to avoid him when they saw him enter the hospital.

The car pulled into a parking space at the hospital, and they all entered the dreary looking building. They climbed the stairs to the third floor, where they had recently moved Hermione, near the Longbottom's room. As they walked along the gloomy corridor, the group recognized a familiar face coming out of one of the rooms.

"Hi, Neville," said Ginny.

"Hi, Gin," replied Neville with a slight blush. He had always had a crush on Ginny.

Ginny gave Neville a hug, as did Mrs. Weasley, and there were handshakes all around from the men.

"Congratulations, Mr. Weasley, on being named head of the ministry," said Neville. News travels fast in the wizarding world!

"Thank you, Neville, I appreciate that very much," replied Arthur.

"Neville, do you mind if we look in on you parents?" asked Harry.

Neville felt so pleased that his schoolmates and their family would want to visit his Mum and Dad. They truly were his friends.

"No, I don't mind at all, the nurses said it's good for them to have a lot of different people around," said Neville appreciatively.

They entered the room and found the Longbottoms. Molly was the first to notice the slight change in the Longbottoms' appearance.

"Arthur, do you see it?" whispered Molly.

"Yes, yes--I do," he replied. "They seem to have more color in their faces, and they seem to be more at ease than before. They don't seem to be in as much pain."

"I see you've noticed the change," said Neville. "I think it's because of the Po--" he stopped talking almost as quickly as he had started.

"Because of the what?" asked Harry.

"Nothing, Harry, nothing--" Neville said, looking down at his feet.

Ginny took Neville's hand and gave it a squeeze.

"They do look so much better than the last time I visited, Neville," Ginny said hopefully.

"Yes, they do seem to have improved, I just wish that they could continue to stay here," he replied sadly.

"What do you mean?" asked Ginny.

"I'm afraid that with my Gran gone, I just don't know how I can afford to keep them here; I can't get a job; I don't know how to do anything; I've let everyone down," he said.

Ginny gave Neville a hug and tried to think of something comforting to say, but the words just would not come to her.

"Neville, may I have a word with you in private?" asked Harry.

Ginny and Neville both looked at Harry in surprise.

"Sure, Harry, whatever you want," said Neville.

Neville led Harry over to a corner of the room as Ginny watched them intently. She could see Harry becoming more animated as the conversation went on. The more Harry talked, the more Neville's jaw dropped, until at last, Neville was standing there, with his mouth almost wide open. Then, as Ginny watched in amazement, Neville broke out into the biggest smile she had ever seen on his face. Neville shook Harry's hand for the third time and led him back to the group.

As they prepared to leave to visit Hermione, Ginny cornered Harry.

"What was all that about, with you and Neville?" Ginny questioned him.

"Just man talk," replied Harry, knowing that his answer would not make her happy.

"Very well, Mr. Potter, if you want to have secrets--" she pouted.

"It will only be a secret for a little while, Gin, I promise," Harry assured her.

Somewhat mollified, Ginny went over to give Neville a good-bye hug before leaving for Hermione's room. He held her gently and whispered in her ear, "always take care of Harry; he is the finest person I have ever known."

He released her, and she went to Harry to take him down to Hermione's room. Neville was going to stay there with his parents, as he had visited Hermione earlier in the day.

"That must have been some conversation, Harry; Neville seems to be ready to build a shrine in you honor," she said laughingly.

Harry didn't say anything; he just grinned.

They had by now reached Hermione's room, and they could hear Ron's voice raised in anger. As they stepped into the room, they were met with the sight of Ron kicking over a chair and demanding to know what the bloody hell was going on!

Hermione was not in the room!

Molly and Arthur were trying to calm down their youngest son, but they weren't having much success.

"They moved her again and didn't tell us; it's a bloody poor way to run a hospital; I want to know where she is, and I want to know now!" he roared.

"Oh, Ron, I just love it when you're forceful," laughed a voice from the hallway.

Ron spun around to see who was laughing at him and received the shock of his life. In the doorway, sitting in a wheelchair, flanked on either side by her smiling parents, was Hermione!

"Mione!" yelled Ron, rushing to her side but stopping just short, as he was starting to bend down to hug her.

"Hermione!" everyone was yelling, as they rushed to her side.

"Hermione, where?" cried Harry.

"Over here, Harry," Hermione yelled through the throng now surrounding her.

"Sorry, Harry, I just got excited; she's over here," said Ginny, taking him by the hand.

Ginny led him to Hermione's open arms. He hugged her tightly, he couldn't believe she was back with them.

"I've missed you so much, Mione; we thought you were lost to us forever," Harry said, gently rubbing her shoulder.

Hermione's parents had told her about Harry being blinded, so she was not shocked when she saw him; she held him close, and rubbed the back of his head, so glad that she could be with her best friend again.

Ginny wasn't sure that she liked this rubbing business very much, but it was a very special situation.

"Hermione, you've got to tell us what happened; how is this possible?" pleaded Molly.

"Mrs. Weasley, I will be happy to tell you all I know, just as soon as your son, Ronald, gives me a hug and welcomes me back properly," Hermione commanded.

Ron, now turned that famous, beet red, embarrassed color that the Weasleys were famous for. He knelt down beside Hermione and took her in his arms, for a long, warm, embrace. He turned even redder when she gave him a big kiss on the cheek before letting him go.

They all found places to sit in the room, the young people taking up positions on the bed. Mr. Granger pushed his daughter to the center of the room, and Hermione began her explanation.

"The condition you see me in now just came to be early yesterday morning," she began.

"Yesterday morning, and they didn't tell me, I--mean tell--us," interrupted Ron.

"Hush, Ron; let Hermione talk," admonished Molly.

"Sorry, Mione," apologized Ron.

"That's okay, Ron, I know how you can be," she said with a wink. "As I was saying, I regained consciousness early yesterday morning. It seems that a little while back, the medical wizards figured out why they were having trouble reversing the effects of the curse that was used on me. They had been treating it as though I had been hit by the same curse, invoked by both Crabbe and Goyle. It turns out that I was hit by two different curses, probably Crucio and Impedimenta, although they may never know for sure. The medical wizards took this information to Hogwarts, to the one person who could possibly help, Professor Snape."

"Snape, what could he do to help?" asked Harry, it being his turn to butt in.

"Harry Potter, are you going to let me finish or not?" said Hermione, rapidly regaining her old form.

"Yes--yes, go on," replied Harry.

"Well then; it was known by the medical wizards, that professor Snape is one of our world's leading researchers into ancient, almost forgotten potions and their uses. They asked him if in his studies, he had ever come across a situation like mine, and if he had, was there any known cure. After yelling at the medical wizards and calling them incompetent, for not realizing what had happened to me sooner, he told them that there was indeed something that could be done. It was a most complicated potion, requiring the use of several banned and illegal substances, including, toe of werewolf. I'm not sure how he did it, but professor Snape managed to acquire all of the necessary ingredients, and they have been giving me a series of shots for a month now. After I received my latest shot, yesterday morning, I woke up. As you can see, I am already beginning to regain my strength!" she said, now pausing to catch her breath.

Ron raised his hand.

"Ron, we're not at school, if you have a question, just ask," admonished Hermione.

"Did you say, shot?" he asked.

"Yes, the potion is administered by injecting it into the base of the spine. The sooner the injection is given after the trauma has taken place, the better the chances are that there will be a full recovery for the one who received the curse," she explained.

"Are you going to fully recover, Mione?" asked Harry.

Hermione sat up as straight as she could and put on her bravest face.

"Well, I still can't walk, and I may never walk again. But, I can still think, and I can still go to school, and I can be with my friends again, and those are the most important things in the world to me," she blurted out, the tears now streaming down her cheeks.

Mrs. Granger moved to comfort her daughter as Mr. Granger now rose to speak.

"You see, the potion is so ancient that no one knows for sure, what the long term effects of its use will be. As you may have realized, the medical wizards have also given the potion to Neville's parents. They have, of course, been in their current condition, for many years. But even with the length of time that they have been afflicted, I'm sure that you noticed there has been an improvement. We hope that over time, Hermione will fully recover, but no one knows for sure," he said, softly stroking his daughter's long, curly hair.

"Well don't you worry, Mr. Granger, we'll take care of Hermione at Hogwarts; we'll make sure she gets everything she needs," promised Ron.

"I have no doubt about that, Ron; if it wasn't for you, Harry, and Ginny being there with her, I doubt that we would have let her return to Hogwarts. But, as you may know, Hermione can be a bit head-strong, and she insisted that she be allowed to return to school with her friends," he said with a smile.

Everyone, including Hermione, laughed at Mr. Granger's last remark. Calling Hermione a bit head-strong was like saying that Voldemort was a bit of a scamp.

Just then, the head nurse, Madam Nessbit, entered the room.

"I'm afraid that you will all have to go now. This young lady needs her rest," she commanded.

They gathered around Hermione one more time with kisses and hugs all around. As they were leaving the room, Ginny saw Hermione whisper something to Madam Nessbit. The portly nurse stepped over and took Ron by the arm before he could get out of the door.

"Hold on there, big red, I have the need of a burly lad like you for a few minutes," she said merrily.

Madam Nessbit shooed the others on down the hall and then turned to Ron.

"I would like for you to help me please, I need for you to help Miss Granger back to bed, while I fetch some medication for her from down the hall; I'll be back in ten minutes," she said, smiling.

Madam Nesbitt left the room, and Ron went to Hermione. He carefully put his right arm around her back and his left arm under her legs and gently lifted her from the chair. She put her arms around his neck and held tight. She doesn't weigh hardly anything, he thought to himself. He placed her on the bed and helped her arrange the pillows so that she could sit upright.

"Sit next to me for a while, please," she said, patting the bed beside her.

She didn't have to ask twice, as Ron joined her on the bed, put his arms around her, and held her close.

"I'm so sorry that I let you down, Mione," he said sadly.

"What are you talking about, Ron?" she asked.

"If I had done a better job of protecting you, you wouldn't be here like this," he said dejectedly.

"Ronald Weasley, you are a pig; I was a fighter in that battle just as much as you were! It wasn't your job to protect me; it was your job to help defeat Voldemort, and that's what we did. Besides, if it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't even be alive. I resent you saying that you failed me; that's just not true!" she said, turning away from him, tears running down her cheeks.

"Hermione, I'm sorry; I can't ever seem to do or say the right thing when it comes to you. I'm no good at expressing myself. All I can promise you is that I will be there for you, at school, or wherever, and we'll never fight again," he said, trying his best to say the right thing.

"Oh, Ron, please, don't be an idiot. Of course we are still going to fight! That's just us! The fact that we disagree on almost everything doesn't alter the fact that I care deeply about you, and--and, my feelings just seem to keep growing stronger," she confessed.

Ron looked into her eyes, eyes so beautiful that he could become lost in them.

"Okay, Mione, I'm going to try one more time to explain to you how I feel about you," he said, reaching deep inside himself for all the courage he could muster. "All I know is, I am always happier when you are near me. I love watching you come down the stairs from the girls' dorm in the morning with your hair flying everywhere; I love how you look after Harry and me, trying to keep us on the right path with our studies. I love how you have the courage to stand by your convictions. I love the fact that you can make me, a big stumbling, awkward git, feel like the most special person in the world. I love all of those things about you, Mione," he said, almost out of breath.

The tears really started to flow from Hermione now; Ron just wished he could dig a hole and pull the dirt in on top of him. He had failed again.

"Ron, that was the most beautiful thing I've ever heard," she said, causing him much surprise.

Even more surprising was what she did next, putting her arms around him, pulling him close, and kissing him like he had never been kissed before.

"Excuse me, but it really is time for Miss Granger to get some rest," said Madam Nessbit from the doorway.

Ron hopped off the bed with an embarrassed look on his face.

"That's all right, dear, I was young once myself," said the nurse, trying to put Ron at ease.

"Ron, will you come see me tomorrow?" asked Hermione.

"You know I will, Mione; nothing could stop me," Ron assured her.

"Run along now, your family is waiting for you in the cafeteria," said Madam Nessbit. "But before you go, make sure you give that little girl a good-bye kiss.

Hermione and Ron both blushed, but they did as they were told and executed a warm, loving, good-bye kiss.

"See you tomorrow, Mione," he said.

"See you tomorrow, Ron," she replied.

Ron walked down the hall, almost bouncing off the walls. He couldn't remember when he had been this happy. He would do everything in his power to help Hermione walk again. But in the end, even if she never took another step, it didn't matter to him. She was the person that he wanted to be with.

Ron entered the cafeteria and found the entire group seated around a large table. Just as he sat down, he was surprised to see Dumbledore stroll in, accompanied by Millicent Bullstrode of Slytherin House. Millicent was pushing a cart; a cart loaded with books.

"Hello, hello all, so nice to see you all today," Dumbledore said in greeting them.

Ginny explained to Harry what was going on as she kept a wary eye on Millicent, who was, after all, a Slytherin.

"I have something for you today, Harry," explained Dumbledore.

The group now looked at Harry, and he could feel their collective stares. He wondered if Dumbledore was about to reveal the plans that Hagrid had alluded to in his letter.

"Harry, I'm sure that you have spent more than a little time wondering about how you could come back to Hogwarts, given your current inability to see. I would now like for Miss Weasley to bring you over to the cart that Miss Bullstrode has brought with her," requested Dumbledore.

Ginny did as she was asked and led Harry to the cart. She whispered to him that they looked like Hogwarts' schoolbooks.

"Yes, Ginny, my dear, they are, Hogwarts' school books, reproduced in Braille," said Dumbledore.

"Braille?" asked Harry.

"Yes, Braille, Harry. Have you heard of it?" Dumbledore asked.

"Yes sir, I have heard of it. I heard about it at the Muggle school I went to before I came to Hogwarts. One of the girls in my class gave a report on it for a class project. It's a way for people to read with their fingers," responded Harry.

"Quite right you are, Harry, wonderful answer," beamed Dumbledore. "We have arranged for all of your sixth year schoolbooks to be reproduced in Braille. Professor Snape has even created special potions bottles for you, labeled in Braille, that only release one drop of ingredient each time you tap them on the bottom.

Harry couldn't believe what he was hearing. Was he actually going to be able to go back to school with his friends?

"For the next two months, Harry, you will be taking an emersion course in Braille at a muggle training center in London. You will be staying at the center to better facilitate your learning," Dumbledore continued.

Upon hearing this news, Ginny unconsciously gave Harry's hand such a squeeze that he winced in pain.

"Excuse me, Professor, but when do I start this Braille school?" inquired Harry.

"On Monday," replied Dumbledore.

"Um--Professor, you said that Millicent Bullstrode was here, may I ask why?" asked Harry. "By the way, hello, Millicent."

"Hello, Harry," Millicent said in greeting.

"Ah yes, this is a most wonderful part of my surprise for you, Harry. We knew that even with you taking the Braille lessons, there would come times when you would need help with your classes and homework. Fortunately, Professor McGonagall remembered reading in Miss Bullstrode's records that she has a Muggle sister who lost her eyesight at an early age. We asked Millicent if she was familiar with Braille, and she told us that in order to help her sister, she had become somewhat of an expert in its usage. To make a long story short, Harry, Millicent has volunteered to do a most wonderful thing for you. She has volunteered to switch houses and be placed in the very same classes that you will be taking so that you will always have someone there, should you need assistance. Millicent Bullstrode is now a Gryffindor," exclaimed Dumbledore.

Ginny, Fred and Ron looked at each other in shock. Millicent Bullstrode, a Gryffindor, it just didn't seem possible.

"I know what must be going through your minds; you must be asking why; let me try to explain," said Millicent. "As you all know, my father was seriously wounded at the Battle of Diagon Alley. He is at home now and healing well; he should fully recover. His greatest memory of the battle is the courage displayed by your brothers, Ginny and of course Harry and Hermione. The Gryffindors who fought in the battle were so heroic, and I didn't even participate; my parents didn't want me to, and now I feel so ashamed. I have to do something; I have to make up for not helping out before," she said with tears in her eyes.

Molly went over and put her arm around the sobbing girl.

"Don't you worry about it, dear; not everyone did go; a lot of parents just wouldn't allow it. What you are doing for Harry now is a most wonderful thing," Molly said, consoling her.

Hearing these words from a mother who lost three children in the battle touched Millicent deeply. She was still sobbing when she felt a tug at her sleeve. It was Ginny.

"Welcome to Gryffindor," said Ginny, smiling.

Fred and Ron now approached Millicent and welcomed her to Gryffindor house.

"Millicent," said Harry, holding out his hands.

She walked over to him and took his hands in hers.

"I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate the sacrifice you are making for me, Millicent," said Harry.

"Call me Milly; that's what my Mum always calls me at home, and it's no sacrifice, I'm proud to do it, Harry," she said, smiling.

Harry gave her a hug, which wasn't easy to do, as Millicent was a rather large girl.

The Weasley party said their good-byes to Dumbledore, Millicent and the Grangers and prepared for the trip back to the Burrow. They grabbed Harry's books and carried them out to the waiting limo. It was now about midday, so Mr. Weasley suggested they stop back at the Leaky Cauldron for lunch; that way, Molly wouldn't have to be bothered with fixing something. He also wanted to stop by the Ministry and pick up some documents from his old office, work that he wanted to finish before he started his new position on Monday. Just because he was the new head of the Ministry didn't mean that he would leave his work for someone else to do.

They arrived at the Leaky Cauldron and greeted Tom as they found their way to a large table in the common room. Lunch consisted of tomato soup and cheese sandwiches.

After lunch, they all got back in the car and headed for the Ministry. Arthur was in and out very quickly, knowing that everyone was in a hurry to get back to the Burrow. Even with this short visit to his place of work, Arthur was amazed at the change in attitude toward him that people showed. People who would barely speak to him before were now calling out to him in greeting and trying to engage him in conversation. He definitely would have to watch his back from now on.

They arrived back at the Burrow in good spirits. Everyone was so happy that Hermione had returned to them and the thought that some day, Neville's parents might even be restored by Snape's wonderful potion.

"What're you thinking about, Harry? You look like the cat that swallowed the canary," observed Ron as he joined Harry on the couch.

"Nothing really, just something I need to do when I get back to school," Harry replied.

Ron knew his friend well enough to know when he was keeping a secret, but he decided not to push the issue.

"I'm going to have Fred help me get out the weights; I want to put on some muscle and build up my stamina, just in case they ever start up Quidditch again at the school," announced Ron.

The weights he was referring to once belonged to Dudley, Harry's cousin. They were all that was left in the rubble of the Dursley's home after Draco Malfoy destroyed it. There wasn't anything in his uncle's will for Harry; of course, everything went to Uncle Vernon's sister, Marge. The weights had been found though, and Harry didn't think that anyone would mind him giving them to Ron.

A commotion from the kitchen got the boys' attention.

"It's an owl from Charlie," they heard Molly yell.

They all gathered around Mrs. Weasley, as she read the short note.

Dear Family,

Just a note to let you know that I am well. We've taken two more Death Eaters in to custody and have had to kill another three. Our group had no losses in this latest action. I hope that everything is well at the Burrow. I miss you all so much, hope I can see you soon.

All my love,

Charlie

Molly's eyes glistened as she thought of her boy Charlie. He had volunteered to join the group that had the task of hunting down the last of the Death Eaters and either capturing them or killing them. Fred and Ron had wanted to go with Charlie, but Mr. Weasley would not allow it. Charlie's notes were always short, and he could never divulge where he was, but it was enough for the family to know that at least for now, he was safe.

"Way to go Charlie," whooped Fred. He was so proud of his older brother.

"Since I've got you all here together now, I think this would be a good time for a family meeting, would you all please join me in the living room?" asked Mr. Weasley.

The youngsters were racking their brains trying to figure out which one of them had committed the latest transgression. Weasley family meetings usually only took place after one or more of them had done something wrong, and Mr. Weasley decided that their behavior needed to be modified.

"Come along now, no one is in trouble, just a family issue that we as a family need to talk about," said Arthur, trying to ease the tension.

They all gathered on and around the big couch in front of the fireplace. Mr. Weasley stood before the group looking a little nervous.

"As you all know, my new position as Head of the Ministry of Magic has many wonderful benefits. A generous salary, the use of a car, and something that Dumbledore just told me about today. He failed to mention it the other night because he rightly thought it might affect my decision. It seems that the Ministry has purchased and renovated a rather large house near its offices. I have not been inside it yet, but I'm told that it is absolutely beautiful. The crux of the matter is, this house is part of the benefit package that goes with my new position. The Ministry wants us to move to this new house," said Arthur cautiously.

"No, they can't make you do that. I don't want to leave the Burrow. Daddy, please say you won't do it," cried Ginny.

"I want to stay here," said Ron, casting his vote.

"Dad, you can't--you just can't," said Fred.

"NO--NO!" said Harry, jumping to his feet.

Harry could feel everyone looking at him now, and he felt foolish. "I'm sorry, I know I don't have the right--" he started to say.

"Harry, dear, you have as much right as anyone in this room to express your opinion," Molly assured him.

Arthur looked around the room at the now sullen faces of his children. He didn't know what to do; he was just starting out in his new position; he hadn't even worked a day at it yet, and there was already a crisis.

"Children, your father and I appreciate and respect your opinions. If we didn't, we wouldn't have these family meetings to hear them. We are all going to have to give this a lot more thought and not just react to the situation. Your father and I will discuss this in depth; we will try to do the right thing for everyone," said Molly, with a strangely sad look on her face.

Arthur and Molly went upstairs; the youngsters were left to discuss things among themselves. There wasn't much discussion, though. They all seemed to be lost in their own thoughts.

Ron and Fred finally decided to go ahead and get the weights out, maybe the physical activity would take their minds off of what their father has just told them.

Harry and Ginny sat together on the couch silently, so many thoughts were running through their minds. The Burrow was the only home that Ginny had ever known. It wasn't a fancy place, but it was her home, and she wouldn't trade it for a palace. Harry had, of course, lived in other houses. But the Burrow was his home too, he didn't want to have that ripped away from him now; he needed that stability so desperately.

The couple just sat there in silence for the longest time. It was now early evening and darkness was starting to fall. Finally Ginny turned to Harry and took his hand.

"Let's go for a walk, Harry, I need to clear my mind," suggested Ginny.

"Okay, Gin, I think that's what I need too," he replied.

Ginny took his hand, and they walked down to their favorite spot, the old bench in front of the Oak tree down by the pond. She got him settled in and then joined him on the bench.

"I think there is going to be a full moon tonight, Harry; that will be so romantic," she sighed.

Harry chuckled.

"What's so funny, Mr. Potter? It will be romantic," she chided him.

"I was just thinking, here we have a beautiful, romantic night. And you are stuck with me, the most unromantic person in the world," he said, with a little laugh.

"That's not true, I think you can be very romantic when you want to be," she said.

"Hermione has given Ron and me the lecture many times before, how we are a couple of unfeeling gits who have no idea of how to treat a girl," he said with a smile on his face.

"That just goes to show you that Hermione Granger doesn't know everything," she said, defending him.

"Hermione did try to help me once, by teaching me a Muggle song. She said that if could sing it to a girl, she would be putty in my hands," he said, laughing.

"Please sing it to me, Harry, turn me into putty," she said, giggling and clapping her hands.

Harry now put his arm around her, and she laid her head across his chest.

"I'm not sure I remember all of the words correctly, but I'll try. He then began singing to her in a remarkably good voice:

"Till there was you, Gin," he said.

"Mmmmm--just call me putty," she said, nestling even closer to him.

Ginny felt as if she were the luckiest girl in the world. She had the love of the boy who lived, and that love made her incredibly happy.

To the dark figure watching the young couple from the small grove of trees that bordered the pond, Harry's love for Ginny only made her a target.