Aftermath

"Ginny," yelled Ron as he bolted for the door. A crack of thunder met his ears.

Arthur and Molly were close behind Ron; all of them running full tilt for the pond.

"What is it? What's happening?" shouted Harry, having been left behind in the rush.

Harry bravely charged forward and ran headlong into the doorframe, rendering himself unconscious as he crashed to the floor.

Arthur and Molly arrived on the scene together, to find Ron, kneeling over the limp form of his sister, a pool of blood spreading from nearby her.

"Ginny," screamed Molly, rushing to her daughter's side. "Oh my baby girl!"

Arthur knelt down beside his daughter and was relieved to see that she was beginning to stir. He looked her over closely, and found her only injury to be a small gash, on her right shoulder. The pool of blood was coming from the large, lifeless form lying next to her.

"Is she going to be alright?" asked Fred, from the shadows, where he had gone unnoticed, a dazed look on his face.

Arthur spun around, to see his son step out of the shadows, the shiny pistol still in his hand.

"Hand it to me, son," said Arthur, gently.

Fred meekly obeyed his father. Arthur knew quite a bit about muggle weapons, having studied muggle ways for many years, he knew how to make the weapon safe.

"Is she going to be all right?" Fred repeated.

At these words, Ginny pushed herself up and went to her brother.

"Oh Fred, you saved my life, you save my life!" she cried, holding her brother tightly.

"What happened Fred?" asked Ron.

"Before we do anything else, we need to summon help," said Arthur.

Arthur reached into his pocket and pulled out a short, tubular shaped device. It was officially known as an emergency-summoning device. You could pre-program the device to call the people you selected, for help in an emergency situation. Most wizards and witches, called the summoning device a 'screaming meme', because of the high-pitched, screaming sound it made when activated. The noise was more for frightening off attackers than anything else. Arthur's device was set to call for medical help, and Dumbledore. He activated it, by holding it above his head and breaking it in half. In less than a minute, Dumbledore aparated in front of them, followed quickly by two medical wizards from St. Mungos.

"Arthur, Molly, what's happened?" asked Dumbledore.

Molly helped the medical wizards lay Ginny down on the bench. They took off Ginny's robe, and cut the sleeve to her sweatshirt, so they could get a good look at her wound.

"I believe that Fred was just about to tell us what happened," said Arthur, handing the pistol to Dumbledore.

Dumbledore looked at the pistol, and then at Fred.

"Well, we're waiting," said Dumbledore.

Fred explained how the boys had found the pistol, and how he had taken to carrying it around in his front pocket. He explained how he had gone for a walk, to be alone, so he could look at the pistol in private. As he was heading back to the house, intending to finally tell his father about the gun, he had seen Ginny coming down the path. He had been just about to call to her, when a large, dark, figure had jumped out at her from behind a tree. He had seen the glint of a knife in the moonlight.

"I just reacted, I pointed the pistol, and pulled the trigger, he fell immediately," Fred said, somberly.

"She is going to be alright, but we should take her to St. Mungos for observation," said one of the medical wizards.

"Ginny--Ginny," spoke a weak voice from up the path.

Harry had awakened, and unable to stand, had crawled down to the pond.

"Harry, what happened?" cried Ginny.

"Are you alright Gin?" he asked.

Ron, Arthur and one of the medical wizards ran to Harry. He had a nasty bump on the side of his head, but he seemed to be okay. They helped him to his feet and led him to the bench, beside Ginny; she held on to him for dear life.

"I was attacked, Harry, he had a knife, Fred knocked him down with that pistol thing," Ginny told him.

"He won't attack anyone else, he's dead, shot clean through the head," said the medical wizard.

Arthur approached the large figure, lying in a pool of it's own blood. He rolled the body over, they all knew who the attacker was. It was Draco Malfoy's old friend, Crabbe.

"It appears that there is a new generation of death eaters, here to threaten us," observed Dumbledore.

"I've sent for a van, to remove the body, and an ambulance for the children; we want both Harry and Ginny to spend the night in the hospital," said the medical wizard.

Almost before the medical wizard had finished speaking, the van and the ambulance arrived. The attendants loaded up Crabbe's body and drove off for the morgue. Ginny, her arm now in a sling, and Harry, with a large bandage on his head, were led to the ambulance. Molly was allowed to ride along with the youngsters; Arthur and the boys would come along later in the limo.

Dumbledore asked to speak privately with Arthur.

"It looks as though the war isn't over yet, Arthur. I thought we had the remnants of the death eaters on the run, but it appears they are regrouping," said the old wizard sadly.

"What is going to happen to Fred?" asked Arthur. "He killed a man, with an illegal, muggle, weapon."

"He saved his sister's life, I don't suppose how he did that, makes much difference," replied Dumbledore.

"I don't know what to say to him, Albus, I can't let him go without being punished, he should have told me about the gun," said Arthur.

"Yes, you could punish him, Arthur, but then again, what would have been the outcome, if he had turned it over to you?" questioned Dumbledore.

"I know, I know, Albus, Ginny would be dead now. I'll just have to think it through," replied Arthur.

As Dumbledore prepared to leave, he asked to speak to Fred alone. Arthur and Ron walked back up the path, to the house, looking back over their shoulders at Dumbledore and Fred.

"Fred, do you understand, fully, what has occurred here tonight? Do you understand fully, the responsibilities and dangers of carrying a firearm? Do you understand the potential for harm?" Dumbledore asked him, looking directly into his eyes.

"Yes, I understand, I know what I've done, I'm sorry, I--I," Fred started.

"I believe you do understand, Fred, make sure you always do your best to protect your family," said Dumbledore, reaching under his robe and handing the pistol back to Fred. "You know how to use it better than I do."

Dumbledore squeezed Fred on the shoulders, and aparated into the night.

Fred trudged back up the path, towards the house, his mind racing. He had to tell his father, now, that Dumbledore had given him the pistol back. Why, had Dumbledore given him the pistol back? Should he keep it?

He saw Ron and Arthur standing near the limo, ready to go to St. Mungos. Fred explained to his Father what had transpired, between him and Dumbledore.

"Dumbledore must have a great deal of faith in you, Fred. He must feel that you are man enough to know to do the right thing. I can't argue with that. The gun stays here, whenever you leave the burrow, unless you are escorting your mother or sister somewhere. Okay, son?" asked Arthur.

"Okay dad," said Fred.

Arthur hugged his son. "Thank you for your sister's life," he said.

Ron now walked over and gave his older brother a hug, so proud of him.

They all got into the limo, and headed down the lane, on their way to St. Mungos. As he drove along, Arthur tried to think of what he could do, as head of the Ministry of Magic, to defeat this newest threat to the Wizarding world. He couldn't even protect his own family, how was he going to protect the lives of all those other witches and wizards who looked to the ministry for their safety. He thought of reviving Dumbledore's army, but, so many young people had died in the war, he was sure that parents would fight against their children becoming part of something like that again.

They arrived at the hospital, and proceeded into the building. The head nurse on duty led them to the emergency ward. Harry and Ginny were the only patients in this ward. Molly was there of course, and to their surprise, so was Hermione.

"Ron, I was so worried, I'm so glad you are alright; Ginny is going to be fine, they told me about what Fred did to protect her," blurted out Hermione.

Ron gave Hermione a hug, and then went to his sister.

"Al right, Gin?" he asked her.

"I'm going to be fine, the doctor says I will probably have nothing more than a small scar on my shoulder. Harry is going to be okay too," she explained.

"How's the head, Harry?" asked Arthur.

"It's okay, I just feel really stupid is all," said Harry sheepishly.

"Don't be so hard on yourself, dear," said Molly. "We all just ran off and left you".

"You were running to help Ginny; you could help her, not like me," he said dejectedly.

Just then, Dumbledore entered the room.

"Will everyone please be seated? We have things to discuss," commanded Dumbledore.

They all found a place to sit; they waited for Dumbledore expectantly.

"Because of tonight's events, we must rethink our plans for having Harry attend the learning center. We must insure that he is protect..." Dumbledore started to say, but he was interrupted.

"I must be protected? What are you talking about? I wasn't the one who got attacked tonight, it was Ginny! Quit thinking about me all of the time, and do more to protect the people around me!" said Harry, his voice getting louder.

"Harry, son, take it easy," said Arthur, trying to calm him down.

"It was your daughter who was attacked, I should think that you would back me up on this," retorted Harry, defiantly.

Dumbledore held up his hands and asked for quiet.

"I can see, that now is not the time, to discuss this. I think a good night's rest is needed by all of us, so that cooler heads may prevail. I suggest that we talk again in the morning. Harry, your schooling at the learning center will be delayed by one day, if that is alright with you," said Dumbledore.

"Whatever you want," said Harry, in a most disrespectful manner.

"Harry, you shou..." Arthur began.

Dumbledore motioned for Arthur not to say anything more.

"Let's leave the young people to get their rest, we'll meet again in the morning. Harry, Ginny and Hermione will all stay in this ward tonight. There will be two guards at the door, and another four, patrolling the hallways. Protective spells have been placed on this ward. They will be safe here tonight," said Dumbledore.

Arthur and Molly agreed that the children would be safer, guarded at St. Mungos, than they would be at the Burrow. They hugged Harry, Ginny and Hermione goodnight, and collected their two sons for the return trip to the burrow.

Ron gave Hermione a kiss, in front of everyone, and didn't blush at all. She smiled and waved, as Ron and the others left the ward.

"I guess Dumbledore decided I needed guarding too," said Hermione.

"Well, he did get that one right, after all, you are someone I care about," said Harry.

Hermione blushed, and Ginny took hold of Harry's hand. Even in this situation, she couldn't help being a little bit jealous.

"All right now, let's get to bed," said the night nurse, as she entered the ward.

The nurse, and Ginny, helped Hermione into bed and made her comfortable.

"I want an empty bed in between each of you, you are here to get some rest, not to chitchat all night. I will lay out pajamas and bed robes for you two," she said, indicating Harry and Ginny. "You can take turns changing in the lavatory."

Ginny led Harry to the lavatory door so that he could change first. When he was ready, she led him to his assigned bed. Ginny changed her clothes and went to her bed, two beds down from Hermione. Harry, was two beds down from Ginny. The head nurse really didn't want them talking.

The nurse turned out the lights and shut the doors to the ward. Harry, Ginny and Hermione all said goodnight, and settled in to try and get some rest. Naturally, Harry couldn't sleep. He was used to the right side of his head, where his scar was, hurting him so much that he had trouble sleeping. Now it was the left side, where he had run his head into the doorframe. What a poor choice Ginny has made, he thought. Falling in love with a clumsy, blind, git who can't do anything to protect her. He lay there for the longest time, wondering if he should try to somehow break off his relationship with Ginny. Maybe, if it were perceived, that he no longer had any interest in her, she would no longer be a target. It was a stretch, but he had to do something, he had to protect her. He felt a presence next to his bed, next thing he knew, a body slipped under the covers next to him.

"Hi Harry," giggled Ginny softly.

"Gin, what are you doing?" he asked.

"I need you to hold me Harry, I guess I'm still shaken up a bit, I'm so cold," she told him.

"I don't want to hurt you arm," he said.

"Here, put your arms around me, I'll rest my wounded arm on your chest. See, all comfy," she purred.

She rested her head and arm on Harry's chest.

"I hear your heart beating, Mr. Potter, it must be going a thousand beats a second. What do you suppose is causing that?" she asked coyly.

"I'd say that it has something to do with your close proximity," chuckled Harry.

"Shhhhh..." she cautioned. "You'll wake Hermione."

"She went to sleep long ago," said Harry.

Hermione had to stifle a giggle, upon hearing Harry's comment.

"I won't stay long, Harry, I just needed to be close to you. It seems that something or someone is always trying to kill one or the other of us, we don't know how much time we have," she said, snuggling closer.

He kissed her on the top of the head, how he loved the scent of her hair. She was right, of course, something could happen to either one of them, at any time, they had to give more thought to living for today. It wouldn't hurt for them to lie together like this, for a little while anyway. He held her tighter now, being careful not to hurt her wounded arm.

"Years from now, when we have our own family, do you think it will feel this nice, laying together like we are now?" she said, with that impish look in her eyes.

"Our own--family--I--I," he stammered.

She laughed at him now and gave him a big hug.

"Just teasing, my dear Harry," she said, giggling.

He looked at her and smiled. He was just now getting used to her being his girlfriend, and she was talking about them having a family together, someday. It was something that he didn't mind thinking about.

"You need to get some sleep, I think you may have injured your head as well," he said, giving her a squeeze.

"Don't make me go yet; just a little bit longer," she pleaded.

"Alright, just a little bit longer," he agreed, what could it hurt, he thought to himself.

"Mmmmmm....." was her only response.

Madam Nesbitt came on duty at six in the morning. She had been briefed about the previous night's event, and made it her top priority to check on the youngsters, first thing. She quietly opened the door to the ward and entered. She was surprised to see Hermione, already awake. She was even more surprised to see Harry and Ginny lying in bed together. Madam Nesbitt saw the look of anguish on Hermione's face. She was obviously afraid that her two friends were going to get into trouble. The nurse thought for a minute, and then left the ward. Just outside the door, Madam Nesbitt made plans to reenter the ward. This time she would not enter quietly.

Hermione could now hear Madam Nesbitt whistling, very loudly, it was a muggle tune, called Hello young lovers. She was obviously trying to give the sleeping couple a warning. It worked, Ginny popped up and slid under the covers of her own bed just as Madam Nesbitt reentered the ward.

"Hello dears. Did everybody sleep well?" Madam Nesbitt asked them.

"I slept very well," volunteered Hermione.

"Me too, the best I've slept in a long time," said Harry.

"Same here," responded Ginny.

"Well, sometimes, it's easier to sleep, when you have a friend, close by," said the nurse, raising her left eyebrow, and looking directly at Harry.

Harry lowered his head, Ginny blushed, and Hermione laughed, all at he same time.

"Everybody feel like having a good breakfast?" asked Mrs. Nesbitt.

The children nodded eagerly, it seemed that they were all famished.

"Let me check that dressing on your arm dear, then I'll fetch breakfast.

The kindly nurse pulled the curtain around Ginny's bed, and lowered the gown from the youngster's shoulder.

While Madam Nesbitt was looking after Ginny, Harry felt his way over to Hermione's bed and sat down beside her.

"Well, well, Harry, you and Ginny are much more of an item than I thought," teased Hermione.

"What do you mean?" said Harry, using the ignorance defense.

"Oh please, I heard you two over there, whispering sweet nothings, talking about having a family," she chuckled.

Harry knew they were busted.

"Hermione--I--please don't--," he started to say.

"Don't worry, I thought it was so sweet. Besides, I might need for you to forget something, that you might see Ron and I doing someday," she said smiling.

Harry blushed again. Everything was getting so complicated. He hoped he never walked in on Ron and Hermione, doing something that he had to keep secret.

"Alright dear, let's have a look at your head now," said Madam Nesbitt, approaching Harry.

She removed the bandage from his head, and studied the wound. She has the gentlest touch, Harry thought.

"Looks like you and Ginny are both healing nicely," said the kindly nurse.

She had already changed Ginny's dressing, and now she did the same for Harry.

"I'll have a table brought in, and you can have breakfast in here,' said Madam Nesbitt, leaving the ward to bring back their breakfast.

"I think she is wonderful, so kind and gentle," said Ginny.

"She would make a good Nanny for your children, someday," said Hermione, smiling.

"What are you talking about?" asked Ginny, suspiciously.

"Hermione was awake, she heard us talking," said Harry.

"Oh no," said Ginny.

"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me. But you might owe me a favor sometime. Harry will explain later," smiled Hermione.

Madam Nesbitt now returned, pushing a food cart, followed by two guards, carrying a small table. The youngsters were presented with a breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, fried potatoes, and toast with orange marmalade. A big pitcher of pumpkin juice topped off the meal. Madam Nesbitt picked Hermione up and placed her in a chair at the table. I can't believe how strong she is, thought Hermione. They enjoyed their breakfast and chatted, until nothing remained except for the last of the pumpkin juice.

The doors to the ward opened, and Dumbledore entered, followed closely by the Weasley family.

Hugs were administered all around; the Weasley family made sure that their youngest member was healing well. Ron, who was carrying a large tote bag with him, gave Hermione a hug, and stood at her side, holding her hand.

"How is everyone today," said Dumbledore, smiling.

"Very good, today, professor. I want to apologize for the way I acted yester..." Harry began.

"Don't worry about it, Harry, you were correct of course, I've been making decisions for you again. You are becoming a young man, Harry, you should be able to make some decisions for yourself," said Dumbledore.

The old wizard walked over to Ginny and gave her a hug.

"May I have a peppermint, professor?" she asked, knowing that he always carried them.

Dumbledore smiled, reached into his cloak, and handed her a peppermint. She had pleased him.

"So, tell me Harry, what do you think we should do about you attending the learning center?" asked Dumbledore.

"Well, I think that I should definitely go. I think that the guards that spent the night here, should be stationed at the school, in muggle clothes of course, to prevent another attack. I also think that Ginny should go to the learning center with me. It will be easier to protect us both if we are together," replied Harry.

Ginny was positively glowing at Harry's words.

"Well thought out Harry, a very good plan. I completely agree with you," said Dumbledore smiling.

"The guards that were here last night, work for the ministry, I'll see to it that they are assigned to the learning center first thing in the morning," said Arthur. "They will be dressed appropriately".

"The doctor says that these two are in good shape. They seem to be in very good health," said Madam Nesbitt, raising her left eyebrow again.

"I have guards from the ministry patrolling the grounds at the Burrow, we should be safe there now," said Arthur.

"And we have Fred," said Ron proudly.

The Weasleys and Dumbledore spent the better part of the morning, visiting the youngsters. Everyone seemed to be in good spirits, and the memory of the attack on Ginny was somewhat abated. At last, Dumbledore had to excuse himself, as he had Hogwarts business to attend to. Arthur had to go to the ministry; Molly and Fred were going to go to Diagon Alley, to buy schoolbooks and supplies for everyone. Arthur had received an advance on his salary, a very tidy sum; Molly couldn't believe how much money they had in their vault at Gringotts now. Fred had been giving his parents a share of the profits from Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes too, they were building a nice nest egg, without actually realizing it. Ron was going to stay and visit with Hermione; he would join Molly and Fred, later.

The Weasleys had earlier agreed that it would be best for Harry and Ginny to stay at the hospital for now, so, they had brought school supplies and a change of clothes for them both. Ginny was actually going to take classes at the learning center with Harry. When he needed to study at home, he would now have a trained Braille reader there with him. Things looked like they were going to work out.

The Weasleys and Dumbledore said good-by, and headed off to attend to their business.

Harry, Ginny and Ron gathered around Hermione's bed.

"Anyone for butterbeer," asked Ron, as he pulled four bottles out of his tote bag.

They all agreed that it sounded like a good idea; Ron picked Hermione up and repositioned her so that she was comfortable at the table.

"I can't believe how strong you've become, Ron," she said, flirting shamelessly.

"Well, you don't weigh hardly anything, and besides, I've been working out with the weights a lot," said Ron, pleased that Hermione had noticed that he had started to bulk up.

Impulsively, Ron leaned over and kissed Hermione, not caring that Harry and Ginny were there.

"Get a room, you two," chuckled Ginny.

"You should talk, after last night," retorted Hermione.

"What about last night?" asked Ron.

"Nothing for you to worry about, Ronald, let's play cards," said Hermione.

They drank butterbeer and talked for the better part of the day, laughing and enjoying each other's company; Ron had managed to squeeze a lot of butterbeer into that tote bag. Madam Nesbitt pretended not to notice the party they were having. Finally, Ron knew it was time for him to join his mother and brother at Diagon Alley.

"Harry, take care of my two girls," asked Ron.

"I'll do my best, Ron," Harry assured him.

Ginny gave her brother a hug, and then took Harry by the hand and led him out into the hallway.

"Your sister is very perceptive," said Hermione.

"What do you mean?" asked Ron.

"She knew that I wanted to be alone, with her big, hunk of a brother," she replied.

Ron smiled and lifted Hermione from her chair. He carried her over to the bed and gently laid her upon it. He lay down beside her and held her close.

"I didn't ever think it would be me, I always thought it would be Harry," he said.

"Harry for what?" she asked.

"Harry, that you would fall in love with," he replied.

"Ron, there are all kinds of love. I do love Harry. I love him as one of the best friends that I have ever had, and, I know that he loves me in the same way. But when I think about you, Ron, it's different. When I think about you, the most wonderful thoughts fill my mind. My heart, beats faster, I know my temperature rises. That's what it's like, to have a deep, passionate love for someone, someone that you would like to have a future with," she said, blushing slightly.

"I wish I could express myself like you do, Mione. The best I can say is, that I feel the same way about you," he said, kissing her deeply, and holding her close.

He sat with her for several more minutes before she shooed him away.

"Go to your Mum, Ron, I don't want her mad at me for delaying you," she said, playfully pushing him away.

"Alright, alright, I'll go," he said.

He gave her one more kiss and headed out to the hallway to find Harry and Ginny.

"I have to go now, good luck at the learning center tomorrow," said Ron.

Harry and Ginny both thanked him, and bade him farewell. Back in the ward, Hermione was in an especially good mood.

"You look quite pleased with yourself, Miss Granger," said Ginny.

"Can't help myself, your brother makes me feel wonderful," replied Hermione.

"No accounting for some people's tastes," joked Harry.

Hermione stuck out her tongue, and threw a small pillow at Harry. He didn't see it coming, of course, and it caught him square on the nose.

"Good shot, Hermione, he deserved it," said Ginny.

Harry felt his way to Hermione's bed, and made as if to grab her ankle.

Hermione, shrieked, and instinctively, tried to pull her legs away from him. She was shocked, when, ever so slightly, her right leg, responded.

"Ginny, did you see, did you see my leg, I moved it," Hermione yelled, excitedly.

"Yes, yes, I did see it, oh Hermione, that's wonderful," responded Ginny.

"What's going on? Did your leg really move, Mione?" asked Harry.

"Yes, it did move Harry. Not very much, but it did move," she said.

"That's wonderful, we've got to tell someone," said Harry.

"No, not yet. It's just a small thing now. I don't want to get everyone's hopes up, especially mine, only to find out that I'm overreacting," said Hermione.

Harry and Ginny, promised to keep it a secret between the three of them, for now. Harry thought again about how he was going to thank Professor Snape. He was glad that he made the decision he had made.

Early next morning, Ginny and Harry were up early. This was to be their first day at the learning center; they were both rather excited. They had a nice breakfast with Hermione; she made them promise yet again, not to tell anyone about her leg moving. Arthur drove them to the learning center, six security men, followed in another car. As they entered the center, they were the subjects of much discussion. Those who could see, were having to explain to the vision impaired students, just exactly was going on. Who was this blind, boy? Who was the little red haired girl that clung to his arm? Who were these six, burly, men led by the dapper looking gentleman in the pinstriped suit? And who was the rather large, girl that greeted them as they entered the building?

"Hello, Harry," said Millicent, cheerfully. "Hi Ginny".

"Why are they staring at us? I thought we looked pretty normal in these muggle clothes," said Ginny.

"I don't think it's the clothes. It's not every student who comes to school, accompanied by a small army of bodyguards," whispered Millicent.

Arthur instructed the guards to remain as inconspicuous as possible, but to guard Harry, Ginny and Millicent at all costs.

"Study hard, children. It's important to Harry, and to all of us in the wizarding world, that he learn Braille as quickly as possible, so that he can return to Hogwarts and continue his education," Arthur cautioned them.

"This way to our first class," said Millicent, taking Harry by the hand.

Ginny followed behind, and the guards spread out, trying, not very successfully, to blend in with their surroundings. Arthur watched them go down the hallway, he then left, to return to work.

The next two months went quickly for the youngsters, at the learning center. Millicent was very gifted in her ability to teach Harry and Ginny some of the finer points of Braille. After they got out of class each day, the three of them would go over that day's lesson. Millicent would help them with anything they were not sure of; she was a wonderful teacher's assistant.

Harry and Ginny would return home to the Burrow on the weekends; they even invited Millicent to go with them. She declined, however, choosing to be close to her father, who was still recovering from his wounds, suffered at Diagon Alley. In no time at all, the two months were up, and the youngsters were preparing for their return to Hogwarts. They were all excited about going back to school.

They were also excited about the family business. Harry had talked to Dobby, and two of the Hogwarts' house elves had agreed to go to work for Weasleys Wizarding Wheezes, to build the Combo Broom Kits. Harry had to practically beg them to accept ten galleons a week; he would try to get them to accept more, later on. They had their parts suppliers lined up; marketing was going well, and Dumbledore had agreed to let them demonstrate the Combo Broom, at the school, in front of the students and their parents. Several orders for the Combo Kits, and for the assembled brooms, had been placed. This was shaping up to be a good year.

The day before their return to Hogwarts, Hermione came to stay at the Burrow. Her parents brought her to the Weasley's home, along with all of her school needs, her wheelchair and medication. Madam Pomfrey, had of course, been briefed on Hermione's needs, and her medical records had been sent to the school. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, rightly suspected that Ron and Hermione would be spending a lot of time together, so they wanted to make sure that he was thoroughly familiar with what medication she needed to take and when she needed to take it, as a back-up to Madam Pomfrey. Hermione was still receiving the injections. At school, the injections would be given by Madam Pomfrey, supervised by Professor Snape. Harry and Ginny, were also instructed, as to Hermione's needs. The Grangers stayed and had dinner with the Weasleys. A sumptuous, beef roast was served. It was accompanied by new potatoes, fresh green beans, tomatoes, and fresh, baked bred. For dessert, Molly offered a nice chocolate mousse.

"I've heard of chocolate frogs, but I don't know about this chocolate mouse," said Ron.

"Ronald, please. It's mousse, not mouse. It's French. It's delicious. Just eat it," snapped Hermione.

As he prepared to sneak up on his dessert, Ron couldn't help but be pleased that Hermione was getting to be her old self, a little more each day. Mrs. Granger had to smile; Ron and Hermione were acting like a little old married couple, already. She knew that her daughter would be safe with Ron near-by. As it got late, the Grangers prepared for their trip Back home. They bid goodnight to everyone: Hugging their daughter, and not wanting to let go. The children, who volunteered to clean the dishes and put everything away, sent Arthur and Molly off to bed. After the dishes were done, Fred showed the rest of them the things that their father had gotten him at a second hand store. One was a book, on the care and handling of firearms; the other was something called a shoulder holster. The holster allowed Fred to wear the gun, concealed, under his robes, or a muggle jacket. Everyone thought this was very cool, the adults were putting a lot of faith in Fred, as a protector of the family. Fred finally decided to call it a night, and the couples gathered on the big couch, in front of the fireplace, for one last glass of pumpkin juice.

"I can't believe we are actually going back, tomorrow. It seems like it has been years," said Ginny.

"In a lot of ways, it will be like an entirely, new, beginning," replied Hermione.

"But we will be together, and there isn't anything we can't do, if we are together," said Harry.

"Too right, mate," said Ron.

They raised their glasses in a toast, and then went upstairs to bed. Ginny led Harry by the Hand, and Ron effortlessly carried Hermione.

They made it to platform 9 ¾ with plenty of time to spare, the next morning. They had a welcomed, uneventful trip. As the Hogwarts express pulled into the station, the foursome gathered their things, and prepared for the trip to the castle. Ron carried Hermione out to a special coach that had been provided for her, drawn by regular horses. The foursome would be riding to the castle together.

"There you are," they heard a booming voice say, from behind them.

It was Hagrid. He met the group with arms wide open. He could hug them all at the same time.

"Welcome back, welcome home," said Hagrid, his eyes growing misty.

They were all glad to be with their old friend again.

"I'll see to it that your things get taken up to the castle, I'll take your chair myself, Hermione," he promised. "There's going to be a welcoming feast tonight, won't be like before though."

"What will be different about it?" asked Ginny.

"Best wait and see for yourself, Ginny" he replied, looking quite forlorn. "I'll see you at the feast tonight, we will have more time to talk then."

The foursome entered the coach, and began the trip to the castle.

"Hagrid looked so sad," said Hermione.

"I know, I thinks it has to do with the feast tonight," said Ron.

"But why would the thought of the feast make him sad?" asked Harry.

Later on, at the feast, they would all know why.

They arrived at the school and went to settle in to their rooms. Ron would not let anyone help him with Hermione; he carried her all the way to the girl's dormitory.

"You can't carry me around all the time like this, Ron, I have to make do for myself, sometime," said Hermione.

"I know that, but, I'm going to be as much help as I can be today, and no one is going to stop me," he replied.

She smiled and gave him a big kiss, to the applause of the other girls, standing around them.

"We'll take care of her for now, Ron, and make sure that she gets to the feast," said Ginny, who had just entered the room, after turning Harry over to Neville.

Ron hugged Hermione one more time, and sat her on her bed, so that she could lean back against the headboard.

"See you in a bit," Mione, he said.

"In a bit," she replied.

The girls surrounded Hermione, now. Wanting to know about her recovery, and what was going on with her and Ron; Ginny shooed them all away.

"There will be time for questions, later. Right now, Hermione and I want to get ready for the feast tonight. I suggest that you all do the same," said Ginny, in a commanding voice.

The girls looked disappointed, but did as they were told. Ginny helped Hermione with her bath, and to get ready for the feast.

"Well, we have you looking lovely, now it's time to try to do something about me," sighed Ginny.

"You are already lovely, Ginny, and you are my very best girlfriend," said Hermione.

"Thank you, that means a lot to me," replied Ginny, giving her friend a hug. "I'd better hurry now, or we'll be late for the feast.

Ginny was at last ready; she helped Hermione into her wheelchair, which Hagrid had brought up to the dorm. She wheeled her friend over to the stairs.

"How are we going to handle the stairs?" asked Hermione.

"Just sit back and hold on tight, I've been practicing," said Ginny, giggling.

She took out her wand, gave a swish and a flick towards Hermione's chair, and said, "Wingardium Leviosa."

Hermione's chair rose easily into the air. Ginny was in complete control; she had definitely mastered this spell. Ginny now levitated Hermione's chair gently down the stairs and into the Gryffindor common room. The assembled students met Ginny with a round of applause. Ron explained to Harry, what was going on. Both of them were extremely proud of Ginny.

Let's go to the feast," said Ginny, taking Harry's hand.

Ron pushed Hermione's chair, and they all headed to the great hall. As they entered, they were pleased to see the hall brightly decorated. Maybe, things could start to get back to normal now. They took their usual seats at the Gryffindor table. Ron helped Hermione get comfortable beside him, and Ginny staked her claim next to Harry. The Hogwarts' staff was seated at their usual places along the dais. Dumbledore now rose and asked for quiet.

"Welcome back to Hogwarts, all of you. We want this first of the year feast, to be a joyous, occasion. Joyous, yet tempered by remembrance, remembrance of those no longer with us. From this day forth, it shall be our custom, at the beginning of the first of the year feast, to read the names of those who perished at the battle of Diagon Alley. Those names, in alphabetical order, are...