The Awakening Power

* * *

Harry walked around his room at the Dursleys, feeling an overwhelming sense of joy at finally being able to leave. It was a week before his birthday, and he was due to be picked up by the Weasleys in about an hour.

Dumbledore had said this was to be the last time he was to stay at the Dursleys, and he fully planned on holding him to his word. Harry was about to turn seventeen, an adult in the wizarding world, and he didn't care what type of protection he got from being in the Dursley's house. Whatever it was, it wasn't worth it, and he was never coming back. He was packing to leave forever.

Not that there's much to pack, he thought musingly. Harry had surprisingly few possessions from living there for sixteen years, as though he had only been a weekend hotel guest. And maybe that wasn't far from the truth.

He picked up a picture of himself, Ron and Hermione, taken in his third year. It was one of his favorites; it never failed to make him laugh. Ron and Hermione wore angry expressions as they exchanged some words, and then would suddenly turn away from each other huffily. Harry in the picture would roll his eyes occasionally at the two of them, as they continued their eternal argument. But every so often, if you watched the picture long enough, Ron and Hermione would give each other a glance and smile shyly at each other.

Harry gently placed the picture into his trunk, and began packing his other pictures as well.

It had been an odd summer, somehow. Harry had been released from St. Mungo's two weeks before the end of term, just in time for his final exams. All the extra time in bed had actually paid off, academically speaking. He hadn't had much to do, so had been concentrating on his schoolwork.

Riding the Hogwarts Express back to King's Cross, he had felt a lot different about things. Finally meeting Voldemort and facing him wizard-to-wizard had put his life into a strange perspective. Suddenly, Voldemort wasn't a mysterious force out in the ozone; he was a man, just like him. A very powerful man, a man who had made radical changes to himself, an evil man, but still a man.

The feelings carried into the summer... a sense that he was part of an elaborate dance; one of two central performers surrounded by many other players, and the end of the dance was approaching. Harry didn't know how the dance was to conclude, only that a conclusion was inevitably coming soon.

The Dursleys had been their usual snide selves picking him up. In past years, he was angry, fearful, lonely... a host of emotions. This year, he simply felt muted, resigned to the fact that it had to be done. Uncle Vernon berated him all the way home, trying to get a rise out of him, but Harry had simply stared out the window of the car. Somehow after meeting all the challenges that had been thrown at him this year, his aunt, uncle and Dudley just didn't seem all that important anymore.

Not that he didn't miss his friends terribly, of course. Harry had been writing numerous letters to Ginny, Ron and Hermione. He and Ginny kept a running letter going back and forth; Harry wondered when Hedwig was going to rebel at all the travel, but she seemed to be pleased that Harry was communicating so much this summer.

Harry pulled all his clothes out of his drawers and packed them into his trunk. He sighed, wishing it was another week later, and he'd be able to legally do magic. If he could do that, he'd have a little personal ritual and burn every ill-fitting hand-me-down that had ever been given to him. He'd thought about just leaving the clothes, but he decided to bring them with him and burn them later.

As he packed his clothes, Harry reflected on the thinking he'd been doing over the summer. With his feelings came a sense that it was time to take some control over his life. He had to trust that Dumbledore had a plan for everything, but Harry had some goals of his own.

A plan had formed in mind, and along with the plan was a sense that many people wouldn't be too happy with it. Finally he decided he just didn't care who was happy with it, how dangerous it was, or anything else. For once in his life - perhaps for the only time in his possibly-to-be-short life - he was going to do what he wanted to do.

Harry was going to go on a holiday for his seventeenth birthday. He was going to travel, and he was going to take all the Weasleys and Hermione with him.

Harry had written to Ginny with his plan, and she had embraced it wholeheartedly and excitedly. He had expected her to support him in his decision, although he had to admit to a little relief that Hermione hadn't rubbed off on her, and she didn't try and talk him out of it.

He had then written to Ron and Hermione. Ron, of course, was very excited by the whole idea. Harry had written Hermione a much longer note, trying to head off her objections up front. Her return letter had come very soon afterward, and as expected, she was very reluctant about the idea, wondering if it was sensible to risk a trip at this time. Harry patiently wrote back to her and told her that he was willing to take the risk.

The next step had been to convince Mr. and Mrs. Weasley to allow him to pay for the trip, which he didn't expect to be easy. He had written them a letter, explaining that this was his birthday present, and that he wanted them to be with him: the best birthday present they could give him would be to allow him to take them. Ron and Ginny were to work on them as well. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had written back after a few days, finally agreeing to go, and thanking him profusely. Later, Ginny wrote and told him that it had taken quite a bit of convincing. Letters to Fred, George, Bill and Charlie were next on the invitation list, and all agreed to join the trip.

Harry had then debated with himself about inviting Percy to join everyone. He wasn't certain of everyone's current feelings. Percy wasn't his favorite person, but there had been very little news of him the last year. Harry suspected that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley would love to have him along, to help mend some fences. It was worth it just for that reason.

Finally deciding to get Ginny's opinion, Harry sent her off a note. She immediately wrote back and told him that if he could get Percy to go, they would all be behind him.

So Harry sent a letter to Percy, which he rewrote about ten times before getting something he liked. It was somewhere between friendly and formal; he gave Percy a quick rundown on what he was doing and why, and that he would really enjoy seeing him again. The latter was perhaps a bit exaggerated, but it was worth it to make Mr. and Mrs. Weasley happy.

A week later, just when he thought Percy was going to just ignore the note, he received a reply.

Dear Harry,

Although we haven't been in contact much over the last few years, I have followed what has transpired with You-Know-Who. I want you to know that even when I doubted your story, I still didn't want any harm to come to you. I've learned a lot about the world - and myself - the last year.

I would be very happy to join you on your holiday, and thank you for thinking of me. I hope you will forgive my mistakes.

Sincerely,

Percy Weasley

The last step had been to contact Dumbledore and tell him his plans. Although he technically didn't have permission to leave the Dursleys' for his birthday, he was going to do it anyway. He owed an explanation to Dumbledore.

The first note he wrote outlined his plans, explaining that he needed to experience a bit of 'real life' for a change. The reply from Dumbledore had been swift in return; he had recommended strongly against it.

Harry closed his trunk as a bit of the irritation he had felt at the time came back to him. Dumbledore hadn't understood - Harry wasn't asking permission. Perhaps it would be safer to sit in Dumbledore's office the rest of his bloody life, but it was time to take control of things. He was not Dumbledore's tool to be used at his whim.

Harry had made himself wait an entire day before forming his reply, so it could be as reasonable as possible. But at the same time, he'd felt ready to apply some of his own pressure on the world. If the world wanted him to save it, then the world could just bloody well give him a few things in return.

His return letter had been blunt. He would certainly listen to any suggestions to minimize the risk, but he was going anyway. Harry had never used his fame or political power in any way, but he felt it was time. He told Dumbledore to call the Ministry and arrange security if he was concerned.

Dumbledore's next letter had a note of resignation. His only request was that Harry spend his holiday on Krybonisi, a hidden wizard-only Greek island. Because the spells that hid it from Muggle view also provided for security for visitors, it would be very difficult for Voldemort to attack the island directly. Dumbledore had also included a travel brochure with his letter, apparently hoping it would convince Harry.

The more Harry had read through the brochure, the more he liked the idea. The best part was that brooms were allowed anywhere on the island, since it was hidden from Muggles. He had studied Apparation theory during the previous school year, but wouldn't take his test until he got back from the holiday, so independent transportation sounded really good. Anyway, Ginny was a year too young to Apparate, and Ron and Hermione wouldn't turn seventeen until later in the year.

Harry immediately wrote a pile of letters, telling everyone the plan. In the letters to Ginny and Hermione, he had asked them to book the hotels and organize everything, something they had been only too pleased to do, he recalled with a chuckle as he dragged his trunk downstairs.

Reaching the entry hall, Harry placed his trunk next to the door. He glanced at the wall clock; the Weasleys would be picking him up in fifteen minutes. Harry hadn't actually told the Dursleys he'd never be coming back. Harry smirked, figuring he'd tell them at the end of the next school year. First, he didn't want to deal with any sort of good-byes. He had no clue what say to them. Second, he preferred they live with the thought that he might be coming back.

Walking into the kitchen, he saw the Dursleys sitting at the table. Uncle Vernon looked up from his breakfast, giving him a glare, while Aunt Petunia ignored him, and Dudley appeared to not even notice him come in, being too involved in eating his breakfast while watching morning cartoons.

"Well, boy. I suppose you're leaving today. Good riddance to you, I say," he said.

"Yup. Off on holiday to a Greek island for a month," Harry said casually.

"Greek island? What's this nonsense?" said Uncle Vernon angrily, he face turning red from increasing blood pressure at the idea of Harry having fun.

"Oh, didn't I tell you? I'm taking the Weasley family and my friend Hermione to a Greek island," Harry said, fighting down a smirk.

Uncle Vernon's eyes narrowed. "You're taking? With what money?"

"Oh, just part of the fortune I inherited from my parents six years ago," Harry said, a grin coming to his face despite his best efforts.

"Fortune? Fortune?" Uncle Vernon said, his jaw dropping.

"Oh yeah, I guess I forgot to mention that, too."

A knock came at the front door. Harry almost ran to open it, feeling excited. Flinging the door open, he saw Ginny, Ron, Hermione and Mr. Weasley. Ginny squealed, ran in and threw herself in his arms. Harry embraced her tightly, picking her up off the floor and spinning her around. He had missed her so much.

"Harry, mate!" Ron shouted. Hermione and Mr. Weasley gave him enthusiastic greetings as well. Harry released Ginny and hugged Hermione.

"What's all this bloody commotion?" shouted Uncle Vernon, coming out of the kitchen with a pinched-face Aunt Petunia and bored Dudley. He shot a somewhat fearful look at Mr. Weasley, but his anger seemed to win out as he glared at everyone.

Not even Uncle Vernon's shouting could dampen Harry's mood. "You remember Ron and Mr. Weasley, of course. This is my friend Hermione, and this is my girlfriend, Ginny."

Uncle Vernon and Dudley looked Ginny up and down, apparently wondering how Harry could possibly have a pretty girlfriend like that. Ginny stared back at them with undisguised hatred. Harry suspected they'd better go, or Ginny might do something they would all regret if the Dursleys made any sort of comment.

Mr. Weasley seemed to have the same thought as he glanced at his daughter a bit nervously. "Um, ready, Harry? We have a car this time around to take us home."

"Definitely," Harry said, grabbed his trunk, and walked out the door without a look back.

As Harry sat down in the car, he glanced at the Dursleys standing on the porch, glaring at him, as if wondering what the neighbors would say about these strange visitors. An old saying came back to him, one that felt particularly apt at the moment.

Living well is the best revenge.

* * *

Harry and Ginny strolled along the edge of the island, holding hands and enjoying the beautiful weather. They had both made certain they applied a sunscreen charm, considering their very fair skin. Harry glanced at some of the other people on the beach with their suntans a little jealously; he would never look like that.

It was a few days after Harry's birthday. The Weasleys had arranged a traditional Greek barbecue on the beach, which had featured mountains of Greek food. Harry had been shocked, but pleased, when many of his older friends showed up, such as Tonks, Remus and Mad-Eye Moody. He would have liked to have seen some friends from Hogwarts, but it was too far of a journey.

"The water is so amazingly blue," Ginny said, looking particularly pretty in the bright sunshine, Harry thought.

"Yeah. I think after our walk, I'll definitely be ready for a swim," Harry replied.

They continued hiking down the sand. Harry glanced over at her, thinking it was probably time for his surprise.

"You know, Ginny, your birthday's coming up," Harry said. "The eleventh of August is next week."

"What, do you think I forgot?" Ginny said with a grin. "All I can say is that Mum and Dad better have something planned to compete with your birthday. Though, I have to say that this trip is already the best birthday present I've ever had."

Harry smiled. "I told your parents I wanted to take you someplace special for your birthday, just the two of us. I made reservations at that restaurant that was listed in the tour guide, Mezedopolio."

Ginny's eyes widened. "Harry, I don't have anything to wear for that kind of a place!"

"I suppose you'll just have to go shopping, won't you?" replied Harry, his smile widening into a grin.

Ginny stopped and threw her arms around him, hugging him excitedly. She then gave him a huge kiss, and then looked him in the eye. "You're the most wonderful boyfriend in the world."

Harry felt embarrassed, but pleased that she was happy, as they continued walking down the beach. He could see a few sunbathers and a few others splashing in the water, but the island was pleasantly uncrowded.

As they chatted, Harry noticed a tall woman ahead who appeared vaguely familiar. She had long, blonde hair, and was wearing a rather skimpy bikini. Coming closer, the woman seemed to notice Harry and Ginny as well, and then appeared to squint at them. She abruptly stood up straight and waved her arm excitedly.

"Who's that?" Ginny asked, as the woman started running toward them.

"Harry! And Ginny!" the woman called out.

"That's... that's Professor Melanadray!" Harry said in shock. He suddenly remembered that her family had a house in Greece on a beach - it must be on the island.

Melanadray came up to them, smiling broadly. "Welcome to the island! I have to say, I'm a bit surprised to see you here."

"Hello, Professor," Harry said politely, resisting a nervous urge to glance at Ginny.

She laughed. "More of that 'Professor' stuff. I'm still not used to it, even after a year under my belt. Are you two on holiday, here?"

"Yes," Ginny said. Harry finally glanced at her, and to his relief, she was smiling at the Melanadray. "In fact, along with my family and Hermione.

"That's wonderful. If anyone deserves a holiday, it's you, Harry," Melanadray, smiling at him. Harry swallowed; the beach environment and bikini did nothing to lessen her looks.

They chatted for a few more minutes, Melanadray giving some recommendations of things they should see on the island. Finally she sighed wistfully.

"Well, I'll let you go. I just want to say..." She stopped, appearing oddly hesitant. "You two look lovely together. I'm glad that Harry found such a wonderful girl. You take care of him, all right, Ginny?" she said, with a small smile.

"I will," Ginny smiled back. She hesitated, and then said, "I hope we'll see you around again."

"I hope so, too. And you take care, too, Harry, okay?" Melanadray said to Harry, looking him in the eye.

Harry nodded. "I will, thanks."

Melanadray paused, gave him a smile with a tiny note of sadness, then turned and strolled away toward a house a short distance away.

* * *

"What a fantastic dinner," Ginny said, wearing a very pretty dark green dress as they walked out of the restaurant. "Thank you so much for this Harry. It was a wonderful birthday."

"You're welcome," Harry said, smiling at her and feeling full and satisfied from the evening.

Somewhat to his chagrin, the restaurant owner had recognized Harry and had insisted on bringing a taste of everything in the house, not to mention giving them the best table in the place, overlooking the ocean. On balance, however, it made Ginny's birthday that much more special, so he didn't mind his fame for once.

Harry glanced again at Ginny; he couldn't help looking at her tonight. She looked so pretty. Ginny had taken Hermione with her shopping several days before and hadn't showed Harry the outfit, wanting to surprise him tonight. When she'd come out of her room, he couldn't help gasping a little bit. He thought she looked even better than she had at the Spring Ball. It was very silly, but Harry couldn't help but feel a bit smug at the thought. Matt Prescott was long gone in Ginny's attentions, but this seemed like the final purging of that incident.

The restaurant was up on a tall hill; they walked along the edge in the moonlight, holding hands under the stars, watching the moon reflect on the ocean water. They stopped in an isolated spot, kissing for several minutes.

"Let's go back to the hotel, change, and fly somewhere. I want to see the island in the moonlight," Ginny whispered.

"All right," Harry said, smiling.

The island had its own equivalent of the Knight Bus; while the bus seemed to be just as mad as the one in London, the Greek driver was very funny and entertaining, breaking out in Greek ballads at the top of his lungs.

Harry held up his wand, and the bus suddenly appeared. They climbed aboard, sitting on one of the small beds. The driver grinned at them and broke out into a Greek love poem, singing the words:

He is more than a hero,
he is a god in my eyes --
the man who is allowed to sit beside you.
He who listens intimately
to the sweet murmur of your voice,
the enticing laughter that makes my own heart beat fast.

If I meet you suddenly,
I can't speak -- my tongue is broken;
a thin flame runs under my skin.
Seeing nothing,
hearing only my own ears drumming,
I drip with sweat.
Trembling shakes my body
and I turn paler than dry grass.
At such times death is not far from me.

"That is Sappho! She was our greatest love poet of ancient Greece! Nothing much changes in 2,600 years, eh? Eh?" he shouted at them exuberantly.

Harry and Ginny glanced at each other, blushing, but smiling.

They pulled up to the hotel, the driver shouting a boisterous farewell. Harry and Ginny got off the bus and walked up to their block of rooms on the third floor.

"See you in a few minutes," Ginny said, kissing him and going into the room she shared with Hermione.

Harry opened the door to his own room that he shared with Ron, feeling a bit dazed by the evening. He switched on the light and stopped dead, seeing Ron and Hermione wrapped together on the bed, fortunately still somewhat clothed. They both immediately separated, Hermione rolling off the bed like it was on fire.

"Er, Harry!" Hermione said nervously. "Back so soon?"

"Um, mate..." Ron started.

Harry held up a hand. "I'm just here to change and get my broom. This never happened. I don't want to see any more."

Keeping his head down, he almost ran through the room, grabbing some clothes and closing himself off in the bathroom. Harry quickly changed, and then left the room to a blushing Ron and Hermione. Harry sighed with relief as he closed the door behind him.

Just then, Ginny came out of her room, but not carrying her broom.

"Where's your broom?" he asked.

"I want to ride with you," Ginny said, smiling.

They raced down the stairs, laughing as they ran outside the hotel. Harry mounted the broom and Ginny got on behind him, holding tight. They flew into the night sky, the warm air exhilarating.

Higher and higher Harry took them, until they could see the entire island below them. The moon was nearly full; the island was bathed in a glowing moonlight. They could see thick trees and green rolling hills below them.

"It's beautiful," Ginny sighed, resting her head on Harry's back. Her hands were lightly stroking his shoulders, making his breath grow a bit short.

"Let's go fast around the island," she whispered to him.

Harry didn't need to be told twice. He went into a power dive toward the island, Ginny whooping behind him and holding him tightly. He leveled off, racing through the hills around the island.

"Faster," she whispered in his ear.

Harry grinned and pushed the broom to the limit, flying at an almost reckless speed. He felt connected to Ginny in a unique way that he'd never felt before, as though they were both flying as one.

They circled the island several times, diving through canyons and flying between split rocks jutting above the ocean. Finally Ginny spotted a very isolated location with trees that opened up to an incredible view of the island chains and the Greek mainland. She gestured toward the place, and Harry brought them down to the spot.

As soon as they landed, Ginny turned and kissed Harry passionately. After several minutes, they broke away. Ginny smiled and conjured a blanket for them to sit on, and they took a seat, just looking out over the water at the moon. They watched for quite some time, just enjoying the beautiful evening.

"Have wizards ever been to the moon?" Harry asked curiously.

"You mean on the moon? No, that's impossible," Ginny replied.

"Did you know that Muggles have been there?" Harry said.

Ginny laughed. "You're teasing me."

"No, really... but they only traveled there for a few years," Harry said. "But they still go into space sometimes."

"How do they get there?" Ginny said.

"Riding inside a big rocket. Like... a big firework. I'm surprised your dad didn't know," Harry said.

"Muggles are insane," Ginny said, rolling her eyes. "Riding a big firework. Honestly! Well, don't tell Dad. He'll want to try it," she said, giggling.

Another silence grew between them as they looked at the stars. The night was extremely clear; the Milky Way was clearly visible with thousands of stars stretching across the sky.

"I'm the luckiest girl in the world," Ginny whispered.

Harry looked at her seriously. "Not half as lucky as I am."

"You're one of the most eligible teenagers in the wizarding world. The Daily Prophet said so," she said teasingly. "I'd say that makes me luckier."

Harry shook his head, still with a very serious expression. "No," he said quietly.

Ginny swallowed, appearing very emotional. "I love you so much, Harry."

Harry's breath caught; he didn't think he'd ever get tired of her saying that. "I love you, too," he said.

They leaned over and kissed each other very gently, then lay down on the blanket next to each other, staring up into the sky.

"This is such a special place," Ginny whispered.

"Yeah..." Harry said, his mind seeming to float as he watched the stars.

Somewhere in Harry's mind he knew that all his problems still existed, that life might not be very long for him. But somehow all that felt very small at the moment, staring up into the huge sky. A warm breeze blew through the tree-lined cove... he could feel Ginny alongside his body, stirring deep feelings.

Ginny turned and whispered to him. "Harry..." She whispered words of love into his ear, making him shiver despite the warm weather.

Harry rolled over, looking down at Ginny. Her eyes reflected the moonlight as she gazed warmly back at him with a small smile. She reached up and touched his face, gently running her fingers along his features.

Harry felt a knot of fear and excitement in his stomach as he leaned down and kissed her, as they lay together beneath a starry blanket, on a Greek summer night.

* * *

The shadowy figure moved through the town of Hogsmeade beneath the moonlight. He stuck to the shadows, his head hidden by the hood of his robe. Finally reaching an old wooden door, he glanced around carefully before entering the building.

He caught the eye of the man behind the bar, giving him a curt nod. The barman, wiping a glass with a dirty rag, barely acknowledged him.

The man quickly climbed the stairs, walking down a hall toward the end. He knocked politely on the door, and then entered the room, closing the door after him.

Albus Dumbledore sat at a table, stroking his white beard as he read a long piece of parchment. He glanced up, nodding at the man, who took a seat across the table. The man lifted his hood, revealing himself as Severus Snape.

The barman silently entered the room, placing a goblet of wine in front of Snape, who gazed across the dim room in the top of the Hog's Head. He picked it up, taking a delicate sniff before bringing it to his lips for a small sip. A similar goblet of brandy was placed before Dumbledore.

"Thank you, Aberforth," Dumbledore said. The barman nodded and withdrew from the room.

"Have you had a good summer, Severus?" asked Dumbledore politely.

Snape stared at Dumbledore, as though wondering if his question was serious or a joke. "It has been... tense," he said smoothly. "The Dark Lord is not in the best of moods at the moment."

"I can imagine," Dumbledore said, chuckling.

A contemplative silence settling over them as they both took long drinks from their goblets.

"Well, Severus, an eventful year, I would say," Dumbledore said.

"Indeed," Snape said. He seemed to withdraw into himself a bit more at that.

"Is something bothering you?" Dumbledore said gently, with a small smile.

Snape glanced at Dumbledore, and then appeared to stare interestedly at a cobweb in the corner of the room, taking another sip of his wine.

"Mr. Potter, I presume?" asked Dumbledore.

Snape let out a tiny sigh, his face moving from expressionless to a scowl.

"Do you now concede that he is the one of whom the prophecy speaks?" continued Dumbledore.

Snape paused, and then said grudgingly, "I am forced to admit that Potter knows a few more tricks than expected. And so like his father, he certainly... used them."

"I warned you before the year began that Mr. Potter was not quite, er, in control of himself," Dumbledore said kindly.

Snape's face finally cracked into an open expression of annoyance. "Do you think it was... prudent to set a precedent of a student attacking a teacher with no punishment?" He said smoothly, but with an edge. "And don't give me more rubbish about dueling statutes."

"I must point out that you did provoke Mr. Potter more than usual."

Snape gripped his goblet more tightly, bringing the cup to his pale lips.

"Now, Severus," Dumbledore continued, "I stopped him before he could do, ah, significant damage."

There was a long pause. Snape blinked, then turned sharply to Dumbledore. "Stopped him before..." he paused again, a suspicious expression washing across his features. "My students told me that Pomfrey came in with you. Why was she with you... How did you know..."

Dumbledore smiled kindly at him, but said nothing.

Snape's face melted into a stunned expression. He spoke in a voice of wonder. "You were watching. This whole year - You set me up!"

"Severus, you are a credit to the Order," Dumbledore said jovially. "I've always thought you were the brightest of us."

Dumbledore reached down to a satchel and pulled out a stack of the latest Death Eater activity reports for review.