So Close

Ron started to argue, but saw his sister had the face that said her mind was made up so he just said, "Fine, but don't get caught." Ron quickly ran up to the dorm and pulled out Harry's invisibility cloak.

"Be careful Ginny," Hermione said, drawing a surprised look from Ron for not trying to talk the younger girl out of going.

Ginny quickly made her way to the hospital wing and silently into the room where Harry was sleeping. She moved next to his bed and just looked at him. She saw him twitching and thought 'Even in his sleep he can't have any peace.' She softly stroked his face and after only a couple seconds, Harry's twitching stopped and he seemed to relax much more. Sighing, Ginny whispered, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Sometime later Ginny made her way back to the common room, planning on talking about all of this with Hermione when she heard her and Ron talking. Ginny stopped when Ron said something that caught her attention.

"What do you think You-Know-Who meant when he said Ginny held a special place in Harry's heart?" Ron softly asked.

"Isn't it obvious Ron?" Hermione sadly replied.

"If it was I wouldn't have asked."

"He loves her Ron. Harry loves Ginny," Hermione plainly said. This was the same conclusion Ginny had came to herself, but hearing it stated so plainly made it seem so real. Harry Potter, the boy she had a crush on forever and the boy she had really loved with all her heart for over two years loved her. She had always thought he just saw her as Ron's little sister, but he actually saw her as something much more.

"No way!" Ron replied and Ginny snapped back, eager to listen. "I mean when she started dating that Hufflepuff git this year he told her he was glad she was happy."

"Of course he said that Ron," Hermione said, irritated at having to explain feelings to her boyfriend. "He wants Ginny to be happy, but not with him."

"What? That's daft!" Ron exclaimed.

"Don't you know your best friend at all," Hermione snapped. "He doesn't want her to get hurt. He knew if Voldemort found out his feelings for her, it would make her more of a target. Even if it didn't, he's afraid of how much it would hurt her if he died in one of these attacks."

"Bloody Hell," Ron said sinking back into the couch.

"Don't you think that's a bit stupid," Ginny angrily said, not hiding that she had heard everything. "Even if he never dated me it would still kill me if something happened to him."

Hermione can see the anguish in her friend's eyes and said, "I know Ginny, I feel the same way. But you know Harry. He doesn't have anything to base these kinds of things on. I mean he's still surprised when we remember his birthday. He was raised to believe no one could ever love him."

Ginny thought of this and began crying more openly. "I'm going to tell him tomorrow. He can't do this."

"Ginny, no!" Hermione pleaded. "It's too much right now. He just tried to sacrifice himself for us. We can't add to whatever he's feeling. I can't even imagine what he's going through."

"But Hermione," Ginny said through her tears, "I want him to know. I want to be with him, to help him."

"Listen Ginny. He still has tests and you have O.W.L.s. There's no hurry, he'll be at the Burrow this summer, and you'll have time without rushing anything. You'll have a chance to talk to him then."

"Well, what do we do?" Ron asked.

"We'll just be there for him," Hermione firmly stated. "Try to act normally around him until he brings things up. He'll talk when he's ready."

Harry awoke early the next morning to an overwhelming feeling of being cheated. He had been so close to ending all of this and now it would start again. "I see you're awake," Dumbledore said, slowly striding to the bed.

Harry didn't know how to feel towards the Headmaster. He knew it had been him who stopped Harry from completing what he longed to do. "You are angry with me again," the Professor said more as a statement. Harry just glared. "Are you so sure it would have worked?"

"Either way, it would have been over," Harry replied coldly.

"For you yes. For everyone else, perhaps," Dumbledore replied. "Did you know that Aurors confronted at least twelve Death Eaters last night?" Harry looked interested but confused. "No? Well, it was a trap. Not a trap for us this time, a trap for them." Now Harry really looked confused. "It seemed a bit too easy and it turned out Voldemort set them up for two reasons. One because they had failed him too many times. Secondly to make sure the Order was busy. It nearly worked. If it hadn't been for a certain snowy owl acting very peculiar as I was about to leave, it would have succeeded. I allowed the rest of the Order to go on, but I remained and wasn't entirely surprised when Miss Chang demanded to see me."

Harry hung his head and said, "I was so close."

"Yes, but to what?" Dumbledore asked. "You may have succeeded and both of your goals would have been met. Voldemort may indeed have died and you would have seen Sirius and your parents. However, I'm not entirely convinced Voldemort would have been truly defeated by this. I believe the prophecy means one of you shall live." Harry just shrugged. "I had been concerned about something like this ever since your outburst with Professor Snape over the summer. I told you at the end of last year that your heart is what prevented Voldemort from successfully possessing you at that time. Your heart full of love. But your growing hatred for Professor Snape masked that love didn't it?" The Professor studied Harry for a moment. "Well, something allowed your true heart to come through when it counted. You'll be happy to know that your friends are all well and are anxious to see you."

Harry sighed. "If they wouldn't have come, it would have been over."

"Yes, but then I am quite certain you would have failed. You were fighting him with the wrong emotions, his emotions and he would have most assuredly prevailed. If you are going to fight him, do it for the right reasons," Dumbledore said. "I think you will be allowed visitors after breakfast and understand Madame Pomphrey will let you leave by lunch."

"I don't want any visitors," Harry quickly said. "I want to be left alone."

"Harry, it does no good to shut them out," Dumbledore said but this wasn't what Harry wanted to hear.

"It does me good!" he quickly replied. "Can't I ever be in control of what happens to me?"

Dumbledore understood now. Harry resented his life being run by everyone else so he said, "Of course Harry. No visitors will be allowed. It is your choice."

The old wizard turned to leave but Harry said, "Thank you sir"

Feeling some of the weight lift from his heart, Dumbledore said, "You're welcome Harry. When the time comes, sacrifices may need to be made, but this is not that time." With that the man left Harry alone to deal with this as he chose.

It was around noon when Dumbledore returned to see Harry. "Madame Pomphrey says you may leave so you'll have time for lunch before returning to your tests. I understand it is in Defense so I have no doubt you will do well." Dumbledore looked intently at Harry and asked, "Is there anything you'd like to say."

It always amazed Harry at how the Headmaster could read people. Harry had been thinking about something since the man left earlier today. He took a deep breath and said, "He has to be stopped before he gets more powerful. We have to do something soon."

Dumbledore didn't seem surprised at this but did sigh and say, "I had hoped it wouldn't be so soon when you said that. However you have never waited until I thought the time was right before being ready yourself. I can't give you details yet, but we will soon become more aggressive in going after him, and you will be involved."

Finally, Harry felt like he was going to be doing something other than acting alone. Dumbledore sensed his emotion and said, "It won't be easy or pleasant Harry. We will talk more this summer. Now, I believe you should go to lunch and then on to your test."

Harry snuck down to the kitchens so he could eat by himself. "Harry Potter sir!" Dobby came running over to him. "Dobby is hearing from the pictures that Harry Potter fought He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named again. Harry Potter is too brave. Too...."

"Dobby!" Harry exclaimed. "I'm just lucky. Professor Dumbledore saved me before I get hurt. Could I please get something to eat?"

"Of course! Dobby will get anything Harry Potter desires," the little house-elf squeaked before quickly getting Harry some lunch.

Harry ate slowly and then made his way to the classroom. He was quite early, but Professor Shacklebolt was already there. "Harry! Good to see you up and about."

"Hello Professor. I really wasn't hurt or anything," Harry replied.

"Do you know, I've never personally seen him," Kingsley said, looking intently at Harry. "All my years as an Auror and I've never seen what he really looks like."

"You're not missing much," Harry said. "You've dealt with a lot of Death Eaters though."

"It's not quite the same now is it?" Kingsley said. Looking around to make sure no one else could hear he added, "I'd take the responsibility from you if I could."

"Thank you sir," Harry said. "I just want it over."

"Bet you do," Kingsley said just as the first students came in.

Ron and Hermione were some of the first into the room and sat down on either side of Harry. "Are you feeling ok?" Hermione asked.

Harry looked at Ron who also looked a bit worried. "I'm fine you guys. Don't worry." Harry said trying to smile. "Um... You know I'm sorry I got you guys involved again."

Hermione started to say something but Professor Shacklebolt began talking at the same time so she wasn't able to get it out. This was just a written test with the practical part being held tomorrow. Harry was the first one done and had originally planned on quickly going off by himself but caught Ron mouth for him to wait up so he sat there, pretending to still be working until Ron finished. Hermione gave Ron a pleading look so he and Harry decided to wait in the hall for her to finish.

Ron didn't really seem to know what to talk about so Harry asked about the Chudley Canons and smiled as Ron quickly perked up and proceeded to tell him in Hermione-like detail about their latest match. Finally Hermione came out looking pleased. "How do you think you did Ron?" Harry asked.

"Should have aced it," he confidently said. "I mean we've done everything on the test in D.A. for a while now."

Harry turned to Hermione and said, "I'd ask, but we know how you did. Perfect score no doubt."

Hermione looked proud but then suddenly got a serious look and said, "You didn't get us involved you know. It was our choice."

"Yeah mate, you can't take any of the heat for this one," Ron added. Harry started to argue but Ron loudly spoke up, "I think we have time for some wizard chess before supper. Are you up for it?"

Harry smiled and said, "If you think you can take me, you're on."

Hermione looked between the two of them, still amazed at how boys just glossed over everything. "But you both have to study later," she said as they walked to the common room.

As soon as the entered the common room, Ron announced, "I'll go get the set."

Once he disappeared up the stairs, Hermione gave Harry a strange look, but he quickly said, "I'd like to talk to you about something later." Hermione just nodded as Ron came back down with the chess set.

The two friends had been playing for a while and Hermione was sitting, ready a book when she heard, "Harry!" and saw Ginny engulf him in a tight hug causing everyone to look.

Harry was able to whisper, "Ginny, no one knows anything happened."

"Oh..I don't care," she said but did let go.

"But, it's really good to see you too," Harry said smiling brightly at her.

"Are you ok?" she asked as people started to look away.

"I'm fine Gin," Harry softly replied. "Don't worry about me."

That wasn't the right thing to say. Ginny got a slightly angry and hurt look so Harry quickly added, "But, thank you for asking."

Hermione came up and said, "C'mon Ginny. Let's go upstairs until supper."

"You two are coming to supper with us aren't you?" Harry asked before they got too far away.

"Of course we are," Ginny replied, now clearly smiling.

Ron and Harry didn't talk for most of the match, until Harry suddenly asked, "So, how did you know?"

Ron didn't look up from the board and said, "Something didn't seem right after you thanked me for being your friend. Then Hermione said you did the same thing to her."

"Oh," Harry replied as he finished his next move. "How did you find me?"

Ron told his knight to take Harry's bishop and simply said, "Map."

"Damn," Harry said, both in response to his bishop getting booted and to Ron's answer.

"You're totally mental. You know that don't you," Ron added.

"Seems I've heard that a few times," Harry said.

The girls came down just as Harry lost his second match. The four of them walked to the Great Hall, but before entering, Harry stopped them and asked, "Who knows?"

"Only Cho," Ron answered. Harry nodded but Ron continued, "Um...She thought Dumbledore shouldn't have stopped you."

The other three were watching him closely, and he wanted to say that he agreed but didn't really feel like getting into it now, so he said, "Oh."

They quickly found seats at the Gryffindor table and began eating when Ron, mouth still full of food said, "Wonder where Malfoy is?"

Ginny turned to Harry who was sitting right next to her and shrugged.

Suddenly Professor Dumbledore tapped on a glass, getting everyone's attentions. "There were a couple developments last night that have not been reported yet and I'd like you to hear the real story before reading rumors in the paper." Harry looked at Ron but he just shrugged. "First off," Dumbledore continued, "Voldemort sent some of his supporters into a trap last night. They were sent for a couple of reasons. First off, it was punishment for failing him in the past. This is how he treats those who choose to follow him. Aurors were allowed to use unforgiveable curses against the Death Eaters and the battle resulted in 10 of his supporters being killed. Thankfully, no Aurors were seriously injured."

Now Hermione, Ron and Ginny were looking at Harry who said, "I didn't know. Wonder if Lucius was one of them?"

Dumbledore's voice brought their attention back to him. "The second reason for this battle was to create a diversion that would tie up some of our resources. Now, what he needed a diversion for was that he was himself attempting to attack someone that he has been trying to get to since his return. However unknown to him, he was being led into a trap himself." There was some mumbling and Harry hung his head. "It seems some students from the D.A. group lured Voldemort into a trap in Hogsmeade in the hope of destroying him." Now the students were all looking around, mostly at Harry and his friends. "The students were nearly successful but Voldemort escaped at the last moment." Dumbledore paused while the students were openly questioning each other about this. "I am quite sure, this is the first time Voldemort has been lured into a trap and nearly defeated and the fact that fifth and sixth-year students did it is quite remarkable. He cannot feel very confident at this time and it shows that he is indeed vulnerable. I hold the students who accomplished this in the highest esteem."

Harry was thankful that none of them were singled out by name and was surprised Dumbledore had been so willing to say he was proud of them. After things settled down and people started talking about thing amongst themselves, Sara, one of the girls in Ginny's class came over and said, "Ginny, can you help me study for our Transfiguration O.W.L?"

Ginny looked at Harry but he quickly said, "Ginny it's important you get good grades. Go study." He saw the look of concern on her face so he added, "I'll be a good boy and stay in the castle."

"You better," she said as she got up to leave with Sarah.

After a few minutes Hermione said, "We should really study as well."

"Yeah, we did say we'd study later," Ron replied, surprising Harry by not complaining about studying.

After gathering their books, Harry sat in a chair, Ron and Hermione sat in one of the smaller couches and they all began looking over notes for their upcoming exams. Before long, Harry saw Hermione slide into Ron a bit as they got more comfortable. Harry was comforted by the site of his two best friends being together. After a while longer, Harry started to feel like a third wheel so he said, "I'm going to turn in early tonight. You two continue...ahh...studying." Harry smiled at his friends before turning to head up the stairs.

Suddenly he heard, "Wait up mate, I'll come as well."

Harry knew why Ron was doing this so he quickly turned around and said, "I'm just going to bed. Don't worry. Go back to snogging your girlfriend." Harry clearly smiled at this which relieved Ron of any responsibility to follow him upstairs.

Harry truly felt happy for his friends, even though he was jealous of not having what they did. They never made him feel uncomfortable or like they didn't want him around. Harry pulled his old photo album from his trunk and fell back onto his bed. Instinctively he flipped to the page that showed his godfather smiling back up at him. Lightly tracing the picture with his finger he whispered, "I almost had him Sirius. He would be gone and I could see you again. I was so close."

Sometime later, the door to the dorm slowly opened and his two friends walked in to make sure he was ok. They were both moved by the sight of him asleep with his hand still on the picture of his godfather. Hermione hugged Ron and whispered, "He can't take much more of this."

"He'll be ok Hermione. We'll help him," Ron said kissing her on the temple.

The next morning, there was a flurry of owls and then a lot of mumbling and looking around. "Ok, Hermione, what is it?" Harry asked her as she was making faces, reading the Daily Prophet. She read the article describing the report of students leading Voldemort into a trap. The article made it sound like such a good plan when Harry knew it was a feeble attempt to end his own pain. Another article also described the incident where the Death Eaters were led into a trap and killed. It turned out all of the captured Death Eaters from the Department of Mysteries attack had been there and were killed. This meant that Lucius Malfoy had been killed.

It took three days before Hermione got to talk to Harry. Harry had finally told Ginny that he would feel terrible if she did badly on her O.W.L.s because she spent so much time around him and Ron had gone to play chess with Seamus, probably at Hermione's request. Hermione and Harry were studying in the library when she asked, "Did you still want to talk?"

Harry thought for a moment and then calmly asked, "Did Ginny say anything about what she found out?"

"Well of course she did Harry. That was huge," Hermione said, sounding exasperated.

Harry groaned and ran his hands through his hair, messing it up even more.

Hermione continued by saying, "She needed to know."

Harry snapped his head up, "Why? She seems happy enough with that Hufflepuff bloke."

Hermione shook her head and sadly asked, "Do you want her to be happy enough or as happy as she could be?"

"I want what's best for her Hermione," Harry firmly stated.

"You should give her the choice," Hermione replied, just as firmly.

"But Hermione, you were in the Shrieking Shack. You know what I was about to do. I couldn't do that to her," Harry pleaded.

Hermione got a very determined look, grabbed his hand and said, "Come with me." She dragged him off to an unused classroom, quickly cast a Silencing Charm on the door and turned back to him looking quite menacing. "I wasn't going to talk about this yet but you brought it up." Hermione changed to a very angry voice, "Did you think about anyone other than yourself when you decided to do that?" Harry was shocked but began to get a bit angry. Before he could say anything, she continued, "Don't say anything! Do you have any idea what would have happened to Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, Ron and me if you had finished that spell? Do you? It would have killed us Harry!" She paused to see the pain in his face but continued, "You know how you felt when you saw Sirius die. Well, we've known you longer than you knew him so it would have hurt us more."

"It's not the same!" Harry snapped.

"It is too!" Hermione yelled. "We love you Harry, we all do. It would have hurt Ginny if you had died. It wouldn't matter if you two were dating or not. She loves you, even if you won't let her." Harry was obviously confused and Hermione knew it. "Harry, you're my family. It would kill me if you died. You know Mrs. Weasley thinks of you as her son. She would be just as hurt if you died as if Ron did. If Ginny falls in love with someone else because you won't let her in," Harry painfully flinched at this, "she would still be devastated if you got hurt. You can't change that."

Harry was rubbing his head now. Hermione softened her voice and said, "I know what getting rid of Voldemort would mean. It's not worth losing you."

"How can you say that?" Harry quickly asked. "Look how many he's killed."

"I know Harry, I know," Hermione responded, trying to comfort him. "I still don't think it's worth it. Professor Dumbledore didn't think so either."

"Yeah, but I say you aren't thinking with your head," Harry softly said.

Hermione sighed and said, "I don't want to argue with you about this. We were talking about Ginny. The fact is, it's not going to matter if you two are dating or not. I know that for a fact. Do you want to keep pushing her away or try to make her and yourself happy?"

Harry had a few restless nights of sleep thinking about what Hermione said but couldn't bring himself to any conclusions. The three friends were sitting outside, waiting for the final feast before summer holiday. Ginny just came out and plopped down between Hermione and Harry. "No more O.W.L.s," she merrily said.

"How do you think you did?" Harry asked.

"I think ok. No Hermione or anything but ok," she replied with a glance at her friend who was leaning back into her brother. She sighed and worked up the nerve to do something she had been thinking about for a week now, "Want to talk a walk Harry? Looks like these two could stand some time alone."

Harry suddenly felt trapped but saw the look of worry on Ginny's face and said, "Sure. It gets sickening having to watch then snog all the time."

"Don't hurry back," Ron joked before being hit by Hermione who studied the two as they walked away.

After walking along the lake for a while in silence, Harry said, "Wouldn't you rather spend time with the Hufflepuff guy? You may not see him for a while."

"Oh, I ditched him," Ginny calmly said.

"Oh," Harry replied. "He didn't do anything wrong did he?"

"No, it just wasn't right," she replied.

Harry sighed and stopped. Ginny realized this and turned to look at him, sensing the torment. "Ginny..." Harry started to say.

"I don't want to talk about it Harry," Ginny quickly replied, startling Harry. "I don't want to talk about what he said or anything like that. I just want to spend some time with you. Just us."

"Oh..Ok," Harry said and they kept walking.

"Let's talk when you come to the Burrow this summer. Until then just think. Things don't have to be so hard," she said soothingly.

The two walked for a while, threw stones at the giant squid and talked about nothing important until it was time for the feast. They found Ron and Hermione in the same spot and the four made their way to the Great Hall together. Dumbledore got everyone's attention and began speaking. "Another eventful year behind us. You will all be going back to a world that is being tested right now. Have faith that the current situation will pass, it always does. I have been extremely heartened this year by the interaction between all four houses and this gives me hope for the future."

"We have seen that our enemy is vulnerable and that fuels our hope. You will all be tested over the coming months. Remember those who have lived and died in the pursuit of what is right and good."

"I will miss those of you who will no longer return and hope that those of you who do will continue to find Hogwarts a place where you can grow and learn from one another. Remember, do what you can to help each other. Your greatest strengths are those around you." With a wave of his hands, the food appeared and the students began to dig in.

Harry went to bed early again without saying much to his friends. He was dreading going back to the Dursley's for any length of time. He was also very quiet on the train ride home, even declining chances to play exploding snap with Ron and Ginny. When they arrived at the station, Mrs. Weasley hugged him tight and said, "You won't be there long this year. We'll have you home soon."

Harry realized what she said and looked at her. She just nodded and hugged him again.

Hermione hugged him tightly and said, "Please don't do anything stupid before we see you again." She was only half kidding.

Harry smiled at this and replied, "I promise, nothing stupid."

Hermione made a "Hrmmp" sound like she didn't exactly believe him.

"Only another month and then you can hex the Muggles if they mess with you," Ron said eagerly. "We hope to have you out by then."

Harry saw Vernon angrily shifting, waiting for him to finally get over so they could go. Ginny came up behind Harry and said, "It's going to be ok Harry."

Harry turned, smiled and said, "I guess so. You know I..."

Ginny smiled and said, "I know Harry. It doesn't have to be so hard. Just think about it will you?" She hugged him warmly and added, "And write."

"I will, I promise," Harry replied, meaning to answer both questions.

Harry slowly started walking towards his Uncle when he felt an arm around his shoulder. "Wotcher Harry!" Tonks cheerfully said.

"Tonks!" Harry replied, his mood brightening. "What are you doing? Going to threaten them again?"

"Well maybe, but that's not why I'm here," she replied. "I heard you about cheated me out of my chance at him."

"Oh, you heard about that," Harry said, his head falling.

"Heard about it! Everyone at the office is talking about it," she quickly said. "I told them they should yank you out of school and make you my partner and we'd go get him."

Harry looked stunned. "How did they take that?"

"I think some of them actually considered it," she laughed. "Promise me you'll try a different strategy next time. Then, once you're out of school, we'll be partners. Deal?"

"Really?" Harry happily said. "Deal. But what if that's the only way?"

"We've got a lot of things to try before we consider that," she said ruffling his hair. "Now let's go see your Uncle," she added with an evil grin.

Harry grinned all the way home after Tonks' little talk with his Uncle. This summer was starting off much better than he thought it would. Dumbledore promised to get him more involved, Tonks actually said she'd be his partner. He was finally feeling like progress was going to be made and he was going to be part of it.

** ** Author's note ** **

If you want the story to stay in canon, stop reading... What comes next is not something I see happening in any real book but since this is just my rambling I'm going with it.

I may continue this story in one of two ways. One from this point on or after the next few pages.

Thanks again for reading

** ** End of Author's note ** **

The weeks passed surprisingly quickly. Harry had been reading and re-reading the books Moody let him get and had been owling his friends as much as possible. Of course nothing specific could be discussed but they had found clever ways of saying what they wanted. True to his word, he consistently owled Ginny, never talking about feelings or anything, but it was still nice to have regular contact with her. This was the only thing that weighed on his mind since term ended. How would he handle Ginny now that his feelings were out in the open?

The week of his birthday, Harry was supposed to go to Mrs. Figg's house to meet someone. He assumed it was Lupin to discuss getting him away from the Dursley's. This had come up in some of his letters to his old Professor. Harry thought they wanted him out on his birthday so he wouldn't hex his Aunt and Uncle as soon as he was of age. Harry was surprised when not Lupin but Professor Dumbledore answered the door.

"Hello Harry," Dumbledore said with a smile.

"Professor!" Harry said. "What are you doing here? Is something wrong?"

"Nothing wrong at all Harry. I promised to talk to you this summer and now is the time to do just that," Dumbledore said motioning Harry to sit in a chair. Harry quickly sat down, eager to hear what was going on. "Do you remember saying that something had to be done and Voldemort needed to be stopped?"

"Of course! Have you thought of something we can do?" Harry asked, clearly excited.

"Yes Harry I have," Dumbledore responded. "However, it will mean sacrifices on both our parts and I wanted to ask if you were willing to join me."

"Yes!" Harry instantly said. "I'll help."

"Don't be so quick to answer Harry," Dumbledore said sounding very serious now. "If you agree, you will be doing more than helping; you will be an equal partner." Now Harry looked confused. Dumbledore spent the next three hours telling his plan to Harry and letting Harry think and ask questions, never hesitating to answer every single one.

Harry had been silent for over ten minutes and finally looked at the Headmaster will full resolve and said, "I still want to do it. If this is a chance, I want to do it."

"Very well Harry," Dumbledore said. "I can't tell you how much it pains me that we need to take these actions at this time, but all the same I am as proud of you as I have ever been of anyone. We will make the announcement after your birthday and will begin immediately thereafter. Please do not discuss this with anyone at all. You must realize how people will take this." Harry nodded. "Remus knows about this plan but other than those directly involved no one else does. He was very reluctant to even consider it but after your actions last year, he agrees that you would try on your own anyway."

"I can't believe we'll be doing this," Harry said.

"You have until we make the announcement at your birthday to change your mind, after that we are both committed," Dumbledore said placing a hand on Harry's shoulder. "You know of course that Sirius would insist on joining us if he were here. He would be worried but I'm sure he would want no one besides you next to him."

"Thank you sir," Harry said before heading back to the Dursleys. Harry couldn't believe what he was about to do. He felt terrified of the idea, sad at what it meant, and excited that it may work, all at the same time. He even didn't mind having his birthday party at Grimmauld Place, the place he swore he would never go again. He actually thought seeing it would reinforce why he was doing this.

Hermione had traveled to the Burrow and her and the Weasley's were ready to leave for Grimmauld Place when Ginny looked at the clock that showed the entire family. "Can we tell Harry what his present is?" she pleaded. Mr. & Mrs. Weasley had charmed another hand for their clock that had Harry's face on it. It was currently set to "trapped", which is how Mrs. Weasley considered Harry when he was at his Aunt and Uncle's house.

"We agreed it would be better to surprise him with it when he gets here," Molly replied beaming at the new hand.

When Harry arrived late in the afternoon, all of the Weasley's and Hermione were already there. They were all a bit surprised at how Harry looked when they saw him. Gone was the look of guilt and hopelessness that they had seen after most stretches with his Aunt and Uncle. Harry looked much older and very self assured.

After hugging Mrs. Weasley, she said, "You're looking better this year Harry. Have they been better to you?"

"They've been the same Mrs. Weasley. I'm just feeling better," Harry replied.

Hermione quickly hugged him next. "You're really looking good Harry. Did something happen that we don't know about?"

"Thanks Hermione," Harry laughed. "Nothing that I know happened. You're not worried about me now that I'm looking better are you?"

"You know girls Harry, you can't please them," Ron joked slapping him on the back.

"Harry better not know girls," Ginny quickly said before blushing. "I mean...Well, you know what I mean."

Harry hugged her and said, "I know what you mean and you're right, I'm still clueless."

They opened all of his presents and happily ate the food and cake having one of the most enjoyable times Harry could remember. He was talking to Ginny when Hermione pulled Ron to the side and said, "Something's up Ron."

"C'mon Hermione," Ron said. "You're worried when he's unhappy and now you're worried that he's happy. Why can't you give him a break?"

"It's not that," Hermione softly said. "Look at the others. Lupin looks really worried and seems worse when he looks at Harry. Harry's never been this content during the summer before."

"Well it can't be bad can it?" Ron replied. "Maybe Lupin's having girl problems."

Harry had been able to walk around the house alone after sneaking out of the kitchen while the others were still eating. He went to the room where the Black Family Tree was hanging and lightly traced the burn mark where Sirius' name should have been. He then turned to look out the window onto the Muggle street below. It was just beginning to get dark and only a few people were out. A movement drew his attention and he saw a young lady pulling on a rope. The other end of the rope was behind a truck so Harry couldn't see what it was attached to. The lady looked angry and began saying things. Suddenly, a large white poodle bounded up to the woman causing her to smile, scratch the dog behind the ears and continue down the street. Harry felt the chuckle start deep within and let himself laugh out loud at the thought of Sirius seeing this vision. Harry felt his resolve strengthen and he made his way back to the party.

Before long, members of the Order started arriving. Tonks chatted with Ginny and Hermione while Ron played chess with Harry. Hermione noticed that more members of the Order were here than she had ever seen at one time. "Tonks, why are there so many members here?"

"Beats me," she said but Hermione could detect a bit of hesitation. "Some really important meeting tonight. Dumbledore wanted everyone to make it."

Soon after Dumbledore showed up, he came to where Harry was standing with his friends. "I hope you are all enjoying the party?" They all said they were. "Harry, do you have a moment? I promise to return you directly." Harry nodded and then turned to follow the Headmaster into another room. He didn't know that all of his friends were watching warily. Hermione was the only one who noticed Lupin suddenly end his conversation and follow Harry.

"Well Harry, I wanted to make sure you were still ready to do this," Dumbledore simply said.

"Harry," Lupin quickly said. "You don't have to do this you know. We can keep going as we are."

"I know Remus," Harry said, still not used to using that name. "You were right when you thought that I'd do something anyway. I just can't sit around why this is going on. It's driving me crazy."

"Stubborn. You get that from Lily," he said, trying to joke but you could see the seriousness of this in his eyes.

"So you're sure?" Dumbledore asked.

"I've never been more sure of anything," Harry confidently said. "I'm scared, sad, and excited, but I know this is the right thing to do." The three walked back into the main room with Professor Dumbledore going straight to Mr. & Mrs. Weasley, Harry to his friends and Lupin just paced the floor.

"What did he want Harry?" Ron quickly asked. Even Hermione didn't scold him for being nosey.

"Just asking if I'm really ok. He's like you guys, wondering if I'm going to crack," Harry said with a smile but this didn't fool Hermione or Ginny.

Mrs. Weasley came over to the group. "There's going to be a meeting now so you three have to go home. Fred and George you two need to clear out as well."

The twins overheard this and complained. "But we're members," George stated.

"Junior members," Ginny teased.

"Yes, well Dumbledore insists this is for full members only, now get going so we can start," Mrs. Weasley demanded over more comments from the twins.

"Is Harry coming with us," Ron asked causing everyone to look at Molly.

She looked a bit flustered and said, "No. Dumbledore said Harry has to stay for this one. But, he'll be over directly after."

"You'll tell us when you get there won't you?" Ron pleaded at Harry.

"Course I will," Harry said, now trying to hide his sadness at what was to happen. Harry then did something that was very out of character for him, he hugged Ron.

Ron didn't know what to make of it and mumbled, "Um..See you later mate."

Hermione was now certain something was up. She hugged Harry and whispered, "I know something's going on. Is it bad?"

Harry was still hugging her when he said, "It's not stupid. Remember, you and Ron are my best friends."

She started to say something, convinced now more than ever that something wasn't right, but Harry let go and quickly turned to Ginny. He pulled her a few steps away, not caring what the others thought and said, "Um...Ginny." She was looking directly into his eyes, sensing herself that something was going on. "You know what he said that night?" She nodded. "It was true. Please remember that I want you to be happy and safe more than anything."

Ginny hugged him tightly and said, "I don't know what's going on but you better explain it to me when you get to the Burrow."

"I will Gin, I promise," Harry said now fighting hard to hold back his emotions.

Mrs. Weasley and all of her children were looking at him very oddly but she made the children grasp the portkey and she activated it. Before they turned to go back into the main room, Harry stopped her and said, "Mrs. Weasley, I've never properly thanked you for everything you've done for me. You've treated me better than anyone in my life. Thank you." Harry instigated the hug this time and it shocked the woman.

"You're just like my son Harry," she said realizing whatever was going to happen couldn't be good.

The two entered the room and the first thing Harry heard was, "What's Potter doing in this meeting?" Snape was glaring at him.

Dumbledore spoke up. "You all are aware of what happened between Harry and Voldemort a couple months ago. Voldemort was quite unnerved by this and many of his supporters could tell. When the story ran in the Daily Prophet, there began to be dissention within his supporters and he has yet to silence it. We have stepped up our actions against him and have made some progress. I feel that now is the time to press our position."

Lupin stood up and started pacing but Dumbledore continued, "Three of our members are going to actively go after Voldemort with the intent of finally stopping him." The members began shifting in their seats.

"Excuse me Headmaster," Snape said. "Wouldn't it be prudent to not discuss our direct plans in front of non-members?" The potions master glared at Harry.

Dumbledore shook his head slightly. "Nymphadora Tonks, myself and Harry Potter will leave immediately after this meeting with the intent of finding a way to destroy Lord Voldemort."

"You can't be serious?" Snape bellowed.

"You can't make Harry go!" Mrs. Weasley yelled. Everyone else had begun to mumble as well.

Dumbledore held up his hands and said, "Severus, I am indeed serious. Molly, I am not forcing Harry to go. It was in fact his comments that set this plan into motion. He chose to come."

"But he's just a boy!" she exclaimed again.

"Yes Molly he is," Dumbledore agreed. "He is a boy that was within seconds of willingly sacrificing his own life trying to defeat Voldemort. If I had been a moment later, he would be dead and there is a chance Lord Voldemort would be as well."

"What? The story never said anything like that," she said, staring at Harry. Only Lupin and Tonks had been told the whole story.

"Yes, the full story was not told to the Daily Prophet," Dumbledore added. "Harry indeed had Lord Voldemort trapped within his mind and had nearly completed the killing curse on himself when I stopped him, allowing Voldemort to escape. I was not willing to sacrifice Harry then, and I am not willing to sacrifice him now."

Snape was looking at Harry with an entirely different expression. Obviously he hadn't heard the real story either. Dumbledore continued, "I assure you I will watch over him to the best of my abilities but we are indeed going to do this. Minerva McGonagall will be acting Headmaster in my absence. Remus Lupin and Kingsley Shacklebolt will take over running the Order. Harry will not return for his seventh year at Hogwarts, we will deal with any issues that causes after Voldemort is defeated." Dumbledore paused and said, "Harry, is there anything you'd like to say."

Harry thought before standing up and saying, "I don't know how we're going to do this, but I trust Professor Dumbledore. I don't want to die, but I can't stand living like I have been." Harry looked at Mrs. Weasley and saw the tears flowing before she turned to leave the room. Harry quickly followed.

"Please don't cry Mrs. Weasley," Harry said when he got to her.

She turned and hugged him tightly. "You don't have to do this Harry. You can stay with us, we'll keep you safe. You never have to see those Muggles again."

Harry decided to tell her what Voldemort found out. "Mrs. Weasley, Voldemort found out something about me the last time. He had just done the Cruciatus curse on me and I wasn't quick enough to block his Legilimecy. He found out that I really care for Ginny."

"What?" Mrs. Weasley asked. "Well of course you care for Ginny."

"He found out I really care for her," Harry said and then found the courage to say it correctly. "I love her Mrs. Weasley. I have for a while. He knows that now and was going to make me kill her. I can't let anything happen to her or any of you."

The woman hugged him again. "Please change your mind Harry. We can keep her safe." Mrs. Weasley was crying heavily just as Mr. Weasley and Professor Dumbledore came in.

"We have to leave Harry," Dumbledore softly said. "I'll do my best Molly."

Professor Lupin gave Harry a hug and said, "Your parents and Sirius would be very proud of you. I am as well. Please be safe."

"Thanks for everything Professor," Harry said.

"Ready Harry," Tonks said, no trace of her usual joking tones.

Harry took one last look and again saw Snape watching from the doorway with the same odd expression. "Ready." Dumbledore held out the portkey and when the three of them took it, they vanished.

When Ron, Hermione and Ginny arrived at the Burrow Hermione instantly started talking, "Something big is going on and it involves Harry."

"Yes, he never talks about feelings like that," Ginny agreed.

"The last time he did..." Ron said. "You don't think?"

Hermione thought and said, "I asked him if it was bad when we were hugging and all he said was that it wasn't stupid."

"Professor Dumbledore is there, he won't let Harry do anything," Ron said, trying to convince himself.

"He's doing something dangerous, I know he is," Ginny said as she sat down.

Later, the three were sitting in the living room still trying to figure out what could be happening when Bill and Charlie appeared in the kitchen. Ginny was the first one to them and saw the very worried looks on their faces. "What's Harry doing?" she demanded, "We know something's going on."

The two older brothers looked at each other, knowing that their little sister always had a thing for Harry. Bill hugged her and said, "They won't let us say. Mum will be here in a bit."

For the next few minutes, Ron and Ginny tried to get information out of either Bill or Charlie but weren't successful. Things were getting kind of heated when the sudden appearance of Mr. & Mrs. Weasley made everyone stop. Ron couldn't remember seeing his mother in such a state. Mr. Weasley helped her to a chair where she sat sobbing almost uncontrollably. Ginny hugged her mom and asked, "Mummy are you ok?"

Mr. Weasley who was holding together better spoke up. "Children, I'll tell you as much as we're allowed but you cannot so much as breath a word of this to anyone." The man paused to breathe and said, "Dumbledore has appointed Professor McGonagall as temporary Headmistress of Hogwarts as he will not be returning this year. Harry will not be coming to the Burrow nor returning to Hogwarts this year. Dumbledore, Tonks and Harry have left on a mission to find and destroy Lord Voldemort."

"What?" the three younger children all said at once. At that same time, the clock made a sound and the hand with Harry's face moved and was now pointing to "war".