Soul Searching/End Game
SS Chapter 22 - Clearing the Air
By Chem Prof
Chapter 22 Clearing the Air
August 11
“Happy birthday Ginny.”
They were sitting in the large Weasley kitchen and Harry passed Ginny a wrapped box. Her eyes grew huge as she saw that it was a long skinny box and she knew what kind of things came in boxes like that. Ripping it open she discovered a Firebolt!
“Oh Harry, this is fantastic!” she said, throwing her arms around his neck and giving him a big hug. “Thank you so much!”
“Ginevra Weasley!” Molly’s loud voice broke in. “You know you can’t accept an expensive present like that from Harry. I don’t care if he’s your boyfriend or not.”
“Aw Mum!” Ginny knew, though, that argument would be futile. Molly would never give in on this. Her shoulders slumped.
Harry scratched his head. “Well, I can’t take it back. Ron and I already tried it out.” Ginny looked at Ron who grinned and nodded his head. “I guess I’ll just have to keep it.” He appeared to think some more. “I already have one, though, so you can use it at Hogwarts if you want to. In fact, it’s pretty crowded in my room and I don’t want to leave it in the storage area with the school brooms, so do you think you can keep it in your room for me?”
Ginny’s eyes lit up and a big smile came over her face. Ron smirked at Harry and Fred and George started cracking up. Molly glared at them so they cast a quick silencing charm over themselves. Harry continued. “Just take good care of it for me, OK?” Ginny nodded enthusiastically.
But Harry wasn’t finished yet. “Well, since I can’t give you a broom I still need to get you a birthday present. How about this?” He handed her a smaller box. Ginny opened it, a little less eagerly perhaps, and pulled out a broomstick servicing kit. Harry looked innocently at Mrs. Weasley. “I’m sure this must be OK for a present because Hermione gave me one for my birthday one year.”
Fred and George got matching evil looks on their faces, realizing that this was an opportunity to tweak the studious witch. “Hermione?” they said turning eagerly toward her.
“Boys,” Hermione returned calmly, interrupting them. “Did I ever tell you about this interesting hex Fleur showed me last week?”
Fred and George suddenly remembered a very important engagement elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Ron had figured out what the twins were finding so amusing, but wanted to change the subject. “So, Ginny, what did you get from Hermione?”
Ginny and Hermione shared a glance and Ginny giggled a little. “Nothing you’d be interested in, Ron. Hermione took me out shopping yesterday and we both had a nice time and she got me some nice things. Now if you’ll excuse me.”
She and Hermione swept out the room while Ron looked on dumbfounded. Harry kept quiet. He had an idea of what she might have meant and it wasn’t something he wanted to discuss with Ron. He decided to go find Neville.
Molly just sighed and shook her head. She realized perfectly well what Harry had just done, effectively giving Ginny a Firebolt. She decided to just let it go. She always had a weak spot where Harry was concerned. Thinking more about the conversation, she wondered what Ginny and Hermione had been on about, and glanced up the stairs toward where they had disappeared.
-ooOoo-
The girls hurried up the stairs still giggling. Hermione saw Ron shaking his head at them as they cleared the top of the stairs. She hoped he wouldn’t get curious about Ginny’s present.
They entered Ginny’s room and plopped down on the bed at about the same time. Ginny sighed and grabbed a pillow to hug.
“Hermione? Can I ask you something?”
“Sure,” Hermione replied sitting up so that she could pay proper attention.
“What happened between you and Ron?”
“What do you mean?” Hermione was instantly on the defensive.
“Well, it was obvious to everyone but him that you were interested in him last year. And I think even he figured it out after the way you reacted when he started dating Lavender.”
“I know. That was so embarrassing. But I think I’ve gotten over him. And I think you’re right about us killing each other if we got in a serious relationship. Besides, he’s made it very clear that he doesn’t feel that way about me,” Hermione said with a short shrug.
“Are you sure? Because he sure looked interested when you came for the wedding,” Ginny pointed out.
“Right, when I had on a tight top and had long blonde hair. If he only notices me when I look like that what does that say?” Hermione asked.
“I guess you’re right. But sometimes he would get so jealous of Krum and …”
“And what?”
“I wonder how he’s going to react when he finds out you’re dating Harry.”
Before Hermione could answer there was a knock at the door and Molly Weasley entered. “Ginny?”
“Hi Mum.” The two girls looked up to see what Mrs. Weasley wanted.
“So, what’s this special present that Hermione got you that Ron shouldn’t know about.”
“Oh Mum, you’ve got to see them. They’re so pretty,” Ginny replied excitedly, the previous topic forgotten. She reached under her bed and pulled out the box from Harvey Nichols and opened it.
Molly, however, was not as thrilled with the present as Ginny was. She turned to Hermione and glared at her.
“What were you thinking, buying Ginny these… things,” Molly asked in a voice that could have frozen fire.
“Things?” Hermione asked wondering if they were talking about the same present.
“What sixteen year old girl needs matching knickers and bras?” Molly demanded.
“What’s wrong with them?” Hermione asked calmly.
“What’s wrong with them? Why, they’re inappropriate,” Molly sputtered. “My daughter is not some kind of tart!” More annoyed now, Hermione began to respond but Molly was not finished.
“You know, Hermione I’ve spent six years trying to figure you out. I just don’t understand how you can think that it is appropriate for a sixteen-year-old girl to wear suggestive clothing. It makes me wonder what your parents taught you,” Molly said.
Now Hermione was beyond annoyed and approaching truly angry. She was not about to put up with insults to her parents. “Just what is that supposed to mean,” she demanded.
Molly realized she had overstepped and backed off a little. “I was talking about your muggle clothing. The way they’re so revealing.”
“My muggle clothes are not that revealing. If you’re talking about my tank tops, lots of muggle women wear those. My mother wears them, for heaven’s sake. When I am here I always change into something more conservative because I know that the wizarding world is different than the muggle world in a lot of ways,” Hermione told her, trying to calm herself down.
“While you are here, yes, but when you are at the house that you share with Harry? How do you dress then? In your muggle clothes? Half dressed and flaunting your body?” Molly demanded. Despite what Hermione had just said, she was still not convinced that decent women wore clothing like that.
“Mum!” Ginny finally broke into the conversation. Somehow this didn’t seem to be about her birthday present any more. What was her mother trying to say?
Hermione ignored her friend. It had just become clear to her what the conversation was really about. “Of course I dress like a muggle at home. That’s what we’re pretending to be,” Hermione snapped. “But what’s really bothering you? Is it my clothing, or that I don’t think Ginny should dress like an eleven year old, or the fact that I am living with Harry?”
“I object to all of it and I won’t have you corrupting Ginny! Just what are your intentions towards Harry?”
“Intentions?” Hermione asked incredulously.
“Yes, intentions. You are always hugging him. Merlin knows what goes on at the house you share. I don’t want to see you come between him and Ginny,” Molly said. She didn’t like Hermione’s attitude. She was used to her children cringing and backing down when she got into a rant like this, and here Hermione was standing up to her and calmly answering her.
Ginny couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Hermione had always been supportive of her being with Harry, hadn’t she? Before she could object again Hermione spoke up once more.
“I hug Harry because he needs all the reassurance and love he can get. I also hug him because he’s my best friend,” Hermione answered. “And I really don’t see that our living arrangements are any of your concern.” She was beginning to get angry again. She knew Mrs. Weasley liked to mother Harry, but this was going too far.
“Of course it’s my concern. Do you know how it looks that you and Harry are living together alone?” Mrs. Weasley asked. “I can’t fathom how your parents allowed you to move in with Harry.” Molly told her.
“My parents? For your information they got to know Harry quite well when he was staying with us. They know they can trust us. My parents understand why we are doing this and support us all the way. Mum even helped us pick out the house.” Hermione explained. “Nothing indecent is going on, I can assure you. Ron would be welcome to come live with us too if he had it in him to pretend to be a muggle. When we picked out the house we got one that would have separate rooms for me, Harry, and Ron, and we have another guest room where Tonks or Remus stay when they visit.”
Hermione was about to say that it had also been intended for if Ginny were to visit, but realized that would be a big mistake right now. It probably also wouldn’t be wise to mention that Remus and Tonks shared the guest room on occasion. “It’s no different than it will be at Hogwarts this year where Harry and I will share the Head’s suite.”
Molly didn’t really like that idea either, but there was nothing she could do about it. “I can see that you don’t understand. It’s probably your muggle upbringing…”
Hermione cut her off in a flash. Her eyes were bright with anger when she said, “Yes that must be it. My parents are muggles therefore they must not have taught me right.”
“That’s not what I meant,” Molly objected, quickly backpedaling. “I wasn’t trying to say anything against your parents. I’ve only met them once but I’m sure they are fine people. It’s just that the world you were raised in is different than the wizarding world. There are things that are just not done and living with a man without being married to him is one of them.”
“What about Bill and Fleur?” Ginny had heard enough. She was tired of being ignored in this argument and was furious at her mother for making such a big deal about this, especially since her own children were doing the same thing. Surely her mother must also know that Angelina sometimes stayed the night with Fred. “They lived together before they got married.”
“Ginny!” both Hermione and Molly said together. Molly looked at Hermione, surprised that she would be objecting to Ginny taking her side.
“Ginny, that is totally different,” Hermione said in exasperation. “There is nothing romantic about Harry’s and my living arrangements. We are two people living in two separate rooms in the same house.” She felt a guilty twinge, recalling that Harry had actually slept in her room the night before, but pushed it aside. “We treat each other like a brother and sister. It’s no different than Ginny’s and Ron’s rooms here.” She had turned back to Mrs. Weasley as she said this, hoping that she would finally get the idea. “Harry has absolutely no interest in me and is nothing but a perfect gentleman at home,” Hermione said firmly.
Molly considered her for a moment and then nodded. She still wasn’t happy about it but she could see that Hermione was not going to budge. And Harry was a nice boy after all. She desperately wanted Ginny and Harry to be together and didn’t want to see Hermione getting in their way. She decided to return to the original topic.
“Well, that’s enough about that. Now about these knickers…” Molly said.
“What about them?” Ginny asked defiantly. She may not be allowed to keep the Firebolt but there was no reason that she should have to give back the nice underclothing that Hermione had helped her pick out.
“What do you need something like that for?” Molly asked.
“There’s nothing wrong with wearing something pretty,” Hermione tried to explain. “So they are different colors, fit better, have a bit of lace and look nice. It’s not like she’s going to show anyone,” she finished, rolling her eyes.
“Isn’t that what they are for? To show Harry?” Molly asked suspiciously. Hermione sat down on the bed in shock, her mouth hanging open.
“Mother!” Ginny said, horrified.
“Well why buy them then?” Molly demanded. Ginny shook her head completely embarrassed but Hermione managed to get herself back under control and tried to explain.
“Mrs. Weasley, my mum took me shopping the summer before I turned sixteen. She told me that there is no reason not to have nice undergarments just because I’m the only one who will see them. She also said that sometimes you have to have some help feeling like a woman. She has no idea how hard it is to remember that you’re a girl under those baggy school robes but she’s right.”
“Mum, almost everything I own is old and worn. I just wanted something nice for myself. Is that wrong?” Ginny asked pleadingly.
Molly sighed. As the youngest child and only girl in a large family, Ginny had rarely had nice things, and had also rarely been able to be feminine. “Okay, I understand, I think,” she admitted. “I just wanted to be sure that you weren’t thinking about doing something improper with Harry.”
“Harry and I have never even thought about doing something like that,” Ginny said, her eyes wide. Hermione noticed that Ginny had conveniently not mentioned Dean Thomas or Michael Corner in that statement.
“And what is that exactly?” Molly asked innocently, teasing her a little. Ginny blushed again.
“It really doesn’t matter now does it,” Ginny said with a sudden sigh.
“Of course it does!” Molly said.
“Harry doesn’t want to put me in danger so we are going to pretend to date other people while at school,” Ginny said with another sigh.
“You’re what!?”
“Harry’s going to pretend to be dating Hermione while I pretend to date Neville,” Ginny explained. “Don’t start again, Mum, we worked it all out yesterday,” she added, to try to forestall another wave of suspicion from Molly directed at Hermione.
“Are you sure you’re okay with this?” Hermione asked. If she wasn’t, Hermione wasn’t going to do it. Hermione was uncomfortable enough as it was.
“I’m fine with it, I think. I just … I know Harry likes me. It’s not fair that we can’t be together in public,” Ginny said.
“Well look at it this way Ginny, a lot of the girls at school are going to have yet one more reason to hate the bossy know-it-all, who somehow managed to snag the Boy Who Lived” Hermione pointed out.
Ginny thought about what it was like to be Hermione. Yes, she was close to Harry, which in Ginny’s book was almost everything, but she didn’t have many close female friends. Really there was just Ginny.
Molly looked thoughtfully at the muggleborn witch. This was all news to her. She realized that she really didn’t understand this girl at all. Turning back to Ginny, she asked, “Are you sure you have to do this?”
“Yes, Mum, I’m sure.” There were tears in Ginny’s eyes. “Harry broke up with me right before we left Hogwarts last spring in order to keep me safe. I’ve been trying all summer to change his mind, but I’ve accepted that he’s right. It’s the only way for me to be with him.”
She was crying now and Molly grabbed her in a crushing hug. Everything was starting to make sense now. Why Harry had seemed to mostly keep his distance from Ginny this summer, but sometimes seemed to care so much for her. Then, to her astonishment, Hermione came over and hugged Ginny also.
“It’ll be OK, Ginny. Don’t worry, it’ll all work out,” Hermione repeated over and over, trying to comfort Ginny. Molly couldn’t believe it. This was the girl she had accused of trying to steal Harry?
Finally Ginny composed herself and smiled tearily at Hermione and nodded. Molly pulled out a handkerchief and dried her tears. Hermione took her hand and said, “Come on, lets go find the boys.”
-ooOoo-
“Hi, Neville, do you have a minute?” Neville Longbottom looked up as Harry approached. He had been a little surprised when Ginny had flooed him last night and invited him over for her birthday today, but he was quick to accept. He was a little nervous about talking to Harry, even though he hadn’t really done anything to feel guilty about. He was puzzled to see that Harry looked apprehensive about talking to him.
Harry had been delayed by the twins as he came out of the house, but had finally found Neville. “Neville, I want to ask you a favor, but I don’t want you to feel pressured into doing it. I mean, you should only do it if you really want to.” Now Neville was really uneasy.
“Harry, you know I’d do anything you want. What is it?”
Harry smiled a little. Neville was one of the most loyal friends he had. “I think you should wait until you hear what it is.” He hesitated, trying to decide where to start. “You know that Ginny and I were going together at the end of last year, but broke up?” Neville nodded. “Well, that was only for show. We still have feelings for each other.”
“I kinda suspected as much after that kiss she laid on you on your birthday.” Neville had hoped differently, but had been pretty certain that that was what had happened. “Why the deception?”
“Plain and simple, anyone who’s with me is a target. I don’t want her in any more danger than she already is.” Neville nodded again. Being Harry Potter certainly had its disadvantages. If he had a girl like Ginny he sure wouldn’t want to give her up. He shuddered at the thought of how close he had been to being the one attacked by Voldemort as a baby.
“OK, but what does that have to do with me.” Neville could see one possible reason Harry was telling him this but he didn’t think he could be that lucky.
“When we go back to Hogwarts we’re afraid if she isn’t with me guys will be all over her.” Harry hesitated, then decided to come right out and say it. “We’re wondering if you might be willing to pretend to be her boyfriend?”
Neville couldn’t help the huge grin that spread across his face. “Are you serious? Me, go out with the prettiest witch in Hogwarts? And I’m doing it as a favor to you? No problem, mate!” For a second Harry thought Neville was going to hug him, but he ended up slapping him on the back.
“Uh, Neville?” Harry wondered if he hadn’t made himself clear. “You understand it’s just for show. Ginny and I are still going to try to see each other in secret once in awhile.”
Neville grew more serious. “Harry, I’ve had a crush on Ginny since I took her to the Yule Ball fourth year. She’s never even looked at me since. Just having her pay attention to me and even act like she’s my girlfriend is more than I could ever have hoped for.” Then he brightened. “And when she finally does ‘break up’ with me, other girls won’t look at me so much like a loser once I’ve dated the most popular girl in school.”
Harry frowned. “You’re not a loser Neville, and don’t ever forget it. You’re one of the best friends a bloke could have. It’s not your fault the girls at Hogwarts can’t see what’s really important.”
“That’s right,” came a voice from behind him. Harry turned to see Hermione approaching with a proud look on her face, with Ginny right behind her. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. So, is Neville OK with this?” she asked.
Seeing the nods from the two males, Ginny shyly approached Neville. “Thanks for doing this Neville. I’ll try to make it worth your while.” Then she pulled him into a hug and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Neville’s huge grin returned, along with a very red face. Harry tensed for an instant, then relaxed. He had been worried about what his reaction would be when Ginny kissed Neville, fearing that the monster in his stomach would return. To his relief, it hadn’t.
When he had recovered, Neville thought of another question. “Harry, what about you? The girls aren’t exactly going to leave you alone.”
For some reason Harry was more nervous about this part of the deal, but Hermione rescued him by moving next to him and putting her arm around him. “That would be my job,” she said with a hesitant smile. “What do you think?”
Neville looked back and forth between his two friends, then broke into a big smile. “Brilliant! Nobody would suspect a thing because half of the school expected you two to end up together anyway.”
“So, Neville,” Harry asked casually, “which way were you betting?”
-ooOoo-
After Ginny’s birthday celebration, they had a much more serious matter to attend to. Harry had asked Remus to call a meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. It was time to bring them aboard the project. Harry was glad to see Fred and George present, along with Bill and Charlie. Apparently the twins had been inducted sometime in the past year. He would be able to use their support. When everyone had gathered, Remus brought Harry into the Weasley’s living room where they were meeting and announced that he had some information to share with them and new members to propose.
Harry took his cue. “Professor Dumbledore and I were working on a secret project in the war against Voldemort during the last school year.” He shook his head as most of the members shuddered at the sound of the name, but continued. “I have been carrying on the project, with the help of some of my friends.” As he said this Ron and Hermione stepped forward. “But before I tell you any more, I’d like to discuss the matter of membership in the Order.” As he said this, Neville, Luna, and Ginny joined them.
Immediately several of the Order members shouted out their objections, but they were eventually quieted by others who wanted to hear what Harry had to say. A quick look around showed that Remus, Tonks, Moody, Shacklebolt, Jones, and all the Hogwarts professors were supporting him, as were most of the Weasleys. Surprisingly, Molly had kept quiet but she was clearly not happy.
Harry began again. “The six of us are going to join with you …” He didn’t get to finish before the predictable cries of “they’re too young … they’re only children” began again.
“Silence!” Everyone stopped, stunned that he would raise his voice to a room full of adults. But this was Harry Potter, and that fact alone bought him some time.
“The main purpose of this group is to fight against Voldemort.” He ignored the by now tiresome flinching. “Who else here has faced Voldemort as often as I have?” As expected, no one dared come forward. “Besides the Aurors present, how many of you have even fought Death Eaters as often as we have?”
There was some murmuring at this. Hestia Jones muttered softly to Shacklebolt, “Is he joining us or are we joining him?” He muttered back, “We’re joining him. He’s just being polite.” She snickered and they turned their attention back to Harry.
“Luna Lovegood.” Luna stepped forward. “How many times have you fought Death Eaters?”
“Twice, with you, and we won both times,” she replied serenely.
“Neville Longbottom.” Neville hesitantly moved up. “How many times have you fought Death Eaters?
“Three times.”
“Hermione Granger?”
“Four times. All by your side. We beat them every time. And we killed quite a few.” There were quite a few audible gasps at that statement.
“Ron Weasley?”
“Five times.” Now there were many surprised exclamations. Not even all of the Aurors could make that claim.
Ginny was starting to get nervous. He had skipped her. Did that mean he was going to leave her out?
“Ginny Weasley.” Uncertainly, Ginny moved out from the group. “Have you fought Voldemort personally?” There were many gasps from the Order members and Harry could hear Molly crying, “No! no!”
Ginny drew herself up to her full five feet two inches. “Yes, along with you, and we beat him.”
Now the uproar began again. Two of the more vocal members that Harry didn’t even know began shouting. “That’s not possible. They’re lying. They’re just kids.” Bill and Charlie had to restrain Fred and George from taking them on.
Suddenly there was a flash of fire. A hush fell again as everyone looked at Harry and were amazed to see that Dumbledore’s phoenix had alighted on his shoulder.
“Hullo Fawkes,” Harry said, stroking the phoenix affectionately. “I’ve missed you.” Fawkes trilled a greeting and Harry smiled back briefly.
No one dared object now. The living symbol of the Order of the Phoenix had anointed Harry Potter as the new leader. Like it or not the die had been cast.
Harry immediately made a conciliatory move. “I have no intention of taking command of the Order. I have enough on my mind as it is. I would like to suggest Remus Lupin or Alistor Moody. You can decide when I’ve finished what I have to tell you.” Quite a few of the objectors calmed down at this announcement, but there were still a few holdout grumblers.
“Now, I have some more members I would like to bring into the Order. Each of these has rendered invaluable assistance to us this summer with the critical project that Dumbledore left us with. And because of them we are closer to success than ever before.”
Before he could say any more Remus, who had moved to his side, leaned over and whispered, “I hope you know what you’re doing, kid.” Harry simply nodded and motioned to the door, where Bill was standing. In walked Amos Diggory, Viktor Krum, Fleur Delacour Weasley, Ragnok the goblin, and Dobby and Winky. After a pause, the shouting began again.
“Are you crazy? We can’t trust them. They aren’t even human!”
“I trust them,” Harry proclaimed, raising his voice above the shouting. “I have trusted them with my life.” At that the noise subsided somewhat, so that he could lower his voice for his next statement. “I have found that I can trust them more than some of the members of the Order.”
Several things happened before nearly everyone could react. The two most vocal opponents rushed forward, one shouting “He’s mad!” and the other pulled out his wand. Amazingly, Harry stood there without flinching. Instantly, Dobby was in front of Harry, with his finger raised.
“You shall not harm Harry Potter!” With a loud crack the wizard with the wand was hurled backward, crashing into the wall. There was a collective gasp from many of the others. The penalty for a house elf attacking a human was death. Three Order members drew their wands and pointed them at Dobby, only to be met in a flash by the six wands of the students, followed in an instant by six more from Viktor, Fleur, and the Weasley boys. The Order members backed down.
“These are all friends of mine, and they will be joining the Order. Anyone who doesn’t like it can leave now. Anyone who stays will be expected to sign a binding oath secured by a secrecy charm developed by Hermione Granger and Bill Weasley.” He paused, letting that sink in. “And anyone who leaves will be obliviated of the knowledge of this meeting.”
“What! You can’t be serious!” were some of the reactions. Hermione herself moved up to Harry and took his arm. “Harry, you don’t mean it.”
“Hermione,” Harry said loudly enough for all to hear. “This is a matter of life and death. I will not have what happened to us – to you – occur again because someone gives us away.” Most of the members were unaware of the treachery at the Crouch mansion, but even some of the ones that were raised their eyebrows at this statement.
Moody stepped forward for the first time. Remus had told him about Harry’s suspicions before the meeting and he hadn’t liked it one bit. But if there really was a problem, it was best to get it out in the open. “Maybe you’d better explain yourself Potter.”
Harry stared him down. “Certainly, Moody. Did you involve Order members in the surveillance last week?”
“Yes I did. What are you trying to say?” growled Moody.
“Was Mundungus Fletcher one of them?”
“Yes, but …” Harry cut him off and turned to Remus.
“Was Fletcher invited to my birthday party?”
“Why yes, but he couldn’t make it.” Harry next turned to Molly.
“Was Fletcher invited to Bill and Fleur’s wedding?”
“Yes, he was, but …”
“But he wasn’t there either. This is the same Mundungus Fletcher who was supposed to be guarding me one night but conveniently disappeared just before I was attacked by Dementors. The same Mundungus Fletcher who I caught last year selling stuff he stole from the Black family estate. That’s four surprise attacks, all on targets he knew about, all when he just happened to be absent. It seems to me that he’s been selling more than stolen merchandise.” Harry’s voice was deadly calm, but his eyes were blazing with fury.
Moody was deeply shaken by this revelation. Remus had told him who Harry suspected, but didn’t know the reasons, and he hadn’t made the connections with the other attacks. Mundungus was the only one other than himself on the surveillance. He, ‘Constant Vigilance’ Moody had been fooled completely, and the traitor was exposed by a kid with a fraction of his experience.
Before anyone could say anything, phoenix song filled the air. The calming effect was immediate. As everyone settled down, quiet descended over the group while each one considered what they had heard and what they had been asked to do.
The other five students had no hesitation. They all had fought with Harry Potter and followed his lead before. They had seen him at his best and at his worst, and watched him do amazing things. He had proven his loyalty to every one of them. There was no question that they would sign the oath.
The Hogwarts faculty and Remus Lupin had discussed what would likely happen at this meeting. McGonagall and Flitwick had related their conversations with Harry and Hermione to the others, as well as their conviction that Harry was stepping up as the new leader of the light side, a conviction that had been proven this evening. Flitwick had also been consulted on the creation of the secrecy charm, so they had come here fully expecting to sign.
The aurors in the group - Tonks, Moody, Kingsley, and Hestia - were aware of what was happening in the fight against Voldemort. More Death Eaters had been killed or captured in the last two weeks than in the entire year previously, and they knew that directly or indirectly Harry Potter was responsible for every one of them. They had all either seen or heard of his and Hermione’s performance during the attack on his birthday. They also knew that the other four students had acquitted themselves commendably in fights against Death Eaters as well. They were ready to join with him.
The four Weasley boys were also solidly in his corner. Between what Bill had observed happening at Gringotts and what the twins reported of their dealings with Harry they had the utmost confidence in this young man, best friend of one of their brothers and possible boyfriend of their sister.
Arthur and Molly Weasley were torn. Arthur also knew what was happening at the Ministry, and his sons had kept him somewhat informed of their actions. He had shared this information with Molly but knew that she was desperate to keep her children out of harm’s way. Deep inside, however, they both knew that their children, particularly the youngest two, would follow Harry anywhere, and in fact already had. Twice in two years, first at the Ministry of Magic and then at Hogwarts, they had unhesitatingly plunged into battle with veteran Death Eaters for him. Trying to keep them out of this fight was like trying to hold back the tide.
Viktor and Fleur watched the tableau unfold before them. As foreign wizards, they were outsiders in this group. But Harry had never treated them that way, and the bond they had felt with him after the Triwizard tournament had only strengthened during the past month. After the events of the wedding they had committed to follow him and nothing that had happened since had changed that, only made them more certain.
Amos Diggory looked on from the rear of the room, unnoticed. There was no doubt in his mind where his allegiance lay. He had been forgotten or ignored by everyone, left to his grief over the death of his son. Harry and Viktor had given him a reason to live again and he fully intended to do whatever they needed.
Ragnok had been reluctant to come to this meeting, fearing exactly the reaction that had occurred. Most of these wizards and witches still didn’t trust goblins. But something about Harry Potter compelled others to respond to him. Part of it was that he so unhesitatingly put himself out for others. In Ragnok’s case it was that he saw something in Harry, and Hermione too for that matter, that made him want to believe that they would be successful. When Harry had so thoroughly quashed the objections to the other magical beings, he realized that his gamble had paid off and that Harry was even more of a leader than he had hoped. It was quite possible that his membership in the Order of the Phoenix would mark a turning point in goblin-wizard relations.
Winky and Dobby had been very nervous about joining with a group of wizards. Even though the majority of those in the room had treated them very well, some even as equals, centuries of being treated as worthless beings were difficult to overcome. Winky had been terrified for her friend when he had attacked the wizard, fearing that she might never see him again. Seeing all those wizards jump to his defense had been a shock to both of them. After that show of support from Harry and his friends, they were more committed to him than ever before. They would die for him if necessary.
Ron was the first to break the silence and stepped up. “I’ll sign it.” He was quickly followed by Hermione and the other students, Remus and Tonks, and the Weasley boys. Soon nearly all of the Order members were lined up to sign. Only the two members who had most strenuously spoken against Harry refused, and they went out with Bill without objection to have their memories of that afternoon adjusted.
When all of the members had settled down again, Harry asked Molly to bring some refreshments. Ginny and Luna hurried out to help, followed closely by Neville. Harry held Hermione back and beckoned to her and Ron to join him with Remus and Viktor and they conferred to decide how to continue. As soon as everyone had something to eat or drink Harry resumed the meeting.
“As I see it, the Order’s primary function is intelligence gathering. For most of you, this will be your only duty. Some of you have special abilities along those lines.” Here he nodded at Ragnok and the house elves. “I will remind you that just as intelligence of the enemy’s activities is essential to us, information about what we are doing is valuable to him. That means nothing that is discussed here, including even the identities of the other Order members, may be revealed to anyone not in this room. The five of us,” Harry indicated himself, Ron, Hermione, Remus and Tonks, “nearly died last week because someone let something slip about what we were doing.” Everyone readily agreed to this point. “Our major concern is with Voldemort’s recruiting of dark allies.”
“Some of us have had special training in fighting,” he motioned this time to the Aurors, “but we will not be seeking out a fight, only reacting when necessary. I have asked Viktor to create an attack unit that will take the battle to the Death Eaters. He will be telling you later as much as you need to know about his activities.” There were many murmurs of approval at this announcement. Many of them had heard about the ‘Ministry’s’ elite unit, but had not realized that it had actually been Harry’s initiative.
“Now, on to the most sensitive information. Professor Dumbledore discovered last year the method that Voldemort used to make himself seemingly immortal. This is why he didn’t die sixteen years ago in his first attack on me. The Professor and I started to work on undoing what he had done and making him mortal again. Professor Dumbledore was killed just as we returned from one of our missions. Ron, Hermione, and I have continued with this during the summer, and we have made a lot of progress. When we are finished, he will be as mortal as anyone else and we will hunt him down and kill him.”
The effect on the Order was electrifying. There had been a definite feeling of hopelessness with Dumbledore’s death, and now here was Harry Potter outlining a plan to defeat the dark lord. And what was more, he acted like he believed it would work! After Harry finished, Remus took over and had the members break into subgroups that he had worked out in advance, giving them various assignments. Before everyone left it was clear that the consensus choice for directing the day to day activities of the Order was Remus Lupin, but that the real leader of the Order was Harry Potter.
Harry confirmed a few meetings for the following week, then moved outside for some time with his friends.
-ooOoo-
“You what!?”
Harry was confused at this reaction from Ron. He had been expecting him to maybe be a little surprised when he told him about the plan for he and Hermione to pretend to be boyfriend/girlfriend but this seemed a little excessive.
“You can’t do that! What’s going to happen to Ginny? You’re supposed to be with her.” Ron was definitely not taking this well.
“Ron, didn’t you hear me? Ginny’s going to be doing the same thing with Neville.” An uneasy thought occurred to Harry. “Were you going to ask Hermione out yourself?”
“No!” The denial was immediate. Even though the thought had occurred to Ron recently, that wasn’t what this was about. Harry just had to be with Ginny.
“Well, what is the problem then? Why is it that big of a deal to you whether I date Ginny or Hermione?”
Ron ignored that question. “But you’re not really dating Hermione, right? It’s just for a while until you get back with Ginny?”
Harry was getting irritated by Ron’s insistence on his dating Ginny. In hindsight, he realized that Ron had been making hints about him and Ginny for several years. At the time he had been too preoccupied with his other concerns to notice.
“I don’t know. I intend to, but I don’t know for sure if it will work out. It’s possible that I’ll decide I want to be with Hermione. What would be so bad about that?” He hadn’t actually given that possibility much consideration until the conversation the previous day, but now it didn’t seem all that out of the question. His annoyance with Ron’s attitude made him add the next statement. “Who knows, maybe I’ll decide I want to stay with Hermione and Ginny will want to stay with Neville.”
That statement sent Ron over the edge. “No! That’s just wrong!”
Harry was beyond annoyance and getting alarmed. “Ron! What is up with you?” Why does it matter so much to you that I end up with Ginny?” A gut wrenching thought came to Harry. “Is this going to affect our friendship? Whether I get together with Ginny or not?”
Ron was silent.
“Ron, you’re scaring me! Does our friendship depend on this?”
Finally, Ron found his voice. “No, no, mate don’t worry about it. Sorry I brought it up.” Harry relaxed a little and Ron came up and slapped him halfheartedly on the shoulder. “Look, I’m really knackered. I’ve got to be at work early tomorrow so I’m going to turn in. See you later.” And with that he turned and went back into the house, leaving a completely dumfounded Harry Potter in his wake.
-ooOoo-
Ron lay in his bed staring at the ceiling. He was usually not one for introspection, but tonight he did a little soul searching. Harry had hit too close to the mark. Even though Ron’s confidence had grown this summer, there was still a fear lurking deep inside of him. The fear that someday Harry Potter would realize that he had no use for a nobody like him. Harry had Hermione, the smartest witch in a generation. Harry was friends with Viktor Krum, the greatest seeker in the world. Harry could walk in and talk to the Minister of Magic, or the Headmaster of Hogwarts, any time he wished. What did he need with Ron Weasley? That fear had driven all of his efforts to get Harry and Ginny together. If they were together Ron would automatically always be a part of Harry’s life.
As Ron Weasley looked deep down inside himself, he was disgusted with what he saw. Harry had always been loyal to him, throughout everything they had gone through. He had put up with Ron’s jealousies and accusations and never wavered. He was the best friend anyone could ever want. He didn’t deserve the way Ron had acted. It was a long time before sleep came that night
-ooOoo-
“Harry, about last night.” Harry was roused from his thoughts of Ron and shifted uncomfortably as he recalled where he had spent the previous night, but Hermione took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. “It must have been awfully uncomfortable sitting in that chair all night.” It was once again bedtime and Hermione had paused before heading to her room.
“No, actually,” Harry responded quickly. “Those chairs lean back and you can fall asleep in them pretty well.”
Hermione laughed. “I know. Lots of men have them and they often fall asleep in front of the television. It’s something of an ongoing joke with women. But I wanted to suggest something else.” She knew this was making him nervous, and she was too, but wanted to get it out into the open.
“When we were in the hospital wing after the attack, I woke up with a nightmare. You don’t remember because you were unconscious but I was scared so I crawled into bed with you.” Harry’s jaw dropped. “Madame Pomfrey saw it a little later but left us alone. The next morning she said it was OK if it helped me with the nightmares, but to just be responsible about it.” Hermione was blushing now, but was determined to finish. “I know what kind of person you are and you would never take advantage like that, so I think it would be all right if you wanted to sleep on the bed next to me if I have another nightmare tonight.” She took a deep breath as she finished and looked anxiously at him to see what his reaction would be.
“Oh, so that’s what she was talking about.” At Hermione’s puzzled look Harry explained the conversation that Pomfrey had with him the next day and they both had a good laugh. Then Harry admitted that he had in fact sat in the bed the night before and Hermione revealed that she had already known.
For the rest of the week, Harry started each night out in the recliner next to Hermione’s bed. If she had a nightmare, he crawled onto the bed and just hugged her until she settled down and they both fell asleep. By the end of the week the nightmares had diminished and he returned to sleeping in his own room. They had discovered that his mental connection with Hermione, strengthened by their telepathy practice, enabled him to hear her calling him in his mind when she had a nightmare. For the rest of the summer, and for a while after their return to Hogwarts, whenever he sensed her having a nightmare he would go into her room and comfort her.
Back in his own room, Harry thought about how he had been ‘sleeping with’ Hermione. He was relieved that he hadn’t become aroused, or been tempted to do anything inappropriate while in the bed with her. He had just been hugging her to comfort her, much like she had often done for him. It was also true, though, that he had enjoyed the experience very much and had found it quite comforting for himself as well. And, he realized, he never had any nightmares while he slept with her either.
-xox-XOX-XOX-xox-