Wow, you don't have many comments on this one. :S Well, I love the story, of course. I'm definitely curious to hear about his exploits the last few years. Please keep writing and posting, despite the drop in comments. Because I for one am hooked and NEED to read the rest. I love that Harry magically painted the portraits to take along his mentors, how very clever. Love you Mom

Hey readers, how are you today? It is a beautiful day, I hope you enjoy it, and I hope this chapter adds to the joy you have. Thanks all, for reading, and I welcome all comments. Next weeks chapter is, Chapter 9, 'Trouble Buzzing At The Burrow'

Droo; Hey Droo, thanks so much! I'm thrilled you love my story! Thank you!

Obi-Wan K'Lari; Hey Lari, thanks for being here. Take your time. I love that you pointed out about Filch remembering. This is actually a clue for the next story. Great sleuthing! And yes thanks for pointing out my blunder, corrections were made. Thank you
Thanks for reading and commenting.

ashfig; Hey Ashley, thanks for reading and commenting. Here you go, the next chapter. And we need to let Harry sleep some, he's tired, and besides... it's easier to talk about him when he is sleeping.
Thanks Ashley

MollyW; Hey Sweetheart Yeah, I love reading comments and responding, but school/college has started up again so this is to be expected. Plus vacations, but it's ok. As long as the view count goes up, I won't complain. Thanks for caring. Not to worry, I wrote the story in it's entirety before I submitted it. I'm now on chapter 19 of the next (final) story of the series. And I had to have them go with him because I would have been too worried for him to go alone and I would forbid him to go. Not much of a story that way. I'm glad you love the story Stephie, thanks for taking time from your busy life to read and comment. I love you too.




Chapter 8

Dumbledore Spills The Beans

Everybody settled in for what they were hoping to be a long story. Molly got up and walked around the kitchen table looking under, and all around it.

“I was thinking I would set Harry’s clothes to soak since he’s not wearing them, but I don’t know where they went when he changed into… when he changed.”

“I’m sure they returned to his pouch that’s secured to his waistband. Ginny, since he has obviously been in his pouch to get us out, you will be able to untie and hand it to Ron.”

Ginny carefully reached for the pouch, and paused. “Is it tied of its own drawstring or is it part of, I mean when I untie it, it won’t cause…” Her face turned red, and she refused to look up for anyone to see her embarrassment.

“It is of its own drawstring, the small one, and the large one is knotted magically, and cannot be untied. You are perfectly safe to retrieve the pouch without effecting what he is wearing.” Dumbledore stated with a kind smile.

Ginny carefully untied the pouch, but when she started to lift it, Harry stirred and put his hand on hers. “Ginny?” he murmured softly. He opened his eyes and tried to focus on her and fell back into unconsciousness. Ginny untied and handed Ron the pouch with her free hand. She didn’t want to take her hand Harry had his on away from him. It felt wonderful to be this close to him with his hand resting on hers.


“Now, make like you’re pouring it out over the length of the table, for the contents will enlarge when they are out.” Snape put in quickly before Ron could dump the contents in a pile.

As Ron carefully poured the contents onto the table, nobody noticed that he trapped something under his thumb keeping it from falling onto the table. He turned the bag right side up when it was empty, and allowed the Marauder’s Map that was under his thumb to fall back into the bag. He looked at Dumbledore with his eyebrow arched, and to his relief the wise man gave him his answer with a wink and only just the slightest nod of his head.

Molly picked up his boots and put them on the floor out of the way, and picked up the dirty clothes he had been wearing, which were in a separate bag of its own. She looked at the bloody shirt and at the blood still on the table.

“Albus? There is a lot of blood here … is he going to make it? I’m so afraid…” as tears began to puddle in her eyes Albus answered her kindly.

“In a little bit we’ll wake him and he will assess his condition and let us know. Still, we must remember he said he was afraid he was going to die just before he passed out. However, for now rest will help him immensely.”

She tossed them into the washer and tapped it. The water filled in the tub, and started to agitate as the detergent and stain remover went into the water. As she cleaned the table thoroughly, Snape spoke up. “Molly when you finish there, if you would be so kind, take the jar beside that stack of files and the bandage over and redress his leg. Be forewarned that it will look hideous, and smell worse. Scourgify his leg, and then apply the medicine from his knee to his heel. Once that is done, apply the clean bandages the same way they are now.

Molly did as Snape requested. The unimaginably atrocious site of Harry’s hideous leg shook everyone to the core. Ginny asked what happened to him, as Ron ran outside to relieve his sick stomach. “That is a story for another time, if Harry decides to tell,” answered Dumbledore softly. Molly finished then sat beside Arthur who took her hand in his to comfort her.

“Kingsley, there by your right hand is a rather large black folder. Those are all his Auror reports he made from everywhere he went, and everything he did. They are for you to read, watch and pass judgment on, and present to the Aurors Board. Severus and I will both attest to the truthfulness of each report. Henceforth, I might add we are very pleased with our young man for all his accomplishments. It’s first-rate quality work, not just those reports, but his schoolwork as well. Also in those files are documented testament from law enforcement and tribal government leaders for all his activities.”

“Thank you Albus. I’m sure I will find them very enlightening. But, what am I to watch?”

“Harry figured a way to put his memories on parchment, instead of having to use a Pensieve. If you will open one and lay it out on the table you will see his report is on parchment that has ink completely covering it, and the words are devoid of any ink, but is a silvery matter. What he did was; he poured ink onto the parchment, and then he pulled out a memory of the incident to be reporting, and put the memory into the wet ink saying, “Priori Incantatem.”

“But that’s a spell to see the reverse spell or the last use of a wand!” Hermione spoke up not understanding why Harry would use that spell.

“Yes, that is correct as usual Miss Granger,” Snape spoke in his waspish voice. “But, we are not in a class where you have to be an insufferable know it all. Mr. Potter invented this magic from his brain and not one of your precious books. Everyone said you were the brains of the Trio… Clearly, they were wrong.”

“Now see here!” Arthur spoke up with a quiet authority in Hermione’s favor. “I don’t believe that is called for. There is no need for…” Hermione quietly spoke up for herself.

“It’s alright Mr. Weasley. He’s right and I as much as told Harry that his magic was better than my books and spell learning, in our second year at Hogwarts, when he had to go on alone to keep Voldemort from finding the Sorcerer’s Stone.”

Poor Hermione just wasn’t good at learning without her books to direct her. She was so interested in what Harry had done, but couldn’t fathom the reality of it without reading it from a book. Everybody has a comfort place where their confidence in their magical abilities lies, and Hermione’s are books.

There was silence for a few seconds, and then Snape sighed and spoke in a non-judgmental way. “Forgive me Miss Granger, for you had exactly the same reaction we had when Harry told us what he was thinking. We told him it couldn’t work. He explained his theory to us, and we still doubted him. He insisted he thought it should work and just went ahead and tried it, and it worked.” Snape looked at Ron and said, “I too have something I‘m working on.”

After Ron recovered from his shock that Snape actually apologized to Hermione and then him, he said, “Its ok, none of us are perfect, well…” he looked at Harry and said dejectedly, “except maybe him.”

“Oh no Ron; never assume things like that. Harry had many failures, some of which nearly cost him his life. He never tried anything new unless Fawkes was present to save him if he needed saving. However, we are getting away from the matter at hand. We need to continue and finish up before our splendid young man wakes and is embarrassed by us bragging on all his accomplishments.”

“The way Harry explained his theory was that when the wand is sent to look for a memory it finds it, and pulls it out of the mind. Then when the memory is set into the wet ink, it is the same as putting it in the liquid of a Pensieve. Saying the spell as it is absorbed into the ink causes the memory to come from the ink as an image of the last spell the wand did. Then you watch it just as you would if it actually came from the wand. When the memories become viewable, Harry put a drying spell on the ink. Next, he tapped his quill with his wand and said, “Tergeo” as he wrote the explanation of what was happening from the image, onto the dry ink, the ink siphoned off the parchment leaving words. This way you can just read the report, but if you have to have proof, then you can watch it also. Or if you don’t need to read it, you can just watch it.”

“Wicked brilliant!” Ron said, smiling at his friend.

“That is very clever I will admit,” said Minerva, “but, then he doesn’t have that memory any more, and if the file is damaged or stolen, then there is no proof of it happening.”

“This would be true, but you forget that while Harry is writing his report, the memory he is watching is reinvented back into his mind of the memory as it happened.” explained Snape.

“But what happens to the viewable part when you’re done watching? How do you put it away?” asked Hermione

“You simply tap the parchment as you would if you were conversing with a memory above the Pensieve, instead of falling into it. When you tap the parchment the memory falls into the words that were made from where the ink was siphoned off of the parchment,” answered Snape again.

So, Kingsley tapped the parchment while saying, “Priori Incantatem” and the silvery words came off the parchment. They saw Harry much the way they remembered him when he first left. He was instructing a group of tribesmen with a plan he devised to catch a thief. It showed the men following Harry’s instructions, and catching the thief without the use of any magic. Then Kingsley tapped the parchment and the memory fell back into the words on the parchment.

“These files bundled together are all of his classes he took. His classes consisted of every subject. Hagrid will be quite pleased with Harry going on with his Care of Magical Creatures classes. He figured not knowing the animals of the different continents we were in, and which held magical creatures or not, would be a disadvantage to him. He decided to be safe and study them just to make sure. He did outstanding in all of them, because we would not accept anything less than that. There are practical’s and labs for the classes that required them. They will be the same as the Aurors files in so much as you can watch him achieve them.”

Snape took over from there. “The big black box, once opened, will expand into a closet of Potions he made for his classes. You will want to make sure you have it in an area where there is plenty of space.”

“Bill, the green folders, and the boxes marked with a caduceus, can go over to Harry’s house. They are his personal files, potions, medicines and such things.”

“OK, Sir, I’ll drop them off on my way home tonight.”

“Also,” Dumbledore continued, “If you’ll please take the green and black journal titled, “The Ginny” and read it carefully.”

“Yes sir.” Bill took and started reading it then looked up in surprise. “This is the Title and Deed to a Diamond Mine in South Africa, in Harry’s name!”

“Yes, it is exactly that.” Dumbledore smiled as his eyes danced at Bills excitement. “The last place Harry lived for six months before going to North America was a wealthy tribe deep in the darkest jungles of South Africa. They knew he possessed magic and accepted him right away. He helped the tribe exterminate a threat that had plagued their village for nearly a year. If things didn’t change, the village would be wiped out and their wealth taken from the tribes of many villages. They insisted on him excepting their gratitude with the ownership of this mine. It is not the largest they have, but one of considerable size. Harry tried to turn them down, but it offended the chief.”

“Harry told the chief he would send some Goblins down in the future sometime to do the mining. He also told them he would send a representative to make sure local people worked the mine to help boost their economy. The Goblins would be able to make sure the mines were safe to work. Very generous compensations and benefits are set up, and Harry wants you to be his representative and handle everything. You are even to oversee the Goblins. He has your wages and benefits showing, but if you do not wish to take the job or need to negotiate something other than what he has established you are welcome to do so.”

Bill was looking at the terms and conditions of his employment and the wages he would be earning. “No, these are fine just the way they are, and he is very generous.”

“I believe that covers everything then. Are there any questions?” Dumbledore offered, and when none had any, then he and Snape sat in their portraits and listened to the others talk among themselves.

Bill sat between his parents and began to show them his contract with Harry, and the mines. They were beaming, and going on that he was a perfect man for the job, because Harry knows him to be an honest and upstanding moral person.

Kingsley and Minerva were going on with the classes and training Harry was able to accomplish, and how they couldn’t wait to see the things in the files Harry had for them.

Ginny couldn’t move from her spot beside Harry on the edge of the couch with her hand under his resting hand. She could not take her eyes off him. She wondered about the things he did. She looked very closely at each scar that was visible to her. She gazed at his facial hair and longed to fill it on her face as she hugged and kissed him. Would it be soft and fuzzy feeling or hard and course? She got to looking at his unruly long wild looking jet-black hair. It started out innocently falling in gentle thick waves. Then mid length from his shoulder to his elbows, the waves rebelled into curls. Ginny remembered her hair the day in her second year at Hogwarts when they were riding on his broom. She wondered what his hair would have looked like if it had been long like this back then. She smiled at remembering her hair being wild and wind blown, and him trying to fix it for her.

Ron got up and went to the kitchen, and Hermione followed. “What is it Ron? Why are you unhappy?” She put her hand on his shoulder and made him turn to look at her. He shrugged his shoulders and started getting food and drinks from the refrigerator. He summoned four loaves of bread Molly had just baked that morning.

Molly got up quickly and tended the clothes in the washer. She put them in the dryer and returned to sit with Bill and Arthur. She was still smiling from ear to ear with her son’s good fortune.

Ron started slicing the bread and said he was starving since they hadn’t eaten anything since lunch. “You wanna help me make up a bunch of sandwiches for everyone?” Hermione gladly jumped in and the two of them looked like they were conducting an orchestra with their swift wand movements; Hermione, being the conductor of the strings and wind instruments with her eloquent and graceful movements, and Ron, being the conductor of the percussion instruments with his jerking and jabbing movements.

“I’m proud of him,” he nodded his head meaningfully at Harry and speaking in whispers “I am really. He’s done everything, seen everything, and KNOWS everything. His accomplishments are more than I could ever dream about doing. And now he’s even richer than he was before, and I’m just afraid when he wakes up he’ll remember we’re just nobody’s, POOR nobody’s. He’s better than we are, more so now than ever. When he is able to think straight, he’ll wanna take off and not be mates anymore. Plus” he paused not really wanting to say this but it fell out of his mouth before he could shut the words in. “It’s just he’s my best mate, or so I thought, and well, first he gives all his earnings from the, Tri Wizard Tournament, to Fred and George to start their Joke Shop, and NOW… he’s given Bill this huge job that will make him a wealthy man. I just want him to think of me more than just a comic sidekick. I‘m not saying I want any of his money,” adding his last sentence quickly.

Hermione finished the last of the sandwiches and made the plates serve themselves to everyone in the room. Ron quickly grabbed two as they whisked by him. When they returned she put the rest on the table, and sent butterbeers in for them.

“Ron, stop thinking that way!” Her eyes narrowed showing the displeasure she was feeling with him. “He came here before he went home and rested. He came here before he ate anything. He came here first, because he wants to see us and be with us. If he didn’t then when he came to and got away from us earlier he would have said, “Oh yeah, I forgot how stupid you lot are,” and walked out the door. But, he didn’t. Don’t you remember just about two hours ago he stood here shocked that we didn’t know him, or believe him when he told us who he was? We made him show us proof. He could barely stand and with blood running down the side of his face, he identified all those scars pleading with our memories to believe him. He’s broken hearted and what I’m afraid of is that he won’t think it’s necessary to fight and stay alive. If he does pull through, I bet he is still the same ole Harry we know and love.

"I think we should stop assuming things like we always have with him. And, the bit about you being just a comic sidekick… all I have to say to that is its rubbish. Your friendship means more than even money to him. You were always too proud whenever he bought us things. You always would say you‘d pay him back, or you except it as a Christmas or birthday present, or even flat out refuse even pastries on the Hogwarts Express. Never have you allowed him to just share with you. So there you have it Ron. He doesn’t offer you things of value, because you’ve showed him your pride at being poor and able to get along without his money; so he shows his respect for you by not giving anything to you, but his friendship. He makes everything with you and him the same, equal. And further more Ronald … If you can’t think proper thoughts about Harry, then we should talk about us getting married. I keep asking you why we can’t get married and you keep dismissing the subject because you wanted to wait until Harry got home. Well….. he’s home; let’s talk.”

Ron turned white in the face and began to stammer. “Wha… what, I mean how do you go about saying all that stuff, and then get on that subject? Why are you so uptight? You’re just changing the subject…What time is it anyway?” He looked at the calendar instead of the clock.”

Hermione’s mouth dropped and she let loose with a hard slap across his face.

Haii Connie; I know I haven't commented or had the time to read the past couple of chapters but I promise when I have time I will catch up and give you a comment

Sorry!

ooh i like this! hahaha ron's response at the end! this all seems very real like i could see it happening. i mostly just want to have the next chapter already...

Heya! New reader!
I love it! You are doing a very good job. There's a few spots where I am confused, but they are working themselves out.
I love what you've done with Snape. He seems so much more caring now. And the visual of him with a mohawk and earrings is quite the image!
And now Ron's just being an absolute git in not wanting to admit his feelings for Hermione and that he truly does love her. But it's also quite funny. He's just being overly nervous and a worry wart.
Great job!
-Rachel

Caught up (:
Ooh really good chapters Connie

Eviee <33

Hey Guy's, welcome, and thank you for taking the time to read my ff. I realize my chapters are long, and I feel honored that you give me your time. I hope I don't disappoint you. This chapter isn't quite as long, so I hope that helps out some with time. Next weeks chapter 10 is, 'A Jig Saw Puzzle Of Sorts"

Miss Evi3e <3; Hey Eviee, thanks for sharing your time by reading and commenting. Please take your time reading and commenting here. I'm glad you liked these chapters.

ashfig; Hey Ashley, yeah, poor Ron just can't keep his foot out of his mouth sometimes, but you have to love him for it. I don't think anyone realizes his true feelings in these matters, but he has his shining moments in the next ff I'm writing. Thanks for reading and commenting Ashley.

narnia_potter; Hey Rachel, welcome to my ff. I'm thrilled you are here and that you love it! If you ever need answers to anything, message or PM me, and I'll be more than happy to answer your questions. Sometimes there are referrences to my other 2 ff's written before this one. I think JK wrote him as being a bad man, and he was. He sided with Dumbledore to give his concience a break. His guilt drives him throughout his life, and when Harrry comes along at school, he takes everything out on Harry. Now Harry has given him a chance to redeem himself so to speak. Harry did warn him about playing nice though, and Snape didn't take him at his word. I would loved to have seen Snape with a smile, Mohawk, and earrings for Harry's vengence. They do become quite close after that incident. I'm thinking that Hermione has had confirmation on how much he loves her, but for some reason he's dragging his feet. If there wasn't any confirmation at all, I think Hermione would have given up on him becoming her husband. He probably gives her little glimmers of hope here and there to keep her. But as I told Eviee ^ Ron does have his shining moments in the next ff.

Thanks for coming on board and commenting Rachel, and I hope you keep coming back.





Chapter 9

Trouble Buzzing At The Burrow

George, Percy and Charlie came in laughing and being very loud and boisterous. George took a second to look at Ron with his violently red face, and Hermione with her arms folded across her chest and a look of anger and abhorrence on her face.

“So, nothing new at home I see.” George mocked, looking serious for a second then laughing loudly with Charlie and Percy. “Hey everybody! You’ll never believe…” George started stridently before Ron gave him a straight-armed shove to the chest.

“Cut it out!” he said under his breath, and jerking his head over his shoulder. “You’ll wake him!” Ron wanted them to be quiet, but he was more upset with George’s comment.

They all glanced where Ron indicated, and George with a soft voice said, “Who’s the nude guy on the couch Ginny’s all gaga over?” Then with realization of who it was, they each at the same time said, “HARRY,” as quietly as they could and still be exceptionally happy.

“No way you can come in here and with just a glance know that’s Harry!” Exclaimed Ron indignantly.

“Rita Skeeter” said Percy as he entered the living room and looked closely at Harry unconscious on the couch. He handed his dad a flyer. She is putting out a follow-up report in the Daily Profit in the morning. This was going to be a Special Addition tonight. George and Charlie made there way over to see Harry also.

“What happened to his head?” Percy asked as he turned to the kitchen to get some sandwiches.

“It’s a long story.” interjected Mr. Weasley suddenly.

“He looks so different, all muscled and hairy! What did happen to him, and how did he get here? Charlie stated.

“Daddy smashed his head in with a big rock.” put in Ginny. Then becoming ashamed she said, “I’m sorry Daddy. It wasn’t your fault. You thought he was that nutter you told us about who threatened to end our world as we know it tonight.”

“They caught him and he’s being held at the Ministry for questioning first thing in the morning.” George said casually. “Love his little outfit. Looks comfy, I’m sure he didn’t get that around here. Wonder if he’ll get me…”

Suddenly there was a swift movement and with a swish and a plop, Hermione had a jar turned upside down and on the table. She tapped it and muttered a little spell.

“Not Rita Skeeter again!” gasped Ron. Everyone but Ginny went over and peered down in the jar at the beetle.

“When you all went over to look at Harry I saw something fly from Percy to Charlie when he went out to get his sandwich. Then when George said the nutter was caught and being held it flew off and was headed toward the door.”

“Clearly something is amiss here,” said the smooth waspish voice of Snape.” “I quite agree.” said Dumbledore.

The three newcomers drew in there breaths and whirled around to see the portrait’s they hadn’t noticed when they came in.

“Oh hello!” They all said at once.

“We didn’t know we had distinguished guests visiting; you two, and Tarzan over there. Did we interrupt something going on here?” inquired George.

“As a matter of fact you did.” answered McGonagall.

“Oh hello there Professor McGonagall, and you too Kingsley.” The boys found a seat and got serious.

“Miss Granger, is Rita’s temporary prison sound proof?”

“Yes, Professor Snape.” she draped a dark dish towel over it and said, “She can’t see us either.”

Dumbledore asked Arthur if he would please read the flyer.

“For these past four years now, people have been asking where their beloved hero, Harry Potter, The Chosen One, is. He seemed to simply disappear, after he single handedly killed the dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. No longer a mystery; as this reporter has it on good authority that he is now at this very moment in hiding at the Weasley’s home. (You will remember the Weasley’s from just a couple years back when Mr. Arthur Weasley faced fines and near dismissal from the Ministry, for charming a Muggle car to fly.) This is new information from a very reliable source. It is a known fact of this reporter that he has followers from all over the world now, and this past year and a half has been, believe it or not, living with and recruiting Zombies from the United States. It is regrettably a truth that our beloved Harry Potter has indeed let the notoriety of his accomplishment go to his head and turned evil wizard himself, even more terrifying than his predecessor he killed. This picture of Harry Potter brutally murdering twenty-seven men somewhere in Dark Africa and stealing a diamond mine is the terrible proof. One other question to consider is; how much is the Weasley family supporting him? I will learn the answer to this question tonight, as I have a faithful reporter standing by to interview the Weasley Patriarch when he gets home from work this evening. All this and more will be ready to read first thing with your morning coffee. Remember friends, you heard it first from Rita Skeeter, your favorite news reporter.”

“Well that’s it then. Pictures do not lie, and that is Harry Potter shooting the killing curse at that defenseless man. He does not have a wand, he is probably a Muggle, and he has his hands before him as if he’s begging Harry to stop. Moreover, it is obvious the man is terrified. It looks like you did the right thing bashing in Potter’s head Father.” Percy said it all in a proud voice as though he was an official who witnessed the complete scene and declared Harry guilty. Then he shook his head sorrowfully and announced he was sorry. “Something is wrong with the photo. Harry would die before he went to the dark side.”

Molly smiled a small reassuring smile at her son, but everyone else was a little slow to forgive his unjust remarks against Harry. “Do you notice anything about the photo? Snape asked the group.

Hermione spoke without even thinking. “It doesn’t have any movement to it, and it is in black and white.”

“That is exactly right. Pictures can lie such as this one is doing.” Dumbledore explained. “If it was a moving picture and in color, you would see a purple haze in the form of a giant anaconda about to swallow that man. That is the reason he is terrified. In addition, you would see that blurry spot in front of Harry, was indeed a man knifing him. They assumed that Harry died, because as he lay dieing from the knife wound, the man cursed him with the Cruciatus Curse. Since Harry did not respond to it, he assumed Harry was dead. However, as you all know now, Narcissus Malfoy injected him with an antidote to protect him from that Curse. It incapacitates for a short while, just as if death had occurred. This picture is trying to make it seem Harry is murdering an innocent man. Harry did kill a man, but it was not him, and he was not innocent. The man here is actually fine. They captured him and he is now in prison. One of the men in Harry’s group shot the man in the neck with a dart full of a hallucinative drug. It is old Voo Doo magic. The victim is merely suggested to, that he is seeing whatever the magician wants him to see.”

“How could Harry let that man get close enough to him to knife him?” Charlie wanted to know.

“Ah, well you see, Harry was seeking refuge behind him. He was at that moment not a man, but a tree. Harry killed a man who was shooting killing curses at village people. Then he shot a binding curse on the man, who happened to be the leader of the band of outlaws, who was at that moment, thinking he was about to be eaten by a great snake. Harry stepped behind this tree to look around and see who needed help next when the tree transfigured back into a man, and simply knifed him.”

“That’s bloody dirty!” Ron said outraged.

“The Chief of the tribe himself carried Harry to his tent where he knew Harry had a large cabinet of medicines. He got Harry to come around, and asked him what he needed to get him. Harry looked upon Fawkes and wanted desperately to call on him to heal him. Instead, he managed to tell what medicine to use, and the chief applied it. It kept him alive until everyone was asleep, and then Harry called for Fawkes to heal him. He rested for a few days letting his blood re-supply, and strength rebuild.”

“When he was completely mended the chief gave him the diamond mine.” Snape added, “Harry tried to refuse, but you don’t refuse a Tribal Chief. He graciously accepted the gift, and said his good-byes for his wand had pointed to a mountain in the state of Washington in the United States."

Good chapter Connie

Thanks Eviee! My goodness you was quick today! Thanks again.

Hey, great job Connie!
Just wondering, but I thought Rita Skeeter was a black beetle, not a lady bug. Or is the ladybug someone else?
Yeah, now that I've read at least parts of your other ff's, things are making more sense, and as the story progresses it's making more sense.
And YAY for Ron for having some shining moments in your next one! Can't wait to read it!
And you have now got me wondering on what Ms. Rita is up to. . . Uh-oh is all I can say
Very Good!
-Rachel

I really look forward to reading your chapters every week! I NEED tto know what's going to happen. So you should post your friday chapter tomorrow. yeah. that's a good idea. *nods*

Anyway, I really liked it, and hope harry wakes up soon. well, it's not actually necessary--he's doing a good job of sleeping anyway...

Great Chapter 9!

Hey everybody, hello and thanks for coming by to read the next chapter. Next week's chapter is, Chapter 11 'Wake Up Call For Harry' I hope you enjoy this chapter.

narnia_potter; Hey Rachel, thanks for reading and commenting. No, it is Rita; my mistake. Thanks for pointing that out for me. JK called it a water beetle at first, then it's called a black beetle, then she has it having markings and details. The last always puts a Ladybug image in my head. I'm glad you're reading the other ff's and this one is coming together for you. You're 100% correct! Thanks for reading and commenting Rachel.

ashfig; Hey Ashley, thanks for reading and commenting. Thank you I appreciate your compliment, but my chapters are so long I think it would be unfair to those who are very limited on time to have to deal with reading two chapters in the same week. But thank you for saying that. Too cute. Harry does need his sleep, but as the chapter title for next Friday implies, Harry wakes up next week. Thanks for your sweetness Ashley, I hope my ff never disappoints you.

Droo; Hey Droo, I'm glad you think the chapter is great; it means a lot to me for you to say that. I know you have a lot of obligations, and I appreciate you reading and commenting. Thank you


Chapter 10

A Jig Saw Puzzle Of Sorts



Mr. Weasley sat looking at the flier his sons brought home. “How does Rita get all her information? I mean to say she knows so much. I think she knows more than she lets on, and I think she puts out stories like this hoping to stir up trouble. What could be her gain?”

Professor Dumbledore looked at Snape and said they were also wondering about some things. Kingsley asked if there was any
other times Harry’s life was threatened.

“Everywhere we went there was always someone showing up who tried to kill him for one reason or another. The first place we went was Australia. He was alone for the first month and a half. He said it would clear his head of the past and see if he would be able to get along on his own. He had many trials and hardships during that time, but he said he decided that he would be fine, and could get on with his quest. We didn’t witness the first attacks because they were during that period of time when he was alone. He told us about them though. The first time was when he was just setting up his camp, right after he arrived. Some men came and threw a noose around his neck. They said he was going to hang for stealing horses. Harry told them they had the wrong person, because he just got there. They knocked him unconscious and when he awoke, they were lowering him into a pit full of snakes by a rope tied around his neck. They bound his hands behind him, and both legs were broken. He saw the snakes and told them not to bite him, and he would set them all free. The men tied off the rope taut enough for him to lie down with his head pulled off the ground. Snakes slithered all over him, but did not bite. They said he would soon suffocate and then they would bite him for getting their hopes up for freedom. He couldn’t get the ropes off him, so he caused the ropes to smolder, and when he was finally free, he was able to get out his wand and started sending the snakes up and away from the pit. Soon he heard screaming from the men above. All the men died as the snakes overwhelmed and poisoned them. Harry apparated out of the hole and back to his campsite, and then mended his broken bones. Although he recovered from the incident, he will carry scars of a thief the rest of his life and he has horrible nightmares of the snakes in the pit all over him. Furthermore, he hasn’t shaved since then, and he wears his hair long for the same reason, to cover the dishonorable scar around his neck.”

“But he didn’t steal any horses. He shouldn’t worry about that.”

“A man that walks around with a scar around his neck from hanging tells a story without words Hermione,” explained Kinsley.

“You say everywhere you went there were always incidents that Harry nearly died or was bad enough to give the appearance of death? The reason I ask is because as I was telling Minerva, there have been rumors of his death these past four years, and Rita Skeeter was always the one who heard these rumors. Every time these rumors surfaced, she wanted to print his obituary.”

“Yes, Kingsley, I see your point. Harry leaves here, and doesn’t even get to set up his camp when he is attacked and ever since then too.”

“And don’t forget he was attacked when he arrived here; by someone other than me that is to say. However, he did tell us he killed a man that attacked him, and then buried him. We’ll need to recover that body in the morning, and find out who he was.”

Kingsley asked the boys how they got a hold of the flier.

Charlie explained, “We set a trap and caught the guy who threatened our family. We took him to the Ministry, and Rita Skeeter was just coming out of The Daily Profit. She was bragging on herself over something that made her very happy. We asked her what was she doing and she said she had news about Harry Potter and gave a special report to be printed and sent out tonight, and that she was on her way to get the rest of the news she needed to complete her story. She laughed and walked around the corner and disappeared. We ran inside and there on the Editors desk was her special edition she wanted printed tonight.”

“You should’ve seen Percy! I didn’t think he had it in him to be so brilliant,” laughed George as he proceeded to tell all. “He walked right up to the Editor and started boring him with a lot of gibberish about how he thinks there needs to be a special alert in the Daily Profit each day on the growing concerns of Black-market items being sold to our good and decent citizens. He says to warn the community not to wonder down Knockturn Alley where it seems to be the place these items are being sold.”

“Then, while Percy had the poor man’s attention, I swiftly and discreetly lifted Rita’s bulletin off of the desk without the editor even noticing.” chimed in Charlie very much proud of himself. The three boys laughed jubilantly at their sneaky adventure.

Then Percy stopped laughing abruptly. “Now hold on a minute! That was not gibberish I’ll have you know.” His back was straight and his head high.

Dumbledore smiled at the boys and then said, “It’s fortunate for Harry you were able to get this before it went to print. Let’s not speak of this to anyone outside of these walls, and see if we can collect the missing puzzle pieces.”

Ginny quietly spoke saying she doesn’t understand why everyone can’t leave him alone. She had not budged since Harry took hold of the top of her hand, and held it resting peacefully.

“Well, I can’t see how Zombies fit in any puzzle. I’d sure like to hear about what she had in mind telling about that.” George shook his head smirking at the idea. “And people say I’m the one who comes up with the craziest notions.”

“Awe come on George. That’s just her way of besmirching my best mates name and honor. Harry wouldn’t seek out and live with Zombies even if they were real. It’s just all Rita being wonky in the head.” The whole thing fueled the heat in Ron’s anger.

“Now listen here though. Harry came to my office the day he left. He had just the day before gone out to challenge a lake full of Inferi. He thought if he faced his greatest fear that it would make him feel better about what was confusing him about his life. He stirred them up and they overwhelmed him before he was ready. They drug him over sharp jagged rocks and into the lake. He was able at last to bring on the fire and drove them away from him. Then he burnt all of them in the lake. It didn’t help him feel any differently. The next day, which was the day he left, he borrowed a book from my office about folklore of the Dark Continent, and said he had Zombies to find. So, he obviously believes they exist.”

Ron listened to Professor McGonagall and shook his head. “How can he not feel different after killing Voldemort? I know he was afraid of him. He has mental issues if he has something scarier than that he’s afraid of.”

“Remus told me Harry’s worst fear is the Dementors.” Bill offered.

“And yet he’s faced hundred’s of them.” Hermione added quickly.

“Excuse me if you please.” Dumbledore waited until he had their attention. “It seems we are working two different puzzles here. I was speaking not of finding out Harry’s worst nightmares, but of the occurrences that has been happening since he left. Men showed up every time he went somewhere new and tried to kill him. There were always accusations against his reputation, and things of this nature.” Also, where and how does Rita Skeeter fit in? These are the puzzle pieces we need to sort out so we can see the picture of the puzzle. And to put a cap on Harry’s worst fears, Harry only thought at first his quest was to find and face his worst fear. However, it wasn’t until later on when he was well into his fourth year that he found out what it truly was.”

Molly suggested they wake him up, and take him to St. Mungo’s. “I’m sure he has a concussion and needs treatment better than what we’ve done for him here.”

“Can we ask him about the Zombies?” George asked hopeful. “I’d sure like to hear about them.”

“Let’s see what Harry has on his mind to tell us first,” put in Snape.

“I hope it’s on his mind to tell us how long he was outside waiting for us, and why didn’t he just come in when he arrived home.”

“I can answer that for you Ginny,” answered both Snape and Dumbledore. Snape nodded his head towards Dumbledore and remained quiet.

“Harry wanted to wait for the head of the house to come home, and enter with him. He thought anything else would be disrespectful and unfair to Arthur. Ginny, sense you are right there, how about you wake him for us.”

Wake Harry (: Wonder what he has to say (:
Good chapter Connie.
Ritaa Go Away. *eyes you*

Eviee <3

Hey Connie! This is really good!

Just for clarification:
Who is speaking here? I wasn't sure.

Now I'm really wondering about the zombies and what all happened to Harry while he was away and what all is going to happen now. Can't wait to see what goes on when Harry wakes up!
-Rachel

Miss Evi3e <3; Hey Eviee, thanks for reading. Harry will wake up, I'm quite sure of it. And as far as what he says... we'll have to wait and see. Just don't be too hard on him if he doesn't have all the answers right away. He's not feeling well at the moment, and he has to put things together for himself, before he can say much to anyone else.
Rita is quite the pest isn't she. Thanks for giving her the evil eye for me. I'm sure she'll behave for a while. Not much she can do in an enchanted jar after all. Thanks for reading and commenting, and saying it's a good chapter.



narnia_potter; Hey Rachel, thanks for asking your question for clarity. I'm sorry it wasn't written, but I write a lot of dialogue in my chapters and I try to stay away from so much of the he said she said stuff, to keep it from getting tiresome. This is Arthur speaking reminding them that although he was the one who attacked Harry, he wasn't the only one because Harry himself told them earlier that he had been attacked, and killed the man. The man he killed was the badger, but Harry couldn't put things together in his head because of the severity of his head injury. He thought that someone other than the badger was there, and was tryiing to kill him and then Mr. Weasley scared him away when he got home. hmmm, well if you have to know, I could tell you in a PM, but then you wouldn't have to read the next chapter. So, I won't tell. Thanks for reading and commenting Rachel.

Thanks for clarifying! That makes a lot more sense now!
And you could still PM me.... I wouldn't mind. I'd still read it anyway to see how you word it and stuff. (Besides I would never tell anyone if you actually did PM me or not. )
-Rachel

WAKING HARRY!!!!! HOORAY!! another wonderful chapter can't wait for more

Wow! Great update.

Hey readers, glad you dropped in and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Next Friday's chapter is, Chapter 12 "Things Always Look Different In The Morning" Thanks again for each of you reading. It means a lot to me.

narnia_potter; Hey Rachel, you're welcome, and if you really need to know ahead of time, PM me, and I'll tell you.

ashfig; Hey Ashley, thanks for reading and commenting. Yes, Harry wakes up, I wonder what he has to say. Thanks Ashley

Droo; Hey Droo, thank you so much!



Chapter 11

Wake Up Call For Harry

Ginny softly put her hand on Harry’s chest. “Harry?” He put his hand over hers and tucked his fingers under her fingers.

“Harry?” she said again. This time he opened his eyes and looked at her. He didn’t say anything, but closed his eyes again. She saw his eyelashes moisten.

“Harry” she spoke a bit louder. He opened his eyes and slightly shook his head. He took his hand off hers, reached up, and felt her face, rubbing his thumb over her lips. “I love you Ginny. Will you love me ever again?” Then he closed his eyes and his hand went back to covering hers on his chest.
“Harry!” She said desperately, trying to be more forceful. He opened his eyes and looked at her again. A tear rolled down his face and into his hair. “Please… enough torture for tonight? Please… Mischief Managed.” He closed his eyes again, but he started shivering.

“Harry! Wake up Mate, you‘re home! Ron demanded. He reached down and shook his friends shoulder.

Harry opened his eyes and looked up at Ron, then looked down at himself and all around. A look of realization came over his face. He blinked again and noticed he had Ginny’s hand on his chest. He dropped his hand immediately and apologized.

“I’m sorry Ginny. I didn’t know you were real.” He looked expectantly at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. “Er … I guess you believe me now? I can’t help but notice I’m not on the floor, and my head has been bandaged,” he said trying to lighten the somber air about the room. His smile was small and shy.

Professor Dumbledore spoke up just then and Harry’s smile broadened. “Harry, I don’t want to stress you or anything, but could you tell us what you remember.”

He closed his eyes and took a semi deep breath, then opened his eyes again. “I remember Ron being unnecessarily rough with me a couple times, and Hermione trying to scalp me. Closing his eyes again, and shaking his head gently. “Thunder and lightening, wind … I was attacked …” His breathing was short and sharp. “Could I please have a drink of water?”

Molly grabbed a glass of water coming to her. She knelt beside Harry and helped him hold his head up so he could drink. He began to drink deeply and she pulled it away. “Slow down Harry, you’ll get sick.” He nodded and tried to drink slower, but he wasn’t able to control his need for the water. He began to drink great gulps of it again. “Harry Dear!” she said firmly, but in a soft manner. “You’ll get sick. You need to slow down.” He drank the glass down, and asked if he could have more in ten minutes time.

“OK, I’ll try to remember more. It’s so fuzzy.” He closed his eyes and gritted his teeth as his stomach began to cramp. With eyes closed, he started illuminating the past few hours that were dark in his memory.

“I got here late this afternoon as Mrs. Weasley was feeding the chickens. A badger kept attacking me. I ended up killing it and buried it. Something about that, but I can’t think. After everyone got here with the exception of Mr. Weasley, I was about to decide if I should put up a tent. The storm was moving in very fast. Something happened … Lightening ripped through the sky and I knew it was going to arc. I was worried about the Burrow, and everyone in here. I shot a protective charm on the house and then there was more thunder and lightening. Then … a man grabbed me by the throat as he charged into me. We both went to the ground. I couldn’t breath, and he put all his weight on his knee here under my belly button. I felt something rip inside of me. I couldn’t tell what … I was struggling as hard as I could to get away. He had me pinned though. I was desperate, and was just about to curse him when my head exploded with unimaginable pain. I woke up out there on the table with everyone treating me like a criminal or something. I knew I was in a bad way, and I was afraid I would loose control of the chaos in my head; but I lay still until I could do something sensible. I knew I’d only have one chance of getting it right. I thought that at any moment my hair was going to separate from my scalp, and I felt desperate again. …” He stopped and opened his eyes. They rolled to the back of his head, and then he shook his head, and opened them wide then shut them tight again. His breathing was getting shallow and he gasped and held it in. Then he started trying to take calming breaths.

Ginny turned and looked at the portraits. She was scared and needed reassurances that Harry was ok. They both shook their heads, but Dumbledore put his finger to his lips, and didn’t say a word.

Finally, Harry took a quivering cleansing breath, along with everyone else who happened to be holding their breath. “I got the wand from Ron, and was able to get away from everyone. … I hurt Hermione’s wrist, for which I am truly sorry. A few minutes later when I thought all hope was gone, I found out I was still invisible. After remedying that problem, still nobody knew me. Ron was … well, he made me prove who I was by showing and explaining some scars. When they still didn‘t believe me, I thought I was going to die right then, and it didn’t matter. Then I must have gotten my portraits out, ‘cause there you are, and I don’t remember anything till now. Something is missing though … hang on … The animal, a badger … Mr. Weasley, you need to know …” Harry’s breathing became short and labored. “I don’t know how much longer I can stay conscious, and Kingsley you better hear also.”

“Does this have something to do with you saying you killed someone earlier?” asked Kingsley.

“Did I already tell you? I can’t remember. But, yes, it has everything to do with that.”

Hermione got a quill and some parchment and sat ready to copy everything Harry said.

“I should hear this as well. Could someone move please so I can be sure to hear him properly?” Percy exclaimed clearing his throat importantly. He pulled parchment and a quill out of the air, and was trying to budge Ron off his seat. Charlie boxed his ears and told him to get over himself.

“Mrs. Weasley, could I ask you to get a cup of Skele-Gro potion? Add some rose-hips, and a few nettle, and Black Raspberry leaves to it.”

“Yes Dear, of course.” He watched her get up and as she went to the kitchen, she looked nervously to her recipe books. “It’s ok, Mrs. Weasley. It won’t be in any books. Just add the leaves and rose hips to the Skele-Gro and let it steep as you would tea.” He smiled weakly at her.

Harry began telling them about the badger and killing it only to find out by sensing magic residue that it was a human. He told them how he contained, and then buried it. “I wanted to show you when you got home, but I was attacked before I could. I guess we’ll have to go out in the morning and find out who he is. I’m thinking…”

Percy interrupted just then to finish his sentence. “You’re thinking someone is following you so he can steal your diamond mine?” He continued writing his question and looked to Harry for his answer when he finished writing.

Harry opened his eyes and tried to focus on Percy, then slowly answered Percy.

“No, Percy. I wasn’t thinking about that. I was worried that someone was staking out your house, and we need to find out who he was, and why he was doing it.” He looked hard at Percy, and the rest of the room of people, all staring at him. “I didn’t realize my ownership of that mine or anything else I did while I was gone was common knowledge.”

Ginny took the flier from her dad and handed it to Harry. He glanced at it and shut his eyes tight. Reopening them, he looked hard at the paper. Then he handed it back to Ginny. “I can’t read this right now. It’s hard enough figuring which of the five of everybody I’m seeing is the right one. Trying to put words together is just too hard. And besides if she’s involved in this somehow, I’ll need a clear head to think properly.”

Harry’s breathing continued to decline rapidly, and sweat was pouring down the sides of his face and neck.

“Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, something I need to ask you right now. I don’t think I’m gonna last much longer before I pass out again. But, before he could speak, his head rolled over to the side. Then he snapped it up again and groaned at the sudden movement. “Gin, please help me. If I drop off poke me. I need to ask… Mr. and Mrs. Weasley… this isn’t how I planned this, but, I love Ginny with all my being. I promise to love and protect her with my life as long as I live. I can provide for her and she will never want for anything. I have a home she will be comfortable in, and I promise I’ll do everything possible to be for her what you want her to have. Please give me your Blessing to marry her if she’ll have me.”

By this time, Harry was struggling to stay conscious. Although he was sweating profusely, he was shivering uncontrollably. “I guess you can give me your answer in the morning.” He looked at Molly and said, “I’m sure that medicine has steeped enough for me to drink if I could have it now, and could I please have a blanket also?”

Molly got up and hurried to the kitchen to retrieve the cup of medicine. As she re-entered the living room she caught a blanket that whisked down the stairs as well.

Molly handed the blanket to Ginny and lifted his head off the pillow, to help him be able to drink the medicine. While he drank, Ginny spread the blanket over Harry and tucked him in.

“Thanks.”

“Harry, I’m thinking we need to get you to St. Mungo’s. You’re pretty bad off.”

He asked her if the bandage was wet with blood and how long had it been bandaged. She observed it carefully and said it had some on it, but it wasn’t a lot, and they put the bandage on a little over two hours ago. “I think we need to take you in,” she said decidedly.

I’ll be better off sleeping here, if that‘s ok with you and Mr. Weasley. The bleeding is stopping and this medicine …. “But,” she broke in protesting. “You’re fevered and you’re shaking. I’m sure you need to be in the hospital, and not here.” She was clearly worried and Harry tried to lift those worries from her.

“Really Mrs. Weasley, I’ll be fine. I just mainly need to rest. Sleep will make all the difference in the world since I’ve had water, and medicine. Plus, I don’t actually have a fever; the sweating and shivering is just the trauma from my injuries.” He looked at her kindly, but still she didn’t seem convinced. “I’ve been taking care of myself these four years, and there have been near death instances too. Sometimes I used Fawkes to help me, but for the most part, I took care of myself. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge, and you need to trust that I’m not just being stubborn, but I really do know what’s best for me.” He smiled at her wearily. Please everyone can just go on to bed. Don’t worry about me I’m fine. I‘ll sleep right here if it‘s ok.”

Everyone got up and said kind words and good night to him as they patted him on the shoulder. Molly and Arthur both said they would let him have the answer to his question in the morning after they discussed it. Molly put her hand gently on the right side of his face, kissed the top of his head, and told him, “No matter what happens tomorrow, we’re so thankful you’re home. We love you dearly Harry.”

Harry met her eyes and without words to say he bravely managed a weak smile.

Arthur and Molly moved over to the other guests and told Minerva and Kingsley they would be happy to put them up if they would like to stay. They both graciously declined the invitation and left saying they would return in the morning.

Molly went to the dryer and folded Harry’s clothes and put them on the table. Arthur started assigning bedrooms. Charlie took his and Bills old room, George and Percy each took their old rooms, and Hermione could share Ginny’s room. Arthur looked at Harry distracted for a moment, still feeling terribly guilty of hurting him. He turned back lost for a second where he was at in the assignments, paused looking to each son. “Oh yes! Ron, oh well you’re easy, you can have your room since you still live here.” He cuffed his youngest son affectionately on the shoulder at the affront Ron seemed to have taken at his last statement. Bill said he would drop Harry’s things off at his new house before he went home. Then they all retired to their bedrooms with the exception of Ginny.

Really good chapter I like (:
PAMS

Eviee <33

Hey Connie! This is a really good chapter!
I can't wait to find out if Ginny stays up with him all night, or something else. And I can't wait to see what Arthur and Molly have to say! I hope it's a yes!
Just wondering, are you going to write on their conversation or not? Or just say their answer?
Great job!
-Rachel

Miss Evi3e <3; Hey Eviee, thank you for saying it was a really good chapter and, I'm super glad you liked it. Thanks

narnia_potter; Hey Rachel, is it ok if I didn't write all the dialogue. It would be a way to not have such long chapters. Teasing! Yes, there will be dialogue between them. I don't think I'm giving away any huge secret in telling you. Thank you for saying it was great. I'm glad you liked it.

Great Chapter Connie!

Hey everyone I hope you all are doing great and staying warm. This chapter is very short, but I hope you still enjoy it. I figure sometimes it's nice to have a break from the long ones. Thanks to all who read this ff, I'm so happy to have you. Next weeks chapter is Chapter 13, "A Fresh Start, A New DAy" I hope you all have a wonderful week.

Droo; Thanks for reading and commenting Droo. You're catching a break this week with a short chapter, but next week is a long one. Thanks for your support Droo.




Chapter 12

Things Always Look Different In The Morning

Ginny pulled Harry’s hand out from under the blanket and held it to her face with both of her hands. She kissed it and her tears of deepest remorse fell over his fingers.

“I’m so sorry I made you torture yourself every night. I can’t stand that you left here thinking that I hate you. For the life of me, I can’t figure out why you love me and want to marry me. I am such a wicked witch. Compassion moved Harry, as she cried softly.

“Gin? For each statement and question you just said, the answer is and always will be, ‘Because I love you.’ The thing is…” he faltered and took a short breath and swallowed the great lump in his throat keeping him from saying what was on his mind. He managed to swallow and said rather feebly, “Gin… I don’t think I’m what they have in mind for your husband. I’m too much trouble. There is always something to worry about with me. They don’t need to be worrying about you all the time.”

At Ginny’s obvious heartbreak, copious amounts of new tears running down her cheeks, and shaking her head, ‘no’, he tried to sound encouraging. “You know what? I’m jumping the gun here. Everything will look different in the morning. Please just go on up to bed. I bet Hermione is waiting for a girls pow-wow or something.” He smiled at her and with an effort; he reached his hand to her face and felt his fingers to her lips. He licked his lips and tried to raise his chin to receive her lips to his for the kiss he was wanting in the worst way, and passed out. His hand dropped over the front of her shoulder and down to her lap.

She picked up his limp hand and held it to her lips then hugged it tightly to her and then she tucked it in under the blanket. She thought of her second year when she was watching him lying in the hospital wing with his head bandaged. Everyone was afraid that he was dieing then too. However, the next morning he was up trying to figure out where he was and what happened to him. She smiled and said softly, “Yes, things do look differently in the morning.” She remembered Ron saying that he sleeps with one foot uncovered and turned around to untuck his feet so he could get one uncovered if he wanted, and found he already had one stuck out. She smiled feeling much better, then bent over and kissed his hot lips.

She started to go upstairs and seen the portraits still watching them.

“Er… Sirs? Do you want me to put you back in the pouch for the night, or what? I mean ... Will you sleep ok this way? Or whatever it is you do?”

“Thank you for your attentiveness Miss Weasley,” said Dumbledore softly. “But we will just stay up for a while and watch our splendid young man. If he has any problems, you can count on us raising the roof to waken you to help him. Goodnight Miss Weasley. Harry is blessed to have such a wonderful young woman to become his wife.”