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Part 3 of Meant To Be
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2025-03-12
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Meant To Be : Musketeers Beyond Chamber

Summary:

(Updates Every Wednesday !) As the summer following Harry's first year at Hogwarts comes to a close, the young wizard's life is about to take a dramatic turn. Despite the joys of reconnecting with Ginny through letters and dream visits, Harry's return to the Dursleys' is met with the usual cruelty. However, when their abuse crosses a line, Dudley intervenes, calling in the Aurors and leading to the arrest of his parents. Meanwhile, Harry's friendship circle expands as he welcomes new members to the group, now dubbed the "12 Muskeeteers."

As the new school year begins, the 12 Muskeeteers must navigate the challenges of Hogwarts, including Quidditch, school dynamics, and the mysterious Chamber of Secrets. With Sirius Black's return to the wizarding world, secrets from the past begin to surface, entwining with current events and threatening the stability of Hogwarts. The group must work together to uncover the truth behind the Chamber, while also confronting the complexities of their own relationships and identities.

Chapter 1: Hogwarts Express

Chapter Text

Author's Notes:

Meant To Be :  12 Muskeeteers and the Chamber of Secrets .

As the summer following Harry's first year at Hogwarts comes to a close, the young wizard's life is about to take a dramatic turn. Despite the joys of reconnecting with Ginny through letters and dream visits, Harry's return to the Dursleys' is met with the usual cruelty. However, when their abuse crosses a line, Dudley intervenes, calling in the Aurors and leading to the arrest of his parents. In a surprising twist, Dudley discovers he's a wizard, and the two boys, along with Grandma Tucker, begin a new life at Fawcett Manor.

Meanwhile, Harry's friendship circle expands as he welcomes new members to the group, now dubbed the "12 Muskeeteers." Luna Lovegood, Dudley Dursley, Susan Bones, Samantha Jones, Scorpius Malfoy, and Daisy Potter join the original group, including Ginny, who's now starting her first year at Hogwarts. Together, they form a diverse and dynamic group, united by their loyalty and friendship.

As the new school year begins, the 12 Muskeeteers must navigate the challenges of Hogwarts, including Quidditch, school dynamics, and the mysterious Chamber of Secrets. With Sirius Black's return to the wizarding world, secrets from the past begin to surface, entwining with current events and threatening the stability of Hogwarts. The group must work together to uncover the truth behind the Chamber, while also confronting the complexities of their own relationships and identities.

Amidst the turmoil, Ginny and Harry's love continues to flourish, but the mysterious writer in Tom Riddle's diary poses a formidable threat. As the story unfolds, the 12 Muskeeteers will discover hidden strengths, confront unexpected challenges, and learn the value of unity and loyalty in the face of adversity. Will Voldemort succeed in regaining power, and what secrets lie beneath the surface of the wizarding world?

Hello and welcome! This story is a continuation of my previous work, Meant to Be. As some of you may know, Meant to Be is a lengthy tale, currently spanning over 700k words. I understand that its length may deter some readers, giving the impression of being a daunting or boring read.

However, I've received feedback that breaking the story into smaller, manageable parts can enhance the reading experience. With that in mind, I've decided to divide Meant to Be into a series of connected stories.

This suggestion actually came from my sister, who encouraged me to explore this format. As a result, readers now have the flexibility to choose how they'd like to experience the story. If you prefer to read the entire narrative in one go, Meant to Be is still available as a single, complete story. Alternatively, you can opt to read it in parts, as I release each new installment.

Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you enjoy this new format!

As I continue to share this story with you, I'd like to clarify a few points. The narrative is fully mapped out in my mind, with some key notes to guide me along the way. However, please be patient, as it may take around a year or more for the entire story to unfold.

As of March 10, 2025, we're currently at the point where Harry is in his second year at Hogwarts.

Regarding the story's pacing, I've received feedback from some readers, and I acknowledge that there are indeed pacing issues, particularly in the first year. I recognized this midway through the first year, but by then, it was too late to make significant changes. However, I'm committed to adjusting the pacing from the second year onwards. You may notice that the subsequent years unfold at a slightly different pace, potentially making them shorter than the first year.

I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge the central theme of this story: the blossoming relationship and love between Harry and Ginny. Some of you may have commented on the development of their romance, and I'd like to share my approach. From the outset, my intention was to portray Harry and Ginny as a couple, despite their young age. I understand this may raise questions, but rest assured that their early love is a deliberate narrative choice, and the reasons behind it will be revealed as the story unfolds.I'd also like to address a concern: I want to assure you that I'm not promoting sexist or perverse themes. Harry and Ginny's relationship will evolve naturally, including romantic moments like kisses. Their bond is deep and meaningful, and I'll reveal more about it as the story progresses.

On a separate note, I want to warn you that the early chapters of the story contain scenes of abuse during Harry's time with the Dursleys. While I've tried to handle these scenes sensitively, some of you may still find them disturbing, especially if you've experienced trauma or have certain mental health concerns. Please take care of yourself as you read.

I'd like to address another aspect of the story: you may notice that Harry's abilities and intelligence surpass those of his canonical counterpart. This deviation is intentional and will be justified within the narrative. My concern, however, is that you might perceive Harry as overly powerful or godlike, which is not the intention. Once Voldemort is formally introduced, you'll understand why Harry's enhanced abilities are necessary to counter the Dark Lord's threats.

Unlike some fanfictions where Harry's powers are amplified without a corresponding increase in Voldemort's abilities, my story takes a different approach. Voldemort's powers and darkness will be revealed to be even more formidable than in the original canon, making Harry's enhanced abilities a necessary counterbalance. While Harry may seem overpowered during the first year, keep in mind that Voldemort's resurrection and return to power are still unfolding, mirroring the original storyline. By the story's conclusion, you'll see that Harry's abilities are not excessive, but rather a crucial aspect of the narrative.

I'd like to acknowledge that while I strive to remain faithful to the wizarding world's lore, there may be instances where I intentionally deviate from it to serve the story's needs. As this is an Alternate Universe (AU) narrative, I believe such creative liberties are justified. After all, the essence of an AU is to offer a unique, non-canonical take on the original story.

Regarding my writing style, you may notice that I occasionally include detailed information that might not be crucial to the plot. I do this because some readers appreciate the extra depth and context. Feel free to skim over these details if they're not important to you, or indulge in them if you're interested – the choice is yours.

I'd like to clarify the story's rating: as of now, the narrative is generally suitable for a PG-13 audience, with the exception of some scenes depicting abuse. Please note that these scenes are not graphically described, and I've endeavored to handle them sensitively. However, as the story progresses, it may explore darker themes. Rest assured that I'll provide clear warnings before such chapters, allowing readers to prepare themselves or skip those sections if needed.

I'd also like to acknowledge my writing process openly. While many authors rely on beta readers for feedback, I use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist me in crafting complex scenes and refining my grammar. Please be assured that the storyline and creative direction are entirely my own. I leverage AI to help me avoid errors, as English is not my native language, and I'm prone to mistakes. This collaborative approach enables me to produce a more polished narrative while maintaining the integrity of my creative vision.

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your feedback, reviews, and comments. Your input is invaluable to me, and I welcome praise, constructive criticism, negative feedback, and suggestions. I do hope, however, that you'll share your thoughts respectfully, avoiding inappropriate language and personal insults. In return, I promise to maintain a respectful tone and avoid intentional offense.

I also acknowledge that we may not always see eye-to-eye, and that's perfectly okay. If you disagree with me on certain points, I encourage you to share your thoughts and suggestions. If I find them plausible, I'll do my best to incorporate them into the story. Please know that I'll strive to please as many readers as possible, but I understand that it's impossible to satisfy everyone's preferences. Your understanding and feedback are greatly appreciated.

Before I conclude, I'd like to address one more important aspect. If you're expecting a story that disparages or "bashes" beloved characters like the Weasleys, Hermione, Snape, or Dumbledore, I'm afraid you won't find that here. This narrative is designed to be respectful and celebratory of the wizarding world and its inhabitants. If you're curious about my stance on these characters, I'd be happy to share my thoughts with you via private message.

In particular, I want to emphasize that this story will not feature a "dark" or "manipulative" Dumbledore, nor will it engage in Dumbledore bashing. While the narrative may touch on his flaws and imperfections, it will do so in a respectful and nuanced manner.

I'd also like to assure you that I have no intention of offending anyone's sentiments, religious beliefs, or values. If, inadvertently, I do cause offense, I offer my sincerest apologies. Please know that my goal is to craft a story that is both entertaining and respectful.

I'd like to acknowledge the intellectual property rights of the original characters and the wizarding world's lore, which remain the exclusive property of J.K. Rowling and other respective owners. I make no claim to these rights. Any text or content from the original books used in my story remains the property of its rightful owners. My ownership is limited to the original storyline and characters I've created.

Lastly, I've included a brief summary of the story below. If, after reading these author notes, you're still interested in embarking on this journey with me, I'm deeply grateful. Please feel free to begin reading, and thank you for your support!

Story Summary:After the events of Godric's Hollow in 1981, Harry Potter is sent to live with the Dursleys, where he suffers severe abuse. Unbeknownst to Harry, this abuse unlocks ancient powers within him, strengthening his magical core and granting him new abilities. Despite this traumatic start, Harry grows into an exceptionally intelligent, powerful, kind, and selfless individual.

Before beginning his first year at Hogwarts, Harry meets Ginny Weasley and develops feelings for her. Thus starts their romantic journey together, accompanied by adventure, friendship, and the battle against the increasingly powerful Voldemort. Alongside their friends, Harry and Ginny courageously face the Dark Lord's growing threat, their bond and love for each other becoming a beacon of hope in the face of darkness.

"Meant To Be" is a heartwarming and thrilling tale of Harry and Ginny's relationship, set against the backdrop of magic, friendship, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Hinny Forever ! No Bashing !

Chapter Begins 

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

A/n : Hello I know that I have dragged 1st year a little too much so which is why you may feel 2nd year shorter than first. Thank You.

This Chapter is basically a recap sort of thing till mid chapter.

The term had officially come to a close, marking the end of Harry's first year at Hogwarts. It had been an eventful year, filled with adventure, friendship, and challenges. Harry's journey had begun on the Hogwarts Express, where he had met Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. Neville Longbottom had soon joined their group, and the four had become inseparable.

Their friendship had been put to the test when they had encountered Draco Malfoy, who had tried to insult them. However, Harry's response had been calm and collected, and he had made it clear that he didn't believe in house rivalry. Despite this, Harry had been sorted into Gryffindor House, after the longest hatstall in Hogwarts history. The Sorting Hat had been torn, as Harry's qualities made him a strong candidate for all four houses.

Throughout the year, Harry's thoughts had often turned to Ginny Weasley, who was still at the Burrow, waiting to start her own Hogwarts journey. Despite the distance, Ginny had remained close to Harry's heart, and he had often found himself thinking of her.

As the year progressed, Harry's exceptional capabilities had become apparent, and he had consistently topped every subject.

One of the most significant transformations had been in his relationship with Professor Snape. Harry's bravery and kindness had slowly chipped away at Snape's initial disdain, and eventually, Snape had come to respect Harry, realizing that he was not his father. This newfound respect had been evident in Snape's interactions with Harry, and it had been a remarkable turnaround.

Another highlight of Harry's first year had been his selection as the youngest Seeker in a century. This honor had been bestowed upon him after his incredible display of bravery and compassion during a Flying session. In a remarkable feat, Harry had caught Neville's Remembrall mid-air while simultaneously saving a bird's egg from falling. This selfless act had earned him the admiration of his peers and the respect of his professors.

As the year progressed, Harry's exceptional character had shone through, as he consistently showed respect and kindness to everyone around him. This included not only his friends and teachers but also those who were often overlooked or underappreciated, such as Madam Pince, the librarian, Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, and even Argus Filch, the grumpy caretaker.

Harry's commitment to unity and his disdain for house rivalry had driven him to take the initiative to bring the houses together. With the help of his best friends, Hermione, Neville, and Ron, Harry had started this ambitious project. He had initially succeeded in uniting the Hufflepuff first years, who were quickly followed by the Ravenclaw first years. However, Slytherin had proven to be a more challenging case, with half of the students resisting the idea of unity.

Despite this, Harry had refused to give up. He continued to treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of their house affiliation. This approach had ultimately earned him the respect of Crabbe, a Slytherin student, during a flying session. When Crabbe had struggled with his broomstick, Harry had rushed to his aid, helping him without hesitation. This selfless act had impressed Crabbe, who had begun to see Harry in a new light.

However, Harry had faced a difficult time during Halloween, as it marked the death anniversary of his parents. This year, the pain had hit him harder than ever before.

Ginny, his girlfriend from the Burrow, had sensed his distress and taken the initiative to visit his parents' grave with him on Halloween. Her presence had brought Harry comfort, and together they had paid their respects to James and Lily Potter.

Meanwhile, Draco Malfoy had been struggling with his own emotions. He had realized that he had developed a crush on Hermione, which had left him confused and disoriented. In an attempt to shake off these feelings, Draco had insulted Hermione on Halloween, setting off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to her being attacked by a troll in the bathroom. Fortunately, Harry, Ron, and Neville had come to her rescue, saving her life and cementing their friendship in the process.

The incident had also marked the beginning of a internal conflict within Draco. Torn between his loyalty to his family's dark values and his growing sense of morality, Draco had begun to question his ways. He had started exchanging letters with his younger brother, Scorpius, who had already begun to rebel against the Malfoy family's beliefs. This marked the beginning of Draco's journey towards redemption, as he slowly started to re-evaluate his values and loyalties.

On Halloween, the castle had been attacked by a group of five trolls. Four of them had engaged in a fierce battle with the professors, while the fifth troll had been dealt with by Harry and his friends.

However, what had made the encounter truly remarkable was Harry's ability to communicate with the trolls. He possessed a unique gift that allowed him to understand and connect with creatures, regardless of their language. This special talent had also earned him the distinction of being a Friend of the Goblin Nation.

Harry's unconventional thinking and open-minded approach had made a significant impact on those around him. He had even inspired Professor Binns to revamp the curriculum of his notoriously dull "History of Magic" class. Harry's influence had brought a fresh perspective to the subject, making it more engaging and relevant to the students.

Following the events of Halloween, Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Neville had joined forces with Fred and George Weasley to form a secret group of pranksters, dubbed The New Marauders. Their mission was to follow in the footsteps of the original Marauders, James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew.

Meanwhile, Draco's internal conflict continued to simmer, driving him towards a more positive path. The first Quidditch match of the season had marked the beginning of a new series of events. Harry's friends had been convinced that Snape had attempted to jinx Harry's broom, but Harry had suspected that Quirrell was the true culprit. This had led to a chain of events that ultimately revealed the existence of the Philosopher's Stone, hidden beneath a trapdoor in the forbidden third-floor corridor.

As they delved deeper into the mystery, the four friends had made an unexpected ally: Fluffy, the fearsome three-headed dog guarding the corridor. Thanks to Harry's unique ability to communicate with creatures, they had been able to befriend Fluffy, who had become a valuable, if unlikely, friend.

However, the Quidditch victory had also led to a tragic event - a dream reality convergence that had left Harry shaken. In the dream, he had experienced the unbearable pain of losing Ginny, and had even felt the searing agony of the Cruciatus curse.

Fortunately, the timely intervention of Madam Pomfrey and Professor Snape's Legilimency skills had saved Harry from the dream's dark clutches. The incident had provided a crucial clue to adults like Professor Dumbledore, hinting that Sirius Black might not be the betrayer everyone thought him to be. However, despite this revelation, the adults were unable to take decisive action, leaving the kids in the dark, unaware of the truth and its implications.

As the year progressed, Snape's relationship with Harry continued to evolve. Impressed by Harry's improvised Forgetfulness potion, Snape collaborated with him to create a better, revolutionary version. Together, they invented the Potter-Snape Amnesia Potion, a groundbreaking achievement that showcased the unlikely duo's combined expertise.

Meanwhile, Draco's internal struggle had finally come to an end. He apologized to Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville for his past behavior, and Harry, understanding the complexities of Draco's situation, accepted his apology with open arms. The group of four friends had expanded to five, with Draco's newfound camaraderie marking a significant turning point. His change of heart also had a profound impact on the Slytherin first years, who began to unify under his leadership.

Harry's mission to unite Hogwarts had reached a major milestone, completing stage one. The first years, with a few exceptions, had come together, transcending house boundaries. It was a remarkable achievement, one that filled Harry with hope and optimism for the future. As he looked out at his friends, he knew that this was just the beginning of a brighter, more harmonious era at Hogwarts.

However, the dream reality convergence incident had left a lasting impact on Harry, manifesting in the form of nightmares. These haunting dreams revealed a painful truth: if his parents had not been killed, Harry would have had a little sister.

As Christmas approached, Harry's condition worsened, and the nightmares intensified. Though Ginny was physically at the Burrow, her love and support continued to be a source of comfort for Harry. On Christmas Day, Fred and George Weasley gifted Harry the Marauder's Map, which sparked a new idea in him. Inspired by the map's intricacies, Harry vowed to create his own, more detailed version, dubbed the New Marauder's Map.

The nightmares, however, continued to haunt Harry, but his bond with Ginny proved to be a powerful antidote. They discovered that they could share their dreams, meeting in a secret dreamland every night. This deepened their connection, transforming it into something truly special. Their love became the catalyst for the creation of a Phoenix, named Hinny, who existed solely in their dreamland. Though Hinny was yet to materialize in the real world, its presence in their shared dreams further strengthened the bond between Harry and Ginny.

As the year progressed, Harry formed a deep bond with Remus Lupin, also known as Moony, who had relocated to England to be closer to Harry. This newfound friendship brought immense joy and comfort to Harry.

Around the same time, a significant event occurred, unbeknownst to everyone. Sirius Black, believed to have betrayed Harry's parents to Voldemort, had escaped from Azkaban Prison. However, his true intentions were pure - he had risked everything to protect Harry. Dumbledore, determined to clear Sirius's name, joined forces with Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, to gather proof of his innocence.

In a surprising turn of events, Harry's life intersected with Sirius's during a Quidditch match. Harry had fallen from his broomstick and landed in the Forbidden Forest, where he encountered Sirius. It was there that Harry learned the truth about Sirius's innocence. United in their quest for justice, Harry, his friends Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Draco, along with Dumbledore, Moony, and Amelia, formed a formidable team, working tirelessly to uncover the proof that would clear Sirius's name.

As the year progressed, Harry, his friends, and allies had worked tirelessly to clear Sirius's name. Their efforts had finally paid off, and Sirius was granted a trial. However, the presence of influential pure-blood wizards like Lucius Malfoy in the Wizengamot had hindered Sirius's ability to prove his innocence fully, as Peter Pettigrew, the true traitor, remained at large.

Despite this setback, they had managed to keep Sirius out of Azkaban, placing him under house arrest at Amelia Bones' estate instead. For Harry and his friends, this house arrest was merely a formality, as they knew Sirius was innocent. After the excitement of the Quidditch final, where Gryffindor had emerged victorious, the five friends, along with Hagrid, had encountered Norberta, Hagrid's pet dragon. Following a thrilling adventure, they had contacted Charlie Weasley, who had arranged for the dragon to be transported to a dragon reserve in Romania.

However, an unexpected encounter with Firenze, the centaur, had left Harry with a sense of foreboding. Firenze's words had hinted that the Philosopher's Stone, hidden somewhere within the school, was in danger. This revelation had sent a shiver down Harry's spine, as he realized that the Stone could potentially hold the key to Voldemort's return.

The five friends had decided to inform Dumbledore about the potential danger to the Philosopher's Stone. However, they soon discovered that Dumbledore was unavailable, having been summoned to the Ministry of Magic on urgent business. The friends suspected that the letter was fake, designed to create a diversion.

Realizing that they were on their own, the friends understood that they had to protect the Stone themselves. However, they were misled into believing that Snape was after the Stone, which meant Harry couldn't ask for his help. On the decided time, Draco, who had been running late, encountered Snape, who was confunded. After the spell broke, Draco asked Snape for help, and together they made their way to the Trapdoor.

Meanwhile, the other four friends had already navigated numerous obstacles to reach the Stone. However, their progress was halted when Ron was knocked unconscious, and Neville's leg was sprained. As they stopped midway, they encountered the final obstacle: a potion that allowed only one person to pass. Harry, determined to save the Stone, entered alone, leaving Hermione behind.

Snape and Draco, who had been following closely, encountered Charity Burbage, who was under Quirrell's control. After stunning her in a duel, they entered through the Trapdoor and found Ron, Hermione, and Neville, all safe but concerned. They soon realized that Harry had already reached the final obstacle, ready to face Quirrell alone and save the Philosopher's Stone.

Harry then faced his greatest challenge yet: confronting Quirrell and the dark lord Voldemort, who was hiding as a parasite in Quirrell's body. With bravery and determination, Harry managed to save the Philosopher's Stone, ensuring its power wouldn't fall into the wrong hands.

The encounter had come at a great cost, however. Quirrell had lost his life, and Voldemort's soul had fled, forced to search for a new host. Harry, exhausted and injured, had remained unconscious for two days in the hospital wing. Finally, he woke up, greeted by the relieved faces of his friends and the Hogwarts staff.

The end-of-term feast was a celebration of the five friends' heroism. Gryffindor had won the house cup, but in a show of unity, the first-year students from all houses joined in the celebrations, putting aside their differences. The Great Hall was filled with laughter and applause as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco were hailed as heroes, their bravery and friendship inspiring the entire school.

The five friends stood at the gates of Hogwarts, their trunks by their side, as they prepared to board the horseless carriage that would take them to Hogsmeade station. Harry gently held a cage containing his owl, Hedwig, and a little sparrow, both fast asleep. His black bag pack, slung over his shoulder, concealed his colour-changing cat, Kluer, who was sleeping peacefully.

Ron, still shaken by the revelation that Scabbers was actually Peter Pettigrew, stood pet-less. Scabbers had been missing since the truth was discovered, which meant Sirius was still not completely exonerated and remained under house arrest at Amelia Bones' estate. Hermione, who had never had a pet of her own, stood beside her friends, her eyes shining with excitement for the summer break.

Neville carefully cradled a cage containing his toad, while Draco stood beside his black owl, Taurus, perched in its cage. They were joined by Susan Bones, Amelia's niece, who was the only student, aside from the five friends, privy to the truth about Sirius.

Together, the group climbed into the carriage, settling in for the journey to Hogsmeade station. As they sat together, the excitement of the summer break was palpable, mixed with the lingering tensions and mysteries of the past year. Their destination was the Hogwarts Express, which would take them to Platform 9 3/4 and the start of their summer holidays.

Susan sat in the carriage, beaming with happiness as she joined the group of five friends. Having learned the truth about Sirius's innocence, she felt a sense of belonging among them. From next year on, she was eager to be a part of their group, sharing in their adventures and experiences. As the niece of Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Susan had grown up with a deep understanding of the wizarding world and its complexities.

Tragedy had struck her family ten years ago when her parents were killed by Death Eaters during a brutal attack. Only Susan, who was just a child at the time, and her aunt Amelia had survived, leaving them as the last remaining members of the Bones family. The loss had been devastating, but Amelia's love and support had helped Susan heal and grow. With the summer holidays approaching, Susan would be spending two months at the Bones estate, where Sirius was currently under house arrest, albeit nominally, as he was actually living as a guest.

It was for this reason that Amelia had written to Susan, revealing the truth about Sirius's innocence, so that she would understand the situation and be prepared for their summer together. Although Amelia's letter had not mentioned her own feelings for Sirius, Susan would soon come to realize that her aunt harbored a deep affection for him. In fact, Amelia had been in love with Sirius since their Hogwarts days, but he had never reciprocated her feelings, instead choosing to focus on his close friendship with James Potter, Harry's father.

Sirius's heart had belonged to Marlene, his fiancée who had tragically lost her life, along with her entire family, ten years ago. The pain of that loss still lingered, and even though Sirius's heart was beginning to feel for Amelia, his mind struggled to accept it, unable to move on from the memories of his lost love. This inner turmoil had left Sirius feeling conflicted, unsure of how to navigate his emotions.

Neville sat in the carriage, gently petting his toad Trevor, lost in thought. He felt grateful for the friendships he had formed with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco that year. Their bond had grown stronger with each passing day, and Neville couldn't imagine himself without them. Although Susan had been a part of their social circle since the start of the year, she wasn't yet a part of their inner circle. However, Neville was open to welcoming her as a member of their group next year if needed.

Neville's thoughts drifted to his own past, marked by tragedy. Ten years ago, his parents had been brutally tortured by the Lestranges, leaving them with irreparable damage. They now resided in the permanent ward at St. Mungo's, their minds shattered by the ordeal. Neville had grown up under the care of his grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, at Longbottom Manor. She was a strict and formidable woman, who had intimidated Neville when he was younger. However, he loved and respected her deeply.

Before meeting Harry and his friends, Neville had struggled with confidence. But with their support and encouragement, he had discovered a newfound bravery within himself. His grandmother, too, had been proud of him and his friends when she learned about their heroic feat in saving the Philosopher's Stone from Quirrell. Neville was now planning to share the truth about Sirius with his grandmother, with Harry's permission, of course. As the carriage continued on its journey, Neville couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, knowing he would miss his four best friends dearly over the summer.

Hermione gazed out of the carriage window, taking in the picturesque scenery as the horseless carriage made its way to the station. She glanced around at her four best friends and Susan, feeling a pang of sadness wash over her. She would truly miss them over the summer.

Before attending Hogwarts, Hermione had never really had any close friends and had felt somewhat isolated. Although her parents were supportive, she had always felt like an outsider. Everything changed when Professor McGonagall arrived at their home on July 30, revealing to Hermione that she was a witch and introducing her to the wizarding world.

Hermione's thoughts drifted back to the day she first met Harry on July 31. She remembered the incident in Diagon Alley, where Pansy Parkinson had insulted her, and Harry had defended her despite being strangers. That was also the day she met Ginny Weasley, although at the time, Harry and Ginny weren't together. Hermione looked forward to the next year when Ginny would join Hogwarts, and she would finally have another girl in their close-knit group. With Susan potentially growing closer to them, Hermione envisioned a future with three girls in the group.

As she thought about her friends, Hermione's heart swelled with affection. She would miss Ron's humor, Draco's wit, and Neville's bravery. Although their relationship with Draco hadn't started on the best foot, he had since changed his ways and become a valued member of their group. Hermione felt grateful for the strong bonds they had formed and looked forward to the adventures that awaited them in the future.

Ron sat in the carriage, lost in thought as the countryside rolled by. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, knowing he would miss his four best friends over the summer. Sometimes, he still couldn't believe that he, Ron Weasley, was actually friends with Harry Potter. Growing up, Ron had always known that he and Harry would start at Hogwarts in the same year, and he had secretly hoped that they would become friends.

As it turned out, Ron wasn't just friends with the famous Harry Potter, but with Harry himself, a kind and loyal person who had become like a brother to him. Although Ginny had technically been the first person in Ron's family to befriend Harry, Ron was grateful that Harry and Ginny were still together, despite the occasional challenge. Initially, Ron had found it strange to see his sister dating someone, but now he knew that Harry and Ginny were meant to be.

Ron remembered the day Harry and Ginny had met in Diagon Alley, before they had even started at Hogwarts. Ginny had been so excited to meet the famous Harry Potter, and Ron had been a bit worried that she would get hurt. But Harry had turned out to be a great guy, and Ron was grateful to have him as a friend and a brother.

Ron's thoughts then turned to Hermione, whom he hadn't immediately warmed up to when they first met. She had seemed so bossy and know-it-all, but as he got to know her, he realized that she was an invaluable member of their group. Hermione's quick thinking and resourcefulness had saved them all on numerous occasions, and Ron couldn't imagine life without her.

Neville, with his friendly demeanor, had been easy to get along with from the start. Ron had always admired Neville's bravery and loyalty, and he was grateful to have him as a friend.

And then there was Draco, who had transformed from an enemy into a loyal and trustworthy friend. Ron never thought he'd befriend a Malfoy, but life was full of surprises. Despite their initial animosity, Ron and Draco had developed a strong bond, and Ron was grateful to have him as a friend.

For Ron, life was perfect with his four best friends by his side. Despite the dangers they had faced, they had always managed to come out on top, and Ron knew that he couldn't imagine living without them. As the carriage approached Hogwarts station, Ron glanced around, feeling grateful for the incredible friendships he had formed.

He thought about all the adventures they had shared, from exploring the castle to fighting against the Dark Lord. Ron knew that he could always count on his friends to be there for him, no matter what. And as he looked around at the people he loved, Ron felt a sense of contentment wash over him.

Draco sat in the carriage, gently stroking the soft feathers of his black owl, Taurus, as he drifted into deep thought. His mind wandered to the significant changes he had undergone, and the person responsible for inspiring those changes: his younger brother, Scorpius. Scorpius, who would be joining him at Hogwarts next year, had been the driving force behind Draco's transformation. He had come to realize that his past behavior had been misguided, and Scorpius's influence had helped him see the error of his ways.

Draco couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret for not reconciling with Scorpius sooner. It had taken him far too long to recognize the importance of their bond, but thankfully, they had been reunited for over a year now. The thought of returning home for the summer, and being reunited with Scorpius, brought a sense of joy to Draco's heart. Scorpius was the one person who truly understood him, and the only member of his family who knew about his change of heart.

However, Draco's parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, remained oblivious to his transformation. He was uncertain about how to break the news to them, fearing their reaction. The possibility of being disowned was a daunting one, and Draco wasn't sure if he possessed the courage to face their potential rejection. He hoped that, when the time came, his parents would try to understand him, rather than turning their backs on him. As the carriage rumbled on, Draco couldn't shake the feeling that the summer ahead would be long and arduous, and that he would deeply miss his four best friends.

Draco's thoughts continued to wander as he gazed at his friends. His eyes first fell upon Neville, and he couldn't help but feel a pang of regret for the way he had treated him before his change of heart. Neville, with his bravery and kind nature, had surprisingly accepted Draco despite his past behavior, and for that, Draco was eternally grateful.

Draco's gaze then shifted to Susan, who, although not part of their inner circle, knew the truth about Sirius. He wondered if she might grow closer to their group soon. As he pondered this, his eyes drifted to Ron, and a mix of emotions swirled within him. Before his transformation, Draco had often insulted Ron, but deep down, he had always been envious of Ron's loving family. Now, Draco cherished Ron's friendship and was grateful for the playful teasing that had become a hallmark of their relationship.

Finally, Draco's gaze fell upon Hermione, and his heart skipped a beat. She was the unsuspecting catalyst for his change, the person who had inspired him to reevaluate his life. Draco couldn't help but smile wryly as he thought about how his younger self would have reacted to the idea of having a crush on a Muggleborn girl. It was a notion that would have been unthinkable then, but now, Draco couldn't imagine feeling any other way. Although he didn't know if he would ever have a chance with Hermione, he was grateful for her presence in his life, as she had unknowingly inspired him to become a better person.

Draco's thoughts lingered on his friends, and finally, his gaze fell upon Harry. A wave of emotions washed over him as he reflected on the significance of Harry's presence in his life. Harry was the first person to accept him, not for what he could become or what he had been, but for who he was in that moment. Without expectations or conditions, Harry had welcomed him with open arms, showing him that he was worthy of love and friendship, regardless of his past mistakes.

Draco marveled at Harry's capacity for understanding and kindness. "How can someone be so selfless?" he wondered. Harry's acceptance had meant the world to him, and he felt a deep connection to him, much like the bond he shared with his brother Scorpius. Both Harry and Scorpius had accepted him, flaws and all, and had shown him that forgiveness and second chances were possible. They had seen beyond his façade, beyond the mask he had worn for so long, and had accepted him for who he truly was.

Draco's admiration for Harry knew no bounds. He recalled the moment he had apologized to Harry, and how Harry had not only accepted his apology but had also tried to comfort him before he had even made amends. It was as if Harry had seen the turmoil within him, even when Draco himself had not been aware of it. Harry had always believed in him, even when Draco had lost faith in himself. He remembered the way Harry had looked at him, with eyes that saw right through to his soul, and had spoken words that had touched his heart.

The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he knew that he would miss Harry, more than words could express. He would miss his unwavering optimism, his unshakeable faith in others, and his unrelenting capacity for love and forgiveness. Draco knew that he would carry Harry's lessons with him always, and that their friendship would continue to shape him into a better person.

As the carriage rumbled on, Harry's thoughts became the focus. His mind was a maelstrom of emotions, a complex web of feelings and reflections that far surpassed the cumulative thoughts of his four best friends and Susan. As he gazed at his friends, his eyes lingering on each of their faces, Harry's thoughts began to unravel, thread by thread.

He saw the Hogwarts castle shrinking in the distance, its towers and turrets dwindling as the carriage approached the station. The sight filled Harry with a sense of nostalgia, reminding him that this year, his first at Hogwarts, had been one of the best years of his life. The memories of his adventures, his triumphs, and his struggles flooded his mind, each one a reminder of the incredible journey he had embarked upon.

As Harry's eyes remained fixed on the receding castle, his thoughts began to coalesce around the people who had made this year so unforgettable – his friends. Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco, each one had brought their unique personalities, strengths, and weaknesses to their little group, forming a bond that had grown stronger with each passing day. And then, of course, there was Susan, who had become an integral part of their lives, sharing in their secrets and their struggles.

Harry's thoughts drifted to the impending summer, and the memories that would inevitably resurface. He knew that he would be returning to the Dursleys, a prospect that filled him with a sense of dread. However, one bright spot in the otherwise bleak landscape of Privet Drive was his cousin Dudley. Since Dudley's transformation, he had become a kind and caring cousin, and Harry had grown fond of him.

Throughout the year, Harry and Dudley had exchanged letters, and Harry was eager to reunite with him in person. He recalled the happy times they had shared the previous summer, and he looked forward to recreating those moments. One of the highlights of his summer would be taking Dudley to Fawcett Manor, the home of his honorary Grandma, Mrs. Tucker, and the twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy.

As he thought about his plans, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. He would spend his mornings running to the manor with Dudley, just as they had done the previous summer. Harry chuckled to himself as he thought about Dudley's progress. In their letters, Dudley had mentioned that he had continued the exercises Harry had taught him, and Harry suspected that Dudley was now in top shape.

Harry's thoughts lingered on the necessity of spending time at Privet Drive, despite his reluctance. He recalled the explanation given to him by the Hogwarts headmaster, about the blood wards that protected him from the Dark Lord's followers. These magical wards, fueled by the blood of his mother, Lily, were tied to the Dursleys' home, making it a necessary, though unpleasant, destination for Harry.

The rest of his summer, however, promised to be far more enjoyable. Harry looked forward to spending time at Fawcett Manor, the warm and welcoming home of his honorary Grandma, Mrs. Tucker. The manor, with its lush gardens and cozy atmosphere, was a haven for Harry, and he cherished the time he spent there. The twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, who lived at the manor, were also a source of delight for Harry, and he eagerly anticipated their lively antics and warm companionship.

Harry's thoughts then turned to his beloved pets, Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer. He had already discussed his summer plans with them, using his unique gift to communicate with creatures. "Where do you guys want to stay during the summer?" Harry had asked, and his pets had responded in their own language. Harry had understood their preferences and concerns, and after a brief discussion, they had decided that all three of them would spend their summer at Fawcett Manor.

Hedwig and Poco, being birds, had the freedom to fly to Privet Drive to visit Harry whenever they missed him. However, Harry planned to visit the manor daily, so he didn't think they would need to make the trip. Kluer, on the other hand, would be happy to lounge around the manor, enjoying the warm sunshine and comfortable surroundings. With his pets' arrangements settled, Harry felt a sense of relief and contentment, knowing that they would all be together at the manor.

Harry's thoughts meandered to Sirius, his beloved godfather, who was currently residing at Amelia Bones' estate under the guise of house arrest. In reality, Sirius was living a life of luxury and comfort, treated more like a honored guest than a prisoner. Harry's mind wandered back to a conversation he had with Remus, whom he affectionately called Moony, about Amelia's past feelings for Sirius. Remus had revealed to Harry that Amelia had harbored a deep affection for Sirius, but unfortunately, Sirius had never reciprocated those feelings.

Despite this, Harry held onto a glimmer of hope that Sirius and Amelia might eventually find their way to each other. He thought it would be a wonderful union, bringing joy to both of their lives. Moreover, if Sirius and Amelia were to get together, Susan would gain a loving uncle, which would be an added blessing. Harry had grown extremely fond of Susan, and he couldn't help but feel that she might soon become an integral part of their tight-knit group of friends. The prospect of their group expanding to include Susan was an exciting one, and Harry looked forward to seeing how their relationships would blossom in the future.

Harry's thoughts continued to wander, and he found himself hoping that Hermione would have a wonderful summer at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was like a sister to him, and he cherished the bond they shared, forged through countless adventures and quiet moments together. As he thought about Hermione, his gaze drifted to Draco, who was sitting across from him, his eyes fixed on some distant point. Harry hoped that Draco's parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy, would understand and accept their son's change of heart when they eventually found out. Draco had become a good friend, and Harry valued their unlikely friendship, one that had blossomed despite their differences.

Next, Harry's thoughts turned to Neville, who had also experienced a difficult childhood, albeit for different reasons. Neville's parents, Alice and Frank Longbottom, had been tortured into insanity by Death Eaters, leaving Neville to grow up without their care. Harry felt a deep sense of empathy for Neville, recognizing that his friend's experiences had been even more traumatic than his own. Despite this, Neville had grown into a strong and brave individual, and Harry was grateful for his friendship, which had been a source of comfort and strength.

As Harry glanced around the carriage, his eyes landed on Ron, who was not only his best friend but also his girlfriend Ginny's brother. Ron was the life of their group, always knowing how to relieve tension with his quick wit and humor. He had a way of teasing and joking that kept things interesting, and Harry was grateful for his presence in their lives. Ron's ability to make them laugh, even in the darkest of times, was a gift, and Harry cherished their friendship, which had been forged through countless shared adventures.

As the carriage rumbled on, Harry hoped that he would be able to invite all four of his best friends – Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco – to Fawcett Manor for a visit sometime during the summer. He envisioned lazy days spent lounging in the sun, exploring the surrounding countryside, and simply enjoying each other's company. The prospect of sharing these experiences with his friends filled Harry with a sense of joy and anticipation.

Harry's thoughts inevitably drifted to Ginny, the love of his life. He couldn't help but smile as he imagined her waiting for him at Platform 9 , her bright smile and sparkling eyes lighting up the crowded station. Ginny was his everything, and he loved her more than words could express. He felt grateful for the incredible bond they shared, one that only seemed to grow stronger with each passing day.

As he thought about Ginny, Harry's mind wandered to the upcoming year at Hogwarts. He couldn't wait for Ginny to join him as a student, knowing that they would spend even more time together, exploring the castle and its secrets, and facing whatever challenges lay ahead. But for now, they had their dreamland, a magical realm where they could meet every day, free from the constraints of the physical world.

The prospect of being with Ginny 24/7 filled Harry with joy and anticipation. He knew that he just had to get through the summer, and then he would be reunited with Ginny at Hogwarts. The thought of their future together was a tantalizing one, and Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for the love they shared.

Harry's thoughts turned to the surprise he had been planning for Ginny, a secret he had kept hidden from her for weeks. A sly smile spread across his face as he thought about the look of delight that would appear on her face when she discovered what he had planned. He recalled the conversation he had with Ginny's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, two weeks ago, before his discharge from the hospital wing.

"'Can I take Ginny on a date to Muggle London directly from the platform?' Harry had asked, trying to sound casual despite his excitement. Ginny's parents had exchanged a warm glance before responding. "'You don't need to ask, Harry,'" they had said with a smile. "'You're her boyfriend, after all. Just be careful.'" Harry had breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that he had their blessing.

As he thought about the surprise, Harry's mind wandered back to their first date, which had also been to Muggle London, almost a year ago. He had planned to recreate the magic of that day, with a few special additions to make it even more unforgettable. Harry's heart swelled with excitement and love as he thought about sharing this special day with Ginny.

The horseless carriage came to a gentle stop, jolting the six friends out of their respective reveries. As they smiled at one another, they began to disembark one by one. Draco, ever the gentleman, offered to hold Hedwig's and Poco's cages, allowing Harry to manage his extensive luggage. Harry's belongings included a sturdy seven-poster trunk and Kluer's backpack, which added to the already impressive pile.

"Thanks, Draco," Harry said with a nod of appreciation.

With their belongings in tow, the six friends followed the crowd of Hogwarts students into Hogsmeade station. As they entered the bustling platform, their eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces. It wasn't long before they spotted Hagrid, his towering frame and warm smile unmistakable.

Hagrid's eyes lit up as he caught sight of the six friends. "Ah, 'ello there!" he boomed, his deep voice carrying across the platform.

The five best friends, Draco, Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Harry, eagerly approached Hagrid, each one hugging him warmly in turn. The group's infectious laughter and chatter filled the air as they exchanged greetings with their beloved gamekeeper. Meanwhile, Susan, who was still becoming acquainted with the close-knit group, discreetly gathered her belongings and slipped away to find an empty compartment, giving the friends space to reunite.

As the hugs and hellos came to an end, Hagrid's expression turned thoughtful, and he reached into his pocket to retrieve a small, leather-bound book. "I've got a little somethin' for yeh, Harry," Hagrid said, his eyes twinkling with warmth. Harry's curiosity was piqued as he accepted the gift from Hagrid. As he opened the cover, he discovered that it was a beautifully crafted photo album, filled with pictures of his parents, James and Lily Potter. Hagrid had carefully collected these treasured photographs from their old friends, creating a heartfelt and meaningful gift for Harry.

As Harry's fingers wrapped around the photo album, he felt a surge of emotions. He had always cherished the memories of his parents, and this gift from Hagrid meant the world to him. "Thank you, Hagrid," Harry said, his voice filled with gratitude. "'This means so much to me."

Hagrid smiled, his eyes shining with warmth. "Yeh're welcome, Harry. I knew yeh'd treasure these photos. Yer parents were amazing people, and I'm so glad I could share a bit of their love and laughter with yeh."

The five best friends gathered around Harry, eager to see the photos. Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco all peered over Harry's shoulder as he carefully opened the album. The first photo showed James and Lily Potter on their wedding day, beaming with happiness. The next photo depicted them holding baby Harry, their faces filled with joy and love.

As they flipped through the pages, the group fell silent, mesmerized by the happy memories captured in the photos. Harry felt a deep connection to his parents, and he knew that this gift from Hagrid would stay with him forever.

As the train's whistle blew, signaling its impending departure, Harry and his friends reluctantly closed the photo album, knowing it was time to board the train. They bid a fond farewell to Hagrid, thanking him again for the heartfelt gift, before making their way down the platform.

After a brief search, they found a spacious double compartment where Susan was already seated, gazing out the window. The group settled in comfortably, filling the compartment with lively chatter and laughter. Despite the ample space, they sat together, enjoying each other's company as the train chugged out of the station.

Before long, Ron's mischievous twin brothers, Fred and George, burst into the compartment, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, guys! Mind if we join the party?" they asked in unison, plopping down beside Ron. The compartment's atmosphere grew even more lively as Crabbe and Hannah, friends from their year, stopped by to chat.

As the train rumbled on, Harry's new friends, Rolf Scamander and Cedric Diggory, whom he had met just three weeks prior, also joined the group. Rolf, an older student in his second year, and Cedric, a third-year student, fit in seamlessly, engaging in easy conversation with the others. The compartment, once quiet and empty, was now filled with the warm, lively spirit of friendship.

As the compartment buzzed with lively chatter and the sound of Exploding Snap, the five best friends - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco - huddled together, their voices barely above a whisper. Draco's expression turned serious as he shared his concerns. "I haven't told my parents about...you know, my change of heart," he said, his eyes darting around the compartment to ensure no one was listening. "I'll say goodbye here, as they'll be on the platform, and I don't want to deal with...any drama."

Harry placed a reassuring hand on Draco's shoulder. "We'll miss you, mate," he said softly.

Ron, sensing the tension, jumped in with a well-timed joke. "Hey, Draco, I heard you're so good at sneaking around, you could give the Hogwarts ghosts a run for their money!" he said with a grin.

Draco's eyes narrowed, and a sly smile spread across his face. "Oh, that's it, Weasley! You're going down!" he exclaimed, and the two friends launched into a playful teasing match, their banter filling the compartment with laughter.

As the train finally came to a stop, the group bid farewell to their friends, including Rolf, Cedric, and the Weasley twins. The compartment emptied, leaving only the five best friends - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Susan. Draco, however, had already bid them an emotional goodbye inside the train, his eyes shining with a mix of sadness and gratitude.

"I'll see you all soon," Draco had whispered, his voice trembling slightly.

Harry had hugged him tightly, a brotherly gesture that spoke volumes about their complicated yet deepening friendship. "Take care, mate," Harry had said softly.

With Draco safely out of sight, the remaining four friends, accompanied by Susan, disembarked from the train. As they stepped onto the platform, they spotted Amelia Bones, a stern-looking witch with a black dog by her side. Harry's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with concerns about Sirius's safety.

However, as they approached, Harry couldn't resist petting the dog, which wagged its tail affectionately. The four friends bid farewell to Susan, Amelia, and the dog, whom they knew was actually Sirius in disguise.

As they walked away, they caught sight of Draco in the distance, walking alongside his parents, Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Draco managed to wave discreetly, a small smile playing on his lips.

As they continued through the crowded platform, they soon came face-to-face with Hermione's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. The couple's faces lit up with warm smiles as they greeted Harry and Ron, whom they had met before. Neville, however, received a particularly enthusiastic welcome, as it was their first meeting.

"Ah, Neville! It's wonderful to finally meet you," Mrs. Granger exclaimed, beaming with delight. "We've heard so much about you from Hermione."

Hermione's parents were, however, slightly disappointed to learn that Draco was not with them. "We were looking forward to meeting him," Mr. Granger said, his brow furrowed in mild disappointment.

Hermione quickly explained the reason for Draco's absence, reassuring her parents that it was unavoidable. Satisfied with her explanation, they bid farewell to the trio, bestowing upon each of them a warm, friendly hug. Harry couldn't help but notice that Ron's hug seemed to linger a fraction longer than his own, a subtle gesture that made him smile.

With a final wave, Hermione left her friends, disappearing into the crowd with her parents.

As Hermione disappeared into the crowd, Harry and Ron continued on their way, scanning the platform for familiar faces. It wasn't long before they spotted Augusta Longbottom, Neville's grandmother, standing tall and proud amidst the bustle. Harry and Ron had heard stories about Mrs. Longbottom's fierce spirit and unwavering dedication to her family, but this was their first time meeting her.

"Ah, Mrs. Longbottom!" Ron exclaimed, offering a respectful bow. "It's an honor to finally meet you, ma'am."

Mrs. Longbottom's eyes sparkled with warmth as she smiled at the two boys. "And it's lovely to meet you both, Harry and Ron," she replied, her voice firm but kind. "But I'm afraid I'm here to steal Neville away from you. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Neville, who had been chatting with Harry and Ron just moments before, grinned sheepishly as he bid his friends farewell. "See you both on the Hogwarts Express on September 1st!" he called out, already being swept away by his grandmother's gentle but firm guidance.

Harry's face lit up with a warm smile as he spotted his honorary grandma, Mrs. Tucker, accompanied by her twin house-elves, Twinky and Dimpy. Behind them, he saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, who were already busy greeting their children, Percy and the twins. But Harry's eyes were drawn to Ginny, who waved excitedly, her bright smile radiant.

As Ron and Harry approached the group, Harry greeted his grandma and the elves with a warm hug, followed by a hug for Mrs. Weasley. He then shook hands with Mr. Weasley, his eyes twinkling with affection. Finally, he turned to Ginny, sweeping her into a tight hug. Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss that lasted only a second, but spoke volumes.

"Ah, Grandma, Twinky, Dimpy, would you mind taking my luggage for me?" Harry asked, handing over his three pets and various bags.

As the house-elves efficiently took charge of Harry's belongings, he bid farewell to Ron, the twins, and Percy. Ginny looked at him questioningly, as did Ron.

"What's going on, Harry?" Ginny asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"I'm taking Ginny on a surprise date," Harry announced, his eyes locked on Ginny's.

Ginny's gaze darted to her parents, who nodded in unison. "Harry told us about it weeks ago, dear," Mrs. Weasley explained, smiling knowingly.

As the Weasleys and Mrs. Tucker made their way towards the station's Floo Network to return to their respective homes, Harry turned to Ginny with a mischievous grin. "So, do you like your surprise?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Ginny's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I love it!" she exclaimed, squeezing his hand affectionately.

With their plans underway, Harry and Ginny slipped through the barrier that separated the wizarding world from the Muggle world. As they emerged into the bustling King's Cross station, they were immediately immersed in the sights and sounds of the Muggle world.

Harry hailed a taxi, and they climbed in, eager to start their Muggle date. As the taxi pulled away from the curb, Harry turned to Ginny with a smile. "Where would you like to go first?" he asked, his eyes shining with anticipation.

Next Chapter is  The Cursed Child.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling start of chapter was a short recap for chapters 39 to 82 comprising of First Year. This chapter was pretty lame in comparison, but I thought to show point of view of Harry's other friends on leaving Hogwarts after their first year so here it was. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

 

Chapter 2: The Cursed Child

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

"Let's go to Harrods," Harry said, a sly grin spreading across his face.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with amusement as she smiled knowingly. She realized that Harry was recreating their first date, and her heart swelled with affection.

The taxi driver, a middle-aged man with a bushy mustache, raised an eyebrow as he glanced at the young couple in his rearview mirror. "Harrods, eh? You two celebrating something special?" he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.

Ginny leaned into Harry's shoulder, feeling happy and content. "Just a special day out," Harry replied, smiling at Ginny.

As they arrived at Harrods, Harry helped Ginny out of the taxi and onto the sidewalk. He took her hand, leading her toward the iconic department store. As part owners, the Potters had invested in Harrods, and Harry felt a sense of pride as he walked through the doors.

"This time, I want to buy you a different dress," Harry said, his eyes scanning the racks of designer clothing. "Something you can wear on our date today. Not purple, though - something new."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded eagerly.

As they entered the store, the shopkeeper's eyes widened in surprise. "Welcome back, Mr. Potter! We haven't seen you since...well, since last year, actually."

Harry smiled politely, unaware of the shopkeeper's curiosity about his previous visit. After all, only he and Ginny knew that it had been their first date.

Ginny playfully tried to protest, "Harry, you don't have to buy me a dress. It's not necessary." But Harry was insistent.

"Last time, you weren't even my girlfriend, and I still bought you a dress," Harry said, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Now that you are my girlfriend, how can I not buy you a dress?" He even made puppy eyes, his eyebrows rising in a comically pleading expression.

Ginny couldn't resist Harry's charming persuasion. She laughed and nodded in agreement. "Okay, fine. But just something simple, okay?"

Harry grinned triumphantly and took Ginny's hand, leading her through the racks of designer clothing. With the help of a stylish sales associate, they found a beautiful, elegant dress that perfectly suited Ginny's taste and the occasion. The dress was a soft, silky blue that complemented Ginny's bright smile and sparkling eyes.

After purchasing the beautiful dress, Ginny insisted that Harry go and check with the manager about sales and other matters related to his family's investment in Harrods. Harry initially resisted, saying "I don't care, let's just go," but Ginny persisted, reminding him of his responsibilities as a part-owner.

"You should check in, Harry," Ginny said firmly. "It's only polite, and besides, you might learn something new."

Harry relented, and after a brief meeting with the manager, they spent about half an hour discussing the store's performance and future plans. Finally, they bid farewell to the manager and left Harrods, hailing another taxi to take them to their next destination.

"Where are we off to now?" Ginny asked, snuggling into Harry's side as they settled into the taxi.

"Mrs. Whistle's Tea Room," Harry replied, smiling. "I thought we could have a nice cup of tea and some biscuits."

Ginny's eyes lit up. "That sounds perfect."

At Mrs. Whistle's Tea Room, they were greeted by the warm aroma of freshly baked scones and the gentle hum of conversation. They found a cozy table by the window and spent a delightful hour sipping tea, nibbling on biscuits, and chatting about everything and nothing.

As they lingered over their tea, Harry's eyes sparkled with nostalgia. "You know, this is the place where I first told you that I loved holding your hand," he said, his voice low and gentle.

Ginny's face softened into a tender smile. "I remember," she whispered.

Their eyes met, and they shared a tender moment, the air between them charged with affection. "I love you," Ginny said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I love you too," Harry replied, his eyes never leaving hers.

Ginny glanced down at her dress, her cheeks flushing with pleasure. "You didn't praise me when I first put it on," she teased.

Harry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You look beautiful, Ginny," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I'm just glad I get to spend the rest of the day with you."

After their leisurely lunch, Harry and Ginny hailed another taxi and headed to Big Ben, one of London's most iconic landmarks. As they stepped out of the taxi, Ginny's eyes sparkled with nostalgia. "We were here last time, too," she said, her voice filled with memories.

Harry smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I know. Our first date, remember?" he said, his voice low and gentle.

Ginny nodded, a soft smile on her face. "How could we forget?" she whispered. "We weren't together then, but it was still a date, wasn't it?"

As they walked hand in hand towards Big Ben, the sound of the city faded into the background, and all that was left was the gentle hum of the clock tower and the warmth of each other's presence. They stood together, gazing up at the majestic clock face, the afternoon sun casting a golden glow over the scene.

"I'm so glad we're here together," Ginny said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry turned to her, his eyes shining with affection. "Me too," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

As they walked through the bustling streets of London, Ginny's eyes widened with wonder at the sights and sounds of the Muggle world. She would point excitedly at everyday objects, marveling at their simplicity and ingenuity.

"Harry, look! A telephone box!" Ginny exclaimed, tugging on Harry's arm.

Harry chuckled and smiled, happy to see Ginny so carefree. However, he also glanced around nervously, reminding her to be discreet.

"Ginny, remember, we're trying to blend in," Harry whispered, his eyes scanning the surrounding crowds.

But Ginny's enthusiasm was infectious, and she couldn't help but gawk at the unfamiliar sights. A few times, passersby gave her odd looks, clearly puzzled by her wide-eyed wonder.

One woman, clutching her shopping bags, stared at Ginny as she marveled at a street performer juggling clubs. The woman's eyebrows rose in confusion, and she muttered to herself, "Tourists..." before shaking her head and continuing on her way.

Ginny, oblivious to the curious glances, continued to explore the Muggle world with childlike wonder, Harry by her side, smiling and trying to keep her enthusiasm in check.

As they walked along the bustling streets of London, Ginny's eyes landed on a iconic double-decker bus rumbling down the road. She gasped in amazement, her hand flying to her mouth.

"Oh, Harry! Look! A... a... a 'big-belly bus'!" Ginny exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Harry chuckled at Ginny's misnomer, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's called a double-decker bus, Ginny," he corrected, smiling.

Ginny's face lit up with excitement. "I don't care what it's called! It's amazing! Muggles are so clever!" she said, her voice filled with awe.

As they watched the bus rumble by, Ginny turned to Harry with a puzzled expression. "How do they make it stay up? Magic?" she asked, her brow furrowed.

Harry laughed, delighted by Ginny's curiosity. "No, it's just engineering, Ginny. No magic involved," he explained, smiling.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, it's still magic to me!" she said, her voice filled with wonder.

Harry's heart swelled with affection as he gazed at Ginny's radiant face. He loved the way she saw the world, full of wonder and magic. And he especially loved it when she said things wrong, her misnomers and misunderstandings making him chuckle with delight.

As the day wore on, Harry and Ginny hailed another taxi, this time bound for an amusement park on the outskirts of London. Ginny's eyes sparkled with excitement as she bounced up and down in her seat.

"We're going to the 'Laughing Park'!" Ginny exclaimed, her voice trembling with anticipation.

Harry chuckled once more at Ginny's misnomer. "It's called an amusement park, Ginny," he corrected, smiling.

As they entered the park, Ginny's eyes grew wide with wonder. The colorful lights, the cacophony of sounds, and the enticing aromas of sugary treats all combined to overwhelm her senses.

Ginny's gaze landed on a children's ride, and she grasped Harry's arm excitedly. "Oh, Harry! Let's go on the 'Spinny-Teacups'!" she exclaimed.

Harry chuckled again at Ginny's mistake. "It's called the 'Tea Cups' ride, Ginny," he said, smiling. "And it's really for small children."

Ginny's face fell, her excitement momentarily dampened. "Oh," she said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

As they strolled through the amusement park, Ginny's eyes darted from one attraction to the next, her curiosity and wonder evident on her face. She would often point at something that caught her attention, exclaiming over it with a mispronounced word.

"Harry, look! A Fellytone!" Ginny exclaimed, pointing at a public telephone booth.

Harry chuckled at Ginny's mispronunciation. "It's called a Telephone, Ginny," he corrected, smiling.

Ginny's face lit up with a bright smile. "Oh, right! Fellytone!" she repeated, giggling.

As they walked further, Ginny spotted a food vendor selling cotton candy. "Ooh, Harry! Look! Fluffy clouds!" she exclaimed, tugging on Harry's arm.

Harry laughed at Ginny's whimsical description. "Those are called cotton candy, Ginny," he said, smiling.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with delight. "Fluffy clouds sound so much more magical!" she said, her voice filled with wonder.

As they walked through the amusement park, Ginny's eyes grew wide with wonder at the sight of the roller coaster. "Wow, Harry! Look at that... that... thing!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with excitement.

Harry grinned, feeling a thrill of anticipation. "Want to give it a try?" he asked, already knowing Ginny's answer.

Ginny nodded eagerly, and they made their way to the roller coaster. As they sat down in their seats, Ginny pointed at the tracks, her eyes shining with excitement. "Look, Harry! The 'squirmy lines'!" she exclaimed.

Harry chuckled at Ginny's mispronunciation. "Those are called tracks, Ginny," he corrected, smiling.

Ginny's gaze then fell on the seatbelt, and she struggled to pronounce the word. "We have to wear the... the... 'safe-strap' thingy?" she asked, looking at Harry uncertainly.

Harry helped Ginny fasten the seatbelt, and then they were off. The roller coaster lurched forward, accelerating to incredible speeds in a matter of seconds. The wind whipped through their hair, and the roar of the coaster filled their ears.

But despite the intense thrill of the ride, neither Harry nor Ginny felt a hint of fear. As Quidditch players, they were accustomed to flying at breakneck speeds on broomsticks, and the roller coaster seemed tame by comparison. They laughed and screamed with delight, enjoying the rush of adrenaline as the coaster twisted and turned through its tracks.

After the roller coaster, Harry and Ginny made their way to the ghost house, eager to experience the spooky thrills within. As they walked through the creepy corridors, Ginny clutched Harry's arm, but it wasn't out of fear - she was simply excited.

Harry, was utterly unimpressed by the ghost house's attempts to scare him. He strolled through the haunted halls with a confident smirk, Ginny by his side.

As they encountered various ghostly apparitions, Ginny would often whisper to Harry, pointing out things that she knew were wrong. "Harry, that ghost is doing it all wrong," she'd say, or "We should tell them to use a proper Impedimenta Curse."

Harry would wisely shut her mouth, reminding her that they were in the Muggle world now. "Yes, ghosts are real, Ginny, but we can't just go around telling Muggles that," he'd whisper back, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Despite the ghost house's best efforts, neither Harry nor Ginny was scared. They laughed and joked their way through the haunted halls, enjoying the cheesy thrills and spills. As they emerged into the bright sunlight, Ginny grinned up at Harry. "That was fun! But next time, can we go to a real haunted house?"

Next, Harry and Ginny boarded the Walking Dead train ride, eager to experience the thrill of the zombie apocalypse. As they chugged along the tracks, surrounded by gruesome scenes of carnage and chaos, Ginny and Harry were thoroughly entertained. They weren't scared, but they did jump occasionally when a particularly loud or sudden effect startled them.

Ginny, still fascinated by the Muggle world, would sometimes point out various objects or attractions, mispronouncing their names and making Harry chuckle. "Look, Harry! A 'Zom-bie-bee'!" she'd exclaim, or "What's that thing called? The 'Flappy-bird'?"

Their fellow riders would often look at the pair oddly, confused by Ginny's mispronunciations and Harry's amused reactions. But Harry and Ginny didn't mind; they were too busy enjoying each other's company and the thrill of the ride. As they disembarked from the train, Ginny turned to Harry with a grin. "That was so much fun! What's next?"

As they walked towards the Drop Tower, Ginny's eyes widened in alarm. "Harry, how are we going to get down?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

"We're going to have to board a broom mid-fall, obviously," Ginny said, her voice matter-of-fact.

Harry chuckled at Ginny's misinterpretation. "No, Ginny, we don't need brooms. We'll be harnessed in securely," he explained, smiling.

Ginny looked skeptical, but Harry reassured her, and they climbed into their seats. As the safety harnesses clicked into place, Ginny took a deep breath.

The countdown began, and the floor dropped out from beneath them. Ginny's scream of delight was lost in the rush of wind as they plummeted towards the ground.

But despite the intense thrill of the drop, Ginny's face was alight with joy. "That was amazing!" she exclaimed, as they stepped out of the ride.

Harry grinned, happy to see Ginny having so much fun. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said, putting his arm around her shoulders.

After a few more thrilling rides, Harry and Ginny made their way to the River Rafting ride. As they waited in line, Ginny's eyes sparkled with excitement, anticipating the adventure ahead.

As they climbed into their raft, a park employee handed them each a life jacket. Ginny took hers, examining it curiously. "What's this called again, Harry? A 'lifesavey'?" she asked, looking up at him with a questioning gaze.

Harry chuckled at Ginny's mispronunciation. "It's called a life jacket, Ginny," he corrected, smiling.

Ginny grinned, unembarrassed. "Oh, right! Lifesavey makes more sense, though," she teased, making Harry laugh.

With their life jackets securely fastened, they pushed off from the shore and began their journey down the river, ready to face whatever rapids lay ahead.

As the sun began to set, Harry and Ginny made their way to the Ferris wheel, its colorful lights twinkling like stars against the evening sky. Ginny's eyes sparkled with delight as she gazed up at the wheel. "Oh, Harry! Let's ride the 'Spinny-circle'!" she exclaimed.

Harry chuckled at Ginny's whimsical name for the Ferris wheel. "It's actually called a Ferris wheel, Ginny," he corrected, smiling.

Ginny's face scrunched up in concentration. "Fer-eez wheel?" she repeated, mispronouncing the name.

Harry laughed. "Close enough, Ginny."

This time, Ginny insisted on buying the tickets herself. She took some Muggle money from Harry's pocket, marveling at the paper notes. "Wow, Muggle money is so... fluffy!" she exclaimed.

As Ginny approached the ticket counter, Harry watched with amusement. She mispronounced several words, but somehow managed to convey her intentions to the ticket vendor.

"I'd like two tick-its for the Fer-eez wheel, please," Ginny said, holding out the money.

The vendor smiled kindly at Ginny's mispronunciation. "That'll be £10, please."

Ginny handed over the money, took the tickets, and turned to Harry with a triumphant grin. "I did it, Harry!"

As they settled into their cozy box on the Ferrurbation wheel, Ginny's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm having the best time at this... this... Amoo-zement Park!" she exclaimed, still struggling to pronounce the name correctly.

Harry chuckled at Ginny's mispronunciation, but she didn't seem to notice. She was too busy bubbling over with enthusiasm, launching into a breathless explanation of all the things she loved about the park.

"I love the Spinny-Teacups and the Fluffy-Clouds and the Laughing-House!" Ginny rattled off, using her own special names for the various attractions. "And the Fer-eez wheel is my favorite! I feel like I'm flying on a broomstick!"

As Ginny chattered on, Harry gazed at her, a warm smile on his face. He loved watching her like this, her eyes shining with excitement, her words tumbling out in a joyful jumble.

But as they reached the top of the Ferris wheel, Ginny suddenly stopped talking, her mouth snapping shut as she gazed out at the breathtaking view. The lights of the park twinkled below them, and the stars shone brightly above. Harry followed her gaze, and for a moment, they just sat there, taking it all in.

As they began their descent, Ginny launched back into her enthusiastic explanation, hardly pausing for breath. "And then we rode the 'Roundy-Swing' and the 'Bouncy-Castle' and I ate a whole bag of 'Sugar-Puffs'!" she exclaimed, mispronouncing and renaming various Muggle attractions and treats.

Harry listened attentively, a warm smile on his face, as Ginny's words tumbled out in a joyful jumble. She was on blabbering mode, and Harry was happy to just sit back and enjoy the show.

But as Ginny glanced over at Harry, she suddenly stopped talking, her face falling. For a moment, she thought she saw embarrassment in Harry's eyes, and her heart sank. But as she looked closer, she saw something entirely different.

"Ginny, I love everything about you," Harry said, his voice low and sincere. "The way you pronounce things wrong, the way you get so excited about Muggle things... everything."

Ginny's face lit up with a radiant smile, and she felt her heart swell with love for Harry. She leaned over and kissed him, the Ferris wheel's gentle rocking motion cradling them as they sat together, lost in their own little world.

As the Ferris wheel came to a stop, Harry and Ginny stepped out of their box, hand in hand, into the warm glow of the setting sun. The sky was ablaze with hues of pink and orange, casting a romantic light over the entire scene. Ginny squeezed Harry's hand a few times, sending shivers down his spine and making him feel weak in the knees.

As they strolled out of the park, Ginny leaned against Harry, her head on his shoulder. Harry wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close as they walked. They stood together at the zebra crossing, waiting for the lights to change, the sounds of the park fading into the distance.

"I had the best day ever, Harry," Ginny said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry smiled, his heart full of love for her. "I'm so glad, Ginny. Me too."

As they stood at the zebra crossing, Harry gazed ahead at the bright golden arches of McDonald's, a popular Muggle eatery. "We'll have dinner there," he said, nodding towards the restaurant. "Just need to cross the road first."

Harry told Ginny to wait, knowing that her enthusiasm for the Muggle world might lead her to dash across the road without caution. As they stood there, Harry began to count the Muggle money he had, making sure he had enough to pay for their meal. He hadn't converted much of his wizarding money to Muggle currency, so he wanted to double-check his funds.

Meanwhile, Ginny stood beside him, her eyes wide with wonder as she watched the cars and vehicles zooming by. "Harry, look! So many 'Speedy-Boxes'!" she exclaimed, her term for Muggle cars. Harry smiled, amused by her creative names for everyday Muggle things.

As Harry was busy counting his money, Ginny's attention was caught by something across the road. Her eyes widened in amazement, and without thinking, she started walking towards it, forgetting all about waiting for the green sign to cross the road.

Harry's head jerked up, and he saw Ginny stepping off the curb. His heart skipped a beat as he realized she was walking right into the path of oncoming traffic. He tried to shout a warning, but it was too late. He watched in horror as he ran towards her, his feet feeling heavy, as if stuck in slow motion.

A car was bearing down on Ginny, its tires screeching as the driver slammed on the brakes. Ginny screamed, her eyes wide with fear. But just as all hope seemed lost, a stranger lunged forward, grabbing Ginny and pulling her to safety. The car whizzed by, mere inches from where Ginny had been standing.

Harry reached Ginny's side, his heart still racing with fear. "Ginny, are you okay?" he asked, shaking with relief.

Ginny nodded, still looking pale. "Y-yes, Harry. I'm so sorry... I wasn't thinking."

The stranger who had saved Ginny smiled and nodded. "No harm done. Just be more careful next time, okay?"

Harry's eyes widened in shock as he took in the stranger's appearance. The girl, around 11 years old, had messy, dark red hair that fell in tangled locks around her pale face. Her hazel eyes, flecked with green and gold, seemed to sparkle despite the dirt and grime that smudged her cheeks. Her small nose was slightly upturned, giving her a pert, pixie-like appearance that reminded Harry of his own mother's mischievous grin.

But it was more than just her physical appearance that left Harry stunned. The combination of her red hair, hazel eyes, and facial features was uncannily similar to how he had always imagined his unborn sister, Daisy, would look. Since the Dream Reality Convergence, Harry had dreamed of Daisy, envisioning her as a bright, lively presence who would have been his partner in crime and adventure. And during the Quidditch match against Hufflepuff, he had relived the memory of his mother telling him he would soon have a little sister.

For a moment, Harry felt like he was staring at a ghost, a bittersweet reminder of what could have been. He remembered the feeling of excitement and anticipation he had felt as a baby, waiting for his little sister to arrive. He recalled the way his mother had smiled and stroked his hair, telling him he would be a wonderful big brother. And he remembered the crushing disappointment and grief that had followed, when his parents and unborn sister were torn from him.

Harry composed himself, remembering that Daisy had never been born, that she had died along with his parents on that fateful Halloween night. He took a deep breath, pushing aside the emotions that threatened to overwhelm him. He looked at the stranger, really looked at her, and saw a young girl who needed help and care.

Ginny's eyes widened in shock as she took in the girl's disheveled appearance. The girl's messy, dark red hair was matted and tangled, and her hazel eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness. But despite her rough appearance, there was something about her that seemed fragile and vulnerable. Ginny's expression quickly changed to one of gratitude as she turned to the girl. "Oh, thank you so much for saving my life!" Ginny exclaimed, her voice filled with sincerity. "I'm Ginny, and this is Harry, my boyfriend," she added, smiling up at Harry and squeezing his hand.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with a sudden idea as she turned back to the girl. "We'd love it if you would join us for dinner!" she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "We were just about to go to McDonald's. Won't us, Harry?" she asked, nudging him with her elbow and looking up at him with a hopeful expression.

Harry came out of his thoughts, still reeling from the resemblance between the girl and his imagined sister. He nodded, smiling, and the girl's face lit up with pure joy. Her eyes, which had seemed so sad just moments before, now shone with a warm, golden light.

The look on her face was unexpected, a radiant beam of happiness that transformed her entire demeanor. Harry recognized the look, having experienced it himself during his difficult childhood. It was the look of someone who had been given a rare and precious gift – in this case, a hot meal and some kindness. Harry's heart swelled with compassion as he gazed at the girl, feeling a deep connection to her.

The girl's eyes shone with excitement as she nodded eagerly, her messy red hair bobbing up and down. "Really? You'd want me to join you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Her eyes darted back and forth between Ginny and Harry, as if she couldn't quite believe her luck.

Ginny smiled warmly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course! We'd love to have you join us. What's your name, by the way?"

The girl's eyes seemed to glaze over for a moment, as if she was searching for the right words or hesitant to reveal her name. Then, in a soft voice that was barely audible, she said, "Daisy."

Harry gasped, his eyes widening in shock as he felt like he had been punched in the gut. Ginny's eyes darted to Harry's face, and she could see the surprise, emotion, and a hint of wonder written all over it. She knew about Harry's dreams, about how he had always imagined having a sister named Daisy. Ginny's heart skipped a beat as she realized the significance of the girl's name.

Ginny's eyes locked onto the girl's face, studying her features closely. And what she saw took her breath away. The girl's messy, dark red hair was the same color Harry had always imagined his sister's hair would be. Her hazel eyes, flecked with green and gold, sparkled with a warmth that seemed to radiate from within. Her small nose was slightly upturned, giving her a pert, pixie-like appearance that reminded Ginny of Harry's own mischievous grin.

Ginny remembered the first dream she and Harry had shared on Christmas, six months ago. In that dream, Harry had imagined a happy family - his mum, dad, and sister Daisy. Ginny had seen the dream, had felt Harry's joy and longing. She had seen the way Harry's face had lit up when he talked about his imaginary sister, the way his eyes had shone with excitement. And now, standing in front of her, was a girl who looked uncannily like the Daisy of Harry's dreams.

Both Ginny and Harry composed themselves quickly, not wanting to upset the girl. They could see the sadness creeping into her eyes, the fear that she had somehow upset them. "It's okay, Daisy," Ginny said softly, smiling at the girl. "We're just... surprised. That's all." Harry nodded in agreement, his eyes still fixed on the girl's face.

Harry leaned in close to Ginny, his voice barely above a whisper. "Let's act normal, like Muggles," he reminded her. Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding.

Daisy looked at them warily, still sensing that something was off. But Harry quickly dispelled the tension by taking Ginny's hand, giving her a gentle squeeze. He shot her a meaningful glance, reminding her of the potential accident they had just narrowly avoided. Ginny smiled sheepishly, her cheeks flushing pink.

Harry hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to proceed. But then he looked at Daisy, taking in her frail appearance and youthful face. He estimated that she was at least a year or two years younger than him, and her worn-out clothes and messy hair suggested that she had been living on the streets. Harry's heart went out to her, and he decided to take a gentle approach.

He raised his hand, and Daisy flinched, her eyes widening in fear. But when she saw Harry's face, she relaxed, taking in the kindness and compassion etched on his features. Harry gently grasped her elbow, helping her balance as they waited for the green light to cross the road.

Daisy didn't protest, seeming to sense that Harry meant no harm. Instead, she looked up at him with a mixture of gratitude and curiosity, her eyes searching for answers. Harry smiled reassuringly, trying to put her at ease.

As the green light flashed on, Harry guided Ginny and Daisy across the road, his eyes scanning the traffic to ensure their safety. Once they reached the other side, he released Daisy's elbow, smiling at her. "Let's get some food," he said, nodding towards the McDonald's restaurant.

As they reached the door, the guard's eyes narrowed slightly as he took in Daisy's disheveled appearance. Harry's eyes flashed with annoyance, and he swiftly pulled out his card, flashing it at the guard. "She's with me," Harry said firmly, his tone brooking no argument.

The guard's expression changed instantly, and he nodded respectfully. "Welcome, sir. And welcome, young lady," he added, smiling at Daisy. Harry was part-owner of McDonald's, courtesy of the Smith Assets, which had been left to him as the heir of the Smith family.

Harry motioned to Ginny, but she was already ahead of him. She smiled warmly at Daisy and said, "Hey, why don't you come with me for a minute? We can get you cleaned up a bit." Daisy nodded, looking a bit uncertain, but Ginny's friendly demeanor put her at ease.

Ginny led Daisy to the washroom, where she gently helped her wash her hands and face. As the dirt and grime were washed away, Daisy's face looked even more familiar, though her hair was still a tangled mess. Her clothes were worn and dirty, but her face, now clean, seemed to radiate a quiet beauty.

As they exited the washroom, Harry's eyes met Daisy's, and he felt a jolt of recognition. It was as if he was staring at a piece of his own history, a piece he thought he had lost forever.

Composing himself, Harry turned to Daisy and said, "Thank you so much for saving Ginny's life. We owe you one." Daisy's eyes widened, and she shook her head, "No, I should be the one thanking you. You and Ginny are giving me food. I'm the one who should be grateful."

Harry smiled, remembering the way Daisy had flinched when he had held her elbow while crossing the road. "I'm also sorry for grabbing your elbow back there," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I just wanted to help you cross the road, but obviously, you didn't need it. You're the one who saved Ginny from the accident."

Ginny smiled sheepishly, looking down at her feet. Daisy's eyes sparkled with mischief, and she said, "Well, Harry, you really only need to hold hands with your girlfriend," she added cheekily. But then she gasped, thinking she had said too much.

However, Harry just chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Daisy looked relieved, thinking that Harry might not give her food now. But instead, Harry smiled and said, "Don't worry, Daisy. You're welcome to join us for dinner. We're not going to let you go hungry."

Daisy's face lit up with gratitude, and she smiled, looking more relaxed than before. Ginny smiled warmly at her, and the three of them walked towards the counter to order their food.

Harry ordered their food, insisting that Daisy get whatever she wanted. "Get a big meal," he said, smiling at her. "You must be starving." Daisy's eyes widened as she scanned the menu, and she eventually settled on a large burger, fries, and a milkshake.

They sat down at a table, and Harry and Ginny both encouraged Daisy to dig in. "Eat as much as you want," Ginny said, smiling warmly. "We want to make sure you're full." Harry nodded in agreement, and Daisy hesitantly began to eat.

As they waited for Daisy to finish her meal, Harry and Ginny chatted quietly, not wanting to pry into Daisy's personal life just yet. They asked her light, casual questions, but mostly let her focus on eating. Harry and Ginny also ate, savoring their own meals as they kept a watchful eye on Daisy.

As they ate, Harry couldn't help but steal glances at Daisy. He was still trying to wrap his head around the fact that she looked so much like the sister he had always imagined. Ginny caught him staring and raised an eyebrow, but Harry just shrugged, unsure of how to explain his feelings.

As Daisy ate her dinner hungrily, Ginny and Harry exchanged a whispered conversation. "She really looks so much like my unborn sister, the one I dreamed about," Harry whispered, his eyes fixed on Daisy's face. Ginny's eyes softened, and she squeezed Harry's hand reassuringly.

"I know, it's uncanny," Ginny whispered back, "but we have to remember, she's not your sister, Harry. She's a different person, with her own story and struggles." Harry nodded, taking a deep breath as he processed his emotions. He couldn't help but feel a deep connection to Daisy, but he knew Ginny was right – he had to separate his feelings from reality.

As they whispered, Daisy continued to eat, her eyes fixed on her food. Harry watched her, guessing that she hadn't eaten in days. The way she devoured her meal, savoring each bite, spoke volumes about her hunger and desperation. Harry's heart went out to her, and he felt a surge of determination to help her, to make sure she was safe and cared for.

Daisy tried to sneak some of her food into her tattered bag, but Ginny caught her in the act. Daisy's eyes widened in fear, and she looked like a trapped animal. Harry quickly intervened, his voice calm and reassuring. "Don't worry, Daisy, there's no need to steal. We're not going to hurt you. But we do need to talk to you about something."

Daisy's expression changed from fear to panic. "No, you're like them!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling. "The man who gave me food the other day and tried to kidnap me... or the lady who tried to send me to the police." She jumped up from her seat, trying to make a run for it, but her legs gave out beneath her.

Harry quickly lifted her up, his hands gentle but firm. Ginny rushed to help, and together they guided Daisy back to her seat. Daisy was crying softly, her body shaking with sobs. Harry didn't know why, but he gently wiped away her tears, his touch soothing.

Ginny felt a pang of jealousy, but she quickly scolded herself for it. Harry thought of Daisy as a sister, and Ginny knew that. She looked at Harry, who was uncertain about how to comfort Daisy. Ginny met his gaze and nodded, encouraging him. Instead, Ginny took the initiative and hugged Daisy tightly.

Daisy didn't resist, instead melting into Ginny's embrace. Harry watched, a mixture of relief and gratitude on his face. He was thankful that Ginny had taken the lead, comforting Daisy in a way that he couldn't. As they hugged, Harry realized that Daisy's story was much more complicated than he had initially thought.

Harry's voice was gentle and reassuring as he said, "Daisy, we just want to help you. We're not going to hurt you or turn you in to anyone. We want to make sure you're safe and taken care of." Daisy nodded slowly, her eyes still red from crying, and her face streaked with tears.

Ginny smiled warmly at Harry, admiring the way he handled the situation. She had seen him deal with difficult people and situations before, but there was something especially tender about the way he interacted with Daisy. He had only hesitated before because Daisy was a girl and he didn't want to scare her or make her feel uncomfortable. But now, he was his usual kind and compassionate self.

They made their way out of McDonald's, the cool evening air a welcome relief after the warmth of the restaurant. The sounds of the city - car horns, chatter, and music - filled the air as they walked. Harry and Ginny walked on either side of Daisy, making her feel safe and protected.

As they walked, Harry asked Daisy, "So, where do you live?" He asked the question casually, but Ginny knew he was watching Daisy's reaction closely.

Daisy's eyes dropped, and she looked embarrassed. She fidgeted with her hands, twisting her fingers together. "I...I don't have a home," she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper. Harry and Ginny exchanged a knowing glance. Their suspicion was true - Daisy was homeless.

Harry's expression softened, and he put a gentle hand on Daisy's shoulder. "It's okay, Daisy. We're here to help. We'll figure something out," he said, his voice full of reassurance. Ginny nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with compassion. She felt a surge of determination to help Daisy, to make sure she was safe and had a place to call her own.

They made their way to a nearby park, the darkness of the evening casting long shadows across the grass. Since it was almost night, the park was almost empty, except for a few stragglers hurrying home. Harry and Ginny guided Daisy to a bench, and she sat down, looking exhausted.

Harry got down on his knees in front of her, his eyes locked on hers. "You've never had a home?" he asked gently, his voice full of compassion. Daisy shook her head, her eyes dropping. "Not for the past six years," she whispered.

Ginny's eyes widened in shock, and she felt a pang of sadness. Six years was a long time to be without a home, without a family. Harry's expression was calm, but Ginny could see the turmoil in his eyes. He was gentle, brotherly, as he asked Daisy, "Why?"

But despite his calm exterior, Harry's mind was racing. He couldn't help but think of Daisy as his own sister, despite telling himself she wasn't the Daisy he had dreamed of. There was something about her that drew him in, something that made him feel connected to her. And her appearance didn't help - she looked so much like the sister he had always imagined.

Daisy took a deep breath before speaking, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had a Grandma... I lived with her for five years. She was a good person, kind and loving. But... she died in a car accident." Ginny's eyes widened in shock, and she felt a lump form in her throat. She now understood why Daisy must have saved her earlier - Daisy had lost someone dear to her in a similar way.

As Daisy spoke, her eyes began to well up with tears again. But before she could break down, Harry instinctively reached out and gently placed his hand on her hair. It was a comforting gesture, one that seemed to calm Daisy down. Harry didn't know why he did it, but somehow, it felt like the right thing to do. Daisy looked up at him, her eyes searching, and for a moment, they just locked gazes.

Daisy's voice trembled as she continued her tale. "We used to live in a village... Godric's Hollow," she said, her eyes clouding over. Harry gasped again, his mind reeling with the coincidence. Ginny squeezed his hand, her eyes wide with wonder. How could it be that Daisy lived in the same village where the Potters used to live? And why did she look so familiar? But they composed themselves, not wanting to interrupt Daisy's story.

Daisy's eyes dropped, and she whispered, "After my grandma died, I was alone. I was only 5. I had no one, so I was taken to an orphanage." Her voice cracked, and she paused, collecting herself. "It was run by an old man, but... no one seemed to like me. It was a small orphanage, and the other 4 kids got adopted, leaving me behind."

Daisy's eyes welled up with tears as she spoke of the orphanage. "One day, there was a fire... and the keeper man died. Again, I was left alone." Her voice broke, and she looked heartbroken, her shoulders shaking with sobs. Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, their hearts heavy with sympathy for the young girl who had endured so much loss and hardship.

Daisy's voice trembled as she continued her story. "I was 6 at that time," she said, her eyes gazing into the distance. "After the fire, I was sent to another small orphanage. I thought... I thought I had finally found a home." Her voice cracked, and she paused, collecting herself.

"But then, something unexpected happened. I got adopted," Daisy said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "But the same day... my adopted parents died in a London Underground accident. They were shopping for me... and I was left alone again." Tears streamed down Daisy's face as she spoke, her body shaking with sobs.

Ginny's eyes welled up with tears, and Harry's face was etched with concern. They couldn't imagine what Daisy had gone through, losing everyone she had ever known. Daisy's voice dropped to a whisper as she continued. "When I got back to the orphanage... it was closed. I was the last one there, and the orphanage runner had left the city after giving me away."

Daisy's voice was barely audible as she continued her story. "Since then, my story spread... and no orphanage would take me," she said, her eyes downcast. "They told me I was cursed." Her voice trembled, and she paused, collecting herself.

Ginny's eyes were filled with tears, and Harry's face was etched with concern. They couldn't imagine the pain and loneliness Daisy had endured. Daisy's voice dropped to a whisper as she continued. "I was known as the cursed child... because everyone I got involved with died." She looked up, her eyes haunted. "Since then, I've been alone."

The park was quiet, the only sound the rustling of leaves in the wind. Harry, Ginny, and Daisy sat in silence, the weight of Daisy's words hanging in the air. Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, their hearts heavy with sympathy for the young girl who had been shunned and feared by so many.

Daisy's eyes dropped, and she whispered, "So, I've been living on the streets for 6 years. I'm 11 now... or at least, I think I am." She looked up, a hint of uncertainty in her eyes. "I'm not really sure, because the Grandma I had... she wasn't my real Grandma."

Ginny's eyes widened, intrigued by the new revelation. Harry's face was etched with concern, his eyes fixed on Daisy. Daisy continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "My Grandma said she found me when I was a baby. She said I was very weak, like I was premature... only a few weeks old. She thought I must have been born in an accident, when a pregnant lady died."

Daisy's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought. "But the strange thing is... I was found under a tree, near the church at Godric's Hollow." The air was thick with tension as Harry and Ginny exchanged a weighted glance. Godric's Hollow, again. The coincidences were piling up, and they couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Daisy's story than met the eye.

Daisy's voice was laced with a mix of emotions as she continued her story. "My grandma said she took me to the hospital, and the doctors were amazed. They said I was only 9 weeks old, and there was no chance I would survive." She paused, her eyes gazing into the distance. "But they kept me in an incubator, and... I survived."

Ginny's eyes were wide with wonder, and Harry's face was etched with amazement. They couldn't believe what they were hearing. Daisy's voice dropped to a whisper. "I was kept in the incubator for 5 months, and then... I was like a normal baby." A small smile played on her lips. "The doctors called me a miracle child... or a magical child."

But her smile faltered, and her eyes clouded over. "Now, people call me the cursed child." Her voice was barely audible, and her body seemed to shrink, as if the weight of her past was crushing her. Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, their hearts heavy with sympathy for the young girl who had endured so much.

Daisy's voice was laced with a hint of despair as she spoke, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I think maybe I am cursed," she said, her eyes downcast, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "All my family died... maybe my mother knew I was cursed and left me." Her voice cracked, and she paused, collecting herself as she struggled to hold back tears.

Ginny reached out, placing a comforting hand on Daisy's arm, but Daisy didn't seem to notice. She was lost in her thoughts, her eyes gazing into the distance as she tried to make sense of her past. "Maybe she tried to abort me, but I survived... and was left alone," Daisy continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "But that doesn't explain why I was in a weird basket with a soft blanket." She looked up, her eyes searching, pleading for answers.

Harry's mind was racing, trying to piece together the puzzle of Daisy's past. He felt a surge of determination to uncover the truth, to help Daisy understand what had happened to her. He leaned forward, his eyes locked on Daisy's, his voice gentle. "We'll figure it out, Daisy. We'll find out what happened to you."

Daisy's voice was barely audible as she whispered, "Maybe I should die. Maybe I'm really the cursed child." Her eyes seemed to plead for validation, as if she had resigned herself to the fact that she was indeed cursed.

Harry's face was etched with concern as he reached out and took Daisy's hands in his. "You're not cursed, Daisy," he said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. Daisy looked up at him, her eyes searching for reassurance.

"But people...," Daisy started to say, her voice trembling. Harry interrupted her, his voice gentle but firm. "I don't know about that, but I know you're not cursed." He smiled, trying to reassure her. "I've been in your shoes, Daisy. I lost my parents when I was a baby, and I used to think I was cursed too." Ginny smiled, nodding in agreement.

"But I'm not," Harry continued. "And neither are you. You're just a girl who's been through a lot, but that doesn't mean you're cursed." Daisy's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Harry, and suddenly, she burst into sobs.

Harry instinctively hugged her, holding her close as she cried. As he held her, he couldn't shake off the feeling that he was hugging his own sister. The connection he felt with Daisy was strong, and her appearance only added to the sense of familiarity. Ginny watched, a warm smile on her face, as Harry comforted Daisy.

Next Chapter is  Helping the Cursed.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling this was it. The chapter started all sweet and lovely with Harry and Ginnys date but it took a different turn as they met Daisy. I hope you would like the character of Daisy ahead. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 3: Helping the Cursed

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

They pulled back, and Harry's eyes revealed tears, mirroring Daisy's. Ginny quickly stepped in, gently wiping the tears from both their faces with her sleeve. Harry's expression turned determined as he said, "First, we need to get Daisy some decent clothes." Ginny smiled and nodded in agreement.

But before they could take action, Daisy's body went limp, and she fainted. Harry's eyes widened in alarm as he caught her, holding her upright. "What happened to her?" he exclaimed, panic creeping into his voice. Ginny's face was pale, her eyes filled with concern.

Glancing around, Harry realized it was already 8 pm. Under normal circumstances, they would have been heading to Fawcett Manor by now, with Ginny flooing to the Burrow from there, and Harry returning to the Dursleys the next day. But now, with Daisy's unexpected collapse, their plans were thrown into disarray.

Ginny's voice was laced with worry as she said, "We need to take her to a Muggle healer." Harry's brow furrowed, his mind racing. "But how? And at this time? I don't know anyone in Muggle London." He glanced around, feeling a sense of desperation creeping in.

Taking Daisy to Fawcett Manor was out of the question; it would take too much time, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker wasn't equipped to handle this situation. Harry knew some basic Muggle first aid, courtesy of his studies with Mrs. Tucker before discovering his true identity as a wizard, as well as his conversations with Madam Pomfrey. However, he didn't want to take any risks.

Their options were limited, and they couldn't even send a message; Hedwig was back at Fawcett Manor. Harry and Ginny exchanged a worried glance, unsure of what to do next.

Ginny's eyes lit up as she said, "Hermione's parents are doctors, aren't they?" Harry's face scrunched up in correction. "They're dentists, Ginny. There's a difference." Ginny looked confused, but Harry's expression turned thoughtful.

"Wait, maybe we should contact them," Harry said, a plan forming in his mind. "They must know some doctors, right?" Ginny nodded, and Harry continued, "Hermione gave me her telephone number once. I remember it." Ginny's eyes widened in surprise.

Harry instructed Ginny to stay with Daisy while he went to find a telephone booth. As he walked away, he couldn't help but wonder what Hermione would think when he called her. Just that day, they had returned from Hogwarts, and Harry had taken Ginny on a date to make up for lost time. But now, everything had changed. They had met Daisy, and now she was fainted in their care.

What would he tell Hermione? Harry's mind raced as he searched for a telephone booth. He finally spotted one and rushed inside, fumbling for coins as he dialed the number. As the phone rang, Harry took a deep breath, preparing himself for the conversation that was about to change everything.

Hermione smiled warmly as she pushed her chair back from the dinner table, feeling grateful for the warm and loving atmosphere of her family's home. It had been a while since she'd had a chance to spend quality time with her parents, and she was determined to make the most of their time together over the summer holidays. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, exchanged a loving glance, happy to have their daughter back home.

As they chatted and laughed together, Hermione couldn't help but feel a pang of loneliness. She had only been home for a day, but she was already missing her best friends dearly. "Draco, Harry, Ron, and Neville," she thought to herself, wondering what they were all up to. She had grown so accustomed to their daily interactions at Hogwarts that their absence felt like a void in her life.

"I'm going to go call Harry and Ron," Hermione said, getting up from the table. Her parents smiled and nodded, knowing how much her friends meant to her. Little did Hermione know, Harry's evening had taken an unexpected turn, one that would change everything.

Just then, the telephone rang, shrill and insistent, breaking the warm atmosphere of the Granger residence. Juliet, Hermione's mum, was about to answer it, but Hermione quickly intervened, "I'll get it, Mum." She hurried over to the phone and picked it up, saying brightly, "Hello, Granger Residence here."

As soon as she heard the familiar voice on the other end, Hermione's face lit up with excitement. "Harry!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling over with enthusiasm. Harry's voice came through the line, calm and serious, "Hello Hermione, Harry here, Harry Potter."

Hermione immediately launched into a breathless stream of conversation, "Oh, Harry, I've been missing you all so much already! Did you get Draco's letter this afternoon? I was just thinking about..." But Harry cut her off, his voice firm but urgent, "Hermione, I need your help." Hermione's words trailed off, and she listened intently, her expression turning serious.

Harry quickly filled Hermione in on the situation, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I found this homeless girl, and she's been through a lot. She fainted, and I don't know what to do. I'll tell you all the details later, but I need your help now." Hermione listened intently, her brow furrowed with concern.

"What do you need, Harry?" Hermione asked, her voice firm and reassuring. Harry hesitated for a moment before responding. "I need to know if your parents know any doctors. I don't know anyone in the Muggle world, and I don't know what to do." Hermione didn't hesitate, quickly calling out to her parents.

"Mum! Dad!" Hermione exclaimed, her voice carrying across the room. Her parents, Daniel and Juliet Granger, appeared in the doorway, curious expressions on their faces. Harry greeted them warmly, his voice polite. "Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. I'm so sorry to bother you, but I need your help."

Hermione's parents exchanged a concerned glance before Juliet asked, "What's wrong, Harry?" Harry took a deep breath before explaining the situation. "I found a homeless girl, and she's fainted. I don't know what to do, and I was wondering if you knew any doctors who could help." Daniel and Juliet exchanged a glance before Daniel nodded.

"You can bring her here, Harry," Daniel said, his voice firm. "We live in suburb London, so it's not too far. We'll take care of her." Harry's face lit up with gratitude as he thanked them. "Thanks, Mr. and Mrs. Granger. I really appreciate it." With a final thanks, Harry cut the phone, feeling a sense of relief wash over him.

Harry walked over to Ginny, who was watching him with concern. "We need to get her to the Grangers'," Harry said, nodding towards Daisy's limp form. Ginny quickly moved to help Harry, and together they carefully positioned Daisy on Harry's back. Harry's muscular build made it easy for him to support Daisy's weight.

Ginny smiled, looking relieved that they had a plan. "I'll hail a taxi," she said, stepping out onto the sidewalk. She raised her hand, calling out to a passing taxi. However, instead of saying "taxi," Ginny said "tack-see," her pronunciation a bit off. Harry chuckled, despite the seriousness of the situation.

The taxi pulled over, and Harry carefully climbed in, Daisy still secured on his back. Ginny followed, giving the driver the address. "8 Heathgate, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London," she said, her pronunciation perfect this time. The driver nodded, and they set off into the London dusk, bound for the Granger Residence.

The taxi came to a stop in front of a beautiful, six-bedroom house with a large back garden. The dusk sunlight cast a warm glow over the scene. Harry, still carrying Daisy, and Ginny, stepped out of the taxi. Ginny struggled for a moment to handle the Muggle money, but eventually managed to pay the driver the correct fare.

As they walked towards the house, Harry instructed Ginny, "Ring the doorbell." Ginny nodded and pressed the doorbell. The door opened almost immediately, and Daniel Granger's friendly face appeared. He took one look at Daisy in Harry's arms and swiftly moved to assist him.

"Here, let me take her," Daniel said, gently lifting Daisy from Harry's arms. Harry relinquished his burden, relieved to have Daisy in capable hands. Daniel led the way to the living room, where Juliet and Hermione were waiting. Harry followed, with Ginny close behind.

As they entered the cozy living room, Harry apologized again, "Thanks so much for helping us out. I'm really sorry to disturb you at this time." Juliet and Daniel exchanged a warm glance, and Juliet reassured him, "Nonsense, Harry. We're happy to help. Let's just focus on getting this young girl the care she needs."

Daniel carefully examined Daisy, his trained eyes scanning her pale face. The rest of the group waited at a distance, giving him space to work. Mrs. Granger turned to Harry and explained, "You know, Dan also has a diploma in medicine, so he's qualified to treat patients beyond just dentistry." Harry nodded, feeling a sense of relief that Daisy was in capable hands.

Hermione's curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to Ginny, asking in a hushed tone, "Why is Harry so frantic about this girl?" Ginny's eyes locked onto Harry's worried face before she replied, "Harry's always dreamed of having a sister, and this girl... Daisy, she looks exactly like the sister he's always imagined." Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, and she glanced over at Harry, who was watching Daniel with an anxious expression.

Harry walked over to Hermione, his eyes still fixed on Daniel as he tended to Daisy. Ginny followed close behind, and together they began to recount the evening's events to Juliet and Hermione.

"We were on a date," Harry started, a hint of a smile on his face. "Just a normal evening out, and then... this girl, Daisy, she saved Ginny from being hit by a car."

Ginny picked up the story, her voice filled with emotion. "And then she told us her story... about being abandoned as a baby, and growing up on the streets. It's just so heartbreaking."

Hermione's eyes were wide with shock and sympathy, and Juliet's face was etched with concern. "Oh, poor thing," Juliet murmured, shaking her head.

Harry's expression turned serious. "I know it sounds crazy, but... I feel like I have a connection to her. Like she's... family or something." Hermione and Ginny exchanged a knowing glance, both of them aware of Harry's long-held dream of having a sister.

Harry took a deep breath, his eyes gazing into the distance as he began to recount a deeply personal and painful memory. "After the Dream Reality Convergence, I started having these dreams... visions, really. And one of the earliest memories I uncovered was from when I was just a baby. My mum was telling me that I was going to be a big brother soon." Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, unaware of this revelation.

Harry's voice cracked as he continued, the pain of that Halloween night still raw. "But... my parents and my unborn sister died that night. I never knew I had a sister, but... the will of my parents mentioned an unborn baby girl, and her name was... Daisy." Ginny's hand found Harry's, and she gave it a gentle squeeze, offering comfort and support.

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet beeping of the medical equipment monitoring Daisy's vital signs. Hermione's eyes shone with tears, her face etched with compassion and understanding. Juliet and Daniel exchanged a knowing glance, their faces somber. The weight of Harry's words hung in the air, a poignant reminder of the tragedy and loss that had shaped his life.

Daniel broke the silence, his voice reassuring. "I haven't found anything abnormal yet, but tomorrow I'll call my friend, Dr. Evans. He'll be able to give us a better assessment." Juliet smiled warmly, her eyes twinkling. "Ginny and Harry, you're welcome to stay for the night. We have plenty of room."

Harry and Ginny exchanged a hesitant glance, not wanting to impose. "We don't want to be a burden," Harry said, but Juliet waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense, you're welcome to stay. We'll get you set up in the guest room."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of relief. "Thanks, Mrs. Granger. I just need to inform Grandma Mrs. Tucker and Ginny's parents about what's going on, but we don't have Hedwig with us. She's at Fawcett Manor." Juliet's face lit up. "We have an owl, you're welcome to use it."

Harry turned to Hermione, surprised. "You didn't have an owl, how come?" Hermione smiled, a mischievous glint in her eye. "My parents bought the owl for themselves, so they can stay connected with the Wizarding World. Sometimes it worries them, being Muggles and all."

Juliet carefully poured the steaming hot tea into delicate china cups, the soothing aroma filling the room as Harry continued to recount Daisy's story to Mr. Granger. "She told her grandma, not her real one, that she was found in a basket, just a tiny thing, about 9 weeks old, all pink and no bigger than the size of a palm," Harry explained, his eyes locked onto Mr. Granger's incredulous face.

Daniel and Juliet exchanged a stunned glance, their eyes wide with astonishment. "It's impossible," Daniel exclaimed, his voice laced with disbelief. "A 9-week-old fetus cannot survive, it's medically impossible," he added, shaking his head. Juliet nodded in agreement, her face pale. "The chances of survival would be zero, even with modern medical intervention."

Ginny's brow furrowed, her mind racing with possibilities. She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Is it possible that Daisy's not a Muggle?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. The room fell silent, as if the very question had sucked the air out of the atmosphere. Harry's eyes locked onto Ginny's, a spark of intrigue igniting within them.

Hermione's eyes widened, her face reflecting her surprise. "You mean, could she be... magical?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. The room remained silent, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on the mantle.

Just then, they witnessed an astonishing sight: Daisy's dark red hair began to transform into a vibrant blue hue. She stirred, but remained unconscious, oblivious to the miracle unfolding around her. Harry's eyes widened in awe as he grasped the significance of what he was seeing. "She's a Metamorphmagus," he breathed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with understanding. "In that case, Daisy must be taken to a healer," she said, her voice firm. "She may have a Wizarding disease, which would be unidentifiable by Muggle means." Daniel nodded in agreement, his face set in a determined expression. "We can do that tomorrow. For now, let's get some rest."

As the others began to disperse, Harry's mind remained racing. He felt an even deeper connection to Daisy, as if their shared Wizarding heritage had forged an unbreakable bond between them. He couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were now inextricably linked. With a sense of wonder and trepidation, Harry followed the others to their bedrooms, his thoughts consumed by the mysterious and enchanting Daisy.

Although Ginny's parents had always been lenient about Harry and Ginny sharing a room, Mrs. Granger had given them separate guest rooms, each with its own cozy ambiance. Harry's room was decorated with a soothing color scheme, and the soft moonlight filtering through the window cast a gentle glow on his face. He didn't protest the separate rooms, still reeling from the events of the evening. As he lay in bed, his mind refused to quiet down, his thoughts swirling with questions and possibilities.

In the dreamland, Harry's eyes fluttered open, and he saw Ginny standing before him, just as she did every day. But today, her expression was different - concerned and introspective. Her long, red hair cascaded down her back like a fiery waterfall, and her bright brown eyes sparkled with a mix of curiosity and worry. "It's not possible, Harry," she said, as if sensing his thoughts. "Your unborn sister died with your mum."

Harry's eyes locked onto Ginny's, his voice filled with conviction. "But what if my mum saved her from some rare method, just like her sacrifice saved me from Voldemort's killing curse?" Ginny's expression faltered, and she looked uncertain. She took a step closer to Harry, her voice barely above a whisper. "That's a pretty big leap, Harry. We can't just assume..." Harry pressed on, his words tumbling out in a rush.

"My mum must have been around 8 or 9 weeks pregnant around that time... it can't be coincidence, can it? Daisy looks exactly like my dream sister - dark red hair like my mum, and hazel eyes like my dad... and she was found in Godric's Hollow, for crying out loud!" Ginny's eyes widened, and she looked stunned. She seemed to be processing the information, her mind racing with the possibilities.

Ginny's expression turned cautious, and she placed a gentle hand on Harry's arm. "Harry, don't get your hopes up," she said, her voice laced with concern. "We don't know anything for sure yet." Harry nodded, understanding Ginny's warning. He knew he was getting ahead of himself, but he couldn't help the spark of hope that had ignited within him.

The two lovers shared a warm, tender hug, the tension and worry momentarily forgotten. As they pulled back, Harry suggested, "Let's take a walk in the forest." Ginny nodded, and they strolled hand in hand, the moonlit trees casting dappled shadows on the ground.

As they walked, Harry's thoughts returned to the earlier events. He turned to Ginny, his eyes serious. "I was really scared when I saw you in front of that car," he said, his voice low. "If it wasn't for Daisy... I don't know what I would have done." Ginny's grip on his hand tightened, and she looked up at him with a reassuring smile. "You'll never have to find out," she whispered, her voice filled with love and devotion.

The next morning, Harry woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He got dressed and made his way downstairs, where he was greeted by the warm smiles of Mr. and Mrs. Granger. "Good morning, sir, ma'am," Harry said politely, trying to stifle a yawn.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger exchanged a surprised glance, clearly not expecting Harry to be up and about so early. "Good morning, Harry!" Mrs. Granger replied, her voice warm and welcoming. "We're not used to seeing you young people up so early."

Harry chuckled. "I usually wake up at 5 to do some exercise and workout," he explained. Daniel's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, your athletic build at just 12 years of age is proof of that," he said with a grin. Harry's face flushed with embarrassment as he looked down, trying to hide his blush.

Juliet began to busy herself in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for the family. Harry offered to help, but Juliet waved her hand dismissively. "No, no, Harry, you're our guest," she said. But Harry insisted, saying, "I do this at home, really." Juliet smiled and nodded, impressed by Harry's politeness.

As Hermione descended the stairs, Juliet turned to her and said, "Your friend is really very polite, Hermione." Hermione smiled and nodded in agreement. "Yes, he is," she said. "Harry's always been very considerate of others."

Ginny joined the group, and soon Juliet and Hermione carefully lifted Daisy and took her to the bathroom to clean her up. They gently bathed her, washing away the dirt and grime that had accumulated on her small body. Hermione carefully brushed Daisy's dark red hair, which cascaded down her back like a waterfall of autumn leaves. They dressed her in one of Hermione's soft, white dresses, which seemed to glow in the morning light.

When they returned, Harry's eyes widened in astonishment. "She looks... exactly like my mum," he gasped, his voice barely above a whisper. Ginny's eyes also widened, and she took a step closer, her gaze fixed on Daisy's peaceful face. Hermione's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she leaned in, studying Daisy's features. Although Daisy's eyes were closed, Harry recalled the hazel eyes he had seen earlier, the only difference from his mum's bright emerald green eyes.

Harry's gaze roamed over Daisy's face, taking in the small nose, the smattering of freckles across her cheeks, and the gentle curve of her lips. It was as if he was staring at a younger version of his mother. He felt a lump form in his throat as he whispered to Ginny, "Exactly like Mum, except for her eyes... they're like Dad's hazel eyes, just like how I look exactly like Dad but have Mum's emerald green eyes."

Ginny's expression turned thoughtful, her brow furrowed in concern. She knew that these coincidences were growing a bit too much. Did what Harry said in the dreamland last night might be true? The possibility sent a shiver down her spine. She glanced at Harry, seeing the mix of emotions on his face - hope, uncertainty, and a deep longing.

Harry suggested that he, Ginny, and Daisy should leave, but Daniel offered to drive them, insisting it was no trouble. "I can drive you all the way to Fawcett Manor," he said with a smile. Harry hesitated, knowing that Fawcett Manor was indeed very far away. "But it's a long way," Harry protested. Daniel glanced at his wife, and they exchanged a nod.

"We have a surprise for you, Hermione," Juliet said with a smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "We've connected our fireplace to the Floo Network." Hermione's eyes widened in shock, and she looked like she was about to explode with excitement. "What?!" she exclaimed, her voice rising in surprise. "How did you manage that?"

Her parents chuckled, explaining that they had planned to surprise her later, but circumstances had changed. "We were going to tell you later, but since Harry and Ginny need to get back to Fawcett Manor, we thought we'd let you in on the secret now," Daniel said with a grin. Harry felt a pang of guilt for ruining the surprise, but Hermione just rolled her eyes and scolded him good-naturedly.

Ginny grinned and gave Hermione a high-five. "Next year is going to be so much fun at Hogwarts!" Hermione exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "You'll be a first-year, and we'll be second-years. We'll have another girl in our group - Draco, Ron, Harry, Neville, Hermione, and Ginny! Just think of all the adventures we'll have!"

Hermione's persistence eventually convinced her parents to let her join the others for the day. With the plan settled, Harry carefully lifted the still-unconscious Daisy onto his back. The four of them - Harry, Ginny, Hermione, and Daisy - made their way to the fireplace, where they stepped into the Floo Network.

As they emerged from the fireplace at Fawcett Manor, Harry's honorary grandma, Mrs. Tucker, greeted them warmly. She was accompanied by the twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, who were busily polishing the silverware. Mrs. Tucker beamed with excitement, explaining that she had received Harry's letter the previous day and had been eagerly awaiting their arrival.

Ginny's eyes lit up as she spotted her parents and Charlie, who had returned after months away. She rushed over to hug Charlie tightly, exclaiming, "I've missed you so much!" Harry smiled, happy to see Ginny reunited with her family. He mentioned that he had also written to Ginny's parents, keeping them informed about the developments.

Mrs. Weasley, ever the caring mother, immediately tried to examine Daisy, but she couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. Arthur suggested that they contact someone from St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries, as Madam Pomfrey was currently on holiday. Charlie recommended reaching out to Pyre Jones, a skilled healer who had treated Harry the previous year after he had taken the Blasting Curse meant for Ginny.

Harry's eyes narrowed slightly as he recalled Pyre Jones's expertise. But what caught him off guard was Charlie's familiarity with the healer. "How do you know Pyre Jones?" Harry asked, curiosity getting the better of him. Charlie's face flushed slightly, and he muttered, "Oh, we met when you were admitted to the hospital last year. We became friends." Harry raised an eyebrow, noticing the faint blush on Charlie's cheeks.

Harry felt a pang of guilt and apologized to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, explaining that he had initially planned to spend the day with Ginny and drop her back home by nightfall. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to disrupt our plans," Harry said, looking sheepish, his eyes darting between Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, hoping for understanding.

Mrs. Weasley waved her hand dismissively, her expression warm and understanding. "It's not your fault, Harry, that you found Daisy and everything changed. It wasn't exactly a date anymore, was it?" She smiled kindly, her eyes crinkling at the corners. Harry felt a wave of relief wash over him, grateful for Mrs. Weasley's kind words.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker beamed with pride, her eyes shining with admiration. "I'm so proud of you, Harry, for taking care of that poor girl. You've always had a heart of gold," she said, her voice filled with warmth. She patted Harry's arm, her hand feeling warm and comforting.

However, Harry's expression turned serious, and he began to explain the strange connection he felt with Daisy. "I know this sounds crazy, but I've been having these dreams... and Daisy looks exactly like the girl in my dreams. The same hair, the same eyes... it's uncanny. And what's even stranger is that she looks like my mum, but with Dad's eyes." Harry's voice was filled with a mix of emotions - confusion, curiosity, and a hint of hope.

"Can it be possible...?" Harry's voice trailed off, his eyes scanning the faces of his loved ones, searching for answers. "Can it be possible that my unborn sister somehow survived?" The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Harry, as they pondered the impossible question.

Just then, Charlie stepped out of the Floo, accompanied by Pyre Jones, the healer from St. Mungo's. Pyre was a stunning brown-haired witch, with piercing green eyes and a warm smile. Harry couldn't help but notice that Charlie looked radiant in her presence, his eyes shining with admiration.

Pyre quickly took charge, examining Daisy with a skilled and gentle touch. "I'll need to run some tests," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. "Please, everyone, wait outside." The group reluctantly stepped out of the room, leaving Pyre to her work.

Harry turned to Ginny, his voice barely above a whisper. "Can't it be possible that Daisy is my sister, the one who survived somehow?" he asked, his eyes searching for answers. "There are so many coincidences... the way she looks, the dreams I've been having..." Ginny's expression was thoughtful, her brow furrowed in concern.

"It's possible," she said slowly, "but we can't be sure yet. We need to wait for Pyre's diagnosis." Harry nodded, not wanting to raise his hopes, but he couldn't shake off the feeling that there was something more to Daisy's story.

Seeking some solitude, Harry slipped away to his room at Fawcett Manor, a place he hadn't seen since his first year at Hogwarts. As he entered, he was greeted by a chorus of excited chirps and meows. Poco, his little sparrow, Hedwig, his white owl, and Kluer, his colour-changing cat, all jumped at Harry, demanding to know where he had been all night.

Harry smiled, happy to be reunited with his beloved pets. In his unique way, he communicated with them, understanding their language and conveying his thoughts. He told them about his date with Ginny, and then about Daisy, sharing his hopes and fears with his loyal companions. As he spoke, his pets listened intently, their eyes shining with understanding and support.

Ginny slipped into the room, a soft smile on her face as she spotted Harry surrounded by his pets. Harry's eyes lit up as he saw her, and he opened his arms, inviting her to snuggle up beside him. Ginny happily obliged, nestling into the warmth of his embrace. The pets, sensing the affectionate atmosphere, settled down around them, content to simply be near their beloved owner.

Just then, Twinky, the elf, appeared at the doorway, a tray bearing two glasses of freshly squeezed juice in her hands. "Master Harry, I brought you and Miss Ginny some juice," she said, her eyes sparkling with kindness. Harry smiled, thanking her as he took a glass from the tray. Ginny sipped her juice, feeling grateful for the warmth and comfort of the moment.

As they sat together, Ginny's thoughts turned to Daisy, and she couldn't help but wonder what the future held. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if Daisy turns out to be your sister?" she mused, her voice barely above a whisper. Harry's eyes met hers, and he smiled, his heart filled with hope.

The pets, sensing that the cozy moment had passed, dispersed to their various corners of the room. Poco settled onto her perch, softly chirping to herself, while Hedwig gently nuzzled Harry's hand before flying off to her nest. Kluer, the colour-changing cat, sauntered over to a sunbeam streaming through the window and began to lazily groom her shimmering fur. Harry leaned in, his lips brushing softly against Ginny's in a gentle kiss that left her cheeks flushing. After the tender moment, they made their way downstairs, hand in hand, to the living room of the manor.

Pyre was still in the room with Daisy, and the group was eagerly awaiting her update. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were engrossed in a lively conversation with Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who was regaling them with stories of her youth. She spoke of her adventures growing up in a magical family as a Squib, of the pranks she had played on her siblings, and of the countless memories she had made with her own family. Hermione, meanwhile, was chatting with Dimpy, the elf, and laughing at his mischievous antics.

Hermione was struck by how confident and cheeky Dimpy was, a stark contrast to the Hogwarts elves she had encountered in the Secret Garden, whom Harry had taken under his wing - Chimey, Blinky, and Wobby. While those elves were timid and shy, Dimpy seemed to embody a carefree spirit, as if she didn't have a worry in the world. Charlie, noticing Harry and Ginny's arrival, flashed them a warm smile.

"I hope you've been treating my sister well, Harry," Charlie said, his eyes twinkling with amusement. Harry's face lit up with a reassuring smile. "Of course, I couldn't dream of hurting her," he replied, his voice filled with conviction. Ginny rolled her eyes good-naturedly at her overprotective brother, her cheeks flushing with amusement.

Ginny's curiosity got the better of her, and she turned to Charlie with a questioning gaze. "I thought you weren't going to be able to make it here this summer, Charlie? What changed?" she asked, her brow furrowed in puzzlement.

Charlie's face broke into a wide grin, and he leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Well, plans changed," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "I've been offered a job here in England."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, and Ginny's eyes lit up with interest. Charlie continued, his voice barely above a whisper. "The dragon reserve in Romania is opening another reserve here, and they want me to head it up."

Ginny's face lit up with excitement, but Charlie's expression turned serious. "But for now, it's a secret," he warned, his eyes locked on Ginny's. "I haven't told anyone except you two, and I need you to keep it under wraps, especially from Mum."

Ginny nodded vigorously, a sly grin spreading across her face. She knew exactly how thrilled her mother would be when she found out that Charlie was returning to England for good. "Don't worry, Charlie, your secret is safe with us," Ginny promised, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Harry's eyes sparkled with amusement as he turned to Charlie, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "So, Charlie, what's going on between you and Healer Pyre?" he asked, his voice low and teasing. "Is she the reason for your sudden transfer here?"

Charlie's face turned a deep shade of crimson as he stuttered, "W-what makes you think that? We're just friends, Harry." But his eyes betrayed him, and Harry noticed the faintest glimmer of a blush on his cheeks.

Harry chuckled, his eyes glinting with mirth. "Oh, come on, Charlie! You can't fool me. I've noticed the way you've been acting around her. You were able to get her here at the crack of dawn, and you're blushing like a schoolboy every time her name is mentioned. And let's not forget the way you lit up when she arrived – you looked radiant!"

Charlie's blush deepened, but he continued to deny any romantic involvement. "We're just friends, Harry, I swear! You're reading too much into it." But Harry just laughed, knowing that Charlie's protests were futile.

Ginny, who had been watching the exchange with interest, filed away the new information for future use. She couldn't wait to tease her brother mercilessly about his apparent crush on Pyre. A sly grin spread across her face as she thought about the possibilities for blackmail. Charlie, oblivious to the danger lurking nearby, continued to protest his innocence, his face growing redder by the minute.

Harry decided to give Hermione a tour of the manor, since it was her first time visiting. Ginny tagged along, but she had already spent a considerable amount of time at the manor last summer with Harry. In fact, it was the very place where they had shared their first kiss. As they strolled through the grand halls, Harry couldn't help but notice Hermione's wide-eyed wonder. She had spent most of her magical life within the walls of Hogwarts, and it was clear that the manor's unique charm was captivating her.

"This is incredible!" Hermione breathed, her eyes darting from one ornate tapestry to the next. "I've never seen anything like it!" Ginny smiled knowingly, having experienced a similar sense of awe during her own first visit. Harry chuckled, pleased to see Hermione so enchanted.

As they turned a corner, Hermione's gaze landed on the manor's vast library. Her eyes grew even wider, and she let out a squeal of delight. "Oh my goodness, this is amazing! It's almost as big as the Hogwarts library!" Ginny laughed, having anticipated Hermione's reaction. Harry grinned, happy to see his friend so thrilled. As a self-proclaimed bookworm, he had spent countless hours within those very library walls, devouring books on magic and learning.

"I know, right?" Harry said, leading them into the library. "I've spent so much time in here, reading and learning. It's one of my favorite places in the manor." Hermione nodded enthusiastically, already scanning the shelves for interesting titles. Ginny settled onto a nearby couch, watching her friends with a warm smile.

Harry noticed Ginny smiling at him, a warm and tender expression on her face. He walked over to her, curiosity getting the better of him. "What's that look for?" he asked, his voice low and playful, as he settled beside her on the couch.

Ginny's smile deepened, and she leaned in close to him. "Can't a girlfriend look at her boyfriend now?" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Just then, Hermione intervened, her voice wise and teasing. "You two can keep the romance to a minimum, I'm still here," she said, laughing, as she shook her head good-naturedly. Harry and Ginny exchanged a sheepish glance, before bursting out laughing at Hermione's timely reminder.

Hermione rolled her eyes good-naturedly, a wry smile spreading across her face. "You two are already so lovey-dovey, imagine what it'll be like when Ginny joins us at Hogwarts this year as a first-year student, and we're all in our second year together," she said, chuckling.

Harry's eyes sparkled with amusement, but then his expression turned serious as he remembered something. "Hey, Hermione, you mentioned something about Draco's letter, didn't you?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

Hermione nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, I received it last afternoon, just as I was reaching home from Platform 9 ," she said. Just then, Hedwig flew in, a letter clutched in her talons. She landed on Harry's shoulder, and he gently took the letter from her.

"Looks like Draco sent us all the same letter," Harry said, his eyes scanning the parchment. "I bet Ron and Neville got one too." He unfolded the letter and began to read.

As Harry finished reading the letter, he and Hermione exchanged a warm smile. "It's amazing how much Draco has changed," Hermione said, her eyes shining with happiness. "He's really become a good friend, hasn't he?"

Harry nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and it's great that he's finally decided to be honest with his parents about his change of heart." He knew it wouldn't be easy for Draco, especially given his family's dark past and their expectations of him as a Slytherin. But Harry also knew that Draco had the courage to face his parents and stand up for what he believed in.

Just then, Twinky appeared at the doorway, her expression somber. "Pyre Jones has come out of the room, and she wants to tell you all something," she announced, her voice low and serious.

The group filed downstairs, where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Charlie were already gathered, their faces serious and concerned. Pyre stood beside them, her eyes locked on Harry and Ginny, her expression a mixture of sadness and determination.

"How did you find Daisy?" Pyre asked, her voice gentle but urgent, as if she needed to know every detail.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance before launching into the story Daisy had told them. "She was found in a basket, looking like a fetus about nine weeks old," Harry began, his voice filled with emotion. "An old lady took her to a Muggle hospital, and she survived."

Ginny picked up the story, her voice filled with compassion. "Daisy lived with the lady for five years, but then the lady died in a car accident. Daisy was taken to an orphanage, but it caught fire, and the keeper died. She was moved to another orphanage, but she got adopted, and her new parents died in a train accident on the very same day."

The room fell silent, the weight of Daisy's tragic story sinking in. Grandma Mrs. Tucker's eyes welled up with tears, and Mrs. Weasley's face was etched with concern. Mr. Weasley's expression was grim, his eyes narrowed in thought.

Ginny continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "When Daisy returned to the orphanage, it was closed, and the owner had left the city. Since then, her story spread, and she was known as the 'cursed child.' No one wanted to adopt her, and she's been homeless for the past six years."

Hermione's eyes were wide with shock, her face pale. Charlie's face was set in a determined expression, his jaw clenched in anger. Pyre's eyes, however, held a deep sadness, as if she had expected this story all along.

Ginny concluded the story, her voice filled with emotion. "Yesterday, Daisy saved me from an accident, and then we gave her food. She told us about her life, and then she fainted. We took her to Hermione's parents, but soon we saw her hair changing color, so she's not a Muggle. That brings us to now." The room remained silent, the only sound the quiet sniffles of Grandma Mrs. Tucker.

Pyre's eyes clouded over, her expression thoughtful. "Like that explains it," she muttered to herself.

Harry's concern for Daisy's well-being prompted him to ask, "Is Daisy okay?"

Pyre's gaze snapped back to Harry, her expression somber. "Daisy will live and recover, but it will take time. Being homeless, she hasn't been prone to healthy eating and drinking water habits, which is why her body has accumulated toxins."

Ginny's eyes widened in horror, her hand flying to her mouth. "That's terrible," she whispered.

Pyre nodded grimly. "If she had been a Muggle, she would have died. But being a witch has saved her. However, she is extremely weak, which is why she is unconscious."

Hermione's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "What can we do to help her?" she asked.

Pyre's expression turned thoughtful. "To remove the toxins accumulated in her body, we will need to do a month-long treatment. It's a wizarding world treatment called Dormio Detoxificus."

Charlie's eyes narrowed. "What does that entail?" he asked.

Pyre explained, "The patient needs to sleep for almost the whole day, around 18 to 20 hours. In a weakened state, they will slowly start to improve. After a month, the patient will be healthy again."

The room fell silent, the weight of Pyre's words sinking in. Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and they exchanged a determined glance. They would do whatever it took to help Daisy recover.

After Pyre finished explaining the treatment, Grandma Mrs. Tucker took charge, instructing Twinky and Dimpy to prepare Daisy's room accordingly and assist in her care. "Make sure the room is quiet and comfortable for her," she said, her voice warm and nurturing. "And see that she's fed nutritious food to aid in her recovery." Pyre assured them that she would visit twice daily to oversee the treatment and monitor Daisy's progress.

As the others began to disperse, Harry and Ginny drew Pyre aside, their voices hushed. They led her to a quiet corner of the room, away from prying ears. "Pyre, we need to tell you something," Harry said, his eyes serious and intent.

Pyre's expression turned curious, and she nodded for them to continue. Harry took a deep breath before launching into the story of his dream, Daisy's appearance, and the strange similarities between them. Ginny added her own observations, telling Pyre about the way Daisy's eyes seemed to sparkle with a familiar light.

When they finished, Harry asked the question that had been haunting him. "Pyre, is it possible that Daisy is my sister?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "That she somehow survived because she was found as a fetus, only nine weeks old? My mum must have been around eight or nine weeks pregnant when she was murdered by...by Voldemort."

Pyre's eyes widened, and she flinched at the mention of the Dark Lord's name. Her expression turned pale, and she seemed to be struggling to process the possibility. She took a deep breath, her eyes locked on Harry's, before speaking in a barely audible whisper.

Pyre's expression turned thoughtful as she considered Harry's question. "It's possible," she said finally, her voice measured and cautious. "If you can survive the Killing Curse, then perhaps your sister could have survived as well."

Harry nodded, his eyes locked on Pyre's, his mind racing with the possibilities. "I survived because of my mum's sacrifice," he said, his voice filled with emotion, remembering the ultimate sacrifice his mother had made for him.

Pyre's eyes softened, and she nodded, her expression sympathetic. "Yes, similarly, your sister might have survived, but her case was rather complicated. She was a fetus inside the womb, but still, it's possible."

Ginny leaned forward, her eyes shining with excitement, her long red hair cascading down her back like a fiery waterfall. "We've already noticed the resemblance," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Daisy looks just like Lily, with the same bright red hair, and she has James's eyes - the same bright hazel eyes that sparkle with warmth and kindness."

Pyre's expression turned intrigued, her eyebrows rising in surprise. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "That's quite a strong resemblance."

Harry nodded, his heart racing with excitement, hope, and trepidation. "We can't help but wonder if she's really my sister," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Pyre's expression turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing as she considered the possibilities. "The only way to be sure is with a bloodline test," she said finally. "And those are only done by goblins, for friends of the Goblin Nation."

Harry smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye, remembering his adventures with the goblins. "I'm a friend of the Goblin Nation," he said, his voice filled with confidence.

Pyre's eyes widened in surprise, her eyebrows rising in astonishment. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with incredulity.

Ginny nodded, a smile spreading across her face. "So we can arrange the test?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

Pyre hesitated, her expression turning cautious. "We should do that after the treatment, though," she said. "Daisy needs to recover first. The test can wait, but her health can't."

Harry nodded resolutely, his eyes shining with determination. "I'll do everything to help Daisy, sister or not," he said, his voice firm and resolute.

Ginny smiled at her boyfriend, her eyes filled with pride and admiration. "That's my Harry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, her lips curving upwards in a gentle smile.

Pyre nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'll hold you to that, Harry," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

As they made their way back to the hall of the manor, Pyre announced that she should leave now. Charlie immediately offered to escort her to St. Mungo's safely, his eyes shining with chivalry.

"I'd be happy to see you home, Pyre," Charlie said, his voice filled with courtesy.

Pyre's expression turned curious, seemingly unaware of Charlie's intentions. "Oh, that's not necessary, Charlie," she said, her voice polite.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a knowing glance, smirking at each other. They could see the sparks flying between Charlie and Pyre, and they knew that Charlie had his work cut out for him.

"Looks like Charlie will need to do quite some efforts to win Pyre's heart," Ginny whispered to Harry, her eyes shining with amusement.

Harry grinned, nodding in agreement. "Definitely," he whispered back.

As Pyre and Charlie departed, Grandma Mrs. Tucker reminded Harry to pack his things, as he would need to leave for the Dursleys' by evening.

"Don't forget to pack your trunk, Harry," Grandma Mrs. Tucker said, her voice firm but gentle. "You need to be at the Dursleys' by evening."

Harry nodded, knowing that due to the blood wards, he had to spend some time at the Dursleys'. He wasn't looking forward to it, but he knew it was necessary.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley bid their farewells, departing for the Burrow through the Floo. Ginny promised to return in the evening, when Harry would leave for the Dursleys.

"I'll be back tonight, right Harry ? ," Ginny said, her voice filled with affection. "We can say our goodbyes then."

With the afternoon still young, Harry and Ginny continued Hermione's tour of the manor. This time, they explored the vast grounds, including the huge garden, the forest, Harry's crop fields, the fruit and vegetable garden, the farm animals, and the serene lake.

As they strolled through the lush greenery, Harry felt a sense of peace wash over him. The manor, with its rich history and natural beauty, was a true sanctuary. He felt grateful to have such a wonderful place to call home, even if it was only for a short time.

Next Chapter is  Back to the Dursleys.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. So this was it ? Do you like the idea of Daisy being Harry's sister. It was always my plan when I first showed that dream , I hope you Like it. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 4: Back To The Dursleys

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As the evening drew to a close, Hermione bid farewell to Harry and Ginny, her eyes shining with warmth as she hugged them both. "I'll see you two soon," she said, her voice filled with affection. With a final wave, she stepped into the Floo, disappearing in a burst of flames as she returned to her home, the Granger Residence.

Harry and Ginny then made their way to Daisy's room, their footsteps quiet on the soft carpet. They found her still fast asleep, her chest rising and falling with gentle breaths. The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the candles that lit the space.

Harry's eyes lingered on Daisy's peaceful face, his heart filled with a deep longing. He really hoped she would turn out to be his sister. The thought of having a sibling, a family member who shared his blood and his history, was almost too much to bear.

Ginny, sensing Harry's emotions, squeezed his hand gently. "What's going on, Harry?" she asked, her voice soft and concerned. Her eyes searched his face, seeking answers to the questions she knew he was asking himself.

"The Harry I know wouldn't care if she's his sister or not," Ginny said, her eyes shining with conviction. "You'd help her regardless, because that's who you are." Her voice was laced with a hint of challenge, as if daring Harry to admit the truth.

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and he knew exactly what she was getting at. "What if Daisy doesn't turn out to be your sister, Harry?" Ginny asked, her voice gentle but probing. "Will you abandon her?"

Harry's face twisted in horror at the very idea. "No, of course not," he said, his voice firm and resolute.

Ginny's expression turned gentle, her eyes shining with warmth. "Exactly," she said. "So, it doesn't matter if she's your sister or not. You can still give her your name, Harry. You can give her the Potter surname."

Harry's eyes widened as he grasped Ginny's meaning. As the head of the ancient and noble House of Potter, he had the power to adopt Daisy as his sister. The realization was both exhilarating and terrifying, filled with possibilities and uncertainties.

Ginny's voice was filled with conviction. "You can help her, Harry. It doesn't matter if she's what you're expecting or not. But you can make her your sister nonetheless. You can give Daisy a family."

In all the chaos and uncertainty surrounding Daisy's arrival, Harry hadn't thought clearly about his options. But Ginny's words had cut through the noise, illuminating a path he hadn't considered. He can make Daisy his sister nonetheless.

Harry turned to Ginny, his eyes shining with gratitude. "You're the best," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Ginny grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Don't I know it?" she replied, her tone playful.

Harry's expression turned serious, his voice filled with conviction. "I love you," he said, his eyes locked on Ginny's.

Ginny's smile softened, her eyes shining with love. "Again, don't I know it?" she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She leaned in, her lips brushing against Harry's in a soft, gentle kiss.

As they pulled back, Ginny's eyes sparkled with mirth. "I love you too," she said, her voice filled with affection.

Harry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He pulled Ginny close, his arms wrapping around her waist. "Don't I know it?" he replied, his voice filled with amusement, echoing Ginny's earlier words.

Harry smiled at Ginny, his eyes shining with reassurance. "I'll meet you soon, just as soon as I get over with my stay at the Dursleys," he said, his voice filled with promise.

Ginny's face lit up with a smile, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "And we'll meet every night in dreamland," she added, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry nodded, his heart filled with gratitude for the special bond they shared. Ginny smiled, blew him a kiss, and then stepped into the Floo, disappearing in a burst of flames as she returned to her home, the Burrow.

Harry watched her go, a smile still on his face. He then turned to pack his trunk, his mind focused on the task at hand. He wouldn't be carrying much with him to the Dursleys, as he planned to return to the manor every day with Dudley.

As he packed, Harry's thoughts turned to Dudley, the only member of the Dursley family who had ever shown him kindness. He was excited to see Dudley, to reconnect with the one person who had made his childhood at the Dursleys slightly more bearable.

As decided, Harry left Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer at the manor, promising that he would return every day to visit them. He bid Grandma Mrs. Tucker farewell, hugging her warmly and thanking her for her love and support.

"I'll be back tomorrow, Grandma," Harry said, his voice filled with reassurance.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled, her eyes shining with love. "I'll be here, dear. Take care of yourself at the Dursleys'."

Harry nodded, shouldering his backpack and setting off towards Privet Drive. He decided to run the 10-mile distance between Fawcett Manor and Number 4, Privet Drive, feeling the need to clear his head and work off some energy.

As he ran, the wind rushing past his face, Harry felt a sense of freedom and release. He was eager to see Dudley, but he knew that his stay at the Dursleys' would be difficult. Running helped him to prepare for the challenges ahead, to focus his mind and steel himself for the unpleasantness that awaited him.

Meanwhile, at Number 4, Privet Drive, Dudley was in his room, gazing out of the window, eagerly waiting for Harry's arrival. The warm sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the changes in Dudley's appearance. His once chubby face was now leaner, his cheeks more defined, and his eyes sparkled with a newfound confidence.

Dudley had returned from Smeltings two days ago, and the excitement of seeing Harry again had been building up inside him. He was the only one in the Dursley household who knew the truth about Harry's whereabouts. Aunt Petunia and Vernon, on the other hand, believed that today was the last day of school and that Harry would be returning directly from Platform 9.

Dudley let out a deep sigh, his excitement to see Harry growing with each passing minute. He had undergone a significant transformation since the previous year, when he had seen the scars on Harry's body, inflicted by Vernon and Petunia's cruelty. The memory of those scars still haunted him, and he felt a pang of guilt for not standing up to his parents sooner.

That incident had marked a turning point in Dudley's life. He had apologized to Harry and, during the summer, they had secretly spent time together at Fawcett Manor, enjoying each other's company. This newfound friendship had also motivated Dudley to adopt a healthier lifestyle, and he had lost a significant amount of weight.

As he gazed out of the window, Dudley couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in his new appearance. He was no longer the chubby, spoiled boy he once was. Instead, he had transformed into a handsome young man, with a leaner physique and a more confident demeanor.

However, despite his physical transformation, Dudley still struggled with finding the courage to stand up to his parents. He longed to tell them that he and Harry were happy with each other and that their treatment of Harry was wrong. But, as Harry had often said, it wasn't easy to oppose one's own family.

Dudley's eyes remained fixed on the window, his heart racing with anticipation. When would Harry arrive? He couldn't wait to see his friend, to talk to him, and to share his thoughts and feelings. The wait was almost unbearable. He checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time, willing the hands to move faster.

Just as Dudley was starting to lose hope, he saw a figure appear in the distance, running towards the house with a backpack slung over his shoulder. Dudley's heart skipped a beat as he realized it was Harry. He couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of joy and excitement wash over him.

Harry rang the bell, and the door was answered by Aunt Petunia, her face a picture of disapproval. Her eyes narrowed as she took in Harry's appearance, her expression a clear indication that she was not pleased to see him.

"Harry," she said curtly, stepping aside to allow him to enter. "You're back."

Harry nodded, his eyes scanning the room as he entered with his trunk. As expected, he was not quite welcome by Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia. The atmosphere was tense, the air thick with unspoken hostility.

Dudley came down the stairs, his eyes meeting Harry's in a knowing glance. But, as was customary, he quickly looked away, his expression transforming into one of disdain.

"Hey, freak," Dudley muttered, as he passed Harry in the hallway.

Harry ignored him, knowing that it was all an act. He made his way to his room, his trunk thudding against the floorboards.

Dudley discreetly followed, waiting until they were both in Harry's room before closing the door behind him.

Once they were alone, the two cousins shared a proper greeting, their faces breaking into wide smiles.

"Hey, cuz!" Dudley exclaimed, clapping Harry on the back.

"Hey, Dud!" Harry replied, grinning. "Good to see you, mate."

The two cousins hugged, their differences forgotten in the face of their growing friendship.

Harry settled into his chair, a faraway look in his eyes as he began to recount his first year at Hogwarts. Dudley listened with rapt attention, his eyes wide with excitement as Harry regaled him with tales of magic, adventure, and friendship.

"I can't believe you got sorted into Gryffindor!" Dudley exclaimed, his voice full of awe. "I would have been so scared, but you're always so brave, Harry."

Harry chuckled, his face flushing with pleasure. "It wasn't that bad, Dud," he said, downplaying his heroics. "But I have to say, it was an amazing year."

Dudley nodded enthusiastically, launching into his own tale of his first year at Smeltings. Harry listened intently, laughing and joking with his cousin as they relived their respective adventures.

Though they had already exchanged letters throughout the year, sharing their experiences and stories, it was different talking in person. The conversation flowed easily, with both cousins teasing and joking with each other.

Dudley, in particular, was eager to tease Harry about his date with Ginny the previous day. "So, how was the big date?" Dudley asked, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Harry grinned, his face flushing with pleasure. "It was good," he said, trying to play it cool.

Dudley chuckled, nudging Harry playfully. "I bet it was," he said, winking.

Harry laughed, shaking his head. "Anyway, enough about that," he said, changing the subject. "You won't believe what happened after that."

Dudley's eyes lit up with curiosity. "Try me," he said, leaning forward.

Harry took a deep breath, launching into the story of Daisy's arrival and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her. Dudley listened, entranced, as Harry filled him in on all the details.

Harry's eyes sparkled with amusement as he asked, "So, did you impress any girls at Smeltings this year?"

Dudley chuckled, a hint of self-deprecation in his voice. "I'm not lucky like you, Harry, to catch on a bird," he said, shaking his head.

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. "Well, I think Ginny's pretty special," he said, his eyes shining with affection.

Dudley nodded, a serious expression on his face. "This year, my main focus was on getting rid of the bad company of friends I had," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "And I'm proud to say that I've been successful."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, impressed by Dudley's determination and self-awareness. "That's amazing, Dud," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "I'm really proud of you."

Dudley's face flushed with pleasure, a shy smile spreading across his face. "Maybe next year, though, I can focus on impressing girls," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Harry laughed, clapping Dudley on the back. "I'm sure you'll do just fine, Dud," he said, grinning. "You're a great guy, and I'm sure the girls will love you."

Harry's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "So, is there someone in your eyes, Dud?"

Dudley's face turned a deep shade of crimson as he looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment. Harry teased him, grinning mischievously. "Come on, Dud, spill the beans!" he exclaimed.

Dudley hesitated for a moment before taking a deep breath and confessing, "Yes, there is one girl...Samantha Jones. She's quite beautiful, and she's always mysterious, you know?"

Harry's eyes widened with interest as he leaned in, eager to hear more. "Tell me more about her," he encouraged.

Dudley's blush deepened as he continued, "I don't know, Harry. She's just...different. And I think maybe next year I can try to befriend her or something."

Harry chuckled, patting Dudley on the back. "I'm sure you'll do just fine, Dud. Just be yourself, and I'm sure Samantha will love you for who you are."

Harry rummaged through his backpack and pulled out a bag of magical sweets, grinning mischievously as he handed it to Dudley. "I brought these back from Hogwarts," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Dudley's face lit up with a smile as he took the bag, but then his expression turned hesitant. "Harry, I don't know if I should be eating these," he said, his voice laced with concern. "I've worked so hard to get in shape, I don't want to ruin it."

Harry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Come on, Dud, one or two sweets won't hurt," he teased. "Besides, they're magical, they'll probably help you maintain your lean shape."

Dudley laughed, shaking his head. "You're a bad influence, Harry," he said, smiling.

As the evening drew to a close, the cousins settled in for the night, each retiring to their respective rooms. Harry climbed into bed, feeling grateful for the chance to reconnect with Dudley. Despite the challenges they had faced in the past, their bond had grown stronger, and Harry was thankful for that.

Ginny stepped out of the fireplace, her face flushed from the journey. Her mum, Mrs. Weasley, was waiting for her in the living room, a warm smile on her face.

"So, how was your day with Harry and Hermione?" Mrs. Weasley asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "And how was yesterday's date with Harry?"

Just then, the twins, Fred and George, burst into the room, grinning mischievously. "Hey, Ginny! How was the big date?" Fred asked, winking at his sister.

George chimed in, "Did Harry sweep you off your feet?"

Ginny rolled her eyes, laughing. "You two are impossible," she said, shaking her head.

Despite the teasing, Ginny's mum was eager to hear about her day. "Come on, dear, tell me all about it," she encouraged.

Ginny took a deep breath, launching into the details of her day with Harry and Hermione, and the previous day's date with Harry. Her mum listened attentively, a warm smile on her face, while the twins continued to tease and joke around them.

Ginny leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye, and whispered something in the twins' ears. Fred and George's faces lit up with excitement as they listened, their eyes sparkling with amusement.

"What?" Mrs. Weasley asked, curiosity getting the better of her. "What's going on?"

Ginny grinned, her voice barely above a whisper. "Harry and I think that Charlie might have a crush on Healer Pyre."

The twins burst out laughing, their eyes shining with mirth. "That's brilliant!" Fred exclaimed.

George chuckled, nodding in agreement. "We should keep an eye on them, see if we can catch Charlie in the act."

Mrs. Weasley smiled, shaking her head. "You three are always up to something. I'm sure Charlie can take care of himself, but it's sweet of you to look out for him."

Just then, Charlie emerged from the Floo, his face flushed from the journey. Ginny raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eye.

"It took you long enough, didn't it?" Ginny asked, her voice dripping with amusement. "You left Fawcett Manor to drop Pyre off this morning, and now you're just getting here? You must have gotten lost in the Floo, right?"

Charlie groaned, his face reddening as he denied the accusations. "I did not get lost in the Floo!" he protested.

But the twins and Ginny were relentless, teasing him mercilessly about his supposed detour. Even Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Oh, Charlie, you're so predictable," Fred said, grinning.

"Yeah, we all know you've got a soft spot for Pyre," George added, winking.

Charlie shook his head, laughing despite himself. "You lot are impossible," he said, smiling.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she asked, "Oh, spill the beans, was it a date?" Her voice was laced with excitement, and she leaned in, eager to hear the details.

Charlie groaned, running a hand through his hair, his face flushing with embarrassment. "If only," he said, his voice tinged with wistfulness. He shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips.

"What do you mean?" Ginny pressed, her brow furrowed in concern. She sat down next to Charlie, her eyes locked on his, eager to understand.

Charlie sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I mean, yes, I like her," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it looks like I'll have a hard time impressing her. We had lunch together, but for now, I don't think Pyre thinks of me in that way." He shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his eyes.

The twins and Ginny exchanged knowing glances, their faces sympathetic. Fred and George nodded encouragingly, while Ginny placed a reassuring hand on Charlie's arm.

Mrs. Weasley, however, offered words of encouragement, her voice warm and soothing. "Don't worry, dear," she said, patting Charlie's arm. "These things take time. Just be yourself, and if it's meant to be, it will be. Remember, Pyre is a lovely person, and I'm sure she'll come to appreciate you for who you are."

The twins, Fred and George, chimed in, their voices filled with concern. "But Charlie, you only have a few weeks before you're off to Romania again," Fred said, his brow furrowed. "What if someone else catches Pyre's eye while you're away?" George added, his eyes wide with worry.

Mrs. Weasley looked thoughtful, her eyes sparkling with consideration. Ginny, on the other hand, was smirking, but she remained tight-lipped, remembering the promise she and Harry had made to keep Charlie's secret safe.

Just then, Arthur Weasley walked in the door, a weary smile on his face. "Ah, perfect timing," Mrs. Weasley said, beaming. "I was just about to call everyone down for dinner."

She called out to Percy and Ron, who were busy in their respective rooms, and soon the whole family was gathered around the dinner table. The twins, never ones to keep secrets, eagerly filled Ron and their dad in on Charlie's crush.

Charlie's face turned bright red as he listened to his brothers' teasing. But just as it seemed like things couldn't get any more embarrassing, Charlie spoke up, his voice loud and clear. "I have something to announce," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

The room fell silent, all eyes on Charlie as they waited with bated breath to hear what he had to say.

Charlie took a deep breath, a huge grin spreading across his face. "I've got some news to share," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "You know how I've been working at the dragon reserve in Romania?" He paused for a moment, surveying the room. "Well, they're opening another reserve here in England, and I've been asked to be the head of it."

The room erupted into cheers and applause, with Molly being the most ecstatic of all. "Oh, Charlie, this is wonderful news!" she exclaimed, tears of joy welling up in her eyes. "You'll be living with us now!" She rushed over to Charlie, enveloping him in a warm hug. "We'll have to get your room ready, and you can help us with the garden...oh, the possibilities are endless!"

The others were happy too, congratulating Charlie on his new appointment. Ron and Ginny high-fived him, while Fred and George grinned from ear to ear. "Blimey, Charlie, you're going to be the boss!" Fred exclaimed. George chuckled, adding, "Yeah, and you'll get to fly all the dragons you want!"

Arthur beamed with pride, shaking Charlie's hand. "Well done, son," he said. "We're all thrilled to have you back home. You must be relieved to be leaving Romania behind." Charlie nodded, smiling. "I am, Dad. I'm really looking forward to this new challenge."

Molly's eyes sparkled with happiness as she looked around the table. "I just wish Bill could have been here," she said wistfully. "And somehow managed to get a transfer here too. Then we'd have the whole family together again." She smiled, lost in thought for a moment, before turning back to Charlie. "But we're so glad to have you back, dear. This is just the best news ever! We'll have to celebrate properly tonight."

After a wonderful evening of celebration, everyone settled in for the night, and Ginny drifted off to sleep. Meanwhile, back at Privet Drive, Harry lay in bed, slowly drifting off to sleep.

As they slipped into the dreamland, their eyes met in the shared subconscious space. Ginny's eyes sparkled with excitement as she began to tell Harry about Charlie's announcement. "Harry, you won't believe what happened tonight!" she exclaimed.

"I think I can guess," Harry replied with a grin. "But I thought Charlie wanted to keep it a secret for a bit longer?" Ginny nodded, her smile growing wider. "I know, but he just couldn't keep it in anymore. And get this - he even admitted that he has a crush on Pyre Jones!"

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, and he launched into his own story. "You won't believe what happened with Dudley today," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I think he's got a crush on someone, and I'm not the only one who's noticed. The Dursleys are being their usual selves, but I'm just enjoying the show."

Next morning, Harry woke up at 5, feeling refreshed and energized. He quietly made his way downstairs, careful not to disturb the Dursleys, and began making breakfast for them. He enjoyed cooking, and the peaceful morning hours were a great time to clear his mind. As he expertly flipped pancakes and scrambled eggs, the aroma wafted through the house, enticing Dudley to come downstairs.

Dudley stumbled into the kitchen, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What's all the noise about?" he grumbled, but his eyes lit up at the sight of the breakfast spread. Harry grinned and handed him a plate. "Just making breakfast, Dud. Want to help me with something?"

Dudley's eyes sparkled with mischief as he nodded. Together, they concocted a fake note, supposedly from the Dursleys, excusing themselves for the day. With their plan in place, they snuck out of the house, making their way to Fawcett Manor to spend the morning exercising.

As they arrived at the manor, Harry's face lit up with excitement. He loved spending time outdoors, tending to his horses, farm animals, crops, and fruit and vegetable gardens. The twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, were eager to help, and together they set to work, enjoying the fresh air and sunshine.

As the morning wore on, Harry and Dudley decided to take to the skies on their broomsticks. Being a Squib, Dudley wasn't able to perform magic, but Harry had taught him how to fly a broomstick the previous summer. Dudley was a little rusty at first, but with Harry's guidance, he soon got the hang of it again. Together, they played a game of tag, laughing and shouting as they zoomed around the garden.

After their flying session, Harry spent some quality time with his beloved pets. He gently stroked Poco, his little male sparrow, who chirped happily in response. Harry also played with Kluer, his colour-changing cat, who purred contentedly as she shifted through a range of shimmering hues.

Meanwhile, Dudley wandered around the garden, taking in the sights and sounds of nature. Harry, however, knew that he couldn't put off his homework any longer. He settled down at a nearby bench and began to work on his assignments for his upcoming year at Hogwarts.

As the day drew to a close, Harry and Dudley reluctantly made their way back to Privet Drive. As soon as they arrived, Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia ordered Harry to start doing his house chores. Dudley, as usual, didn't have the courage to stand up for Harry, and instead slunk away to his room.

"I'll get started right away," Harry said, trying to keep his tone neutral. He knew that arguing with his relatives was pointless, and he just wanted to get his chores done as quickly as possible so he could start looking forward to his new life at Hogwarts.

Meanwhile, at Longbottom Manor, Neville was feeling a bit down, missing his best friends Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Harry. His grandma, Augusta Longbottom, was a kind but strict woman who always kept a watchful eye on him. Today, they had decided to visit St. Mungo's Permanent Ward, where Neville's parents, Alice and Frank, were being cared for.

As they walked through the ward, Neville's heart ached at the sight of his parents. Alice, at least, was still capable of walking, albeit with a vacant expression on her face. She was dressed in a simple white robe, her hair neatly combed, but her eyes were empty, devoid of any spark. Frank, on the other hand, was confined to his bed, his eyes staring blankly into space. Both of them had lost their memories forever, courtesy of the cruel torture inflicted upon them by the Lestranges.

Augusta had long accepted that she would never get her son and daughter-in-law back, but Neville still held onto hope. As they approached Alice, she looked up at Neville and made a soft mewing sound, almost like a kitten. Then, she held out a chocolate wrapper, crumpled and torn, but still recognizable as a wrapper. Neville's eyes welled up with tears as he took the wrapper from his mother.

Augusta instructed him to throw it away, her voice firm but gentle. "Neville, dear, it's just a piece of trash. Let's not keep it." But Neville discreetly pocketed it instead, his eyes locked on the wrapper as if it held some secret message. This was a ritual that Alice had followed in all their visits - giving Neville a chocolate wrapper. And Neville had kept them all, decorating his room with the colorful wrappers.

For Neville, these wrappers were a tangible connection to his parents, a reminder of the happy times they had shared before the Lestranges had destroyed their lives. He treasured each and every one of them, and he couldn't bear to part with even a single one. They were a symbol of hope, a reminder that one day, his parents might remember him again.

Neville tried to hug Alice, but she remained stiff and vacant, no expression on her face. Augusta looked away, her eyes welling up with tears, but she didn't want to appear weak in front of Neville. She took a deep breath and composed herself, watching as Neville made his way to his father's bedside.

Surprisingly, Alice sat down next to Frank's bed, her eyes fixed on some unknown point in space. Neville started recounting his adventures from his first year at Hogwarts, telling them about the friends he had made - Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco. He spoke about the many adventures they had shared, and how they had ultimately saved the Philosopher's Stone from Quirrell, who had been possessed by... Neville took a deep breath, his eyes locked on his parents, and said it: "Voldemort."

Augusta flinched slightly at the sound of the name, but Neville looked up at her and said, "It's just a name, Grandma. It doesn't scare me." Augusta's expression softened, and she felt a surge of pride in her grandson. He was brave, just like his parents had been.

Neville continued, his voice filled with determination. "You were both so brave, Mum and Dad. You fought against the Dark Lord, and I will too. I promise." Alice and Frank, of course, didn't respond, but Neville knew that he had made a promise to himself, and to his parents' memory.

Meanwhile, back at Privet Drive, the next morning found Harry and Dudley once again discreetly making their way to Fawcett Manor. As they arrived, Harry was relieved to find Daisy awake, although she looked confused and disoriented. But as she gazed up at Harry, her expression softened, and she seemed to relax in his presence.

"Hey, Daisy," Harry said gently, taking her hand in his. "I'm here for you. I'll take care of you like a sister." Daisy's eyes locked onto Harry's, and she seemed to be searching for something. Harry smiled reassuringly and began to tell her about the Wizarding World.

As he spoke, Daisy's eyes grew wider, and she looked like she was trying to process everything. Harry told her about Hogwarts, about magic, and about the fact that she was a witch. Daisy's face lit up with wonder, and for a moment, she looked like her old self.

But as the excitement began to wear off, Harry could see the exhaustion creeping back in. He knew that Daisy needed to rest, and so he gently guided her back to sleep. Twinky and Dimpy, the twin house-elves, were on hand to administer a special potion to help Daisy sleep.

Just as they finished, Healer Pyre Jones arrived for Daisy's check-up. She examined Daisy, asked Harry a few questions, and then smiled reassuringly. "She's doing well, Harry. The treatment is working, and she's on the road to recovery." With that, Pyre Jones left, leaving Harry to sit with Daisy and watch over her as she slept.

Two days passed in a similar blur for Harry. Every night, he would meet Ginny in the dreamland, a magical realm where their minds could connect and be together. He told her about his days, about Daisy's progress, and Dudley's antics. He even shared stories about the other Dursleys and the chores they made him do. But there was one thing he kept hidden, even from Ginny - the truth about his uncle's beatings.

Ginny had no idea that Harry's uncle had beaten him twice already, and that it was a regular occurrence. Harry had told her before that they rarely beat him, but that was a false reality. The truth was that the Dursleys beat him regularly, and it was only when he was at Hogwarts for his first year that he had escaped their cruelty. A powerful glamour charm had hidden Harry's wounds and scars from everyone, including Ginny.

Ginny, relieved that Harry seemed to be coping, would kiss him softly, and they would spend the rest of their time in dreamland strolling together, cuddling occasionally. The dreamland was their own private sanctuary, a place where they could be together, free from the worries and dangers of the real world.

Meanwhile, back at Longbottom Manor, Neville sat on his bed, gazing at the painting on his sidestand. It was a handmade, Wizarding painting that Harry had given him last Christmas. The painting depicted Neville as a young boy, surrounded by his parents, Alice and Frank. In one scene, his parents were hugging him tightly, their faces filled with joy and love. In another, his mother was kissing him on the forehead, her eyes shining with adoration.

Neville's eyes welled up with tears as he watched the scenes unfold within the painting. It was a bittersweet reminder of what he had lost. For the past 11 years, his parents had never recognized him, and it was a painful reality that Neville had grown accustomed to. But the painting gave him hope, a glimpse into a life that could have been.

"Thank you, Harry," Neville whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. "You're a true friend." Neville's mind began to wander, thinking about Harry's upcoming birthday on July 31st. He wanted to find the perfect gift, something that would show Harry how much he cared. With a month to go, Neville was determined to find the ideal present.

Next day, Harry and Dudley made their way to Fawcett Manor, laughing and grinning like usual. As they arrived, Harry's face lit up with a smile as he saw that Daisy was awake again. He had been gradually introducing her to the Wizarding World, bit by bit, careful not to overwhelm her. Her treatment required 18 to 20 hours of sleep every day for a month, and Harry didn't want to jeopardize her recovery.

As he sat beside Daisy, Harry couldn't help but notice the similarities between them. Her dark red hair was just like his mother's, and her hazel eyes were identical to his father's. She looked exactly like a younger version of his mother, but with his father's eyes - just like Harry looked like a younger version of his father, but with his mother's emerald green eyes.

Harry's mind wandered back to his theory - the possibility that Daisy could be his sister by blood. He had been reading books on ancient families over the summer, and he had discovered that metamorphmagi were common in the Black family, although the trait had vanished due to inbreeding. Harry's paternal grandmother, Dorea, was a Black before her marriage, so it was possible that Daisy could have inherited the metamorphmagus characteristics.

Every night, Harry would share his theory with Ginny in their dreamland, and she would listen intently. Although Harry knew that whether or not Daisy was his biological sister, he could still adopt her as his own, he couldn't help but feel a thrill at the prospect of having a real sister.

Today, Harry received a letter from Uncle Moony, Remus Lupin. The letter was written in Remus's familiar scrawl, with his characteristic flourishes and loops. Harry's eyes scanned the pages eagerly as he read about Remus's plans to visit Sirius at the Bones' estate. Sirius had been under house arrest at the estate despite being innocent, a victim of the corrupt Wizengamot's attempts to pin the blame on him for a crime he didn't commit.

The memory of Sirius's trial still lingered in Harry's mind, the pain and injustice of it all still fresh. He remembered the look of shock and betrayal on Sirius's face as the Wizengamot delivered their verdict. He remembered the feeling of helplessness that had washed over him as he realized that Sirius was being sent back to Azkaban. But Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had negotiated a deal that allowed Sirius to be placed under house arrest instead of being sent back to that dreadful place.

Aurors Moody, Kingsley, and trainee Tonks were assigned to guard him, but Harry knew that they were all sympathetic to Sirius's cause and believed in his innocence. In fact, Harry had heard that Moody, Kingsley, and Tonks had all been instrumental in helping Remus and Amelia to negotiate the deal that had kept Sirius out of Azkaban.

As Harry read the letter, he couldn't help but think about the complicated relationships between the adults in his life. Remus had once confided in Harry that Amelia had harbored feelings for Sirius since their Hogwarts days, but Sirius had never returned her affections. Remus had respected Sirius's wishes and kept the secret, and Harry had never had a chance to discuss it with Sirius himself.

Now, as he thought about Sirius's stay at Amelia's estate, Harry wondered if maybe this would be the spark that ignited something between them. He imagined Amelia, with her kind face and warm smile, and Sirius, with his charming grin and twinkling eyes. Maybe, just maybe, they would finally realize their feelings for each other.

"I hope so," Harry said to himself, smiling slightly at the thought. He folded the letter and put it back in his pocket, feeling a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time. Maybe, just maybe, things were starting to look up for Sirius, and for all of them.

Of course, according to the terms of his house arrest, Sirius wasn't allowed any visitors, but Remus could visit the Bones estate as a guest of Amelia's. Remus stood in front of the estate, a grandiose structure with manicured lawns and towering trees. The gates opened with a soft creak, and Remus walked through, feeling a sense of familiarity wash over him.

As he approached the main entrance, he was greeted by Kingsley and Moody, two familiar faces from his days in the Order of the Phoenix. "Remus, good to see you," Kingsley said, his deep voice warm and welcoming. Moody, on the other hand, simply grunted, his eye twinkling with a hint of warmth.

The three of them had been members of the Order of the Phoenix when it first started, fighting against the Dark Lord's initial rise to power. Although the Order was now defunct, they had remained close, bound by their shared experiences and struggles. Remus, who was significantly younger than Moody and a few years younger than Kingsley, looked up to them both as mentors and friends.

"Come on in, Remus," Moody said, his gruff demeanor softening slightly. "Amelia's waiting for you." Remus nodded, following Kingsley and Moody into the estate, feeling a sense of anticipation build within him. He knew that Sirius was waiting for him, and he couldn't wait to see his old friend.

Upon entering the Bones' estate, Remus's eyes landed on a familiar face - Nymphadora Tonks, a trainee Auror under Moody's guidance. Tonks was a metamorphmagus, able to change her appearance at will, a trait that made her a valuable asset in the Auror Office. Remus had known Tonks since she was a child, as she was the daughter of Andromeda Tonks, née Black, Sirius's cousin and one of the few members of the Black family that Sirius actually liked.

As Remus gazed at Tonks, he couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. The last time he had seen her was 10 years ago, when James and Lily were still alive, and Sirius was a free man. Tonks had been just 11 years old then, a gangly preteen with a mischievous grin. Now, she stood before him as a beautiful 21-year-old witch, her hair a vibrant pink and her eyes sparkling with warmth.

Remus, who was 11 years older than Tonks, felt a sense of pride and wonder as he gazed at the young woman she had become. He was 32 now, and Tonks's growth into a confident and talented young witch was a testament to the passage of time.

"Tonks, it's so good to see you," Remus said, his voice filled with warmth, as he opened his arms to embrace her.

Tonks's face lit up with a bright, radiant grin as Remus addressed her by her preferred name. "Tonks, it's so good to see you," he said, his voice warm, genuine, and filled with affection. Tonks hated her full name, Nymphadora, and always insisted that people call her Tonks instead. Remus seemed to remember that even after all these years, and it made Tonks's heart skip a beat. She felt a sense of comfort and familiarity wash over her, like slipping into a well-worn pair of shoes.

She hugged Remus tightly, feeling his warm arms envelop her in a gentle squeeze. Tonks breathed in deeply, taking in the scent of Remus's worn woolen jumper and the faint hint of moonstone that always seemed to cling to him. They pulled apart for a moment, and Tonks's face flushed slightly with a blush. Her hair, which had been a deep, glossy black just moments before, shifted to a soft, petal-pink hue, matching the color of her cheeks. The transformation was so subtle that only someone who knew Tonks well would have noticed it.

Remus, however, remained his usual calm and composed self. As a werewolf, he had always felt a sense of detachment from the world around him, as if he was observing life through a veil of indifference. He had never felt any romantic inclinations towards anyone, man or woman, and had often wondered if he was simply incapable of feeling that way. His werewolf curse had made him feel like an outsider, someone who didn't quite fit into the wizarding world.

But as he looked at Tonks, he felt a faint stirring in his chest, a sense of connection that he couldn't quite explain. It was as if the very fabric of his being was shifting, ever so slightly, to accommodate this new feeling. Remus pushed the feeling aside, telling himself it was just his imagination playing tricks on him. But the seed of doubt had been planted, and Remus couldn't help but wonder what the future held.

Remus's gaze wandered across the room, and he spotted Amelia Bones sitting elegantly on a plush armchair, sipping tea from a delicate china cup. She looked up and caught his eye, beckoning him over with a gentle smile. Remus made his way towards her, Tonks excusing herself to go and chat with Kingsley and Moody.

"Remus, dear, I'm so glad you're here," Amelia said, setting her cup down on the saucer. "I've been meaning to talk to you about the Pettigrew situation." Remus's expression turned grim, and he nodded for her to continue. "To be frank, we're not making much progress. We've had a few leads, but nothing concrete. It's as if he's vanished into thin air."

Remus's jaw clenched in frustration. He couldn't bring himself to say Peter's name anymore. To him, the man who had once been his friend, his brother, was now nothing more than a rat. "We'll get him, Amelia," Remus said, his voice low and determined. "The rat may think he's clever, but we'll catch him eventually."

Amelia's eyes filled with understanding, and she nodded sympathetically. She knew how much Peter's betrayal had hurt Remus, how deeply it had wounded him. "I know we will, Remus," she said softly. "And when we do, justice will be served."

Then, they heard the sound of laughter and playful barks, and Remus's gaze followed the noise to a nearby garden. Susan, Amelia's lovely niece and one of Harry's friends, was running and playing with a sleek black dog. The dog's tail wagged excitedly as it chased after Susan, who squealed with delight. Remus's eyes met Amelia's, and they exchanged a warm smile.

"It's good to see Sirius smiling again," Amelia said, her eyes shining with happiness. Remus nodded in agreement.

"Just give him time, Amelia," Remus said softly. "He's been through so much. Ten years in Azkaban, and the loss of Marlene... it's a wound that will take time to heal." Amelia nodded hopefully, her expression understanding.

Marlene. Remus's thoughts drifted back to the vibrant, lively woman who had captured Sirius's heart. They had been engaged to be married on Christmas of 1981, but fate had cruelly intervened. Death Eaters had brutally killed Marlene and her entire family in June of that year, just a month after their engagement. The tragedy had shattered Sirius, leaving him broken and lost.

And then, on Halloween of the same year, the Potters had been killed by Voldemort, leaving Harry an orphan. Peter's betrayal had framed Sirius for the crime, and he had spent 10 long years in Azkaban, his spirit slowly being drained away. Remus's heart ached as he thought about the pain and suffering his friend had endured.

The black dog transformed into Sirius, who strode towards Remus and Amelia with a mischievous grin. "Lia, darling," he said, addressing Amelia with the nickname that made her flutter, "you're looking lovelier than ever." Amelia's cheeks flushed with pleasure as Sirius turned to Remus and asked, "Moony, how's life been treating you?"

Remus chuckled and replied, "Oh, you know, same old, same old. But I have to ask, Padfoot, how's house arrest going on?" Sirius's grin widened, and he laughed, saying, "Oh, very boring, as you can see." His expression turned serious, and he added, "Thanks for letting Moony come, Lia. It means a lot to me."

Remus's eyes met Amelia's, and he nodded in gratitude. Tonight was a full moon, and for the first time in years, Sirius would be with Remus in his Padfoot form. Since that fateful Halloween night in 1981, Remus had been bearing the transformations alone every full moon. But from now on, Sirius would accompany him, even if he was under house arrest.

"We just hope they catch the Rat soon," Remus said, his voice low and determined. Sirius's eyes flashed with anger at the mention of Peter's nickname, but he nodded in agreement. They both longed for the day when Sirius would be a free man again, his name cleared of all charges.

Back at Privet Drive, Harry trudged through his chores, his mind still preoccupied with Remus's letter and the news about Sirius. Dudley, who had grown sympathetic towards Harry over the past year, watched him with a mixture of concern and helplessness. Despite their newfound closeness, Dudley still wasn't brave enough to stand up to their parents, Petunia and Vernon, and so they continued to pretend to hate each other in front of them.

As Harry finished his chores, Vernon's scowl deepened, his face reddening with anger. Something must have gone terribly wrong at work, Harry thought, his heart sinking. Vernon's eyes narrowed, focusing on Harry with a malevolent glare.

"You think you're so smart, don't you, boy?" Vernon sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "You think you can just waltz in here and do the bare minimum?" Harry knew what was coming, and he steeled himself for the blows. Vernon's belt snapped through the air, striking Harry with a series of vicious cracks.

Harry bit back a cry, the pain searing through his skin. It had been a year since he'd last been beaten by Vernon, and the shock of it felt almost as bad as the pain itself. Though Vernon had beaten him more brutally in the past, this felt worse somehow, perhaps because it came after a year of relative safety at Hogwarts.

Vernon's brutality was interrupted by the shrill ring of the telephone. He stormed out of the room, leaving Harry battered and bruised. But to Harry's surprise, Vernon returned a few minutes later in a pleasant mood, a wide smile spreading across his face.

"Ah, that was the Masons on the phone," Vernon said, his voice dripping with excitement. "They're coming over tomorrow, and if I can convince them to invest, it'll be the deal of a lifetime!" He rubbed his hands together, his eyes gleaming with greed.

But then his gaze snapped back to Harry, his expression darkening. "And let me warn you, boy," Vernon sneered, "if anything goes wrong tomorrow, if you cause even the slightest disturbance, you'll wish you were never born." Harry felt a shiver run down his spine as Vernon's malice washed over him.

After the confrontation, Harry retreated to his room, his body aching from the belting. He changed into a fresh T-shirt, wincing as he pulled the fabric over his tender skin. But as he looked in the mirror, he noticed something remarkable - his injuries were already starting to heal.

It was a phenomenon Harry had grown accustomed to over the years. From a very early age, his magical core had been strengthened by the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Dursleys. As a result, his healing powers were far more advanced than those of a normal wizard. Harry's eyes narrowed, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He was grateful for this unusual gift, but it also served as a painful reminder of the hardships he had endured.

That night, as Harry drifted into dreamland, he was safe from the cruel realities of his life with the Dursleys. Even in his subconscious, he was accustomed to hiding his injuries, a habit formed from years of casting glamour charms to conceal the bruises and scars. But there was one person who had managed to pierce the veil of secrecy - Ginny Weasley.

Ginny was the only person who knew that Harry was beaten, albeit very rarely. Harry had confided in her, and she had promised to keep his secret. But Harry knew that if Ginny had any idea about the full extent of the abuse he suffered, she would never have agreed to keep quiet. She would have been furious, and would have done everything in her power to protect him.

As Harry slept, his mind replayed the memories of his conversations with Ginny. He remembered the way she had looked at him, her eyes filled with concern and compassion. He knew that he could trust her, but he also knew that he could never reveal the true extent of his suffering. It was a burden he would have to bear alone.

Harry's eyes fluttered open in the dreamland, a realm where he and Ginny could be together, free from the troubles of the waking world. As they strolled hand in hand through the lush forest, Ginny's presence was a balm to Harry's battered soul. He made sure to keep his emotions in check, careful not to reveal the pain and bruises he had suffered at Vernon's hands.

Ginny's hugs, as always, were a soothing remedy, somehow easing the ache within him. It was as if their love had the power to heal even the deepest wounds. They walked together, sharing stories about their day, their laughter and whispers intertwining like the branches of the trees above.

As they paused by a crystal-clear stream, Ginny turned to Harry, her eyes sparkling with affection. "I'm so glad we have this time together," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. Harry's heart swelled with emotion as he drew her close, their lips meeting in a tender kiss.

But as the dreamland began to fade, Harry knew it was time to wake up. He held onto the memory of Ginny's smile, the feel of her hand in his, and the love that shone brightly between them. As he slowly opened his eyes to the dull, grey light of his bedroom, Harry felt a pang of sadness, leaving behind the idyllic world he shared with Ginny.

Next Chapter is  Crossing of the Threshold.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling everyone , So this was it , this chapter started love story of Remadora , continued story of Sirius and Amelia and also shown Nevilles point of view of his summer. Now only one left is Draco among the 5 best friends. Let's see when Daisy's truth will be revealed . And finally in next chapter Dursleys truth will be out , and they would pay the price. It would be one of the last times you will see them too well except Dudley as Dudley is good. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 5: Crossing of the Threshold

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Harry knew he couldn't risk going to Fawcett Manor that day. The Twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, with their keen eyes and gentle nature, or maybe even Grandma Mrs. Tucker, with her sharp wit and warm heart, might discover the truth about his abuse. He couldn't bear the thought of them finding out, seeing the worry and concern etched on their faces, and hearing their whispers of pity and outrage. So he decided to head to Dudley's room instead, seeking refuge in the familiar, if not always welcoming, space.

As he entered, Dudley looked up from his bed, where he was lounging with a book, concern etched on his face. "Hey, Harry, are you okay? Is it really hurting your back?" he asked, his voice laced with empathy, his brow furrowed with worry.

Harry forced a weak smile, trying to downplay the pain, not wanting to burden Dudley with his troubles. "Not much now," he replied, wincing slightly as he moved, the ache in his back still tender.

Dudley's expression turned somber, and he looked away, shamefaced. "I'm sorry, Harry. I'm really sorry I wasn't able to take a stand again. I don't think I'll ever be able to stand up to Mum and Dad," he said, his voice cracking with regret, his eyes welling up with tears. He shook his head, his face twisted in self-loathing. "I'm such a coward, Harry. I'm so sorry."

Meanwhile, at Spinner's End, Severus Snape was relaxing in his favorite armchair, a glass of wine in hand. The summer sun cast a warm glow through the windows, illuminating the rows of dusty bookshelves and the intricate potions equipment that lined the walls. Snape's eyes drifted shut, his mind wandering back to the previous year's events at Hogwarts.

He couldn't believe it, but he had actually enjoyed his time with Harry Potter. Before meeting the boy, Snape had assumed he would be a spoiled, arrogant brat, just like his father. But Harry had proven him wrong from the very first potions class. The boy's natural talent, politeness, and humility had slowly chipped away at Snape's defenses.

"Ah, yes...the Potter-Snape Amnesia Potion," Snape murmured to himself, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. He and Harry had worked together seamlessly, their differences momentarily set aside in pursuit of a common goal. Snape's eyes snapped open, and he gazed into the distance, his expression softening ever so slightly.

Lily Evans Potter had been the reason he had sworn to protect Harry all those years ago. But maybe, just maybe, Harry himself had earned a place in Snape's affections. The boy's bravery, loyalty, and kindness had slowly won Snape over, and he found himself caring for Harry in a way he never thought possible.

Snape's thoughts drifted back to that first potions class, where Harry had surprisingly decoded the message Snape had conveyed in Victorian flower language. Harry had understood the hidden meaning behind it. Snape had expressed his deep regret over Lily's death, a sentiment he had never expected Harry to decipher.

But what Harry didn't know, and what Snape was determined to keep hidden, was that his regret went far beyond mere friendship. Snape's love for Lily had never truly faded, even after all these years. However, Harry's understanding of the message had shown Snape that the boy was more perceptive and empathetic than he had given him credit for.

Snape's gaze fell upon a framed photo on his mantle, one that Harry had given him last Christmas. The picture showed Snape and Lily, both 11 years old, smiling and carefree. It was this thoughtful gift that had truly won Snape's respect and care for Harry. From that day on, Snape had started to see Harry in a different light, not just as Lily's son, but as an individual worthy of his own affection and protection.

"Yes, I will always love Lily," Snape murmured to himself, "but I will also care for Harry, not just because he is her son, but because he is Harry." The admission was a quiet one, but it marked a significant shift in Snape's emotions, one that would continue to evolve in the days to come.

Snape's thoughts took a darker turn as he recalled an incident that had occurred before Christmas, when his relationship with Harry was still tentative. It was before Halloween, when the anniversary of Potter's death was nearing, and Harry was visibly shaken. Snape remembered seeing Harry talking to Filch's cat, Mrs. Norris, his voice barely above a whisper. Snape had overheard Harry mention that it was hitting him hard that year, and that he had only recently discovered the truth about his parents' death. Until then, Petunia had led him to believe that they had died in a car crash.

Snape's curiosity had been piqued at the time, and he had wondered why Petunia would lie to Harry about something so significant. Was Harry's home life not good? The question had lingered in Snape's mind, but he had not pursued it further. Now, however, he was faced with a more disturbing possibility.

"What if Harry's home life was worse?" Snape thought to himself, his mind racing with the implications. "What if it was like my own childhood, or maybe even worse?" He mentally cursed himself for not realizing it sooner. There had to be a reason for Harry's submissive, self-blaming nature. Snape's eyes narrowed, his thoughts taking a darker turn. "No, Harry can't be abused, can he?" The question hung in the air, a terrible possibility that Snape could hardly bear to consider.

Snape's thoughts continued to unravel the mystery of Harry's past as he recalled the Dream Reality incident that had occurred before Christmas. At the time, Snape had used Legilimency to help cure Harry, in conjunction with Madam Pomfrey's treatment. He remembered the peculiar turn of events when Harry's mind had somehow forced Snape out, and it had begun to reveal random, fragmented memories. The images had flashed by like a disjointed slideshow: snippets of Harry's life at the Dursleys, moments of loneliness and despair, and glimpses of a deep-seated fear.

It was during this episode that the adults present - Dumbledore, McGonagall, and the Weasleys - had realized that Sirius was not the Secret Keeper. However, Snape's attention was now drawn to a detail that had escaped him at the time. Harry's memories were littered with derogatory words: "Worthless," "Useless," "Freak." Snape's eyes narrowed as he wondered if Harry had been subjected to such verbal abuse at home. Had the Dursleys been poisoning Harry's mind with their cruelty?

Furthermore, Snape recalled that Harry's body was covered in an exceptionally powerful glamour charm, one that was imperceptible to everyone except himself. Snape's own experiences with similar, albeit weaker, glamour charms during his childhood flashed before his eyes. He had used them to conceal the evidence of his own abuse, to hide the bruises and scars from his father's cruelty. The parallel was unsettling. Did it mean that Harry, too, was a victim of abuse? The possibility sent a chill down Snape's spine, and for a moment, he felt a pang of empathy for the young boy who had been suffering in silence.

Snape's mind was racing with thoughts of how to address the situation. He knew he had to act swiftly, given that Dumbledore had arranged for Harry to spend part of his summer with the Dursleys. Snape wondered if Dumbledore was aware of the potential abuse Harry might be facing. Had he intentionally kept Mrs. Figg nearby to keep an eye on things, or had he genuinely been oblivious to the situation? The more Snape thought about it, the more he became convinced that Dumbledore had, in fact, failed Harry in some way.

As he pondered his next move, Snape decided that confronting Dumbledore directly might not be the most prudent approach. Instead, he opted to seek out Minerva McGonagall, someone he knew would be deeply concerned about Harry's well-being. McGonagall had always had a soft spot for Harry, and Snape had even caught glimpses of their affectionate interactions, including Harry affectionately calling her "Gran Minnie" when they were not in a formal setting.

With a sense of determination, Snape set off to Apparate from Spinner's End to the vicinity of McGonagall's castle, where she was spending her summer holidays. As he disappeared into the swirling vortex of the Apparition, Snape's thoughts were focused on the conversation he was about to have with McGonagall, one that would determine the course of action they would take to ensure Harry's safety.

Meanwhile, back at Privet Drive, Harry had been trying to reassure Dudley, who was visibly shaken by their earlier conversation. The summer sunlight streaming through the window highlighted the concern etched on Dudley's face. "Just compose yourself, Dudley," Harry said gently, his voice a soothing balm to his cousin's frayed nerves. "You'll find the courage to stand up to your parents one day, to stand up against what's wrong." Harry's words were laced with a quiet conviction, a sense of determination that he had honed over the years.

Dudley looked up at Harry, his eyes filled with concern, his brow furrowed in worry. "But what about you, Harry? You'll just keep suffering till then, won't you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The question hung in the air, a stark reminder of the harsh reality that Harry faced.

Harry's expression turned resigned, his shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of his secrets. "I don't have a choice, Dudley," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of sadness, a hint of desperation. "I have to stay here, no matter what."

Dudley's face scrunched up in confusion, his eyes narrowing as he tried to understand the complexities of Harry's situation. "But why don't you just run off and live at Fawcett Manor with Grandma Mrs. Tucker? You go there every morning, so why not just stay there permanently?" he asked, his tone incredulous, his words tumbling out in a rush.

Harry's eyes dropped, and he hesitated for a moment, his chest rising and falling with a deep breath. "It's not that simple, Dudley," he said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. The words hung in the air, a tantalizing hint of secrets and mysteries that Harry kept hidden, even from his cousin.

Harry took a deep breath before explaining the situation to Dudley. "Dumbledore told me that the Dursleys' home has a powerful blood ward that protects me from Lord Voldemort," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper. "As long as I have a home here, with blood relatives, the ward will keep me safe."

Dudley's eyes widened in shock as he processed the information. "So, you're saying you have no choice but to live with us, and...and get abused?" he asked, his voice trembling with emotion.

Harry nodded, his eyes dropping in shame. Dudley's face contorted in anguish, and he took a step closer to Harry. "Does Ginny know about the abuse?" he asked, his voice cracking with concern.

Harry shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Dudley's gaze. "I told her I get beaten rarely," he muttered.

Dudley's expression turned incredulous. "That's false, Harry! You get beaten up daily, and brutally!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in outrage.

Harry looked up, his eyes pleading for understanding. "I don't want to worry her, or anyone else," he said quietly. "I can handle it, Dudley."

The Dursleys were in a flurry of activity, preparing for tonight's dinner party, where the Masons would be arriving. Vernon's eyes gleamed with excitement at the prospect of making the deal of a lifetime. Harry, on the other hand, felt a sense of dread wash over him. He had already been warned that if anything went awry, he would face severe punishment.

As he began doing his chores, Harry's mind wandered back to his conversation with Dudley. Should he tell Ginny about the extent of the abuse he suffered at the Dursleys'? The thought sent a pang of anxiety through him. But he knew he didn't have a choice but to live with the Dursleys. At least, not yet.

"What if Dumbledore finds out about the abuse?" Harry thought to himself. "Would he still want me to live here?" The possibility sent a glimmer of hope through him, but he quickly pushed it aside. He couldn't worry Ginny more than she already was. She had been frantic with worry during his first year at Hogwarts, and he couldn't bear the thought of putting her through that again.

Besides, it was only two more months until he would return to Hogwarts for his second year, reunited with his best friends Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco. They had all become incredibly close since Draco had changed his ways months ago, and Harry was grateful for their friendship and support. And this time, Ginny would be joining him as a first-year student, his girlfriend from the past year. The thought brought a small smile to his lips, and he continued with his chores, lost in thoughts of the freedom and happiness that awaited him at Hogwarts.

After completing all his chores, Harry watched as the Dursleys prepared for their evening with the Masons. Vernon, resplendent in his best suit, adjusted his tie in the mirror, while Petunia fussed over her hair. Dudley, looking uncomfortable in his formal attire, cornered Harry in the hallway.

"Harry, please don't hesitate to...to leave or something if they start abusing you," Dudley whispered urgently. "You don't have to suffer it."

Harry shook his head stubbornly, his eyes flashing with a noble determination. "I can handle it, Dudley. Don't worry about me."

Dudley sighed, his shoulders sagging in defeat. "Fine, but...just be careful, okay?"

The two boys quickly put up the act of hating each other as Vernon and Petunia approached. Vernon's eyes narrowed at Harry. "And what will you be doing when the Masons arrive, boy?" he growled.

Harry repeated the line Vernon had instructed him to say. "I'll be in my room, making no noise, pretending I don't exist."

Vernon's face twisted into a cruel smile. "Good. See that you do."

Dudley slipped into his room, careful not to draw attention to himself. The soft click of the door closing behind him was a welcome respite from the tension that had been building in the household. He knew Harry would be stubborn and suffer abuse, and it broke his heart. Over the past year, Dudley's perspective had shifted dramatically after learning the truth about Harry's treatment at the hands of his father, and his mother's complicity. The revelation had changed Dudley, and he had grown closer to Harry, forming a special bond that transcended their former animosity.

Dudley's eyes fell upon the book he had secretly borrowed from the library at Fawcett Manor during their last visit. The worn leather cover seemed to blend into the shadows of his room, but the title, "Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse," seemed to leap off the cover, taunting him with its significance. The book was a resource from a small department within the Wizarding World, one that dealt specifically with child abuse cases involving young witches and wizards, often Muggleborns. Dudley had been drawn to the book, hoping to find some answers, some way to help his cousin.

As Dudley opened the book, a page marked with a torn piece of paper caught his attention. It was a telephone number, a unusual sight in the Wizarding World, where owls and Floo Powder were the norm. However, the Ministry had provided this number specifically for cases like Harry's, a direct line to the Aurors, similar to calling the police in the Muggle world. The number seemed to stare back at Dudley, a beacon of hope in a desperate situation. Dudley's heart skipped a beat as he stared at the number, wondering if he should take the risk and make the call.

Dudley's eyes lingered on the telephone number, his mind racing with the weight of the decision that lay before him. He knew that if things escalated to a catastrophic point, he would have to take the step of calling the Aurors. But he was also aware that it would require a tremendous amount of courage to do so, as it would mean going against his parents.

The thought sent a shiver down his spine. If he were to call the Aurors, his parents would be arrested and imprisoned for their crimes against Harry. The severity of their abuse would ensure a lengthy sentence, although Dudley's knowledge of Wizarding laws was limited. Nevertheless, he was certain that the consequences would be severe.

Dudley's heart ached as he contemplated the potential outcome. It would mean losing his parents, his family would be torn apart, and he would be left alone. The thought was daunting, but recently, Dudley had been questioning his feelings towards his parents. Did he truly love them, or had their cruel treatment of Harry instilled a deep-seated hatred within him?

The past year had been a journey of self-discovery for Dudley, and he had come to realize that he was torn between his loyalty to his parents and his growing sense of morality. He knew that the decision to choose between Harry and his parents, between right and wrong, would be the most pivotal moment of his life.

"Will I be able to make the right decision?" Dudley wondered, his voice barely above a whisper. Only time would tell, but for now, he felt a sense of determination wash over him. He was prepared, and he was planning to do the right thing, no matter the cost.

Vernon's booming voice summoned Dudley downstairs, and he reluctantly obliged, resuming his role as the spoiled brat. Meanwhile, Harry trudged upstairs, the weight of his instructions settling heavy on his shoulders. He was to remain in his room, silent and invisible, a ghostly presence in the Dursleys' home.

As Harry climbed the stairs, his mind began to wander. He thought about his beloved pets, Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer, safely ensconced at Fawcett Manor. He had promised to visit them daily, but today he had skipped, fearing that Twinky, Dimpy, or Grandma Mrs. Tucker might notice the telltale signs of yesterday's brutal belting.

A nagging concern crept into Harry's thoughts. It had been a week since he'd received any letters from his best friends, Draco, Hermione, Ron, or Neville. He had sent them several letters through Hedwig during his visits to Fawcett Manor, but the silence from his friends was unsettling. Was something amiss?

Just as Harry's worries were beginning to spiral, he recalled the letter he'd received from Uncle Moony – Remus Lupin – two days ago. Remus had written to inform Harry that he would be spending the full moon night at the Bones' estate, where Sirius was staying under house arrest. Harry's heart swelled with affection for his godfather, whom he knew was innocent. The fact that he had received Remus's letter without any issues reassured Harry that his own letters weren't being intercepted. Or were they?

As the sound of the Masons' arrival drifted upstairs, Harry cautiously opened the door to his room, mindful of the instructions to remain silent and invisible. He locked the door behind himself, intending to spend the night in quiet solitude, with plans to meet Ginny in Dreamland later. However, fate had other plans.

As he stepped into the dimly lit hallway, Harry's eyes fell upon a sight that made his heart skip a beat. A house elf stood before him, but this was no ordinary elf. Harry had encountered house elves before, like Twinky and Dimpy at Fawcett Manor, and his friends at Hogwarts, like Chimey, Blinky, and Wobby. But this elf was different.

The elf wore a tattered, filthy pillowcase, a far cry from the silvermist uniforms of Twinky and Dimpy or the decent attire of the Hogwarts elves. This elf's appearance was a testament to mistreatment and neglect. Harry's eyes widened as he took in the elf's gaunt frame and estimated age – around 30 to 35, middle-aged for an elf.

For the first time in his life, Harry was face to face with a house elf who had been brutally mistreated. The sight stirred something deep within him, a sense of outrage and compassion that he couldn't ignore.

As Snape approached the gates of McGonagall Castle, they swung open with a soft creak, granting him entry as one of the select few authorized to do so. The castle's imposing structure loomed before him, its stone façade glowing warmly in the fading light of day. Snape's eyes scanned the grounds, his gaze settling on a figure seated on a bench, surrounded by lush greenery.

Minerva McGonagall, resplendent in a comfortable summer dress, looked up from the book she was reading, her eyes widening in surprise as she took in Snape's unexpected arrival. For a moment, she seemed poised to remark on his sudden presence, but Snape's austere demeanor forestalled her.

"I have come to discuss a matter of utmost gravity, Minerva," Snape announced, his voice low and urgent, dispensing with any semblance of small talk. McGonagall's expression turned attentive, her eyes narrowing slightly as Snape launched into a detailed exposition of his theory.

As Snape spoke, McGonagall's face reflected her growing horror, her eyes widening in alarm. "Severus, are you certain of this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, as if she feared being overheard. Snape's expression remained grim, his jaw set in a resolute line. "I am afraid so, Minerva. The evidence points to a disturbing conclusion..."

As Snape finished outlining his theory, McGonagall's expression turned resolute, her eyes flashing with determination. "We must act, Severus," she declared, her voice firm. "The potential for Harry being abused is enough to warrant our intervention. We can investigate further to determine the truth."

Snape nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "I concur, Minerva. However, we must exercise caution. If we are to visit Privet Drive, we must do so unnoticed by Arabella Figg. If she were to inform Dumbledore, it would be...inconvenient, to say the least, until we are certain of the situation."

McGonagall's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I see your point, Severus. We cannot risk Dumbledore's interference at this stage. When do you propose we make our move?"

Snape's gaze turned inward, his mind working out the logistics. "Tomorrow afternoon should be suitable. The Dursleys will likely be distracted, and we can observe Harry's situation without arousing suspicion."

McGonagall nodded, a plan beginning to take shape. "Very well, Severus. Tomorrow afternoon, we shall pay a visit to Privet Drive and uncover the truth about Harry's treatment."

The house elf, Dobby, continued to bounce on Harry's bed, its movements becoming more erratic by the second. Harry's eyes widened in alarm as he realized that if Dobby made any more noise, Vernon would likely kill him. He whispered to the elf, trying to calm it down, "Mr. Elf, please, you have to be quiet. My uncle will hurt me if he hears any noise."

Dobby's bouncing stopped abruptly as it turned to face Harry. Its high-pitched voice trembled with excitement, "Harry Potter, what an honour! Dobby is honoured to meet you, sir!" Harry's eyes locked onto Dobby's, and he politely asked, "Please, Dobby, sit down." But instead of complying, Dobby burst into tears, its tiny body shaking with sobs.

Harry's confusion deepened as he watched Dobby cry. He had never seen a house elf behave like this before. Twinky and Dimpy, the twin elves at Fawcett Manor, were always cheerful and efficient. What could have caused Dobby such distress? Harry's heart went out to the mistreated elf, and he gently asked, "Dobby, what's wrong? Why are you crying?"

Dobby's cries subsided, and he looked up at Harry with tears-stained eyes. "Dobby is so sorry, Harry Potter, sir," he squeaked. "Dobby has heard of your bravery, but your kindness, no one has ever asked Dobby to sit. Dobby is not used to such treatment."

Harry's expression softened. "Dobby must not have met with any decent wizards, then," he said gently.

Dobby's eyes widened, and he almost nodded, but then his face contorted in a mixture of fear and pain. "Oh no, no, no, Dobby didn't mean to speak ill of his masters!" he squealed, grabbing the nearby table lamp and starting to bang his head against it.

Harry's eyes widened in horror as he rushed to stop Dobby. "Dobby, no! Stop! You'll hurt yourself!" he whispered urgently, trying to pry the lamp out of Dobby's grasp. The Masons were still downstairs, and if Vernon heard the commotion, Harry dreaded to think what would happen.

Harry managed to hide Dobby in the cupboard just in time, as Vernon burst into the room, his face red with rage. "What's all the noise about, you little brat?" he bellowed, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of disturbance. Harry held his breath, hoping that Dobby would remain silent.

Vernon's warning was laced with malice. "If I hear one more peep out of you, you'll wish you were never born." With that, he stormed out of the room, leaving Harry shaken.

Once Vernon was gone, Harry opened the cupboard and gently coaxed Dobby out. "Dobby, what are you doing here?" Harry asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Dobby's eyes shone with a mixture of fear and admiration. "Dobby heard that Harry Potter, sir, faced You-Know-Who, for the second time, to save the Philosopher's Stone." Harry nodded humbly. "It wasn't just me, though. My friends Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Draco helped too."

Dobby's face flickered with a significant look at the mention of Draco's name, but Harry failed to notice. Dobby's expression turned solemn. "Dobby just wants to save Harry Potter, sir. That's why Dobby is here. Harry Potter, sir, must not go to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to attend his second year come September 1st."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why not?" he asked, but Dobby just shook his head, his eyes welling up with tears.

Harry's face set in determination, his jaw clenched in resolve. "But Hogwarts is my home, Dobby. I have to be there. My friends are there," he said, his voice firm, as if daring Dobby to contradict him.

Dobby's expression turned sorrowful, his eyes welling up with tears. "Friends, those don't even write to Harry Potter, sir," he said, his voice trembling, as if the mere thought of Harry's friends' neglect was too much to bear.

Harry's brow furrowed, his eyes narrowing in concern. "They must be busy," he said, trying to reassure himself, but his words sounded hollow even to his own ears. Then, his eyes widened as a realization dawned on him. "Wait, how did you know that my friends haven't written to me?" he asked, his curiosity piqued, his mind racing with possibilities.

Dobby's eyes darted nervously around the room, as if searching for an escape route, before settling on Harry's face. "Dobby knows, Harry Potter, sir," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, his words dripping with an air of mystery.

Harry's mind was racing, his thoughts tumbling over each other in a mad scramble for answers. How did Dobby know about his friends' silence? Had Dobby been intercepting his mail? The thought sent a shiver down Harry's spine, his skin crawling with unease. He leaned in, his eyes locked intently on Dobby's, his voice low and urgent. "Tell me, Dobby. How do you know?"

Dobby's eyes dropped, shamefaced, as he apologized, "Dobby is so sorry, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby intercepted your letters, thinking that if Harry Potter, sir, didn't get letters, he might not go to Hogwarts, thinking he doesn't have any friends." Harry's temper flared, but he bit it back, knowing that the mistreated elf didn't deserve his anger.

Harry's voice was calm, but firm. "Why didn't you intercept Remus's letter, Dobby?" Dobby's eyes flickered up, "Because Lupin is not Harry Potter's, sir, friend from Hogwarts, and not related to Hogwarts in any way, Harry Potter, sir."

Dobby's expression turned grave, his voice trembling. "Please, don't go to Hogwarts, Harry Potter, sir. Very dark plot is being surrounded...his masters..." Dobby's voice trailed off, and he stopped himself just in time, realizing he was about to speak ill of his masters again.

In a flash, Dobby's face contorted in anguish, and he began banging his head against the wall, wailing, "Bad Dobby! Bad Dobby!" Harry's eyes widened in alarm as he rushed to intervene, trying to stop Dobby's self-inflicted punishment.

Harry managed to calm Dobby down, gently prying his hands away from his head. "Dobby, it's okay. You're safe now," Harry said soothingly, his voice a gentle balm to Dobby's frazzled nerves. Dobby's eyes, still brimming with tears, looked up at Harry with gratitude, his chest heaving with ragged breaths.

"Dobby is so sorry, Harry Potter, sir," Dobby whispered, his voice trembling like a leaf. Harry smiled kindly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "It's okay, Dobby. Just tell me, do your masters know that you're here?" Dobby shook his head vigorously, his eyes wide with fear, as if the mere thought of his masters discovering his presence was enough to send him into a panic.

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "Who are your masters, Dobby?" he asked gently, his voice coaxing, trying to draw the truth out of the reluctant elf. But Dobby's eyes widened in terror, and he took a step back, as if trying to escape the question itself. His face went pale, and his lips trembled.

Harry held up his hands in a calming gesture. "Okay, Dobby, you can't tell me. I understand," he said, trying to reassure the frightened elf. Dobby looked grateful, his eyes shining with tears, as he nodded his head in appreciation.

Harry tried a different tack. "What is the dark plot around Hogwarts, Dobby?" he asked, his voice low and urgent, trying to get to the bottom of the mystery. But Dobby's face closed off again, his eyes darting nervously around the room, as if searching for an escape route. "Dobby can't tell, Harry Potter, sir," he whispered, his voice barely audible, his words hanging in the air like a challenge.

Harry rushed to Dobby's side, grasping his shoulders to stop him from banging his head against the wall. "Dobby, no! Please, don't make any noise," Harry whispered urgently, his eyes darting towards the door, fearful that Vernon would return.

Dobby's eyes were wild with distress, but he nodded, his chest heaving with ragged breaths. "Dobby is so sorry, Harry Potter, sir," he whispered, his voice trembling.

Harry's expression turned solemn. "Dobby, I promise you, I'll be careful," he said, trying to reassure the elf. But Dobby's face contorted in anguish.

"Promise Harry Potter, sir, that you will not go to Hogwarts this year," Dobby pleaded, his eyes brimming with tears. Harry hesitated, unsure of what to say.

Dobby's face fell, his eyes clouding over. "Harry Potter, sir, please promise," he asked again, his voice cracking with emotion.

Harry shook his head, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Dobby. I can't promise that," he said gently. Dobby's face crumpled, and he whispered, "Then Harry Potter, sir, has left Dobby no option."

With a determined look, Dobby turned and opened the door, his eyes fixed on something outside. Harry's heart sank, and he rushed to stop Dobby. "No, please stop!" he whispered urgently, but Dobby didn't seem to hear him.

Before Harry could move, Dobby had darted to the bedroom door, pulled it open, and sprinted down the stairs with a speed that belied his small stature. Mouth dry, stomach lurching, Harry sprang after him, trying not to make a sound as he desperately attempted to catch up to the errant elf.

He jumped the last six steps, landing catlike on the hall carpet, looking around frantically for Dobby. From the dining room, he heard Uncle Vernon's booming laughter and his voice saying, "…tell Petunia that very funny story about those American plumbers, Mr. Mason. She's been dying to hear…" Harry's heart sank as he realized Dobby was heading straight for the kitchen.

Harry ran up the hall into the kitchen and felt his stomach disappear. Aunt Petunia's masterpiece of a pudding, the mountain of cream and sugared violets, was floating up near the ceiling, suspended in mid-air as if by magic. On top of a cupboard in the corner crouched Dobby, his eyes shining with a mischievous glint.

"No," croaked Harry, his voice barely audible as he tried to reason with the elf. "Please… they'll kill me…" Dobby's face was set in a determined expression.

"Harry Potter must say he's not going back to school —" Dobby said, his voice firm but trembling with emotion.

"Dobby… please…" Harry pleaded, trying to dissuade the elf from his course of action.

"Say it, sir —" Dobby urged, his eyes locked on Harry's.

"I can't —" Harry protested, but Dobby gave him a tragic look.

"Then Dobby must do it, sir, for Harry Potter's own good," Dobby said, his voice resigned but determined.

The pudding fell to the floor with a heart-stopping crash, sending cream splattering the windows and walls as the dish shattered into a hundred pieces. With a crack like a whip, Dobby vanished into thin air, leaving Harry staring at the wreckage in horror.

There were screams from the dining room, and Uncle Vernon burst into the kitchen, his face purple with rage, to find Harry, rigid with shock, covered from head to foot in Aunt Petunia's pudding.

At first, it looked as though Uncle Vernon would manage to gloss the whole thing over. "Just our nephew — very disturbed — meeting strangers upsets him, so we kept him upstairs…" He shooed the shocked Masons back into the dining room, promised Harry he would flay him to within an inch of his life when the Masons had left, and handed him a mop. Aunt Petunia dug some ice cream out of the freezer, and Harry, still shaking, started scrubbing the kitchen clean.

Uncle Vernon might still have been able to make his deal — if it hadn't been for the owl. Aunt Petunia was just passing around a box of after-dinner mints when a huge barn owl swooped through the dining room window, dropped a letter on Mrs. Mason's head, and swooped out again. Mrs. Mason screamed like a banshee and ran from the house shouting about lunatics. Mr. Mason stayed just long enough to tell the Dursleys that his wife was mortally afraid of birds of all shapes and sizes, and to ask whether this was their idea of a joke.

Harry stood in the kitchen, clutching the mop for support, as Uncle Vernon advanced on him, a demonic glint in his tiny eyes. "Read it!" he hissed evilly, brandishing the letter the owl had delivered. "Go on — read it!" Harry took it. It did not contain birthday greetings.

"Dear Mr. Potter," Harry read aloud, his voice trembling slightly, "We have received intelligence that a Hover Charm was used at your place of residence this evening at twelve minutes past nine. As you know, underage wizards are not permitted to perform spells outside school, and further spellwork on your part may lead to expulsion from said school. (Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, 1875, Paragraph C). We would also ask you to remember that any magical activity that risks notice by members of the non-magical community (Muggles) is a serious offense under section 13 of the International Confederation of Warlocks' Statute of Secrecy.

Enjoy your holidays!

Yours sincerely,

Mafalda Hopkirk

IMPROPER USE OF MAGIC OFFICE

Ministry of Magic."

Harry looked up from the letter and gulped. Uncle Vernon's face was purple with rage.

"You didn't tell us you weren't allowed to use magic outside school," Uncle Vernon spat, his voice venomous. "Forgot to mention it… Slipped your mind, I daresay…" He was bearing down on Harry like a great bulldog, all his teeth bared.

"Well, I've got news for you, boy… I'm locking you up… You're never going back to that school… never… and if you try and magic yourself out — they'll expel you!" Uncle Vernon's eyes gleamed with malice as he reached for Harry's arm.

And laughing like a maniac, Uncle Vernon dragged Harry back upstairs, his grip on Harry's arm like a vice. Harry stumbled and tripped, but Uncle Vernon's grasp only tightened. They reached the top of the stairs, and Uncle Vernon flung Harry into his bedroom, slamming the door shut behind him.

"You're going to regret ever crossing me, boy!" Uncle Vernon bellowed, his voice echoing through the hallway. Harry stumbled to the window, but before he could even reach it, By morning he heard the sound of hammering and drilling. Uncle Vernon was as bad as his word. At once, he fitted bars on Harry's window, trapping him inside.

And then, Harry got the beating of his life. Uncle Vernon's belt came down again and again, each lash leaving a burning stripe across Harry's back and legs. Harry tried to defend himself, but Uncle Vernon was too strong. He was badly bruised, his body screaming in agony.

However, Vernon left mid-beating as Petunia called him downstairs. "Vernon, dear! The Masons are leaving! Do come and say goodbye!" Harry crawled up to bed, covered with fresh wounds and old scars, blood dripping from a few. He had never been beaten up that badly. His body throbbed with pain, and his eyes stung with tears.

As he lay there, he couldn't help but wonder if he would ever escape the Dursleys' cruelty. The bars on his window seemed to mock him, a reminder that he was trapped, with no way out. Harry closed his eyes, letting the darkness wash over him, and prayed for the pain to end.

Harry lay in bed, his body aching with pain, his mind racing with thoughts of escape. He didn't want to call the twins or any other wizards for help, fearing that Grandma Mrs. Tucker would find out about the abuse and intervene, making things worse.

Downstairs, Vernon was in for a surprise visit by his sister, Marge. She was a large, loud woman with a booming voice and a penchant for criticizing everyone around her. Vernon told her about how, due to Harry, he had lost the deal of his life. Marge's expression turned sympathetic, but only for a moment.

"Why is he still bothering you, Vernon?" Marge asked, her voice dripping with malice. "You should finish him off already. He's nothing but a nuisance." Petunia spoke up, her voice hesitant. "But, Marge, we're getting 500 pounds monthly as an allowance to keep him. It's a lot of money..." Vernon's eyes lit up with a sinister glint. "Maybe they're right, Petunia. Maybe we should just finish off Harry and plan to stage it as an accident. We can even stage a funeral. No one would suspect a thing."

Meanwhile, at the Burrow, Ginny sat in her room, her brow furrowed with worry. She was having a bad feeling, one that had been growing since the previous night. Why hadn't Harry appeared in their secret dreamland? They had met every night since they discovered it last Christmas, except for that one time when Harry had been unconscious for two days after facing Quirrell.

Ginny's mind was racing with possibilities. Did it mean Harry was unconscious now? But why? How? He must be at the Dursleys'. What can possibly happen? And it was sure that Harry's honorary Grandma, Mrs. Tucker, didn't know anything about it, meaning Harry must have not visited Fawcett Manor with Dudley today, or else someone had told her, right?

Something very bad was going to happen or had already happened. Her love, Harry, was in danger. Ginny's heart was pounding in her chest, and she felt a sense of desperation wash over her. She had to do something, but what? She couldn't just sit here and wait for something terrible to happen.

"I have to tell Mum and Dad," Ginny said to herself, already jumping out of bed and rushing to the door. She flung it open and ran downstairs, determined to share her fears with her family and come up with a plan to help Harry.

Ginny rushed downstairs, her heart racing with worry. It was a sunny summer Sunday, and the atmosphere at the Burrow was lively. Charlie, who was temporarily home before his transfer to a new dragon reserve in England, was in the backyard playing Quidditch with Ron, the twins, and Percy. The sound of laughter, shouts, and the occasional crash of broomsticks filled the air.

Ginny bypassed the commotion and made her way to the kitchen, where she found her parents, Molly and Arthur Weasley, busy making Sunday lunch. The delicious aroma of roasting chicken and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, but Ginny's anxiety had killed her appetite.

"Mum, Dad, something's wrong," Ginny said, her voice trembling. "I have to see Harry now, please." Her parents exchanged concerned glances, but they didn't press her for details.

"Okay, dear, we'll take you to the Dursleys'," Molly said, wiping her flour-covered hands on her apron. "But let's leave a note for the boys, so they know where we've gone." Arthur nodded and quickly scribbled a note, which he left on the kitchen table.

"Let's go," Arthur said, offering Ginny a reassuring smile. "We'll apparate to the Dursleys' and see what's going on." Ginny nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She was going to find Harry, and everything was going to be okay.

Meanwhile, at McGonagall's castle, Professor Snape and McGonagall were preparing to apparate to Privet Drive as planned. Snape's eyes narrowed as he checked his watch for what felt like the hundredth time. His suspicions about Harry's treatment at the hands of the Dursleys had been growing all summer, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

"I still cannot believe those Muggles are entrusted with the boy's care," Snape muttered, his voice dripping with disdain. McGonagall shot him a warning glance.

"Severus, we must remain objective," she cautioned. "We have no concrete evidence of abuse... yet." Snape's expression turned skeptical.

"I have seen the boy's behavior, Minerva," he said. "The way he flinches at sudden movements, the way he avoids eye contact... these are not the actions of a boy who is being properly cared for." McGonagall's expression softened slightly.

"I agree, Severus," she said. "But we must be careful not to jump to conclusions. We will observe the situation, and if necessary, we will take action." Snape nodded curtly, his eyes gleaming with a fierce intensity.

"Very well," he said. "Let us proceed. I have a feeling that we are about to uncover something very unpleasant indeed." With that, the two professors apparated, disappearing into the summer morning, bound for Privet Drive.

Meanwhile, at Fawcett Manor, Hedwig came flying in, looking very worried. She had been searching for Harry everywhere, but he was nowhere to be found. Harry had kept Hedwig, Poco his little sparrow, and Kluer his color-changing cat at Fawcett Manor, promising that he would visit every day. But Harry had not visited yesterday, and not even today morning. Sensing something was wrong, Hedwig had flown to Privet Drive, only to find bars on the window and an unconscious figure of Harry lying there.

Inside the manor, Grandma Mrs. Tucker was in Daisy's room. Daisy was the homeless girl, a witch, found by Harry and Ginny on their date, and Harry had vowed to adopt her as a sister. There was also a possibility that Daisy was actually Harry's real sister, who had somehow survived the fateful Halloween night. Daisy looked like a younger version of Harry's mom, with red hair and a face that resembled Lily Potter's, but with Harry's dad's hazel eyes. Daisy was sleeping, as she had been under treatment for detoxification, which required sleeping for 20 hours a day.

Just then, Hedwig came straight to Grandma Mrs. Tucker, trying to convey a very urgent message with her hoots. Grandma understood at least that something was wrong related to Harry. She immediately called one of her twin elves, Twinky, to apparate her to Privet Drive.

"Twinky, dear, I need you to take me to Privet Drive at once," Grandma Mrs. Tucker said, her voice firm and commanding. "Hedwig here has brought me a message that something is terribly wrong with Harry. I fear for his safety."

Meanwhile, back at Privet Drive, Dudley heard his dad's and Aunt Marge's evil plan. Things had crossed the threshold now. Dudley's eyes widened in horror as he realized that his family was capable of something so heinous. He remembered how yesterday he had tried to convince Harry to tell someone about the abuse, but Harry had refused, not wanting to put Dudley in danger.

Dudley's heart was racing as he ran to his room, his mind made up. He opened the book he had taken from Fawcett Manor's library when he and Harry had last visited there. Dudley had taken the book discreetly, intending to use it as a last resort. And now, the time had come.

He had to choose. Between his family or his beloved cousin Harry. Between right and wrong. Time had come to finally be brave enough and face his own family. Dudley took a deep breath, his hands shaking slightly as he opened the page of the Child Healthcare and Abuse Department of the Ministry of Magic.

The page revealed a telephone number, one that was often used by Muggle-borns in the Muggle world, in case of abuse. It was a number that would connect Dudley directly to the Aurors, who would come to Harry's rescue. Dudley's heart skipped a beat as he stared at the number, his mind racing with the consequences of his actions.

"What am I doing?" Dudley whispered to himself, his voice trembling with fear. But then, he thought of Harry, battered and bruised, and his resolve hardened. He knew what he had to do.

At Harry's room, Marge and Vernon's cruelty knew no bounds. They started beating the unconscious Harry more, their fists and feet raining down on his fragile body. The sound of their vicious blows echoed through the hallway, making Petunia's blood run cold. They beat him so hard that even the cruel Marge and Vernon were satisfied that Harry wouldn't survive the night.

Then, they came out of the room, their hands having a few blood stains. They exchanged a sinister glance, convinced that by tomorrow, Harry would be dead. They would stage a funeral, cry in a fake act, and frame it as an accident. No one would ever suspect a thing.

They entered the kitchen, where Petunia was waiting, her eyes wide with horror. She saw the bloodstains on their hands and understood the gravity of the situation. Harry's chapter was going to end now, and she felt a pang of guilt for not intervening sooner.

Meanwhile, Dudley, who had been watching the scene unfold, felt his heart heavy with emotion. He knew he had to act fast. He discreetly made his way to the telephone and dialed the number he had found in the book. His hands were shaking, but he managed to inform the Aurors about the situation.

"Please, you have to come now," Dudley urged, trying to keep his voice steady. "They're going to kill him. It might be too late if you don't hurry." The Auror on the other end of the line assured Dudley that help was on the way, and Dudley hung up the phone, praying that they would arrive in time to save Harry's life.

Dudley had done it. He had taken the bravest step he knew, and now he could only hope that it would be enough to save Harry's life. The thought of his parents being arrested by the Aurors, probably for a lifetime, was daunting, but Dudley knew it was a price he had to pay to protect his beloved cousin.

Meanwhile, in a surprising coincidence, a frantic Ginny, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, apparated near the street corner of Privet Drive. The familiar sight of the dull, grey houses seemed ominous in the fading light of day. At the exact same moment, McGonagall and Snape apparated in front of them, their faces stern and worried. The air was electric with tension as they materialized. And, in another astonishing coincidence, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, accompanied by Twinky, apparated right beside them.

The group stood there, surprised to see each other at the shabby corner of the street, which was a safe spot for apparition, half a mile away from the Dursley house. They exchanged curious glances, and then, as if on cue, they all began to explain why they had come there.

"I had a bad feeling about Harry," Ginny said, her voice trembling. "I couldn't reach him, and I knew something was wrong." Her eyes were wide with fear, and her parents instinctively wrapped their arms around her.

"We came to investigate a suspicion of abuse," McGonagall said, her eyes narrowing. "Professor Snape had some concerns, and we decided to look into it."

"I had my suspicions yesterday," Snape added, his voice low and gravelly. "Certain... inconsistencies in the boy's behavior. I feared for his safety." His eyes seemed to bore into the distance, his expression unreadable.

"And I had a message from Hedwig," Grandma Mrs. Tucker said, her face etched with concern. "She was frantic, and I knew I had to come." Twinky, her loyal elf, stood beside her, his eyes shining with worry.

The group stood there, their faces set with determination, ready to face whatever lay ahead. They knew that they had to act fast, to save Harry from the clutches of his abusive relatives. With a shared nod, they set off towards the Dursley house, ready to confront whatever horrors lay within.

Next Chapter is  Scars Uncovered!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling I said earlier the truth about abuse is almost out. This was the last and most brutal abuse endured by Harry courtesy of Vernon. I added the part of Marge as I wanted to punish all three of them at once. And as the name of next chapter suggest Doom of Dursleys is at their doorstep maybe quite literally . Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 6: Scars Uncovered.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Child Abuse Warning !

You may find that chapter is a little fast paced in memory section of second half but understand it felt traumatising to write that part which is you may feel that and for that my apologies.

Meanwhile, the Auror, a senior member of the Child Healthcare and Abuse Department of the Ministry of Magic (M.O.M.), who had picked up Dudley's call, set off with his team. They hadn't asked for the name of the victim, as according to protocol, all paperwork was to be done later; the first priority was to rescue the child. The senior Auror, accompanied by a team of three other Aurors, apparated near the house of No. 4 Privet Drive. They didn't have time to apparate in a secluded spot, half a mile away; if any Muggle saw them, they could wipe or alter their memories later.

As the Aurors materialized, they swiftly scanned their surroundings, their eyes locked onto the Dursley residence. Meanwhile, the group consisting of McGonagall, who felt a deep affection for Harry, akin to a grandmother; Snape, who cared for Harry very much; Mr. and Mrs. Weasley; Ginny; and Harry's honorary Grandma, Mrs. Tucker, a Squib, almost reached No. 4 Privet Drive. However, they were astonished to see four people, clearly wizards, standing near the house.

"What's going on?" Arthur whispered, his eyes narrowed. "They're Aurors from Abuse department," he added, his voice low.

The group cautiously approached the Aurors, who turned to face them. The senior Auror's eyes widened as he recognized McGonagall.

"Minerva McGonagall," he said, his voice firm. "What brings you here?"

"We're here for the same reason you are," McGonagall replied, her eyes locked onto the Auror's. "We've had suspicions of abuse. What's the situation?"

The senior Auror's expression turned grave as he explained, "We received a call from an anonymous source, claiming that a boy was being abused at this residence. The boy even warned us that they're planning to kill him."

Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened in panic as she gasped, "Harry!" Her voice trembled with fear, and she clutched her husband's arm tightly.

The Aurors' eyes widened in unison as they exchanged shocked glances. "Harry Potter?" one of them whispered, their voice barely audible.

Ginny's face turned ashen as she became frantic. "My love, Harry... oh no!" She took off running towards the house, her parents and McGonagall close behind.

Snape's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with anger. "Fools," he muttered, his voice low and menacing. "I suspected as much." He strode towards the house, his long legs eating up the distance.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker was breathing heavily, her face pale with worry. "We have to save him!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with urgency. The group sped towards the house, their hearts racing with fear for Harry's safety.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Vernon and Marge were having a triumphant drink, celebrating what they thought was their impending victory. Petunia, who had always hated Harry, looked on with a mixture of emotions, her face pale. While she had never liked Harry, the thought of killing him had never sat well with her.

"Hah! That little brat will be gone by tomorrow morning," Vernon sneered, his voice dripping with malice.

Marge cackled in agreement, her eyes gleaming with cruelty. Petunia looked away, her stomach churning with unease.

Meanwhile, Dudley, who had already called the Aurors, was in Harry's room, his heart racing with fear. He saw Harry lying on the bed, battered and bruised, his face pale and lifeless. Dudley's eyes widened in horror as he rushed to Harry's side.

"Harry! Harry, wake up!" Dudley exclaimed, shaking Harry's shoulders. But Harry didn't respond. He was unconscious, his pulse weak.

Dudley's eyes filled with tears as he frantically shook Harry, trying to rouse him. "Harry, please! You have to wake up!" he begged, his voice cracking with emotion. But Harry remained still, his body limp and lifeless.

Just then, the doorbell rang, shattering the tense atmosphere. Vernon and Marge instructed Petunia to open the door, cautioning her not to panic. "No one knows what we've done," Vernon sneered. But before Petunia could reach the door, it burst open, and nine adults and a girl stormed into the house.

Petunia gasped as she saw wands in their hands; they were wizards. Ginny ran straight upstairs to Harry's room, her heart racing with fear. Meanwhile, Vernon warned them, "You're breaking and entering!"

The senior Auror, however, remained unfazed. He pointed his wand and declared, "Vernon Dursley, Marge Dursley, and Petunia Dursley, you are accused of abuse against Harry Potter." He instructed his three Aurors to chain them up.

Vernon tried to protest, but McGonagall intervened, her eyes blazing with anger. "Where is Harry?" she demanded. Vernon lied, "He's not at home."

Just then, they heard Ginny's scream of pain from upstairs. Snape, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Mrs. Weasley immediately followed, rushing upstairs to find Ginny. McGonagall and Mr. Weasley stayed downstairs, standing guard with the Aurors as they restrained the Dursleys.

When Ginny opened the door, she was met with a horrific sight: Harry, battered and bruised, lying on his bed, with Dudley shaking him frantically. Dudley's eyes locked onto Ginny's, and he exclaimed, "Harry is dying!"

Ginny's scream pierced the air as she took in the sight of Harry's broken body. She could see a few wounds, but the true extent of Harry's injuries was hidden from her. Dudley, however, could see all of Harry's wounds, and his face was etched with worry.

The group that had rushed upstairs arrived at the scene, but they were met with a different sight: Harry lying unconscious, but seemingly unharmed. Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Snape exchanged worried glances, unsure of what was happening.

"What's going on?" Mrs. Weasley asked, her voice trembling with concern. "Why is he unconscious?"

Snape's eyes narrowed as he examined Harry's body. "Glamour charm," he muttered. "A very powerful one. We can't see his wounds."

No one knew that Harry's magical core was five times more powerful than the average wizard's, and no one except Harry and Ginny knew about the extraordinary bond they shared in their Dreamland. Before Snape could attempt to lift the glamour charm, Harry, still being held by Dudley and Ginny, started emitting a bright, pulsating light.

The room was filled with an intense, golden glow, and the air seemed to vibrate with magical energy. They heard a strange, crackling noise, and as the light faded, they saw that Harry's glamour charm had been lifted. Now, all of them could see Harry's true state: he was lying in his deathbed, his body battered and bruised.

Mrs. Weasley, Snape, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker gasped in horror, their faces contorted in shock and disgust. "Oh, dear God!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, her voice trembling.

But what was astonishing was that Dudley was now unconscious, lying on the floor beside the bed. Harry was only being held by Ginny, who was now even more frantic, having seen the full extent of Harry's wounds.

Ginny's eyes were wide with terror as she held Harry close, her voice shaking. "Harry, no! Please, don't leave me!"

Downstairs, McGonagall and Arthur were seething with fury as the Aurors arrested the Dursleys - Marge, Petunia, and Vernon. The senior Auror informed them that there would be a trial, and only after that could the Dursleys be punished.

Just then, the door swung open, and Albus Dumbledore walked in. McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her voice low and menacing. "How are you here, Albus? Did you know about Harry's abuse?" she asked, her tone dripping with accusation.

Dumbledore, unlike his usual calm and collected self, looked panicked and guilty. "Harry... is abused," he stammered. "I only came here because Arabella Figg noticed the Aurors outside the house and informed me. I thought something had happened."

McGonagall's eyes flashed with anger, her face pale. "You thought something had happened?" she repeated, her voice rising. "You didn't know about the abuse? You didn't do anything to stop it?" Her words hung in the air, heavy with accusation and disappointment.

Arthur intervened, his voice calm but firm. "Now's not the time for this, Minerva." He nodded towards the stairs, where Snape was carefully carrying a badly battered Harry, followed by a frantic Ginny, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Mrs. Weasley, who was levitating an unconscious Dudley.

Dumbledore's eyes widened in horror as he took in Harry's limp body. McGonagall's blood boiled, and she raised her wand, attempting to curse the three Dursleys. However, the senior Auror swiftly intervened, grasping her arm.

"I'm sorry, Professor," he said. "But we can't let you do that. They'll face justice, but it has to be through the proper channels."

Petunia, Vernon, and Marge cowered, their faces pale with terror. They knew they were trapped, and there was no escape.

Dumbledore turned to the senior Auror, his voice low and urgent. "Please, keep the abuse of Harry Potter secret for now. It wouldn't be good if the news spreads in the wrong way, at least not until the trial."

Ginny's eyes blazed with fury as she saw the Dursleys, their faces twisted with cruelty, their eyes gleaming with malice. Without hesitation, she snatched her father's wand from his hand, her fingers wrapping tightly around it. "Ginny, no!" Arthur shouted, trying to grab her arm, but it was too late.

With a swift, precise motion, Ginny cast the Bat-Bogey Hex on the three Dursleys. The air was filled with the sound of shrieking bats as the Dursleys' bogeys transformed into large, flapping creatures that flew out of their noses. Petunia, Vernon, and Marge screamed in agony, clutching their faces as the bats continued to fly out, causing them immense pain.

The bats were huge and black, with glowing red eyes, and they flew out of the Dursleys' noses in a steady stream, their leathery wings flapping wildly. The Dursleys stumbled around, tripping over each other as they tried to escape the bats, but there was no escape.

McGonagall and the senior Auror rushed to intervene, trying to calm Ginny down and stop the hex. "Ginny, stop! That's enough!" McGonagall shouted, but Ginny stood firm, her eyes flashing with defiance.

The scene was chaotic, with the Dursleys' wails filling the air, and the sound of flapping bats echoing through the hallway. Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise, while Snape's expression remained impassive, his eyes fixed on Harry's limp form.

The Aurors quickly took the three Dursleys into custody, leading them away in chains. Ginny turned back to Harry, tears streaming down her face as she held his hand. Snape had gently laid Harry on the couch, his eyes filled with concern. Dumbledore stood by, feeling a deep sense of guilt and regret, but he knew that now was not the time to dwell on it.

"We should take Harry to Fawcett Manor," Grandma Mrs. Tucker suggested, her voice filled with worry. "He needs medical attention, and it's not safe for him here."

McGonagall nodded in agreement, but then her eyes fell on Dudley's unconscious, levitating figure. "What happened to him?" she asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

Snape's expression was grim. "There was a blinding light, and it lifted Harry's glamour charm. After the light faded, we found Dudley... like this." He nodded towards Dudley's limp form.

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Dudley's unconscious body. The tension was palpable, and the air was thick with unspoken questions. What had caused the light? And what would happen to Dudley now?

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling with a hint of warmth. "Yes, indeed, Fawcett Manor is the perfect place for Harry to recover. Mrs. Tucker's care and hospitality will be invaluable."

In reality, Dumbledore didn't know much about Mrs. Tucker beyond her reputation as a kind and generous person. He had only seen her at Quidditch matches during Harry's first year at Hogwarts, but they had never actually met. He was aware, however, that she had taken a maternal interest in Harry and had even made him her sole heir.

McGonagall, on the other hand, seemed to know more about Mrs. Tucker, thanks to her conversations with Harry during the previous school year. She had earned Harry's trust and affection, becoming "Gran Minnie" to him.

Snape, who cared for Harry deeply, had no idea about Mrs. Tucker's background, but he trusted McGonagall's judgment. As for Dumbledore, Snape was reserving judgment, wondering if the Headmaster had known about Harry's abuse and had chosen to do nothing.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, however, were well-acquainted with Mrs. Tucker, having met her several times, including a week-long visit to Fawcett Manor the previous summer. They had grown fond of her warm hospitality and generosity.

As Dumbledore carefully handled Dudley's unconscious form, Ginny and McGonagall exchanged a glance, making it clear that Dudley, unlike his family, was not an enemy of Harry's and was, in fact, close to him.

The group prepared to Apparate to Fawcett Manor, but as they reached the gate, they were confronted by the twins' house-elves. Mrs. Tucker's voice rang out, instructing the elves to allow the wards to loosen, permitting McGonagall, Snape, and Dumbledore to enter. The three of them were not on the list, but Mrs. Tucker's trust in McGonagall and her concern for Harry's well-being overrode any security concerns.

As they entered the gate, a flurry of activity erupted. Hedwig, Harry's loyal owl, swooped down, her wings beating frantically as she saw Harry's battered form lying in the carriage. She let out a soft, mournful hoot, as if sensing her master's distress. Poco, Harry's little sparrow, chirped anxiously, flying around Harry's head in distress, his tiny wings a blur as he darted back and forth.

Kluer, Harry's color-changing cat, darted out from nowhere, her fur flashing with agitation as she rubbed against Harry's limp hand. Her fur changed from a soft gray to a deep, anxious blue, reflecting her distress. She let out a soft mew, as if trying to rouse Harry from his unconscious state.

The automatic carriage, sensing the urgency of the situation, sprang into motion, moving swiftly towards the manor. The carriage's soft, cushioned seats seemed to whisper comfort to its occupants, but no one noticed. McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Snape, Dumbledore, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker all climbed aboard, their faces etched with worry.

Ginny, still frantic with fear, sat beside Harry, her eyes fixed on his battered face. Tears streamed down her face as she gently stroked Harry's hand, her touch trembling with fear. "No, no, no," she muttered, her voice barely audible. "This can't be happening. I should have protected you, Harry. I'm so sorry." Her voice cracked as she spoke, her words tumbling out in a desperate, anguished whisper.

Dudley, still unconscious, lay beside Harry, his face pale and drawn. Grandma Mrs. Tucker sat beside him, her face etched with concern for both boys. She gently stroked Dudley's hand, her eyes fixed on his face.

The carriage hurtled towards the manor, its occupants holding their breath as they prayed for Harry's recovery. Dumbledore's eyes met McGonagall's, and they exchanged a somber glance. Snape's gaze remained fixed on Harry, his expression unreadable. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat together, their hands clasped tightly, their faces etched with worry.

They reached the manor, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker led them upstairs to Harry's room. Harry was gently placed on his bed, and Snape immediately began analyzing his situation, his eyes scanning Harry's battered form. Ginny was forced to stay aside, her eyes fixed on Harry's face, as Mr. Weasley wrapped his arms around her, holding his frantic daughter close.

Dumbledore, McGonagall, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Mrs. Weasley stepped aside, their voices hushed as they discussed the next course of action. "We should call Madam Pomfrey," Dumbledore said, his eyes grave with concern. "And perhaps a healer from St. Mungo's, someone we can trust to keep this matter confidential for now."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker nodded. "Healer Pyre Jones will be here soon for her daily visit to Daisy."

Dumbledore and McGonagall exchanged a confused glance. "Daisy?" McGonagall repeated. "Who is Daisy?"

Mrs. Weasley smiled, a faraway look in her eyes. "Ah, Daisy. Well, it's a long story, but I suppose it's time you knew. You see, Harry and Ginny found her on their date in Muggle London, just over a week and a half ago. She's a homeless girl, and... well, she looks just like a younger version of Lily Potter."

Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise. "Lily?" he repeated.

Mrs. Weasley nodded. "Yes, except for her eyes. They're hazel, just like James Potter's. Harry and Ginny suspect... well, they think she might be Harry's unborn sister, the one who survived the attack on the Potters all those years ago."

McGonagall's eyes were wide with shock. "But that's impossible," she whispered.

Mrs. Weasley shook her head. "We don't know for sure, of course. But even if she's not Harry's sister, he's willing to adopt her as his own. He's always felt like something was missing, like he had a sibling out there somewhere."

The room fell silent, the only sound the soft beeping of the medical equipment surrounding Harry. Dumbledore's eyes were fixed on Harry's face, a deep sense of regret and guilt etched on his own.

The Burrow's front door swung open, and the Weasley boys - Charlie, Percy, the twins, and Ron - trooped inside, expecting to find their family bustling about. Instead, they were greeted by an empty house and a note on the kitchen table.

"Mum, Dad, and Ginny have gone to visit Harry," Ron read aloud, his brow furrowed with concern. "They'll talk to us about it when they get back."

The brothers exchanged worried glances. "What's going on?" Percy asked, his voice tinged with anxiety.

Charlie shrugged. "No idea, but I should get going. I'm running late."

Ron raised an eyebrow. "Work on a Sunday?"

Charlie's face turned bright red as he mumbled, "Err... yeah."

The twins, Fred and George, grinned mischievously. "It's a date with Pyre Jones, isn't it?" they chimed in unison.

Charlie's blush deepened, but he sighed and admitted, "It's not a date, though. I think I'll have to do a lot more than this to reach that point."

At his brothers' insistence, Charlie shared that he had met Pyre a few times over the past week and a half, since Daisy's arrival. Pyre was interested in dragons, and Charlie had promised to take her to the new reserve, which was almost complete. Charlie was set to transfer back to England from Romania, where he would become the head of the reserve.

As he explained, Charlie's brothers listened with genuine interest, rather than their usual teasing. Charlie continued, "I'm also planning to sign a contract with St. Mungo's to open a special ward for treating burns and injuries from dragons. With the new reserve opening, we'll have a lot of employees, and injuries will be common. St. Mungo's has given Pyre the task of handling this, so it's more of a business meeting than a date."

The brothers nodded, already familiar with Charlie's previous interactions with Pyre, including their meeting a year ago when Harry was admitted to St. Mungo's after taking the Blasting Curse to save Ginny. Charlie had suggested Pyre to treat Daisy, and now it seemed their connection had grown beyond a professional relationship.

As the minutes ticked by, the tension in the room remained palpable. Everyone present cared deeply for Harry, and the sight of him lying battered and bruised was almost too much to bear. McGonagall's eyes were red-rimmed, while Ginny's face was streaked with tears. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley stood together, their arms around each other, their faces etched with worry. Grandma Mrs. Tucker sat beside Dudley, her eyes fixed on Harry's face.

Just then, Madam Pomfrey arrived, her face set in a grim expression. She quickly began assisting Snape, who was carefully examining Harry's injuries. "I've given him a stabilizing potion," Snape said, his voice low and urgent. "But we need to do more. He's lost a lot of blood."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker nodded. "Pyre will be here soon for her daily check-up on Daisy. She can help with Harry."

Pomfrey's expression turned slightly more hopeful. "Ah, Pyre. She's an excellent healer. I'm glad she'll be here soon."

As they waited, Pomfrey couldn't help but think back to Pyre's time at Hogwarts. Pyre had been one of her most promising students, and Pomfrey had taken her under her wing as an apprentice. Pyre's natural talent and dedication had made her a skilled healer, and Pomfrey was proud to have played a part in her training.

At just 21 years old, Pyre was already making a name for herself as a talented healer at St. Mungo's. Pomfrey had no doubt that she would do everything in her power to help Harry.

Charlie walked into St. Mungo's, looking around for Pyre. They had agreed to meet at the hospital cafe to finalize the business deal, and Charlie was eager to get started. He spotted Pyre walking towards the cafe, a confident smile on her face.

Pyre looked professional in her white healer's robes, her long brown hair tied back in a neat ponytail. She carried a folder in her hand, which Charlie assumed contained the contract they were about to sign.

"Charlie!" Pyre said, extending her hand. "Right on time. I've spoken to the management team, and they're thrilled with your proposal."

Charlie grinned, shaking her hand. "Excellent. I'm glad we could come to an agreement."

Pyre nodded, leading him to a quiet table in the corner of the cafe. "Yes, we're all very excited about the new department. And I have to say, I'm looking forward to working with you."

Charlie smiled, feeling a spark of attraction. He pushed the thought aside, focusing on the business at hand. "So, shall we get down to it? I'm eager to sign the contract and get started."

Pyre smiled, opening the folder and pulling out a sheaf of papers. "Of course. Let's get started."

Charlie beamed with congratulations as Pyre shared the news of her promotion to head Healer of the new department. "That's fantastic, Pyre! You deserve it," he said, genuinely thrilled for her.

After signing the contract, Charlie glanced at his watch, wondering if Pyre's shift was over. "So, is your shift for today over?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

Pyre nodded, smiling. "Yes, it is."

Charlie thought to himself, "It's time to make a move." They had been friends for a while, and with their daily meetings over the past week and a half, he had grown to genuinely like her. He took a deep breath and asked, "So, is your evening free?"

Pyre's expression turned apologetic. "No, I'm afraid not. I have my daily visit to Daisy at Fawcett Manor."

Charlie's mind went blank for a moment before he blurted out, "Shall I come with you?" He cringed inwardly, thinking, "What was I thinking? That was stupid!"

Pyre's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she smiled, knowing exactly what Charlie meant. To be honest, she had found herself drawn to him over the past couple of days. His rugged good looks, with his bright red hair and muscular build, had caught her attention. And his passion for dragons was endearing; she had been impressed by his dedication to his work.

As she considered Charlie's invitation, Pyre's mind whirled with conflicting thoughts. Was it wise to get romantically involved with him, given their professional connection? But then, her inner child piped up, "Hey, my shift is over, right?" She chuckled to herself, deciding to let her personal life take precedence for once.

Meanwhile, Charlie was mentally kicking himself for his impulsive suggestion. "I should apologize," he thought, preparing to retract his offer. But before he could say anything, Pyre nodded and said, "Okay, you can accompany me."

Charlie's eyes widened in surprise, and he grinned, feeling a spark of excitement. "Really?" he asked, trying to sound casual.

Pyre smiled back, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yes, really," she said, gathering her things. "Let's go."

Pyre and Charlie stepped out of the fireplace at Fawcett Manor, Pyre's eyes widening in surprise as she took in the crowd gathered in the room. "I wasn't expecting so many people," she said, her voice low.

Charlie's eyes scanned the room, his gaze landing on his parents, Ginny, and the others. He remembered the note they had left at the Burrow, and his heart sank. Something was wrong.

Before Charlie could ask any questions, McGonagall stepped forward, her expression grave. "Pyre, thank goodness you're here. We have a situation. Harry's been badly injured, and we need your expertise to help him."

Pyre's face turned pale, and she hurried over to Harry's bedside. Charlie followed, his heart heavy with worry. As McGonagall filled Pyre in on the details, Charlie's eyes met his parents', and he could see the fear and concern etched on their faces.

Ginny, usually a pillar of strength, looked fragile and shaken, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. Charlie's chance to initiate romance with Pyre seemed to have slipped away, replaced by a sense of urgency and worry for his friend's well-being.

Pyre's professional demeanor took over as she began her daily checkup on Daisy, who thankfully was asleep. Pyre breathed a silent sigh of relief, knowing that Daisy would have panicked if she had seen Harry's condition. Daisy had started to trust Harry and Ginny, and Pyre knew how fragile that trust was.

Next, Pyre turned her attention to Dudley, who was lying on a nearby bed. After a few simple diagnostic spells, Pyre declared, "There's nothing wrong with him. Whatever it is, it can't be serious."

With Dudley's condition assessed, Pyre joined Pomfrey and Snape at Harry's bedside. Together, they carefully examined Harry's injuries, their faces grave with concern. McGonagall's voice was low and serious as she filled Pyre in on the details. "Pyre, Harry was abused. We're not sure what happened, but it's clear he was subjected to some kind of torture."

Pyre's eyes widened in horror as she took in McGonagall's words. Her gaze snapped back to Harry's face, and she felt a surge of anger and compassion. She knew she had to do everything in her power to help Harry recover from his ordeal.

Mrs. Weasley turned to Charlie, her eyes filled with concern. "Charlie, dear, I think you should head back to the Burrow. You're the eldest at home right now, with Bill in Egypt. Your father and I won't be able to come back today, and I'd feel better knowing you're there to keep an eye on things."

Charlie nodded, though he was reluctant to leave. He glanced at Pyre, who was deep in conversation with Snape and Pomfrey. He knew he had to go, but he hoped to see Pyre again soon. With a final glance at Harry's still form, Charlie departed for the Burrow.

The atmosphere in the room remained tense, with Ginny pacing anxiously back and forth. Daisy slept peacefully, oblivious to the commotion around her, while Dudley remained unconscious. McGonagall, Dumbledore, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker waited with bated breath, their faces etched with worry, as they awaited any sign of improvement in Harry's condition.

Pyre, Pomfrey, and Snape exchanged grave glances, their faces etched with concern. "Harry's body has endured abuse for many years," Pyre said, her voice barely above a whisper. "The extent of the injuries is alarming. But today's extent is so high that his body is in shock. It will take time to recover, and without knowing how he got these injuries, it will be difficult to treat."

Snape's eyes narrowed as he examined Harry's body, his gaze lingering on the numerous scars and bruises. "He has multiple old scars, now visible since his glamour charm is not active," Snape observed. "We have no idea how he acquired these scars, making it essential to use Legilimency to uncover the truth."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's voice trembled as she pleaded, "Please, just save Harry. I don't care what it takes or how you do it, just save my dear boy."

Snape's expression turned stern as he began issuing instructions. "We will do everything in our power to help him. However, I advise that we shift Dudley downstairs with Daisy and have the twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, guard them. It would be best if Ginny were to leave as well; this will be a painful process to watch, especially for a child."

Ginny's face contorted in anguish as she refused to leave Harry's side. "I won't leave him!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with emotion. "It's all my fault!" she sobbed, her body wracked with sobs. "I gave that stupid promise to Harry a year ago that I would never tell anyone his relatives beat him."

Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened in shock as she turned to Ginny. "You knew about the abuse?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.

Ginny shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "No, Harry never told me that," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "He just said he was beaten very rarely, but clearly, it's not rare at all... it's regular." Ginny's body shook with sobs as she realized the true extent of Harry's suffering.

Just then, the door burst open and Remus Lupin, Sirius Black, and Amelia Bones arrived, their faces etched with concern. McGonagall had sent them a letter as soon as she discovered the extent of Harry's abuse, and they had rushed to Fawcett Manor to be by his side.

Although it wasn't wise for Sirius to be there, as he was technically under house arrest at Amelia's estate, he couldn't bear the thought of not being with his godson in his time of need. The trial, which had taken place just a few months ago, still lingered in everyone's minds. Despite Harry, Amelia Bones, and Dumbledore's best efforts to prove Sirius's innocence, the corrupt Wizengamot had declared him guilty and sentenced him to house arrest, pending further investigation.

However, Amelia had managed to have the house arrest transferred to her own estate, where she had stationed aurors Moody, Kingsley, and trainee Tonks to keep guard. It was a small group of trusted individuals who knew the truth about Sirius's innocence, including Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Remus, Amelia, Susan, Moody, Kingsley, and Tonks.

As Sirius entered the room, his eyes locked onto Harry's fragile form, and his face contorted in anguish. No one could stop him from being by his godson's side, not even the threat of repercussions from the Ministry.

Amelia's eyes met McGonagall's, and they exchanged a knowing glance. Amelia had been in love with Sirius since their Hogwarts days, but he had never returned her feelings. However, with Marlene, his late fiancée, having passed away 11 years ago, perhaps Sirius might finally be ready to move on. But for now, his only concern was Harry.

Though Sirius and Snape were not friends, their common concern for Harry brought them together in a shared moment of worry. Remus, however, looked aghast, his face twisted in anger and shock. It was astonishing to see Remus look even more furious than Sirius as McGonagall revealed the extent of Harry's abuse.

"How could this have happened?" Remus thundered, his eyes blazing with indignation. He turned to Dumbledore, his voice accusatory. "Did you know about this, sir? Did you know Harry was being abused?"

Dumbledore's face crumpled, his eyes filling with tears. "No, Remus, I did not know," he admitted, his voice heavy with guilt. "But I should have known. I should have seen the signs and saved Harry from this suffering. I failed him, Remus. I failed him miserably."

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet sobbing of Dumbledore. It was heartbreaking to see the usually composed Headmaster so distraught. But then, in a surprising move, Sirius stepped forward, his voice calm and soothing.

"It's not time for this, Remus," Sirius said gently. "We can't change the past, but we can work together to help Harry now. And, sir," he added, turning to Dumbledore, "you're human, just like the rest of us. We all make mistakes."

Sirius's expression turned serious, his eyes narrowing. "But, sir, we will have a talk about this after Harry is treated. I want to know why you didn't know, why you didn't see the signs."

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes still filled with tears. "I understand, Sirius. I am prepared to face the consequences of my failure."

Snape's voice cut through the somber atmosphere, his eyes fixed intently on Harry's fragile form. "We will perform Legilimency on Harry to uncover the truth about the abuse," he declared, his tone firm but measured. "By accessing his memories, we can see what happened to him from the time he was left with the Dursleys."

Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination. Ginny, still refusing to leave Harry's side, clutched his hand tightly, her eyes brimming with tears.

Madam Pomfrey and Pyre moved swiftly to prepare a large screen, its surface glowing softly as they cast a series of intricate spells. The screen would allow them to visualize Harry's memories, making it easier to interpret the images and emotions that Snape would extract from Harry's mind.

Snape, meanwhile, stood tall, his eyes flashing with intensity as he raised his wand. "This will not be pleasant," he warned, his voice low and even. "But it is necessary. Let us begin."

As Snape began the Legilimency, the screen flickered to life, displaying a vivid and heart-wrenching scene from Harry's past.

Little Harry, once a beloved member of the Potter family, now found himself as the unwanted member of the Dursley family. His cousin Dudley took great pleasure in tormenting him, prodding and pinching him at every opportunity. Vernon and Petunia, meanwhile, showered Dudley with gifts and attention, spending a small fortune on him, while Harry was left with nothing. "Here, dear Dudley, have a new bike, and a new toy, and a new game," Petunia cooed, completely ignoring Harry's presence. Harry, confused and scared, couldn't understand how his life had changed so drastically. He longed for the loving embrace of his parents, James and Lily, and the comfort of his godfather, Sirius. He would cry out for them, "Mumma!, Dadda!, Unca Pafoo! Unca Moony! Unca Pete! Gran Minnie!" but his cries went unanswered._

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet sobbing of those present. Ginny's face contorted in anguish, her eyes streaming with tears as she clutched Harry's hand tightly. Mrs. Weasley's face was ashen, her eyes wide with horror. Mr. Weasley's jaw was clenched, his fists trembling with rage.

Sirius's face was twisted in a mixture of anger and sadness, his eyes blazing with a fierce protectiveness towards his godson. Remus's eyes were filled with tears, his face etched with compassion and understanding.

Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face pale and drawn. McGonagall's eyes were narrowed, her jaw clenched in anger. Snape's face was impassive, but his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness.

Madam Pomfrey's eyes were filled with tears, her face etched with concern and compassion. Pyre's face was pale, her eyes wide with horror. Amelia's face was somber, her eyes filled with a deep sadness.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's face was contorted in anguish, her eyes streaming with tears. "Oh, poor dear Harry," she sobbed, her voice shaking with emotion.

As the memory continued to unfold on the screen, the room remained transfixed in horror.

The Dursleys, who had taken him in begrudgingly, showed him no love or kindness. Harry was left to feel like a burden, a constant reminder of the magical world they so despised._

Mrs. Weasley's face contorted in anguish, her eyes streaming with tears. "Oh, those poor, cruel people," she whispered.

As the days passed, Harry grew more and more despondent, his tiny heart heavy with sorrow and his spirit crushed by the cruelty of those around him._

Sirius's eyes blazed with anger, his fists clenched at his sides. Remus placed a calming hand on his shoulder, but Sirius shook it off.

At first, Petunia, Harry's aunt, kept him locked away in a dark, spider-infested cupboard, treating him more like a prisoner than a beloved family member._

Ginny's eyes widened in shock, her face pale. She knew about the cupboard, and the guilt was eating away at her. She had promised Harry she wouldn't tell anyone, but now she wondered if she had made a terrible mistake.

Instead of protecting him from Dudley's torment, she encouraged her son's cruel behavior, turning a blind eye to the suffering of her own flesh and blood._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in anger. "Those people are monstrous," she spat.

"Go on, Dudley, get him! Show him who's boss!" Petunia would exclaim, her voice dripping with malice._

Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face pale and drawn. He looked like he was praying for forgiveness.

Vernon, Harry's uncle, was even more heartless. He saw a reflection of himself in Dudley and showered praise on his son, fueling his cruelty towards Harry._

Snape's face was impassive, but his eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. He had always known that Harry's home life was difficult, but he had never imagined it was this bad.

"That's my boy, Dudley! Show that freak who's in charge!"_

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet sobbing of those present. Ginny's face was contorted in anguish, her eyes streaming with tears. She felt guilty for keeping the promise to Harry and never telling anyone. Maybe, just maybe, things would have been different if she had spoken out.

As the memory continued to unfold on the screen, the room remained transfixed in horror.

The Dursleys treated Harry like a servant, forcing him to wear Dudley's hand-me-down clothes, eat leftover food, and addressing him with disdain. "Boy! Fetch me that remote!" or "Freak! Stop crying!"_

Sirius's face turned beet red with rage, his fists clenched at his sides. "Those filthy, disgusting people," he spat, his voice trembling with anger. Remus placed a calming hand on his shoulder, but Sirius shook it off.

From a tender age, they drummed into Harry's mind that he was worthless and bad. "You're a freak, Harry! You'll never amount to anything!" Petunia would sneer, her words cutting deep into Harry's young heart._

Ginny's eyes flashed with anger, her face pale. "How could they do that to him?" she whispered, her voice trembling with rage. Mrs. Weasley's face was contorted in anguish, her eyes streaming with tears.

The Dursleys never spoke of Harry's parents or the magical world, instead spinning a web of lies to keep the truth from him. "Your parents were worthless and bad people, just like you," Petunia would sneer._

Snape's face twisted in disgust, his eyes blazing with anger. "Those people are an abomination," he spat, his voice dripping with venom.

"They died in a car accident, drunk and reckless, and you're lucky to have survived." "It would have been better if you had died that day too," Vernon would add, his voice dripping with malice._

The room erupted into a chorus of angry whispers and outraged gasps. Dumbledore's eyes flashed with anger, his face pale. "Those people will pay for what they've done," he vowed, his voice trembling with rage. McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in anger. "I'll make sure they face justice," she promised, her voice cold and deadly. Many in the room wished to curse the Dursleys on the spot, their anger and outrage boiling over.

As the memory continued to unfold on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

Harry grew up hearing these cruel words, but deep down, he knew they weren't true. He had vague memories of a loving family, of "Unca Pafoo" and "Unca Moony", but they seemed like a dream, a fantasy._

Sirius's eyes lit up with tears, his face contorted in a mixture of sadness and joy. "He remembers," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion. Remus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Yet, these memories sparked something within him, a sense of compassion and kindness that the Dursleys' cruelty couldn't extinguish._

Ginny's face softened, her eyes shining with tears. "That's our Harry," she whispered, her voice full of pride and love. Mrs. Weasley's face was etched with a warm smile, her eyes brimming with tears.

"Sometimes I think I remember a different life," Harry would say to himself, his eyes gazing into the distance. "A life where I was loved and cherished."_

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with tears, his face radiant with a warm smile. "Harry's heart remained pure, despite the darkness that surrounded him," he whispered, his voice full of awe and admiration.

But the Dursleys' influence was strong, and Harry began to doubt his own memories. "It's just my imagination," he would tell himself. "I never really had a family."_

Snape's face twisted in disgust, his eyes blazing with anger. "Those people are a plague," he spat, his voice dripping with venom. McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her jaw clenched in anger.

Despite this, Harry's vague memories of his true family and their love for him kept him from becoming like the Dursleys. He remained kind and compassionate, a beacon of hope in a household consumed by darkness and cruelty._

The room erupted into a chorus of angry whispers and outraged gasps. Many wished to curse the Dursleys again, their anger and outrage boiling over. "Those people will pay for what they've done," Dumbledore vowed, his voice trembling with rage.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

Remus Lupin, unable to resist the urge to connect with Harry, decided to visit him despite Dumbledore's warning._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. "I warned Remus of the dangers, but he couldn't resist the urge to connect with Harry," he whispered.

Remus arrived at Number 4, Privet Drive, on Christmas morning, carrying Harry's favorite chocolates._

Ginny's face softened, her eyes shining with tears. "Remus always thought of Harry," she whispered, her voice full of admiration.

"Merry Christmas!" Remus said with a smile, as Petunia answered the door._

Petunia's reaction was predictable, and the room erupted into a chorus of angry whispers and outraged gasps. "How could she be so cruel?" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, her face contorted in anguish.

Remus pleaded, "Listen, please, just let me meet Harry once. I promise I won't harm him."_

Sirius's eyes flashed with anger, his face twisted in disgust. "Petunia's always been a heartless ," he spat, his voice dripping with venom.

After much persuasion, Petunia finally agreed to let Remus see Harry, but with a warning: "OK, but if you try to meet Harry again or contact him or come here, then make sure that Harry will have to stay with you. His safety is in your hands."_

Snape's face twisted in disgust, his eyes blazing with anger. "The Dursleys have no shame," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

As Remus entered the living room, he saw Harry sitting on the carpet, while Dudley was perched on a high table, looking superior._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in shock, her face etched with concern. "The way they treated Harry is appalling," she whispered.

Harry's eyes lit up when he saw Remus, and he exclaimed with joy: "Unca Moony!"_

The room erupted into a chorus of "awwws" and tears, as everyone present felt their hearts swell with love and affection for Harry. Remus's eyes shone with tears, his face radiant with a warm smile.

Remus handed Harry a box of chocolates and said goodbye, Petunia's watchful eye ensuring that their meeting was brief._

As the memory faded, the room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many wished to curse the Dursleys again, their anger and outrage boiling over.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

After Remus's visit, no one came to meet Harry again. He was left to fend for himself, with no friends to speak of._

Ginny's face contorted in anguish, her eyes streaming with tears. "He was so alone," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

The Dursleys, who had grown even more neglectful and cruel, only sent Harry to primary school when he was three years old, and that too because it was free._

Snape's eyes narrowed, his face twisted in disgust. "They only cared about appearances," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

"We're doing it for his own good," Petunia would say, her voice dripping with insincerity._

McGonagall's eyes flashed with anger, her face pale. "The Dursleys are despicable," she exclaimed, her voice cold and deadly.

But the truth was, they didn't care about Harry's well-being. They just wanted to appear respectable to their neighbors._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. "The Dursleys' cruelty knew no bounds," he whispered.

"Off you go, Harry," Vernon would say gruffly, dropping him off at the school gates. "Don't make us look bad."_

Sirius's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "Those people are monsters," he spat, his voice trembling with rage.

Harry, sensing their indifference, felt like a burden, a mere inconvenience to the Dursleys. He longed for love and connection, but it seemed like no one was willing to give it to him._

The room erupted into a chorus of angry whispers and outraged gasps. Many wished to curse the Dursleys again, their anger and outrage boiling over. "Those people will pay for what they've done," Dumbledore vowed, his voice trembling with rage.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

One day, in school, Harry was given an assignment to draw a picture of his family. He set to work with enthusiasm, but his drawing was unlike any of the others._

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise, her face softening with a warm smile. "He was so creative, even back then," she whispered, her voice full of admiration.

While the other kids drew traditional family scenes, Harry's picture showed him standing on a beach, with Dudley, Aunt Petunia, and Uncle Vernon holding hands nearby._

Snape's eyes narrowed, his face twisted in disgust. "The Dursleys' influence is evident, even in his artwork," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

But that was not all - Harry had also included the spiders that lived in the cupboard, who were his unlikely friends._

Remus's face softened, his eyes shining with tears. "He found comfort in the smallest of creatures," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

Harry had written alongside his drawing: "Pafoo", "Monny", "Mum", "Dad", and "Minnie"._

Sirius's eyes lit up with tears, his face contorted in a mixture of sadness and joy. "He remembered us," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

Notedly absent was the name "Harry" or "Peter"._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. "Harry's sense of identity was already fragmented," he whispered.

The names he had written were a testament to his longing for a family that loved him, a family that he could call his own._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "The Dursleys' cruelty is evident in every aspect of Harry's life," she exclaimed, her voice cold and deadly.

Harry had a secret passion - he loved to read books._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in surprise, her face softening with a warm smile. "He was an avid reader, even at such a young age," she whispered, her voice full of admiration.

Despite his tender age, he had learned to read and write much faster than his peers, and this was mainly because he had unrestricted access to books._

Amelia's eyes sparkled with interest, her face softening with a warm smile. "He was a brilliant child, even back then," she whispered, her voice full of admiration.

In stark contrast, Dudley's drawing looked like it was made by a 2-year-old, with random scribbles and no discernible theme._

The room erupted into a chorus of laughter and amused whispers, a welcome respite from the sadness and anger that had dominated the atmosphere.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

"I'm going to show this to the teacher," Harry said to himself, his eyes shining with excitement. "I can't wait to see what she says!"_

Ginny's face softened, her eyes shining with tears. "He was so proud of his artwork," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

When Harry showed his painting to Ms. Samantha, she was taken aback by the complexity and emotion that radiated from the artwork._

McGonagall's eyes widened in surprise, her face pale. "The depth of his emotions, even at such a young age, is astonishing," she whispered.

"Harry, why did you write these names?" Ms. Samantha asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "And why did you draw spiders?"_

Remus's eyes dropped, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. "He was trying to hold on to his past, to the memories of his family," he whispered.

Harry's response was matter-of-fact, but it wiped the smile from Ms. Samantha's face. "I never saw Mum and Dad," he said, his voice barely above a whisper._

Snape's face twisted in disgust, his eyes blazing with anger. "The Dursleys' cruelty is despicable," he spat, his voice dripping with venom.

"And Moony and Pafoo are my uncles. The spiders are my friends. They stay with me in my cupboard."_

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and outraged whispers. Many wished to curse the Dursleys again, their anger and outrage boiling over.

Ms. Samantha's eyes widened in shock, and she quickly composed herself. "Well, Harry, you're a very talented boy," she said, forcing a smile._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. "Ms. Samantha's reaction was understandable, but it's clear that she didn't fully comprehend the extent of Harry's emotional pain," he whispered.

With the teacher's help, Harry created four figures, naming them Moony, Pafoo, Mum, and Dad._

Sirius's eyes lit up with tears, his face contorted in a mixture of sadness and joy. "He remembered us," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

As he worked, his eyes shone with a mix of creativity and longing._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in surprise, her face softening with a warm smile. "His creativity was a way for him to cope with his emotions," she whispered.

Ms. Samantha watched him, her heart aching with a newfound understanding of this quiet, enigmatic child._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many wished to curse the Dursleys again, their anger and outrage boiling over.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

From that day on, Harry found solace in the four sticks he had created._

Ginny's eyes softened, her face etched with a warm smile. "He found comfort in the smallest of things," she whispered.

He would talk to them, confide in them, and even use them to reenact moments from his life._

Remus's eyes dropped, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. "He was desperate for connection, for love," he whispered.

He would beat himself with his mother's stick when he felt guilty, crack jokes with his father's stick to lift his spirits, study with the Moony stick to learn new things, and have fun with Pafoo's stick to ease his loneliness._

Sirius's face contorted in anguish, his eyes streaming with tears. "He was trying to cope with the trauma, with the pain," he whispered.

"It's like they're really here with me," Harry would say to himself, his eyes shining with tears._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "He was clinging to the hope that his family would come for him," she whispered.

Despite the comfort the sticks brought him, Harry never gave up hope that one day his real family would come for him._

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with tears, his face radiant with a warm smile. "Harry's resilience, his capacity for hope, is a testament to his remarkable spirit," he whispered.

He kept the torn drawing pieces attached with sellotape, a reminder that his family was out there somewhere._

Snape's eyes softened, his face etched with a hint of warmth. "He held on to the memories, no matter how fragile they seemed," he whispered.

"I'll never forget you, Mum and Dad," Harry would whisper, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'll never forget you, Moony and Pafoo."_

The room erupted into a chorus of tears and sniffles, as everyone present felt their hearts swell with love and affection for Harry.

And so, Harry continued to live in his own little world, surrounded by the sticks that brought him comfort and the hope that one day, his real family would come to take him home._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in concern, her face softening with a warm smile. "He was a child, desperate for love and connection," she whispered.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

Harry ran to his cupboard, tears streaming down his face. He felt so alone and unloved._

Ginny's eyes welled up with tears, her face contorted in anguish. "He was so broken," she whispered.

But as he entered his cupboard, he was greeted by the five of them - Harry, Lily, James, Moony, and Pafoo. They were all there, waiting for him._

Remus's eyes softened, his face etched with a warm smile. "The sticks were his only comfort," he whispered.

"Happy birthday, Harry," they said in unison, their voices barely above a whisper._

Sirius's eyes lit up with tears, his face contorted in a mixture of sadness and joy. "We were always with him, even when he felt alone," he whispered.

Even the spiders came to join in the celebration, crawling out of their corners to wish Harry a happy birthday._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in surprise, her face softening with a warm smile. "The spiders were his unlikely friends," she whispered.

Lily's stick had made a cake for Harry, shaped like a broom, just like James had requested._

McGonagall's eyes sparkled with interest, her face pale. "The details of the Wizarding World were buried deep within his subconscious mind," she whispered.

Harry didn't know why, but the memories of the Wizarding World seemed to be buried deep within his subconscious mind._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. "The trauma of his past had suppressed his memories," he whispered.

With silent hot tears, Harry pretended to eat the cake and went to sleep, his heart aching for a love and belonging he had never known._

Snape's face twisted in disgust, his eyes blazing with anger. "The Dursleys' cruelty is unforgivable," he spat.

The five sticks and the spiders were his only friends, and he clung to them tightly, knowing that they would always be there for him._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many wished to curse the Dursleys again, their anger and outrage boiling over.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

A few weeks later, Harry was cleaning the grass in the garden when something fell from near the tree._

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise, her face etched with interest. "He was always so curious," she whispered.

As he approached, he saw a female sparrow protecting her eggs from a snake._

Remus's eyes softened, his face etched with a warm smile. "He had a gift for understanding creatures," he whispered.

In the scuffle, one egg fell from the nest and broke._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "The fragility of life," she whispered.

Without thinking, Harry asked the snake to stop, and to his surprise, it did._

Snape's eyes raised, his face etched with surprise. "He had an innate ability to communicate with magical creatures," he whispered.

"Why are you bothering that bird?" Harry asked the snake in Parseltongue, not expecting a response._

Sirius's eyes lit up with excitement, his face contorted in a mixture of awe and wonder. "He spoke Parseltongue without even realizing it!" he exclaimed.

But the snake replied, "I'm just trying to survive, like everyone else."_

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with interest, his face radiant with a warm smile. "The snake's response was a testament to the complexity of the wizarding world," he whispered.

Harry gasped, shocked that the snake had understood him._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in surprise, her face softening with a warm smile. "He was discovering his true nature," she whispered.

"You can talk?" Harry asked, amazed._

Ginny's eyes shone with tears, her face etched with a warm smile. "He was so innocent, so full of wonder," she whispered.

"Of course, I can," the snake replied. "And so can you, it seems."_

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were fascinated by Harry's innate abilities and his capacity for compassion and understanding.

As the memory continued to unfold, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

After helping Spiky, Harry's attention turned to a nearby bird that was injured._

Ginny's eyes softened, her face etched with concern. "He had a heart of gold, always looking out for others," she whispered.

He took the bird, whom he named Spare, into his cupboard and cared for it._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in admiration, her face softening with a warm smile. "His nursing skills were impressive, even at such a young age," she whispered.

Mr. Spidy and his friends, the spiders, helped Harry bandage Spare's wounds._

Remus's eyes sparkled with amusement, his face contorted in a mixture of awe and wonder. "The spiders were his unlikely allies," he whispered.

"Don't worry, Spare," Harry said. "You'll be flying in no time."_

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with a mixture of sadness and regret. "His capacity for empathy was remarkable," he whispered.

For three days, Harry nursed Spare back to health, sharing his own food with the bird._

Snape's eyes raised, his face etched with surprise. "He showed remarkable dedication and perseverance," he whispered.

Finally, on the third day, Spare began to fly again._

The room erupted into a chorus of smiles and gentle applause, as everyone present felt a sense of joy and pride.

"You did it, Spare!" Harry exclaimed. "You're flying again!"_

Sirius's eyes lit up with excitement, his face contorted in a mixture of awe and wonder. "He was overjoyed, and rightly so," he whispered.

As Spare flew around Harry's cupboard, its children soon emerged from a nearby cave._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "The cycle of life continued, thanks to Harry's kindness," she whispered.

Harry was delighted to meet the new additions to his feathered friend's family._

Ginny's eyes shone with tears, her face etched with a warm smile. "He had a way of connecting with all creatures," she whispered.

From that day on, Spare and its children became Harry's new friends._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were moved by Harry's selflessness and compassion.

When Harry told Lily and James (stick figures) about his new friends, they praised him for his kindness._

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's eyes welled up with tears, her face softening with a warm smile. "He had a special bond with his parents, even in their absence," she whispered.

"Well done, Harry!" Lily said. "You have a real gift for helping others."_

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with tears, his face radiant with a warm smile. "Lily's words were a testament to Harry's true nature," he whispered.

"Yes, you're a true friend to all creatures," James added._

Snape's eyes softened, his face etched with a hint of warmth. "James's words were a reflection of Harry's inherent goodness," he whispered.

Harry smiled, feeling happy that he had made a difference in Spare's life._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were moved by Harry's humility and kindness.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

When the first test was held in primary school, Harry excelled, scoring full marks._

Ginny's eyes widened in pride, her face etched with a warm smile. "He was always so clever," she whispered.

However, the Dursleys were not pleased with Harry's achievement, particularly because he had outperformed Dudley._

Remus's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in disgust. "The Dursleys' jealousy was despicable," he whispered.

"You think you're so smart, don't you?" Vernon sneered, his face red with anger._

Snape's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "Vernon's cruelty was inexcusable," he spat.

"Well, let's see how you feel after this!" Vernon punched Harry for the first time, causing his nose to bleed._

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and outraged whispers. Many wished to curse the Dursleys again, their anger and outrage boiling over.

But he didn't stop there. He took his belt off and used it to beat Harry, kicking him for good measure._

McGonagall's eyes flashed with anger, her face pale. "The brutality of the Dursleys is unconscionable," she exclaimed.

"You'll never be better than Dudley!" Vernon yelled. "Never!"_

Sirius's eyes blazed with fury, his face contorted in disgust. "Vernon's obsession with Dudley was sickening," he spat.

Despite the abuse, Harry continued to excel in his studies, coming first in several tests._

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with pride, his face radiant with a warm smile. "Harry's resilience and determination were inspiring," he whispered.

However, each time, the result was met with worsening punishment from the Dursleys._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in concern, her face softening with a warm smile. "The cycle of abuse was devastating," she whispered.

Slowly, Harry began to understand that it was better to downplay his knowledge and not answer the tests._

Ginny's eyes dropped, her face etched with sadness. "He had to hide his true self to survive," she whispered.

He realized that being smart and showing it only led to more suffering at the hands of the Dursleys._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were moved by Harry's tragic circumstances and his struggle to survive.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

The Dursleys believed that by inflicting physical harm on Harry, they could somehow erase the influence of magic from his life._

Remus's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in disgust. "Their ignorance was staggering," he whispered.

"If we beat the magic out of him, he'll be just like us," they thought._

Snape's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "Their cruelty was unforgivable," he spat.

But their cruel actions had the opposite effect._

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with interest, his face radiant with a warm smile. "The Dursleys' actions inadvertently strengthened Harry's magical core," he whispered.

Every time they beat Harry, his magic surged to repair the damage._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in amazement, her face softening with a warm smile. "His magic was incredibly resilient," she whispered.

His wounds would heal faster, and the spiders' webs would appear to help bind them._

Ginny's eyes shone with tears, her face etched with a warm smile. "The spiders were his loyal allies," she whispered.

Far from destroying his magical core, the abuse actually made it stronger._

Sirius's eyes lit up with excitement, his face contorted in a mixture of awe and wonder. "He was becoming more powerful with each passing day," he whispered.

"You're making him more powerful, not less," a wise old wizard might have said, if only they had known._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "The irony was tragic," she whispered.

As a result, Harry's accidental magic became incredibly potent._

Snape's eyes raised, his face etched with surprise. "His magic was growing more unpredictable and powerful," he whispered.

When he got upset or angry, his magic would burst forth in unexpected ways, often with remarkable force._

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and amazed whispers.

"It's impossible!" the Dursleys would cry, bewildered by the unexplained events._

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise, her face pale. "The Dursleys were clueless about the true nature of magic," she whispered.

"He's just a freak!"_

Pyre's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in disgust. "Their cruelty and ignorance were a toxic combination," he whispered.

But the truth was that Harry's magic was growing more resilient and resourceful with each passing day, fueled by the very abuse that was meant to suppress it._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were moved by the tragic irony of the Dursleys' actions and the unintended consequences of their cruelty.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

It was Harry's sixth birthday, and he was starting to grasp the harsh reality of his situation._

Ginny's eyes dropped, her face etched with sadness. "He was so young, so vulnerable," she whispered.

He was an orphan, and the Dursleys treated him cruelly._

Snape's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "The Dursleys' cruelty was inexcusable," he spat.

Despite this, Harry found solace in the protection of animals and the comfort of sticks._

Remus's eyes softened, his face etched with a warm smile. "He found comfort in the creatures that cared for him," he whispered.

On this particular birthday, the Dursleys followed their usual routine._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "Their cruelty was a constant presence in Harry's life," she whispered.

They beat Harry and brought out a cake, but this time, Harry decided to stand up for himself._

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with pride, his face radiant with a warm smile. "Harry's courage was inspiring, even at such a young age," he whispered.

Emboldened by the encouragement of Lily and Moony, he asked, "Can... can... I... can I also get some cake?"_

Sirius's eyes lit up with admiration, his face contorted in a mixture of awe and wonder. "He was finding his voice, standing up for himself," he whispered.

Petunia sneered, "We don't have anything for a freak like you."_

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and outraged whispers. Many wished to curse the Dursleys again, their anger and outrage boiling over.

Dudley snickered, enjoying Harry's misery._

Pyre's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in disgust. "Dudley's cruelty was a reflection of his upbringing," he whispered.

Vernon, the most cruel of them all, added, "And please, drink bleach, at least our burden will be lightened."_

The room fell silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were horrified by Vernon's cruel words, their hearts heavy with sorrow for 's the continuation:

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room fell silent, their emotions raw and exposed.

Harry's eyes welled up with tears as he realized the extent of their cruelty._

Ginny's eyes dropped, her face etched with sadness. "He was so alone, so vulnerable," she whispered.

He was hungry, having not eaten for four days, and yet they denied him even a slice of cake._

Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened in outrage, her face pale. "The Dursleys' cruelty was inexcusable," she exclaimed.

The Dursleys' words cut deep, but Harry knew he had to be strong._

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with pride, his face radiant with a warm smile. "Harry's resilience was inspiring, even in the face of such cruelty," he whispered.

That was enough now; Harry had had enough of their abuse._

Snape's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "The Dursleys' abuse had gone too far," he spat.

That night, Harry went to the garden to bid farewell to the Spare family, the spiders, and the sticks._

Remus's eyes softened, his face etched with a warm smile. "He was saying goodbye to the friends who had comforted him," he whispered.

"Goodbye, my dear friends," Harry said, his voice trembling. "I'll never forget you."_

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were moved by Harry's poignant farewell.

The spiders waved their legs in farewell, and the sticks seemed to nod in understanding._

Sirius's eyes lit up with admiration, his face contorted in a mixture of awe and wonder. "The creatures understood his pain," he whispered.

As he walked, he came across a small snake, but Harry didn't have the courage to approach it._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "He was still learning to navigate his magical world," she whispered.

He continued on to the park, where he sat on a bench, lost in thought._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed.

He remembered the cruel words of his uncle, Vernon, echoing in his mind. "Drink bleach, at least our burden will be lightened."_

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and outraged whispers. Many were horrified by Vernon's cruel words, their hearts heavy with sorrow for Harry.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's eyes welled up with tears, her face softening with a warm smile. "We had no idea, Harry," she whispered. "We're so sorry you had to go through that."

The room fell silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were shocked by the revelation, their hearts heavy with sorrow for Harry.

Here's the continuation:

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room fell silent, their emotions raw and exposed.

Harry noticed a bottle next to him with the words "bleach" written in black on a yellow strip._

Ginny's eyes widened in horror, her face pale. "No, Harry, no," she whispered.

He felt a shiver run down his spine, but he knew he had to be strong._

Snape's face twisted in anguish, his eyes filled with tears. "He was so desperate, so alone," he whispered.

Harry opened the bottle and started swallowing the bleach, looking up at the sky._

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and horrified whispers. Many were shocked by Harry's desperate attempt to end his life.

His throat burned, but he was determined to continue._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with sadness. "He was consumed by pain and despair," he whispered.

"Just a little more," he thought, trying to convince himself._

Remus's eyes filled with tears, his face contorted in anguish. "He was trapped in a cycle of pain and self-loathing," he whispered.

But soon, the burning and pain became too much._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in alarm, her face pale. "His body and magic intervened, saving him from himself," she whispered.

He had only managed to swallow half the bottle when his body and magic intervened, stopping him from taking another sip._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed.

His senses sensed the danger, and Harry's body reacted violently._

Sirius's eyes filled with tears, his face contorted in anguish. "He was fighting for his life, even when he didn't want to," he whispered.

He started vomiting fiercely, his body shaking with pain._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "The physical and emotional pain he endured was unbearable," she whispered.

Blood mixed with the vomit, and Harry's tears flowed uncontrollably._

The room erupted into a chorus of sobs and horrified whispers.

He fell to the ground, overwhelmed by the agony and grief._

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's eyes welled up with tears, her face softening with a warm smile. "We're so sorry, Harry," she whispered. "We had no idea."

"Why?" Harry cried out, his voice shaking. "Why didn't the bleach work? Why am I still alive?"_

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed.

The pain and despair consumed him, and Harry's body trembled with sobs._

Amelia's eyes filled with tears, her face contorted in anguish. "He was trapped in a cycle of pain and self-loathing," she whispered.

The beating he received from Uncle Vernon later that night was a separate ordeal, one that would leave its own scars._

Pyre's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in disgust. "The Dursleys' cruelty was relentless," he whispered.

But for now, Harry was trapped in a cycle of pain and self-loathing, unable to understand why the bleach hadn't ended his suffering._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were shocked by the revelation, their hearts heavy with sorrow for Harry.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

As Harry grew older, he struggled to make friends._

Ginny's eyes dropped, her face etched with sadness. "He was so desperate for connection," she whispered.

Dudley and his gang made sure of it._

Snape's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "Dudley's cruelty was relentless," he spat.

But one day, a girl named Syra approached him._

Remus's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in suspicion. "Syra's intentions were far from pure," he whispered.

She had striking red hair and offered Harry friendship._

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with interest, his face radiant with a warm smile. "Harry's desire for friendship was admirable, but also vulnerable," he whispered.

"I'm so glad we're friends, Harry!" Syra exclaimed._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "Syra's words were laced with deceit," she whispered.

"Yeah, me too," Harry replied, his heart filled with hope._

Sirius's eyes filled with tears, his face contorted in anguish. "Harry's trust was misplaced, and it broke his heart," he whispered.

But his instincts had been right. Syra betrayed him, luring him into Dudley's trap._

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and outraged whispers.

They threw paint on Harry, and the whole school erupted in laughter._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in alarm, her face pale. "The humiliation was devastating," she whispered.

Harry's heart shattered when he saw Syra joining in._

Ginny's eyes welled up with tears, her face softening with a warm smile. "Harry's pain was unbearable," she whispered.

"You're just like the others," Harry said, his voice trembling._

Amelia's eyes filled with tears, her face contorted in anguish. "Harry's words were laced with hurt and betrayal," she whispered.

Syra's smile faltered, but she didn't apologize._

Pyre's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in disgust. "Syra's lack of remorse was appalling," he whispered.

Harry realized too late that his desire for friendship had blinded him to the danger._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with sadness. "Harry's mistake was a valuable lesson," he whispered.

He vowed to trust his instincts more, but the pain of Syra's betrayal lingered._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed.

From then on, Harry decided to trust his instincts and not ignore the warning signs._

Snape's eyes raised, his face etched with a hint of approval. "Harry's decision was a wise one," he whispered.

However, his decision came with a price._

Ginny's eyes dropped, her face etched with sadness. "Harry's silence was a heavy burden," she whispered.

When the teacher scolded him for playing with paint, Harry remained silent, knowing that speaking up would be futile._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were moved by Harry's tragic circumstances and his struggle to navigate the challenges of his childhood.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room remained transfixed, their emotions raw and exposed.

"You're a troublemaker, Harry!" the teacher exclaimed. "I'm writing a letter to the Dursleys about your behavior!"_

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "The teacher's words were unjust and unfair," she whispered.

Harry didn't protest, aware that no one would believe him anyway._

Snape's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with fury. "The system failed Harry, again and again," he spat.

Just last month, he had tried to confide in the school counselor, Mrs. Smith, about the Dursleys' abuse, but she mysteriously disappeared, just like Samantha._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with sadness. "The Dursleys' influence was far-reaching and sinister," he whispered.

Vernon's status in the school seemed to protect him from accountability._

Pyre's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in disgust. "Vernon's power and influence were corrupt and evil," he whispered.

Harry suffered the consequences of speaking up, enduring a brutal beating that left him with a dislocated shoulder, broken ribs, and a twisted wrist._

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and horrified whispers.

The pain was excruciating, and Harry was forced to miss school for two weeks, his head injury making it impossible for him to attend classes._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in alarm, her face pale. "The extent of his injuries was appalling," she whispered.

"I'll never say anything again," Harry whispered to himself, the scars on his back and bruises on his stomach a constant reminder of the price he paid for trusting the wrong people._

Ginny's eyes welled up with tears, her face softening with a warm smile. "Harry's pain and suffering were unbearable," she whispered.

Although Harry's wounds had already healed, the Dursleys were unaware of this, as Harry was locked away in the cupboard._

Remus's eyes filled with tears, his face contorted in anguish. "Harry's isolation was a heavy burden," he whispered.

The stick figures, Lily and James, appeared to comfort Harry._

Sirius's eyes lit up with a warm smile, his face etched with affection. "Lily and James were always with him, even in the darkest moments," he whispered.

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were moved by Harry's tragic circumstances and his struggle to survive in a world that seemed determined to crush him.

As the memory unfolded on the screen, the room fell silent, their emotions raw and exposed.

That night, Harry took a knife and, after bidding farewell to everyone, went to the park._

Ginny's eyes widened in horror, her face pale. "No, Harry, no," she whispered.

The rain poured down heavily, and lightning illuminated the dark sky._

Snape's face twisted in anguish, his eyes filled with tears. "The desperation was palpable," he whispered.

Harry placed the knife's tip against his stomach and inserted it, and in an instant, only the handle remained visible in his hand._

The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and horrified whispers.

He collapsed in a fatal position, then extracted the knife, and blood flowed profusely._

Madam Pomfrey's eyes widened in alarm, her face pale. "The extent of his injuries was catastrophic," she whispered.

Seeing the blood on the knife, Harry felt a twisted sense of happiness._

Remus's eyes filled with tears, his face contorted in anguish. "Harry's pain and desperation were overwhelming," he whispered.

As everything turned black, Harry's vision faded._

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, his face etched with sadness. "Harry's desire for escape was understandable, but tragic," he whispered.

However, after some time, Harry's eyes opened, and he discovered that the wound had healed._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed.

Whenever death approached, Harry's magic would accelerate his healing process._

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face pale. "Harry's magic was a double-edged sword," she whispered.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Harry wept uncontrollably._

Sirius's eyes filled with tears, his face contorted in anguish. "Harry's pain and sorrow were unbearable," he whispered.

He rose to his feet and shouted at the sky, "Why?! Why won't you let me die? Please, kill me!"_

The room erupted into a chorus of sobs and horrified whispers.

As lightning struck again, Harry pleaded, "Hey! Let at least some lightning fall on me, please, I beg, kill me."_

Amelia's eyes filled with tears, her face contorted in anguish. "Harry's desperation was heartbreaking," she whispered.

But his cries went unanswered, and Harry stood there, resilient in the face of death._

Pyre's eyes narrowed, his face contorted in a mixture of sadness and admiration. "Harry's strength was inspiring, even in the darkest moments," he whispered.

In this moment, Harry realized that his magic would always protect him, but he couldn't shake the feeling of sadness and disconnection._

Ginny's eyes dropped, her face etched with sadness. "Harry's journey towards healing was long and arduous," she whispered.

He understood that he needed to find another way to cope with his pain and that death was not the answer._

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with pride, his face radiant with a warm smile. "Harry's resilience and determination were admirable," he whispered.

Harry's experience that night became a turning point in his journey towards healing and self-discovery._

The room remained silent, their emotions raw and exposed. Many were moved by Harry's tragic circumstances and his struggle to survive in a world that seemed determined to crush him.

As the memories unfolded on the screen, the room fell silent, their emotions raw and exposed. The fast-paced montage of Harry's physical abuse was a harsh reminder of the hardships he had endured.

McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her face etched with a mixture of anger and sadness. "The cruelty he suffered is unforgivable," she whispered, her voice trembling with rage.

Dumbledore's eyes filled with tears, his face contorted in a mixture of sadness and regret. "We should have done more to protect him," he whispered, his voice heavy with sorrow.

Ginny's face turned pale, her eyes wide with horror. "Oh, Harry," she whispered, her voice trembling as she reached out to touch his hand.

Mrs. Weasley's eyes filled with tears, her face contorted in a mixture of sadness and anger. "Those Muggles will pay for what they've done," she whispered, her voice low and menacing.

Snape's eyes flashed with anger, his face etched with a mixture of fury and concern. "We must act quickly to save him," he whispered, his voice firm and commanding.

As the memories finally came to an end, the room erupted into a flurry of activity. Snape, Pomfrey, and Pyre quickly began treating Harry, their faces set with determination.

"We must stabilize his magic," Snape said, his voice firm and commanding as he began to chant an incantation.

"I'll prepare the treatment," Pomfrey replied, her voice calm and efficient as she quickly gathered various potions and equipment.

Pyre nodded, his eyes fixed intently on Harry. "I'll monitor his vital signs," he said, his voice steady and reassuring.

The room was filled with the sound of murmured incantations and the soft beeping of medical equipment. Everyone present was focused on saving Harry, their faces set with determination and concern.

As they worked to save him, Ginny sat beside Harry, holding his hand and whispering words of encouragement. "You're going to be okay, Harry," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "We're here for you."

Sirius and Remus stood on either side of Ginny, their faces etched with worry and concern. "We'll get him through this," Sirius whispered, his voice firm and reassuring.

Remus nodded, his eyes fixed intently on Harry. "We won't let him down," he whispered.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker and Amelia stood at the back of the room, their faces etched with worry and concern. "We're all here for him," Grandma Mrs. Tucker whispered.

Amelia nodded, her eyes fixed intently on Harry. "We'll do everything we can to save him," she whispered.

As the minutes ticked by, the room remained tense and silent, everyone waiting with bated breath for any sign of improvement from Harry.

Next Chapter is  Road To Recovery !

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. This Chapter was traumatising to write . Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 7: Road To Recovery!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

A/n : Hey I think there might be a plothole in current storyline if you find any pls review. Thank You.

As Pomfrey, Snape, and Pyre ushered the others out of the room, a sense of unease settled over the group. They had just witnessed the extent of Harry's physical and emotional abuse, and the weight of it hung heavy in the air.

Just then, Dudley came running into the room, his face contorted in worry. "Is Harry okay?" he asked, his voice trembling. "Will they be able to save him?"

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise, but she quickly composed herself and hugged Dudley tightly. "We're doing everything we can," she whispered.

Dudley pulled back, his eyes red-rimmed from crying. "I called the Aurors," he said, his voice shaking. "I knew something was wrong, and I didn't know what to do."

Ginny's expression softened, and she hugged Dudley again. "Thank you, Dudley," she whispered. "I know it can't have been easy for you."

Dudley's face contorted in a mixture of sadness and guilt. "I'm so sorry, Ginny," he whispered. "I'm sorry I didn't do more sooner."

Mrs. Weasley's eyes filled with tears, and she reached out to hug Dudley. "You did what you could, dear," she whispered. "And we're grateful for that."

As the group stood there, trying to process their emotions, the reality of the situation began to sink in. Dudley's parents and Aunt Marge were now in custody, and the consequences of their actions would be severe.

Dudley's face fell, and he looked down at his feet. "I know I'll have to deal with the fallout," he whispered. "But I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with tears, and she hugged Dudley again. "You did the right thing, Dudley," she whispered. "And we'll support you every step of the way."

Just then, the Floo Network in the living room of the manor crackled to life, and Charlie, Ron, the twins, and Percy stepped out of the flames.

Mrs. Weasley's eyes widened in surprise. "What brings you all here?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Charlie's expression was grim. "When I told them what happened to Harry, Ron was frantic," he explained. "We had to come and make sure he's okay."

Ron's face was pale, his eyes red-rimmed from worry. "I've written to Hermione, Neville, and Draco," he said, his voice shaking. "They'll be here soon."

Ginny nodded, a small smile on her face. "The Five Musketeers will be reunited soon," she said, referring to the legendary friendship between Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco.

The room fell silent, the only sound the crackling of the Floo Network as they waited for Hermione, Neville, and Draco to arrive.

Just then, Daisy, now awake, walked into the room, looking scared and disoriented. She quickly made her way to Ginny, who wrapped her arms around the young girl.

"Where's Harry?" Daisy asked, her voice trembling. "Why are there so many people here?"

Grandma Mrs. Tucker knelt down beside Daisy, a gentle smile on her face. "Harry's not feeling well, dear," she explained. "He's being taken care of by some very good healers. And all these people are here because they care about Harry and want to help him."

Daisy's eyes welled up with tears as she listened to Grandma Mrs. Tucker's explanation. She began to cry, her small body shaking with sobs.

Ginny held her close, trying to comfort her. "It's okay, Daisy," she whispered. "Harry's going to be okay. We're all here to take care of him."

As Daisy cried, the others in the room looked on with concern and compassion. They knew that Daisy had been through a lot, and that she was still adjusting to her new life at Fawcett Manor.

Daisy was a mysterious young girl who had been found by Harry and Ginny on their date in Muggle London. She had been living on the streets, with no memory of her past or her family.

But what was even more remarkable about Daisy was her striking resemblance to Lily Potter. She had the same red hair, the same facial features, and even the same hazel eyes as James Potter.

Harry and Ginny suspected that Daisy might be Harry's unborn sister, who had somehow survived the tragic events of that Halloween night years ago. But even if she wasn't, Harry was willing to adopt her as his sister.

As Daisy continued to cry, the others in the room looked on with concern and compassion. They knew that she was still fragile, still adjusting to her new life.

But they also knew that she was strong, resilient, and determined. And with Harry and Ginny by her side, they knew that she would overcome any obstacle, no matter how difficult.

Just then, the Floo Network crackled to life again, and Hermione stepped out of the flames, a look of concern etched on her face. She had received Ron's letter and had immediately rushed to Fawcett Manor.

"Is it true?" Hermione asked, her voice trembling with emotion. "Was Harry abused?"

Ginny nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, Hermione. He was. We just saw the memories ourselves."

Hermione's face fell, and she looked like she had been punched in the gut. "Oh, Harry," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ron stepped forward, his eyes red-rimmed from crying. "We'll get through this, Hermione," he said, his voice shaking. "We'll support Harry, no matter what."

Hermione nodded, taking a deep breath. "We have to be strong for him," she said, her voice firming. "We have to help him through this."

As Hermione spoke, Neville and Draco arrived through the Floo Network, their faces set with determination. "We're here for Harry," Neville said, his voice firm.

Draco nodded, his eyes flashing with anger. "We'll make sure those responsible pay for what they've done."

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet murmurs of the group as they digested the news. They all knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but they were determined to stand by Harry and support him every step of the way.

Hermione, Neville, Ron, and Draco stood huddled in the corner of the room, their voices barely above a whisper. The others in the room were focused on Harry's condition, but this small group was concerned about Draco's well-being.

"Draco, are you okay?" Hermione asked, her brow furrowed with worry.

Neville and Ron nodded in agreement, their eyes locked on Draco's face. "Yeah, mate, what's going on?" Ron asked.

Draco's expression turned grim, and he rubbed the back of his neck. "It's been...interesting," he said. "I told my parents about my change of heart, just like I said I would."

The others leaned in, eager to hear more. "What happened?" Neville asked.

Draco's face twisted in a wry smile. "Father was not pleased, to say the least. He...punished me."

Hermione's eyes widened in alarm. "Punished you? What do you mean?"

Draco's eyes dropped, and he shrugged. "Let's just say I won't be sitting comfortably for a while."

Ron and Neville exchanged a concerned glance, but Hermione reached out and placed a hand on Draco's arm. "I'm sorry, Draco," she said. "But it's good that you're standing up for what you believe in."

Draco's gaze flicked up to hers, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Then, he nodded. "Thanks, Hermione. It means a lot coming from you."

He took a deep breath and continued. "But it's not all bad. Mother...she was surprised, but she's happy I'm not following in the Death Eaters' footsteps."

Neville's eyes lit up. "That's great news, Draco!"

Draco smiled, a small, wry smile. "And she's also happy that Scorpius is...well, that he's Scorpius."

The others chuckled, knowing that Scorpius, Draco's younger brother, had always been a bit of a free spirit.

Ginny walked over to the group, a warm smile on her face. "Hey, guys, I want you to meet someone," she said, gesturing to Daisy, who was standing beside her.

Daisy looked a bit shy, but Ginny reassured her. "It's okay, Daisy, these are Harry's best friends. You can trust them."

Ron, Neville, and Draco's eyes widened as they took in Daisy's appearance. They had heard so much about her from Harry's letters, but meeting her in person was a different experience altogether.

"Hi, Daisy," Ron said, grinning. "We've heard a lot about you."

Neville nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Harry's always talking about you."

Draco's expression was more reserved, but he nodded politely. "Nice to meet you, Daisy."

Hermione, on the other hand, smiled warmly and opened her arms for a hug. "Daisy, it's so great to see you again!"

Daisy's face lit up as she hugged Hermione back. "Hermione! I'm so glad to see you too!"

Ginny smiled, happy to see Daisy at ease with their friends. "Hermione's parents were the first ones to meet you, Daisy, when we didn't even know you were a witch," she explained.

The others nodded, remembering the story. "Yeah, Harry told us all about it," Ron said.

As they chatted, Daisy began to open up, sharing stories and laughter with Harry's best friends. It was clear that she had already found a special place in their hearts.

Daisy's smile faltered, and she grimaced again, her eyes fixed on the closed door behind which Harry was being treated. "Will Harry be okay?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Ginny wrapped a reassuring arm around Daisy's shoulders. "We'll do everything we can to help him, Daisy," she said, trying to sound calm and confident.

Daisy looked up at Ginny, her eyes wide with worry. She was still new to this world, and everything was overwhelming her. Ginny stayed strong for her, trying to be a rock in this chaotic situation.

Just then, Dudley walked into the room, looking a bit pale. Ginny turned to him, concern etched on her face. "Dudley, what happened to you earlier? You fainted amongst us, but we were all so worried about Harry that we didn't get a chance to ask you what happened."

Dudley shrugged, looking sheepish. "I don't know. I just...I don't know. One minute I was standing there, and the next thing I knew, I was waking up on the floor."

The others exchanged worried glances. What was going on? Was Dudley okay? But before they could ask any more questions, the door to the treatment room opened, and Madam Pomfrey walked out, a look of exhaustion on her face.

Madam Pomfrey's eyes scanned the room, taking in the anxious faces of Harry's loved ones. "We've finished dressing his wounds," she said, her voice calm and reassuring. "Harry is out of danger, but I'm afraid he's still unconscious."

The room erupted into a collective sigh of relief, as everyone's tense shoulders relaxed slightly. Ginny's eyes welled up with tears, and she was quickly enveloped in a tight hug by Ron and Hermione.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with warmth as he smiled. "This is indeed wonderful news, Madam Pomfrey. We are all grateful for your expertise and care."

Snape emerged from the treatment room, his eyes scanning the room with a hint of softness. His gaze lingered on Harry's loved ones, and for a moment, his usual mask of indifference slipped, revealing a deep concern for the young boy.

Pyre followed Snape out of the room, his face etched with exhaustion. "We'll need to monitor Harry's condition closely," he said. "But for now, it seems he's on the road to recovery."

As the news sank in, the room began to buzz with quiet conversations and relieved laughter. Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled through tears, while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley exchanged a warm hug. Sirius and Remus grinned at each other, their eyes shining with happiness.

Amelia's eyes met McGonagall's, and they shared a nod of relief. Charlie, Percy, and the twins let out a collective whoop of excitement, quickly hushed by their parents.

As the room celebrated, Daisy looked up at Ginny with wide eyes. "Will Harry be okay?" she asked again, her voice trembling.

Ginny smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "Yes, Daisy. Harry's going to be just fine."

Ginny's eyes narrowed slightly as she turned to Pyre. "While we're at it, can you check Dudley too?" she asked, her voice tinged with concern. "He fainted earlier, and I want to make sure he's okay."

Pyre nodded and turned to Dudley. "Please, hold out your arm," he said, his wand at the ready.

Dudley looked taken aback. "I don't need to do that," he said. "I'm a Squib. I don't have any magic."

But Pyre just smiled and waved his hand in a gentle motion. A soft blue glow enveloped Dudley's body, and Pyre's eyes scanned the results. The room fell silent, with everyone watching the scene unfold.

After a moment, Pyre looked up, a puzzled expression on his face. "This is...unexpected," he said. "Dudley, your magical core is stable, and you're showing all the signs of being a wizard."

The room erupted into a collective gasp, with everyone staring at Dudley in shock. Even Dudley himself looked stunned, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"But...but I'm a Squib," Dudley stuttered, his face pale. "I've always been a Squib."

Madam Pomfrey stepped forward, her eyes shining with curiosity. "Let me take a look," she said, and began to examine Dudley again. She waved her wand in intricate patterns, muttering to herself as she scanned the results.

"How is this possible?" she muttered. "Dudley, you were definitely a Squib before. What could have caused this sudden change?" She looked up, her eyes locking onto Dumbledore's. "This could be a significant development, Albus. We may need to re-evaluate our understanding of magic and its inheritance."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with interest. "Indeed, Madam Pomfrey. This is a fascinating turn of events. Let us proceed with caution and see where this new development leads us."

Just then, Ginny's eyes sparkled with remembrance. "Wait a minute," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "I think I know what might have happened to Dudley."

Everyone turned to her, curious. "What is it, Ginny?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

Ginny took a deep breath. "Remember when we were at the Dursleys'? Dudley was holding Harry, and he was crying. Then I went to hold Harry, and that blinding light emerged. After it faded, Dudley was unconscious."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Ginny. Dumbledore's eyes widened, and he seemed to sink into deep thought.

"Ah," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "The light...yes, that could be it."

Snape's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed intently on Dumbledore. "What are you thinking, Headmaster?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.

Dumbledore's eyes refocused, and he smiled. "I believe, Severus, that we may have stumbled upon something truly remarkable. The bond between Harry and Dudley...it seems to have triggered a magical response."

The room erupted into a flurry of questions and speculations, with everyone eager to understand the implications of Dumbledore's words.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he explained his theory. "You see, my dear friends, I believe we are dealing with a rare phenomenon known as Squib Surge Core Resonance."

The room was silent, with everyone's eyes fixed on Dumbledore. "This phenomenon occurs when a young witch or wizard with a powerful magical core, such as Harry, experiences a temporary instability in their core," Dumbledore continued. "When this instability is combined with the presence of another young witch or wizard, such as Ginny, who has a deep emotional connection with the first, and a Squib, such as Dudley, an accidental magic energy wave blast can occur."

Dumbledore paused, surveying the room. "This blast can, in rare cases, transform a Squib into a magical being – a witch or wizard."

Dudley's eyes widened in shock, his face pale. "You mean...I'm a wizard now?" he stuttered.

The room erupted into a mixture of gasps, whispers, and excited murmurs. Ginny's eyes sparkled with tears as she turned to Dudley. "Welcome to the wizarding world, Dudley," she said, smiling.

Snape's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed intently on Dudley. "This is indeed a remarkable development," he said. "But we must be cautious. Dudley's newfound magic will require careful monitoring and training."

Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "I concur, Severus. We will need to provide Dudley with the necessary support and guidance as he navigates this new aspect of his life."

Ginny's face radiated happiness as she gazed at Dudley. "I'm so happy for you, Dudley," she said, her voice filled with warmth. "And I know Harry will be too when he wakes up."

Dudley's eyes misted over, and he looked away, trying to compose himself. He had called the Aurors, which had led to the arrest of his parents and Aunt Marge. It had been a painful decision, but he had done it to save Harry. And now, he had gained something new – a chance to discover his own magical heritage.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he smiled. "I will make arrangements for you to attend Hogwarts next year as a first-year student, Dudley," he said.

Ginny's smile widened. "That's wonderful!" she exclaimed. "Daisy and I will be starting at Hogwarts next year too. We'll all be together."

Daisy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she nodded in agreement. Harry's best friends – Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco – grinned at each other, knowing they would be returning to Hogwarts for their second year, with Harry by their side.

Snape's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched Dudley, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I will...ensure that you receive the necessary guidance and support, Dudley," he said.

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes shining with warmth. "We will all be here to support you, Dudley. Welcome to the wizarding world."

Pyre glanced around the room, her eyes meeting those of Charlie Weasley. "I think I should be going now," she said, smiling softly.

Charlie nodded, his face lighting up with a warm smile. "I'll walk you to the Floo," he said, offering Pyre his arm.

Pyre's eyes sparkled as she took Charlie's arm, and they strolled out of the room together. As they walked, they found themselves in Daisy's room, standing near the Floo.

Charlie's eyes met Pyre's, and he remembered their conversation earlier, which had been cut short. This time, he decided to speak his mind. He took Pyre's hand, his heart pounding with excitement.

"Pyre, I have to tell you something," Charlie said, his voice low and sincere. "I really like you."

Pyre's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I like you too, Charlie," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Without another word, Charlie leaned in, and Pyre met him halfway. Their lips touched in a soft, gentle kiss, and they both knew in that moment that they were meant to be together.

As they pulled back, Pyre's eyes shone with happiness. "I'm so glad we finally said something," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Charlie grinned, his eyes sparkling with joy. "Me too," he said, taking Pyre's hand again. "Me too."

Amelia's eyes met Sirius's, and she nodded understandingly. "I know you're worried about Harry, but we should probably leave soon," she said gently.

Sirius's jaw set in determination. "I'm not leaving until Harry wakes up," he said, his voice firm.

Amelia's expression softened, and she reached out to place a hand on Sirius's arm. "I understand, Sirius," she said. "But we can't stay here forever. Besides, I'm sure Harry would want you to take care of yourself too."

Sirius's eyes flickered with emotion, and he looked away, trying to compose himself. Amelia's touch had sent a spark of warmth through his chest, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in her presence.

As they stood there, Amelia's hand still on his arm, Sirius felt a subtle shift in his emotions. For the first time in years, he felt a glimmer of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, he could move on from the past and find happiness again.

Amelia's eyes met his, and she smiled softly. Without a word, she reached out and took his palm, giving it a gentle squeeze. Sirius's heart skipped a beat as he felt a jolt of electricity run through his body.

For a moment, they just stood there, hands touching, eyes locked. Then, without a word, Amelia released his hand and turned to leave. Sirius watched her go, feeling a sense of wonder and possibility that he hadn't felt in years.

As the evening wore on, Draco reluctantly stood up to leave. "I have to go," he said, his voice low. "My parents think I'm studying for my next term . If they find out I was here, there will be...consequences."

Mrs. Weasley nodded understandingly and patted Draco's arm. "Be careful, dear. We'll see you soon."

As Draco departed, Mrs. Weasley turned to the twins, Twinky and Dimpy, who were hovering anxiously in the doorway. "Let's get dinner started, shall we?" she said, smiling.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who had been quietly observing the scene, stood up and joined Mrs. Weasley in the kitchen. "I'll help with the cooking, dear," she said.

Arthur, who had been chatting with Dumbledore, turned to Ginny and said, "You know, I think it would be best if we all stayed here at Fawcett Manor until Harry's recovered."

Ginny's face lit up with relief. "Really, Dad? That would be amazing."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker nodded in agreement. "Yes, it's much safer for everyone. And we can all keep an eye on Harry."

Snape, who had been standing by the window, turned to the group and said, "I will stay for dinner, if that is acceptable."

Madam Pomfrey, who had been checking on Harry, smiled and said, "The more the merrier, I say."

Dumbledore and McGonagall also accepted the invitation to stay for dinner.

As they sat down to eat, Grandma Mrs. Tucker turned to Remus and Sirius and said, "You two should stay for dinner as well."

Remus smiled and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Tucker. We'd love to."

Sirius, however, hesitated. "I don't know, Remus. I'm not supposed to be here. I'm under house arrest, remember?"

Remus's expression turned serious. "Sirius, it's not safe for you to be out in public. You should go back to Bones' estate."

But Sirius shook his head. "I'm safe here, Remus. The manor is warded."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker intervened, her voice firm but gentle. "Sirius, I want you to go back to Bones' estate, but not just yet. Tomorrow morning, I want you to bring Amelia and Susan back here to stay until Harry's recovered."

Sirius's eyes met Grandma Mrs. Tucker's, and he nodded slowly. "I'll do that, Mrs. Tucker. Thank you."

As the evening drew to a close, the group dwindled down to just the Weasleys, Sirius, Remus, Hermione, and Neville. Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled warmly as she turned to Daisy. "Time for bed, dear. You're still recovering, and we don't want you to overexert yourself."

Daisy nodded sleepily, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker led her off to her room. Then, she turned to the remaining group members. "Let me show you all to your guest rooms. You must be exhausted."

As they followed Grandma Mrs. Tucker upstairs, Ginny hesitated outside Harry's room. "I'll stay with Harry, if that's okay," she said, looking up at Grandma Mrs. Tucker with pleading eyes.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's expression softened. "Of course, dear. You and Harry always share a room when you're here at the manor. I'm sure he'd want you to be with him now."

Ginny smiled, relief washing over her face. "Thank you, Grandma."

As the night wore on, the manor grew quiet, with everyone retiring to their respective rooms. Dudley, who had been given his usual room at the manor, smiled to himself as he settled into bed. He had always felt at home here, and now, with his newfound magical abilities, he felt like he truly belonged.

Down the hall, Ginny sat beside Harry's bed, watching him sleep. She held his hand gently, feeling a sense of comfort and reassurance wash over her. Despite the danger and uncertainty that still lingered, Ginny felt a sense of peace knowing that Harry was safe, and that she was by his side.

In the room next door, Ron and Hermione were whispering quietly, discussing the events of the day. "Can you believe it?" Ron said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Dudley's a wizard now."

Hermione nodded, her eyes shining with excitement. "I know, it's amazing. And to think, it all happened because of Harry."

In another part of the manor, Sirius and Remus were sitting in their room, keeping watch and listening for any unusual noises. They were deep in conversation, discussing their plans for the future and how they would protect Harry and his loved ones from the dangers that still lurked in the shadows.

As the night wore on, the manor remained quiet, with everyone lost in their own thoughts and reflections. But despite the uncertainty and danger that still lay ahead, they all knew that they would face it together, as a family.

Ginny's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Harry's battered face. She reached out and took his hand, feeling a surge of emotion as his fingers twitched slightly in hers.

To her amazement, Harry's eyes flickered open, and he gazed up at her, disoriented and confused. Ginny's tears spilled over, and she sobbed with relief.

"Harry, oh Harry!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking with emotion.

Harry's gaze locked onto Ginny's, and he struggled to sit up, wincing in pain. "What's...what's happening?" he stammered. "Last thing I remember, I was at the Dursleys'."

Ginny's expression turned stern, and she scolded, "Harry, why didn't you tell us about the abuse? We had no idea it was that bad."

Harry's eyes dropped, shame and guilt etched on his face. "I didn't want to worry you," he muttered.

Ginny's voice trembled with anger and sadness. "Worry us? Harry, they nearly killed you! When we found you, you were...you were barely alive."

Harry's eyes snapped back to Ginny's, alarm and fear written across his face. "What happened?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny took a deep breath and began to explain, her voice shaking with emotion. "You were rescued by Dudley, of all people. He called the Aurors, and they arrested the Dursleys. And then...and then something amazing happened. Dudley was holding you, and I was holding you too, and this blinding light appeared...and when it faded, Dudley was a wizard."

Harry's eyes widened in shock, and he stared at Ginny, his mind reeling with the incredible news.

Ginny's voice was gentle but firm as she continued to explain everything to Harry. "When you were brought here, Madam Pomfrey and Pyre worked on healing your physical wounds. But we also saw...we saw your memories, Harry. We saw what the Dursleys did to you, and it was...it was horrific."

Harry's eyes dropped, shame and guilt etched on his face. Ginny's hand tightened around his, offering comfort and reassurance.

"We're all so sorry we didn't know, Harry," Ginny said, her voice filled with emotion. "We're sorry we didn't do more to help you."

Ginny took a deep breath and continued, "When you were brought here, there were a lot of people at the manor. The Weasleys, of course, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker. And then there were our friends - Ron, Hermione, Neville, and even Draco. McGonagall, Dumbledore, Snape , Amelia Bones, and Madam Pomfrey were all here too. And Sirius and Remus, they're still here, staying as our guests."

Harry's eyes were wide with wonder, taking in the incredible news. Ginny smiled softly and continued, "Pyre and Charlie are...well, they're together now. They left earlier, but they'll be back soon. And Amelia Bones had to leave, but Sirius will bring her and her niece Susan back tomorrow."

As Ginny finished explaining, Harry's eyes felt heavy, his eyelids drooping. Ginny smiled and leaned forward, hugging him gently. "You're safe now, Harry. You're safe, and we're all here for you."

Ginny's voice trailed off as she pulled back, concern etched on her face. "I'm so sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to hurt you. You're still recovering, and I shouldn't have hugged you so tightly."

But Harry's face broke into a gentle smile. "Ginny, your hugs never hurt me," he said, his voice soft and reassuring.

Ginny's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Harry, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. She leaned forward again, this time wrapping her arms around Harry in a gentle, tender hug.

"I'm just so glad you're okay, Harry," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

Harry's arms wrapped around Ginny, holding her close as they both savored the warmth and comfort of their embrace.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with mischief as she gazed at Harry. "Let's not tell anyone you're awake just yet," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's eyebrows rose in surprise, but then a sly grin spread across his face. "Why's that?" he asked, his voice low and husky.

Ginny's cheeks flushed with a soft pink glow. "Because I want you all to myself for now," she admitted, her voice filled with a selfish longing. "Just for tonight, I want it to be just us."

Harry's eyes melted with warmth, and he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair behind Ginny's ear. "I'd like that," he whispered.

Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss, the world around them melting away. As they pulled back, they gazed into each other's eyes, their hearts overflowing with love.

"I love you," Ginny whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"I love you too," Harry replied, his voice filled with adoration.

As they wrapped their arms around each other, the darkness outside seemed to fade away, replaced by the warm, golden glow of their love.

Harry's eyes sparkled with warmth as he gazed at Ginny. "I've missed snuggling you so much," he whispered, his voice filled with longing.

Ginny's face softened, and she leaned into Harry's chest. "I've missed it too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's arms wrapped around Ginny, holding her close as they both savored the warmth and comfort of their embrace. "Next year will be better," Harry said, his voice filled with optimism. "We'll both be at Hogwarts, at least."

But Harry's words trailed off as he felt Ginny's body begin to shake. He pulled back, concern etched on his face, and saw that Ginny was sobbing uncontrollably.

"Ginny, what's wrong?" Harry asked, his voice filled with alarm.

Ginny's eyes were streaming with tears as she gazed up at Harry. "I was so scared when I saw you," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You were all battered and bruised...at first, I thought you were...going to die."

Harry's heart went out to Ginny, and he pulled her back into his arms, holding her close as she sobbed. "I'm sorry, Ginny," he whispered, his voice filled with regret. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that."

Ginny's sobs suddenly turned to anger, and she pushed Harry away, her eyes blazing with fury. "You git!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with rage. "You bastard! How could you hide this from me? Did you think I wouldn't care? Did you think I wouldn't be able to handle it?"

Harry's eyes widened in shock as Ginny's words poured out like a torrent. He had never seen her so angry, so hurt. He felt a pang of guilt and regret, knowing that he had caused her so much pain.

"Why did you do it, Harry?" Ginny demanded, her voice cracking with emotion. "Why did you hide it from me? Don't you love me enough to want to live? Don't you trust me enough to tell me the truth?"

Harry's eyes dropped, and he stammered, "I...I don't know, Ginny. I'm sorry." He paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "When we first met, I was afraid to tell you. I didn't know if I could trust you, and I didn't want to burden you with my problems."

Ginny's expression remained stern, but Harry could see the hurt and betrayal lingering in her eyes. He knew he had let her down, and he felt ashamed.

"I told you I got beaten rarely," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I know now that was a stupid thing to say. I was trying to downplay it, to make it seem less serious than it was."

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and he saw the tears welling up in them again. "I love you, Ginny," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I love you so much, but I wasn't brave enough to share this with you. I'm sorry."

Harry's hands gently wiped away Ginny's tears, his fingers tracing the contours of her face. "Please don't cry for me," he whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "I don't deserve it, Ginny. I'm the one who should be sorry, not you."

Ginny's eyes searched Harry's face, her gaze filled with a deep sadness. Harry's eyes dropped, unable to meet her gaze. "I don't know how I'm feeling, Ginny," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know how to express it. I just know I'm sorry, and I love you."

Harry's fingers suddenly danced across Ginny's stomach, sending her into a fit of giggles. "Harry, stop!" she exclaimed, trying to squirm away.

Harry grinned, relieved to see Ginny's tears replaced with laughter. "I'm glad I'm injured," he said, chuckling. "Otherwise, we'd be in the middle of a tickling war."

Ginny playfully rolled her eyes. "You're impossible, Harry."

As they both calmed down, Harry's expression turned serious. "I'm just glad I'm free of the Dursleys," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I'll never have to go back there again."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with agreement. "And Dudley's a wizard now," she added. "Who would have thought?"

Harry's face softened. "I'm proud of him, Ginny. He's really changed, and we've become close friends."

Ginny smiled, knowing how much Harry cared for Dudley. "You're a good person, Harry," she said.

Harry's gaze turned curious. "How's Daisy?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Ginny's expression turned thoughtful. "She's still sleeping a lot," she replied. "But Pyre says she's making progress."

As the clock struck midnight, Harry glanced at Ginny with concern. "Don't you want to sleep?" he asked, his voice soft.

Ginny shook her head, her eyes sparkling with determination. "No, I'm fine. Besides, you've been unconscious the whole day, so you must be exhausted."

Harry thought for a moment before responding, "Actually, I don't feel sleepy at all."

Ginny smiled mischievously. "Still, we'll tell everyone you're awake tomorrow, not now."

Harry nodded in agreement. "Okay."

Ginny's gaze turned thoughtful, and she asked, "Harry, is there something else you want to share with me, but don't know how to?"

Harry hesitated, unsure of how to respond. "Not anything right now," he said finally.

But then, a memory flashed through his mind. "Oh yeah, before Vernon beat me, a mistreated house-elf named Dobby came in and warned me not to go to Hogwarts this year."

Ginny's eyes widened with interest. "Dobby? Isn't he the one who's supposed to be a Malfoy elf?"

Harry nodded grimly. "That's what he said. And get this - Dobby told me that Draco got punished by Lucius when he said he's changed his ways."

Ginny's expression turned thoughtful. "That's interesting. I wonder what's going on with the Malfoys."

Ginny's expression softened as she spoke about Draco. "Draco was really worried about you, Harry," she said. "I know he had to leave for the night, but that's only because he came here under false pretenses. He didn't want his parents to know he was checking in on you."

Harry's eyes narrowed slightly, but Ginny could see the understanding in his gaze. "We know Draco's changed, Harry," Ginny said. "We're just worried about him, that's all."

Harry nodded in agreement. "I know," he said. "Me too. I'm just glad he's on our side now."

Ginny smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "We all are, Harry," she said. "We're just glad you're safe now, and that we can all be together again."

Harry attempted to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over him. Ginny quickly sprang into action, gently supporting his back and helping him to a sitting position.

"It's okay, I've got you," she said softly, her eyes locked on Harry's.

One of the things Ginny understood about Harry was his intense dislike of being confined to bed. While others might have scolded him for trying to get up too soon, Ginny knew that inactivity would only frustrate Harry.

As Harry slowly swung his legs over the side of the bed, he winced slightly, his injuries still tender. However, his body was already beginning to heal at an incredible rate, thanks to his unusually strong magical core - a secret even Harry himself was unaware of.

Ginny's eyes never left Harry's face, her expression a mixture of concern and admiration. "You're doing great, Harry," she encouraged, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they stepped out onto the balcony of Harry's room at Fawcett Manor, they both let out a contented sigh. The last time they were here was last summer, when their relationship was still in its early stages. Now, as they stood together, they knew exactly how much they loved each other.

The darkness of the night surrounded them, but they didn't need any light to see the love in each other's eyes. They stood there in comfortable silence for a moment, taking in the peacefulness of the night.

Ginny broke the silence, her voice filled with a mix of emotions. "You know, I was so scared when I saw you like that," she said, her eyes welling up with tears. "But I'm also so angry that you never told me about the extent of the abuse."

Harry looked down, feeling a pang of guilt. He knew he had hurt Ginny by not being honest with her.

Ginny took a deep breath and continued, telling Harry everything that had happened since he was unconscious. "Snape, McGonagall, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and the aurors all arrived at the same time, and they were all worried sick about you," she said.

Harry listened intently as Ginny recounted the events of the past few hours. He couldn't help but chuckle when she told him about the Bat Bogey Hex she had cast on Vernon, Petunia, and Marge.

Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I couldn't resist," she said.

As they talked, the night air seemed to grow quieter, as if the world itself was listening to their conversation. They spoke of Dumbledore's visit, their arrival at the manor, and the latest news about Dudley's newfound magical abilities.

Ginny's expression turned serious as she mentioned Daisy, who was still sleeping, and Draco, who had lied to his parents to visit Harry. Harry listened attentively, his heart filled with love and gratitude for the people in his life.

As they talked, Ginny gently guided Harry to sit down, knowing that despite his hatred for inactivity, he needed to rest. The few hours he had spent standing had taken its toll on his badly bruised body. Ginny had to be firm with him, hiding a smile at his silly insistence on prioritizing others over himself.

She sat beside him, resisting the urge to snuggle into his lap, knowing it wouldn't be comfortable for him in his current state. Together, they gazed out at the night sky, watching as the dark expanse was slowly shattered by the twinkling stars. The faint hue of dawn began to creep over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

As they sat together, the night sky transformed before their eyes. The dark canvas, once a deep shade of indigo, gradually lightened to a soft blue-grey. The stars, like diamonds scattered across the fabric of the universe, twinkled with increasing intensity, their gentle sparkle casting a magical glow over the landscape.

The horizon, a thin line where the sky met the earth, began to shimmer with a soft, golden light. The dawn, like a master painter, slowly brought color and vibrancy to the world. The sky transformed into a kaleidoscope of pinks, oranges, and purples, a breathtaking sunset in reverse.

Ginny and Harry sat in comfortable silence, watching the dawn unfold. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of birds, a symphony of sounds that heralded the arrival of a new day.

The scene before them was a poignant reminder that the dark chapter of Harry's life with the Dursleys was finally closed. The dawn breaking on the horizon symbolized the promise of a brighter future, one where Harry would be free to forge his own path, surrounded by love and support.

Just as the storm clouds would eventually give way to peaceful dawn, Harry knew that the challenges ahead would ultimately yield to a brighter tomorrow. He felt a sense of hope and renewal wash over him, knowing that he had Ginny by his side to face whatever lay ahead.

As the sun slowly rose above the horizon, casting a warm glow over the landscape, Harry turned to Ginny with a smile. "I'm glad I'm here with you," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with warmth as she leaned into Harry's side. "Me too, Harry," she replied, her voice filled with affection. "We've got a whole new future ahead of us."

Just then, a flurry of feathers and fur burst into the balcony, as Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer arrived in a frantic state. However, upon seeing Harry awake, they let out a collective sigh of relief. Hedwig swooped down, nuzzling Harry's chest with her soft feathers, while Poco chirped excitedly, flitting about Harry's head. Kluer, meanwhile, rubbed against Harry's leg, his fur shifting through a kaleidoscope of colors as he purred contentedly.

Ginny smiled, snuggling closer to Harry as she watched the reunion. "They were worried sick about you," she said, laughing. "Grandma Mrs. Tucker had to shoo them out of your room when Pyre, Pomfrey, and Snape were treating you."

Harry chuckled, scratching Hedwig behind the ears. "I can imagine," he said. "They can be a bit overprotective sometimes."

As Harry spoke, he began to converse with his pets in their own language. Ginny listened, amazed as always by Harry's unique ability to understand and communicate with animals. The conversation was animated, with Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer all chattering excitedly as they tried to ascertain the extent of Harry's injuries.

Harry laughed, holding up his hands in a calming gesture. "I'm fine, guys, really," he said. "Just a few bruises and scrapes. I'll be back to normal in no time."

Ginny smiled, watching as Harry's pets gradually calmed down, seeming to accept his reassurances. "They're always so partial to you," she said, snuggling closer to Harry.

Harry grinned, wrapping his arm around Ginny. "And fortunately, they seem to like you too," he said, smiling.

As the morning light crept further into the room, Ginny's eyes narrowed slightly as she noticed Harry wincing, his brow furrowing in discomfort. The pain relief potion, which had been administered by Madam Pomfrey earlier, was clearly starting to wear off. Ginny's expression turned stern, her voice firm but gentle as she said, "Back to bed, Harry. Now. You need to rest."

Harry looked up at Ginny, his eyes sparkling with amusement despite the pain he was in. He knew better than to argue with Ginny when she was in nurse mode. Sheepishly, he obeyed, allowing Ginny to help him settle back into bed.

"My girlfriend is always right," Harry said, his voice laced with mock resignation as he snuggled under the blankets. Ginny playfully rolled her eyes, a smile playing on her lips.

Ginny raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "So, who is this girlfriend of yours?" she teased, her voice light and flirtatious. "Won't she mind seeing you with me in the same room?"

Harry chuckled, playing along with the joke. "Oh, she won't mind," he said, his grin mischievous. "She's very understanding." Ginny laughed, shaking her head as she tucked the blankets around Harry.

As she leaned in to kiss his cheek, her voice took on a firmer tone. "If you don't take care of yourself, forget about kisses at all," she said, her eyes sparkling with a warning. Harry smiled, knowing that Ginny was only looking out for his well-being.

Ginny smiled, seeming to consider her next move. "Now that you're awake and feeling a bit better, I think it's time everyone knew you're all right," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Harry nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He was ready to face the world again, or at least the inhabitants of Fawcett Manor.

Ginny turned to the door, her hand reaching for the handle. "I'll go tell everyone the good news," she said, a smile still playing on her lips.

As she opened the door, a warm glow of light spilled into the room, illuminating the space. The sound of murmured conversations and clinking dishes drifted in from the hallway, carrying the scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods.

"Grandma Mrs. Tucker will be thrilled to hear you're awake," Ginny said, stepping out into the hallway. "And I'm sure the others will be relieved to see you're on the mend."

Harry smiled, feeling grateful for the love and support surrounding him. He knew he was lucky to have such a wonderful family and friends, and he couldn't wait to see them all and start this new chapter of his life.

As the news of Harry's awakening spread, the inhabitants of Fawcett Manor began to file into his room, eager to see him for themselves. Grandma Mrs. Tucker was the first to arrive, her face etched with worry and relief as she gazed at Harry.

"Oh, Harry, dear boy!" she exclaimed, rushing to his side. "I'm so glad you're awake! We were all so worried about you."

Harry smiled, feeling a warmth in his heart as he hugged his grandmother tightly. "I'm fine, Grandma," he reassured her. "Just a bit battered and bruised."

Next to visit were the Weasleys, who burst into the room with their usual boisterous enthusiasm. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny's other siblings all clustered around Harry's bed, asking him questions and teasing him good-naturedly.

Dudley, who had been watching from the sidelines, looked a bit awestruck by the chaos. But as he caught Harry's eye, he smiled shyly, and Harry beckoned him over.

"Hey, mate," Harry said, as Dudley approached. "Thanks for...you know. Saving me and all."

Dudley's face went pink, but he grinned, looking pleased with himself. "No problem, Harry," he said. "I'm just glad I could help."

As the morning wore on, more visitors arrived, including Sirius and Remus, who regaled Harry with stories of their own adventures. Neville and Hermione also stopped by, bearing well-wishes.

Meanwhile, those who were not at the manor were informed of Harry's awakening via Patronus messages. McGonagall, Snape, Pyre Jones, Dumbledore, and Amelia all received the news, and Hermione took it upon herself to write a letter to Draco, letting him know that Harry was on the mend.

As the evening drew to a close, Sirius sat with Harry in his room, Ginny snuggled up beside him. Harry's brow furrowed with concern as he looked at Sirius.

"Sirius, are you sure it's safe for you to be here?" Harry asked, his voice low. "I don't want you to get in trouble."

Sirius smiled reassuringly. "The wards around this manor are top-notch, Harry. I'll be perfectly safe. Besides, Amelia and Susan will be staying here for a while too, keeping an eye on things."

Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "Grandma Mrs. Tucker practically ordered them to stay, just like she did with you and Remus."

Just then, the door burst open, and Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Neville trooped in, all chatting excitedly. Draco grinned at Harry.

"I finally managed to convince my parents that I needed some...fresh air," Draco said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm glad I made it. I was worried I'd miss you, Potter."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "And what about your father? Did he...react badly when you told him you'd changed your ways?"

Draco's expression faltered for a moment, and Harry caught a glimpse of something deeper in his eyes. But Draco's mask slipped back into place, and he shrugged.

"Nothing I couldn't handle," Draco said, his voice light.

Sirius watched the exchange with interest, his eyes narrowing slightly. He knew that Draco's relationship with his father was complicated, to say the least.

The conversation turned to Hogwarts, and Draco's eyes lit up. "Scorpius will be attending next year, along with Ginny, Dudley, and Daisy. We lot will be second years, of course."

Harry grinned, feeling a thrill of excitement. "It'll be great to have Scorpius at Hogwarts. I've heard he's not exactly...following in the family footsteps."

Draco's smile was proud. "No, he's not. He's got a good heart, Scorpius. I'm sure you'll all get along famously."

As the evening drew on, Ginny and Sirius excused themselves from the room, leaving Harry to chat with his four best friends. Ginny didn't need to leave, of course - Harry would tell her everything anyway - but she thought she might pop into Daisy's room to check on her. Perhaps, if Daisy was awake, Ginny could start preparing her for a visit with Harry tomorrow.

Daisy, the young girl they had found on their date in Muggle London, was still undergoing treatment at Fasley Manor. She required an astonishing 20 hours of sleep per day, and the healers were still working to understand the full extent of her condition. Harry and Ginny suspected that Daisy might be Harry's long-lost sister, somehow miraculously surviving the events of that fateful Halloween night all those years ago. But even if she wasn't, Harry was determined to adopt her as his own sister. For now, though, they were taking things one step at a time.

As Ginny entered Daisy's room, she found the young girl fast asleep, her fiery red hair spread out across the pillow. Ginny smiled softly, feeling a surge of affection for this little girl who had already stolen their hearts. She knew that Daisy trusted her and Harry implicitly, and that seeing Harry battered and bruised would be devastating for her. Ginny made a mental note to start preparing Daisy for a visit with Harry tomorrow, to help her understand what had happened and reassure her that everything was going to be okay.

Next Chapter is  Uncovering Past Scars .

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Well Chapter was simple enough. Mostly focusing on Harry and Ginny after Harry wake up , it also showed how Ginny is not exactly happy because Harry didn't tell her all about abuse but she is ready to forgive. Also she is angry with herself that why she promised that she would never tell anyone at Diagon Alley when they first met. For ahead , Dursleys Trial would arrive soon , it would be a nasty shock when they will learn that Dudley is a wizard too. And actually that would be the moment when they would actually learn that Dudley is against them because the arrest was anonymous so they must still be thinking that Dudley must be missing them or something. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 8: Uncovering Past Scars !

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Draco glanced at his watch, his expression turning serious. "I should be going," he said. "Before my father suspects something."

Neville and Hermione nodded in agreement. "We should probably head home too," Neville said. "Now that we know you're awake and alright, Harry."

Hermione smiled, giving Harry a gentle hug. "We'll come visit again soon," she promised.

The three of them stepped into the fireplace, disappearing in a swirl of flames as they Flooed back to their respective homes.

Just as they left, Amelia Bones and her niece Susan entered the room, looking elegant and poised despite their late arrival. "Harry, dear, I'm so glad to see you're awake," Amelia said, her eyes warm with concern.

Susan smiled, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Are you feeling alright, Harry?" she asked.

Amelia gestured discreetly, and Susan nodded, taking the hint. "I'll just go freshen up," she said, slipping out of the room.

Ron, who had been quietly observing the scene, also stood up, yawning. "I'm going to go crash," he said, grinning at Harry. "See you in the morning, mate."

As Ron left the room, Amelia's expression turned serious, her eyes narrowing into a sharp, professional gaze. "Harry, I need to ask you some questions," she said, her voice firm but gentle.

Harry felt a shiver run down his spine as Amelia slipped into her Head of DMLE mode. He knew she was going to ask him about his life at the Dursleys, and he steeled himself for the ordeal.

He wished Ginny was there with him, holding his hand and offering her silent support. But for now, he was alone, facing the darkness of his past with Amelia's guidance.

Amelia's questions had been relentless, but eventually, she nodded, seeming to conclude her interrogation. Harry felt a mix of relief and exhaustion wash over him. He couldn't help but think that Sirius would be brave if he and Amelia ever became an item. Until now, Harry had only seen Amelia's concerned and caring side, but today, he had glimpsed the tough, no-nonsense Head of DMLE.

"The head of Child Healthcare and Abuse Department is Patricia Moon," Amelia said, her expression softening.

At the mention of the name, Harry's mind shook as he remembered his fellow classmate, Lily Moon, a Hufflepuff student. "Is she related to Lily Moon?" Harry asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

Amelia smiled, and Harry noticed that her professional mode had slipped away, revealing her casual, friendly self. "Yes, she's Lily's mother," Amelia replied.

Amelia continued, explaining that she had spoken with Patricia and that Harry's abuse case against the Dursleys had been filed. In a few days, Harry would need to provide his account, and after that, the case would be finalized, and a trial would be conducted.

"Though Dumbledore and I have managed to keep it confidential for now, it's bound to come out soon," Amelia said, her eyes sparkling with a hint of resignation. "You are, after all, Harry Potter."

Harry groaned, feeling a familiar frustration with his fame. "I really hate being famous," he muttered.

Amelia's expression turned sympathetic. "I know, Harry. But in this case, your fame might actually work in our favor. The Ministry might decide to conduct a full court trial against the Dursleys, with the entire Wizengamot present."

Harry's heart sank at the mention of the Wizengamot. He still remembered the corrupt members who had wrongly convicted Sirius. "Wizengamot," he repeated, feeling a shiver run down his spine.

As Ginny finished preparing Daisy for the possibility of seeing Harry injured, Daisy looked up at her with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Ginny, is Harry going to be okay?" Daisy asked, her voice soft and gentle.

Ginny smiled reassuringly. "Yes, Daisy, Harry is going to be just fine. He's a bit battered and bruised, but he's strong and he's getting better every day."

Daisy nodded, seeming to accept Ginny's words. Ginny was pleased to see that the treatment was having a positive effect on Daisy. She was looking more confident and less scared with each passing day.

Ginny hoped that once the treatment was complete, Daisy would be perfectly normal and maybe even a bit mischievous. She smiled to herself, imagining Daisy and Harry getting into all sorts of trouble together.

As she looked at Daisy, Ginny couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. What would happen once Daisy's treatment was complete? Would they discover that she was indeed Harry's long-lost sister? Ginny pushed the thoughts aside, reminding herself that she and Harry had decided not to tell Daisy about the possibility until she was fully recovered.

For now, Ginny was just happy to see Daisy smiling and looking more like her old self. "Get some rest, Daisy," Ginny said, smiling. "You can visit Harry tomorrow, and I'm sure he'll be thrilled to see you."

Ginny entered the room, closing the door softly behind her. Harry was sitting up in bed, looking a bit more relaxed now that Amelia had left. Ginny smiled, crossing the room to sit beside him.

"How did it go?" Ginny asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Harry sighed, rubbing his temples. "It was...intense," he said. "Amelia asked me a lot of questions about my life with the Dursleys."

Ginny's expression turned sympathetic. "I'm sorry, Harry," she said. "That must have been really tough for you."

Harry nodded, but then a small smile played on his lips. "But I'm just glad it's all out in the open now," he said. "And Amelia seems really determined to make sure the Dursleys pay for what they did."

Ginny smiled, taking Harry's hand in hers. "I'm sure they will," she said. "Amelia's not someone to be underestimated."

As they talked, Ginny filled Harry in on what she had been doing while Amelia was questioning him. "I was with Daisy," she said. "Preparing her to visit you tomorrow."

Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. "How's she doing?" he asked.

Ginny smiled. "She's doing really well," she said. "The treatment is definitely helping her. And she's really excited to see you tomorrow."

As the evening wore on, the door to Harry's room opened once again, and in walked Healer Pyre Jones, hand in hand with Charlie Weasley. Harry's eyes widened in surprise, and a smirk spread across his face.

"Congratulations, you two!" Harry exclaimed, his voice filled with warmth.

Charlie chuckled, looking a bit sheepish. "Well, it was about time, don't you think?" he said, grinning at Pyre.

Pyre blushed, smiling at Charlie before turning her attention to Harry. "I'm just glad to see you're doing so well, Harry," she said, her eyes shining with professional interest.

As Charlie left the room, Pyre began to examine Harry's injuries, her expression turning thoughtful. "I must say, Harry, your injuries are healing at a truly remarkable rate," she said. "Almost...miraculous."

Ginny smiled, watching as Pyre worked. "We've noticed that before, haven't we, Harry?" she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Pyre nodded, making a note on her clipboard. "Yes, I recall the last time I treated you, Harry. Your injuries healed at an incredible rate then, too."

As Pyre finished her examination, she smiled at Harry. "You're stable now, Harry. I don't think Snape or Madam Pomfrey will need to come check on you, at least not for now. But they may still come to visit, of course."

With that, Pyre left the room, leaving Harry and Ginny alone once again. Just as they were settling in, Ginny's eyes lit up. "Look, Harry! Hedwig's here!"

Ginny got up to take the letter from Hedwig's leg, and Harry's eyes widened as he saw the familiar handwriting on the envelope. "It's from Gran Minnie!" he exclaimed.

Ginny smiled, handing Harry the letter. As he read, his face lit up with a warm smile.

"What does it say?" Ginny asked, curiosity getting the better of her.

Harry looked up, his eyes shining. "Gran Minnie says she's sorry she couldn't visit today, but she had to go deliver a Hogwarts letter to a new Muggleborn student. She promises to come visit tomorrow, though."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled warmly as she settled the dinner tray onto Harry's bedside table. The aroma of roasted chicken and steaming vegetables wafted up, making Harry's stomach growl with hunger.

"Just for tonight, dear," Grandma Mrs. Tucker said, noticing Harry's disappointed expression. "But don't worry, from tomorrow morning, you'll be allowed to leave your room and join the others for meals."

Harry groaned, feeling a bit trapped. He hated being stuck in bed, missing out on all the fun and conversation downstairs. But then he glanced over at Ginny, who was sitting beside him, looking lovely in the soft evening light.

"I don't want you to get stuck with me," Harry said, feeling a bit guilty. He didn't want Ginny to miss out on the evening's festivities just because she was taking care of him.

Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm not going anywhere, Harry Potter," she said, her voice low and husky. "You're stuck with me for life."

Harry's heart skipped a beat at her words, and he felt a rush of excitement. Suddenly, dinner alone with Ginny didn't seem so bad after all. In fact, it could be quite...romantic.

As Grandma Mrs. Tucker left the room, Ginny leaned over and kissed Harry softly on the cheek. "Let's make the most of this dinner, shall we?" she whispered, her breath tickling Harry's ear.

Harry grinned, feeling his spirits lift. With Ginny by his side, even a boring dinner in bed could become a magical experience.

After dinner, the women in Harry's life descended upon him, armed with bandages, ointments, and gentle hands. Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Ginny worked together to carefully change the dressings on Harry's battered and scarred body.

Harry felt a mix of emotions as he lay there, exposed and vulnerable. On one hand, he was grateful for their care and concern. On the other hand, he was embarrassed to have them see him like this, especially Grandma Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Weasley, who were mothering him in a way that was both comforting and mortifying.

But Ginny was different. She had seen him at his worst before, and he knew she wouldn't flinch or fuss. As they worked on his wounds, Harry caught her eye and smiled wryly. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?" he teased.

Ginny grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Maybe just a little," she admitted, her fingers gentle as she applied a soothing ointment to a particularly nasty scar.

Despite the awkwardness of the situation, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude and love for these women, who were taking care of him with such kindness and devotion. And as he looked at his body, still strong and muscular despite the scars and bruises, he felt a surge of pride and determination. He would get through this, with their help, and come out even stronger on the other side.

As the night drew to a close, Harry thanked Mrs. Weasley and Grandma Mrs. Tucker for their care and concern. They smiled and bid him a good night's rest, leaving the room with gentle whispers.

Ginny, who had slipped into the bathroom to change, emerged in a soft, flowing nightgown that caught Harry's eye. He smiled, feeling a flutter in his chest as she approached him.

Without a word, Ginny slid into bed beside him, and they turned off the light source, plunging the room into a warm, comforting darkness. As they snuggled together, Ginny felt a sense of ease wash over her, unlike the previous night when Harry's injuries had been more severe.

She was still careful, though, not wanting to hurt him inadvertently. Harry always told her that her touch never hurt him, but Ginny wasn't sure if he meant it or just said it to be romantic.

As they drifted off to sleep, Ginny's hand rested lightly on Harry's chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. She smiled to herself, knowing that she would always be there to take care of him, no matter what.

That night, in the secret dreamland that only they shared, Harry and Ginny strolled hand in hand through a lush, vibrant forest. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft chirping of birds could be heard in the distance.

In this dreamland, Harry's injuries and bandages were nowhere to be seen, but deep down, they still lingered. It was as if their dreamland was a reflection of their true desires - a world where pain and suffering didn't exist.

As they walked, a magnificent phoenix appeared in the sky, its feathers a dazzling mixture of fiery red and emerald green. This was Hinny, the phoenix that had been born from the love and special bond that Harry and Ginny shared.

Hinny swooped down, its eyes shining with happiness. "I'm so glad that the truth about Harry's abuse is finally out," Hinny said, its voice like music. "And that he's receiving the treatment he needs."

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise. "You knew about Harry's abuse?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hinny nodded its great head. "Yes, I did. As a phoenix bonded to both of you, I'm aware of the deepest secrets and emotions that you both carry. However, I couldn't reveal the truth to you, Ginny, because Harry hadn't shared it with you himself."

Hinny's eyes shone with a deep wisdom. "And as a phoenix that only exists in this dreamland, I'm not yet strong enough to materialize in the real world. Until that day comes, I'm bound by the secrets that you both keep."

After Hinny's departure, Harry and Ginny continued their leisurely stroll through the dreamland forest. However, Ginny's mind was still reeling from the revelation about Harry's abuse. She walked beside him in silence, her eyes cast downward as she processed her emotions.

Harry, sensing her unease, reached out and gently took her hand. "Hey, are you okay?" he asked, his voice soft with concern.

Ginny looked up at him, a faint smile on her lips. "Yeah, I'm fine," she said. "Just a bit...shaken, I suppose."

Harry nodded understandingly, and they continued walking in comfortable silence. But their peaceful interlude was short-lived, as the dreamland world around them began to shake and tremble.

They exchanged a knowing glance. "Time to wake up," Harry said, smiling wryly.

As the dreamland dissolved around them, they opened their eyes to find themselves snuggled closely together in Harry's bed. They smiled at each other, feeling a sense of warmth and contentment.

"It's rather nice to sleep snuggled up together," Ginny said, her voice husky with sleep.

Harry nodded in agreement, wrapping his arms around her. "Definitely," he said, pulling her close.

Ginny stood up, stretching her arms over her head, and then turned to help Harry out of bed. Despite his protests, she insisted on supporting him, saying, "You still need help, Harry. Your injuries may be healing fast, but they're still there."

Harry couldn't argue with that, so he leaned on Ginny as they made their way to the bathroom. As they walked, he felt a surge of excitement. "Today's the day I get to leave this room!" he exclaimed, grinning at Ginny.

Ginny smiled back, helping him into the bathroom. "That's right, and you'll get to join everyone downstairs for meals. I'm sure they're all eager to see you."

As Ginny helped him into the shower, Harry felt a sense of relief wash over him. He hadn't bathed in three days, and it felt amazing to finally be clean. When he emerged from the shower, wrapped in a towel, Ginny was waiting with his clothes.

"Thanks, Gin," he said, smiling at her.

Ginny smiled back and then headed into the shower herself. When she emerged, she was dressed in one of Harry's t-shirts and a pair of shorts. Harry's eyes widened in appreciation.

"You look great," he said, grinning at her.

Ginny blushed, smiling back at him. "Thanks, Harry. You don't look so bad yourself."

Just as Harry and Ginny were about to head downstairs, Daisy walked into the room, her eyes scanning Harry's face with concern. Her expression faltered as she took in the sight of Harry's battered and bruised body.

"Oh, Harry!" Daisy exclaimed, her voice trembling. "What happened to you?"

Harry and Ginny exchanged a knowing glance, both thinking the same thing - it was a good thing Daisy hadn't been allowed to visit Harry two days ago, when his injuries were even more severe.

"It's okay, Daisy," Harry said reassuringly, trying to downplay his injuries. "I'm fine. Just a few bumps and bruises."

But Daisy's eyes were fixed on the bandages and scars that covered Harry's skin. She looked like she was about to cry.

Ginny stepped forward, putting a comforting arm around Daisy's shoulders. "Hey, it's okay, Daisy. Harry's going to be just fine. He's healing really fast."

Daisy nodded slowly, still looking worried, but Ginny's words seemed to reassure her a little.

As Daisy's worry began to fade, Harry and Ginny exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes locking in a silent understanding. They had been wanting to discuss something important with Daisy, and today seemed like the perfect opportunity.

"Hey, Daisy, can we talk to you about something?" Harry asked, his voice gentle, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled.

Daisy looked up at him curiously, her hazel eyes sparkling with interest. "What is it, Harry?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny took a deep breath before speaking, her chest rising and falling with the movement. "We've told you that Harry wants to adopt you as his sister, but there's something more we want to share with you," she said, her voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Daisy's eyes widened slightly, and she leaned in, intrigued, her face tilted to one side. "What is it?" she asked again, her voice filled with anticipation.

Harry took over, his voice filled with emotion, his eyes shining with a deep sincerity. "Daisy, we think it's possible that you might be my real sister," he said, the words tumbling out of his mouth in a rush.

Daisy's eyes went wide, and she looked like she had been punched in the gut. "What do you mean?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ginny stepped in, explaining their theory, her words spilling out in a gentle, soothing cadence. "You look so much like Harry's mom, Lily Potter," she said, her eyes locked on Daisy's face. "And your eyes, they're like James Potter's. We think it's possible that you might be Harry's sister, the one who survived that Halloween night all those years ago."

Daisy's face was a mix of shock, confusion, and hope, her emotions warring for dominance. She looked at Harry, her eyes searching for answers, her gaze piercing.

Harry smiled, taking her hand in his, his fingers wrapping around hers in a warm, comforting grasp. "We don't know for sure, Daisy," he said, his voice filled with reassurance. "But we want you to know that no matter what, you're family to us. And we'll support you every step of the way."

Harry, eager to change the subject, asked Daisy, "How's your health? Are you feeling better?"

Daisy nodded, a small smile on her face. "Yes, I'm better. Healer Pyre said I would need less sleep now, not 20 hours a day."

Ginny laughed as Daisy innocently asked, "Is there something going on between Pyre and Charlie?"

Harry smiled, pleased to see Daisy becoming more comfortable around others. Due to her constant sleeping, she had been unaware of the developments within the household.

"Let's go to breakfast downstairs," Harry said, his stomach growling with anticipation.

Daisy and Ginny helped Harry stand, and together they made their way to the dining room of Fawcett Manor. The room was filled with the warm, inviting aroma of freshly cooked food.

As they entered, the room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Amelia, Sirius, Remus, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, and Dudley were already seated, waiting for them.

Ginny sat beside Harry, insisting that she would feed him. Harry didn't argue, knowing that he still needed assistance.

Daisy looked around, wide-eyed, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the dining room. This was her first time having breakfast with the group, as she was usually asleep at this time.

Twinky and Dimpy, the twin house-elves, scurried around, happy to serve the group. "Good morning, Master Harry! Good morning, Miss Ginny! Good morning, Miss Daisy!" they chimed in unison, their eyes shining with excitement.

The breakfast was a lively affair, with Ginny playfully forcing spoonfuls of food into Harry's mouth, much to his mock protest. "Ginny, stop! I'm not a child!" Harry exclaimed, laughing.

Ginny just grinned mischievously. "Oh, come on, Harry! You need to eat to get your strength back!"

However, the lighthearted atmosphere was momentarily dampened when Harry caught sight of Dudley's gloomy expression. Harry's thoughts inadvertently strayed to his unhappy childhood at the Dursleys, where he was never shown such care and affection.

Enough of those depressing thoughts, Harry told himself, shaking off the memories. He turned to Dudley and apologized, "Hey, Dudley, I'm sorry about what happened to your parents. I didn't mean to separate you from your family."

Dudley looked up, his eyes somber, but he shook his head. "It wasn't your decision, Harry. I'm the one who called the Aurors and had them arrested. It was my choice, not yours."

Harry nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy for his cousin. Despite their complicated past, Harry was genuinely sorry that Dudley had to go through this difficult time.

Dudley's question sparked a lively discussion around the table. "So, what house do you think I'll be in?" he asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

The room erupted into a chorus of speculations, with everyone chiming in with their opinions. For Ginny, the consensus was unanimous: she would undoubtedly be a Gryffindor.

"I think Daisy will be a Ravenclaw," Ron said, grinning mischievously. "She's always been so clever."

But Daisy looked mortified at the prospect. "No, no, I don't want to be in any other house than Harry's," she said, her voice trembling.

Harry smiled reassuringly at her. "Don't worry, Daisy. The houses don't matter as much as you think. We've all tried to unite our yearmates from all four houses."

But Daisy still looked scared, overwhelmed by the prospect of the Wizarding World. Ginny reached out and took her hand, offering a comforting smile.

"It's okay, Daisy. We'll be with you every step of the way," Ginny said.

As for Dudley, the speculations continued, with some predicting he would be a Slytherin, while others thought he might be a Hufflepuff.

"I think he'll be a Gryffindor," Harry said, grinning at his cousin. "He's got the bravery and determination to make a great Gryffindor."

Dudley looked pleased at the prospect, a small smile playing on his lips.

Mrs. Weasley's expression turned scandalized at Amelia's suggestion, her eyes wide with surprise. "Amelia, I'm shocked! I thought you were a respectable member of society, being the head of the DMLE and all," she said, her voice dripping with mock horror.

Amelia chuckled, unfazed by Mrs. Weasley's teasing. "Oh, Molly, I'm just trying to add a bit of excitement to our lives," she said, winking at Remus.

Susan, sitting nearby, couldn't help but find the exchange amusing. She exchanged a knowing glance with Harry, both of them aware that Amelia's suggestion might have more to do with Sirius than actual betting.

Harry and Susan had been hoping that Sirius would realize his feelings for Amelia, and this might just be the push he needed. Ginny, sitting beside Harry, was also aware of the situation, having been filled in by Harry. However, Susan didn't know that Ginny was in on the secret, and the two girls weren't exactly friends, having not interacted much since Ginny hadn't attended Hogwarts the previous year.

As the conversation continued, Sirius caught Amelia's eye, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Amelia's expression softened, and she smiled back at him, a spark of connection visible between them.

After breakfast, Daisy trudged off to her room, still in need of a significant amount of sleep as part of her treatment. Harry watched her go, feeling a pang of sympathy for his potential sister.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, however, had other plans for Harry. "Time for you to rest, Harry," she said firmly, her eyes twinkling with a hint of sternness.

Harry pouted, feeling like he was being treated like a child. "Do I have to?" he asked, his voice laced with disappointment.

But Grandma Mrs. Tucker remained unmoved. "Yes, you do. You're still recovering, and you need your rest."

Ron, the twins, and Charlie, meanwhile, were busy making plans to play Quidditch. "Hey, Harry, want to join us?" Ron asked, before realizing that Harry was being sent to rest. "Oh, sorry mate."

The twins and Charlie eagerly invited Susan to join them instead. Ron, who had gotten to know Susan a bit over the summer, thought she would make a great addition to their group of friends, which Ginny affectionately called the "Five Musketeers" - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco.

Ginny, sensing Harry's disappointment, leaned in and whispered, "I'll stay with you in your room, okay?"

Harry's face brightened at the prospect, and he agreed to head to his room, feeling a bit more cheerful with Ginny by his side.

Sirius entered the room, his eyes scanning the space before landing on Harry, who was sitting on his bed, looking rather determined. Ginny, sensing Harry's gesture, discreetly excused herself, leaving the two alone. She closed the door behind her, giving them the privacy they needed.

Harry didn't waste any time, his question direct and to the point. "Sirius, what do you feel about Amelia?" he asked, his eyes locked intensely on his godfather's.

Sirius's expression faltered, caught off-guard by Harry's blunt inquiry. He looked taken aback, as if he hadn't expected Harry to be so straightforward. "She's a great friend, Harry," he said finally, his voice measured. "She's helped me a lot... nothing more."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his voice firm but controlled. "Why don't you know that Amelia likes or loves you?" he pressed, his words dripping with a hint of accusation.

Sirius hesitated, his eyes darting around the room before returning to Harry's. He looked uncomfortable, as if he was struggling to find the right words. "Yes, I know," he admitted finally, his voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's anger flared, his words tumbling out in a rush. "Then why are you giving her hints and hopes if you don't feel the same way?" he demanded, his voice rising. "You're leading her on, Sirius, and it's not fair."

Sirius gulped, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. Harry saw something flicker in his eyes, a deep-seated emotion that Sirius rarely revealed. He looked... haunted.

"Marlene," Sirius said, his voice cracking. "I've never really... moved on."

Harry's eyes widened in shock, his mind reeling from the revelation. He had never known about Sirius's past, about the fiancée he had lost. The circumstances of their relationship had never allowed for such intimate conversations.

Sirius's eyes locked onto Harry's, a deep sadness and longing reflected in their depths. For the first time, Harry glimpsed the complexities of his godfather's emotions, the scars that still lingered from his past.

Sirius took a deep breath, his eyes clouding over as he began to recount his story. "Marlene was your mother's best friend, Harry," he said, his voice trembling. "We met through Lily, and... well, we used to flirt, I suppose. But by our fifth year, we started dating seriously."

Harry listened, entranced, as Sirius's words painted a picture of a love that had blossomed in the midst of Hogwarts's magical world. Sirius's eyes sparkled with memories as he described Marlene's laughter, her smile, and her fierce spirit.

"As we grew older, our relationship deepened," Sirius continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "I proposed to her, and she said yes... We were engaged, Harry. We were going to spend the rest of our lives together."

Sirius's voice broke, and he paused, struggling to compose himself. Harry's heart ached as he watched his godfather's emotional turmoil.

"But then... she died," Sirius whispered, the words barely audible. "It was a few months before your parents... before they were killed. I was devastated, Harry. I felt like my world had been shattered."

Harry had only seen his godfather this emotional and vulnerable once before – when Sirius had talked about Harry's parents with him. The pain and sadness etched on Sirius's face were almost too much to bear.

Harry didn't know what to say or how to comfort his godfather, but he knew he had to do something. He opened his arms, and Sirius fell into them, embracing him tightly. For a long moment, they just held each other, the only sound Sirius's muffled sobs.

After a while, Sirius composed himself, his eyes still red-rimmed from his tears. He looked at Harry, his expression serious. "I can never give Marlene's place to anyone, Harry," he said, his voice firm. "I feel like I'd be betraying her if I did."

Harry nodded understandingly, but he also saw an opportunity to help his godfather. "You don't have to give anyone else Marlene's place, Sirius," he said gently. "You can make a new place for Amelia in your heart. It's not about replacing Marlene, but about finding room for someone new."

Sirius looked taken aback, clearly not expecting love advice from his godson. But Harry continued, his words heartfelt. "It's okay if you don't feel the same way about Amelia, Sirius. But it's not okay to suppress your feelings and think you're betraying Marlene. Do you really think Marlene would want you to brood for the rest of your life?"

Sirius's expression faltered, and he looked away, clearly torn. Harry's words had struck a chord, and he knew his godfather had a lot to think about.

Harry's expression turned stern, his eyes locked intensely on Sirius. "If you don't feel the same way about Amelia, at least don't lead her on," he said firmly, his voice filled with conviction. "It would break her heart, and it's already been broken once when you were with Marlene. Don't give her false hope, Sirius. That's not fair to her."

Sirius looked at Harry, a mix of surprise and admiration on his face. He had been told how mature Harry was, despite his young age of 12, but now he truly understood why people said so. There was a depth of understanding in Harry's eyes that belied his years. Still, it was a little embarrassing to be receiving advice from someone so young, but he needed it.

"I'll try," Sirius said finally, his voice a little softer. He looked away, his eyes clouding over as he struggled to come to terms with his emotions.

Just then, they heard Remus's voice from the doorway. "So, now you understand?" he asked, a hint of amusement in his tone. Remus was leaning against the doorframe, a warm smile on his face.

Harry and Sirius were a little surprised, realizing that Remus had been standing there for a while, listening in on their conversation. Remus pushed off from the doorframe and walked into the room, his eyes twinkling with mirth.

"I've been trying to make you understand this for weeks, Sirius," he said, shaking his head, "but I suppose it takes a 12-year-old to drive the point home." Remus's voice was filled with affectionate teasing, but there was also a hint of relief that Sirius was finally starting to understand.

Sirius rolled his eyes good-naturedly, but Harry could see the faintest glimmer of gratitude in his eyes. He knew that Remus had been trying to help him for weeks, and now, thanks to Harry's words, he was finally starting to see things clearly.

Sirius shot back, a hint of defensiveness in his voice. "You're one to talk, Moony," he said, using Remus's nickname. "You've always said I'm too dangerous, giving reasons why you never tried to date a girl." Sirius's tone was light, but there was an undercurrent of seriousness to his words.

Remus's expression turned wistful, and he looked down, his eyes clouding over. "That's different, Padfoot," he said quietly. "I'm a werewolf. I didn't want to put anyone in danger." Remus's voice was laced with a deep sadness, a sense of resignation that had become all too familiar to him.

Sirius snorted. "James, Lily, and I tried to convince you otherwise, but you never listened," he said, shaking his head. Sirius's eyes sparkled with memories of their time at Hogwarts, of the countless times they had tried to persuade Remus to open up, to let someone in.

Remus nodded, a small smile on his face. "Yes, you did. But I was too scared, too worried about hurting someone." Remus's voice cracked, and he paused, collecting himself before continuing. "I didn't want to be a monster, Padfoot. I didn't want to lose control and hurt someone I cared about."

Remus looked up at Sirius, a hint of defensiveness in his eyes. "At least I dated Dorcas," he said quietly.

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "Who's Dorcas?" he asked, looking at Remus. Harry's eyes were wide with interest, and Remus could see the unspoken question in his eyes: what happened to her?

Remus's expression turned somber, and he took a deep breath. "Dorcas was someone I... cared about deeply," he said quietly. "We had a long relationship, but it ended eventually. Shortly before her death, we weren't together anymore." Remus's voice was barely above a whisper, and Harry could sense the depth of his emotions, the pain that still lingered.

Harry's eyes widened in understanding. He thought to himself, "Both of my beloved uncles have had tragic love lives." Harry's heart went out to Remus, to the pain he had endured, and he felt a surge of compassion for his uncle.

Sirius, sensing an opportunity, grinned mischievously. "Now it's your turn, Moony," he said, settling back in his chair. "I'm sure Harry has some advice for you." Sirius's tone was light, but there was a hint of seriousness beneath the surface.

Remus rolled his eyes good-naturedly, but Harry could see a hint of wariness in his eyes. He knew he was in for a lecture, and Sirius was going to enjoy every minute of it.

Harry was all fired up, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Tell me about Dorcas," he asked, his eyes fixed intently on Remus.

Remus raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "What's gotten into you today, Harry? Uncovering the pasts of Padfoot and me?"

But Harry stood firm, his expression unwavering. Remus sighed, resigned to sharing his story. "Fine," he said, settling back in his chair. "If you must know, it was James and Sirius who persuaded me to start easing up, to start living a little. And eventually, I started dating Dorcas."

Remus's eyes took on a faraway look, a soft smile on his face. "She was a Gryffindor, in the same year as us. A friend of Marlene's and Lily's. We dated for three years, and... she was wonderful. She didn't have a problem when I revealed I was a werewolf. She was understanding, supportive..."

Remus's voice trailed off, his eyes clouding over. "But one day, I broke up with her. The last full moon, I almost bit her. I was horrified. I couldn't risk hurting her, couldn't risk losing control again."

Harry's eyes widened in understanding, his heart going out to Remus. "What happened to her?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Remus's expression turned somber, his voice cracking. "She died, Harry. The Death Eaters killed her, just four months after Marlene's death, and one and a half months before... your parents."

Remus's eyes dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "She died a few months after our breakup," he said, the pain still evident in his eyes. "I only have one regret, Harry. She came over to my house a month after we broke up, trying to talk to me, but I... I was rude to her. I didn't want to talk, didn't want to face her. And then... and then she was gone, a few months later."

Remus's voice cracked, and he paused, collecting himself. "I just never got to apologize, Harry. Never got to tell her how sorry I was for the way I treated her. That's a regret I'll carry with me for the rest of my life." Remus's eyes were filled with tears, and Harry could see the depth of his sorrow. He reached out, putting a hand on Remus's shoulder, offering what little comfort he could.

After Sirius and Remus left the room to join Ron, Charlie, the twins, and Susan for a game of Quidditch, the room fell silent. Harry sat on his bed, lost in thought, reflecting on the conversations he had just had with his uncles.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Ginny slipped inside. "Hey, Harry," she said softly, closing the door behind her. "What's going on? You've been in here for a while."

Harry looked up at Ginny, his eyes serious. "I had a talk with Sirius and Remus," he said, his voice low. "They told me some things... about their pasts."

Ginny's curiosity was piqued, and she sat down beside Harry on the bed. "What did they say?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Harry told Ginny everything, from Sirius's feelings about Marlene to Remus's regret over his treatment of Dorcas. Ginny listened intently, her expression a mix of sadness and understanding. When Harry finished, she let out a soft sigh.

"I hope Amelia and Sirius get together," she said, her voice filled with a quiet optimism. "They seem to really care about each other. And maybe Remus will find someone too," she added, a hint of wistfulness in her tone. Ginny's eyes sparkled with hope as she thought about the possibilities, about the chance for her loved ones to find happiness.

Harry nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of solidarity with Ginny. They sat there in comfortable silence for a moment, lost in their own thoughts, but together in their hopes for the future.

Ginny's expression turned soft and affectionate as she looked at Harry. "I'm very proud to be your girlfriend," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "It was very nice of you to motivate Sirius like that. You're always thinking of others, Harry." She smiled, her eyes shining with admiration.

Harry felt a warmth spread through his chest at Ginny's words. He smiled back at her, feeling grateful for her presence in his life. "Maybe I can do the same for Remus sometime," he said, his eyes sparkling with determination.

Ginny nodded, her expression encouraging. "I'm sure you will, Harry. You have a way of reaching people." She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "You're going to be okay, Harry. You'll recover from your injuries in no time."

Harry snuggled into Ginny's side, feeling a sense of comfort and security wash over him. His injuries from the morning had healed significantly, leaving him with only a few minor bruises and scrapes. Ginny's words of encouragement and her gentle touch made him feel like he was already on the mend.

Then, just as Harry and Ginny were enjoying a quiet moment together, Daisy knocked on the door. She looked anxious, her brow furrowed with concern. Harry's heart went out to her, knowing that she was probably thinking about their conversation before breakfast - the one where they had discussed the possibility that she might be his real sister.

"It's okay, Daisy," Harry said, trying to reassure her. "It doesn't matter if you're not my biological sister. I'll adopt you as one anyway. You'll go to Hogwarts as Daisy Potter, and that's all that matters." Harry's voice was filled with conviction, and Daisy's face lit up with a smile.

"I don't want to be in any other house than yours, Harry," Daisy said, her eyes shining with determination. "And people say Ginny will be in Gryffindor too." Harry chuckled, remembering the countless times he had heard that prediction.

"The houses don't matter, Daisy," Harry said, shaking his head. "I mean, think about it. Ron, Hermione, Neville, and I, we're all Gryffindors, but we've always been friends with people from other houses. And even though Draco's a Slytherin, we've managed to put our differences aside and become friends. This year, when you, Ginny, Dudley, Draco's brother Scorpius, and the others join as first years, we'll make sure you all stay united, no matter what house you're in. And by the time I'm in my seventh year, the whole school will be united, forever."

After Daisy left, Harry and Ginny were surprised by the arrival of two more visitors: Professor McGonagall, affectionately known as "Gran Minnie" by Harry, and Professor Snape. McGonagall, with her characteristic stern yet warm demeanor, smiled as she entered the room.

"Harry, dear, I'm so sorry I couldn't visit yesterday," she said, her eyes twinkling with apology. "I had to attend to a rather important task - delivering a Hogwarts letter to a new Muggleborn student. I did write you a letter, though, to let you know I was thinking of you." She smiled, her expression softening.

Snape, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up in a tone that was surprisingly gentle. "I, too, was occupied with a similar task, Potter. Delivering Hogwarts letters to new students is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly." Harry noticed a hint of warmth in Snape's eyes, a sign that he genuinely cared for Harry's well-being.

As Snape's eyes met Ginny's, Harry noticed a subtle change in his expression. It was a hint of curiosity, a spark of interest, mixed with a dash of warmth. This was, after all, the first time Snape had met Ginny properly. When Harry was unconscious, they hadn't had much of a chance to interact, and Snape had only caught glimpses of her during his visits to Harry's bedside.

"Ah, Ginny," Snape said, his voice a little softer than usual, with a hint of genuine warmth. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you properly." He nodded at her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her features, his gaze lingering on her bright smile and sparkling eyes.

"I've heard a lot about you, of course," Snape continued, his tone conversational, almost friendly. "Harry's told me all about you. Especially when we were working on the Potter-Snape Amnesia Potion last year." He paused, a small, enigmatic smile playing on his lips. "He mentioned that you're his girlfriend."

Snape's eyes locked onto Ginny's, his gaze intense, yet not unkind. "I hope you'll follow in Harry's footsteps, Ginny," he said, his voice filled with a hint of expectation. "He's an exceptional potion maker. I daresay, one of the best I've ever had the pleasure of teaching." Snape's eyes seemed to bore into Ginny's, as if searching for a glimmer of the same passion, the same talent that Harry possessed.

Professor McGonagall watched the exchange between Snape and Ginny with great interest. She couldn't help but think that if this had been a year ago, she would have thought Snape had lost his marbles, praising a Gryffindor student like Harry. But things had changed dramatically since Harry joined Hogwarts.

Harry's determination to prove himself, despite being the son of James Potter, had slowly chipped away at Snape's defenses. Snape had begun to see Harry in a different light, as an individual rather than just the son of his former nemesis. As a result, Snape's attitude had undergone a significant transformation, much to the pleasure of students from other houses and the displeasure of older Slytherin students.

However, the Slytherin students in Harry's year didn't seem to mind Snape's change of heart. Harry, along with his best friends Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Neville, had managed to unite their year mates, breaking down the traditional barriers between the houses. It was a remarkable achievement, one that McGonagall hoped would have a lasting impact on the Hogwarts community.

"I must say, Severus, you're being unusually... diplomatic," McGonagall said, raising an eyebrow as she spoke. Snape's eyes flickered towards her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

"Merely recognizing talent, Minerva," Snape replied, his voice smooth as silk. "Ginny, I expect great things from you. Do not disappoint me."

As the evening wore on, Grandma Mrs. Tucker insisted that McGonagall and Snape stay for dinner. Pyre, who had arrived for Harry's check-up, also joined the lively gathering. Charlie and Pyre were beaming with happiness, their love radiating like a warm glow.

The dinner table was a vibrant tapestry of colors, laughter, and conversation. Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, the twins, Percy, Ron, Harry, Dudley, Daisy, Ginny, Sirius, Amelia, Susan, Remus, Pyre, and McGonagall (or Gran Minnie, as Harry affectionately called her) all gathered around the table.

As they sat down to eat, Snape's eyes scanned the table, his gaze lingering on Dudley and Daisy. "I trust you both are prepared for the academic rigors of Hogwarts?" he asked, his voice firm but not unkind.

Dudley and Daisy exchanged nervous glances, but Snape's words were tempered with a hint of warmth. "You will find that Hogwarts is not just a school, but a community. And I expect you both to uphold the values of hard work, discipline, and loyalty."

Sirius, still wary of his former rival, maintained a cool distance from Snape. The tension between them was palpable, but Remus attempted to bridge the gap with friendly conversation. Though Snape's responses were curt, it was clear that their shared concern for Harry's well-being had created a fragile truce.

As the dinner drew to a close, Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled warmly at the gathering. "It's so wonderful to see you all together. Harry, dear, you're surrounded by people who love and care for you. That's the greatest magic of all."

As the evening drew to a close, Snape, Pyre, and McGonagall bid their farewells and departed, leaving the rest of the group to retire to their rooms. Harry felt a sense of gratitude wash over him, knowing that everyone had gathered at the manor to support him during his recovery.

The next three days passed in a blur for Harry as his injuries continued to heal. Grandma Mrs. Tucker, pleased with his progress, gave him permission to venture out into the manor's gardens. Ginny was overjoyed to see Harry happy and mobile again, and she spent hours strolling with him through the gardens, enjoying the warm sunshine and fresh air.

These three days were filled with a steady stream of visitors, each one bringing their own brand of cheer and support. Snape, McGonagall, and Pyre all made repeat visits, with Pyre's visits perhaps motivated as much by her affection for Charlie as her concern for Harry's health. Madam Pomfrey, the Hogwarts nurse, also stopped by to check on Harry's progress and offer her expertise.

Harry's other best friends, Draco, Hermione, and Neville, who were not staying at the manor, also made a point to visit him regularly. Their lively conversations and jokes helped to lift Harry's spirits and made his recovery feel more enjoyable.

On the fourth day of his recovery, Harry sat in his room with Ginny snuggled up beside him. The atmosphere was cozy, with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Amelia, Sirius, Remus, Snape, and McGonagall gathered around. Amelia, her expression serious, announced that she had spoken with Patricia Moon, the head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse at the Ministry of Magic.

"Patricia may send someone or come herself tomorrow to take your account, Harry," Amelia explained. "This will help finalize the case against the Dursleys and set up their trial." Harry's eyes widened at the mention of the trial, but before he could ask any questions, he turned to Ginny and asked, "Why didn't Dumbledore come to visit me?" Ginny had told him that Dumbledore was there when they found him unconscious and during his treatment, but he hadn't visited since Harry woke up.

The atmosphere in the room grew cold, with Sirius and Snape nodding in agreement. The tension was palpable, and Harry sensed that everyone in the room was upset with Dumbledore. Even Ginny's expression turned cold, and Harry couldn't understand why. "It's not fair," Harry said, feeling a surge of defensiveness. "It's not Dumbledore's fault that my relatives abused me."

Snape's eyes narrowed, his voice low and even. "You don't understand, Potter. Dumbledore's decision to leave you with the Dursleys... it's a complicated matter." McGonagall's expression was somber, and she placed a gentle hand on Harry's shoulder. "We'll explain everything to you, Harry. But for now, let's just focus on your recovery and the trial ahead."

Just as it seemed like the conversation was going to escalate further, Mrs. Weasley intervened, her voice calm and soothing. "That's enough, everyone. Harry's right. We shouldn't be jumping to conclusions without knowing the full story."

McGonagall nodded, her expression thoughtful. "You're right, of course. We'll have to wait and see what Dumbledore has to say for himself."

Harry's face was still flushed with emotion, but he nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Thank you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

As the conversation drew to a close, the group outside the room, who had been trying to listen in, breathed a collective sigh of relief. Ron turned to the others and whispered, "I think Harry's right. We shouldn't be blaming Dumbledore without knowing the facts."

Susan nodded in agreement. "And Harry's right, it's not Dumbledore's fault. It's the Dursleys who are to blame."

The twins, Fred and George, exchanged a mischievous glance. "We'll make sure to keep an ear out for any more gossip," Fred whispered, grinning.

Charlie, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "I think we should focus on supporting Harry right now. He's been through a lot."

Daisy, who had grown more confident over the past four days, nodded in agreement. "We're all here for you, Harry. We're not going anywhere."

Just as the group outside the room was about to disperse, Mrs. Weasley's voice rang out, her tone stern. "What's going on here? I can hear you all whispering and eavesdropping!" Her eyes narrowed, her gaze sweeping over the guilty faces.

Daisy's eyes widened, and she took a step back, looking sheepish. Ron, Susan, the twins, Charlie, Dudley and Daisy all exchanged nervous glances.

However, before Mrs. Weasley's scolding could escalate, Harry intervened, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "It's okay, Mrs. Weasley. I would have told them everything anyway."

Mrs. Weasley's expression softened, and she smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Oh, Harry. You're a sly one, aren't you?" She chuckled, shaking her head.

But then, her expression turned stern once more, and she turned to Harry. "However, young man, that doesn't mean you're off the hook. You should have been more careful about sharing your story. You're not just a student, Harry. You're the Boy Who Lived. You have to be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you."

Harry smiled sheepishly, feeling a warmth in his heart. It was the first time Mrs. Weasley had ever scolded him, and he realized that it felt like a scolding from a mother – firm, yet loving.

Next Chapter is  The Ultimate Confrontation !

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. This was it. I had taken quite a liberty at Remus and Sirius past but I guess that's allowed as it's a fanfiction. I hope you liked the chapter. Next chapter would contain Dumbledore and confrontation . Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 9: The Ultimate Confrontation !

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As the room emptied, Harry sat down at his desk, quill in hand, and began to write a letter to Dumbledore. "I want to meet him," Harry said to himself, his mind made up. He poured his thoughts and feelings onto the parchment, his handwriting flowing smoothly across the page.

Ginny, who had lingered behind, watched Harry with a thoughtful expression. "Do you think he'll come?" she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism. "After what happened, I mean."

Harry looked up, his eyes meeting Ginny's. "Yes, I think he will," Harry said, his voice firm. "Dumbledore's not the kind of person to avoid confrontation. Besides, I want to hear his side of the story."

Ginny nodded, her expression softening. She knew she would be cold to Dumbledore when she saw him, but she also knew that Harry was right. It wasn't fair to judge Dumbledore without knowing the truth. "You're right, Harry," Ginny said, smiling. "As always."

Dumbledore's eyes, usually twinkling with warmth and wisdom, were dimmed by the weight of his guilt. His slender fingers drummed a slow rhythm on the armrest of his chair as he paced back and forth in his office, Fawkes watching him with concerned eyes. The soft glow of the candles and the warm light of the setting sun streaming through the windows seemed to mock him, highlighting the darkness of his own thoughts.

"How could I not have known?" Dumbledore whispered to himself, his voice laced with self-reproach and regret. "Ten years, Fawkes... ten years of abuse and neglect. I thought I was protecting him, but I was blind to the truth. I was so focused on keeping him safe from Voldemort, from the Dark Lord's followers, that I neglected to consider the dangers that lurked in his own home."

Dumbledore's thoughts were a jumble of emotions - guilt, regret, and a deep sense of responsibility. He had thought that leaving Harry with the Dursleys was the best decision, given the circumstances. The Dursleys, although unpleasant and neglectful, were Harry's blood relatives, and Dumbledore had hoped that they would provide a sense of stability and normalcy for the young boy. But now, he wondered if he had made a terrible mistake.

"What if I had checked on him more often?" Dumbledore mused, his eyes clouding over with uncertainty. "What if I had been more vigilant? What if I had not been so focused on the prophecy, on the destiny that lay ahead for Harry?"

Fawkes, sensing his master's distress, spread his wings and let out a soft, comforting cry. Dumbledore smiled weakly, reaching out to stroke the phoenix's feathers. "You are right, my dear Fawkes," he said. "I must not dwell on the past. I must focus on the present and the future. Harry's future."

But Dumbledore's thoughts were already racing ahead, consumed by the prophecy and the weight of his responsibility to prepare Harry for the ultimate battle against Voldemort. He knew that he had to remain detached, to keep his emotions in check. But it was too late for that. Dumbledore had already grown to care for Harry, and he knew that their bond would only continue to grow stronger.

As the darkness gathered outside, Dumbledore's office seemed to shrink, the shadows closing in around him. He felt the weight of his years, the burden of his responsibilities. But he also felt a sense of determination, a sense of purpose. He would do everything in his power to make things right, to protect Harry and prepare him for the challenges that lay ahead.

As Dumbledore's thoughts wandered back to Harry's first year at Hogwarts, a warm smile spread across his face. He remembered the young boy's infectious enthusiasm, his quick wit, and his kind heart. Harry had a way of bringing people together, and his friendship with Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Neville had been a beacon of hope for the entire school.

Dumbledore's eyes drifted to the painting that Harry had given him on Christmas, a portrait of himself and his sister Ariana. The painting was a remarkable work of magic, for it showed Ariana as she would have looked if she had lived to be as old as Dumbledore. The Ariana in the painting waved at Dumbledore, and he felt a pang of sadness mixed with joy.

Just then, Fawkes let out a soft squawk, and Dumbledore looked up to see Hedwig, Harry's owl, landing on the windowsill with a letter in her talons. Dumbledore's heart skipped a beat as he took the letter from Hedwig and broke the seal.

"Ah, Harry," Dumbledore murmured, his eyes scanning the pages. "You want to meet with me, do you?" Dumbledore's expression turned thoughtful as he read on, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of sadness and hope.

Dumbledore's eyes scanned the letter, his expression a complex tapestry of emotions. Guilt, anxiety, and a deep sense of responsibility all warred for dominance. Harry wanted to meet him, to talk about what had happened. Dumbledore felt a pang of sorrow, knowing that he had to confront the consequences of his own decisions.

Fawkes, sensing Dumbledore's distress, softly sang a gentle melody, as if trying to comfort him. The phoenix's sweet voice wove a soothing spell, calming the turmoil in Dumbledore's mind. He closed his eyes, letting the music wash over him, and began to breathe deeply.

Dumbledore's heart swelled with emotion as he gazed at the then, the portrait of Ariana waved at Dumbledore, and he nodded in response. "Yes, my dear sister," he whispered. "I fear I have failed another child. But I shall make it right, I promise." Dumbledore's voice was barely audible, but Fawkes heard him and softly trilled a reassuring phrase.

Dumbledore's eyes returned to the letter, and he nodded to himself. He would meet with Harry, and he would explain everything. He owed it to the boy, and to himself. With a deep breath, Dumbledore stood up, his long robes billowing around him like a dark cloud.

"Fawkes, it seems I have a meeting to attend," Dumbledore said, his voice firm and resolute. "Let us go and face the music, my dear phoenix." Fawkes spread his magnificent wings, and with a soft cry, he followed Dumbledore out of the office, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As Ginny tucked Harry under the blankets, he smiled up at her, feeling grateful for her warmth and care. They had come upstairs half an hour ago, after a dinner that had been filled with conversation and laughter. At dinner, Harry had shared the news that he had written a letter to Dumbledore, and that he was sure the headmaster would come to meet him tomorrow.

"I'm sure he'll come," Harry had said, looking around the table at the faces of his loved ones. Sirius, Amelia, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, Remus, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Dudley, Daisy, Snape, and McGonagall had all nodded, but Harry knew that they would be cold towards Dumbledore for a while.

Ginny settled onto the bed beside Harry, her eyes shining with concern. "Are you sure you're okay, Harry?" she asked, her voice soft. "I know it's been a tough few days."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. "I'm fine, Ginny," he said. "Just tired. But I'm glad we're all together. It makes me feel safer."

Ginny smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "We're always together, Harry," she said. "No matter what."

As Ginny slipped under the blanket beside him, Harry felt a sense of comfort and security wash over him. They snuggled together, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. The warmth of Ginny's body and the gentle rhythm of her breathing soon lulled Harry into a deep sleep.

In the dreamland, Harry and Ginny strolled hand in hand through a lush, vibrant forest. The sun shone down on them, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. They talked about everything and nothing, their conversation flowing easily as they walked.

"I'm so glad we're together, Ginny," Harry said, his voice filled with emotion.

Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Me too, Harry. I love you."

"I love you too, Ginny," Harry replied, his heart full of joy and contentment.

As they walked, the forest around them began to change. The trees grew taller and the flowers more vibrant.

As Harry and Ginny entered the breakfast room, they were greeted by the familiar faces of Sirius, Amelia, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, Remus, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Dudley, Daisy, Professor Snape, and Professor McGonagall. Harry's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the gathering. "Wait, Professor McGonagall - I mean, Gran Minnie - and Professor Snape, why are you here so early?" he asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "You visited me yesterday, didn't you?"

Gran Minnie, Professor McGonagall, spoke up, her voice firm. "They're here to confront Dumbledore, if he shows up," she explained, her eyes flashing with determination.

Harry nodded, understanding. The group ate their breakfast in silence, the tension in the air palpable.

Just as they were finishing up, the doorbell of the manor rang, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker got up to answer it. She returned with Dumbledore, who looked guilty and ashamed.

Mrs. Weasley immediately stood up, her voice firm. "Kids, why don't you go and play a game of Quidditch?" she suggested, her eyes sweeping over Charlie, the twins, Percy, Daisy, Dudley, Ron, and Susan.

The kids protested, but ultimately left the room, still grumbling. Ginny, however, remained seated, her eyes fixed on Dumbledore.

"You can go too, Ginny," Harry said, but she shook her head, her jaw set in determination.

Mrs. Weasley tried to persuade her, but Ginny was stubborn. The room fell silent, with everyone's eyes fixed on Dumbledore, who looked like he was waiting for judgment.

"Harry, are you... okay?" Dumbledore asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he was ashamed to even speak.

Harry nodded, his expression neutral. "Yes, I'm fine, professor," he replied, his voice calm.

Dumbledore's eyes, filled with remorse, locked onto Harry's as he apologized, "Harry, I am deeply sorry that I did not realize you were being abused. I failed you, and for that, I am truly sorry."

Before Harry could respond, Sirius's cold voice cut through the air, "Did you know about the abuse, Dumbledore?" His tone was accusatory, and his eyes narrowed, as if daring Dumbledore to lie.

Dumbledore's expression turned even more somber, "Of course not, Sirius. If I had known, I would have never..." His voice trailed off, but his words had a profound effect on the room.

The coldness in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of understanding. Amelia's voice was gentle as she asked, "Was it absolutely necessary for Harry to stay with the Dursleys?"

Dumbledore's eyes dropped, and he nodded, "I have said before, at the time, it was the best and only option. The blood wards would keep Harry safe from Voldemort."

Remus, usually calm and collected, snorted in disgust, "Safe? Harry wasn't safe, was he? Not from the Dursleys, at least." His voice was laced with bitterness.

McGonagall's voice rose, her eyes flashing with anger, "What do you mean by 'only option', Dumbledore? I was there that day, and I warned you not to leave Harry with the Dursleys. But you didn't listen." Her voice trembled with emotion, "I would have raised Harry myself, if only you had let me."

Dumbledore's eyes, filled with regret, locked onto McGonagall's as he apologized, "Minerva, I am truly sorry that I did not take you up on your offer to raise Harry. I realize now that it would have been a better option, but at the time, I feared for the danger it would pose to you and Harry."

He took a deep breath, explaining the circumstances that had led to his decision. "Sirius was imprisoned, and we all believed him to be a traitor. Remus, as much as I value his friendship, was in no condition to care for a child, and the Ministry would have never allowed a werewolf to raise Harry. You, Minerva, offered to take Harry in, but it was a perilous time. Voldemort had just been defeated by a mere infant, and his followers, the Death Eaters, were still at large. We all know what they did to the Longbottoms, driving them to the brink of insanity."

The room fell silent, as the weight of Dumbledore's words sank in. While it did not excuse the abuse Harry had suffered at the hands of the Dursleys, it did provide a context for Dumbledore's decision. The coldness in the air began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of understanding, though it was clear that forgiveness would take time.

Harry, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally found his chance to speak up. "I know it wasn't your fault, Professor," he said, his voice clear and firm. "You did what you thought was best at the time."

Sirius's expression remained cold, his voice firm as he spoke, "No, Harry, it was Dumbledore's fault. He should have checked on you, made sure you were safe. He's the Headmaster of Hogwarts, for crying out loud! He's supposed to protect his students, not leave them to rot with people like the Dursleys."

Snape, surprisingly, nodded in agreement with Sirius, his eyes gleaming with intensity as he added, "Yes, Headmaster, your decision to leave Harry with the Dursleys was... questionable, at best. You knew they were not suitable guardians, and yet you chose to leave him with them anyway."

Ginny's voice was icy as she turned to Dumbledore, her eyes flashing with anger. "Why didn't you check on Harry all these years? Why did you just leave him there, with those... people? You knew they didn't want him, that they only kept him for the sake of appearances. Why didn't you do something to stop it?"

Dumbledore's expression was sorrowful as he explained, "I couldn't risk compromising the wards that protected Harry until he turned eleven. If I had intervened, it would have risked the entire purpose of hiding him. I did, however, place Mrs. Figg next door to keep an eye on Harry, but clearly, she failed to realize the extent of the abuse."

The room erupted into a cacophony of blame and recrimination, with everyone except Harry condemning Dumbledore's decision. McGonagall's voice was stern, "Albus, how could you have been so blind? You knew the Dursleys were not fit to care for a child, and yet you left Harry with them anyway."

Remus's voice was laced with disappointment, "I thought you knew better, Albus. I thought you cared more about Harry's well-being."

But Harry's patience had worn thin. "Shut up!" he exclaimed loudly, his voice echoing off the walls. "It's not Dumbledore's fault! The Dursleys were clever, they kept up appearances in the neighborhood, making everyone think they were wonderful for taking in their orphaned nephew. No one knew what was really going on behind closed doors. They were experts at hiding the truth, and I was just a kid. I didn't know any better."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry. Dumbledore's expression was one of gratitude, while the others looked on, their faces etched with varying degrees of shame and regret.

McGonagall's voice was laced with frustration as she asked, "Why didn't you check Potter's will, Albus? Why didn't you know what James and Lily had wanted for their son?" The others in the room echoed her question, their voices rising in a chorus of indignation.

Harry intervened once again, his voice calm and reasonable. "It's not his fault, you all know that. The will was sealed with dark runes and magic at Gringotts. Even the goblins didn't realize it. It was a compulsion spell that prevented them from giving it to anyone but me, unless I asked for it myself. And at the time, I was just a baby. Dumbledore couldn't have done anything."

Dumbledore's expression was somber as he spoke, "I am at fault, I could have tried. I shall do better in the future. But I must admit, I ignored the will, knowing that it may not have allowed me to place Harry with the Dursleys." The others in the room looked even more outraged, their faces red with anger.

But Harry realized that, on this matter, Dumbledore was indeed at fault. However, given the circumstances at the time, it was a necessary decision, as Dumbledore had already explained. The risk of compromising the wards and putting Harry in greater danger had been too great. Harry's eyes met Dumbledore's, and he saw the deep regret and sorrow there.

Sirius's voice was laced with anger and frustration as he spoke, "Dumbledore had no right to place Harry with the Dursleys. He's just the Headmaster of Hogwarts, and at the time, Harry was just a baby, which means Dumbledore wasn't even his guardian then. He had no authority to make decisions for Harry." Amelia nodded in agreement, her eyes flashing with indignation, while Grandma Mrs. Tucker, her silver hair gleaming in the light, shook her head, her expression stern.

Sirius's anger boiled over, his voice rising as he spoke, "Dumbledore is at fault, really. It's his responsibility as the Head of the wizarding world to protect Harry, to save him from the Dursleys and Voldemort. He's the one who's supposed to keep us all safe, and he failed Harry miserably." The others in the room murmured in agreement, their faces set in stern lines.

Harry's laughter was bitter, attracting the attention of everyone in the room. "You're all hypocrites," he said, his voice laced with venom, his eyes flashing with anger. The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry.

Sirius's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean, Harry?" he asked, his voice cautious, his tone questioning.

Harry's eyes locked onto Sirius's, his gaze piercing. "You say it's Dumbledore's responsibility to protect me from Voldemort, but at the same time, you say he had no right to make decisions for me. It's just hypocritical." His voice dripped with accusation, his words biting. "You're my godfather, Sirius, not Dumbledore. It was your responsibility to keep me safe, to protect me from the Dursleys and Voldemort."

Sirius looked shocked, his eyes wide with surprise, while Remus's eyes flashed with anger for a moment. Sirius's voice was defensive, his tone protesting. "It wasn't my fault that I was framed and imprisoned in Azkaban, Harry. I couldn't have protected you, no matter how much I wanted to."

Harry's smirk was bitter, his eyes cold. "You decided to follow Peter, didn't you?" he asked, his voice laced with accusation. Sirius's eyes looked hurt, and Harry knew he had wounded him, but he felt it was necessary.

Sirius's voice was hot with emotion, his words tumbling out in a rush. "I lost my best friend, and Lily... I wasn't thinking clearly. I just made a mistake, Harry. I was blinded by my own guilt and grief."

Ginny's expression softened as she looked at Harry, her eyes filled with understanding and a hint of admiration. She was still angry at Dumbledore, but she now realized what Harry was trying to do - to make them see that Dumbledore was not infallible, but human, just like them. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley also seemed to grasp Harry's point, their faces nodding in agreement, their eyes shining with newfound understanding.

Harry smiled, relieved that someone understood what he was trying to say. "Exactly," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Sirius, you made a mistake that day, just like Dumbledore did. We all make mistakes that we regret. If you can acknowledge that you made a mistake, why is it so hard for everyone to understand that Dumbledore did the same? He's only human, just like the rest of us. He makes mistakes, just like we do."

Sirius looked confused, his brow furrowed in uncertainty, his eyes clouded with doubt. The others in the room also looked puzzled, unsure of how to respond to Harry's words. McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her expression thoughtful, as she weighed Harry's words. Remus's face was a picture of concentration, his eyes fixed intently on Harry.

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry. The tension in the air was palpable, as everyone waited for someone to speak up, to respond to Harry's words. Dumbledore's eyes, however, were fixed on Harry, a look of gratitude and admiration on his face. He seemed to be saying, "Thank you, Harry, for understanding me, for seeing me as human."

They all seemed to understand Harry's point, but due to the fact that they loved him dearly, their minds weren't working straight, especially Sirius, Snape, and to some extent, McGonagall. Their emotions clouded their judgment, making it difficult for them to see reason. The pain and suffering Harry had endured at the hands of the Dursleys was still fresh in their minds, and it was hard for them to reconcile that with Dumbledore's actions.

Snape's voice was laced with criticism as he spoke, "But Dumbledore should not make decisions for others, it's like treating them as pawns in a game of chess." His eyes flashed with annoyance, his expression stern. He crossed his arms over his chest, his posture rigid with disapproval.

Harry smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Yes, it seems wrong, but why don't you understand?" he asked, his voice calm. "Again, you're being hypocritical. You know Dumbledore had so much pressure on him, it's not easy being the leader of the light. As a leader, he has to take some harsh steps to ensure safety, for the greater good. He had to think of everyone, the whole wizarding world, not just me." Harry's eyes locked onto Snape's, his gaze piercing.

Sirius's eyes narrowed, his expression skeptical, but Harry continued, undeterred. "And yes, as you said, Sirius, Dumbledore is just a headmaster, he doesn't have any compulsion to be a leader, to think of everyone. But if that's true, then also, Dumbledore has absolutely no need to stay in the fight against Voldemort. And it's hypocritical if you expect Dumbledore to stay in the fight as the leader of the light, but then also accuse him of making decisions as one." Harry's voice rose, his passion evident.

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry. Dumbledore's eyes shone with pride, his expression grateful. McGonagall's eyes narrowed, her expression thoughtful, as she weighed Harry's words. Remus's face was a picture of concentration, his eyes fixed intently on Harry.

"Again, Dumbledore is the greatest wizard alive, but he's not perfect, neither is anyone else," Harry said, his voice calm. "Everyone makes mistakes. And Dumbledore's position allows him to make big decisions. It's rather lucky that Dumbledore is usually right, because given his position, his mistakes have a bigger impact than ours." Harry's eyes swept the room, his gaze meeting the eyes of everyone there.

Harry's eyes locked onto the faces of his loved ones, his voice filled with conviction and a hint of desperation. "And yes, it was a mistake that Dumbledore placed me with the Dursleys, which he regrets. But if anyone is at fault, it's the Dursleys. And if someone else, then it's me myself." He took a deep breath, his words tumbling out in a rush, as if he had been holding them back for too long.

"I had many chances to tell others, but I never did," he continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "Grandma Mrs. Tucker met me when I was six and was a mentor for me; I could have told her, but I didn't. I could have told her when she became my honorary grandma, but I didn't. I met Ginny last year; I could have told her, but I didn't. I could have told her parents, but I didn't. I could have told Professor Snape, or Gran Minnie, or Dumbledore himself the whole last year, but I didn't."

Harry's voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes scanning the room as if searching for understanding. "I could have told my best friends - Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco - but I didn't. I could have told Remus or Sirius when I met them last year, but I didn't. I could have told Amelia, she's the head of the DMLE, but I didn't. Because, in my mentality, I had this notion that I could never tell anyone. I was unable to."

The room was silent, with all eyes on Harry. His voice cracked, his emotions raw. "People say I'm very brave, but I was scared. And, honestly, I'm just 12. It's my fault that I almost died that day, and if it hadn't been for Dudley calling the Aurors, and if McGonagall, Snape, Dumbledore, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Ginny, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley hadn't come that day, they would never have realized that I was abused."

Harry's eyes locked onto the faces of his loved ones, his voice firm, but laced with a hint of sadness. "Yes, it was my fault, not that it means I deserve to be abused, but again, it was a mistake not to tell anyone. A mistake anyone could make, because we're human, just like Sirius did, just like Dumbledore did." The room remained silent, the weight of Harry's words hanging in the air like a challenge.

Dumbledore's eyes widened in amazement as he listened to Harry's words. He thought to himself, "Yes, I, Dumbledore, had lost my family years ago. My father died, my mother died, my sister died, and my brother Aberforth blamed me for it and was never close to me again. And my childhood friend, Grindelwald... yes, he was my friend, but it was hard to fight against him, to defeat him. At last, Grindelwald understood his mistake and is facing the consequences, imprisoned at Nurmengard. But I, Albus, was alone. Yes, I made great friends, McGonagall, Fawkes... I was seen as the leader of the light. I am the Headmaster, a profession I love. But Harry... he is so mature at just 12. The way he defended me... it was just so... so..." Dumbledore's voice cracked as he spoke, his eyes welling up with tears.

"I give you my deepest regret and gratitude, Harry," Dumbledore said, his voice trembling. But then, something unexpected happened. Dumbledore cried. It was the first time he had cried in years. Harry immediately hugged him, trying to comfort him. Dumbledore's frail body shook with sobs, his tears streaming down his face.

The others in the room were shocked to see Dumbledore cry. Ginny looked at Harry, her eyes shining with admiration. "He is just so loving and selfless," she thought to herself. "I am bloody lucky that he loves me, and I know that I can never stop loving him." Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked proud, as did McGonagall, Snape, and Remus. Sirius, now getting a better judgment, his anger fading, understood.

Harry turned to Dumbledore and said, "Yes, it would be difficult for me to trust you so much like before again, but as I said, it's a mistake. I also apologize to you on behalf of others for their accusations." Dumbledore felt a pang of regret, knowing that he deserved the accusations, but he was touched by Harry's apology.

Dumbledore's eyes met Harry's, his gaze filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Harry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Your forgiveness means the world to me."

Then, Harry turned to the others and said, "If I can forgive Dumbledore, then you should too. After all, I had endured abuse." His words hung in the air, a challenge to the others to reevaluate their judgment of Dumbledore.

Dumbledore shook his head, his eyes filled with regret. "No, Harry, I was at fault," he said, his voice firm.

Harry's expression was resolute. "And so were the others," he said, his gaze sweeping the room.

The others looked at each other, a mixture of shame and admiration on their faces. "Yes, Harry was right," they thought to themselves. "He is so mature for his own good."

McGonagall was the first to speak up, her voice soft. "Dumbledore, Harry, I apologize to both of you. I should have trusted Dumbledore's judgment, and I should have been more supportive of you, Harry."

Snape's eyes narrowed, but his voice was laced with a hint of warmth. "I, too, apologize to both of you. My... concern for you clouded my judgment, Harry. And, Dumbledore, I should have trusted your wisdom."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's eyes sparkled with tears. "Oh, Dumbledore, Harry, I am so sorry. I should have been there for you more, Harry, and I should have trusted your judgment, Dumbledore."

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked at each other, then back at Dumbledore and Harry. "We're sorry, both of you. We should have been more supportive of you, Harry, and we should have trusted your wisdom, Dumbledore."

Amelia's expression was somber. "I apologize to both of you. As the head of the DMLE, I should have been more vigilant, and I should have trusted Dumbledore's judgment."

Sirius's eyes were filled with regret. "Mate, Dumbledore, I'm sorry. I should have been there for you more, Harry, and I should have trusted Dumbledore's wisdom."

Remus's voice was soft. "Dumbledore, Harry, I apologize to both of you. I should have been more understanding of both of your perspectives."

Ginny's eyes shone with tears. "Dumbledore, Harry, I'm so sorry. I should have been more supportive of you, Harry, and I should have trusted Dumbledore's judgment."

Dumbledore waved his hand, a warm smile on his face. "No, no, my dear friends. As Harry said, we are humans, and we make mistakes. Let us not dwell on the past, but rather look to the future."

With that, Dumbledore's guilt seemed to vanish, and he looked like his usual self again. The twinkle in his eyes was back, and his posture was once again confident and assured.

With all the emotional apologies and forgiveness out of the way, the atmosphere in the room began to lighten. The kids, Susan, Ron, the twins, Dudley, and Daisy, walked in with Charlie, looking sweaty from their Quidditch game. Charlie grinned at Harry and said, "You really have done a great job with training Dudley! He's a natural!" Charlie clapped Dudley on the back, making him smile even wider.

Harry smiled, feeling proud of his cousin. Dudley smiled back, looking happy. Harry then turned his attention to Daisy, who was also sweaty. "Did you fly?" Harry asked, shocked. His eyes widened in surprise, and he took a step closer to Daisy.

Daisy nodded, smiling. "Yes, Charlie helped me! I'm not very good at it yet, but Charlie says I'll get the hang of it soon." Charlie chuckled and ruffled Daisy's hair. "She's a quick learner, Harry. She'll be flying like a pro in no time." Charlie beamed with pride, clearly enjoying his role as Daisy's flying instructor.

Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. It looked like Daisy was starting to open up and mix with others. After him, Ginny, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Charlie seemed to be her next favorite person. Harry felt a warmth in his heart, seeing Daisy happy and carefree.

But then, Harry's expression turned into a pout, amusing everyone. He crossed his arms over his chest, pretending to be offended. "I wanted to teach Daisy flying as her brother," Harry said, his voice laced with mock indignation. The others laughed at Harry's antics, and Daisy giggled.

Daisy hugged Harry, her eyes shining with mirth. "You can still teach me, Harry!" The others laughed even harder, and Charlie chuckled, shaking his head. "I think I've got some competition, Harry." Ginny smiled at Harry's mock offense, finding it cute.

On that note, Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling with a hint of exhaustion. "I should leave," he said, his voice gentle. "I will come tomorrow to discuss the case and how to punish the Dursleys at their trial." McGonagall and Snape also excused themselves, citing the need to send letters to new Muggleborn students. They left, leaving the others to their respective activities.

Remus and Sirius retired to their rooms, looking forward to a well-deserved rest. Grandma Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Weasley went to Grandma's room, excited to start planning for Harry's birthday, which was just two weeks away. "We'll make it the best birthday party ever, Molly!" Grandma Mrs. Tucker exclaimed, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.

Mr. Weasley and Amelia excused themselves, heading to the Ministry for their jobs. "We'll be back by evening, dear," Mr. Weasley said, giving Harry a warm smile. Charlie left too, heading to his new Dragon reserve, which was nearing its grand opening. "I'll be back by evening with Pyre," he said, smiling at Harry, who grinned at the mention of Charlie's girlfriend.

Dudley left with Ron and the twins, excited to learn more about wizarding games. Percy left to work on his summer homework, looking determined. Susan decided to join Ron, the twins, and Dudley, leaving Harry, Ginny, and Daisy alone in the hall.

The three of them sat on the sofa, Harry wrapping his arms around Ginny and Daisy. Ginny snuggled into his side, feeling happy and content. Daisy leaned against Harry's other side, looking up at him with adoring eyes. Harry smiled, feeling grateful for these two special people in his life. "I'm so lucky to have you both," he said, his voice filled with emotion. Ginny and Daisy smiled, knowing exactly what he meant.

It was clear that Ginny and Daisy thought otherwise, especially Daisy, who gazed at Harry with adoring eyes. They both seemed to think that they were the lucky ones to have Harry in their lives. Ginny snuggled deeper into Harry's side, feeling grateful for his love and support. Daisy, on the other hand, looked up at Harry with a mixture of admiration and adoration.

Just then, a voice echoed from the fireplace, breaking the warm moment. Harry turned to see Draco's face appearing in the flames, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "Harry!" Draco said, his voice cheerful.

"Hello!" Harry replied, grinning at his friend's sudden appearance. Ginny and Daisy turned to look at the fireplace, curious about the interruption.

"Sorry to disturb you," Draco said, "but I was wondering if I could come visit you at Fawcett Manor?" Draco's eyes flicked to Ginny and Daisy, and he nodded in greeting.

Harry's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's the problem? You've come here twice before, haven't you?" Harry's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that something was amiss.

Draco's expression turned serious. "Yes, but I have to lie to my parents, especially Father... if they knew..." Draco shuddered at the thought, his eyes clouding over. Ginny and Daisy exchanged a concerned glance, sensing the tension in Draco's voice.

Draco composed himself, returning to the original point. "Anyway, I told them I'm going to Crabbe's today, but Father wants me to take Scorpius with me, so he can learn some 'values' and how to behave." Draco rolled his eyes, clearly disapproving of his father's motives. "You know how Father is, always going on about blood purity and the importance of our family's reputation."

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "Scorpius is coming to Hogwarts next year, isn't he?" Harry's eyes sparkled with interest, and Ginny and Daisy leaned in, eager to hear more.

Draco nodded. "Yes, and Father thinks it's time for him to learn the 'proper' way of things. But I was wondering... can I bring Scorpius with me when I visit you?" Draco's eyes locked onto Harry's, his expression hopeful.

Harry's face broke into a warm smile. "Of course, you can bring him! I'd love to meet Scorpius, actually." Ginny and Daisy smiled, happy to see Harry and Draco's friendship thriving.

After a while, the fireplace in the hall flared to life, and Draco and Scorpius stepped out of the flames. Harry's eyes lit up with excitement as he greeted his friend. "Draco! Scorpius!" Harry exclaimed, smiling warmly.

Draco grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Harry! Good to see you, mate," he said, clapping Harry on the back.

Scorpius, on the other hand, looked a bit more subdued. He eyed Harry warily, his blue eyes taking in every detail. Harry couldn't help but notice the similarities between Scorpius and Draco - the blonde hair, the sharp features. But there were differences too. Scorpius's hair was a darker blonde, and his eyes were a bright blue, unlike Draco's grey. His hairstyle was messy, unlike Draco's sleek, polished look. And he was just slightly shorter than Draco.

Ginny and Daisy watched the scene with interest, their eyes fixed on Scorpius. They had heard a lot about Draco's younger brother, about how he was always rebellious to the Malfoy beliefs. It was clear that Scorpius was his own person, with his own thoughts and opinions. Harry, sensing Scorpius's wariness, smiled warmly and held out his hand. "Hey, Scorpius. I'm Harry."

As Scorpius shook Harry's hand, his eyes involuntarily drifted to the lightning-shaped scar on Harry's forehead. Harry was used to this reaction by now, but Draco wasn't. "Scorpius, that's rude," Draco said, his voice low but firm. Scorpius's face flushed with embarrassment as he apologized. "Sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to stare."

Harry smiled warmly, putting Scorpius at ease. "It's okay, I'm used to it. Don't worry about it." He then gestured to the two girls standing beside him. "This is Ginny, my girlfriend, and Daisy, my... sister." Scorpius's eyes widened in confusion, and he looked at Draco, who seemed to be warning him not to ask any questions.

Scorpius's confusion was palpable, but Harry was grateful that Draco had kept Daisy's story a secret, even from his own brother. Only those present at the manor, along with Harry's best friends - Ron, Hermione,

Harry took a deep breath and began to explain Daisy's story in short. "Daisy was a homeless girl we found on our date in Muggle London," Harry said, his eyes flicking to Ginny, who smiled encouragingly. "She's about Ginny's age, and she looks... well, she looks like a younger version of my mum, Lily Potter." Scorpius's eyes widened in surprise, and he leaned forward, his interest piqued.

"Except for her eyes," Harry continued. "They're hazel, like my dad's. We're not entirely sure how she's related to me, but we're trying to figure it out. For now, she's living here at Fawcett Manor, under a special treatment." Harry's expression turned serious, and he paused for a moment before continuing.

"At first, the healers said she needed 20 hours of sleep per day, but now it's down to 15 hours. It's been a big improvement, and we're all really hopeful that she'll make a full recovery." Ginny nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with warmth and concern for Daisy's well-being.

Scorpius looked fascinated, his eyes fixed on Daisy, who was watching him with interest. She seemed to be taking everything in, her hazel eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I've been telling her bits and pieces about the wizarding world, so she can adapt," Harry said, smiling at Daisy. "She's a witch, and we want to make sure she feels welcome here." Ginny smiled, reaching out to take Daisy's hand in hers.

Daisy smiled back, looking happy and content. She seemed to be feeling more and more at home here at Fawcett Manor, surrounded by people who cared about her. Scorpius watched her, a thoughtful expression on his face. He seemed to be taking everything in, processing this new information about Daisy and her mysterious past.

Draco's eyes turned to Harry, his expression concerned. "How are you, Harry?" he asked, his voice low and sincere. Harry smiled, reassuring his friend.

"I'm almost healed," Harry said, gesturing to the various short bandages that covered his arms and torso. "It's a big improvement from when you last saw me, isn't it?" Harry chuckled, recalling the state he was in when Draco had visited him earlier.

Draco nodded, his eyes scanning Harry's bandages. "You were covered in bandages like a mummy," he said, shuddering at the memory. Scorpius watched the exchange, his eyes somber. He knew about the abuse Harry had suffered at the hands of the Dursleys, and it was clear that he was still processing that information.

Harry's expression turned serious, and he nodded at Scorpius. "Draco's told you what happened, hasn't he?" he asked, his voice gentle. Scorpius nodded, his eyes locked on Harry's.

Ron, Dudley, and Susan descended the stairs, chatting animatedly about their morning's adventures. "I'm telling you, we're going to be the twins' next target for pranks," Ron said, laughing. Susan playfully rolled her eyes, while Dudley grinned mischievously.

As they entered the hall, Ron's eyes landed on Draco, and he rushed over, a look of surprise on his face. "Draco! How are you here? I thought you had to...you know, lie to your parents to come visit Harry." Draco chuckled and stood up, brushing off his robes.

"Ah, Ron, always so quick to remember the details," Draco said, smiling wryly. "But yes, I'm here now, and I'd like you to meet my brother, Scorpius." Ron's eyes widened as he took in Scorpius's appearance, and he grinned. "Great to meet you, Scorpius!"

Susan and Dudley also greeted Scorpius warmly, and the group chatted for a bit. Then Ron's eyes lit up with a brilliant idea. "You know what? We should call Hermione and Neville! Since Draco's already here, we might as well make the most of it." Draco's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, and he nodded vigorously.

Within 15 minutes, the hall of the manor was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter. Harry, Dudley, Daisy, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Scorpius, and Susan all gathered together, enjoying each other's company. The atmosphere was lively and joyful, with everyone catching up and sharing stories.

Harry's expression turned thoughtful, and he suddenly remembered something. "You know, I forgot to tell you all about Dobby," he said, his eyes sparkling with memory. Draco and Scorpius nodded in unison, their faces serious. "Yes, he's our family's elf," Draco said, his voice low.

Harry leaned forward, his enthusiasm growing. "Dobby came to visit me, and he told me not to go back to Hogwarts this year." The room fell silent, with everyone looking at Harry in surprise. Hermione spoke up, her voice filled with concern. "Why did Dobby say that, Harry?"

Draco and Scorpius exchanged a glance, and Draco's expression turned somber. "I don't think I know why Dobby might have said that," he said, his voice hesitant. Hermione's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowing in concern. "Why don't you free Dobby, Draco?" she asked, her voice firm but gentle.

Draco sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "I would, Hermione, but it's not possible." Ron, Neville, and Susan looked at him curiously, wondering why it wasn't possible. Draco's eyes clouded over, and he began to explain. "You see, when Scorpius was four, he tried to free Dobby. But Father...he told Dobby that he can only be freed if he himself gives Dobby a piece of clothing, not me or Scorpius."

Scorpius beamed with excitement as he chatted with Harry, his eyes shining with admiration. He had heard so much about Harry from Draco, who had often written to him about his experiences at Hogwarts. Scorpius remembered how Draco had spoken about Harry's kindness and acceptance, how he had been the first person to believe in Draco when he himself had doubted his own worth.

"I'm so glad I met you, Harry," Scorpius said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Draco's told me so much about you." Harry smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Scorpius glanced around the room, taking in the lively atmosphere. He was thrilled to have met all of Draco's friends, including Hermione, whom he knew Draco had a crush on. Ron and Neville were great too, and Susan seemed really nice. And then there were Daisy, Ginny, and Dudley, who would all be starting their first year at Hogwarts alongside him.

Scorpius felt grateful to have made friends before even starting at Hogwarts. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but with this wonderful group of people by his side, he felt more confident than ever. "I'm so glad we're all going to be at Hogwarts together," Scorpius said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Sirius sat in his room, surrounded by the familiar comforts of the manor. His eyes wandered out the window, gazing at the rolling hills and lush greenery beyond. But his mind was elsewhere, lost in the tangled web of emotions that had been plaguing him for weeks.

The conversation he had with Harry five days ago still lingered in his thoughts. Harry's words, spoken with such conviction and empathy, had struck a chord deep within Sirius. "Follow your heart, Sirius," Harry had said. "It won't be a betrayal to Marlene to be with someone else. Marlene would want the same."

Sirius's thoughts drifted back to Marlene, his fiancée who had been taken from him far too soon. It had been 11 long years since her passing, and yet the pain still felt like an open wound. But Harry's words had made him realize that he couldn't keep living in the past. He had to move forward, no matter how daunting that prospect seemed.

As he pondered his decision, Sirius's thoughts turned to Amelia Bones. She had been patiently waiting for him to come to terms with his feelings, and he knew he had been leading her on. Giving her hope, only to push her away. But Harry's words had made him see things in a new light. Amelia deserved better. She deserved someone who could love her fully, without the weight of grief holding him back.

Sirius took a deep breath, knowing he had to make a choice. Either he could continue to sulk in his grief, or he could take a chance on happiness. On Amelia. He thought about the way she made him feel, the way she smiled at him, the way she cared for him. And he knew that he couldn't keep her waiting forever.

But as he thought about moving forward, Sirius knew he couldn't give Marlene's place to Amelia. Marlene would always hold a special place in his heart, a place that no one could ever replace. But he could give Amelia a new place, one that didn't replace Marlene's memory but rather existed alongside it.

Sirius's eyes refocused on the present, and he knew what he had to do. He would talk to Amelia when she returned to the manor, and he would tell her how he felt. It was time to take a chance on happiness, no matter how scary that prospect seemed.

Though he was currently living at the manor due to Harry's recovery, he knew he would soon have to return to the Bones estate, where he was under fake house arrest.

As the evening drew to a close, Draco, Scorpius, Neville, and Hermione made their way back to the Floo Network, bidding farewell to the others as they departed for their respective homes. Ron, feeling a bit tired, settled back into his room, while Daisy , Susan and Dudley retreated to their own quarters, eager to rest after the day's excitement.

Harry and Ginny, hand in hand, decided to take a leisurely stroll through the lush green forest surrounding the manor. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle chirping of birds. Harry, with his unique ability to understand and communicate with animals, was in his element. He chatted with a curious squirrel, asked a wise old owl about its hunting prowess, and even convinced a shy rabbit to hop onto his shoulder.

As they walked, Harry's pets - Hedwig the owl, Poco the little sparrow, and Kluer the colour-changing cat - appeared out of nowhere, eager to show their loyalty and affection to their master. Hedwig softly hooted, nuzzling Harry's cheek, while Poco chirped excitedly, flitting about Harry's head. Kluer, meanwhile, transformed into a brilliant shade of blue, rubbing against Harry's leg with a contented purr.

Ginny laughed, delighted by the sight of Harry surrounded by his adoring pets. "You're like a magnet for animals, Harry," she said, smiling up at him. Harry grinned, scratching Kluer behind the ears. "I guess I just have a way with them," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the garden, Harry and Ginny continued their leisurely stroll. Harry felt grateful to be able to walk freely, his injuries from the Dursleys' abuse finally beginning to heal. Ginny smiled up at him, happy to see him so carefree.

Meanwhile, back at the manor, the Floo Network announced the arrival of Amelia Bones and Arthur Weasley, both returning from their work at the Ministry. Arthur made his way to the kitchen, where his wife Molly was busy chatting with Grandma Mrs. Tucker. Amelia, on the other hand, went to check on her niece Susan, whom she found chatting with Daisy in the living room.

After exchanging a few words with the girls, Amelia headed towards her room, lost in thought. Suddenly, she heard a familiar voice calling out to her. "Lia!" Sirius's voice echoed down the hallway, using the nickname only he had ever used for her. Amelia's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a flutter in her chest. But she didn't want to get her hopes up, not yet. She took a deep breath and turned towards Sirius's voice, a mixture of caution and curiosity on her face.

Next Chapter is  Dursleys Doomed - I

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.I hope that I did justice to the chapter. Yes I want to say that dumbledore was at fault but also that he is also only a human. And he regrets his decision and would never knowingly repeat his mistake. Other than that I found it a nice opportunity to introduce Scorpius into story. Well I have a few plans like Susan joining the group this year and I have been planning to call their group The Musketeers. Actually I have planned that the group of six - Draco , Ron , Hermione, Susan , Neville and Harry would be ' The Golden Musketeers ' and the group of another six - Ginny , Luna , Dudley, Scorpius , Daisy and one unknown would be ' The Silver Musketeers ' Together as the ' Dual Musketeers '. Give me your verdict on it. And even there maybe another group of six the ' The Bronze Musketeers ' and all three groups as Triple Muskeeteers or Trio Of Musketeers or something. What do You Reckon ? Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 10: Dursleys Doomed - I

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Sirius's eyes locked onto Amelia's as he said, "I wanted to talk to you, Lia." His voice was calm, but his mind was racing with emotions. Amelia's curiosity was piqued, and she followed him into his room, wondering what he wanted to discuss.

As they sat down, Sirius took a deep breath and began to pour his heart out to Amelia. He told her everything - about his feelings, his fears, and his memories of Marlene. He spoke of the pain and guilt that had haunted him for so long, and how he had been scared to move on.

"I've been stuck in the past for so long, Lia," Sirius said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I've been afraid to let go of Marlene's memory, afraid that I'd be betraying her. But Harry made me realize that I don't have to choose between Marlene and moving on. I can honor her memory while still living my life."

Amelia listened intently, her eyes filled with compassion and understanding. She had known Sirius for a long time, but she had never seen him so vulnerable, so open.

As Sirius spoke, Amelia could see the weight of his grief slowly lifting off his shoulders. She could see the spark of hope in his eyes, the spark that had been missing for so long.

But what caught Amelia off-guard was when Sirius said, "I'm ready to take a chance, Lia. With us." Her eyes widened in surprise, and she felt like she had been punched in the gut. She had thought that Sirius would never say those words, that he would never be ready to move on.

Amelia had lost all hope before, thinking that Sirius would always be stuck in the past. But now, as she looked into his eyes, she saw something there that she hadn't seen in a long time - hope.

"Lia?" Sirius said, his voice soft and uncertain. "Say something." He looked at her with pleading eyes, his heart on his sleeve. Amelia's heart skipped a beat as she looked at him, her mind racing with emotions.

Amelia's eyes searched Sirius's face, as if seeking confirmation that this was real, not just a dream. She had been in love with him since their Hogwarts days, but life had taken them down different paths. Sirius had been with Marlene, then Azkaban, and now...now he was finally standing in front of her, expressing his feelings.

Amelia composed herself, her years as a former Auror and current head of the DMLE, combined with her personal struggles, including the loss of her family, had made her tough. She wasn't one to cry easily, and she certainly wasn't going to break down now.

"I've been waiting for you for months, Sirius," Amelia said, her voice steady. "But now that you're here, I have to ask...is this because you pity me? Because you feel sorry for me after everything I've been through?" Her eyes narrowed, her gaze intense. "I don't want your pity, Sirius. And I don't want Marlene's place. I want you to want me for who I am, not because you feel obligated."

Sirius's expression was somber, his eyes locked onto Amelia's. "I don't pity you, Lia," he said, his voice low and sincere. "I admire you. I admire your strength, your courage, and your beauty. You're an incredible woman, and I'm honored to have the chance to be with you." He took a step closer, his eyes burning with intensity.

"Take a chance with me, Lia," Sirius said, his voice filled with emotion. "Give us a chance and see where things take us. I know I've hurt you in the past, and I don't blame you if you're hesitant. But I promise you, Lia, I'm all in. I'm ready to take this chance, to see if we can make this work."

Amelia's heart skipped a beat as she listened to Sirius's words. No one had ever spoken to her like that before. No one had ever made her feel so seen, so heard, and so loved.

"If all goes well," Sirius continued, his voice filled with hope, "then maybe, just maybe, we can build a future together. Wake up every morning with each other, explore the world together, laugh together, and face challenges side by side."

Amelia's eyes locked onto Sirius's, her mind racing with emotions. She didn't know what to say, but she knew she couldn't deny the spark between them. She felt it, a spark that had been ignited the moment Sirius had walked into the room.

Sirius's eyes never left hers, his gaze filled with hope and anticipation. He took another step closer, his face inches from Amelia's.

"Lia?" Sirius whispered, his voice barely audible. "Please say something."

Amelia's eyes never left Sirius's as she said, "Susan." It wasn't a sudden thought, but rather one that had been lingering in the back of her mind. As she hadn't expected this turn of events today, it could be said that it was a sudden consideration.

"I need to talk to her," Amelia said, her voice firm. "Before I can even think about...us, I need to make sure Susan is alright with it." Sirius's expression changed to one of understanding, and he nodded slowly.

"If Susan approves, then...we can see where things go," Amelia said, her eyes still locked onto Sirius's. "But if she's not ready, or if she doesn't approve...then there's no chance." Sirius nodded again, his eyes filled with understanding.

"I completely understand, Lia," Sirius said, his voice soft. "If I were in your shoes, and Harry were in Susan's place...I would do the same thing." He took a step back, giving Amelia space. "You need to talk to Susan, and I respect that."

Amelia's expression suddenly changed, and she frowned, remembering something important. "Tomorrow, Patricia Moon, the head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse, is coming to take Harry's account of the abuse," she said, her voice serious and measured. "After that, it usually takes a week or so to set up the trial, but given that it's Harry Potter, things will likely escalate quickly." She paused, collecting her thoughts.

Sirius's eyes narrowed, anger flashing across his face as he thought about Petunia, Vernon, and Marge, who were currently in custody for their cruel treatment of Harry. "In that case, it's probably best if we keep our relationship on the backburner until the trial is over," he said, his voice practical and cautious.

Amelia nodded, understanding the need for discretion. The last thing they needed was to compromise the trial or attract unwanted attention. Sirius added, with a cheeky grin, "That will also give you time to talk to Susan." Amelia shot him a glare, but a slight twitch of her lips betrayed her amusement.

"We'll inform Harry and the others about Patricia Moon's visit during dinner," Amelia said, her expression serious once again. Sirius nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving hers.

Amelia stepped closer to Sirius, her eyes locked on his, and kissed him softly on the cheek. "I'll see you at dinner," she whispered, her breath warm against his skin. Sirius's heart skipped a beat as he watched her turn and leave for her room, feeling a sense of anticipation and excitement for what the future might hold.

As the sun began to set, Harry and Ginny shared a tender kiss under the blooming flowers of the gardens. Poco, Master Harry's little sparrow, chirped happily on his head, while Kluer, Master Harry's colour-changing cat, purred contentedly in his arms. Hedwig, Master Harry's loyal owl, watched over them from her perch on Master Harry's shoulder.

Together, they strolled back to the manor, hand in hand, feeling carefree and happy. As they entered the manor, they were greeted by the warm smiles of their loved ones, who were all waiting for them in the dining room.

"Ah, finally! You two have decided to join us," Mrs. Weasley said with a chuckle, as she gave Ginny a warm hug. "We were starting to think you'd forgotten about dinner."

Twinky and Dimpy, the twin elves, immediately began fussing over Master Harry and Miss Ginny, scolding them for being late. "Late, late, late! You're always late, Master Harry! And now, dinner is delayed!" Twinky exclaimed, as he expertly served the food onto their plates.

Dimpy, not to be outdone, added, "Yes, and you've kept everyone waiting! Master Remus, Master Sirius, Master Charlie, the Young Masters, Master Percy, Master Ron, Mistress Daisy, Master Dudley, Mistress Susan... everyone has been waiting for you, Master Harry and Miss Ginny!"

As they sat down to dinner, Harry couldn't help but notice that Sirius and Amelia's eyes kept meeting across the table. They would exchange a brief glance, and then quickly look away, but Harry caught the spark of connection between them. He wondered if his talk with Sirius had finally had an impact.

Harry's eyes darted back and forth between Sirius and Amelia, a small smile playing on his lips. He was happy to see that maybe, just maybe, Sirius was finally starting to move on.

Just as Harry was lost in thought, Amelia cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. "I have an announcement to make," she said, her voice serious. "Tomorrow, Patricia Moon, the head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse, will be visiting us to take Harry's account of the abuse he suffered at the hands of his Muggle relatives."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Harry. He nodded, taking a deep breath, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The next day, everyone went about their respective routines, trying to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the looming visit from Patricia Moon. Meanwhile, in their room, Ginny was gently removing the last of the bandages that had covered Harry's wounds. It was a testament to Harry's miraculously fast healing rate that his body had recovered so quickly. Just nine days ago, he had looked like he was on his deathbed, but now, aside from a few faint scars, there was barely any evidence of the brutal abuse he had suffered.

Ginny's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at Harry's healed skin. She had been so scared of losing him, and the thought of what could have happened still sent shivers down her spine. Harry, sensing her emotions, wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

"It's okay, Gin," Harry whispered softly. "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

Daisy knocked on the door, a mischievous grin spreading across her face as she teased, "Hey, lovebirds! Can I come in?" Ginny rolled her eyes good-naturedly, while Harry chuckled and called out, "Come on in, Daisy!" The door swung open, and Daisy bounced into the room, her bright red hair bobbing with each step. Her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement as she said, "Hey, guys! I'm so nervous about today. I've never been to a different wizarding house before, and I'm going to be all alone without you two."

Ginny immediately went over to reassure her, giving her a warm hug. "Don't worry, Daisy," Ginny said softly, her voice filled with compassion. "You'll be fine. Ron, Susan, the twins, and Percy will all be there with you at Longbottom Manor. And Neville and Hermione will take good care of you. They're really nice, and you'll love them." Harry added, "And it's just for the day, Daisy. Patricia Moon will be here and there to take my account, and then you'll be back here with us tonight."

Daisy nodded, looking a bit more reassured. "Okay, got it. But I'm still going to miss you guys." She pouted, her lower lip jutting out in a adorable expression. Harry smiled and ruffled her hair, saying, "We'll miss you too, kiddo. But you'll have fun, I promise. And think of all the new people you'll meet! You'll make lots of new friends, and before you know it, you'll be begging to go back to Longbottom Manor." Daisy giggled at the teasing, and Ginny smiled, happy to see her friend feeling more at ease.

As the morning progressed, the kids began to prepare for their temporary relocation to Longbottom Manor. Ron, Susan, the twins, Percy, and Daisy all gathered in the entrance hall, chatting excitedly about their day ahead. Neville and Hermione would be waiting for them at the Manor, and although Scorpius and Draco wouldn't be able to join them, they were all looking forward to a fun-filled day.

Daisy, however, was still a little nervous. This would be her first time spending the day away from Harry and Ginny, and she wasn't sure what to expect. But as she glanced over at Harry, who was watching her with a reassuring smile, she felt her nerves begin to settle.

As Daisy turned to leave, Harry called out, "Hey, Daisy! I've got a feeling you're going to make a great Slytherin!" Ginny rolled her eyes good-naturedly, and Daisy grinned, feeling a surge of excitement at the prospect of being sorted into a Hogwarts house.

Harry's comment was met with a chorus of laughter and teasing from the others, but Harry just chuckled and shook his head. "Hey, houses don't matter to me," he said with a grin. "We're all in this together, no matter what house we're in."

After the children left for Longbottom Manor, the living room was transformed into a makeshift conference room. Grandma Mrs. Tucker, with the help of Mrs. Weasley and the twin elves Twinky and Dimpy, had arranged the seating and laid out various documents and photographs. The room was filled with a sense of anticipation and purpose, as everyone waited for the proceedings to begin.

As everyone took their seats, Charlie, Mr. Weasley, Remus, Sirius, Ginny, Dudley, Harry, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Mrs. Weasley all waited for the proceedings to begin. Soon, Snape arrived, his expression scowling slightly as he glanced at Sirius. Despite their differences, everyone knew that Snape cared deeply for Harry, and that was what mattered most.

Snape took his seat, and soon McGonagall, Dumbledore, Madam Pomfrey, and Healer Pyre arrived. The medical team began arranging the photographs they had taken of Harry, both with and without glamour charms, as well as the reports and medical evidence. Meanwhile, Dumbledore, Remus, and McGonagall (Gran Minnie) were engaged in a heated discussion about the Dursleys' punishment.

"We cannot let them off scot-free," McGonagall said firmly, her eyes flashing with indignation. "Their treatment of Harry was nothing short of abuse. The physical scars may have healed, but the emotional trauma will take much longer to overcome."

"I agree," Dumbledore said gravely, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "But we must ensure that the punishment fits the crime. We will need to present a strong case to the Ministry, and make sure that the Dursleys are held accountable for their actions."

Mrs. Weasley and Grandma Mrs. Tucker were interviewing Dudley, trying to gather more information about Harry's treatment at the hands of the Dursleys. "Can you tell us more about how Harry was fed, Dudley?" Mrs. Weasley asked gently, her eyes filled with compassion.

Mr. Weasley, Sirius, and Charlie were discussing the other forms of abuse Harry had suffered, such as being forced to live in the cupboard under the stairs and being made to do excessive chores. Charlie's face was set in a determined expression, his eyes flashing with anger at the thought of what Harry had endured.

"He was treated like a servant, not a member of the family," Mr. Weasley said, his voice tight with indignation. "Forced to do all the household chores, and never given a moment's peace."

"And the cupboard," Sirius added, his voice low and angry. "Forcing him to live in that tiny, cramped space. It's inhumane."

Charlie nodded in agreement. "We'll make sure they pay for what they did to him. Harry deserves justice, and we'll make sure he gets it."

Harry sat leaning on Ginny, his eyes fixed on the floor. He knew that today would be difficult, reliving all the painful memories he had tried to forget. But he was determined to see justice served, no matter how hard it would be. Ginny wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as he prepared to face the ordeal ahead.

Just then, Tonks arrived to pick Sirius up, her usual bright smile faltering for a moment as she glanced around the room. Sirius groaned, remembering that he was still under house arrest, albeit a fake one. But Patricia Moon didn't know that, and he couldn't risk arousing her suspicions.

"Can't I just stay in my Padfoot form?" Sirius asked, his eyes pleading with Tonks.

Tonks' hair changed from bubblegum pink to an angry red as she shook her head firmly. "No, Sirius. Strictly no transforming. We can't risk anyone finding out."

Sirius knew better than to argue with Tonks when she was in this mood. He nodded reluctantly and stood up, his eyes meeting Harry's for a brief moment before he followed Tonks out of the room.

As the door closed behind them, the room fell silent once more. Harry was still leaning on Ginny, his eyes fixed on some point in space as he tried to prepare himself for the ordeal ahead.

But amidst the somber atmosphere, Remus' eyes were fixed on the door, a look of quiet longing on his face. His gaze had followed Tonks out of the room, and for a moment, he seemed lost in thought. It was a look that went unnoticed by everyone except perhaps Dumbledore, whose eyes twinkled with a knowing glint.

Amelia Bones walked into the room, followed by Patricia Moon, the head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse. Patricia was a stern-looking woman with a kind face, and she carried herself with an air of quiet authority. Behind her, a bespectacled man lugged a large cardboard box, which he set down carefully on the floor.

"Everyone, this is Patricia Moon, head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse," Amelia said, her voice smooth and professional. "And this is Mr. Jenkins, who will be assisting us with the documentation."

Patricia smiled warmly as she greeted the room. "Good morning, everyone. I appreciate you all taking the time to meet with me today. I'm sure this won't be easy for any of you, but I assure you that we will do everything in our power to ensure that justice is served."

Mr. Jenkins nodded in agreement, his eyes already scanning the room for a place to set up his equipment. "Yes, we'll do our best to make this as painless as possible," he said, his voice a little too cheerful for the somber occasion.

Patricia's expression remained neutral, but her eyes betrayed a deep sadness as she listened to Harry's account. She scribbled notes furiously, her pen scratching across the paper as Harry's words poured out. The sound of her pen moving across the paper was the only noise in the room, as everyone else was completely entranced by Harry's story.

Ginny squeezed Harry's hand, offering silent support as he recounted the horrors he had endured. Patricia smiled faintly, noticing the tender gesture. "Young love," she thought to herself, her eyes softening for a moment before returning to their neutral expression.

As Harry spoke, the room fell silent, the only sound the scratching of Patricia's pen and the occasional sniffle from Ginny. Harry's voice was steady, but his eyes betrayed the pain he had suffered. His eyes seemed to glaze over, as if he was transported back to the time when he was living with the Dursleys.

"I was locked in the cupboard for hours, sometimes days," Harry began, his voice barely above a whisper. "The beatings and slaps started when I was just a toddler. They bullied me, mistreated me, neglected me, starved me...I was never allowed to own anything, not even a toy. I wore second-hand clothes, and was forced to do chores from a young age."

Patricia's eyes widened as Harry continued, his words painting a picture of a childhood marred by cruelty and neglect. "They forced me to stay back in academics, beating me whenever I tried to learn. They lied about my parents' death, trying to hide the magical world from me. The mental, emotional, and psychological torture was so severe that I tried to...I tried to end my life a few times."

The room was silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of those present. Patricia's face was ashen, her eyes filled with tears. "How did you survive, Harry?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Harry's voice cracked as he recounted the final beating, the one that had nearly taken his life. "If they hadn't found me, I would have died. I'm only alive because of my accidental magic."

Patricia closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she composed herself. "I've never heard a case like this before," she said, her voice shaking. "How you're still alive, Harry, is a miracle. I can only imagine how difficult this must have been for you."

Patricia paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing. "I'm going to make sure that the Dursleys are held accountable for their actions. We will do everything in our power to ensure that they face the consequences of their abuse."

The room erupted into a chorus of agreement, with everyone nodding in support of Patricia's words. Harry felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that he had finally found someone who believed him, someone who would fight for him.

After taking Harry's account, Patricia turned her attention to Snape, Madam Pomfrey, and Healer Pyre. "Now, I'd like to review the medical evidence," she said, her eyes scanning the room.

Snape stepped forward, his expression grim. "I have prepared a detailed report of Harry's physical and emotional condition when he first arrived at Hogwarts," he said, handing Patricia a thick stack of papers.

Madam Pomfrey and Healer Pyre followed suit, presenting their own reports and photographs. The evidence was damning, and Patricia's assistant looked increasingly pale as he took notes and photographed the evidence.

"It's...it's horrific," Patricia's assistant whispered, his voice shaking.

Patricia's expression was grim. "I've seen some terrible things in my line of work, but this...this is something else."

Once she had finished reviewing the medical evidence, Patricia began taking statements from the others in the room. Dudley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Ginny, Remus, Amelia, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Charlie all shared their accounts of Harry's treatment at the hands of the Dursleys.

Even Twinky and Dimpy, the twin house-elves, were interviewed, their large eyes shining with tears as they recounted the cruelty they had witnessed.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, Patricia finished taking statements. She sat down at the table, surrounded by stacks of papers and photographs, and began to finalize her notes.

The others in the room waited patiently, watching as Patricia worked tirelessly to build a case against the Dursleys. They knew that it wouldn't be easy, but they were determined to see justice served.

Patricia looked up from her notes, her eyes locking onto Harry's. "Harry, do you blame Dumbledore for placing you with the Dursleys?" she asked gently.

Harry shook his head. "No, I don't blame him. At the time, it was necessary, and I didn't have any other guardians. He was trying to protect me."

Patricia nodded, jotting down some notes. "And what about Dudley? Do you blame him for his part in your mistreatment?"

Harry's expression softened. "No, I don't blame Dudley either. Since he realized his parents were wrong, we've actually become friends. He's the one who called the Aurors and turned his parents in."

Patricia's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I didn't know that."

Harry nodded. "Yes, if it wasn't for Dudley, I might not be alive today."

Patricia finished her notes, then looked up at the group. "I think we have a strong case against the Dursleys. But I need all of you to be present in court as witnesses. Your testimonies will be crucial in ensuring justice is served."

The group nodded in agreement, but Harry's eyes widened in concern. "Why does Dudley have to be there? He's already done so much for me."

But Dudley stood firm, his jaw set. "I'll be there, Harry. I'll stand with the truth and justice."

Patricia smiled, her eyes shining with approval. "Thank you, Dudley. Your bravery will make a big difference in this case."

Patricia's expression turned serious as she continued, "Until now, we've been able to keep the matters confidential, but I'm sure that instead of a regular Wizengamot Council Trial, we'll be having a full trial with all 50 current occupants."

The room fell silent as the weight of her words sank in. Harry's eyes widened in dismay as he realized the implications. "A full trial?" he repeated, his voice laced with concern.

Patricia nodded. "Yes, and at that time, it would be almost impossible to stop the press. Be ready, Harry. Due to your fame, this case might become the highlight of the year."

Harry groaned, burying his face in his hands. "Just what I need, more fame," he muttered. Ginny squeezed his hand reassuringly, offering a supportive smile.

Patricia's expression softened slightly. "Of course, there will be some advantages too. With a full trial, it will take a lot less time to set up, and maybe as soon as the day after tomorrow, or at the latest, by the 23rd of July, the trial will be held."

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as everyone began to discuss the implications of a full trial. Harry's anxiety grew, but with Ginny by his side, he felt a sense of determination wash over him. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

After finalizing her notes, Patricia shook hands with Harry and said, "The Dursleys are bound to be punished, Harry. The trial will decide the extent of their punishment, but rest assured, they will face justice."

With that, Patricia left, and Amelia accompanied her to the door to see her off. When Amelia returned, the atmosphere in the room had lightened considerably.

Just then, Sirius walked in, looking extremely grumpy, with Tonks by his side. The sunset streaming through the windows highlighted the dark circles under Sirius' eyes, and his usual charming smile was nowhere to be seen.

Harry, now in a cheerful mood, burst out laughing at his godfather's expression. Sirius displayed a look of betrayal, his eyes narrowing at Harry's amusement.

"Anyone would look like this if they had to spend the whole day with Moody, listening to his rants and paranoid nature," Sirius grumbled, shaking his head.

This time, Harry didn't miss the fact that Remus was staring at Tonks, who had changed her hair to a lovely pink-blonde color. Tonks looked stunning, and Remus seemed transfixed.

Harry smirked to himself, thinking that his earlier conversation with Sirius might have had some impact. He remembered the exchange of glances between Sirius and Amelia at breakfast, and now Remus seemed smitten with Tonks.

"It looks like my talk had some effect," Harry thought, feeling pleased with himself. Little did he know that the dynamics of the group were about to become even more complicated.

As the group chatted, the sound of laughter and chatter filled the room, signaling the return of the rest of the group from Longbottom Manor. Daisy, Susan, Ron, Percy, and the twins walked in, looking like they had just had the best day ever.

Daisy's eyes scanned the room, and as soon as she spotted Harry, she ran towards him, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug. "Harry!" she exclaimed, her voice muffled against his chest.

Ron chuckled, shaking his head. "Sorry about that, mate. She got a bit stuck in a magical vein at Neville's greenhouse. Apparently, it triggered some earlier memory or something."

Harry laughed, hugging Daisy back. "It's okay, I'm just glad she's okay," he said, smiling at Ron.

Percy, looking a bit more serious, nodded in agreement. "Yes, it was quite a ordeal. But we managed to get her out safely."

The twins, Fred and George, grinned mischievously. "And we managed to get some great ideas for new pranks while we were there," they said in unison, chuckling.

Susan smiled, shaking her head. "I'm just glad everyone is safe. Now, what did we miss?"

As the evening drew to a close, Tonks accepted an invitation to stay for dinner, much to Remus' delight. Harry and Ginny exchanged a knowing glance, both of them noticing the way Remus' eyes lit up when Tonks agreed to stay.

Dinner was a lively affair, with everyone chatting and laughing together. Tonks regaled the group with stories of her latest Auror training exercises, making everyone laugh with her impressions of Mad-Eye Moody.

After dinner, the group began to disperse, with everyone retiring to their own rooms to rest. Tonks said her goodbyes, thanking Amelia for the hospitality before heading out into the evening.

As the door closed behind Tonks, Remus couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of hope that he hadn't felt in a long time. Harry and Ginny exchanged another knowing glance, both of them thinking that maybe, just maybe, Remus had found someone special.

Amelia knocked softly on Susan's door, and when she heard a gentle "come in," she entered the room. Susan looked up from the book she was reading, a curious expression on her face.

"Aunt Amelia, what's up?" Susan asked, setting her book aside.

Amelia took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto Susan's. "I wanted to talk to you about something," she said, her voice measured. "It's about Sirius Black."

Susan's eyebrows rose slightly, but she said nothing, waiting for Amelia to continue.

"I know you're aware of the situation with Sirius," Amelia said, her voice steady. "And I know you care about him deeply. But I have to ask, Susan...how do you feel about the possibility of Sirius and me...being together?

"Aunt Amelia," Susan said, her voice soft and gentle.

Amelia's eyes locked onto Susan's, searching for any sign of disapproval or discomfort. But instead, she saw a warm and understanding expression.

"I know you've had feelings for Sirius for a long time, Aunt Amelia," Susan said, her voice filled with empathy. "And I have to admit, I've seen the way you two look at each other. You're happy when you're around him, and that's all that matters to me."

Amelia's face relaxed, a soft smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, Susan," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "That means a lot to me."

"Aunt Amelia," Susan said, her voice soft and gentle, filled with affection and concern.

Amelia's eyes locked onto Susan's, searching for any sign of disapproval or discomfort. But instead, she saw a warm and understanding expression, one that put her at ease.

"I know you've had feelings for Sirius for a long time, Aunt Amelia," Susan said, her voice filled with empathy. "And I have to admit, I've seen the way you two look at each other. You're happy when you're around him, and that's all that matters to me."

Susan's words were like a balm to Amelia's soul. She had been worried about Susan's reaction, worried that her niece might not approve of her relationship with Sirius. But Susan's words reassured her, made her feel like she had her niece's blessing.

"Thank you, Susan," Amelia said, her voice filled with gratitude. "That means a lot to me. You're the only family I have left, and your approval means everything."

Susan smiled, her eyes shining with warmth. "You don't need my approval, Aunt Amelia," she said. "But I'm glad I can give it to you. You deserve to be happy, and if Sirius makes you happy, then I'm all for it."

Amelia's face relaxed, a soft smile spreading across her face. She felt a weight lift off her shoulders, felt like she could finally breathe again. She knew that she had Susan's blessing, and that was all that mattered.

As the night drew to a close, Ginny headed to the bathroom to change into one of Harry's t-shirts and her pajamas. Meanwhile, Harry changed into his own pajamas outside, his movements quiet and relaxed.

When Ginny emerged from the bathroom, she smiled softly at Harry. "It must have been a really hard day for you, reliving all that to give Patricia your account," she said, her voice filled with empathy.

Harry nodded, his eyes somber, but as he looked at Ginny, his expression softened. "You were there, squeezing my hand," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "That means a hell of a lot to me."

He took Ginny's hand in his, his eyes locking onto hers. "I love you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper, before kissing her hand gently.

Ginny's heart swelled with love for Harry, and she smiled as she tucked him in under the blanket. It was a small gesture, but one that held deep significance for Harry. Ginny knew that all his life, Harry had never had someone to tuck him in, to show him that kind of care and affection.

As his girlfriend, Ginny made it a point to do little things like that for Harry, to show him that she was there for him, that she cared. And so, she tucked him in, her hands gentle as she smoothed out the blankets.

As she finished, Ginny leaned in and kissed Harry's head, her lips soft against his hair. "I love you too," she whispered, before snuggling in beside him, feeling his warmth and comfort as they drifted off to sleep together.

In the dreamland, Harry and Ginny strolled hand in hand, enjoying the serene beauty of the forest. The soft rustle of leaves and the sweet songs of birds filled the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere. They talked and laughed, their conversation flowing effortlessly, as they explored the winding paths and picturesque clearings.

But suddenly, Ginny winced, her posture changing as she doubled over slightly. Harry's eyes narrowed in concern, and he immediately understood what was happening. He had seen this before, six times to be exact, and he knew the signs all too well.

"Ginny, is it...?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle, as he wrapped his arms around her in a comforting hug.

Ginny nodded, her face scrunched up in discomfort. "Yeah, it's that time again," she said, her voice laced with frustration and a hint of embarrassment.

Harry's expression turned sympathetic, and he pulled her closer, holding her tightly. "It's okay, Gin," he whispered, using his nickname for her. "I'm here for you. We'll get through this together."

He remembered all too well the first time Ginny had gotten her period in the dreamland. She was only 10 years old then, and it had been a shock for both of them. Since then, they had handled the situation six times before, and Harry had learned to recognize the signs.

Though the pain was much less in the dreamland compared to the real world, Harry knew that after the dream, they would wake up, and Ginny would have to deal with the discomfort all over again. He hated seeing her in pain, and he hated the stupid period for making Ginny all snappy and irritable.

But despite his dislike for the situation, Harry was determined to take care of his love. He wrapped his arms around Ginny, pulling her close as they walked. "Let's get you comfortable, okay?" he said, his voice soft and soothing. "We can find a quiet spot, and I'll take care of you."

Ginny nodded, smiling weakly, and Harry led her to a secluded clearing surrounded by tall trees and filled with soft, green grass. He sat down beside her, putting his arm around her shoulders, and pulled her close. "I'm here for you, Gin," he whispered, holding her tightly. "Always."

The next morning, Harry and Ginny woke up to a new day, but Ginny was still feeling the effects of her period. As she stirred under the blankets, Harry noticed her wincing in discomfort.

"Stay in bed, Gin," Harry said, his voice soft with concern. "You don't have to get up."

But Ginny, still feeling a bit irritable, snapped at him. "Harry, I can take care of myself!" she said, her voice sharp.

However, she immediately regretted her outburst and apologized quickly. "Harry, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you."

Harry smiled and kissed her forehead. "It's okay, Gin. I know you're not feeling well."

Ginny then got out of bed and went to her mother's room at the manor to tell her about her period and to ask for supplies, as hers had run out and she had forgotten to restock.

When Ginny returned to their room, Molly was sitting with Arthur in the living room, looking a bit concerned.

"What's wrong, dear?" Arthur asked, noticing Molly's expression.

Molly sighed. "It's Ginny. She's started her periods already. She's growing up so fast."

Arthur nodded sympathetically. "Yes, they do grow up quickly, don't they?"

Molly looked worried. "And Harry and Ginny are so in love. They've always been allowed to stay in the same room, but now...I don't know what will happen when they become hormonal teenagers."

Arthur put a reassuring arm around Molly. "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it, dear. For now, let's just focus on supporting Ginny through this time."

Molly walked into Harry and Ginny's room, expecting to see Ginny in a state of distress. But instead, she was surprised to find Harry taking care of Ginny, fussing over her with a gentle smile.

Ginny was lying on the bed, looking a bit pale but otherwise comfortable. Harry was sitting beside her, holding a cold compress to her forehead and stroking her hair with his other hand.

Molly's tension and worry vanished instantly as she took in the scene. She saw how tenderly Harry was caring for Ginny, and how happy Ginny looked despite her discomfort.

"Harry, you're supposed to be taking care of yourself, not Ginny," Molly said, trying to sound stern but unable to hide her smile.

Harry looked up at Molly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm almost healed, Mrs. Weasley. Just a few scratches left. Ginny needs me more right now."

Molly's heart swelled with pride and love for her daughter and Harry. She knew that they were meant to be together, and moments like these only reinforced that feeling.

"Alright, dear. You take care of Ginny. I'll go make some tea for both of you," Molly said, smiling at Harry and Ginny before heading out of the room.

That evening, Amelia returned to the office, her expression serious. "The trial against the Dursleys is set for the day after tomorrow," she announced, her voice firm.

Harry's eyes widened, and he felt a familiar tension creeping up his spine. Ginny, sensing his unease, wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.

Daisy, who had been told about the abuse Harry suffered at the hands of the Dursleys, looked on with concern. However, she had not been told about the extent of the abuse, and seeing Harry's reaction made her realize just how severe it must have been.

The dinner that followed was a silent affair, despite the large number of people present. The usual chatter and laughter were absent, replaced by an uncomfortable silence.

The table was filled with familiar faces: Harry, Sirius, Ginny, Remus, Amelia, Ron, Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Charlie, Daisy, the twins, Susan, Dudley, and Percy. Yet, despite the crowd, the atmosphere was subdued.

As they sat down to eat, Mrs. Weasley tried to break the silence, asking about everyone's day. But the conversation was stilted, and the tension in the air was palpable.

Harry, usually a lively participant in dinner conversations, was quiet, his mind preoccupied with the upcoming trial. Ginny stayed close to him, her hand on his arm, offering silent support.

As the meal drew to a close, Amelia spoke up, her voice gentle. "Harry, I know this isn't easy, but we'll get through it together. You're not alone."

The next day passed in a similar fashion, with the tension in the air refusing to dissipate. Sirius was visibly upset, seeing his godson struggling to cope with the impending trial. He was even more frustrated that he couldn't attend the trial himself, due to the fake house arrest that had been imposed upon him.

Daisy, sensing the tense atmosphere, had reverted to her nervous stage. Ginny, despite being on her second day of her period, took it upon herself to cheer Daisy up. Harry, still preoccupied with his own thoughts, couldn't muster the energy to do so.

Ginny sat down beside Daisy and put a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "Hey, Daisy, it's okay. We're all here for you," Ginny said softly.

Daisy looked up at Ginny, her hazel eyes wide with worry. "I don't like seeing Harry like this," Daisy said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny nodded understandingly. "I know, me neither. But we have to be strong for him, okay?" Ginny replied, smiling encouragingly.

As they talked, Ginny couldn't help but think about Daisy's mysterious past. They had found her on their date in Muggle London, and since then, they had been trying to uncover the truth about her identity.

Daisy's resemblance to Lily Potter was uncanny, with her red hair and striking features. But it was her eyes that set her apart - they were hazel, just like James Potter's.

Remus and Sirius made their way to the library, located in the top tower of Fawcett Manor. They knew that Harry and Ginny often spent their evenings there, gazing at the stars. As they entered the library, they saw Harry and Ginny sitting together on a couch, looking out the window.

"Hey, pup!" Sirius said, using his affectionate nickname for Harry. "We thought we'd find you here."

Remus smiled and sat down beside Harry. "We're here to take your mind off things, Harry. Tomorrow's trial will be tough, but we'll get through it together."

Harry looked up at his godfather and Remus, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks, Uncle Padfoot. Uncle Moony. Just being around you guys makes me feel better."

Ginny smiled and leaned against Harry. "We were just looking at the stars, trying to take our minds off things."

Sirius nodded. "Well, in that case, let's make it a stargazing party! Remus, can you tell us some stories about the constellations?"

Remus chuckled. "Of course, Sirius. But only if you promise to behave and not make too many bad jokes."

Sirius grinned mischievously. "I make no promises, Moony!"

As the night wore on, Remus and Sirius regaled Harry and Ginny with stories of their adventures at Hogwarts, making them laugh and forget their worries. They pointed out constellations in the night sky, and Remus even pulled out his old telescope to give them a closer look. Harry and Ginny oohed and ahhed as they gazed at the stars, feeling carefree for the first time in days.

As they gazed up at the stars, Harry's thoughts turned to the upcoming trial. He looked at Remus and Sirius, his eyes searching for answers. Sirius, sensing Harry's unease, put a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Is it bad that I want to see the Dursleys get punished?" Harry asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "It would give me satisfaction."

Sirius and Remus exchanged a glance, and then Remus spoke up. His voice was gentle, but firm.

"No, Harry, it's not wrong to feel that way," Remus said. "You have every right to want justice after what they put you through. They treated you like a servant, made you sleep in the cupboard under the stairs, and denied you the love and care that every child deserves."

Sirius's eyes flashed with anger. "And let's not forget the emotional abuse, Harry. The way they made you feel worthless, unloved, and unimportant. That's not something you can just forget or forgive."

Remus's voice was calm, but his words were laced with steel. "You have to let out your anger, Harry. They tormented you for 10 years, mercilessly. You tried to take your own life six times because of what they did to you. It's okay to want justice, Harry. It's okay to want them to pay for what they did to you."

That was an odd feeling for Harry. For the first time, he felt the weight of his ruined childhood bearing down on him. The Dursleys had killed his inner child, and no matter what happened, he could never get it back. The realization was too much for Harry to handle.

He broke down, and the hell broke loose. He screamed, he cried, he shouted for everything he had envied, everything he had never got. He had never had his own cake until he entered the wizarding world; he had never had anything of his own until then. He had never known love until the wizarding world had accepted him.

He broke down, and the hell broke loose. He screamed, he cried, he shouted for everything he had envied, everything he had never got. "Why did I never get a birthday cake?!" he screamed. "Why did I never get any presents?!"

"Why did they have to take everything away from me?" Harry screamed, his voice echoing off the stone walls of the tower. "Why did they have to make me feel so worthless?"

But could one year of getting all these things cancel out the 10 years of misery he had endured? Harry's screams echoed through the whole of Fawcett Manor, leaving everyone stunned.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, the twins, Percy, Ron, Susan, Dudley, Amelia, Daisy, the twins' elves Twinky and Dimpy, Hedwig, Poco (Harry's little sparrow), and Kluer (his color-changing cat) all rushed to the tower to find Harry breaking down in the worst way possible.

He was crying, screaming, shouting, angry, and dejected all at once. For the first time, he let it all out. Others could see the emotional and psychological scars coming up, the torture he had endured for so long.

He pounded his fists on the stone floor, tears streaming down his face. Ginny tried to rush to his side, but Sirius caught her arm, holding her back.

"Let him be, Ginny," Sirius said gently. "He needs to release all this pent-up emotion. It's been bottled up for too long."

Ginny nodded, tears in her own eyes as she watched Harry's breakdown. The others stood frozen, unsure of what to do.

Remus nodded in agreement. "He needs to confront his demons, Ginny. We can't do it for him."

Ginny looked worried, but she nodded. "Okay," she said. "But what if he hurts himself?"

Sirius smiled reassuringly. "He won't, Ginny. He's stronger than you think. Just give him some space."

Remus took a step forward, his eyes filled with compassion. "Harry, we're here for you," he said softly. "We'll always be here for you."

But Harry didn't seem to hear him. He was lost in his own world of pain and anger, reliving all the memories he had tried to suppress for so long.

As the minutes ticked by, Harry's screams gradually subsided, replaced by sobs. He curled up on the floor, his body shaking with emotion.

Slowly, the others approached him, surrounding him with a circle of love and support. Ginny sat down beside him, holding him close as he cried.

Sirius sat down on the other side of Harry, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder. "We're here, Harry," he said softly. "We'll always be here."Here's the continuation:

As they watched, Harry's screams slowly subsided, replaced by sobs. He collapsed to the floor, exhausted, but finally free from the emotions that had haunted him for so long.

Harry's body finally relaxed, and he fell asleep, surrounded by the people he loved. Daisy felt horrified, her eyes wide with fear as she took in the scene. Ginny was crying, her body shaking with sobs as she held Harry's hand.

Mrs. Weasley and Grandma Mrs. Tucker exchanged a knowing glance. They had known that this day would come, that Harry would eventually have to confront the demons of his past. But it was still painful to watch.

Dudley, who had called the aurors to report his parents' abuse, looked guilty, as if he felt responsible for what had happened to Harry. But it wasn't his fault; his parents had done this to Harry.

Amelia glanced at Sirius, and for a moment, they seemed to exchange a silent conversation. Remus's face was twisted in anger, and for a moment, it seemed like he might lose control. He had never wished to bite and infect someone, but Vernon Dursley was an exception.

Only Sirius was able to calm Remus down, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Charlie, the twins, and Percy looked on, dumbfounded, unsure of how to react. Susan was crying, and Ron looked like he had been punched in the gut, his eyes filled with tears as he realized just how much his best friend had suffered.

"It's not fair," Ron whispered, his voice shaking with emotion. "He didn't deserve any of this."

Ginny nodded, her eyes still streaming with tears. "I know," she whispered back. "But he's strong, Ron. He'll get through this."

Sirius gently lifted his godson into his arms, a poignant moment that hung in the air. It was the first time he had held Harry since his return from Azkaban, and the memories came flooding back. The last time he had held Harry, the boy was just a baby.

Remus stood beside Sirius, and together they were transported back to a time when life was simpler. They remembered how, 11 years ago, they would fawn over baby Harry, with Lily rolling her eyes good-naturedly and James looking on, scared that his two crazy friends would drop his precious son.

But now, neither Lily nor James was alive, and Harry was no longer a baby. He was a 12-year-old boy who had suffered unimaginable hardships, and the weight of that realization hung heavy in the air.

As they gazed at Harry's peaceful face, they were reminded that no matter how mature he was beyond his years, he was still just a 12-year-old kid who needed his family's love and support.

Mrs. Weasley quietly ushered the others into their rooms, while Grandma Mrs. Tucker took Daisy to her room, thinking it best if she slept with Daisy that night.

Sirius, still holding Harry, led the way to Harry and Ginny's room, accompanied by Remus, Mrs. Weasley, and Ginny. Ginny cried softly on her mother's waist before snuggling alongside Harry, holding him tightly as she drifted off to sleep.

The three adults stood there, gazing at the peaceful couple, their faces etched with concern and love.

"He's been through so much," Mrs. Weasley whispered, her voice trembling.

Sirius nodded, his eyes never leaving Harry's face. "We'll make sure he's never alone again," he vowed.

Remus placed a hand on Sirius's shoulder, his eyes filled with a deep sadness. "We should have been there for him," he whispered.

Sirius's grip on Remus's shoulder tightened. "We're here for him now," he said firmly. "And we'll make sure he knows he's loved."

Just then, the room was filled with the sudden arrival of Snape, McGonagall, Dumbledore, Madam Pomfrey, and Healer Pyre. They all rushed in, concern etched on their faces. Sirius, Molly, and Remus immediately motioned for them to be quiet, gesturing to the sleeping couple.

Charlie, who had also entered the room, explained that when Harry started screaming, he hadn't known what was going on, so he had sent a Patronus to Pyre, who was not only the main healer for Harry and Daisy but also Charlie's girlfriend.

Dumbledore nodded, explaining that he, Madam Pomfrey, Snape, and McGonagall had been in a meeting with Pyre, discussing the upcoming trial. They had seen Charlie's frantic message and had immediately rushed to the scene.

Sirius reassured them, "Everything is under control now."

Snape's eyes narrowed, "What happened?" he asked, his voice low and even.

Remus took a deep breath before explaining the events that had led to Harry's breakdown. As he spoke, Dumbledore's eyes filled with a deep sense of guilt.

"I should have done more," Dumbledore whispered, his voice barely audible. "I should have protected him better."

McGonagall placed a reassuring hand on Dumbledore's shoulder, "You did what you could, Albus. We all did."

Snape's eyes never left Harry's face, his expression unreadable. But those who knew him well could sense the deep concern and care he felt for the young boy.

After the five newcomers left, Molly, Remus, and Sirius also retired to their rooms, exhausted from the emotional events of the evening. As Sirius made his way to his room, he ran into Amelia, who was waiting for him in the hallway.

She wrapped her arms around him, holding him close. "Why did it have to be Harry?" He whispered, his voice filled with compassion.

She hugged him back, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence. Though they had decided to keep their relationship on the backseat until the trial, it was clear what they were going to choose after the trial.

Amelia, sensing the somber mood, tried to change the subject. "Susan has said yes, she approves of us being together," she said, a hint of a smile on her face.

Sirius smiled back, but it wasn't his full, radiant smile. His eyes still held a hint of sadness, a reminder that they wouldn't rest until the Dursleys got the punishment they deserved.

"We'll get through this, Amelia," Sirius said, his voice firm. "We'll make sure those people pay for what they've done to Harry."

Amelia nodded, her eyes shining with determination. "Together," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Next Chapter is  Dursleys Doomed - II

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. So in this chapter I established Sirelia as I call them though the ship name I found most was DogBones. Then the trial for Dursleys is all set. And I thought it would be a relief for Harry to went out everything because we Harry free from each and every scar from Dursleys. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 11: Dursleys Doomed - II

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

That night, no one in the manor slept peacefully. The events of the evening had left a lasting impact on everyone, and the tension was palpable. As Ginny opened her eyes after drifting off to sleep, she found herself in their dreamland, a place where she and Harry could connect on a deeper level.

In the dreamland, Ginny saw Harry sitting nearby, his head in his knees, clearly embarrassed. The scenery around them was fuzzy, but Ginny could sense the emotions emanating from Harry. She felt a pang of concern and got up to sit beside him.

"Hey," Ginny said softly, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "What's wrong?"

Harry slowly lifted his head, his eyes avoiding Ginny's gaze. "I'm so sorry, Ginny," he whispered, his voice laced with shame. "I don't know what happened earlier. I just lost control."

Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry, holding him close as they sat together in their dreamland. "It's okay, Harry," she said softly, her voice filled with compassion. "How many times do I have to tell you that it's okay to lose control sometimes? It's what makes us human, to show emotions and be vulnerable. We're not machines, Harry. We're living, breathing people with feelings and emotions."

Harry looked up at her, his eyes still filled with shame and embarrassment. "But everyone saw me," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Sirius, Remus, Amelia, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, Dudley, Daisy, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker... what will they think?"

Ginny's expression was calm and reassuring as she stroked Harry's hair. "They'll only think one thing, Harry," she said. "That the Dursleys are pure evil. They'll see how much you've been hurting, and they'll be proud of you for facing your emotions and letting it all out. You're not weak, Harry. You're strong, and brave, and you're facing your demons head-on."

Harry took a deep breath, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders as Ginny's words sank in. He knew she was right. He wasn't weak for showing emotions. He was human.

The next day, Harry and Ginny walked into the breakfast room, where the rest of the family was already seated. Sirius, Remus, Amelia, Susan, Ron, Percy, the twins, Charlie, Dudley, Daisy, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker all looked up, smiling, but none of them showed any recognition of the events of the previous day. It was as if they had a silent agreement not to mention it, knowing that Harry, being a 12-year-old boy, would be embarrassed despite understanding that it was normal.

Daisy, however, was back to her nervous self, fidgeting with her hands. Harry immediately went to comfort her, putting a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "Hey, it's okay, Daisy," he said softly. "What's wrong?"

Daisy looked up at him with her hazel eyes, so reminiscent of James Potter's. "I-I just had a bad dream," she stuttered.

Harry hugged her tightly. "It's okay, I'm here. You're safe now." Ginny smiled warmly at the two of them, happy to see Harry being so supportive of Daisy.

As they sat down to eat, the conversation turned to the upcoming trial. Sirius and Remus discussed the strategy they would use to ensure the Dursleys received the punishment they deserved. Amelia and Susan talked about the evidence they had gathered, while Ron, Percy, and the twins debated the best way to handle the media attention.

Harry listened intently, still feeling a bit raw from the previous day's events. But with his family around him, he felt a sense of comfort and support that he knew would get him through the tough times ahead.

As the morning wore on, Amelia and Mr. Weasley reminded everyone that they should leave for the Ministry soon. "The trial is at 2 pm in Trial Room 6," Amelia announced, checking her watch.

For the trial, the people present during the giving of accounts would be accompanying Harry to provide testimony. This group included Ginny, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Amelia, Remus, Charlie, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, Madam Pomfrey, Pyre Jones, and Dudley. Patricia Moon, the head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse, would also be present.

Sirius, still under house arrest, would have to stay behind at the manor, along with the kids. He looked grumpy at the prospect, but Harry firmly warned him, "Sirius, you're still under arrest, so please don't do anything rash."

Ron, Daisy, the twins, Percy, and Susan had all wanted to come to the trial, but their respective guardians had firmly declined. Mrs. Weasley had vetoed the Weasley children's requests, while Harry had gently explained to Daisy that it wouldn't be a good idea for her to attend. Amelia had also put her foot down with Susan, citing the need for her to stay behind.

As the group prepared to leave, the tension in the air was palpable. Everyone knew how important this trial was, not just for Harry, but for the entire wizarding community.

Amelia and Mr. Weasley bid farewell to the group, explaining that they would meet them directly at the Ministry during the trial. They had to attend to their respective jobs before heading to the trial. Similarly, it was decided that Pyre Jones, Madam Pomfrey, Dumbledore, and Snape would also reach the trial directly from their workplaces.

Just then, Professor McGonagall, affectionately known as Gran Minnie by Harry, entered the Manor. She would accompany them to the trial, providing a reassuring presence.

"Alright, let's get moving," Gran Minnie said, checking her watch. "The trial is at 2 pm, so we should leave by 11 am to be safe. The Knight Bus will be the most suitable way to travel."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "I'll go get our things ready. Harry, are you ready for this?"

Harry took a deep breath, steeling himself for what was to come. "I was born ready, Ginny."

By 11 am, the group had gathered outside Fawcett Manor, ready to depart. The twin elves, Dimpy and Twinky, were also part of the group, leaving a grumpy Sirius behind with Daisy, Ron, Susan, Percy, and the twins. Sirius's grumpiness was understandable, given that he was still under house arrest and couldn't attend the trial.

As they boarded the Knight Bus, Ginny sat beside Harry, holding his hand in a show of support. Dudley, who had never been on the Knight Bus before, looked around in awe, taking in the unusual decor and the eccentric driver, Ernie Prang.

"Blimey, this is amazing!" Dudley exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.

However, the ride wasn't much of a cheerful one. The group was subdued, each lost in their own thoughts as they contemplated the trial ahead. Soon, they reached London, and the group made their way to the Leaky Cauldron, from where they would Floo to the Ministry.

As they entered the Leaky Cauldron, the atmosphere was tense. The patrons were all talking in hushed tones, speculating about the trial. Tom, the bartender, nodded at the group as they made their way to the fireplace, ready to Floo to the Ministry.

The group flooed to the Ministry at 12:45, and Ginny and Dudley were amazed by the grandeur of the building. As they entered, a guard checked them and their wands, except for Ginny and Dudley, who didn't have wands yet, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who was a Squib.

"Welcome to the Ministry of Magic," the guard said, nodding at them. "Please, proceed to the waiting room. Your trial is scheduled for 2 pm."

As they made their way to the waiting room, Ginny and Dudley couldn't help but stare at the intricate architecture and the bustling activity around them.

At 1 pm, Mr. Weasley arrived, looking a bit flustered. "Ah, sorry I'm late," he said, hugging his family members. "Traffic in the Ministry is always a nightmare."

Harry turned to Dudley and said, "Thanks, Dudley. I know it won't be easy for you to testify against your own parents and Aunt Marge."

Dudley nodded, looking determined. "I'm doing it for you, Harry. You're my cousin, and I couldn't just stand by and watch them hurt you anymore."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Dudley. Their journey from being estranged cousins to becoming close friends had been a long and winding one, but Harry was glad that they had finally found common ground.

As they waited for the trial to begin, the group chatted quietly among themselves, trying to distract themselves from the anxiety that was building up inside them.

By 1:15, Healer Pyre Jones, Madam Pomfrey, and Professor Snape had also arrived, adding to the sense of anticipation and nervousness in the waiting room. Pyre, who was also Charlie's girlfriend, smiled warmly at the group, while Madam Pomfrey nodded in greeting. Snape, as usual, looked stern, but his eyes betrayed a deep concern for Harry's well-being.

"Ah, good, you're all here," Snape said, his voice a little softer than usual. "Dumbledore has also arrived, but he's already in the trial room, obviously. As Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, he needs to be there to oversee the proceedings."

Harry looked up at Mr. Weasley, his eyes filled with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity. "So, do the press know about my trial now?" he asked.

Mr. Weasley hesitated before answering. "Well, Patricia Moon promised that they wouldn't find out until the trial itself. But once we're in the trial room, I'm afraid it's going to be a different story. The press will be there, and once they hear that there's a trial for Harry Potter, it'll be all over the media."

Ginny's eyes widened in alarm, while Dudley looked concerned. Harry, however, just took a deep breath and nodded. He knew that this was something he had to face, and he was determined to do so with courage and dignity.

Dudley looked curious, and Harry could tell he was still trying to wrap his head around the wizarding world. "What's Wizengamot, Harry?" Dudley asked, his eyes wide with wonder.

Harry smiled, happy to explain. "The Wizengamot is like a high court in the wizarding world," he began. "It's made up of important wizards and witches who make laws and decide on punishments for crimes."

Ginny listened intently, her eyes shining with interest. Mr. Weasley, Pyre, and McGonagall occasionally chimed in to add more details.

"The Wizengamot has 42 core seats," Harry continued. "These seats are divided into three types: Wizarding Post Seats, Founder seats, and Ancient Noble Houses seats."

Pyre added, "The Wizarding Post Seats are held by important wizards and witches who hold high-ranking positions in the Ministry."

McGonagall explained, "The Founder seats are held by descendants of the founders of Hogwarts, while the Ancient Noble Houses seats are held by families who have been part of the wizarding world for centuries."

Mr. Weasley chimed in, "And then there's the Council of Magical Law, also known as the Council. It has 30 seats, and its members keep changing."

Harry nodded. "Unlike the core seats, which are fixed by post or family, the Council seats are not fixed. The members keep changing, which helps keep the wizarding government fresh and accountable."

The explanation continued, with Harry, Ginny, and Dudley listening intently. "The total capacity of the Wizengamot is 72 people," Harry said, "but only 50 seats are occupied as of now, including all 30 Council Seats and 20 out of the 42 Core seats, leaving a vacancy of 22 seats."

Mr. Weasley nodded, adding, "The Council Seats are divided into six groups. First, there are three Order of Merlin people. Then, there are seven young representatives between the ages of 17 and 25."

Pyre chimed in, "Next, there are various senior Ministry employees from different departments, totaling 15 members aged 25 to 80."

McGonagall continued, "After that, there are three elderly representatives above 80. And finally, there are two representatives, one from a sports background and the other from a medical, or healing, background."

Harry took a deep breath before explaining the Core seats. "There are 42 Core seats, divided into three types. The first type is the Wizarding Post Seats, which include the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, currently held by Professor Dumbledore."

Ginny's eyes widened as Harry listed the other Wizarding Post Seats, including the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, currently Amelia Bones, and the Minister of Magic, currently Cornelius Fudge.

Dudley looked confused, so Harry clarified, "These seats are held by important wizards and witches who have been appointed to these positions."

Mr. Weasley added, "And then there are the Founder Seats, which are currently vacant. If they were active, they would all belong to Harry, as the last living heir of the Hogwarts founders."

Harry's eyes sparkled with interest as he continued, "The Ancient Noble House seats are divided into active and dormant seats. The dormant seats, if active, would mostly belong to me, unless another person is mentioned."

As Harry listed the dormant seats, including the Abbott, Barold, and Fawcett families, Ginny's eyes grew wide with wonder.

Dudley looked overwhelmed, but Harry reassured him, "Don't worry, Dudley, it's a lot to take in. But basically, these seats represent the oldest and most noble pure-blood families in the wizarding world."

Mr. Weasley nodded, adding, "And then there are the active seats, which are currently occupied by various pure-blood families, including the Malfoys, the Blacks, and the Bones."

As the explanation came to an end, Harry, Ginny, and Dudley shared a look of understanding, each lost in their own thoughts about the complexities of the wizarding world.

Mr. Weasley looked at Harry with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. "Blimey, Harry! How did you know all that in such detail?" he asked. "I didn't think they covered that in your first year at Hogwarts, did they?"

Harry smiled, looking a bit proud of himself. "Since Sirius's trial, I've been studying a lot about the Wizengamot," he explained. "I wanted to understand how it all works, especially since Sirius was wrongly accused."

Just then, Mrs. Weasley stood up, glancing at her watch. "It's time for the trial," she announced, her voice firm but anxious. "Let's get going, everyone."

The group nodded, standing up and smoothing out their robes. Harry took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and determination. He was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

The group entered the full court trial room, and Harry's eyes widened as he took in the grandeur of the space. The room was filled with a mixture of solemnity and anticipation. The walls were lined with rows of seats, divided into two sections: the Wizengamot seats and the audience section.

The audience section was filled with a mix of witches and wizards, all eager to witness the trial. Some of them were scribbling notes on parchment, while others were whispering to each other.

At the center of the room was an empty space, where witnesses and the accused would give their testimony. The space was surrounded by a semicircle of Wizengamot seats, a total of 72 seats, although only 50 were occupied. Harry noticed that some of the seats were owned by a single person, who seemed to be representing multiple families or interests.

Harry's eyes scanned the Wizengamot seats, and he spotted Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, sitting in her official capacity. He knew she would act professionally, unlike her warm demeanor at the manor.

Next, he saw Professor Dumbledore, resplendent in his long, silver beard and half-moon spectacles, sitting as the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Minister Cornelius Fudge, Senior Undersecretary Dolores Umbridge, Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour, Amos Diggory, and Barty Crouch Sr. were also seated, each representing their respective interests.

The rest of the seats were filled by the 30 Council of Magical Law members, as well as several pure-blood families, including Lucius Malfoy, Crabbe Sr., Nott Sr., Yaxley, Goyle Sr., Avery, Narcissa Malfoy, Mr. Greengrass, and Neville's Grandma Augusta Longbottom.

As Harry took his seat, he felt a sense of trepidation wash over him. He knew that the trial would be a challenging and potentially grueling experience, but he was determined to face it head-on.

The reporters and press, seated in their designated section, suddenly stirred to life as they noticed Harry Potter's presence in the trial room. Their eyes widened in surprise, and they began to whisper to each other, their hands scribbling furious notes on their parchments.

One of the reporters, a tall, thin man with a pointed nose, leaned over to his colleague and whispered, "What's the Boy Who Lived doing here? I thought this trial was supposed to be confidential!"

His colleague, a plump woman with a kind face, shook her head. "I don't know, but I'm sure we'll find out soon enough. And what a scoop! Harry Potter at trial - this is going to be huge!"

Fortunately for Harry, the reporters were not allowed to ask him any questions until the end of the trial. He practically hid behind Ginny, who sat tall and proud, her eyes flashing with determination.

The trial had yet to start, but the atmosphere in the room was electric. The Wizengamot members were shuffling their papers, and the audience was buzzing with anticipation. Harry, meanwhile, took a deep breath and steeled himself for what was to come.

Patricia Moon's voice echoed through the room, "Today, we are gathered here for a trial related to child abuse. The case before us is Victim Harry Potter against the accused Vernon Dursley, Marge Dursley, and Petunia Dursley, who will be brought here shortly."

The audience and press gasped in shock, their whispers and murmurs filling the room. "Harry Potter abused by his own relatives?" someone whispered. The reporters' eyes were wide with excitement, their hands scribbling furious notes on their parchments.

Harry groaned inwardly, not liking the attention his fame brought. He had hoped to keep this trial private, but now it seemed like the whole wizarding world would know about his abusive childhood. He felt a surge of anxiety and embarrassment, but Ginny's reassuring squeeze on his hand helped calm him down.

Dudley, sitting beside Harry, grew tense, knowing that soon he would have to give testimony against his parents and aunt. He took a deep breath, reminding himself that he was doing the right thing. He glanced at Harry, who gave him a nod of encouragement.

Ginny squeezed Harry's hand reassuringly, her eyes filled with concern. Remus, sitting on the other side of Harry, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. Mrs. Weasley and Mr. Weasley exchanged worried glances, while Charlie and Pyre looked on with determined expressions.

The room fell silent as Patricia Moon's voice rang out again, "The accused will be brought in now. Let us proceed with the trial."

The doors at the back of the room opened, and three figures were led in, their wrists bound by chains. Vernon, Marge, and Petunia Dursley looked defiant, their eyes scanning the room with contempt. But when they saw Harry, their expressions changed, and for a moment, Harry saw a glimmer of fear in their eyes.

Vernon's face reddened with anger, while Marge's eyes narrowed into slits. Petunia's expression turned pale, and she looked like she might faint. They were led to the front of the room, where a small table and chairs awaited them.

The room was electric with tension as the trial was about to begin. Harry steeled himself, knowing that the next few hours would be some of the most challenging of his life.

Petunia's eyes locked onto Dudley, a mixture of desperation and pleading in her gaze. "Dudley, dear, tell them it's all lies," she whispered urgently. "Tell them Harry's just making it all up."

Vernon and Marge nodded in agreement, their faces twisted with malice. They seemed convinced that Dudley was still on their side, that he would defend them against Harry's accusations.

But Dudley's expression told a different story. Harry could see the struggle in his eyes, the conflict between his loyalty to his family and his desire to do what was right.

Slowly, Dudley turned away from his parents, his eyes dropping to the floor. The movement was subtle, but it spoke volumes.

Petunia's face fell, her eyes widening in shock. Vernon's and Marge's expressions turned from confident to confused, their mouths hanging open in stunned silence.

It was clear that they had no idea that Dudley had been the one to call the Aurors, that he had been the one to turn them in. And now, as they realized their mistake, they looked like they had been punched in the gut.

The room was silent, the only sound the soft rustling of parchment and the quiet hum of tension. Harry felt a surge of gratitude towards Dudley, who had found the courage to stand up against his family's abuse.

Dumbledore's eyes, twinkling with wisdom, met Harry's, and he nodded subtly in approval. The trial was about to begin, and it was clear that it would be a battle for truth and justice.

Patricia Moon, the head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse, stood up to present the case. "Petunia and Vernon Dursley are Harry Potter's aunt and uncle, while Marge is Vernon's sister," she began. "They are still the legal guardians of Harry Potter. Harry Potter has been living with the Dursleys since November 1, 1981, until July 10, 1992."

The Wizengamot members, except for Dumbledore and Amelia, who already knew about the abuse, looked shocked and outraged. Minister Fudge's face turned red with anger, while Dolores Umbridge's eyes narrowed in disgust. Lucius Malfoy's expression turned calculating, as if he was thinking of how he could use this information to his advantage.

The audience and press gasped in horror, their eyes fixed on the Dursleys. The reporters' hands flew across their parchments, scribbling down notes.

The Dursleys, on the other hand, looked like they had been punched in the gut. Petunia's eyes widened in shock, while Vernon's face turned purple with rage. Marge looked like she was about to faint.

But then Patricia dropped the bombshell. "Harry Potter was found to be abused on July 10, 1992, when Dudley Dursley anonymously called the Aurors to arrest them."

The room erupted into chaos. The Wizengamot members gasped in shock, while the audience and press started buzzing with excitement. The Dursleys, on the other hand, looked like they had been betrayed.

Vernon's eyes locked onto Dudley, his face twisted with rage. "You!" he spat. "You're the one who called the Aurors?"

Marge looked like she was about to cry, while Petunia's eyes filled with hatred. "How could you, Dudley?" she hissed.

Dudley, however, stood tall, his eyes locked onto his parents. "I did it because it was the right thing to do," he said, his voice firm.

The room fell silent, the only sound the quiet hum of tension. Harry felt a surge of gratitude towards Dudley, who had found the courage to stand up against his family's abuse.

Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling with authority, and appealed to the Wizengamot members, the audience, and the press to silence the chaos. "Please, let us proceed with the trial in an orderly fashion," he said, his voice calm and soothing.

The room gradually fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Patricia Moon, who nodded and continued. "Harry Potter was sent to live with the Dursleys on November 1, 1981, after the death of his parents, Lily and James Potter," she began, her voice clear and concise. "At the time, they were his only living relatives."

She paused, glancing at Dumbledore, before continuing. "Sirius Black, Harry's appointed guardian, was accused of betraying the Potters to Voldemort and was sent to Azkaban. Although some of Sirius's innocence has since been proven, he remains under house arrest."

Dolores Umbridge, her eyes gleaming with malice, interrupted Patricia, her voice dripping with venom. "Perhaps we should arrest Dumbledore, too," she suggested, her eyes fixed on the Headmaster. "After all, he's the one who sent Harry to live with those...those...people."

Minister Fudge shook his head slightly, a warning glint in his eye, but Patricia intervened before Umbridge could continue. "Let me complete my statement, please," she said firmly. "Harry Potter has already given a statement, in which he makes it clear that he in no way blames Professor Dumbledore for his placement with the Dursleys."

The room fell silent once more, with all eyes fixed on Patricia, waiting for her to continue. Dumbledore's eyes met Harry's, and he nodded slightly, his expression reassuring.

Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, stood up and addressed the Dursleys. "Vernon Dursley, Petunia Dursley, and Marge Dursley, how do you plead to the charges of child abuse against Harry Potter?" she asked, her voice firm and authoritative.

The Dursleys, still reeling from the revelation that Dudley had turned them in, looked at each other nervously before responding. "We plead not guilty," Vernon spat, his face reddening with anger.

Petunia nodded vigorously, her eyes flashing with defiance. "We never abused Harry," she lied. "He's just making it all up for attention."

Marge, still looking stunned, nodded dumbly, her eyes fixed on Dudley, who was staring back at her with a mixture of guilt and determination.

The reporters in the audience were working furiously, scribbling down notes and whispering to each other. Ginny, seated beside Harry, glared at the Dursleys, her eyes blazing with anger.

Harry placed a calming hand on her arm, whispering, "It's okay, Ginny. They'll get what's coming to them."

Patricia Moon, still standing, smiled grimly. "Lies won't work, Dursleys," she said. "We have all the proof we need. The testimony of Dudley Dursley, the statements of the Aurors who arrested you, and the physical evidence of Harry's abuse...it's all here."

The Dursleys looked dumbfounded, their faces pale and sweaty. They knew they were beaten, but they refused to admit it.

Amelia Bones, still seething with anger, controlled her emotions, remembering to act professional. As the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, she couldn't let her personal relationship with Harry cloud her judgment.

"Let us continue with the case," Amelia said, her voice firm but measured.

Patricia Moon nodded and motioned to an employee, who brought in a large, magical displayer. The device hummed to life, casting a bright, blue glow over the room.

"Now, we will present the evidence and testimonies against the Dursleys," Patricia announced, her eyes locked on the accused. "The Dursleys have the right to oppose and disprove the evidence if they can."

The Dursleys, still looking defiant, exchanged nervous glances. Vernon's face reddened with anger, while Petunia's eyes flashed with desperation. Marge, still looking stunned, seemed to be struggling to keep up with the proceedings.

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the magical displayer. Harry, seated in the victim and witness section, felt a sense of trepidation wash over him. He knew that the evidence about to be presented would be painful and disturbing, but he also knew that it was necessary to bring the Dursleys to justice.

Patricia Moon presented the first piece of evidence, displaying a picture of Number Four, Privet Drive, from the outside. The audience and press leaned forward, intrigued. Next, she showed a picture of the cupboard under the stairs, and the Dursleys' faces paled.

Dudley, seated beside Harry, struggled to maintain his composure. Harry knew how difficult this must be for him, and he felt a surge of gratitude towards his cousin. Ginny, sensing Harry's tension, squeezed his hand reassuringly.

Patricia continued, her voice clear and concise. "This cupboard under the stairs was Harry Potter's room until July 31st, 1991, the day he received his Hogwarts letter."

Augusta Longbottom, Neville's grandmother, spoke up, her voice stern. "Why was the boy forced to live in such conditions? Was there no room available for him in the house?"

Vernon Dursley lied, of course. "No, there was no room available."

Augusta's eyes narrowed. "Then why did you not allow Harry to share a room with Dudley?"

Vernon paled, and Patricia intervened. "Because they did not want to," she said, her voice firm. "The house had four bedrooms: one for Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, one for Marge, one for Dudley, and another one, also for Dudley. It was only after Harry received his Hogwarts letter that he was given Dudley's second bedroom."

The audience and press murmured, shocked by the Dursleys' cruelty. The Wizengamot members exchanged outraged glances, and Amelia Bones's face darkened with anger.

Patricia Moon's expression turned grave as she continued. "Not only was Harry forced to live in the cupboard under the stairs, but our investigation has also revealed blood stains in the cupboard, indicating that he was physically harmed on multiple occasions."

She paused, surveying the room before continuing. "Furthermore, we have found other stains that clearly indicate he was locked in the cupboard for extended periods, denied even the basic human dignity of using the restroom. The odour in the cupboard was overwhelming, a testament to the inhumane conditions in which Harry was forced to live."

Greengrass, a member of the Wizengamot, spoke up, his voice laced with concern. "Can you tell us, Miss Moon, how often Harry was locked in the cupboard, and for how long?"

Patricia consulted her notes before responding. "Our investigation suggests that Harry was locked in the cupboard for extended periods, sometimes for days on end. The exact frequency and duration are difficult to determine, but it is clear that this was a regular occurrence."

Lucius Malfoy, seated in the Wizengamot section, attempted to manipulate the situation, his voice dripping with condescension. "I think we can all agree that the Dursleys may have been...overzealous in their treatment of Harry, but surely we cannot condone the notion that they are inherently cruel?"

However, his attempt at manipulation fell flat. Amelia Bones's expression turned icy, and she countered, "The evidence speaks for itself, Lucius. The Dursleys' actions were not merely 'overzealous' but constituted a clear and egregious pattern of abuse."

The room fell silent, the weight of the evidence settling heavily on the Dursleys. Harry's eyes met Dudley's, and he saw a glimmer of understanding there, a sense that they were both on the same side, against the cruelty and abuse they had suffered at the hands of their relatives.

Patricia Moon continued, her voice firm and authoritative. "The Dursleys, you have heard the evidence presented against you. I now invite you to respond to these allegations and present your side of the matter."

Vernon Dursley, his face reddening with anger, stood up. "This is all a fabrication," he spat. "Harry was a difficult child, always getting into trouble. We did what we had to do to discipline him."

Amelia Bones, her eyes narrowing, asked pointed questions. "Mr. Dursley, can you explain why you forced Harry to live in the cupboard under the stairs? And why you denied him basic human dignity, such as access to the restroom?"

Vernon Dursley shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "I...I don't see what that has to do with anything," he muttered.

Amelia's expression turned icy. "I think it has everything to do with this case, Mr. Dursley. Your treatment of Harry Potter constitutes a clear and egregious pattern of abuse."

Petunia Dursley, her eyes flashing with defiance, stood up. "We were just trying to protect Dudley from Harry's influence," she said. "Harry was a bad influence on our son."

Amelia's eyes locked onto Petunia's. "And yet, Dudley Dursley himself has testified against you, stating that he witnessed the abuse and was complicit in it. How do you explain that, Mrs. Dursley?"

Dolores Umbridge, her voice dripping with malice, attempted to shift the blame onto Harry. "Perhaps, Mr. Potter's behavior was the catalyst for the Dursleys' actions," she suggested.

Amelia Bones's expression turned incredulous. "That's absurd, Umbridge," she argued. "The evidence clearly shows a pattern of abuse and neglect by the Dursleys."

Harry and his supporters protested loudly, their voices echoing through the chamber. Dumbledore stood up, his eyes twinkling with authority. "Silence, please," he requested, his voice calm but firm.

Patricia Moon nodded, her expression composed. "Let us proceed. Next, we have evidence that Harry was never given his own clothes or personal items. While it's acceptable to have second-hand items, they should at least be of his size."

Barty Crouch Sr. turned to the Dursleys. "What do you have to say for yourselves, Dursleys?" he asked, his voice firm.

Augusta Longbottom, her eyes narrowing, asked pointed questions. "Can you explain, Dursleys, why Harry was forced to wear clothes that were several sizes too big? And why he was denied even the most basic personal items, such as a toothbrush or a hairbrush?"

Vernon and Marge Dursley protested loudly, their faces reddening with indignation, but Patricia Moon's voice rose above theirs, calm and authoritative. "I would like to call our first witness, Mrs. Tucker," she announced, nodding to the elderly woman.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, a kind-faced woman with silver hair and warm, brown eyes, stood up, her eyes shining with warmth and concern. She adjusted her glasses and began to speak in a gentle, measured tone. "Though I didn't know about the abuse until recently, I always wondered why Harry had such ill-fitting clothes and why he looked so miserable," she said, her voice filled with compassion.

"As a librarian, I had the pleasure of watching Harry grow and develop a love for reading. He would often come to the library, eager to learn and explore the world of books. He's a very bright boy, but I always sensed that he was holding back, that there was something troubling him. Now, I understand why."

Augusta Longbottom, her eyes narrowing, turned to the Dursleys, her voice firm and commanding. "Can you explain, Dursleys, why you denied Harry the basic necessities of life, including proper clothing and care?" she asked, her eyes flashing with indignation.

Vernon Dursley's face reddened with anger, his eyes bulging with resentment. "We did our best with what we had," he growled, his voice defensive and aggressive.

Marge Dursley nodded vigorously, her eyes flashing with malice. "Yes, and Harry was always an ungrateful child. He never appreciated what we did for him."

The audience murmured in disgust, their faces filled with shock and outrage. Harry's supporters shook their heads in dismay, their eyes filled with sadness and compassion. Dumbledore's eyes, however, remained fixed on the Dursleys, his expression unreadable, his eyes gleaming with a deep understanding of the situation.

Patricia Moon's expression turned stern as she continued. "On that note, it has been noted that the Dursleys received a monthly stipend of 500 pounds in Muggle money from the Potter vault, sanctioned by Chief Warlock Minister Dumbledore himself."

She paused, nodding to an assistant, who produced a stack of documents. "We have obtained the Gringotts statements, which clearly show the transactions."

Patricia's eyes locked onto the Dursleys. "Care to explain why this stipend, intended for Harry's care and well-being, was not spent on him?" she asked, her voice firm and accusatory.

The Dursleys exchanged nervous glances, their faces paling. Vernon Dursley cleared his throat, attempting to speak, but Patricia's gaze silenced him.

The audience leaned forward, their eyes fixed on the Dursleys, eager to hear their response. Dumbledore's eyes, however, remained fixed on Patricia, a hint of sadness in his expression.

Patricia Moon nodded, her expression composed. "Next, I call Ginevra Weasley, Harry's girlfriend, for testimony."

Ginny stood up, her eyes locked onto Patricia's. "Harry had told me that his relatives were not good to him, but I didn't realize the extent of it until July 10, just two weeks ago."

She paused, her voice trembling with emotion. "I've seen a few scars on Harry's body, but most of them were hidden."

Lucius Malfoy sneered, his voice dripping with malice. "Hidden scars? How convenient. How do we know these scars even exist?"

However, before Lucius could continue, Severus Snape rose from his seat, his eyes flashing with intensity. "The hidden scars, Malfoy, are a result of Harry's accidental magic creating a powerful glamour charm to hide them. The Dursleys, in their infinite cruelty, did not want the world to see the evidence of their abuse. Harry's subconscious mind, therefore, created this charm to protect himself."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Snape. Madam Pomfrey, the Hogwarts nurse, stood up, her face somber. "I have brought pictures of Harry's battered body, taken on July 10. I must warn you, they are disturbing."

She presented the pictures, and the room erupted into gasps and shocked whispers. The pictures showed Harry's body covered in bruises, scars, and burns. It was a horrific sight, and many in the audience looked away, tears streaming down their faces.

Patricia Moon's expression remained stern as she continued. "Furthermore, it has been established that Harry was forced to do all household chores from the age of four. This is a clear case of exploitation and abuse."

Avery, a Death Eater and supporter of the Malfoy family, attempted to manipulate the situation. "How can we be certain of this?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

Patricia's response was immediate. "We have a witness who can testify to Harry's unusual abilities as a young boy. I call Molly Weasley to the stand."

Mrs. Weasley stood up, her eyes shining with warmth and concern. "When I first met Harry, he was just eleven years old," she began. "I was shocked to discover that he was able to do all the household chores with ease. He was an exceptionally capable young boy, and it was clear that he had been forced to take on far too much responsibility at a very young age."

Mrs. Weasley's testimony continued, providing further evidence of the Dursleys' abuse and neglect of Harry. The audience listened intently, their faces filled with shock and outrage.

Patricia Moon's expression turned grave as she continued. "On top of the physical and emotional abuse, Harry was also lied to about his parents' death. The Dursleys deliberately withheld the truth from him, leaving him to believe that his parents had abandoned him."

Goyle Sr., a Death Eater and supporter of the Malfoy family, sneered. "How can we be certain of this?" he asked, his voice laced with skepticism.

Patricia's response was immediate. "We have a witness who can testify to Harry's ignorance about his parents' death. I call Ginevra Weasley to the stand once again."

Ginny stood up, her eyes locked onto Patricia's. "Harry didn't know the truth about his parents' death until I told him last year," she said, her voice clear and confident. "He had no idea that they had been killed by Lord Voldemort, or that he himself was famous in the wizarding world. The Dursleys had kept the truth from him for years."

The audience murmured in shock and outrage, their faces filled with disgust at the Dursleys' cruelty. The Wizengamot members exchanged grave glances, their expressions stern and disapproving.

Patricia Moon's expression remained stern as she continued. "Furthermore, Harry was kept in the dark about the wizarding world until he received his Hogwarts acceptance letter. He was completely unaware of his heritage and the world he was meant to be a part of."

Amos Diggory, a Wizengamot member, turned to the Dursleys. "Why did you keep this from him?" he asked, his voice firm.

Vernon Dursley sneered. "We didn't want him to get any ideas about being special or different. We wanted him to be normal."

Petunia Dursley nodded in agreement. "Yes, and we didn't want him to have any connection to that...that wizarding world."

Yaxley, a Death Eater, spoke up, his voice laced with skepticism. "But Harry's results from his first year at Hogwarts, which were released just a month ago, tell a different story. He came first in every subject. How can that be possible if he had no knowledge of our world?"

Patricia nodded, anticipating this question. "We have witnesses who can attest to Harry's exceptional abilities and his rapid grasp of magical concepts. I call Professor Minerva McGonagall, Chief Warlock Minister Dumbledore, and Professor Severus Snape to the stand."

McGonagall, Dumbledore, and Snape stood up, their faces serious. McGonagall began, "Harry Potter is an exceptionally bright student. Despite having no prior knowledge of magic, he demonstrated a natural aptitude for the subject and quickly grasped complex concepts."

Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "Yes, Harry's abilities are truly remarkable. His capacity for learning and his bravery in the face of adversity make him an outstanding student."

Snape's expression was stern, but his eyes gleamed with pride. "Harry Potter's academic record is impeccable. His mastery of potions, in particular, is impressive, considering his lack of prior experience."

Yaxley scowled, his face reddening. "This case is not about Harry Potter's abilities, but about the alleged abuse he suffered at the hands of the Dursleys."

Augusta Longbottom, her eyes flashing with annoyance, retorted, "We were simply answering your question, Yaxley. What did you expect? We cannot ignore the fact that Harry's exceptional abilities and rapid learning are a testament to his resilience and determination, despite the appalling treatment he received from the Dursleys."

Patricia Moon called the Aurors who had arrested the Dursleys on July 10 to the stand. They gave testimony about the horrific conditions they found Harry in, describing how he was "almost dead" when they arrived.

Next, Patricia called Dudley Dursley to the stand. Harry turned to Dudley and said, "It's okay, Dudley, if you don't want to do this." But Dudley nodded bravely and took the stand.

Dudley's testimony was shocking and emotional. "Yes, it's all my parents' fault," he began, his voice trembling. "They never taught me to treat Harry nicely, and I regret that. Until last year, I treated Harry badly, just like my parents did."

Dudley continued, repeating accusations that Harry had been abused physically, mentally, emotionally, and psychologically by his father, mother, and Aunt Marge. "Harry was never given his own clothes or personal items. He was told to hold back in school. He wasn't allowed to read. He had to do all the chores. My parents even encouraged me to beat and bully Harry. They treated Harry like scum."

Dudley's breathing became rapid as he struggled to continue. "Harry wasn't told about the wizarding world or about his parents. He was told that they died in a car accident, drunk. It was all a lie."

Dolores Umbridge, her voice dripping with malice, attempted to manipulate the situation. "We can't be certain of Dudley's testimony," she said. "And we can't give him a truth serum, since he's a Muggle."

Patricia Moon rose from her seat, a hint of a smile on her face. "Actually, that's not correct," she said. "Dudley Dursley is not a Muggle. He is, in fact, a wizard."

The Dursleys' faces turned white with shock, while the rest of the audience gasped in surprise. Dudley, however, simply nodded, a look of determination on his face.

Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, spoke up, her voice firm. "I support Patricia's statement. Dudley Dursley's magical status has been confirmed."

Dudley took a deep breath before speaking. "It's true," he said. "I've recently discovered my magical abilities. And I'm willing to testify against my parents and aunt Marge for their abuse and neglect of Harry."

As the trial progressed, Patricia Moon called Charles Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Arthur Weasley to the stand for their testimonies. Each of them corroborated the previous witnesses' statements, describing the appalling conditions they had witnessed Harry living in at the Dursleys' residence.

Next, Patricia announced that Dudley Dursley would be administered a truth serum to confirm his testimony. The serum was administered, and Barty Crouch Sr. began to question Dudley.

"Mr. Dursley," Barty Crouch Sr. began, "can you confirm that your parents, Vernon and Petunia Dursley, and your aunt, Marge Dursley, physically, emotionally, and psychologically abused Harry Potter during his time living with them?"

Dudley's eyes glazed over as the truth serum took effect. "Yes," he replied, his voice flat and monotone. "My parents and aunt Marge abused Harry. They made him do all the household chores, belittled him, and deprived him of basic necessities like food and clothing."

Barty Crouch Sr. continued, "And can you confirm that you, yourself, were encouraged by your parents to bully and intimidate Harry?"

Dudley's expression remained blank, but his voice cracked slightly as he replied, "Yes. My parents encouraged me to bully Harry. But I'm sorry. I was wrong to do so."

Pyre Jones, a skilled mediwizard, entered the courtroom, carrying a large stack of medical reports. Patricia Moon nodded to him, and he began his testimony.

"These medical reports," Pyre Jones started, "clearly state that when we found Harry Potter on July 10, his body was covered in numerous scars, wounds, and injuries. Specifically, we counted 98 scars, 19 fresh wounds, 17 blood stains, 26 broken bones, and a history of 67 previously broken bones."

The courtroom fell silent, with gasps and shocked whispers spreading throughout the audience. Pyre Jones continued, his voice steady and professional.

"Additionally, we found multiple burn marks, belting marks, slap marks, and other signs of physical abuse. These injuries are consistent with prolonged and severe physical mistreatment."

The Wizengamot members exchanged grave glances, their expressions horrified by the extent of Harry's injuries. Dumbledore's eyes were filled with a deep sadness, while Snape's face was set in a stern, angry mask.

Patricia Moon's voice was gentle as she called Harry Potter to the stand. "Harry, please come forward and give your statement."

Harry stood up, his eyes scanning the courtroom before locking onto the Dursleys. He walked calmly to the stand, his shoulders squared and his head held high. The courtroom fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Harry.

As he took his seat, he looked directly at the Dursleys, his eyes blazing with a mix of emotions. Vernon Dursley sneered, his face reddening with anger and resentment. Petunia Dursley looked away, her eyes welling up with tears, while Marge Dursley's face twisted in a scowl.

"I was just a child," Harry began, his voice steady and clear. "I was left on the Dursleys' doorstep, and they took me in, but they never treated me like family. They made me sleep in the cupboard under the stairs, a cramped and dingy space with no windows and no comfort."

Harry's eyes never left the Dursleys as he spoke, his voice growing stronger with each word. "They forced me to do all the household chores, from cooking and cleaning to gardening and laundry. I was just a child, but they made me work like a slave."

The courtroom was silent, the only sound the quiet sobbing of Mrs. Weasley and the angry muttering of Lucius Malfoy. Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face etched with pain, while Snape's eyes blazed with anger and protectiveness towards Harry.

"They belittled me, starved me, and beat me," Harry continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "They made me feel like I was worthless, like I didn't deserve to be loved or cared for. They told me I was a freak, a monster, and that I would never amount to anything."

The Dursleys shifted uncomfortably in their seats, their faces pale and guilty. The courtroom was silent, the only sound the sound of Harry's voice, steady and strong despite the emotion that threatened to overwhelm him.

Harry continued his statement, his voice unwavering. "They made me feel like I was nothing, like I didn't deserve to exist. But I knew I wasn't alone. I had my magic, and I had the love and support of my true family, the Weasleys."

The Dursleys' faces turned redder with rage and shame. Vernon Dursley's eyes bulged, and Petunia's lips trembled. Marge's face twisted in a snarl.

On the other side of the courtroom, Harry's supporters looked on with tears in their eyes. Mrs. Weasley was openly sobbing, while Mr. Weasley's face was set in a fierce scowl. Ginny's eyes shone with tears, and Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face etched with pain.

Snape, however, looked like he was about to explode. His eyes blazed with anger, and his face was pale with rage. He looked like he wanted to jump out of his seat and attack the Dursleys.

The reporters in the back of the courtroom were scribbling furiously, their eyes wide with excitement. This was the biggest story of the year, and they were determined to get every detail.

Lucius Malfoy, however, looked unimpressed. He was lounging in his seat, a bored expression on his face. "This is all very dramatic, I'm sure," he drawled, "but what does it have to do with anything?"

Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, turned to him, her eyes flashing with anger. "This has everything to do with the case at hand, Malfoy," she snapped. "The Dursleys' abuse of Harry Potter is a clear violation of magical law, and they will be held accountable."

Harry's voice trembled as he continued his statement. "When I was six, Vernon Dursley told me to drink bleach. I was so desperate to please him that I did it, but my magic saved me. It was the first time I realized that my magic was stronger than their abuse."

The courtroom fell silent, with gasps and shocked whispers spreading throughout the audience. Patricia Moon nodded sympathetically and continued to display Harry's memories on a large screen behind her.

"Later, I tried to hurt myself with a knife, but again, my magic saved me," Harry said, his voice cracking. "I tried to jump in front of a bus once, and another time, I jumped off a building. But every time, my magic protected me."

The screen behind Patricia displayed vivid images of each attempt, showing the severity of Harry's desperation and the miraculous interventions of his magic. The courtroom was transfixed, with many wiping away tears.

Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face etched with pain, while Snape's eyes blazed with anger and protectiveness towards Harry. The Dursleys, on the other hand, looked like they had been punched in the gut, their faces pale and shocked.

Lucius Malfoy's expression, however, remained skeptical. "This is all very convenient, Potter," he sneered. "But how do we know these memories are genuine?"

Lucius Malfoy's skeptical remark sparked a firestorm of outrage from Harry's supporters. Mrs. Weasley was the first to react, her face red with indignation. "How dare you, Malfoy!" she exclaimed. "You have the audacity to question Harry's memories after all he's been through?"

Mr. Weasley, Remus Lupin, and Charlie Weasley all stood up, their faces set in angry scowls. "You're just trying to discredit Harry, Malfoy," Mr. Weasley growled. "But it won't work. We know the truth, and we'll make sure everyone else knows it too."

Snape, who had been watching the exchange with an unreadable expression, suddenly stood up, his eyes blazing with anger. "Malfoy, you are a disgusting excuse for a wizard," he spat. "Your attempt to besmirch Harry's character is beneath contempt."

Even Narcissa Malfoy looked miserable, her eyes darting nervously between her husband and Harry's supporters. She seemed to be silently pleading with Lucius to stop, but he was too far gone.

Dumbledore, who had been watching the exchange with a calm expression, finally spoke up. "Enough, Lucius," he said firmly. "Your attempts to discredit Harry will not be tolerated. We will proceed with the trial, and the truth will be revealed."

The courtroom erupted into chaos, with Harry's supporters cheering and Lucius Malfoy's allies shouting in protest. Patricia Moon banged her gavel, calling the courtroom to order. "We will proceed with the trial," she repeated.

Harry's voice cracked as he continued his statement, "I just want to know why. Why me? Why did you treat me like this?" He looked directly at the Dursleys, his eyes pleading for answers.

Petunia Dursley looked guilty, her eyes darting around the courtroom. Marge Dursley, on the other hand, looked defiant, her face set in a scowl. But Vernon Dursley's reaction was the most extreme.

"You ungrateful little brat!" Vernon shouted, rising from his seat. "You'll pay for your insolence!" He charged towards Harry, his hand raised to slap him.

It all happened so fast. Harry fell to the ground, but he quickly sprang back up. His athletic body allowed him to move swiftly, and he landed a perfect kick on Vernon's stomach.

Marge raised her hand to hit Harry, but he dodged her easily. Petunia shouted, trying to defend her family, but it was too late.

The courtroom erupted into chaos as Harry's supporters rose from their seats, cursing the Dursleys with non-fatal curses. Ginny Weasley did her signature bat-bogey curse, covering the Dursleys in a sticky, green substance. Mrs. Weasley immobilized them with an Immobulus curse.

Snape and Professor McGonagall transformed the Dursleys into rats, using a complex Transfiguration spell. The courtroom was in pandemonium, with spells flying left and right.

Dumbledore finally intervened, his voice calm and authoritative. "Enough!" he shouted, restoring balance to the courtroom. "We will not resort to violence and chaos. We are here to seek justice, not revenge."

Dumbledore's intervention restored order to the courtroom, and the Dursleys were returned to their human form, looking shaken and humiliated. The courtroom fell silent once more, with all eyes fixed on Harry.

Dolores Umbridge, her voice dripping with malice, spoke up. "This outburst clearly demonstrates Potter's instability and lack of control. He is a danger to himself and others."

Avery, her ally, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Potter's behavior is unacceptable. He should be held accountable for his actions."

But Amelia Bones, the Head of the DMLE, silenced them with a stern glance. "That's enough, Umbridge, Avery. Harry Potter has every right to defend himself, especially after the abuse he suffered at the hands of the Dursleys."

The courtroom erupted into a mixture of applause and angry murmurs, with Harry's supporters cheering and his detractors shouting in protest. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with approval, while Snape's face remained stern, his eyes fixed intently on Harry.

Patricia Moon stood up, her voice clear and confident. "With that, all evidence has been presented, and the Dursleys' actions clearly demonstrate their guilt. The abuse and neglect suffered by Harry Potter at their hands is undeniable."

She walked back to her seat, her eyes scanning the courtroom. The Wizengamot members began to discuss and murmur among themselves, their voices rising and falling in a gentle hum.

Amelia Bones leaned over to whisper to Dumbledore, "It's clear the Dursleys are guilty, Albus. The evidence is overwhelming."

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling with a hint of sadness. "Yes, Amelia. It's a tragic case, but justice must be served."

The murmuring among the Wizengamot members grew louder, with some calling for severe punishment and others advocating for leniency. The courtroom was abuzz with anticipation, waiting for the verdict that would change the course of Harry Potter's life forever.

Lucius Malfoy, attempting to manipulate the situation, spoke up, "I find it curious, Chief Warlock Dumbledore, that you left Harry Potter in the care of the Dursleys. Did Potter's parents not leave a will specifying their wishes for their son's care?"

Harry, however, was prepared for this question. "The will was sealed by dark runes, Malfoy," he interjected. "It was only recently that the runes were broken, revealing the truth about my parents' wishes."

Lucius Malfoy's face paled, and he fell silent, realizing he had underestimated Harry. The courtroom murmured, sensing the shift in power.

Amelia Bones, taking charge, began the discussion on the Dursleys' punishment. "Before we proceed, let us first note all the charges against the Dursleys. We have neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, and attempted murder. The list goes on."

Dolores Umbridge, attempting to downplay the charges, spoke up, "Surely, we must consider the Dursleys'... ah... 'difficulties' in caring for a magical child."

But Amelia Bones was firm. "The Dursleys' actions are inexcusable, Umbridge. We will not tolerate abuse and neglect in our community."

Amelia Bones, her voice firm and authoritative, began to read out the charges against Vernon Dursley. "Vernon Dursley, you are hereby charged with the following crimes: neglect, starvation, physical, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse and torture of Harry James Potter."

The courtroom fell silent, with gasps and shocked whispers spreading throughout the audience. Vernon Dursley's face turned red with rage, but he remained silent.

Amelia Bones continued, "Additionally, you are charged with hiding the truth about the wizarding world from Harry Potter, lying about his parents' death, denying him basic necessities, and violating his basic human rights. You are also accused of deliberately holding him back, attempting to murder him, disrupting the courtroom, attacking a minor, manipulating your own son Dudley Dursley, and misusing the stipend provided for Harry's care."

The list of charges seemed endless, and the courtroom was stunned into silence. Dumbledore's eyes were closed, his face etched with pain, while Snape's eyes blazed with anger and protectiveness towards Harry. The Dursleys, on the other hand, looked like they had been punched in the gut, their faces pale and shocked.

Lucius Malfoy, attempting to defend his allies, spoke up, "Surely, these charges are exaggerated. The Dursleys were simply trying to... ah... 'discipline' the boy."

But Amelia Bones was firm. "The evidence speaks for itself, Malfoy. The Dursleys' actions are inexcusable, and they will be held accountable."

Amelia Bones, her voice unwavering, turned her attention to Marge Dursley. "Marge Dursley, you are hereby charged with the following crimes: neglect, starvation, physical, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse and torture of Harry James Potter."

The courtroom murmured in agreement, with many nodding their heads in disgust. Marge Dursley's face turned bright red with anger and shame.

Amelia Bones continued, "Additionally, you are charged with attempting to murder Harry Potter, disrupting the courtroom, attacking a minor, and numerous other counts of abuse and mistreatment."

Dumbledore's eyes were fixed intently on Marge, his expression stern and disapproving. Snape's eyes, on the other hand, seemed to bore into Marge's very soul, his gaze icy and unforgiving.

The Dursleys' allies, including Lucius Malfoy and his wife Narcissa, looked on in discomfort, their faces pale and worried. It was clear that they had underestimated the severity of the charges against the Dursleys.

Amelia Bones turned her attention to Petunia Dursley, her voice firm but measured. "Petunia Dursley, you are hereby charged with the following crimes: neglect, starvation, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse of Harry James Potter."

The courtroom murmured in agreement, with many nodding their heads in disgust. Petunia Dursley's face crumpled, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Amelia Bones continued, "Although you did not directly physically abuse Harry Potter, your failure to stop your family's abuse and neglect is equally reprehensible. Furthermore, you are charged with hiding the truth about the wizarding world, lying about Harry's parents' death, denying him basic necessities and human rights, deliberately holding him back, manipulating your own son Dudley, and misusing the stipend provided for Harry's care."

Dumbledore's eyes were fixed intently on Petunia, his expression stern and disapproving. Snape's eyes seemed to bore into Petunia's very soul, his gaze icy and unforgiving.

The Dursleys' allies looked on in discomfort, their faces pale and worried. It was clear that they had underestimated the severity of the charges against the Dursleys.

Next Chapter is  Reaping of Consequences

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling was it for the chapter . How do you reckon about the trial ? I hope the punishment which I will give them in next chapter would satisfy your opinions. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 12: Reaping of Consequences

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Dumbledore's voice rose above the murmurs, "It is now time for us to decide the punishments for the Dursleys' heinous crimes."

The Wizengamot members began to discuss and debate, their voices rising and falling in a cacophony of opinions. One member of the Council of Magical Law suggested, "They should be thrown into an Acromantula nest! Let them suffer the same terror they inflicted on Harry Potter."

Another member chimed in, "Poison would be too good for them! They should be forced to endure the same pain and suffering they caused Harry."

Amelia Bones shook her head, "While I understand the sentiment, we cannot resort to such cruel and unusual punishments. We must uphold the law and ensure that justice is served in a fair and humane manner."

Dumbledore nodded in agreement, "I concur with Amelia. We must find a punishment that fits the crime, but also reflects our values as a just and compassionate society."

As the Wizengamot continued to discuss and debate the punishments for the Dursleys, the reporters in the courtroom began to scribble furiously in their notebooks. They were eager to get the scoop on the trial, and the sensational details of the Dursleys' abuse were sure to sell papers.

"Abuse Trial Shocks Wizarding Community," one reporter wrote, underlining the headline for emphasis.

"Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, Reveals Horrific Childhood Abuse," another reporter scribbled, her pen moving rapidly across the page.

The journalists were careful to get every detail correct, knowing that the story would be splashed across the front pages of every wizarding newspaper. They couldn't wait to share the shocking truth with the world.

Meanwhile, the Wizengamot continued to deliberate, their discussion growing more heated by the minute. Dumbledore's calm and authoritative presence helped to keep the debate focused, but it was clear that the punishments for the Dursleys would be severe.

Vernon, Petunia, and Marge huddled together, their faces etched with disgust and confusion. They whispered among themselves, clearly out of their depth in the wizarding world.

"I don't understand any of this," Petunia whispered, her voice trembling. "What's all this nonsense about magic and spells?"

Vernon snorted, "It's just a bunch of hooey, Petunia. They're just trying to confuse us."

Marge nodded in agreement, "Yes, and that boy, Harry Potter, he's just a freak. He's always been a troublemaker."

Their conversation was laced with venom and ignorance, revealing their deep-seated disdain for the wizarding world and its inhabitants.

As they spoke, they couldn't help but glance around the courtroom, their eyes wide with fear and disgust. They were clearly out of their element, and their ignorance of the wizarding world only added to their confusion and anger.

Dudley Dursley's face was etched with heartbreak as he gazed at his family. He had expected, at the very least, some semblance of remorse from them. But instead, they seemed more concerned with their own fate than with the harm they had caused Harry.

Harry, sensing Dudley's distress, reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Dudley," he said softly. "You didn't deserve to be manipulated and used by them either."

Dudley looked up at Harry, his eyes welling up with tears. "I'm so sorry, Harry," he whispered. "I'm sorry I didn't stand up for you sooner."

Harry's expression was one of understanding and compassion. "You were just as much a victim as I was, Dudley," he said. "But you're making amends now, and that's what matters."

Vernon Dursley, his face red with rage, stood up and pointed a shaking finger at Harry. "I accuse Harry Potter of manipulating my son, Dudley!" he shouted. "He's turned him into one of those... those wizards!"

Amelia Bones raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "That's not possible, Mr. Dursley," she said calmly. "Dudley Dursley's... unusual transformation is due to a rare phenomenon known as Squibsurge core resonance, not any action taken by Harry Potter."

The courtroom murmured in surprise, with many of the Wizengamot members nodding in agreement with Amelia Bones' explanation. Vernon Dursley's face turned even redder with anger and frustration, realizing his attempt to deflect blame had failed.

Dolores Umbridge, her voice dripping with malice, attempted to manipulate the situation. "I think we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves," she said. "After all, the Dursleys were simply trying to... ah... 'care' for Harry Potter in their own way."

But before she could continue, Mr. Greengrass stood up, his eyes flashing with indignation. "That's enough, Umbridge!" he exclaimed. "We've heard enough of your twisted attempts to justify the unjustifiable. The Dursleys' actions were nothing short of cruel and abusive, and they must be held accountable."

The courtroom erupted into a mixture of applause and angry murmurs, with many of the Wizengamot members nodding in agreement with Mr. Greengrass. Umbridge's face turned red with anger and embarrassment, realizing her attempt to manipulate the situation had failed.

Amelia Bones posed a question to the Wizengamot, "Given that the accused are Muggles, do we impose Muggle punishments or Wizarding ones? We must consider the severity of their crimes and the impact on the wizarding community."

Dolores Umbridge and Lucius Malfoy exchanged a triumphant glance before Umbridge spoke up, "We cannot impose Wizarding punishments on Muggles. It's unprecedented in our history. We must adhere to the International Confederation of Wizards' Statue of Wizarding Secrecy and respect Muggle jurisdiction."

Lucius Malfoy nodded in agreement, "Yes, we must prioritize the integrity of our laws and avoid setting a dangerous precedent. Muggles must be subject to Muggle jurisdiction and punishments."

However, a Council member stood up, a look of correction on his face. "I beg to differ, Madam Umbridge. While it is rare, the Wizengamot has indeed imposed Wizarding punishments on Muggles in the past."

The courtroom murmured in surprise, and Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with interest. The Council member continued, "There have been three recorded instances: in 1706, when a Muggle was convicted of murdering a wizard; in 1765, when a group of Muggles were found guilty of conspiring to expose the wizarding world; and in 1879, when a Muggle was sentenced for using dark magic user to harm a wizarding family."

He paused, surveying the room before concluding, "And I firmly believe that the crimes committed by the Dursleys warrant Wizarding punishment. The severity of their abuse and neglect demands nothing less. We cannot allow Muggles to commit such heinous crimes against our own and face only Muggle justice."

The courtroom erupted into a mixture of applause and debate, with many of the Wizengamot members nodding in agreement with the Council member. Umbridge and Malfoy's faces turned red with anger and embarrassment, realizing their argument was being dismantled.

Auror Rufus Scrimgeour stood up, his voice clear and authoritative. "I propose that we put this matter to a vote. Those in favor of imposing Muggle punishments on the Dursleys, please raise your hands."

Lucius Malfoy, Crabbe Sr., Nott Sr., Yaxley, Goyle Sr., Avery, and Narcissa Malfoy, all known Death Eaters and Harry's opponents, raised their hands in unison. Dolores Umbridge and Barty Crouch Sr. also raised their hands, their faces set in determination.

Auror Scrimgeour nodded, his expression impartial. "And those in favor of imposing Wizarding punishments on the Dursleys, please raise your hands."

The entire Council of Magical Law, along with Dumbledore, Amelia Bones, Mr. Greengrass, Neville's Grandma Augusta Longbottom, and many other Wizengamot members, raised their hands. The majority of the room was in favor of imposing Wizarding punishments on the Dursleys.

The voting results were clear, and Auror Scrimgeour nodded, his expression solemn. "The results of the vote are as follows: the majority of the Wizengamot is in favor of imposing Wizarding punishments on the Dursleys."

The courtroom erupted into a mixture of applause and murmurs, as the Dursleys' fate was all but sealed.

Harry Potter sat calmly between Ginny Weasley and Dudley Dursley in the Victim and Witness section, surrounded by his loved ones. Ginny's hand was clasped reassuringly around his, while Dudley's eyes were fixed on the floor, his expression a mix of shame and regret.

To their left sat Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, their faces etched with concern and support. Remus Lupin, Pyre, Charlie Weasley, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker were seated nearby, their eyes fixed intently on the proceedings. Snape, seated at the far end of the row, his eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched, radiated an aura of quiet intensity.

Gran Minnie McGonagall and Madam Pomfrey sat at the opposite end, their faces stern and unyielding. The reporters, journalists, and audience members present looked on with rapt attention, sensing the gravity and importance of the trial.

As the Wizengamot deliberated, Harry's eyes remained fixed on the Dursleys, his expression a mix of sadness and resolve. He knew that this trial marked a turning point in his life, a chance to confront the darkness of his past and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Before deciding on the punishment, Amelia Bones turned to Barty Crouch Sr. and said, "Sir Crouch, I would like to remind you that whichever punishment is decided upon, the Muggle Ministry should be informed accordingly, so that they may disseminate the news to the Muggle public, while ensuring that the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy is not breached."

Barty Crouch Sr. nodded in agreement, "Of course, Director Bones. I will ensure that the Muggle Ministry is notified and that the necessary precautions are taken to maintain the secrecy of the wizarding world."

Dumbledore, seated beside Amelia Bones, nodded in approval, his eyes twinkling with a deep understanding of the complexities of wizarding-Muggle relations. The Wizengamot members murmured in agreement, acknowledging the importance of maintaining secrecy while also ensuring justice was served.

The Wizengamot core and council members engaged in a lengthy and heated discussion, debating the severity of the Dursleys' crimes and the appropriate punishment. Amelia Bones proposed a lifetime ban from interacting with the wizarding world, while Minister Fudge suggested a hefty fine and community service.

However, many members felt that these punishments did not adequately reflect the severity of the Dursleys' abuse. Dolores Umbridge suggested a "reeducation" program, but this was met with skepticism by many members, who felt that it would not address the underlying issues.

Rufus Scrimgeour proposed a temporary imprisonment in a secure wizarding facility, but this was also met with disagreement. Some members felt that it was too lenient, while others believed it was too harsh.

As the discussion continued, it became clear that the Wizengamot was deeply divided on the issue. Despite the severity of the Dursleys' crimes, no one had yet suggested the most severe punishment of all: imprisonment in Azkaban.

The debate raged on, with no clear consensus in sight. Dumbledore listened intently, his eyes twinkling with a deep understanding of the complexities of the case. The fate of the Dursleys hung in the balance, as the Wizengamot struggled to reach a decision.

Augusta Longbottom's voice rose above the din of discussion, "Shall we consider Azkaban as a possible punishment for the Dursleys?"

The room erupted into a chorus of protests, with many members expressing their reservations about imposing such a harsh sentence. However, as the voices died down, it became clear that a significant majority of the Council members were in favor of considering Azkaban.

Amelia Bones nodded thoughtfully, "I agree that Azkaban should be considered. The Dursleys' crimes are severe, and they have shown no remorse."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with a deep understanding, "I concur. Azkaban is a severe punishment, but it may be fitting in this case."

Barty Crouch Sr. nodded in agreement, as did Mr. Greengrass and Amos Diggory. In total, 25 out of the 30 Council members voted in favor of considering Azkaban as a possible punishment.

The room fell silent, as the weight of the decision settled upon the Dursleys. Their fate, it seemed, was all but sealed.

Lucius Malfoy's voice rose in protest, "This is preposterous! A Muggle has never been sent to Azkaban. It's unheard of!"

He glanced around the room, his eyes appealing to the other Wizengamot members. "We cannot set this precedent. It would be a gross overstep of our authority."

Dolores Umbridge nodded in agreement, "I concur with Lucius Malfoy. We must consider the implications of sending a Muggle to Azkaban. It could have far-reaching consequences for our relations with the Muggle world."

However, Amelia Bones remained unmoved, "I understand the concerns, but we must prioritize justice. The Dursleys' crimes are severe, and they have shown no remorse. Azkaban may be the only suitable punishment."

The room fell silent once more, as the Wizengamot members weighed the pros and cons of sending the Dursleys to Azkaban.

A Council member stood up, "I propose that we put the matter to a vote. All those in favor of sentencing the Dursleys to Azkaban, please raise your hands."

The room fell silent as the Wizengamot members voted. Hands rose one by one, until the majority had voted in favor of Azkaban. The Dursleys' faces fell in confusion, their eyes scanning the room in desperation.

Marge, Petunia, and Vernon exchanged worried glances, clearly unsure of what was happening. Amelia Bones explained, "Azkaban is a maximum-security prison, home to the most dangerous dark wizards and witches of our time. It is a place of darkness, isolation, and hardship."

Her voice was firm but measured, leaving no doubt as to the severity of the punishment. The Dursleys' faces paled, their eyes wide with fear.

Though the sentence period was yet to be decided, the Dursleys' fate seemed all but sealed. Dudley, seated beside Harry, cried silently, his body shaking with sobs. Harry comforted him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"It's okay, Dudley," Harry whispered. "You did the right thing. You stood up for the truth."

But despite his tears, Dudley's voice was firm, "I won't regret it, Harry. I won't regret siding with you, siding with the truth."

Dudley's eyes locked onto Harry's, filled with a deep sense of resolve. Harry smiled, his eyes shining with gratitude.

"Thank you, Dudley," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for being brave."

Amelia Bones stood up, her voice clear and authoritative. "Petunia Dursley, you have been found guilty of numerous charges, including neglect, starvation, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse, hiding the truth about the wizarding world, lying about Harry Potter's parents' death, denying basic human rights to Harry Potter, deliberately holding him back, manipulating your own son Dudley, misusing the stipend provided, and many more."

She paused, surveying the room before continuing, "Based on these charges, I propose imprisonment of 10 to 15 years in Azkaban, though in a non-Dementors guarded cell. You will also be required to give a public apology to Harry Potter, now."

Amelia's eyes narrowed, "Furthermore, after your imprisonment, you will be required to attend a rehabilitation camp. All property you own, including jewelry and money, will be confiscated and given to Harry Potter as compensation."

Her voice remained firm, "Additionally, you will be required to perform necessary community services until you reach the age of 65."

Amelia turned to the Wizengamot, "I now ask for your final verdict. Do you agree with the proposed punishment for Petunia Dursley?"

The Wizengamot members voted, their hands rising in agreement with Amelia's proposed punishment. The final verdict was unanimous: Petunia Dursley was sentenced to 12 years in Azkaban, followed by rehabilitation and community service.

Petunia's face contorted in shock and horror as the verdict was read out. She slumped forward, her body shaking with sobs. Vernon and Marge Dursley looked on, their faces pale and frightened.

Harry watched the scene unfold, his emotions mixed. He felt a sense of justice, knowing that his aunt would finally face the consequences of her actions. Yet, he also felt a pang of sadness, knowing that this would cause pain for Dudley.

Dudley, sensing Harry's gaze, turned to him. His eyes were red-rimmed, but he nodded resolutely. "It's okay, Harry. I know it's right."

Harry smiled softly and placed a comforting hand on Dudley's shoulder. "I'm proud of you, Dudley. You're doing the right thing."

Dudley took a deep breath and nodded again. "I know. It's just...it's hard to see her like this."

Harry's expression softened. "I know. But we have to think about what's best for everyone. And this is what's best."

As the scene unfolded, the reporters and journalists in the audience looked on, their faces filled with shock and curiosity. They scribbled furiously in their notebooks, sensing that this was a story that would make headlines for weeks to come.

Amelia Bones stood up, her voice firm but measured. "Petunia Dursley, as part of your sentence, you are required to make a public apology to Harry Potter for the abuse and neglect you inflicted upon him."

Petunia's eyes darted around the room, her face pale and gaunt. She hesitated for a moment before standing up, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I...I'm sorry, Harry. I was wrong to treat you the way I did. I was cruel and heartless, and I realize now that I was consumed by my own bitterness and jealousy."

Her voice cracked as she spoke, and for a moment, it seemed as though she might break down. But she took a deep breath and continued.

"I know I can never undo the harm I've caused, but I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me, Harry. I'm truly sorry for what I've done."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Petunia. Harry's expression was unreadable, but Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with a hint of approval. It seemed that Petunia's apology had shown some remorse, at least.

Amelia Bones stood up, her expression stern. "Marge Dursley, you have been found guilty of numerous heinous crimes, including neglect, starvation, physical, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse and torture, attempt to murder, disruptions in the courtroom, attack on a minor, and many more."

Her voice was firm and authoritative, leaving no doubt as to the severity of Marge's crimes. "I propose 20 to 25 years of imprisonment in Azkaban, in a Dementor-guarded cell. All your properties, including money, jewelry, and your farmhouse in Jamaica, will be confiscated and given to Harry Potter as compensation."

Marge's face turned red with rage, but Amelia continued, undeterred. "You will also be required to give a public apology to Harry Potter. After serving your sentence, you will attend a rehabilitation center, followed by community service."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Marge. Harry's expression was grim, but Dumbledore's eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness. The Wizengamot members nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their disgust at Marge's crimes.

The Wizengamot members voted, their hands rising in agreement with Amelia's proposed punishment. The final verdict was unanimous: Marge Dursley was sentenced to 22 years in Azkaban, in a Dementor-guarded cell.

Amelia Bones stood up, her voice firm. "Marge Dursley, as part of your sentence, you are required to make a public apology to Harry Potter for the abuse and neglect you inflicted upon him."

Marge's face twisted in a scowl, but she stood up, her voice dripping with malice. "I'm sorry, Harry. Sorry that you were such a useless, ungrateful brat. Sorry that you couldn't appreciate all that I did for you."

Her apology was met with stunned silence. It was clear that Marge felt no remorse for her actions, and her words were nothing more than a hollow attempt to appease the court.

Harry's eyes narrowed, his face pale with anger. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with a deep sadness, while Amelia's expression remained stern.

"It's clear that your apology is insincere, Marge Dursley," Amelia said, her voice cold. "But it will be recorded as part of your sentence. You will now be taken into custody and transported to Azkaban."

Amelia Bones stood up, her expression grave. "Vernon Dursley, you have been found guilty of numerous heinous crimes, including neglect, starvation, physical, emotional, psychological, and mental abuse and torture, hiding the truth about the wizarding world, lying about Harry Potter's parents' death, denying basic human rights to Harry Potter, deliberately holding him back, attempt to murder, disruptions in the courtroom, attack on a minor, manipulating your own son Dudley, misusing the stipend provided, compelling Harry Potter to contemplate suicide, and many more."

Her voice was firm and authoritative, leaving no doubt as to the severity of Vernon's crimes. "I propose life imprisonment in Azkaban, in a Dementors-guarded cell. All your properties, including your car, money, luxuries, and number four Privet Drive, will be confiscated and given to Harry Potter as compensation."

Vernon's face turned purple with rage, but Amelia continued, undeterred. "You will also be required to make a public apology to Harry Potter. Your actions have caused irreparable harm, and it is only fitting that you face the consequences."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Vernon. Harry's expression was grim, but Dumbledore's eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness. The Wizengamot members nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their disgust at Vernon's crimes.

The Wizengamot members voted, their hands rising in agreement with Amelia's proposed punishment. The final verdict was unanimous: Vernon Dursley was sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban, in a Dementors-guarded cell.

Amelia Bones stood up, her voice firm. "Vernon Dursley, as part of your sentence, you are required to make a public apology to Harry Potter for the abuse and neglect you inflicted upon him."

Vernon's face twisted in a scowl, but he stood up, his voice dripping with malice. "I'm sorry, Harry. Sorry that you were such a useless, ungrateful brat. Sorry that you couldn't appreciate all that I did for you."

His apology was met with stunned silence. It was clear that Vernon felt no remorse for his actions, and his words were nothing more than a hollow attempt to appease the court.

Harry's eyes narrowed, his face pale with anger. Dumbledore's eyes seemed to hold a deep sadness, while Amelia's expression remained stern.

"It's clear that your apology is insincere, Vernon Dursley," Amelia said, her voice cold. "But it will be recorded as part of your sentence. You will now be taken into custody and transported to Azkaban."

Amelia Bones stood up, her voice clear and authoritative. "In summary, the punishments for the Dursleys are as follows: Petunia Dursley is sentenced to 12 years in Azkaban, Marge Dursley is sentenced to 22 years in Azkaban, and Vernon Dursley is sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban."

She paused, surveying the room before continuing, "Furthermore, as of today, July 23rd, the Dursleys are no longer the legal guardians of Harry James Potter and Dudley Dursley. Their rights and responsibilities as guardians are hereby revoked."

The room erupted into a murmur of conversation, with the reporters and journalists in the audience scribbling furiously in their notebooks. Harry's eyes met Dudley's, and he smiled softly, feeling a sense of relief and freedom.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with approval, while Snape's expression remained stoic, but with a hint of satisfaction. The Wizengamot members nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their approval of the verdict.

Amelia Bones continued, "The Ministry of Magic will ensure that Harry Potter and Dudley Dursley are placed in suitable care, with guardians who will provide them with the love, support, and protection they deserve."

Barty Crouch Sr. stood up, his voice clear and authoritative. "The Muggle Ministry will be informed that the Dursleys have been sentenced to imprisonment for crimes committed against a minor, but the details of the case will be withheld to protect the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy."

The room nodded in agreement, and Amelia Bones continued, "The Dursleys will be transported to Azkaban immediately. Aurors, please escort them from the courtroom."

A team of Aurors stepped forward, their wands drawn, and surrounded the Dursleys. Vernon, Petunia, and Marge were led away, their faces twisted in anger and despair.

As they were escorted out of the courtroom, the reporters and journalists in the audience began to murmur among themselves, sensing that this was a major story. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with a hint of satisfaction, while Snape's expression remained stoic.

The courtroom began to empty, with the Wizengamot members and the audience filing out into the corridors. Harry, Dudley, and their supporters remained behind, waiting for further instructions from Amelia Bones.

"It's over," Harry whispered to Dudley, his eyes shining with relief. "We're finally free."

Dudley nodded, a small smile on his face. "We sure are, Harry. We sure are."

Harry stood up, his voice clear and resolute. "I'd like to make a statement, please. All the properties, money, and assets that I've gained from the Dursleys as compensation, I'd like to officially give to Dudley Dursley."

Amelia Bones looked up, a hint of surprise on her face, but then nodded. "Very well, Mr. Potter. I'll prepare the necessary papers."

The papers were quickly drawn up, and Harry and Dudley signed them, transferring the ownership of the properties and assets to Dudley. Harry turned to Dudley, a smile on his face.

"It's only fair, Dudley," Harry said. "You're my cousin, and you've been through just as much as I have. You deserve this."

Dudley's eyes welled up with tears as he looked at Harry, his voice shaking. "Thanks, Harry. Thanks for being so kind to me."

The courtroom erupted into a warm applause, with the Weasleys, Remus Lupin, and the others in attendance smiling and cheering. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with pride, while Snape's expression softened ever so slightly.

Lucius Malfoy stood up, a sly smile spreading across his face. "I'd like to propose that I adopt Harry Potter, as he is now without a guardian. I'm sure my family and I can provide him with the proper care and upbringing."

Harry's eyes widened in horror, and he protested, "No! I don't want to be adopted by you!"

Amelia Bones stepped forward, her expression firm. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Mr. Malfoy. We've already made arrangements for Harry's care. Mrs. Tucker, who is Harry's honorary grandmother and magical guardian, despite being a Squib, has agreed to become both the legal and magical guardian of both Harry and Dudley, if they agree."

Mrs. Tucker, who had been sitting in the back of the courtroom, stood up, a warm smile on her face. "That's right, dearie. I'd be happy to take care of these two boys. They're like family to me."

Dudley nodded enthusiastically, and Harry smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "Yes, please," Harry said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'd like that very much, Mrs. Tucker."

Amos Diggory stood up, his eyes scanning the room as he addressed the journalists and reporters present. "While we allow you to publish the details of this trial, we implore you to exercise restraint and consideration when it comes to the privacy of Harry Potter and his family."

"We understand that this is a sensational story, but we must remember that Harry Potter is a minor, and his well-being and safety must be our top priority," Diggory continued. "We ask that you refrain from publishing any details that may compromise his privacy or put him at risk."

The journalists and reporters nodded, taking notes and whispering among themselves. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with approval, while Snape's expression remained stern.

Amelia Bones stood up, her voice firm. "This concludes the trial. The Dursleys have been punished, and arrangements have been made for Harry Potter's care. This court is now adjourned."

Amos Diggory stood up, his eyes scanning the room as he addressed the journalists and reporters present. "While we allow you to publish the details of this trial, we implore you to exercise restraint and consideration when it comes to the privacy of Harry Potter and his family," he said, his voice firm but polite.

"We understand that this is a sensational story, but we must remember that Harry Potter is a minor, and his well-being and safety must be our top priority," Diggory continued. "We ask that you refrain from publishing any details that may compromise his privacy or put him at risk. This includes, but is not limited to, his home address, his daily routine, and any personal details that may make him vulnerable to harassment or harm."

The journalists and reporters nodded, taking notes and whispering among themselves. Some of them looked disappointed, clearly hoping for a more sensational story. But others seemed to understand the importance of protecting Harry's privacy.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with approval as he nodded at Diggory. Snape's expression remained stern, but he too nodded in agreement. Amelia Bones stood up, her voice firm.

"This concludes the trial. The Dursleys have been punished, and arrangements have been made for Harry Potter's care. This court is now adjourned," she said, banging her gavel on the desk.

The courtroom erupted into a flurry of activity as the journalists and reporters rushed to file their stories. The Wizengamot members began to file out of the courtroom, some of them stopping to congratulate Harry and Dudley on their newfound freedom.

As the Wizengamot members filed out of the courtroom, Amelia Bones let out a deep sigh and smiled, finally able to shed her professional demeanor. Dumbledore and Minister Fudge remained behind, and Fudge made his way over to Harry.

"Harry, I want to apologize for the Ministry's failure to protect you from the Dursleys," Fudge said, his voice sincere. "We should have done more to ensure your safety and well-being. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us."

Harry nodded, accepting Fudge's apology. Fudge smiled and patted Harry on the back before turning to leave.

With Fudge gone, the remaining group let out a collective sigh of relief. "It's finally over," Amelia said, smiling at Harry.

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Indeed it is, Harry. You are finally free from the Dursleys' abuse and neglect."

Snape, who had been standing quietly in the corner, stepped forward, his eyes softening ever so slightly. "I am glad to see that justice has been served, Harry," he said.

Remus Lupin, Charlie Weasley, and Pyre Jones all nodded in agreement, smiling at Harry. Madam Pomfrey beamed with pride, while Gran Minnie McGonagall looked relieved.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley hugged Harry tightly, tears of joy in their eyes. "We're so proud of you, Harry," Mrs. Weasley whispered.

Ginny grinned at Harry, her eyes shining with happiness. "You're finally free, Harry," she said.

Dudley, who had been quiet until now, spoke up, his voice filled with emotion. "Thanks, Harry, for sticking up for me. I'm sorry I wasn't a better brother to you."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of closure and new beginnings. "It's okay, Dudley. We're starting fresh now."

Harry turned to Patricia Moon, a warm smile on his face. "I just wanted to personally thank you, Ms. Moon," he said, his voice sincere. "Your testimony was instrumental in bringing the Dursleys to justice. Thank you for being brave enough to speak out."

Patricia Moon smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "It was the least I could do, Harry. You deserve so much better than what you got from the Dursleys."

With that, she bid the group farewell and left. The remaining group turned their attention to Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who was beaming with excitement.

"Now, let's celebrate!" she exclaimed. "I invite you all to Fawcett Manor for a party. We'll have food, drinks, and music. It'll be a wonderful way to mark this new chapter in Harry's life."

Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, and Madam Pomfrey all accepted the invitation, smiling at the prospect of a celebration.

"I can't wait to tell Sirius," Harry said, grinning. "He's been waiting at the manor, and I know he'll be thrilled. And I have to tell Daisy, Ron, Susan, the twins, and Percy too. They'll all be so happy for me."

"And don't forget to write letters to your friends," Ginny reminded him. "Draco, Hermione, and Neville will all want to hear from you."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. He couldn't wait to share the news with his friends and start this new chapter in his life.

The Knight Bus came to a stop in front of Fawcett Manor, and the group poured out onto the driveway. It was 5 pm, and the sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the manor.

As they made their way inside, they found Sirius Black pacing back and forth in the foyer, a look of worry etched on his face. He stopped pacing as soon as he saw Harry, and his eyes scanned the group anxiously.

"What happened?" Sirius demanded, his voice low and urgent. "You've been gone for hours. I was starting to get worried."

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. "It's all over, Sirius," he said. "The Dursleys have been punished, and I'm finally free."

Sirius's face relaxed, and he let out a deep breath. "Thank Merlin," he muttered, striding over to Harry and clapping him on the back. "I'm glad it's finally over for you, mate."

Downstairs, the rest of the household began to stir, curious about the commotion. Daisy, Susan, Ron, the twins, and Percy all trooped into the foyer, their faces filled with concern.

"What happened?" Ron asked, his eyes scanning the group.

Daisy, however, was nervous, her hazel eyes darting between Harry and the others. Harry immediately went to her, wrapping her in a warm hug.

"Hey, it's okay," he whispered. "Everything's fine. The Dursleys have been punished, and I'm finally free."

Daisy's eyes widened, and she pulled back to look at Harry, her face pale. "Really?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry nodded, smiling. "Really," he said. "And I have Grandma Mrs. Tucker to thank for it. She's my new guardian, along with being Dudley's."

Daisy's face relaxed, and she smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "I'm so glad, Harry," she said.

The others nodded in agreement, smiling at Harry. Susan hugged him tightly, while Ron and the twins clapped him on the back. Percy smiled, looking relieved.

Sirius smiled, watching the scene unfold. "I think it's time we celebrated," he said, his eyes twinkling.

Just then, the fireplace crackled to life, and Neville Longbottom and Hermione Granger stepped out of the floo, grinning from ear to ear. "Congratulations, Harry!" they exclaimed in unison.

Next, Draco Malfoy and his younger brother Scorpius appeared, looking a bit mischievous. "We, uh, told our parents we were going to the library," Draco said, winking at Harry.

Scorpius nodded, his eyes shining with excitement. "We couldn't miss this celebration!"

The five best friends - Draco, Hermione, Ron, Neville, and Harry - were finally reunited, and the room erupted in cheers and laughter. They hugged each other tightly, grinning from ear to ear.

"It's finally over," Harry said, his voice filled with emotion.

"We're all free now," Ron added, clapping Harry on the back.

Hermione smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "We're all together again. That's all that matters."

Draco nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "We make a pretty good team, don't we?"

Neville grinned, his eyes twinkling. "The best team, if you ask me."

The five friends laughed and joked, basking in the joy and camaraderie of the moment.

As the celebration continued, Amelia Bones slipped away to a corner of the room, where Sirius was standing with a smile on his face. She took his hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Now that the trial is over," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, "shall we move our relationship from the backseat to the front?"

Sirius's eyes locked onto hers, and he nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. Amelia's eyes shone with happiness as Sirius leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender, sweet kiss.

The room erupted in cheers and applause as the couple shared their first kiss. Harry grinned, feeling happy for the two people he cared about deeply. Susan, Amelia's niece, squealed with delight, hugging Harry tightly.

Amelia turned to Harry, her face flushed with happiness. "You should call me Aunt Lia now," she said, smiling.

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, but then he grinned, feeling happy for Amelia and Sirius. "Aunt Lia it is, then," he said, hugging her tightly.

Sirius smiled, his eyes shining with happiness. "I'm glad we can finally be open about our relationship," he said, taking Amelia's hand in his.

The group cheered again, celebrating the new chapter in Amelia and Sirius's lives.

Harry and Ginny slipped away from the celebration, seeking some alone time in their room. As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry wrapped his arms around Ginny, pulling her close.

"I'm so glad it's all over," Ginny whispered, her voice muffled against Harry's chest.

"Me too," Harry replied, his voice filled with emotion. "I feel like I can finally breathe again."

Ginny pulled back, looking up at Harry with shining eyes. "You're free now, Harry," she said. "Free to live your life without the Dursleys holding you back."

Harry smiled, his heart full of love for Ginny. "I couldn't have done it without you," he said, his voice sincere.

Ginny's face glowed with happiness as Harry hugged her tightly, holding her close as they basked in the joy and relief of the moment.

Harry and Ginny shared a celebratory kiss, their lips meeting in a tender, loving gesture. As they pulled back, they smiled at each other, feeling happy and relieved.

Hand in hand, they made their way downstairs, expecting to find the usual warm and welcoming atmosphere of Fawcett Manor. Instead, they were greeted by a stunning sight: the hall was decorated with balloons, streamers, and a large banner that read "Congratulations Harry!".

The room was filled with the delicious aromas of roasting meats and freshly baked treats, and the sound of laughter and music filled the air. Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Amelia, Sirius, Remus, and the rest of the household were all smiling and chatting, clearly excited to celebrate Harry's newfound freedom.

"Surprise!" they all shouted in unison, as Harry and Ginny made their way into the hall, beaming with delight.

The group made their way to the grand dining hall, where a magnificent feast was laid out before them. The table was filled with an array of delicious dishes, including roast beef, mashed potatoes, and steaming vegetables. Healer Pyre, Charlie's girlfriend, had even made a special batch of her famous treacle fudge for the occasion.

As they took their seats, Dumbledore stood up to give a toast. "To Harry, on this momentous occasion," he said, his eyes twinkling. "May your future be bright, and your heart be filled with joy and love."

The group echoed Dumbledore's toast, raising their glasses in a joyful clink. Snape, who sat to Harry's right, smiled slightly, his eyes softening with warmth. McGonagall, who sat to Harry's left, beamed with pride, while Madam Pomfrey nodded in approval.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, the twins, Percy, Amelia, Sirius, Remus, Daisy, Dudley, Susan, Scorpius, and Harry's best friends Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Neville all chatted and laughed as they enjoyed their meal. Harry and Ginny sat together, holding hands and grinning at each other, basking in the joy and love that filled the room.

As the dinner drew to a close, the group began to sing and dance, celebrating Harry's newfound freedom with music and laughter. It was a night that none of them would ever forget, a night filled with joy, love, and the promise of a bright and happy future.

Bagnod carefully took a small sample of Daisy's blood, which he then applied to a special parchment. The room was filled with anticipation as they waited for the results.

"It won't take long," Bagnod assured them. "The parchment will glow with the results."

And indeed, after just a few seconds, the parchment began to glow with a soft, blue light. The room fell silent as they waited for the results to appear.

Finally, the light faded, revealing the results. Harry's eyes widened as he read the parchment, his heart racing with excitement.

"Daisy Lily Potter," he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

The parchment showed Daisy's name beside Harry's, with their parents' names listed above: James Charles Potter and Lily Rose Potter (née Evans).

Ginny gasped, her hand flying to her mouth. "She's your sister, Harry!" she exclaimed.

Daisy's eyes sparkled with tears as she looked at Harry. "I'm your sister?" she whispered.

Harry nodded, a huge smile spreading across his face. "You're my sister, Daisy," he said, opening his arms to her.

Daisy flung herself into Harry's arms, tears of joy streaming down her face. The room erupted in cheers and applause as the group celebrated the discovery of Harry's long-lost sister.

As they continued to gaze at the parchment, they noticed another detail that caught their attention. Sirius's name was listed as Harry's godfather, which they had already known. However, what surprised them was that Remus's name was listed as Daisy's godfather.

"Remus, you're Daisy's godfather!" Harry exclaimed, looking at Remus with a mixture of surprise and delight.

Remus's eyes widened in shock, and he looked at the parchment as if to confirm the information. "I...I had no idea," he stuttered.

Lily and James must have already decided to name Remus as Daisy's godfather, even before she was born. It was a beautiful revelation, and the group felt a sense of wonder and awe at the discovery.

Daisy looked up at Remus with tears in her eyes. "You're my godfather?" she whispered.

Remus nodded, a warm smile spreading across his face. "I am, Daisy. I'm honored to be your godfather."

The group was still reeling from the revelation, but they were all grinning from ear to ear. They had so many questions, but for now, they were just happy to have Daisy back.

"I don't care how you survived, Daisy," Harry said, hugging her tightly. "I'm just glad you're here with us."

Daisy smiled, looking up at Harry with shining eyes. "I'm glad too, Harry. I feel like I've finally found my family."

The group nodded in agreement, smiling at each other. They knew they still had a lot to learn about Daisy's past, but for now, they were just happy to have her back.

"We'll figure out how you survived later," Ginny said, smiling at Daisy. "For now, let's just celebrate."

The group cheered, hugging each other and congratulating Daisy on her newfound family. It was a moment they would never forget, a moment filled with joy, love, and a sense of belonging.

As the celebration began to wind down, the guests started to say their goodbyes. Snape, Dumbledore, McGonagall, Madam Pomfrey, and Healer Pyre all departed, thanking the Weasleys for their hospitality.

Hermione, Draco, Ron, Neville, and Scorpius also bid their farewells, promising to catch up soon. Sirius and Remus, who had been chatting quietly in the corner, stood up to leave.

"We should get going too," Sirius said, smiling at Harry and Ginny. "Now that the trial is over, we can finally relax."

Remus nodded in agreement. "We'll come back soon, Harry. Take care of yourself and your sister."

Sirius turned to Amelia and Susan, who were waiting by the door. "Shall we?" he asked, offering Amelia his arm.

Amelia smiled, taking his arm. "We shall," she replied.

Together, the three of them left for Bones estate, where Sirius would continue his fake house arrest. The Weasleys, however, had decided to stay for the night, enjoying the warmth and comfort of the manor.

As the last of the guests departed, Harry and Ginny made their way upstairs, hand in hand. They were both exhausted but exhilarated by the events of the day.

"I'm so glad it's all over," Ginny said, snuggling into Harry's side.

"Me too," Harry replied, wrapping his arms around her. "Now we can finally move on with our lives."

They reached their room, and Harry pushed open the door, revealing a cozy, candlelit space. Ginny smiled, and Harry swept her into his arms, twirling her around the room.

"I love you, Ginny," Harry whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.

"I love you too, Harry," Ginny replied, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart.

As Harry looked around the manor, he felt a sense of contentment wash over him. He had finally found a sense of family and belonging, and it was all thanks to the people who had come into his life.

"I never thought I'd have a family like this," Harry said, turning to Ginny with a smile.

Ginny smiled back, snuggling into his side. "You deserve it, Harry. You deserve all the love and happiness in the world."

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Harry thought about all the people who had become a part of his life. There was Dudley, his former nemesis turned unlikely friend; Daisy, his long-lost sister; and Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who had taken him under her wing.

And then, of course, there were the Twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, who had become permanent residents of Fawcett Manor. They were always getting into mischief, but Harry couldn't imagine life without them.

As for the rest of the Weasleys, they were like a second family to him. Ron, Draco ,Hermione, and Neville had been his best friends since Hogwarts, and he knew he could always count on them.

And then there were the others: Remus, Sirius, Amelia, Susan, ...the list went on. They had all become a part of his life, and he was grateful for it.

"I'm so lucky to have all of you," Harry said, looking around at the people he loved.

Ginny smiled, squeezing his hand. "We're the lucky ones, Harry. We get to have you in our lives."

As the evening drew to a close, Harry's beloved pets began to stir, seeking attention from their master. Hedwig, his majestic white owl, softly hooted from her perch, while Poco, the little sparrow Harry had rescued, chirped excitedly from his cage. Kluer, Harry's mischievous colour-changing cat, sauntered into the room, his fur shifting from grey to blue as he rubbed against Harry's leg.

Ginny laughed, scooping up Kluer in her arms. "He's such a show-off," she said, scratching behind Kluer's ears.

Harry chuckled, stroking Hedwig's soft feathers. "Hey, girl. Did you miss me?" Hedwig nuzzled his hand, and Harry smiled, feeling a deep connection to his loyal owl.

Poco, not to be left out, began to chirp loudly, flapping his wings against the bars of his cage. Harry grinned, opening the cage door to let Poco out. The little sparrow fluttered onto Harry's shoulder, nuzzling his ear.

As Harry, Ginny, and the pets spent quality time together, the warmth and love in the room grew, filling Harry's heart with joy and contentment.

Harry and Ginny settled into their favorite armchairs, the evening edition of the Daily Prophet spread out before them. The headlines screamed out at them, a cacophony of shock and outrage.

"TRIAL OF THE CENTURY: DURSLEYS FOUND GUILTY OF ABUSING HARRY POTTER"

"AZKABAN AWAITS: PETUNIA, MARGE, AND VERNON DURSLEY SENTENCED"

Ginny's eyes widened as she scanned the articles, her face pale with shock. "It's unbelievable," she whispered. "The things they did to you, Harry..."

Harry's jaw clenched, his eyes flashing with anger. But as he read on, he felt a sense of closure, of vindication.

The article detailed the punishments meted out to the Dursleys. Petunia Dursley was sentenced to 12 years in Azkaban, Marge Dursley to 22 years, and Vernon Dursley to life imprisonment.

"'Furthermore, as of today, July 23rd, the Dursleys are no longer the legal guardians of Harry James Potter and Dudley Dursley. Their rights and responsibilities as guardians are hereby revoked,'" Ginny read aloud, her voice firm.

Harry felt a weight lift off his shoulders as he read the words. He was finally free of the Dursleys, free to live his life without their cruelty and abuse.

He looked over at Ginny, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks for being here with me," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny smiled, reaching out to take his hand. "Always, Harry," she replied. "Always."

As the evening drew to a close, Harry and Ginny snuggled into bed, exhausted but content. They wrapped their arms around each other, feeling the warmth and love emanating from their entwined bodies.

As they drifted off to sleep, they found themselves transported to their dreamland, a magical realm where they could be free and uninhibited. They stood hand in hand, surrounded by towering trees and vibrant wildflowers, the air filled with the sweet scent of blooming heather.

"Shall we take a walk?" Harry asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Ginny grinned, her eyes shining with excitement. "Always," she replied.

Together, they strolled through the forest, their footsteps quiet on the soft earth. The trees seemed to lean in, as if listening to their conversation, and the creatures of the forest watched them with curious eyes.

As they walked, they talked about their dreams and aspirations, their hopes and fears. They laughed and joked, their love and connection growing stronger with every step.

In this magical dreamland, time stood still, and all that mattered was the present moment. Harry and Ginny reveled in each other's company, their love shining brighter than any star in the night sky.

Next Chapter is Hogwarts Letters !

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. This chapter was so satisfying to write really. I hope it was as satisfactory to read too. Sirelia is now on !Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 13: Hogwarts Letters

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As they strolled through the dreamland forest, Harry turned to Ginny with a thoughtful expression. "So, tomorrow you'll be heading back to the Burrow with your family, right?" he asked.

Ginny nodded, her ponytail bobbing behind her. "Yes, we'll be going back home tomorrow," she replied.

Harry smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "But we'll be together again soon, on my birthday," he said, his voice filled with excitement.

Ginny's face lit up with a bright smile. "Exactly! Just a week and we'll be celebrating your birthday together," she said.

Harry's thoughts then turned to the upcoming school year. "And of course, we'll be together at Hogwarts too," he said, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Ginny's eyes shone with excitement. "I'm so nervous but excited to start my first year at Hogwarts," she said.

Harry chuckled, taking her hand in his. "You'll be amazing, Ginny. I'll be right there with you, every step of the way," he said, his voice filled with reassurance.

July 24th dawned bright and early, and Harry woke up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He glanced over at Ginny, who was still fast asleep, her red hair tangled and her chocolate brown eyes scrunched up. Harry couldn't help but smile as he gently shook her awake.

"Hey, sleepyhead," Harry whispered, his emerald green eyes sparkling with amusement.

Ginny groggily opened her eyes, looking up at Harry with a grumpy expression. "What time is it?" she mumbled, her voice husky with sleep.

"It's 5 am," Harry replied, trying to stifle a grin. "I'm going to start my morning exercise routine again, and I thought you'd want to join me."

Ginny's eyes suddenly snapped open, and she sat up with a jolt. "Oh no, I totally forgot! I was supposed to warn you not to overdo it on your first day back."

Harry chuckled, his black messy hairstyle ruffling as he shook his head. "You were pretty grumpy just now. I think you forgot about our plans in your sleep."

Ginny laughed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I guess I did. Sorry about that. But seriously, Harry, please don't push yourself too hard today. I want to be there to make sure you're okay."

Harry smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "I promise I'll be careful, Gin. And I'm glad you're here to keep an eye on me."

After brushing their teeth, Harry and Ginny made their way out of their bedroom, ready to start their day. As they walked down the hallway, they saw Dudley standing by the entrance, dressed in his exercise gear and looking eager. Harry couldn't help but smile, remembering how he had motivated Dudley to start exercising last year.

"Hey, cuz!" Dudley exclaimed, grinning at Harry. "From today, you're back on exercise duty with me!"

Harry nodded, his emerald green eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm ready when you are, Dud."

The three of them walked out of the manor building, into the breathtaking grounds of Fawcett Manor. The sun was rising over the rolling hills, casting a golden glow over the lush green forests, sparkling lakes, and vast fields. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Ginny said, taking Harry's hand as they walked.

Harry smiled, feeling grateful for this new chapter in his life. "Perfect day," he replied, squeezing her hand.

As they jogged around the corn fields, Harry couldn't help but admire the lush green crops swaying gently in the breeze. He felt a pang of sadness, remembering how he had been unable to tend to his plants during his bed rest. "I've missed taking care of my plants," Harry said, his eyes gazing wistfully at the fields.

Ginny, jogging beside him, reached out to squeeze his hand. "You'll get back to it soon, Harry. And I'll help you."

Dudley, jogging on Harry's other side, spoke up. "Hey, Harry, I've been thinking. When I start at Hogwarts, people are going to assume I was involved in...you know, what happened to you."

Harry's expression turned determined. "No way, Dudley. I'll make sure everyone knows the truth - that you're the one who saved me, who called the Aurors to arrest Vernon, Petunia, and Marge."

Dudley's face lit up with gratitude. "Thanks, Harry. That means a lot to me."

Harry smiled, his messy black hair ruffling in the wind. "We're family, Dudley. We stick together. And I'll make sure you're prepared for your first year at Hogwarts - no disadvantages, got it?"

As they rested along the serene lake shore, Harry decided to take a refreshing swim. Dudley and Ginny sat together, watching Harry glide effortlessly through the water. Ginny's expression turned thoughtful, and she turned to Dudley.

"Hey, Dudley, it's July 24th already. Don't you think it's weird that we haven't received our Hogwarts letters yet?" Ginny asked, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling with concern.

Dudley frowned, "I was thinking the same thing. I mean, Draco didn't mention anything about Scorpius getting his letter, did he?"

Ginny's worry deepened. "What if I don't get a letter? What if something's gone wrong?" Her voice trembled slightly, and Dudley put a reassuring arm around her shoulders.

"Hey, don't worry, Gin. I'm sure everything will be fine. We'll get our letters, and we'll all be at Hogwarts together," Dudley said, trying to sound calm.

Just then, Harry emerged from the lake, shaking his emerald green eyes sparkling with water droplets. "What's wrong?" he asked, noticing Ginny's worried expression.

Ginny explained her concerns, and Harry's face turned thoughtful. "I'm sure it's just a delay. We'll get our letters soon," he said, trying to reassure her. But despite his words, a faint flicker of worry had begun to stir in his mind.

As they entered the grand dining hall of Fawcett Manor, the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast wafted through the air, making their stomachs growl with anticipation. Grandma Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Weasley were already seated at the table, chatting warmly over steaming cups of coffee. The twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, flitted about, helping to serve the breakfast.

Mr. Weasley descended the stairs, his eyes twinkling with warmth as he greeted his family. Ron, Charlie, the twins, and Percy were still fast asleep, exhausted from the previous day's events.

Mrs. Weasley turned to Grandma Mrs. Tucker, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you so much for having us stay here, Mrs. Tucker. It's been a wonderful respite."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled, her eyes twinkling. "The pleasure is all mine, dear. Thank you for staying with Harry during this difficult time."

Mr. Weasley cleared his throat, his expression turning serious. "Well, I think it's time for us to be off. We'll finish breakfast and then head back to the Burrow."

Harry's face fell, feeling a pang of sadness at the thought of Ginny leaving. But Ginny reached out, taking his hand in hers.

"It's okay, Harry," she whispered, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling with reassurance. "We'll meet again soon."

And with a sly wink, Harry understood exactly what she meant - their secret dreamland, where they could meet every night, free from the constraints of the waking world.

As the morning wore on, the rest of the Weasley family began to stir. Ron, Charlie, the twins, and Percy trooped downstairs, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. The dining hall was filled with the sound of chatter and clinking silverware as they sat down to a hearty breakfast.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Weasley presided over the meal, ensuring everyone had enough to eat. The twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, flitted about, refilling plates and pouring juice.

By 9 o'clock, the Weasleys had finished breakfast and begun to gather their belongings. The sound of luggage being dragged downstairs and the chatter of goodbyes filled the air.

"We'll be off, then," Mr. Weasley said, his eyes twinkling as he hugged Harry. "Take care of yourself, Harry. We'll see you soon."

Ginny hugged Harry tightly, her red hair brushing against his cheek. "I'll see you tonight, in our dreamland," she whispered, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling with mischief.

Harry grinned, feeling a thrill of excitement at the prospect of their secret meetings. "I'll be there," he whispered back, his emerald green eyes shining with promise.

As the Weasleys prepared to leave, Mrs. Weasley made the rounds, doling out her signature bone-crushing hugs. Daisy, Dudley, and Harry each received a warm squeeze, with Mrs. Weasley whispering words of affection and encouragement in their ears.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled warmly, her eyes shining with fondness, as she bid the Weasleys farewell. The twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, waved enthusiastically, their tiny hands fluttering like birds in flight.

As the Weasleys stepped into the fireplace, ready to Floo back to the Burrow, Harry, Daisy, Dudley, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker gathered at the window to wave goodbye. The sound of laughter and chatter faded into the distance as the Weasleys disappeared into the Floo Network.

The group at Fawcett Manor watched until the last of the Weasleys' flames had vanished, then turned to each other with smiles. "It's always quiet after they leave," Grandma Mrs. Tucker said, chuckling.

Harry nodded, feeling a pang of nostalgia. "We'll see them soon, though," he said, his emerald green eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Daisy grinned, her deep red hair bouncing with the movement. "And we have each other," she said, snuggling into Grandma Mrs. Tucker's side.

Dudley smiled, his eyes warm with affection. "We're a family, no matter what," he said, putting an arm around Harry's shoulders.

As they stood there, wrapped in the warmth of their little family, Harry felt a sense of peace settle over him. He knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he could face them with the love and support of those around him.

After the Weasleys' departure, Harry decided it was time to start preparing his younger companions for their first year at Hogwarts. He led Daisy and Dudley to the library tower of Fawcett Manor, a cozy room filled with shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes and dusty scrolls.

"Okay, guys, let's get started," Harry said, his emerald green eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Today, we're going to cover the basic history of the Wizarding World."

Daisy's hazel eyes lit up with excitement as she settled into a chair, her deep red hair bouncing with the movement. "I've always wanted to learn more about magic history!" she exclaimed.

Dudley, on the other hand, looked less than thrilled. He slumped into a chair, his eyes fixed on the floor. "Do we have to?" he muttered.

Harry chuckled, remembering his own initial reluctance to learn. "Trust me, Dudley, this is important stuff. You'll need to know it for your first year at Hogwarts."

With a sigh, Dudley reluctantly pulled out a quill and parchment, prepared to take notes. Harry smiled, launching into a lively explanation of the Wizarding World's ancient history, from the earliest magic users to the rise of the great wizarding schools.

As the lesson progressed, Harry noticed that Dudley was struggling to keep up. His handwriting was shaky and uneven, and he seemed to be having trouble getting the quill to cooperate.

"Having a bit of trouble, Dudley?" Harry asked, walking over to his cousin's desk.

Dudley looked up, frustrated. "This quill thing is stupid," he muttered. "I'm used to pens and paper, not this ancient stuff."

Harry chuckled. "I know it takes some getting used to, but trust me, it's worth it. You'll get the hang of it in no time."

Daisy, who was sitting across from Dudley, looked up from her own parchment. "I'm having a bit of trouble too, Harry," she admitted. "My handwriting is all over the place."

Harry smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Daisy. It's just a matter of practice. You'll both get better with time."

As the sun shone brightly overhead, Harry led Daisy to the enormous Quidditch pitch of Fawcett Manor. The grass was a vibrant green, and the goals stood tall, waiting for the next match. Daisy's hazel eyes sparkled with excitement as she gazed out at the pitch.

"Okay, Daisy, remember what Charlie taught you last time?" Harry asked, his emerald green eyes shining with enthusiasm.

Daisy nodded, her deep red hair bouncing with the movement. "I think so, Harry. But it's been a while."

Harry grinned reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll guide you through it. Just mount the broom and let's get started."

Dudley, who was already flying confidently around the pitch, called out, "Hey, Harry, can I try some dives?"

Harry nodded, keeping a watchful eye on Daisy as she tentatively mounted her broom. "Just be careful, Dudley."

As the training session progressed, Harry noticed that both Daisy and Dudley were picking up the skills quickly. However, when he mentioned the Hogwarts rule about not allowing first-year students to have brooms, their faces fell.

"What?" Dudley exclaimed, his eyes wide with disappointment. "But Harry, you were on the Gryffindor team last year, right?"

Harry smiled wryly. "I was an exception, Dudley. I had a bit of a... unusual start to my Hogwarts career. I showed McGonagall I could fly really well, and she chose me for the team, even though I was only a first-year student at the time."

Dudley looked impressed despite himself. "Blimey, Harry. You're a real Quidditch prodigy."

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over Fawcett Manor, Harry, Daisy, and Dudley returned from their Quidditch training session. They were all chatting excitedly about their progress when three barn owls came flying in, their soft hooting filling the air.

Daisy squealed with delight as she saw the owls, each carrying a letter with a distinctive purple wax seal bearing a large letter H surrounded by the four Hogwarts house animals: the badger, eagle, lion, and snake.

"It's our Hogwarts letters!" Daisy exclaimed, bouncing up and down.

Dudley breathed a sigh of relief, a huge grin spreading across his face. "I was worried I wouldn't get in," he admitted.

Harry, anticipating that Daisy and Dudley might get overexcited and accidentally damage their letters, carefully took all three letters from the owls. He gave the owls treats and water, petting them gently before wishing them a safe journey as they flew away.

As he examined the letters, Harry noticed that his own letter was addressed to him for his second year at Hogwarts. Along with the usual welcome letter, there was a list of required books and supplies for the upcoming year.

Daisy's eyes widened as she scanned the parchment, her deep red hair bouncing with each nod. She took a deep breath, and then began to recite the letter in a squeaky voice, her hazel eyes shining with excitement.

"'Dear Miss Daisy Potter,'" she read, her voice trembling with emotion. "'We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, commencing on September 1st...'"

As she read on, her voice grew stronger, filled with wonder and awe. Dudley, grinning from ear to ear, couldn't help but join in, reciting his own letter in a deep, rumbling voice.

"'Dear Mr. Dudley Dursley,'" he read, his eyes scanning the parchment with a mixture of excitement and pride. "'We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, commencing on September 1st...'"

Their voices intertwined as they read out their letters, their faces alight with joy and anticipation. Harry watched them, a warm smile spreading across his face. He remembered the thrill of receiving his own Hogwarts acceptance letter, and it was wonderful to see Daisy and Dudley experiencing that same magic.

As they finished reading their letters, Daisy and Dudley looked at each other, their eyes shining with excitement. They both let out a whoop of joy, hugging each other tightly.

"We're going to Hogwarts!" Daisy exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We're really going to be wizards!" Dudley added, his grin stretching from ear to ear.

Harry chuckled, feeling a sense of pride and happiness. He knew that this was just the beginning of an incredible adventure for Daisy and Dudley, and he couldn't wait to see what the future held for them.

As the excitement of Daisy and Dudley's Hogwarts acceptance letters still lingered in the air, the Floo Network suddenly sprang to life. The fireplace crackled and spat, and a figure emerged from the flames.

Ginny Weasley stepped out of the Floo, her bright red hair disheveled from the journey. Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled with excitement as she waved a handful of letters in the air.

"I got it! I got my Hogwarts letter!" Ginny exclaimed, barely containing her squeals of delight.

Daisy and Dudley rushed over to congratulate her, eager to share in her excitement. Harry smiled warmly, happy to see his girlfriend so thrilled.

"Congratulations, Ginny!" Harry said, giving her a gentle hug. "I'm so proud of you."

Ginny grinned, her freckles scattering across her nose. "Thanks, Harry! I'm going to be a witch, just like you!"

Harry pouted, his emerald green eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm a wizard, not a witch," he said, trying to sound offended.

Ginny rolled her eyes, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "Oh, that's a lame pun, Harry," she said, slapping him playfully on the arm.

Just then, the Floo Network crackled to life again, and Ron Weasley tumbled out, shouting Ginny's name. "Ginny! What's gotten into you?" he exclaimed, clutching at his scratched face.

Ginny looked up, her chocolate brown eyes flashing with indignation. "It's your fault, Ron! You snatched my letter from me," she said, her voice rising.

Ron looked sheepish, his freckled face reddening. "I was just trying to help, Gin," he said, wincing as he touched his scratched cheek.

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "You two are always at it, aren't you?" he said, grinning.

Daisy and Dudley watched the exchange with wide eyes, amused by the Weasley siblings' antics. Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who had been watching from the sidelines, smiled warmly, happy to see the young people enjoying themselves.

Harry turned to Ron and Ginny, a mischievous glint in his emerald green eyes. "So, Ron, did you get your letter?" he asked, already knowing the answer.

Ron rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Of course I did, Harry! I passed my first year with you, didn't I? Did you forget?" he teased.

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "No, I didn't forget. I just wanted to make sure."

Ginny smiled, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling with amusement. "We'll make sure to remind you, Harry," she said, winking at him.

Harry grinned, his messy black hair sticking up in every direction. "Don't forget to owl me when you're going to Diagon Alley for shopping," he reminded Ron and Ginny.

Ron nodded, his freckled face serious for a moment. "We won't, Harry. I'll make sure to let you know."

Ginny stole a quick kiss from Harry, her lips brushing against his cheek. "I'll see you soon, Harry," she whispered, before turning and stepping back into the Floo.

Ron followed close behind, shouting "See you later, Harry!" as he disappeared into the flames.

Harry watched them go, a happy smile still on his face. He turned to Daisy and Dudley, who were watching him with wide eyes. "Well, shall we celebrate?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Harry settled into the cozy library of Fawcett Manor, quill in hand, and began to write letters to his best friends. He wrote to Hermione, asking about her summer and inquiring if she had received her Hogwarts letter. He also asked her to let him know when she would be heading to Diagon Alley for school shopping.

Next, Harry wrote to Neville, teasing him about his Herbology skills and asking if he had received his letter. He also invited Neville to join him, Ron, and Hermione on their Diagon Alley trip.

Finally, Harry wrote to Draco, his Slytherin friend, asking if he had received his letter and if he would be joining them in Diagon Alley. Harry couldn't help but grin as he imagined Draco's sarcastic response.

As he finished writing the letters, Hedwig fluttered onto his shoulder, nuzzling his ear with her soft feathers. "Ready to deliver these, Hedwig?" Harry asked, scratching her behind the ears.

Hedwig hooted happily, flapping her wings in excitement. Harry smiled, attaching the letters to her leg with a small piece of twine. "Off you go, Hedwig! Deliver these to my friends and come back soon!"

Harry quietly entered Daisy's room, not wanting to disturb her. He smiled warmly as he saw her fast asleep, her Hogwarts letter clutched tightly in her hand. Her deep red hair cascaded down her pillow, and her hazel eyes, so like their father's, were closed in peaceful slumber.

Harry's heart swelled with gratitude and love for his little sister. He remembered the day they found her, a homeless girl on the streets of Muggle London, with no memory of her past. Ginny had been the first to notice the resemblance to their mother, Lily Potter, and Harry had felt an instant connection to her.

As he gazed at Daisy, now proven to be his sister through a magical DNA test, Harry felt a sense of wonder and awe. He was thankful for the unexpected gift of a sibling, and he knew that Ginny felt the same way.

Harry tiptoed over to Daisy's bedside and gently brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "Sleep tight, little sis," he whispered, smiling softly.

Daisy stirred slightly, but didn't wake up. Harry smiled and quietly left her room, feeling grateful for the love and connection they shared.

As Harry walked out of Daisy's room, he ran into Dudley, who was heading in the same direction. Dudley had become like a brother to Daisy, and Harry was happy to see them growing closer.

"So, how are you feeling now?" Harry asked Dudley, curiosity getting the better of him.

Dudley's face lit up with a wide grin. "I'm feeling excited, Harry! I really hope I'll be able to make a name for myself as a wizard. It's not going to be easy, but I'm determined to prove myself."

Harry smiled, feeling a surge of pride and admiration for his cousin. "You'll do great, Dudley. You've already come so far. Just remember, it's not about proving yourself to others, it's about being true to yourself."

Dudley nodded, his blue eyes shining with determination. "I'll remember that, Harry. Thanks for believing in me."

Harry settled into his cozy bedroom, surrounded by familiar comforts and memories. He sat down at his desk, pulled out his schoolbooks, and began to tackle the last bits of summer homework that were still pending. His emerald green eyes scanned the pages, his mind absorbing the information as he wrote notes and completed exercises.

As he worked, Poco, his little sparrow, flitted about his head, chirping softly. Kluer, his colour-changing cat, curled up beside him, purring contentedly. Harry paused occasionally to pet them, enjoying their gentle companionship.

As the evening wore on, Harry gazed out the window, watching as the moon rose high in the sky. It wasn't yet full, but its silvery light cast a magical glow over the landscape. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, grateful for this quiet moment to himself.

Hedwig, his faithful owl, was still out delivering letters, but Harry knew she'd return soon, perhaps with a response from one of his friends. He smiled, anticipating the excitement of hearing from Ron, Hermione, or Draco, and the adventures that lay ahead in their second year at Hogwarts.

Harry yawned, feeling his eyelids grow heavy as he settled into his cozy bed. He snuggled under the blankets, a soft smile on his face as he drifted off to sleep, knowing that he would soon meet Ginny in their secret dreamland.

As he fell asleep, Harry's mind transported him to a vivid dreamworld, where he found Ginny waiting for him. She was standing in a sun-dappled forest, her red hair shining like a fiery halo. Her chocolate brown eyes sparkled with excitement as she ran towards him.

"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I'm so excited for Hogwarts! Can you believe it's finally happening?"

Harry grinned, hugging her back. "I know, it's amazing! You're going to love it there. We'll have to make sure to meet up every day and explore the castle together."

Ginny nodded enthusiastically, her freckles scattering across her nose as she smiled. "Definitely! I want to hear all about your first year and learn all the secrets you discovered."

As they strolled through the dream forest, the trees grew taller and the path wound deeper into the woods. Harry and Ginny chatted, their conversation flowing easily as they explored their magical dreamworld together.

Harry's thoughts turned to another friend he had made recently. "Hey, Ginny, did Luna receive her Hogwarts acceptance letter?" he asked, his emerald green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Ginny nodded, her chocolate brown eyes shining with excitement. "Yes, she did! I'm so glad she's going to be joining us at Hogwarts."

Harry smiled, remembering the gentle, dreamy girl he had met at Ginny's birthday party last year. Luna had been a quiet, ethereal presence, but Harry had been drawn to her unique spirit. They had formed a special bond, one that Harry cherished deeply.

As he thought back on their conversations, Harry recalled the pact he had made with Luna. She had confided in him about her habit of imagining creatures to cope with the loss of her mother, and Harry had promised to keep her secret. He had respected her trust, not even sharing it with Ginny.

Ginny's voice broke into his reverie. "I'm so glad we'll all be together at Hogwarts. It's going to be an amazing year!"

Harry woke up with a start, groaning in frustration. Just before waking, he and Ginny had been about to share a kiss in their dreamland. He couldn't help but chuckle at the timing.

Miles away at the Burrow, Ginny groaned too, feeling the same frustration.

Harry threw off his covers and got out of bed, stretching his arms over his head. He walked over to the window and pulled back the curtains, letting the sunlight flood in.

As he turned back to his room, he noticed Hedwig perched on her pedestal, and beside her, Taurus, Draco's black owl. Harry's eyes lit up as he saw the letter attached to Taurus' leg.

He walked over to Taurus and gently took the letter from his leg. The letter was from Draco. Harry's eyes scanned the letter quickly. Draco had received his Hogwarts letter, and his younger brother Scorpius had received his Hogwarts acceptance letter as well.

Draco mentioned that he was planning to go to Diagon Alley on Sunday, 2nd August, and suggested that they all meet up together that day. He added that his father wouldn't be coming, and his mother might allow him to join Harry and the others, given his recent change of ways.

Harry smiled, feeling a thrill of excitement. With any luck, they would all be able to meet up together, including Draco.

Hedwig, meanwhile, had letters from Hermione and Neville. Harry's eyes scanned those letters quickly as well. Both Hermione and Neville had received their Hogwarts letters and were planning to go to Diagon Alley on any Sunday in August.

Harry smiled warmly as he petted both Taurus and Hedwig. The two owls nuzzled his hands, their soft feathers a delight to touch. As he listened to their soft hooting, Harry's eyebrows shot up in surprise. It seemed Taurus was flirting with Hedwig!

Taurus was making soft, charming noises, and Hedwig was responding with gentle hoots. Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the owl's antics. However, his amusement was short-lived, as Hedwig suddenly glared at him.

Harry backed off, holding up his hands in a gesture of surrender. "Sorry, Hedwig! I didn't mean to intrude," he said, laughing. Hedwig's glare softened, and she nudged Harry's hand again, seeking attention. Harry smiled and obliged, scratching behind her ears. Taurus, meanwhile, looked on with a smug expression, as if to say, "I've got my eye on her, Harry!"

Harry sat down at his desk, quill in hand, and began to write four letters. He wrote to Hermione, Neville, Ron, and Susan, telling them about Draco's suggestion to meet up at Diagon Alley on 2nd August.

"I think it would be great if we could all go together," Harry wrote. "Draco said he'd be able to come, and it would be awesome to have everyone there."

Once he finished writing, Harry walked over to the fireplace in his room and stepped into the floo. He called out the names of his friends' homes, one by one, and sent the letters flying through the flames.

Harry chose to use the floo to send the letters, not wanting to disturb Taurus and Hedwig's flirtation. He smiled to himself as he watched the letters disappear into the flames, hoping that his friends would all be able to make it to Diagon Alley on 2nd August.

Harry's face lit up with a smile as he received responses from Hermione, Neville, Ron, and Susan. All of them had agreed to meet up at Diagon Alley on 2nd August.

He didn't need to hear back from Ron to know that Ginny would be coming too. It was a given that Ron's little sister would tag along, and Harry was happy about that.

With everyone's agreement, Harry wrote a quick note to Draco, confirming that 2nd August was set. He handed the letter to Taurus, who reluctantly spread his wings and took to the sky.

Once Taurus was gone, Harry turned his attention to Hedwig, who was watching him with an air of dignity. Harry couldn't resist teasing her about Taurus.

"Hey, Hedwig, I think you've got an admirer," Harry said, grinning mischievously. "Taurus seems quite taken with you."

Hedwig let out a soft hoot, her eyes flashing with a hint of annoyance. Harry chuckled, knowing he had hit a sensitive spot.

"Oh, come on, Hedwig," Harry said, laughing. "I'm just joking. But I have to say, you two do make a cute couple."

Hedwig's expression turned stern, but Harry could see the faintest glimmer of amusement in her eyes.

Harry's thoughts of Ginny put a spring in his step as he skipped down the stairs, the soft carpeting muffling his footsteps. He walked into the warm and inviting dining room, where Grandma Mrs Tucker, Dudley, and Daisy were already seated at the table.

The room was filled with the delicious aroma of freshly baked bread, sizzling bacon, and steaming hot tea. The sunlight streaming through the windows highlighted the warm, honey-colored wood of the table and chairs, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Daisy, who had been eagerly looking forward to her first trip to Diagon Alley, turned to Harry with a excited sparkle in her eyes. "When are we going to Diagon Alley, Harry?" she asked, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm.

Harry took a seat next to her, smiling sympathetically. "Not just yet, Daisy," he said, pouring himself a glass of orange juice from the pitcher on the table. "Today's only July 24th. We're planning to go on August 2nd."

Daisy's face fell, and she looked disappointed. She had been counting down the days until their trip to Diagon Alley, and August 2nd seemed like a long way off. She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly in disappointment.

Grandma Mrs Tucker, who was sitting at the head of the table, smiled warmly at Daisy. "Don't worry, dear," she said. "The time will pass quickly. And I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time at Diagon Alley when we do go."

Dudley, who was sitting across from Harry, grinned. "Yeah, and we'll make sure to get you all the best stuff, Daisy," he said, winking at her.

Harry chuckled, feeling grateful for his loving family. Despite the disappointment of having to wait a bit longer for their trip to Diagon Alley, the warm and supportive atmosphere of their little family gathering made everything seem brighter.

Harry walked back to his room, his mind still buzzing with excitement about their upcoming trip to Diagon Alley. He sat down at his desk and pulled out his first-year Potions textbook, one of his favorite subjects. With a look of concentration, he began to make his way to the small lab he had set up in his room.

The lab was a cozy little space, filled with various potions ingredients, equipment, and strange artifacts. Harry loved spending time in here, experimenting with new potions and techniques. He found it both calming and challenging, a perfect way to unwind.

As he began to work on a new potion, Dudley and Daisy wandered into the room, watching Harry with admiration. Daisy's eyes were wide with fascination, taking in the various strange ingredients and equipment.

"Wow, Harry, this is amazing!" Daisy exclaimed. "I had no idea you were so into Potions."

Harry smiled, carefully measuring out a pinch of moonstone. "Yeah, I love it. It's one of my favorite subjects."

Dudley, on the other hand, looked less than enthused. He hovered near the doorway, eyeing the various potions ingredients suspiciously.

"I don't know, Harry," Dudley said, wrinkling his nose. "This all looks a bit... weird."

Harry chuckled. "That's the beauty of Potions, Dudley. It's all about experimenting and creating something new."

Daisy, however, was completely captivated. She leaned in closer, watching as Harry carefully added a drop of wolfbane to the potion.

"Can I help, Harry?" Daisy asked, her eyes shining with excitement.

Harry smiled, happy to share his passion with his sister. "Of course, Daisy. Let's see if we can create something amazing together."

The days blended together in a warm haze of summer sunshine, with Daisy's excitement growing with each passing day. She would often corner Harry, asking him endless questions about Hogwarts and what to expect in her first year.

"What subjects will I have, Harry?" Daisy would ask, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"You'll have Charms, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, and Defense Against the Dark Arts," Harry replied, smiling at her enthusiasm.

Daisy's eyes would widen as she scribbled down notes, asking follow-up questions about each subject. "And what about the teachers, Harry? What are they like?"

Harry would launch into stories about Professor McGonagall's stern but fair nature, Professor Snape's dry wit, and Professor Sprout's gentle kindness. Daisy would listen, entranced, her imagination running wild with visions of Hogwarts.

Meanwhile, Dudley grew increasingly nervous, his brow furrowed with worry. He would often ask Harry about the more...unsettling aspects of magic, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Harry, what about the Dark Arts?" Dudley would ask, his eyes darting nervously around the room.

Harry would reassure him, explaining that they would learn how to defend themselves against the Dark Arts, and that Hogwarts was a safe place. But despite Harry's reassurances, Dudley couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.

As the days ticked by, the tension between Daisy's excitement and Dudley's nerves grew. And before they knew it, July 29th arrived, marking the beginning of the final countdown to their first year at Hogwarts.

Dudley, Harry, and Daisy set out on a sunny afternoon, walking into the nearby village to visit a Muggle shop. Dudley had a specific mission in mind - to find a gardening kit to give to Neville as a birthday gift. Tomorrow was Neville's special day, and they had all been invited to celebrate at the Longbottom Manor.

As they entered the shop, Daisy's eyes scanned the familiar surroundings. Having lived as a Muggle for most of her life, she was well-versed in the ways of the non-magical world.

"I know just the place to look for a gardening kit," Daisy said, leading the way to a shelf filled with gardening tools.

Dudley smiled, impressed by her knowledge. "You're a natural at this, Daisy."

Harry chuckled. "She's had plenty of practice living in the Muggle world."

As they searched for the perfect gift, Daisy's thoughts turned to Neville's birthday celebration. She was excited to join in the festivities and spend time with her new family and friends.

July 30th dawned bright and sunny, and Harry, Daisy, and Dudley arrived at the Longbottom Manor via the Floo Network. They were greeted warmly by Neville, who beamed with excitement on his special day.

"Happy birthday, Neville!" Harry exclaimed, as Daisy and Dudley chimed in with their own wishes.

Neville's grandmother, Augusta, stood dignified and polite, her eyes twinkling with warmth as she accepted their greetings. Harry had always been aware of Neville's difficult past, his parents driven to insanity by the Death Eaters' torture, and currently residing in the permanent ward at St. Mungo's. Augusta had been Neville's rock, raising him with love and care.

As they celebrated Neville's birthday, he took them on a tour of his beloved greenhouses. Harry's eyes widened in awe as he took in the stunning array of magical plants, his own passion for Herbology ignited by the sights and scents around him.

Just as they were admiring a particularly rare species of orchid, the rest of their friends arrived - Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Draco, and Scorpius. Draco, ever the tease, grinned mischievously at Harry and Ginny.

"I didn't know this was a date," Draco said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I thought we were here for Neville's birthday."

Augusta, who had been watching Draco with a discerning eye, seemed to relax a little as she realized he wasn't as arrogant and entitled as his father, Lucius. Scorpius, Draco's younger brother, proved to be a pleasant surprise - polite, shy, and endearingly awkward.

As they all gathered around Neville, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, chatter, and the warm glow of friendship.

As the celebration continued, Susan arrived, her bright red hair and infectious smile lighting up the room. The group welcomed her warmly, and Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco huddled together, discussing something in hushed tones.

"I think it's time we made it official," Harry said, turning to Susan with a grin. "We want you to join us as a Golden Musketeer."

Susan's eyes widened in delight. "Really? I'd be honored!"

The group cheered, and Draco clapped Susan on the back. "Welcome to the team, Susan. We're glad to have you."

As they celebrated Susan's new status, the conversation turned to the upcoming year at Hogwarts. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco decided that it was time to create a new group, one that would include Ginny, Scorpius, Dudley, and Daisy.

"We'll call them the Silver Musketeers," Ron suggested.

"And together, we'll be the Double Musketeers," Hermione added, her eyes shining with excitement.

The group cheered, and the plan was set in motion. The Double Musketeers would be a force to be reckoned with, a group of ten friends united in their quest for adventure and friendship.

As the afternoon wore on, the group found themselves engaged in a lively debate about which houses Dudley, Ginny, Daisy, and Scorpius would be sorted into when they arrived at Hogwarts.

"I think Ginny's a shoo-in for Gryffindor," Ron said, grinning confidently.

"Definitely," Harry agreed. "She's got the bravery and daring of a true Gryffindor."

But when it came to the others, opinions were divided. Draco thought Scorpius might be a Slytherin, while Hermione believed Daisy might be a Ravenclaw.

"I don't know, I think Dudley might surprise us all and end up in Hufflepuff," Susan said, chuckling.

As the debate continued, Daisy began to look a bit nervous. Harry noticed and put a reassuring arm around her shoulders.

"Don't worry, Daisy," he said. "Houses don't matter. What matters is who you are as a person, and I know you're amazing no matter what house you're in."

Neville's eyes sparkled with happiness as he gazed at his friends. "This is the first time I've ever celebrated my birthday like this," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I'm so glad I have all of you as friends."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. He had made a conscious effort to help Neville build his confidence, especially when it came to Quidditch. And it seemed to have paid off, as Neville was now willing to give the sport a try.

Hermione, too, had benefited from Harry's encouragement. She had been hesitant to fly at first, but with Harry's help, she had gradually become more confident in her abilities.

The group of 10 friends decided to divide into two teams of five members each to play a friendly Quidditch match. One team consisted of Harry, Neville, Daisy, Dudley, and Ginny. The opposing team was made up of Ron, Draco, Scorpius, Hermione, and Susan.

As they mounted their broomsticks, the atmosphere became electric with excitement. "Let's make this a match to remember!" Harry exclaimed, grinning at his friends.

"On your marks, get set... GO!" Neville shouted, and the game was underway.

As the game began, it was clear that both teams were evenly matched. Harry's exceptional flying skills and Quidditch prowess made him a valuable asset to his team. However, the opposing team had Draco, whose cunning and strategic thinking made him a formidable opponent.

Ginny's impressive Chasing skills were a significant advantage for Harry's team, but Susan's agility and quick reflexes made her a strong contender for the opposing team.

Daisy, although a new player, showed remarkable potential and enthusiasm, which made up for her lack of experience. Scorpius, on the other hand, struggled to keep up with the pace of the game, but his determination was admirable.

Dudley's average playing skills were compensated by his infectious enthusiasm, which motivated his teammates to push themselves harder. Ron, on the opposing team, shared a similar enthusiasm, but his lack of coordination often led to comedic mishaps.

The weakest links in both teams were Neville, who still struggled with his flying nerves, and Hermione, who, despite her exceptional academic abilities, lacked the physical coordination required for Quidditch.

Despite these weaknesses, both teams played with all their might, determined to emerge victorious. The game was intense, with the score seesawing back and forth. It was anyone's game, and the tension was palpable.

The final whistle blew, and Harry's team erupted in cheers as they celebrated their victory. Daisy, beaming with pride, was lifted onto her teammates' shoulders as they cheered and chanted her name.

"This was my first ever Quidditch game!" Daisy exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "I'm so happy we won!"

Harry grinned, ruffling his sister's hair. "You were amazing out there, Daisy! I'm so proud of you."

Ginny jumped off her broomstick and flung her arms around Daisy. "You're a natural! We'll have to play again soon."

As the teams congratulated each other on a game well played, Neville's grandmother, Augusta, appeared with a tray laden with steaming cups of tea and plates of delicious-looking treats.

"Time for a birthday feast!" Augusta announced, smiling at Neville. "And a celebration of our Quidditch champions!"

Augusta Longbottom watched Neville laugh and joke with his friends, a warm smile spreading across her face. She had noticed the changes in Neville over the past year, and she knew exactly who was responsible for them. His best friends, particularly Harry, had brought out a new side of Neville - a side that was confident, enthusiastic, and full of life.

As she gazed at Neville, Augusta's mind wandered back to the previous Christmas. Neville had received a heartfelt gift from Harry - a handmade painting of Neville's parents, hand in hand with their son. The painting had been a poignant reminder of what Neville had lost, but also of what he had gained - a group of friends who cared for him deeply.

Augusta's eyes misted as she thought about Neville's parents, Alice and Frank Longbottom. They had been tortured into insanity by Death Eaters eleven years ago, and had been residing in the permanent ward at St. Mungo's ever since. Augusta had always done her best to care for Neville, but she knew that he needed more than just her love and support. He needed friends, and Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco had provided him with just that.

As the celebration continued, Augusta made a mental note to thank Harry and the others for all that they had done for Neville. She knew that she would be eternally grateful to them for bringing joy and confidence into her beloved grandson's life.

As the evening unfolded, the group of 10 friends buzzed with excitement, eagerly awaiting the start of Neville's 12th birthday party. The atmosphere at Fawcett Manor was warm and cozy, with candles and fairy lights twinkling everywhere.

The first to arrive were Sirius and Amelia, who walked hand in hand, beaming with happiness. They were followed by the rest of the Weasley family, including Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, Percy, and the mischievous twins. Grandma Mrs. Tucker, resplendent in her finest jewelry and a warm smile, arrived soon after.

Professor McGonagall, who had been invited to join in the celebration, swept into the room, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Happy birthday, Neville!" she exclaimed, presenting him with a beautifully wrapped gift.

As the guests mingled and chatted, the only notable absences were Lucius Malfoy and his wife. It was no secret that Lucius disapproved of Draco's changing values and his friendship with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. Scorpius, too, had always been at odds with his family's dark views, and his relationship with his parents was strained.

After the cake-cutting ceremony, the room was filled with excitement as Neville's friends presented him with their gifts. Harry, being the thoughtful friend that he was, had given Neville a rare and exotic plant that he had discovered on one of his adventures.

Daisy, with her creative flair, had designed a beautiful brooch for Neville, which he promptly pinned to his shirt. Dudley, in a surprising display of thoughtfulness, had given Neville a Muggle gardening kit, which fascinated him to no end.

Hermione, being the bookworm that she was, had gifted Neville a comprehensive Herbology textbook that she had discovered in the restricted section of the Hogwarts library. Draco and Scorpius, in a show of their growing friendship with Neville, had given him a pair of dragon skin gloves that would protect him from the thorns and prickles of the plants he loved.

Ginny, with her artistic talent, had crafted a beautiful quill set for Neville, complete with intricate designs and colorful feathers. Ron, being the prankster that he was, had given Neville a miniature figure of a mandrake, which made everyone laugh.

As Neville opened each gift, his face lit up with joy and gratitude. He was touched by the thought and effort that his friends had put into selecting the perfect gifts for him. The evening was filled with laughter, love, and celebration, and Neville felt truly special on his 12th birthday.

As the evening drew to a close, the guests began to bid their farewells and head home. The Golden Musketeers, however, lingered behind, exchanging whispers and grins.

"I'll see you all tomorrow, then?" Harry said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world," Ron replied, clapping Harry on the back.

"Besides, it's your birthday, Harry," Hermione added, smiling. "We have to celebrate in style."

Draco nodded in agreement. "I have a few... surprises planned for tomorrow."

Susan and Neville exchanged a curious glance, but said nothing.

As the group dispersed, the Golden Musketeers shared a knowing look. Tomorrow, July 31st, was going to be a day to remember.

Harry sat on the edge of Daisy's bed, watching as her eyelids grew heavy and she drifted off to sleep. They had spent the evening talking about their parents, James and Lily Potter, and the events surrounding their tragic deaths.

Daisy had asked Harry to tell her more about their parents, and Harry had been happy to share his memories with her. He had told her about their parents' bravery, their love for each other, and the ultimate sacrifice they had made to protect their son.

As Harry gazed at Daisy's peaceful face, he felt a sense of pride and responsibility. He was determined to be there for his little sister, to protect and care for her, just as their parents would have wanted.

With a soft smile, Harry leaned over and gently kissed Daisy's forehead. "Goodnight, little sis," he whispered, before quietly slipping out of the room.

Harry's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself in their secret dreamland, a place where he and Ginny could meet and be together whenever they wanted. Ginny was already there, waiting for him with a warm smile.

"Hey," she said, taking his hand as they strolled through the enchanted forest. "How great was Neville's birthday party right ?"

"It was amazing," Harry replied, grinning. "He was so happy, and everyone had a great time. I'm really glad we could make it special for him."

Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with agreement. "I know, me too. He's such a great friend, and he deserves all the happiness in the world."

As they walked, the trees grew taller and the path grew narrower, until they found themselves at the edge of a tranquil lake. The moon was full overhead, casting a silver glow over the water.

"Let's sit down," Ginny said, tugging Harry's hand. "I want to talk to you about something."

Harry raised an eyebrow, curious, but said nothing. Instead, he sat down beside Ginny on the grassy bank, and together they gazed out across the lake, the dreamland's magic weaving a spell of peace and contentment around them.

Harry looked around, puzzled, taking in the soft, moonlit glow that illuminated the dreamland's rolling hills and towering trees. "Hey, it's usually daytime here in our dreamland, even when it's nighttime outside," he said, turning to Ginny with a curious expression. "Why is it night now?"

Ginny smiled mischievously, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I wanted it to be real-time today," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Why?" he asked, but before Ginny could answer, a soft, melodious bell tolled, like the chime of a clock striking midnight. The sound seemed to come from nowhere and everywhere at the same time, filling the air with its gentle resonance.

Ginny gently turned Harry's face towards hers, her eyes shining with love and adoration. "Because now I know it's 12 am," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Happy Birthday, Harry," she said, her lips brushing against his as she spoke. The words sent shivers down Harry's spine, and he felt his heart swell with love and gratitude.

"I love you," Ginny whispered, her breath warm against Harry's skin. Then, she pressed her lips to his in a tender, loving kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of their love.

Harry's heart swelled with emotion as he wrapped his arms around Ginny, deepening their kiss. "I love you too," he whispered, his voice filled with sincerity.

As they pulled back to gaze into each other's eyes, Harry couldn't help but smile. "This is the best birthday surprise ever," he said, his eyes shining with happiness.

Ginny's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I'm glad you like it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to make this birthday special for you, Harry."

The dreamland around them seemed to glow with an soft, ethereal light, as if the very magic of their love was illuminating the world. Harry knew that this was a moment he would treasure forever, a moment that would stay with him long after their dreamland faded away.

Next Chapter is Double Musketeers

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.A sweet Chapter after so much time , how was it ? I thought it would be better to have a sweet

Chapter before the story takes its next plot. But I think next chapter would be sweet too. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 14: Double Muskeeteers

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As the dreamland began to fade, Ginny smiled and leaned in for one last kiss. "I'll come see you soon, to wish you a happy birthday in the real world too," she whispered, before vanishing into thin air.

Harry's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself back in his bedroom at Fawcett Manor. The clock on his nightstand read 5 am. He stretched, feeling refreshed and energized, ready to start his special day.

As he sat up in bed, Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer immediately surrounded him, chirping and tweeting in their unique languages. Harry laughed, understanding their happy birthday wishes.

"Thanks, guys!" Harry exclaimed, scratching Hedwig behind the ears and gently petting Poco and Kluer. "You're the best birthday wake-up crew a guy could ask for!"

Dudley, being Harry's exercise partner, was already awake and waiting for him. "Happy Birthday, Harry!" he exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear.

Harry smiled, feeling a rush of excitement. "Thanks, Dudley! Let's get moving!"

Together, they set out into the enormous grounds of Fawcett Manor, the early morning air crisp and refreshing. As they approached the stables, the horses whinnied and neighed, wishing Harry a happy birthday in their own special way.

As they jogged through the forest, Harry was met with a parade of animals, all eager to wish him a happy birthday. Squirrels chattered and waved their bushy tails, rabbits hopped alongside him, and even a wise old owl swooped down to offer its congratulations.

A few birds, perched in the branches above, sang sweet melodies and dropped delicate flowers onto Harry's path. He laughed with joy, feeling like the luckiest person alive.

"Wow, I've never had a birthday like this before!" Harry exclaimed, beaming at Dudley.

Dudley grinned back. "You deserve it, Harry. You're an amazing wizard and an even better friend!"

As soon as Harry and Dudley returned to the manor, Daisy launched herself at Harry, throwing her arms around his waist. "Happy Birthday, Harry!" she exclaimed, her voice squealing with excitement.

Harry laughed, hugging his little sister tightly. "Thanks, Daisy! You're the best sister a guy could ask for!"

Just then, Grandma Mrs Tucker and the Twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, appeared in the hallway, beaming with smiles. "Happy Birthday, dear Harry!" Grandma Mrs Tucker exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

Twinky and Dimpy chimed in, their high-pitched voices singing in unison, "Happy Birthday, Master Harry! May your day be filled with magic and wonder!"

After the warm wishes, Dudley and Harry headed to their respective rooms to get ready for the day. Harry stepped into his bathroom, feeling refreshed after his morning exercise. He took a warm bath, then dressed in comfortable clothes, feeling energized and ready to take on the day.

As he stood in front of the mirror, he attempted to tame his unruly hair, but he knew it was a losing battle. "Potter hair will remain as messy as ever," he chuckled to himself, grinning at his reflection.

Harry made his way downstairs, feeling energized and refreshed after his morning routine. As he reached the bottom step, he spotted Ginny waiting for him in the foyer, a bright smile on her face.

"Happy Birthday, Harry!" she exclaimed, rushing into his arms.

Harry wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as she hugged him tightly. Then, she leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a sweet, tender kiss.

"Mmm, birthday kiss," Harry whispered, his eyes closed in bliss.

Ginny giggled, her lips still touching his. "Definitely," she whispered back.

Just as they were about to snog some more, a snorting sound came from the nearby couch, where Daisy was sitting with a book. Ginny and Harry pulled back, laughing.

"Sorry, Daisy," Ginny said, grinning. "We got a bit carried away."

Daisy rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "I'll say," she said, smiling.

The group of five - Harry, Ginny, Daisy, Dudley, and Grandma Mrs Tucker - gathered around the breakfast table, which was laden with an array of delicious dishes. Harry's eyes widened as he took in the spread before him.

"Wow, this is amazing!" Harry exclaimed. "All my favorites!"

Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I think the Twin elves wanted to make your birthday breakfast special," she said.

Grandma Mrs Tucker nodded, her face warm with a smile. "Twinky and Dimpy have indeed outdone themselves this time," she agreed.

Daisy and Dudley chimed in, echoing their agreement. The group dug in, savoring the tasty treats and enjoying each other's company on this special day.

As the morning wore on, the fireplace in the manor's living room suddenly roared to life, and Hermione's bright face appeared in the flames. "Happy Birthday, Harry!" she exclaimed, stepping out of the fireplace and rushing over to hug him tightly.

Ron and Neville followed close behind, grinning from ear to ear. "Happy Birthday, mate!" Ron boomed, clapping Harry on the back.

Neville chimed in, his eyes shining with warmth. "Here's to another amazing year, Harry!"

The Golden Musketeers were now all gathered, except for one. They exchanged glances, knowing that their group wouldn't be complete without Draco.

Just then, the fireplace flared to life once more, and Draco's sleek figure emerged from the flames, followed by his younger brother Scorpius.

"Happy Birthday, Potter," Draco said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Scorpius grinned, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Yeah, happy birthday! I got you a present!"

As the celebration continued, Susan arrived, beaming with a bright smile. "Happy Birthday, Harry!" she exclaimed, joining the group and handing him a thoughtful gift.

Just then, Amelia Bones and Sirius appeared, adding to the festive atmosphere. Amelia smiled warmly and wished Harry a happy birthday, her eyes shining with affection.

Sirius, however, had a special surprise in store. With a mischievous glint in his eye, he transformed into Padfoot, his Animagus form. The large black dog padded over to Harry, his tail wagging wildly as he licked Harry's face enthusiastically.

Harry laughed with delight, hugging Padfoot tightly. "Thanks, Padfoot!" he exclaimed, scratching behind the dog's ears.

As suddenly as he had transformed, Sirius changed back into his human form, his eyes shining with warmth. "Happy Birthday, Harry," he said, his voice a little choked with emotion.

Sirius's eyes misted over as he gazed at Harry, and he took a deep breath to compose himself. It was clear that he was deeply moved, and Harry understood why. For the past 11 years, Sirius had been imprisoned in Azkaban, unable to celebrate Harry's birthdays with him. Now, as Harry turned 12, Sirius was finally free to share in the joy of this special day.

"You know, Harry," Sirius said, his voice filled with emotion, "I've missed so many of your birthdays. But I'm here now, and I'm not going to miss another one."

The Weasley family arrived a few minutes later, filling the room with their warm and lively presence. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Charlie, the twins, and Percy all gathered around Harry, wishing him a happy birthday with big smiles and hearty hugs.

"I'm so proud of you, Harry!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, beaming with pride. "You're growing up to be an amazing wizard!"

Charlie, who had been traveling the world, handed Harry a unique gift. "I brought this back from my travels, Harry. I think you'll really like it."

The twins, Fred and George, handed Harry a mysterious package. "Don't open it yet, Harry. It's a birthday surprise."

Percy, who had been a bit more serious lately, smiled warmly and shook Harry's hand. "Happy birthday, Harry. I hope your day is as special as you are."

Just then, Uncle Moony, also known as Remus Lupin, arrived, his eyes shining with warmth. "Harry, my dear boy, I'm so sorry I've missed your last 11 birthdays. But I'm here now, and I'm not going to miss another one."

Remus then turned his attention to Daisy, who was watching him with wide eyes. He walked over to her and swept her up in a big hug. "And how's my little goddaughter doing today?" he asked, twirling her around in a circle.

Daisy giggled and hugged him back tightly. "I'm doing great, Uncle Moony! Thanks for the hug!"

Luna's ethereal presence filled the room as she floated in, her dreamy eyes sparkling with warmth. Harry's face lit up with a smile as he remembered their previous meeting at Ginny's birthday party last year.

"Hey, Luna!" Harry exclaimed, walking over to greet her. "Thanks for coming!"

Luna's gaze drifted around the room, taking in the lively gathering. "Thank you for inviting me, Harry," she replied, her voice soft and melodious. "I'm so happy to be here."

Harry recalled the special bond they had formed during their previous meeting. Luna had confided in him about her unique ability to imagine creatures, a coping mechanism she had developed after losing her mother. Harry had promised to keep her secret, and he had honored that promise, not even sharing it with Ginny.

Luna's eyes met Harry's, and he sensed a deep understanding between them. Though they had only met once before, their connection was special, forged through trust and mutual respect.

"I'm so glad you could make it, Luna," Harry said, smiling at her. "You're an amazing friend."

Luna's face glowed with a soft smile. "You're an amazing friend too, Harry," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny welcomed Luna with a warm hug. "I'm so glad you're here, Luna!" she exclaimed.

As the two friends chatted, the others gathered around, curious to meet Luna. Hermione, Ron, and Neville smiled and introduced themselves, followed by Susan, Draco, Scorpius, Dudley, and Daisy.

Sirius, Amelia, and Remus also extended their warm welcomes, making Luna feel at ease amidst the lively gathering.

As the introductions continued, Luna's eyes sparkled with interest. She was particularly drawn to Daisy, Dudley, and Scorpius, who were all excitedly discussing their upcoming first year at Hogwarts.

"I've heard so much about Hogwarts," Luna said, her voice filled with wonder. "I can only imagine how amazing it must be."

Daisy's eyes lit up. "It's incredible!" she exclaimed. "I've heard the castle is full of secrets and hidden passages."

Dudley nodded enthusiastically. "And the Quidditch matches! I've heard they're the most exciting thing you'll ever see."

Scorpius grinned mischievously. "I'm more interested in the pranks, personally."

The four of them laughed and continued their animated discussion, quickly becoming fast friends.

Just then, the fireplace flared to life once more, and Professor McGonagall's stern yet warm face appeared in the flames. "Happy Birthday, Harry!" she exclaimed, stepping out of the fireplace and opening her arms for a warm hug.

Harry grinned, feeling happy and loved, and wrapped his arms around Gran Minnie, as he affectionately called her. "Thanks, Gran Minnie!" he exclaimed, feeling grateful for her presence.

Gran Minnie smiled, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "I wouldn't have missed it for the world, Harry," she said. "You're a very special young wizard, and I'm honored to be a part of your life."

Pyre Jones, the Healer, arrived with a warm smile, accompanied by a young girl who looked remarkably like her. "Happy Birthday, Harry!" Pyre exclaimed, handing him a thoughtful gift.

"Thanks, Pyre!" Harry replied, intrigued by the girl standing beside her.

Pyre's eyes sparkled with pride. "I'd like you to meet my sister, Samantha Jones. She's starting her first year at Hogwarts this year."

Samantha smiled shyly, her eyes meeting Harry's. Harry felt a sudden jolt of familiarity, as if he had heard the name before, but couldn't quite place it.

Meanwhile, Dudley, who had been chatting with Scorpius and Luna, suddenly became quiet and withdrawn, his eyes fixed on Samantha with an unreadable expression. It was as if he was trying to avoid her notice, but Harry couldn't understand why.

Pyre excused herself to join Charlie, who was engaged in a lively conversation with McGonagall. They were discussing something in hushed tones, their faces animated with excitement. Pyre slipped her arm around Charlie's waist, and he smiled down at her, his eyes shining with affection.

Samantha, meanwhile, wandered over to Ginny and Hermione, who were sitting on a nearby couch. The three of them quickly became absorbed in a discussion about the upcoming school year. Ginny was asking Samantha about her favorite subjects, and Hermione was listening intently, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Harry seized the opportunity to corner Dudley, who was still looking a bit flustered. "Hey, cuz, what's going on?" Harry asked, a hint of amusement in his voice. He leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, and a knowing glint in his eye.

Dudley's face turned bright red as he mumbled, "I...I don't know what you're talking about." He looked around nervously, hoping to escape Harry's questioning.

Harry chuckled. "Come on, Dudley, spill the beans. What's got you so worked up?" He pushed off from the wall and took a step closer to Dudley, his eyes locked on his cousin's.

Dudley hesitated before confessing, "Remember last year when I wrote to you about having a crush on a junior girl at Smeltings? That's her – Samantha. I had no idea she was magical." His voice was barely above a whisper, and he looked around nervously, hoping no one was listening.

Harry grinned. "So, have you ever actually met her at Smeltings?" He raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Dudley's story.

Dudley shook his head, looking sheepish. "No, I never had the courage. I was too afraid of getting rejected." He looked down at his feet, his face still flushed with embarrassment.

Harry clapped him on the back. "Well, now's your chance! Go introduce yourself and become friends. You'll both be in your first year at Hogwarts, right?" He encouraged Dudley with a nod, a supportive smile on his face.

Dudley took a deep breath and approached Samantha, his heart racing with excitement. Samantha's eyes widened as she looked at him, a hint of recognition on her face.

"Wait a minute," she said, her voice filled with excitement. "You're the one who stopped Piers from bullying that girl, aren't you?"

Dudley's face turned bright red as he nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. Samantha's eyes sparkled with admiration.

"I'm magical too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had no idea you were...I mean, that you're magical now."

Dudley nodded, still feeling a bit self-conscious. "Yeah, I...I'm Harry's cousin," he explained, trying to sound casual. "I'm a wizard now, thanks to...well, it's a long story."

Dudley sheepishly introduced himself, feeling a bit embarrassed for not mentioning his name earlier. Just then, Harry called out to the group, gathering everyone's attention.

"Hey, everyone! Come here for a minute!" Harry exclaimed, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

The group converged around Harry, curious about what he had in mind. Ginny, Susan, Dudley, Samantha, Draco, Ron, Hermione, Luna, Scorpius, Daisy, and Neville all gathered around, their faces filled with anticipation.

"Okay, so you all know that Draco, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Susan, and I are the Golden Musketeers," Harry began, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "But now, with the six of you starting your first year, I think it's time we formed a new group – the Silver Musketeers!"

The group erupted into cheers and applause, thrilled at the prospect of being part of a new, exclusive group.

"Together, the Golden and Silver Musketeers will form the Double Musketeers!" Harry declared, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "We'll be unstoppable!"

The 12 friends stood together, beaming with excitement. Scorpius, Daisy, Dudley, and Ginny had already formed a strong bond, and the addition of Luna and Samantha had brought a fresh dynamic to the group.

"I'm so glad we're all together now," Ginny said, smiling at her friends.

"Me too," Dudley agreed, still looking a bit flustered around Samantha. "This is going to be an amazing year."

Luna nodded enthusiastically. "I can feel it. We're going to have so many incredible adventures together."

Samantha grinned, feeling happy to be a part of the group. "I'm so glad I met all of you. You're the best friends I could have asked for."

The group shared a warm laugh, their friendship and camaraderie palpable. As they stood together, they knew that they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, as long as they had each other.

Harry's eyes sparkled with excitement as he turned to Samantha and Luna. "Hey, we're all going to Diagon Alley on August 2nd for our Hogwarts shopping. Would you two like to join us?"

Samantha's face lit up. "That sounds amazing! But I'll have to check with Pyre first."

Pyre, who was standing nearby, nodded her approval. "It's okay with me, Samantha. You can go."

Luna's eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. "I'll have to ask my dad after the party, but I'm sure it will be fine. He's always saying how important it is to support my friends."

Harry grinned, thrilled that Samantha and Luna were interested in joining them. "Brilliant! We'll make sure to meet up with you two on August 2nd. It's going to be an amazing day!"

The group of friends made their way to the enormous Quidditch pitch of Fawcett Manor, eager to spend the afternoon flying and playing together. The twins, Charlie, and Percy joined in, making a total of 16 players.

Samantha, who confessed she wasn't really into Quidditch, and Hermione, who admitted she wasn't much of a player, graciously bowed out, leaving the others to divide into teams for a friendly match.

After some lively discussion, the teams were decided. Harry, Daisy, Dudley, Ginny, Fred, and Percy formed one team, while Charlie, Draco, Scorpius, Ron, Neville, Luna, and George made up the opposing team.

"Alright, let's get started!" Harry exclaimed, grinning at his friends. "No fouls, no hexes. Just a friendly game."

The teams nodded in agreement, and the match began. The Quidditch pitch erupted into a flurry of broomsticks, balls, and laughter as the friends clashed in a spirited and entertaining game.

As the game drew to a close, the birthday boy's team took the lead, their broomsticks flying in perfect sync. The opposing team put up a valiant effort, but in the end, Harry's team emerged victorious.

"We did it!" Harry exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear as his teammates cheered and congratulated each other.

"Happy birthday, Harry!" Ginny shouted, flying over to give him a hug.

"Thanks, everyone!" Harry said, beaming with pride. "That was the best birthday Quidditch match ever!"

Daisy jumped on Harry, wrapping her arms around his neck in a tight hug. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, a far cry from the nervous and timid girl she once was.

Samantha and Luna watched the reunion with fascination, having only just learned about Daisy's remarkable story.

"I'm so glad we're finally sharing this with everyone," Harry said, smiling at Daisy. "Soon, everyone will know that Daisy is my sister."

Daisy's face lit up with excitement, and she leaned in to whisper something in Harry's ear. He chuckled and ruffled her hair, his eyes shining with affection.

As they hugged, Samantha and Luna exchanged a knowing glance. They were honored to be a part of this special moment, and they couldn't wait to see what the future held for the Potter siblings.

Daisy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she focused her energy. For the first time, she was able to voluntarily change her appearance. She thought about Harry, and how much she admired him. With a burst of magic, her hair transformed into a messy black locks, and her hazel eyes turned a bright emerald green, identical to Harry's.

"Wow, Daisy!" Harry exclaimed, stunned by her transformation. "You look just like me!"

Daisy giggled, thrilled with her newfound ability. "Happy birthday, Harry! I wanted to surprise you."

The group cheered and clapped, amazed by Daisy's metamorphic skills. Ginny grinned, proud of her sister's accomplishment. "You're a natural, Daisy!"

Draco suggested, "Let's head back inside the manor, shall we?" He winked subtly at Harry, conveying a silent message.

Harry caught the hint and smiled knowingly. He took Ginny's hand, and they discreetly veered off from the group, taking a separate path.

"I think we're being given some alone time," Ginny whispered, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Harry grinned, his eyes locked on hers. "Draco's a good friend."

As they stood together, Harry and Ginny shared a tender kiss under the warm sunlight.

After a while, they strolled hand in hand back to Fawcett Manor, where their friends were waiting with knowing grins.

"Ah, look who's finally decided to rejoin us!" Sirius exclaimed, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Harry, you're blushing!"

Harry chuckled, his face indeed flushing slightly. "Shut it, Sirius!" he said, laughing.

Ginny playfully rolled her eyes. "You're just jealous, Sirius."

Sirius chuckled, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Why would I be jealous, Harry? I've got the lovely Amelia by my side." He wrapped his arm around Amelia's waist, pulling her close.

Amelia's cheeks flushed as Sirius kissed her tenderly in front of the entire group. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and laughter as their friends cheered and teased them good-naturedly.

"Get a room, you two!" Ron joked, chuckling.

Amelia playfully rolled her eyes, smiling at Sirius. "I think we're fine right here, thank you very much."

Harry's eyes lit up as he received a letter from Gringotts Wizarding Bank. He had developed a strong friendship with the Goblin Nation, and they always made sure to remember his special occasions.

"A birthday gift from the Gringotts Goblins!" Harry exclaimed, his face filled with excitement.

Ginny's curiosity was piqued. "What is it, Harry?" she asked, leaning in to take a look.

Harry carefully opened the package, revealing a beautifully crafted golden watch. The watch was adorned with intricate engravings, symbolizing the special bond between Harry and the Goblin Nation.

"Wow, it's stunning!" Ginny breathed.

Harry smiled, touched by the thoughtful gift. "I'll treasure it always," he said, his eyes shining with gratitude.

As the evening unfolded, the gathering grew more vibrant with the arrival of esteemed guests from Hogwarts. Dumbledore, resplendent in his long, silver beard and twinkling eyes, smiled warmly as he greeted Harry.

Snape, his usual stern demeanor softened slightly, nodded in acknowledgement as he shook Harry's hand. "Happy birthday, Potter," he said, his deep voice a little gentler than usual.

The other professors followed, each bringing their unique warmth and personality to the celebration. Sprout, the Herbology professor, beamed with pride as she handed Harry a rare, exotic plant. Flitwick, the Charms master, twinkled with delight as he demonstrated a new, intricate spell.

Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, fussed over Harry, ensuring he was eating enough cake and enjoying himself. Madam Pince, the librarian, surprised Harry with a rare, ancient tome on magic.

Hagrid, the gamekeeper, boomed with laughter as he clapped Harry on the back, nearly sending him stumbling forward.

As the evening wore on, Harry's yearmates began to arrive, chatting excitedly among themselves. Crabbe, once a Slytherin bully, now a friend to Harry and Draco, grinned as he clapped Harry on the back.

The other students mingled, laughing and chatting as they celebrated Harry's special day. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, friendship, and the joy of being together.

Remus and Sirius led Harry to a quiet corner of the garden, away from the celebratory noise. Their faces turned solemn, and their eyes shone with a mix of sadness and warmth.

"Harry, today's your 12th birthday," Remus said, his voice trembling slightly. "Lily and James would have been overjoyed to celebrate with you."

Sirius nodded in agreement, his eyes misty. "They'd be so proud of the person you've become, Harry. Brave, kind, and an amazing wizard."

Harry's eyes welled up with tears as he listened to their words. He felt a deep connection to his parents, even though he had never known them.

"I wish they were here," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Remus and Sirius wrapped their arms around Harry, holding him close. "We're here for you, Harry," Remus said. "We'll always be here to support and love you, just as Lily and James would have wanted."

Chimey, Blinky, and Wobby, the Hogwarts elves, appeared with warm smiles, bearing gifts and good wishes. Harry's face lit up with delight as he hugged each of them tightly.

"Happy birthday, Master Harry!" Chimey exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.

"We made you some special treats, Harry," Blinky added, presenting him with a tray of intricately decorated cakes and pastries.

Wobby, the quietest of the trio, handed Harry a small, exquisitely crafted wooden box. "We made it ourselves, Harry. For you."

Harry's eyes shone with gratitude as he thanked the elves, hugging them again. "You're the best family a person could ask for," he said, his voice filled with affection.

As the last of the guests departed, the Fawcett Manor returned to its usual tranquility. The Double Musketeers, now scattered to their respective homes, echoed their final birthday wishes to Harry.

"Happy birthday again, Harry!" Ron called out, as he, Hermione, and Neville stepped into the fireplace, ready to Floo back to their homes.

Draco, Susan, and the Silver Musketeers followed suit, disappearing into the flames one by one. Ginny's mother, Mrs. Weasley, was the last to leave, but not before Ginny whispered something in her ear.

Mrs. Weasley smiled knowingly and nodded. "Alright, dear, but just for a little while. Don't stay up too late." She then stepped into the fireplace, calling out, "Happy birthday, Harry! See you soon!" as she disappeared into the flames.

Ginny smiled mischievously at Harry, happy to have managed an extra few hours with him. "I persuaded Mum to let me stay a bit longer," she said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Harry grinned, feeling grateful for the extra time with his girlfriend. "I'm glad you did," he said, putting his arm around her shoulders.

As the night deepened, the Fawcett Manor grew quieter. Dudley, with a knowing wink at Harry, gently guided a sleepy Daisy to her room, making sure she was tucked in safely before heading back to his own room.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, feeling the weight of the day's celebrations, retired to her cozy bedroom, leaving the Twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, to work their magic in cleaning up the manor.

Meanwhile, Harry and Ginny made their way to the tower above the library, a spot they both loved for its breathtaking views of the night sky. They climbed the winding staircase, the wooden steps creaking softly beneath their feet.

As they reached the top, Ginny slipped her hand into Harry's, and they walked over to the parapet, gazing out at the star-filled sky. The night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of crickets provided a soothing background hum.

"Happy birthday, Harry," Ginny said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she leaned her head against his shoulder.

Harry smiled, feeling grateful for this special moment with his girlfriend. "Thanks, Ginny. This has been an amazing day."

"I've never received so many gifts before," Harry said, his eyes wide with wonder. "And I've only had one birthday party in my life, which was last year... on the same day I met you."

Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Really? What was it like?"

Harry leaned against the parapet, gazing out at the stars. "It was just Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who had just become my guardian, and a few friends from the library... they were all Muggles, though. But this... this has been truly amazing. I feel so grateful for all of these wonderful people in my life."

Ginny snuggled closer to Harry, her hand still clasped in his. "You deserve it, Harry. You're an amazing person, and I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

Harry's eyes grew distant, lost in the memories of the past. "I still remember last Halloween," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "We were already boyfriend and girlfriend, but that was the day I told you 'I love you' for the first time."

Ginny's face glowed with a soft smile as she snuggled closer to Harry. "I remember," she whispered. "You were so sweet, so sincere."

Harry's gaze refocused on Ginny, his eyes shining with adoration. "That was also the day I promised you that one day I'd marry you, and we'd have five kids together."

Ginny's smile grew wider, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "You did promise me that, didn't you?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's voice trembled slightly as he asked, "You'll never leave me, right? Never like... my parents?"

Ginny's expression softened, and she wrapped her arms around Harry, holding him close. "Oh, Harry, I promise you, I'll never leave you. You're my everything, and I love you more than anything in the world."

The next morning, at 6 am, Twinky found Harry and Ginny still sitting on the tower, fast asleep in each other's arms. She gently covered them with a soft blanket, making sure not to disturb them.

Twinky then quietly made her way downstairs to inform Grandma Mrs. Tucker about the sleeping couple. Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled knowingly, "Ginny didn't leave, did she?"

Just then, the fireplace crackled to life, and Mrs. Weasley's face appeared in the flames. "Grandma Mrs. Tucker, I hope I'm not disturbing you. I was wondering if Ginny stayed with you last night. She didn't inform me that she was staying over."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker chuckled. "It looks like they fell asleep, dear. They're still up in the tower, wrapped in each other's arms."

In their dreamland, Harry and Ginny slowly opened their eyes, finding themselves sitting together, surrounded by a soft, ethereal glow. It was a new experience for them, and they looked at each other in wonder.

"We can sleep here," Harry whispered, his voice filled with excitement.

Just then, Ginny's expression changed, and she sat up straight. "Wait, I didn't go home last night, did I?" she asked, a hint of worry in her voice.

The dreamland around them began to distort, and the world shook. Harry and Ginny felt themselves being pulled back to reality.

As the dream dissipated, they found themselves waking up in the tower of Fawcett Manor, still sitting together, but now surrounded by the familiar stone walls and the early morning sunlight streaming through the windows.

Harry and Ginny's laughter echoed through the tower, creating a joyful atmosphere that filled the space around them. As they chuckled, Ginny stood up, stretching her arms above her head and arching her back in a languid motion. However, before she could take a step away, Harry quickly reached out and pulled her back down, his arms wrapping around her waist like a gentle vice.

Ginny turned to him, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "What's the hurry?" Harry asked, his voice low and husky, his eyes sparkling with mischief. He pulled her closer, his face inches from hers.

Ginny raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "What's gotten into you, Harry?" she teased, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm drunk," he said, trying to sound as romantic as possible. He leaned in closer, his breath whispering against Ginny's ear.

Ginny rolled her eyes, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "Oh, Harry, that's not possible," she said, her voice filled with amusement. "First, you're only 12, and second, there wasn't any magical drink at the party last night that could get you drunk."

Harry pouted, his face scrunched up in mock offense. "Oh, come on!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with pretend indignation. "I'm just trying to do something romantic here!" He wrapped his arms tighter around Ginny, pulling her close in a gentle hug.

Just as Ginny smiled and leaned in, her lips inches from Harry's, they heard Grandma Mrs. Tucker's voice, gentle but amused, wafting up from the doorway.

"Ah, so Mr. Romantic, would you mind letting Ginny go back home?" Grandma Mrs. Tucker asked, a hint of teasing in her voice. Her eyes twinkled with warmth and amusement as she took in the sight of the two blushingly entwined teenagers.

Harry and Ginny's faces flushed with embarrassment as they quickly pulled away from each other. They looked up to see Grandma Mrs. Tucker standing in the doorway, a warm smile on her face. She was dressed in her usual elegant yet comfortable attire, her silver hair styled in loose waves.

"I just got a Floo call from Mrs. Weasley," Grandma Mrs. Tucker explained, her voice filled with a hint of laughter. "She's asking why you didn't inform her that Ginny was staying over, but it looks like you two fell asleep, right?" She raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she took in the sight of the rumpled blankets and the sleepy expressions on their faces.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a sheepish glance before answering in unison, "Yes, Grandma."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's expression softened, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "I see," she said. "You were just gazing at the stars at the tower and fell asleep, I presume?"

Harry and Ginny nodded, looking a bit embarrassed but also relieved that Grandma Mrs. Tucker wasn't scolding them.

"Alright, alright," Grandma Mrs. Tucker said with a gentle smile. "Go get freshened up, and then come down for breakfast. After that, Ginny shall return home."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker turned to head back downstairs, her footsteps echoing through the hallway. Harry and Ginny looked at each other, grinned, and then scrambled to their feet, eager to start their day.

Harry and Ginny made their way to Harry's room, where they both brushed their teeth, the sound of running water and gentle humming filling the air. As they finished, they turned to each other, smiling, and headed towards the door.

Just as they were about to exit the room and head down to breakfast, Harry suddenly pulled Ginny back, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Well," Harry said, his voice low and playful, "I didn't get my kiss, did I?"

Harry and Ginny shared a sweet, tender kiss, their lips barely touching. But their romantic moment was short-lived, as they heard a gentle giggle behind them. They turned to see Daisy, Harry's little sister, standing in the doorway, a mischievous grin on her face.

"Sorry to interrupt," Daisy said, her eyes sparkling with amusement, "but Grandma said breakfast is ready."

Harry and Ginny exchanged a frustrated glance, unable to continue their kiss. They smiled, and Harry took Ginny's hand, leading her downstairs to the dining room.

The residents of the manor, including Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Dudley, and the twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, were already seated at the table. Ginny joined them, and Harry urged the twin elves to sit down as well.

"Please, Twinky, Dimpy, join us," Harry said, smiling. "You're part of the family too."

Twinky and Dimpy exchanged a delighted glance, and then took their seats, beaming with happiness. The breakfast table was filled with laughter and chatter as they enjoyed their meal together.

After the lively breakfast, the residents of Fawcett Manor went their separate ways. Grandma Mrs. Tucker headed to her garden, while Dudley went to the library to read up on some books about magic, excited to start his first year at Hogwarts soon. Daisy skipped off to her room, humming a happy tune.

As the house grew quieter, Harry finally found his chance to steal a proper kiss from Ginny. They stood by the fireplace, the warm glow of the embers casting a romantic light on their faces.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Ginny whispered, her lips brushing against Harry's.

"Can't wait," Harry replied, smiling as they shared a tender kiss.

As they pulled away, Ginny grinned mischievously. "I'll make sure to wear my best smile for our shopping trip tomorrow."

Harry chuckled, his heart skipping a beat at the thought of spending the day with Ginny and their friends.

With one last glance, Ginny stepped into the fireplace and disappeared in a puff of Floo powder, leaving Harry to smile knowingly. Tomorrow, August 2nd, couldn't come soon enough – the 12 Muskeeteers would reunite for their Hogwarts shopping trip, and Harry couldn't wait to share the experience with his friends and girlfriend.

As the evening sun cast a warm glow over Fawcett Manor, Harry sat at his desk, surrounded by scraps of parchment and quills. He had spent the past few hours reviewing the list of books and supplies he needed for his second year at Hogwarts, as well as Daisy's list, which would be identical to Dudley's.

Harry's list included "Transfiguration: A Comprehensive Guide" by Emeric Switch, "The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 2" by Miranda Goshawk, "Astronomy: A Guide to the Night Sky" by Delfina Delaney, and "A History of Magic: Year 2" - a comprehensive textbook written by multiple authors, offering diverse perspectives on the wizarding world. The list of authors included Bathilda Bagshot, Grizelda Goblinbane, a goblin historian; Bertha Bottomley, a renowned expert on house-elf history; Valentin Vladislav, a vampire historian; Professor Marlowe Werewolfwatcher, a leading expert on lycanthropy; Elara Vex, a politics expert; and Professor Roland Wraithwatcher, a ghost expert.

He also had "Herbology: A Guide to Magical and Mysterious Plants" by Phyllida Spore, and "Potions: A Guide to Brewing and Potions" by Libatius Borage. However, what caught Harry's attention was the inclusion of five books by Gilderoy Lockhart: "Magical Me", "Wanderings with Werewolves", "Year with the Yeti", "Travels with Trolls", and "Quidditch: A Guide to the Game". Harry's confusion was evident - what did these books have to do with Defense Against the Dark Arts?

Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of confusion as he compared his list to Daisy's. The books for Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, Potions, and Astronomy were the same, but tailored for first-year students. However, his eyes widened in surprise as he saw the same five books by Gilderoy Lockhart listed under Defense Against the Dark Arts.

"Five books by the same author?" Harry muttered to himself, scratching his head. "And what's with all these books on...trolls, yetis, and werewolves?" He couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Why would they need so many books on these topics for Defense Against the Dark Arts?

Harry's mind whirled with questions as he stared at the list. Who was this Gilderoy Lockhart, and why were his books required reading for Defense Against the Dark Arts? The titles seemed more like stories than textbooks, but Harry knew better than to judge a book by its cover.

He pondered the possibilities, his curiosity getting the better of him. Was the new professor a fan of Lockhart's work, or was it something more? A sudden thought struck him, and he wondered aloud, "Wait, could it be that the new professor is...Gilderoy Lockhart himself?"

Harry walked down the hallway, Daisy's list in hand, and knocked on her door. "Come in!" she chimed, bouncing up and down on her bed. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she took the list from Harry.

"I just can't wait for tomorrow!" she squealed. "I've been counting down the days until we go shopping for school supplies!" Harry chuckled, knowing that Daisy might not get a wink of sleep tonight, she was that thrilled.

As he left Daisy's room, Harry poked his head into Dudley's room, finding his cousin looking worried. "Hey, what's wrong?" Harry asked, concern etched on his face.

"It's just...money," Dudley admitted, looking sheepish. Harry's expression changed to one of surprise. "Dudley, you have all the compensation money from the trial. I transferred it all to you, it's rightfully yours."

Dudley's face turned bright red as he looked at Harry uncertainly. "But...it's Muggle money. I didn't think we could use it to buy magic stuff."

Harry grinned reassuringly. "Don't worry, we can exchange it for Wizarding money. Problem solved!" Dudley's face lit up with relief, grateful for Harry's help.

Dudley smiled, feeling relieved that his worries were unfounded. "Yeah, I guess I was worried for nothing," he said, chuckling along with Harry. His face, which had been etched with concern, now relaxed into a more carefree expression.

"Yes, you were," Harry replied with a grin, happy to have been able to put his cousin's mind at ease. "Goodnight, Dudley. Try to get some sleep, we've got a big day tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Harry," Dudley replied, settling into bed and pulling the covers up to his chest. Harry closed the door behind him and headed to his own room, which was located just down the hallway.

As he entered his room, he was greeted by the energetic Poco, who was bouncing around the bed, chirping excitedly. The little sparrow's wings fluttered rapidly as he hopped from one end of the bed to the other, clearly eager to play. Harry laughed and reached out to gently pet Poco, who nuzzled his hand affectionately.

Kluer, on the other hand, was fast asleep, her fur a soft pink hue that matched the gentle glow of the moonlight streaming through the window. She was curled up in a cozy ball, her tail twitching slightly as she chased after dream mice. Harry smiled as he watched her sleep, feeling grateful for the companionship of his beloved pets.

Hedwig, however, was nowhere to be seen. Harry suspected she might be out flying, soaring through the night sky under the light of the full moon. Or perhaps, he thought with a smile, she was off visiting her friend Taurus, Draco's sleek black owl. He remembered how the two owls had seemed to hit it off, their soft hooting and gentle fluttering of wings making them look almost romantic. Harry chuckled to himself as he thought about the unlikely pair, feeling happy that his owl had found a friend.

Harry's eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted off to sleep, his mind slipping into their secret dreamland. But as he looked around, he realized that Ginny was nowhere to be found. He grew worried, his heart racing with concern, as the minutes ticked by and she didn't appear.

Their dreamland was a special place, one where they could meet and be together, even when they were physically apart. But if one of them didn't appear, it meant that they were in danger, that something was wrong. Harry's anxiety grew as he waited for Ginny to show up.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ginny appeared, her bright smile and sparkling eyes a welcome relief. Harry rushed to her, wrapping his arms around her in a tight hug.

"Where were you?" Harry asked, his voice filled with concern. "I was worried sick."

Ginny blushed and smiled sheepishly, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't sleep," she admitted. "I'm too excited for tomorrow's shopping trip."

Ginny looked up at Harry with a sheepish grin, knowing she was in for a lecture. And indeed, Harry's expression turned serious, his eyes sparkling with a hint of sternness.

"Ginny, what were you thinking?" Harry asked, his voice firm but gentle. "You know how worried I get when you don't show up in our dreamland. What if something had happened to you?"

Ginny looked down, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, Harry. I just couldn't sleep. I was too excited for tomorrow."

Harry sighed, his expression softening. "I know you're excited, but you have to promise me you'll always prioritize your safety. If you're feeling anxious or excited, just talk to me, okay?"

Ginny nodded, looking up at Harry with apologetic eyes. "I promise, Harry. It won't happen again."

Harry's lecture came to an end, and he smiled softly at Ginny. "I'm just glad you're safe," he said, his voice filled with affection. He leaned in and gently kissed her cheek, and Ginny's face lit up with a warm smile.

The matter was buried, and they decided to make the most of their time together in the dreamland. They strolled hand in hand, taking in the breathtaking scenery around them. Today, they had transformed their dreamland into a snowy hill, complete with towering pine trees, sparkling snowflakes, and a serene silence that was only broken by the soft crunch of snow beneath their feet.

As they walked, the snowflakes danced around them, swirling in gentle eddies that seemed to respond to their laughter and conversation. The air was crisp and clean, filled with the scent of pine and wood smoke. Harry and Ginny felt carefree and happy, enjoying each other's company in their own private winter wonderland.

Harry's eyes sparkled with amusement as he mentioned the Gilderoy Lockhart books he had found on both his and Daisy's lists. "I reckon those will be on your list too, Ginny," he said with a grin.

Ginny nodded, her eyes lighting up. "Actually, the twins and Percy had those on their lists too," she said.

Harry's eyebrows rose in surprise. "Wow, that's a lot of Lockhart fans," he joked. "I reckon those books will be expensive, though."

Ginny's expression turned firm, her eyes flashing with determination. "No, Harry, you're not buying me anything," she said, her voice stern but playful.

Harry pouted, pretending to be offended, but a knowing smirk played on his lips. Ginny's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "Why are you smirking?" she demanded.

Harry's grin widened. "Well, okay, maybe not about the books," he said, "but I've already gotten permission from your parents to buy you your first wand."

Ginny's eyes went wide, and she let out a squeal of delight. "What? I get my own wand?" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around Harry's neck and covering his face with kisses. "Thank you, Harry!"

Harry's eyes took on a goofy glint, and he launched into a cheesy monologue. "You know, Ginny, you're the wand to my magic, the broom to my flight, the butterbeer to my... well, you get the idea."

Ginny's eyes rolled good-naturedly, but she was too happy to be annoyed. Instead, she giggled and kissed him on the cheek. "You're such a dork, Harry," she teased.

Harry grinned, feeling pleased with himself. "Hey, it worked, didn't it?" he asked, winking at her.

Ginny playfully rolled her eyes again, but her smile betrayed her amusement. "Yeah, yeah, you're a regular comedian, Harry."

Harry's eyes sparkled with mischief as he launched into another cheesy line. "You know, Ginny, you're the magic that makes my heart disappear... and then reappear with a bunch of crazy, wonderful feelings."

Ginny's eyes rolled good-naturedly, but this time, she couldn't help but be charmed. She leaned in, her lips brushing against Harry's in a soft, gentle kiss. But as the moment deepened, the kiss grew longer and more passionate, leaving Harry breathless and grinning from ear to ear.

"I guess that one worked, huh?" Harry asked, his voice barely above a whisper, as they broke apart for a moment.

Ginny's cheeks flushed, but she smiled slyly. "Maybe just a little," she teased, before leaning in for another kiss.

The romantic moment was interrupted as Harry felt himself being pulled back to reality. He opened his eyes to find Daisy bouncing on his bed, her face alight with excitement.

"Harry, Harry, wake up! Today's the day! We're going to Diagon Alley to buy our school supplies!" Daisy exclaimed, hardly able to contain her enthusiasm.

Harry sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He couldn't help but smile at Daisy's infectious energy. "I'm up, I'm up," he said, laughing. "Let's get ready for our shopping trip!"

Next Chapter is Trip to Alley

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling another sweet chapter, Harry's Grand Birthday! I hope you like it Double Musketeers you know . Well the shopping trip will be a lot more than expected, note that. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 15: Trip to Alley.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Harry's excitement was dampened as he glanced at the clock on his bedside table. "Daisy, it's only 5 am," he said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "What are you doing up so early?"

Daisy bounced up and down on the bed, her enthusiasm undiminished. "I couldn't sleep, Harry! I'm too excited for our shopping trip today! Besides, you have to get up for your exercise routine, don't you?"

Harry emerged from the washroom, feeling refreshed and ready for his morning routine. The warm water and invigorating soap had washed away the remnants of sleep, leaving him feeling energized and alert. He toweled himself off and slipped into his favorite running shorts and a worn-out Quidditch t-shirt.

Daisy was still waiting on his bed, bouncing up and down with excitement. Her deep red hair was tied up in a ponytail, and her hazel eyes sparkled with anticipation.

"Hey, want to come with me and Dudley on our morning run?" Harry asked, grinning. He loved having company on his morning runs, and Daisy's enthusiasm was infectious.

Daisy's eyes lit up. "Yeah, that sounds like fun!" she exclaimed, scrambling off the bed. She quickly changed into her own running gear, her face lighting up with excitement.

But as soon as they stepped out into the vast grounds of Fawcett Manor, Daisy's enthusiasm began to wane. The crop fields seemed to stretch on forever, and Harry and Dudley were already sprinting ahead. The sun was rising over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the landscape, but Daisy's eyes were fixed on the ground, her breathing growing more labored.

Harry chuckled as he glanced back at Daisy, who was panting and struggling to keep up. Dudley, however, looked sympathetic, remembering the times he had struggled to keep up with Harry's energetic routine.

"Come on, Daisy! You can do it!" Harry called out, encouragingly. He slowed his pace, falling back to run alongside Daisy.

Dudley followed suit, his blonde hair ruffling in the gentle breeze. "Don't worry, I've been there too," he said, with a reassuring smile. "Harry's a bit of a running machine, but we can take it at our own pace."

As they reached the stables, Harry's face lit up with a smile. "Hey, Thunder! How's my favorite girl doing?" he exclaimed, opening the stall door to reveal a majestic black horse with a spirited glint in her eye.

Thunder snorted, tossing her head in a display of attitude. Harry chuckled, recognizing the signs of a neglected favorite. "I know, I know, I've been neglecting you. But I'm here now, and I promise to make it up to you."

Harry reached out, speaking softly in a soothing voice that only he could use. It was a unique gift, one that allowed him to communicate with creatures of all kinds. Thunder's ears pricked up, and she nuzzled Harry's chest, her tail swishing in a more forgiving manner.

With Thunder placated, Harry turned to Dudley. "Help me get Daisy up, will you?" he asked, gesturing to the horse.

Dudley nodded, and together they helped Daisy onto Thunder's back. The boys grinned at each other, and then they were off, running alongside Thunder as Daisy practiced her metamorphic abilities.

Daisy's laughter echoed through the air, mingling with the sound of Thunder's hooves pounding the earth. Her deep red hair flew behind her, and her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement. She was still learning to control her powers, and it was clear that she was having the time of her life.

As they galloped across the manor grounds, Daisy's form began to shift and change. Her hair grew longer, her eyes turned a shade brighter, and her skin took on a subtle shimmer. Thunder, sensing the changes, adjusted her pace, her muscles rippling beneath her sleek coat.

Harry and Dudley cheered her on, urging her to keep practicing. It was moments like these that reminded Harry of the incredible bond they shared – a bond that went beyond mere friendship or family ties. They were a team, a unit, and together, they could conquer anything.

After another long hour of running, the trio finally made their way back to the manor, exhausted but exhilarated. Dudley was panting heavily, his face flushed with exertion. Harry, on the other hand, looked content, his emerald green eyes sparkling with satisfaction. Daisy, however, looked bored, her hazel eyes rolling good-naturedly as she trudged along beside her brother.

Each of them headed to their respective rooms for a much-needed shower. Harry emerged from his room 20 minutes later, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. He made his way to the kitchen, where he began to prepare a light breakfast for everyone.

"Today's the big day!" Harry exclaimed, cracking eggs into a bowl. "We're going to Diagon Alley to buy our Hogwarts supplies!"

Twin elves Twinky and Dimpy, who were busy polishing the silverware, looked up at Harry with wide eyes. "Oooh, Master Harry, sir! We loves Diagon Alley!" Twinky exclaimed.

Dimpy nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Master Harry, sir! We helps you makes breakfast, yes, we does!"

Together, Harry and the twin elves whipped up a delicious breakfast feast, complete with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and freshly baked pastries. The aroma wafting from the kitchen was heavenly, and soon, the others began to trickle in, drawn by the enticing smells.

The residents of Fawcett Manor sat down to enjoy their breakfast, the warm sunlight streaming through the windows and casting a cozy glow over the scene. Harry, still feeling invigorated from his morning run, dug into his breakfast with gusto.

Daisy, seated beside him, watched him with a mischievous glint in her eye. She was growing more cunning by the day, and Harry had learned to be wary of her pranks.

"Hey, Harry, try this muffin!" Daisy exclaimed, holding out a freshly baked treat.

Harry, trusting his sister, took a big bite of the muffin. But as soon as the flavors hit his tongue, he realized something was off. The muffin tasted sweet, but there was a sour, tangy flavor hidden inside.

Suddenly, Harry's face contorted in surprise as the disguised lemon inside the muffin hit his taste buds. His eyes watered, and he let out a mock-outraged cry.

"Ah, Daisy! You sneaky thing!" Harry exclaimed, laughing.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, seated at the head of the table, chuckled good-naturedly. "Oh, Daisy, you little scamp! Harry, you should know better than to trust her by now."

The others laughed, and the breakfast table was filled with the warm, comforting sounds of friendship and family.

As Grandma Mrs. Tucker announced that they would be leaving for Diagon Alley in a few minutes, the room erupted into a flurry of excitement. Daisy, in particular, was bouncing up and down like a rubber ball, her eyes shining with anticipation.

"I'm so excited! I've never been to Diagon Alley before!" Daisy squealed, her voice trembling with enthusiasm.

Dudley grinned, his face lighting up with excitement. "Me neither! I've heard it's amazing!"

But Daisy's excitement was on a whole different level. She was practically vibrating with anticipation, her hair colour changing to a vibrant, electric blue that matched her mood.

"Okay, okay, let's get going!" Harry laughed, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "We don't want to be late for our shopping trip!"

The four of them stepped into the Floo Network, the warm flames enveloping them as they disappeared from Fawcett Manor. They reappeared moments later in the bustling Leaky Cauldron, the sounds of chatter and clinking glasses filling the air.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I'll wait here, dear. You three go ahead and take care of those bank accounts."

Harry nodded, leading Dudley and Daisy out of the Leaky Cauldron and into the bright sunlight. They made their way to Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the imposing stone building looming before them.

As they entered the bank, Harry greeted the goblin guard in perfect Goblin language. "Zhilak khar!" (Greetings, noble one!)

Dudley and Daisy exchanged confused glances, admiring Harry's linguistic skills without understanding a word.

Griphook, the main manager of the Potter and associated accounts, emerged from the shadows, a hint of a smile on his face. "Ah, Harry Potter, Friend of the Goblin Nation. It's an honor to see you again."

Harry smiled, returning the greeting. "Griphook, it's good to see you too. I've come to open bank accounts for my cousin Dudley and my sister Daisy."

Griphook's eyes lit up with interest. "Ah, new accounts, yes. Let us proceed at once."

Griphook led them to a private room, the walls lined with rows of gleaming silver vaults. The air was thick with the scent of gold and treasure. Harry took a seat, with Dudley and Daisy following suit.

"Firstly, we'd like to open a new account and vault in the name of Dursley," Harry explained, his voice clear and confident.

Griphook nodded, his eyes gleaming with interest. "And the initial deposit, sir?"

"We'd like to transfer the muggle money from Dudley's muggle bank account," Harry replied.

Dudley rummaged through his pockets, producing a sheaf of papers. "Here are the account details," he said, handing them to Griphook.

Griphook's eyes scanned the papers, his expression unreadable. Dudley and Daisy watched him with wide eyes, fascinated by the Goblin's strange appearance and mannerisms.

But Harry had already briefed them on how to behave in front of the Goblins, warning them not to accidentally offend these proud and ancient creatures. They kept their curiosity in check, observing the proceedings with respectful silence.

After a short while, the Goblins returned with a small, delicate vial filled with Dudley's blood. Griphook carefully took the vial and poured the blood into a small, glowing crystal. The crystal pulsed with a soft, blue light as the Goblins began to chant in unison.

"This marks the opening of the first-ever vault for the Dursley family," Griphook announced, his voice filled with a sense of occasion. "This vault will continue for generations to come, a family legacy for the Dursleys."

With the vault opened, the Goblins proceeded to complete the necessary procedures to set up Dudley's account. Harry watched with a sense of satisfaction as Dudley's account was finally opened.

Dudley's eyes widened in amazement as Griphook revealed the amount of money in his vault. "You have... fifty thousand Galleons, Mr. Dursley," Griphook announced, a hint of a smile on his face.

Dudley's jaw dropped, stunned by the amount. "That's... that's more than enough for my seven years at Hogwarts!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

Harry smiled, happy to see his cousin so thrilled. He had transferred the money to Dudley's account, money that he had received as compensation when the Dursleys were tried and punished.

Dudley's eagerness to see his new vault was palpable, but Harry knew that Daisy's work was yet to be done. As the Friend of the Goblin Nation, Harry had a deep understanding of the Goblin's culture and traditions. He had earned this rare title on his first visit to Gringotts, and it had opened doors to privileges and knowledge that few wizards ever achieved.

"Now, let's take care of Daisy's account," Harry said, turning to Griphook. "As the Head of the ancient and noble House of Potter, I'd like to add Daisy as a co-heir to our family vaults."

Griphook's eyes sparkled with interest. "An excellent decision, Mr. Potter. This will indeed make her a co-heir to the trust vault, Evans Vault, and the Potter Family Vault."

Harry nodded. "I'd like her to have keys to the vaults as well."

Griphook bowed his head. "As you wish, Mr. Potter. We will proceed with the necessary arrangements."

The keys to the Potter Family Vault, Evans Vault, and the trust vault were handed over to Daisy, who looked at them with a mix of excitement and responsibility. Dudley, too, received his own set of keys, a proud smile spreading across his face.

"Now, Griphook, I'd like to make it public that I have a sister, Daisy Potter," Harry said, his voice clear and confident.

Griphook nodded, his eyes gleaming with understanding. "Very well, Mr. Potter. I shall prepare an article announcing the news. It will be published tonight, and soon everyone will know that you have a sister."

Harry nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. He knew that this would change things, but he was ready. Daisy, too, seemed to sense the weight of this moment, her eyes locked onto Harry's with a deep understanding.

The article, once published, would reveal the truth about Daisy's relationship to Harry, but it would exclude the details of her past, protecting her secrets and her story.

After finalizing the arrangements with Griphook, the trio made their way to the Gringotts cart, which would take them to the various vaults. Daisy squealed with delight as they stepped into the cart, her eyes shining with excitement. Harry chuckled, remembering his own first experience with the cart. However, Dudley looked a bit green, clinging to the edge of the cart as it lurched forward.

Their first stop was the Potter Trust Vault, a vast chamber filled with gold, jewels, and ancient artifacts. Harry led the way, expertly navigating the treasure-filled room. He retrieved two bags of gold, one for himself and one for Daisy, which included her monthly pocket money.

"I want you to learn how to manage your money, Daisy," Harry explained, handing her the bag. "You'll get this amount every month, and you can use it to buy whatever you want."

Daisy's eyes widened as she took the bag, a huge smile spreading across her face. "Thanks, Harry! You're the best!"

Their next stop was Dudley's vault, a modest but cozy chamber filled with stacks of gold coins and neatly arranged piles of Wizarding banknotes. Dudley's eyes widened as he gazed upon his newfound wealth, a thrilled smile spreading across his face.

Harry offered guidance on how much Dudley should withdraw for the day's shopping and for his future expenses. Dudley carefully followed Harry's advice, taking out a reasonable amount.

At Harry's request, Griphook took the opportunity to explain the basics of Wizarding money to Dudley and Daisy. "You see, we have Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts," Griphook began, holding up examples of each coin. "Galleons are the largest denomination, followed by Sickles, and then Knuts."

Daisy listened intently, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "How do we exchange Muggle money for Wizarding money?" she asked.

Griphook smiled. "Ah, that's a simple process. You can exchange your Muggle money for Wizarding money at Gringotts or other authorized exchange centers."

After finishing their business at Gringotts, the trio made their way back to the Leaky Cauldron, where Grandma Mrs. Tucker was waiting for them. As they entered, they were greeted by the warm smiles of their friends. Ginny and Ron had arrived with their mother, Mrs. Weasley, and brothers, Percy and the twins.

"Ah, Harry, dear! I see you're back," Mrs. Weasley said, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Did you give them the letter?"

Harry nodded, and the Weasley kids looked at him curiously. "What letter?" Ron asked, his brow furrowed with interest.

Mrs. Weasley smiled knowingly, but said nothing, leaving the question hanging in the air.

Mrs. Weasley's expression turned serious as she addressed her children. "You all know about our money troubles, don't you?" she asked, her eyes scanning their faces. The kids nodded in unison, their expressions somber.

She took a deep breath before continuing. "You also know that I was a Prewett before I married your father?" Again, the kids nodded. Mrs. Weasley's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought, as she remembered her family.

"As the last living member of the Prewett family, I inherited the entire Prewett fortune," she explained, her voice tinged with sadness. Her children's eyes widened in shock, and they exchanged amazed glances.

Ron's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Blimey, Mum! Why didn't you tell us?"

Mrs. Weasley's expression remained somber. "There's been a problem with the inheritance, dear. The Goblins have been disputing it for years, and we've been trying to resolve the issue without success." She shook her head, frustration etched on her face.

"We've been trying to get them to understand, but...well, it's complicated. The Prewett family's fortune is tied up in some complex trusts and charms." She smiled gratefully at Harry. "But thanks to Harry's connection with the Goblin Nation, they've finally understood the problem. Harry gave them a letter, and now we'll be able to access the Prewett fortune."

The Weasley children cheered, relieved and excited by the news. Mrs. Weasley smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Harry. This means so much to us."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with delight as she hugged Harry tightly and kissed him sweetly on the cheek. "Thanks, Harry! You're the best!" she exclaimed.

"How did you keep this from me?" Ginny asked, her brow furrowed with curiosity.

Harry chuckled. "I'm good at keeping secrets," he replied with a grin.

Ron, however, looked less than pleased. "Why didn't you tell me?" he asked, his voice tinged with annoyance.

Harry knew that Ron was sensitive about being left out of important information. "I'm sorry, Ron," Harry explained. "I only found out about the Prewett fortune recently, and I promised your mum I'd keep it quiet until everything was sorted out."

Ron's expression softened, and he nodded. "Sorry, Harry. I know I can be a bit of a grump sometimes."

Mrs. Weasley shot Ron a stern glance, but a hint of a smile played on her lips. "Apology accepted, Ronald," she said.

Ron looked sheepish, but Harry just clapped him on the back. "No worries, mate," he said with a grin.

The twins, Fred and George, looked at Harry with curiosity. "How did you find out about the Prewett fortune, Harry?" Fred asked.

Harry smiled, recalling the conversation. "It was on my birthday, day before yesterday. I asked Mrs. Weasley if I could buy Ginny her wand, and that's when the topic came up."

Ginny's face lit up with a smile, and she leaned in to whisper to Harry, "You told me you'd buy me a wand in our secret dreamland, remember?"

Harry chuckled and whispered back, "Of course, I remember. And I'm glad I could make it happen."

Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly at Harry. "Thank you, Harry. You're a true friend to our family."

The group waited patiently in the Leaky Cauldron, sipping butterbeers and chatting, while Mrs. Weasley stepped out to withdraw some money from the newly accessible Prewett fortune. When she returned, Percy's curiosity got the better of him.

"So, Mum, how much money do we have now?" Percy asked, his eyes wide with excitement.

Mrs. Weasley smiled, a twinkle in her eye. "Enough to buy everything first-hand, at least," she replied, her voice filled with relief and gratitude.

Ron's face lit up at the prospect of no longer having to make do with hand-me-downs. "Brilliant!" he exclaimed.

The five Muskeeteers who had already arrived - Ron, Harry, Daisy, Ginny, and Dudley - decided to sit at another table, eager to make room for the rest of their friends. They chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company as they waited for the others to arrive.

The Leaky Cauldron slowly filled with the rest of the Muskeeteers. Hermione arrived with her parents, Juliet and Daniel, and was soon followed by Luna and her father. Samantha walked in with her sister Pyre, and Dudley's face turned bright red as she sat near his chair. Harry noticed his cousin's blush, but it went unnoticed by everyone else.

Before long, Susan arrived with her aunt Amelia, whom Harry affectionately called Aunt Lia. Neville came in with his grandmother, and finally, Draco and Scorpius arrived with their mother, Narcissa.

Draco grinned mischievously at Harry. "Thank God Father didn't come," he whispered. "We wouldn't have been able to meet."

Scorpius nodded in agreement. "At least Mother is happy about your change of ways, Draco. Father, on the other hand..." He trailed off, and Draco shot him a warning glance.

Narcissa, though pleased that her son had abandoned the Dark Lord's ideology, was not entirely thrilled about his friendship circle. However, she had learned to compromise.

The Golden and Silver Muskeeteers gathered around one large table, with the twins joining in. The adults and Percy sat at a separate table, where the atmosphere was slightly awkward due to Narcissa's presence.

Harry, being the polite and respectful person he was, motioned for everyone's attention. He then turned to Narcissa and introduced himself with perfect etiquette. "Good day, Mrs. Malfoy," he said, his voice confident and respectful. "I'm Harry, it's an honor to meet you." He bowed his head slightly, showing deference to her pure-blood heritage.

Next, Harry introduced Dudley and Daisy, who both greeted Narcissa with polite smiles. "This is my cousin Dudley, and my sister Daisy," Harry explained, his eyes shining with warmth as he looked at his family members.

Soon, the other Muskeeteers followed suit, introducing themselves to Narcissa with varying degrees of formality. Ron, being his usual self, grinned cheerfully and said, "Hi, Mrs. Malfoy! I'm Ron." Hermione, on the other hand, curtsied elegantly and said, "Good day, Mrs. Malfoy. I'm Hermione Granger."

As the introductions went on, Narcissa's expression gradually softened. She seemed to relax a bit, pleased that her sons were surrounded by polite and well-mannered company. Despite her reservations about Muggle-borns, she was willing to compromise for the sake of her children's happiness.

Draco, noticing his mother's slight thawing, smiled to himself. He was glad that his friends were making an effort to get along with his mother, even if she didn't entirely approve of them. Scorpius, sensing his brother's gaze, looked up at Draco and grinned.

The kids returned to their table, chatting and laughing, while the adults' table remained slightly awkward. However, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, with her warm and friendly demeanor, broke the silence by introducing herself to Narcissa.

"Hello, dear Narcissa," Grandma Mrs. Tucker said, her voice warm and inviting. "I'm Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Harry's honorary grandma. It's lovely to meet you."

Pyre, Charlie's girlfriend, followed suit, introducing herself with a bright smile. Hermione's parents, Juliet and Daniel, also greeted Narcissa politely.

Xenophilius, Luna's father, exchanged a nod with Narcissa, their mutual acquaintanceship evident in their brief, courteous exchange.

However, the atmosphere remained slightly strained between Amelia, Mrs. Weasley, and Narcissa. Although none of them had any personal issues with Narcissa, they all harbored reservations about her husband, Lucius. Mrs. Weasley, in particular, had a deep-seated dislike for Lucius, stemming from his past associations with the Dark Lord.

Despite these underlying tensions, the ladies maintained a polite conversation, avoiding any topics that might lead to discomfort or conflict.

Narcissa's thoughts swirled in turmoil as she gazed at her sons, Draco and Scorpius, their faces aglow with happiness as they chatted with their friends. She knew that Draco's friendship with Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville had changed him, and for the better. He had abandoned the Dark Lord's ideology and was now a more compassionate and empathetic person.

She remembered the countless arguments she had with Lucius, her husband, about their son's involvement with the Dark Lord. While Lucius had been adamant that their family's pure-blood legacy and allegiance to the Dark Lord were paramount, Narcissa had always harbored doubts. She had never been a fervent supporter of the Dark Lord's cause, and the more she saw the devastation it wrought, the more she questioned her family's involvement.

Scorpius, too, had undergone a transformation. His relationship with Draco had been strained in the past, largely due to Scorpius's opposition to the Malfoy family's beliefs. However, over the past year, their bond had grown stronger, and they had become closer as brothers. Narcissa's heart swelled with pride as she watched them interact, their laughter and smiles a testament to the unbreakable bond they shared.

Narcissa's own feelings were complicated. While she wasn't a Death Eater supporter, she had always identified as a pure-blood advocate. She had been raised to believe in the importance of bloodlines and the superiority of pure-blood families. But now, as she watched her sons diverge from the traditional pure-blood path, she felt torn. As a mother, she wanted her children to be happy, and it was clear that they had found happiness in their newfound friendships and values.

But what about her role as Lucius's wife, as Lady Malfoy, and as a member of the ancient Black family? Did she not have a duty to uphold the family's traditions and expectations? Narcissa's heart and mind wrestled with these conflicting loyalties, leaving her feeling uncertain and divided. She glanced around the table, taking in the faces of her sons' friends, and wondered what the future held for her family.

Narcissa's thoughts drifted back to a month ago when Draco had confessed to her and Lucius about his change of heart. He had revealed that he had been hiding his true feelings and allegiances during his first year at Hogwarts. Lucius's reaction had been severe; he had punished Draco and since then, had treated him with disdain, viewing him as a disappointment, just like Scorpius.

Narcissa had argued with Lucius about his treatment of Draco, but her words had fallen on deaf ears. Now, as she watched her son laughing and smiling with his friends, she couldn't help but wonder what the future held. Would Lucius's disapproval escalate into something more sinister? And if it did, would she be forced to choose between her loyalty to her husband and her love for her son?

The thought sent a shiver down her spine as she contemplated the impossible decision that might lie ahead.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker's suggestion broke the spell of Narcissa's contemplation. "Maybe we should start shopping, don't you think?" she said, her eyes twinkling with enthusiasm.

The other guardians nodded in agreement, and soon the group was summoned. "Alright, kids! Let's get started on our shopping list!" Grandma Mrs. Tucker called out, her voice carrying across the alley.

The 12 friends, accompanied by the twins, Percy, and the Twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, gathered around their guardians. The group's collective excitement was palpable as they set off on their shopping adventure.

As they made their way through Diagon Alley, the group's size and camaraderie drew attention from the surrounding shoppers. The sight of so many young friends, accompanied by their guardians, was a heartwarming spectacle that brought smiles to the faces of the alley's patrons.

The group's magnificent appearance was a testament to the strong bonds they shared. United in their excitement for the upcoming Hogwarts year, they embarked on their shopping journey, ready to face whatever adventures lay ahead.

The stark contrast between the two groups was evident. The adults, despite their efforts to compromise, still exuded an air of tension, their differences in beliefs and values palpable. In stark contrast, the 12 Muskeeteers, along with the twins, radiated an aura of happiness and unity. Their laughter and chatter filled the air, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Percy, too, seemed more at ease, his usual stern demeanor softened by the joyous atmosphere. However, it was the 12 Muskeeteers who were the epitome of relaxation, their bond and camaraderie a testament to the strength of their friendship.

The guardians couldn't help but smile as they watched their children laugh and joke together. The scene was a poignant reminder of what they all wanted for their kids: happiness. And as they gazed at the united group of young friends, they couldn't help but think that if their children could put aside their differences, why couldn't they?

The thought lingered in the air, a gentle reminder that even the most deeply ingrained differences could be overcome, one small step at a time.

Harry suggested, "Why don't all the adults wait somewhere and let us handle the shopping? With this many people in one shop, it would look odd, and we don't want to get separated." He added reassuringly, "We'll call for help if we need it."

The guardians nodded in agreement, handing over the necessary money and shopping lists to their respective children. Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled, "Be careful, dear ones, and don't hesitate to ask for help if you need it."

The only exceptions were Daisy, Harry, and Dudley, who had already withdrawn their shopping money from Gringotts earlier that day. With their funds in hand, they were ready to tackle the shopping trip.

As the adults settled on a nearby café to wait, the 12 Muskeeteers, along with the twins, set off on their shopping adventure, eager to explore the wizarding shops of Diagon Alley.

Madam Malkin's eyes widened in surprise as the 12 Muskeeteers filed into her shop. Her gaze landed on Harry, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Ah, Harry! It's so wonderful to see you again!" she exclaimed.

Last year, during Harry's first visit to Diagon Alley, Madam Malkin had been charmed by his polite nature. They had struck up a conversation, and she had explained the basics of Quidditch and the Hogwarts houses to him. At the time, Harry had been shy and overwhelmed by the unfamiliar wizarding world, but now he seemed more confident.

Madam Malkin's surprise deepened as she took in the group of children, all chatting and laughing together. "You're all... together?" she asked, her eyes darting from one face to another.

Harry nodded. "Yes, we're a group of friends. We call ourselves the Double Musketeers."

Madam Malkin's gaze landed on Draco, and her expression changed. She remembered the incident from last year, when Draco had insulted Harry and they had gotten into a fight. Now, seeing Draco standing alongside Harry, smiling and chatting with the others, left her stunned.

Madam Malkin's skilled hands moved quickly and precisely as she measured each of the first-year students for their Hogwarts robes. Samantha was the first in line, standing patiently as Madam Malkin wrapped the measuring tape around her chest and shoulders. Next was Scorpius, who couldn't help but let out a little giggle as the measuring tape tickled his sides.

Luna stepped forward, her dreamy eyes fixed on some point beyond Madam Malkin's shoulder as she was measured. Ginny followed, her face lighting up with excitement as she anticipated her first year at Hogwarts.

As Madam Malkin worked on Ginny's measurements, she noticed Harry staring at her with a loving gaze. His eyes were fixed on Ginny's face, a soft smile playing on his lips. Madam Malkin's eyes sparkled with amusement as she asked, "And what's going on here?"

Ginny's cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she replied, "Harry's my boyfriend." Madam Malkin's eyebrows rose in surprise, but she said nothing, simply nodding and making a note on Ginny's measurement sheet.

Next in line was Ron, who despite being a second-year student, needed new robes as his old ones had already worn out. Madam Malkin smiled knowingly as she measured Ron, making adjustments for his growing frame.

Then it was Daisy's turn. She looked a bit nervous despite her excitement, glancing over at Harry for reassurance. Harry gave her a comforting smile and a thumbs-up, which seemed to calm her nerves. Madam Malkin quickly took Daisy's measurements, chatting with her about the different fabrics and colors available.

Finally, it was Dudley's turn. He looked a bit awkward, still getting used to the idea of wearing wizarding robes. Madam Malkin smiled kindly at him, putting him at ease as she took his measurements.

The rest of the group chatted and laughed, browsing through the racks of robes on display. Ginny and Luna were examining a selection of intricately embroidered robes, oohing and aahing over the delicate patterns. Scorpius and Samantha were engaged in a heated debate about the merits of different Quidditch teams, while Hermione and Neville were discussing the latest news from the wizarding world. Harry, meanwhile, kept a watchful eye on Daisy, making sure she was doing okay.

After a few minutes, Madam Malkin handed out the Hogwarts robes to each of the students. Scorpius rolled his eyes good-naturedly as Draco stepped in to pay for his robes, acting the part of the protective older brother. "I've got it, Scorp," Draco said, handing over the gold coins.

A similar scene played out between Ginny and Ron, with Ron trying to pay for Ginny's robes and Ginny insisting on doing it herself. However, when it came to Dudley and Daisy, Harry took a step back, letting them handle their first-ever payment. Dudley looked a bit uncertain, but Daisy, being a metamorphagus, seemed to take it in stride.

Hermione giggled at the sight of Scorpius and Ginny scolding their respective big brothers. "You should learn from Harry," Ginny said, smiling at her boyfriend. "He's not as bossy as you two." Scorpius nodded in agreement, grinning at Draco. "Yeah, you can't always treat me like a kid, Draco."

As the group of 12 entered Slugs and Jiggers, the apothecary, they were immediately enveloped in the familiar scent of dried herbs and simmering potions. The shelves, lined with jars of strange and exotic ingredients, seemed to stretch up to the ceiling, giving the shop a cozy, cluttered feel. Mr. Robert, the shopkeeper, looked up from behind the counter, his eyes twinkling with recognition as he spotted Harry.

"Ah, Harry! Welcome back! Congratulations are in order, I hear," Mr. Robert said, beaming with pride. He hurried out from behind the counter, his long white apron fluttering behind him. "I heard about your incredible achievement - brewing the Potter-Snape Amnesia Potion! You're the youngest wizard ever to invent and brew it, and get it certified successfully, I might add."

Harry's face flushed with embarrassment as he tried to brush off the compliment. "It wasn't just me, sir. I had help from Professor Snape. We worked on it together," he said, his eyes darting to his friends, who were all grinning at him.

Draco rolled his eyes good-naturedly, chuckling. "Harry would never take a compliment, would he?" he teased, shaking his head. The others laughed, teasing Harry about his humility. Ron ruffled Harry's hair, saying, "Come on, mate, you can't deny it. You're a genius!" Hermione smiled, adding, "We're all proud of you, Harry."

Mr. Robert smiled, nodding his head. "Well, deserved or not, the congratulations are sincere. You've done something truly remarkable, Harry. I'm honored to have you shopping here."

As they waited for Mr. Robert to gather their ingredients, Harry took the opportunity to explain the various potions components to Daisy. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she listened intently, asking questions and making connections between the different ingredients.

"I see, so wolfbane is used to treat werewolf bites?" Daisy asked, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"That's right," Harry replied, smiling at her enthusiasm. "And it's also used in some protective potions. We'll be learning more about those in our second-year potions class."

Daisy nodded eagerly, her metamorphic hair flickering with excitement. The others watched with amusement as Harry patiently answered her questions, happy to see Daisy so engaged.

Before long, Mr. Robert had gathered all their ingredients and they were paying for their purchases. As they left the shop, laden with bags of potions components, the group couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the upcoming school year.

The group of 12 made their way to the Cauldron shop, where the upcoming first years were tasked with buying their very own cauldrons. The second years took on a guiding role, helping their younger friends navigate the various sizes and types of cauldrons on offer. Dudley looked a bit bewildered, but Harry was on hand to offer guidance.

"What's the difference between these two, Harry?" Dudley asked, pointing to two identical-looking cauldrons.

"One's made of copper, the other's made of brass," Harry explained. "Copper's a bit more expensive, but it's better for brewing potions."

Dudley nodded thoughtfully, before making his decision.

Next, the group headed to the telescope shop, where the first years were tasked with buying their own telescopes for Astronomy class. Dudley's eyes widened as he scanned the shelves, taking in the various models on display.

"Wow, these are amazing!" Dudley exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it."

Harry chuckled. "You'll get to use it a lot in Astronomy class. Professor Sinistra's really passionate about the subject."

The group spent a good chunk of time in the telescope shop, with the first years eagerly seeking advice from their older friends.

Finally, they made their way to the quill and parchment shop, where all of them stocked up on supplies for the upcoming year. The shop was cozy, with shelves upon shelves of colorful quills, inks, and parchments.

The group made their way to the owlery, where Harry surprised Daisy with a beautiful brown owl. "Her name is Roxy," Harry said, smiling as Daisy's eyes lit up with excitement.

Daisy squealed with delight, hugging Harry tightly. "Thank you, Harry! She's perfect!" Roxy, seeming to sense Daisy's enthusiasm, nuzzled her gently, soft hooting noises filling the air.

Next, they visited the pet shop, where Dudley carefully selected a adorable grey rabbit. "I'll name her Fiona," Dudley said, beaming with pride as he cradled the rabbit in his arms.

After the pet shop, Susan turned to Ron with a mischievous grin. "I've got something for you, Ron," she said, producing a small owl from a nearby cage. "Sirius told me to give this to you. He still thinks Scabbers was your pet, so he figured it was his responsibility to get you a new owl."

Ron's eyes widened in surprise as he accepted the owl, which Susan had named Pig. "Thanks, Susan! That's really cool of Sirius."

However, the introduction of Pig was not without controversy. Hermione, who had been browsing the nearby cat cages, emerged with a large, orange cat in her arms. "I've decided to name him Crookshanks," she said, smiling sweetly at Ron.

Ron scowled, clearly annoyed. "Hermione, do you really need a cat? Now we'll have to deal with cat hair everywhere!" he complained, but Hermione just laughed, Crookshanks purring contentedly in her arms.

Harry raised his eyebrows at Ron, asking, "So, you had a problem with Kluer too, then?" Kluer, who was perched on Harry's shoulder, glared at Ron, her eyes gleaming with a fierce inner light.

Ron held up his hands, defensive. "No, no, it's just that... well, cats and I don't always get along, that's all." He eyed Kluer warily, as if expecting her to pounce at any moment.

Hermione laughed, cuddling Crookshanks. "Oh, Ron, you're just not used to being around cats, that's all. Crookshanks will help you get over your fears." She smiled sweetly at Ron, who looked less than convinced.

Ron eyed Crookshanks warily, taking a step back as the cat's tail twitched ominously. "Blimey, Hermione, he's a bit... fierce, isn't he?" Ron asked, his voice laced with concern.

Hermione laughed, scooping up Crookshanks in a tight hug. "Oh, don't worry, Ron! Crookshanks is just a big softie. He's not going to hurt anyone."

The group continued on their way, making their way through the crowded streets of Diagon Alley. Their next stop was Flourish and Blotts, the famous bookstore. As they pushed their way through the throngs of shoppers, Harry's ears picked up a snippet of conversation.

"...Gilderoy Lockhart is signing books! Oh, I've heard he's just fascinating..." someone exclaimed.

Harry's curiosity was piqued. He had seen Lockhart's name on the booklist for Defense Against the Dark Arts, but he had no idea who the man was. "I wonder who Gilderoy Lockhart is," Harry mused aloud.

Draco, who was walking beside him, raised an eyebrow. "You don't know who Lockhart is? He's a famous wizard, Harry. Writes books about all his adventures..."

As the group inched closer to the front of the line, Draco leaned in to whisper to Harry, "Lockhart's a famous wizard, writes books about his adventures and all that."

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "I wonder why five of his books are on our booklist," he mused aloud.

Ron shrugged. "Maybe our new professor's just a big fan of Lockhart's."

Hermione's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh, I've read all about him! I never thought I'd actually meet him in person!"

Ron and Draco exchanged a look, their faces scrunched up in annoyance. Harry caught the exchange and grimaced inwardly. It seemed his suspicions were correct: both Ron and Draco had feelings for Hermione. He hoped this wouldn't cause any problems in the future, but for now, it seemed none of them were going to act on their feelings.

Just then, the line moved forward, and the group found themselves face to face with Gilderoy Lockhart himself. He was even more charismatic in person, flashing a dazzling smile as he greeted his fans.

As soon as Harry laid eyes on Lockhart, he knew he wasn't going to like the man. There was something about Lockhart's charming smile and twinkling eyes that seemed insincere.

Before Harry could react, Lockhart had spotted him and was dragging him forward, posing for the reporters' cameras. "And here we have the famous Harry Potter, folks!" Lockhart exclaimed, beaming at the cameras.

Harry grimaced inwardly, feeling uncomfortable with all the attention. He hated being famous, and Lockhart seemed to thrive on it.

Just then, Lockhart made an announcement that made Harry's heart sink. "And I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be joining the Hogwarts faculty this year as the new Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts!"

Harry's instincts were screaming at him that something was off. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he just didn't like the idea of Lockhart teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts.

The reporters' attention suddenly shifted to Daisy, and Harry's eyes narrowed as he realized why. The morning's Daily Prophet had somehow gotten hold of the story he had shared with the goblins, revealing Daisy as his sister, Daisy Potter.

Daisy looked uncomfortable, her eyes darting nervously around the crowd. Harry's anger flared, and he shouted at the reporters, "Can't you just leave us alone? We want our privacy!"

The other Muskeeteers quickly closed ranks around Daisy, forming a protective barrier. Ron, Draco, and Neville stood tall, their faces stern, while Hermione and Susan positioned themselves on either side of Daisy, shielding her from the reporters' cameras.

Amelia Bones, Susan's aunt, strode into the fray, her eyes flashing with authority. "That's enough!" she commanded, her voice firm. "Leave these children alone, or I'll have you all arrested for harassment!"

The reporters, sensing the warning was genuine, backed off slowly, still snapping photos but keeping a safe distance. Grandma Mrs. Tucker and the other guardians watched over the group, ensuring they were safe, as the commotion gradually died down.

The other Silver Muskeeteers, Ginny, Luna, Samantha, Dudley, and Scorpius, looked nervous and on edge, still shaken by the reporter incident. Harry, sensing their unease, discreetly led them in the opposite direction, away from Lockhart's entourage.

Once they had all purchased their books, they joined the adult group, which was still fuming about the reporter incident. Amelia and Grandma Mrs. Tucker were visibly upset, while Augusta looked angry, her eyes flashing with indignation. Even Narcissa, normally composed, seemed ruffled, her expression stern.

It was clear that Narcissa had made a decision to put aside her differences with the others for the sake of her sons' happiness. Draco and Scorpius were both part of the group, and Narcissa seemed determined to support them, even if it meant compromising her own beliefs.

Daisy's eyes welled up with tears, and her lower lip trembled. Grandma Mrs. Tucker put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Daisy, dear, you'll have to face situations like this now. Harry's famous, and as his sister, you'll attract attention too."

Harry didn't like the look of distress on his sister's face. All her excitement for her first year at Hogwarts seemed to have vanished. Mrs. Weasley nodded in agreement with Grandma Mrs. Tucker. "You'll have to deal with this at Hogwarts too, dear. But you'll learn to handle it."

Daisy's face scrunched up, and she grimaced. "Then I don't want to go to Hogwarts!" she exclaimed, her voice shaking.

The guardians and Double Muskeeteers exchanged worried glances. This wasn't the confident, excited Daisy they knew. Harry immediately went to his sister's side, putting a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "Hey, Daisy, it's okay. I'm here for you. We'll face all this together, okay?"

Daisy's distress was so intense that her hair, normally a vibrant deep red, had transformed into a dull shade of grey, reflecting her emotional state. As a Metamorphagus, Daisy's hair color often changed depending on her mood, and this was a clear indication of her turmoil. Her eyes, usually bright and sparkling, had lost their luster, and her small face was scrunched up in worry.

Harry's gentle words and reassuring presence slowly calmed Daisy down. He put a comforting arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a warm hug. "Hey, sis, it's okay. I'm here for you. You're not alone," he whispered softly into her ear.

The others watched as Harry worked his magic. Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the group looked on, concerned, but also confident that Harry could calm Daisy down. Grandma Mrs. Tucker and Mrs. Weasley exchanged a warm smile, happy to see Harry taking care of his sister.

With a few soft whispers and a warm smile, Harry coaxed Daisy into smiling again. At first, it was just a small, tentative smile, but as Harry continued to reassure her, it grew into a wider, more confident grin. Soon, Daisy was giggling, her grey hair gradually returning to its normal deep red hue.

As Daisy's laughter filled the air, the tension in the group dissipated. Everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief, happy to see Daisy's distress alleviated.

"Okay, now that we've got everything else, there's just one more thing left to buy," Harry said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Your wand, Daisy!"

The adults had decided that they would take the six Silver Muskeeteers, who were starting their first year at Hogwarts, to buy their wands at Ollivander's. The rest of the group would stay behind at Fortesque's Ice Cream Shop and wait with Amelia.

"I want Harry to come with me," Daisy said, looking up at her brother with pleading eyes.

"Of course, I'll come with you, Daisy," Harry replied, smiling reassuringly at his sister.

As a result, Percy, the twins, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Susan, stayed behind at the shop with Amelia, Augusta, and the rest of the adults, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed their ice cream.

Meanwhile, the group headed to Ollivander's consisted of Harry, Daisy, Scorpius, Dudley ,Luna, Ginny, Samantha, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. Weasley, Narcissa, Pyre, and Luna's father, Xenophilius Lovegood. They made their way through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, excited for the first years to choose their wands.

The group entered Ollivander's Wand Shop, and the owner, Mr. Ollivander, greeted them warmly. His eyes twinkled as he smiled at Harry. "Ah, Harry, I see you've returned. And I trust you read the book I gave you last year?"

"Yes, thank you, Mr. Ollivander," Harry replied, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "It was a really interesting and knowledgeable read about wandlore. I learned a lot from it."

Mr. Ollivander beamed with pride, clearly pleased that Harry had appreciated the gift. "Excellent! I'm glad you found it informative. Now, let us proceed to find the perfect wands for our new students." He turned to the first years, his eyes shining with excitement. "Who shall we start with first?"

As the group gathered around, Mr. Ollivander began to explain the intricacies of wand selection. "You see, the wand chooses the wizard, not the other way around," he said, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "It's a delicate process, one that requires patience and understanding."

Luna was the first to try out wands. She approached the counter with a dreamy expression, her eyes shining with excitement. Mr. Ollivander presented her with a series of wands, each one carefully selected to match her unique energy.

The first wand Luna tried was made of ash wood, but it didn't quite feel right. The second wand, crafted from oak, seemed promising, but ultimately didn't resonate with her. Luna tried five more wands, each one carefully considered, before finally finding the perfect match.

"Ah, yes!" Mr. Ollivander exclaimed, as Luna's eyes lit up with delight. "This wand, my dear, is made of silverwood, a rare and resilient wood, with a core of thestral hair. A most unusual and exotic combination, one that I suspect will suit you perfectly."

Mr. Lovegood, Luna's father, smiled warmly as he paid for the wand. "Excellent choice, my dear," he said, beaming with pride, before moving aside to let the next student try out wands.

Mr. Ollivander repeated his mantra, "The wand chooses the wizard," as Scorpius, accompanied by his mother Narcissa, stepped forward to try out wands. Scorpius's eyes widened with excitement as he grasped the first wand presented to him, but it didn't feel quite right. Mr. Ollivander smiled knowingly and handed Scorpius a second wand.

This time, the wand seemed to hum with energy in Scorpius's hand, and Mr. Ollivander's eyes lit up with delight. "Ah, yes! This wand, I think, will suit you perfectly, young Scorpius."

Mr. Ollivander went on to describe the wand's core, made of unicorn hair, its wood, a rich, dark ebony, and its length, a respectable fourteen inches. Narcissa smiled proudly as she paid for the wand, her eyes shining with happiness. "Well done, Scorpius," she said, beaming, before moving aside to let the next student try out wands.

Mr. Ollivander repeated his familiar phrase, "The wand chooses the wizard," as Dudley, accompanied by Grandma Mrs. Tucker, stepped forward to try out wands. Harry and Daisy, who were watching with great interest, smiled and gave Dudley a thumbs-up to encourage him.

Dudley tried out three wands, but none of them felt quite right. Mr. Ollivander presented him with a fourth wand, and as soon as Dudley grasped it, the wand seemed to come alive in his hand. Mr. Ollivander's eyes lit up with delight.

"Ah, yes! This wand, I think, will suit you perfectly, young Dudley," Mr. Ollivander said, beaming. "The core is made of dragon heartstring, the wood is a sturdy hawthorn, and the length is a respectable thirteen inches."

Dudley's face broke into a wide smile as he paid for the wand, clearly thrilled with his new acquisition. "Thanks, Mr. Ollivander!" he exclaimed, moving aside to make way for the next student.

Mr. Ollivander repeated his familiar phrase, "The wand chooses the wizard," as Samantha, accompanied by her sister Pyre, stepped forward to try out wands. Dudley, who was watching from the side, looked a bit flustered, his eyes fixed on Samantha with admiration.

Samantha tried out seven wands, but none of them seemed to match her energy. Mr. Ollivander presented her with an eighth wand, and as soon as Samantha grasped it, the wand seemed to come alive in her hand. Mr. Ollivander's eyes lit up with delight.

"Ah, yes! This wand, I think, will suit you perfectly, young Samantha," Mr. Ollivander said, beaming. "The core is made of veela hair, the wood is a flexible willow, and the length is a respectable eleven inches."

Pyre smiled warmly as she paid for the wand. "Well done, Samantha!" she exclaimed, moving aside to make way for the next student.

Mr. Ollivander repeated his familiar phrase, "The wand chooses the wizard," as Ginny, accompanied by Mrs. Weasley, stepped forward to try out wands. Harry, who was watching with great interest, poked her lovingly as she looked nervous and excited.

Ginny tried out fifteen wands, but none of them seemed to match her energy. Mr. Ollivander presented her with a sixteenth wand, and as soon as Ginny grasped it, the wand seemed to come alive in her hand. Mr. Ollivander's eyes lit up with delight.

"Ah, yes! This wand, I think, will suit you perfectly, young Ginny," Mr. Ollivander said, beaming. "The core is made of dragon heartstring, the wood is holly, and the length is thirteen and a half inches."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise at the similarity between Ginny's wand and his own. "Just like mine!" he exclaimed, grinning.

As Mrs. Weasley smiled, Harry stepped forward to pay for the wand. "I've got it, Mrs. Weasley," he said, winking at Ginny. "I talked to you about it yesterday, remember?"

Ginny's face broke into a wide smile as she turned to Harry. "Thanks, Harry!" she exclaimed, and leaned in to give him a quick kiss on the lips.

Mr. Ollivander repeated his familiar phrase, "The wand chooses the wizard," as Daisy stepped forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "But I'm a witch," she said, her voice dripping with sly humor, making Mr. Ollivander chuckle.

Harry, who was watching with great interest, gave Daisy a playful ruffle on the head. However, as Daisy began trying out wands, she grew increasingly nervous. Wand after wand was presented to her, but none of them seemed to match her unique energy. Mr. Ollivander's eyes sparkled with delight at the challenge.

"Don't worry, Daisy," Harry said reassuringly. "I tried out 167 wands before I found the right one."

Mr. Ollivander nodded in confirmation. "Yes, indeed! You were quite the tricky customer, Harry."

Finally, after trying out 67 wands, the 68th wand proved to be the one. As soon as Daisy grasped it, the wand seemed to come alive in her hand. Mr. Ollivander's face broke into a wide smile.

"Ah, yes! This wand, I think, will suit you perfectly, young Daisy," Mr. Ollivander said, beaming. "The core is made of unicorn hair, the wood is a rare and resilient yew, and the length is a respectable twelve inches."

Harry smiled proudly as he paid for the wand. "Well done, Daisy!" he exclaimed.

The group of Silver Muskeeteers, now all equipped with their new wands, excitedly exited Ollivander's Wand Shop. They made their way back to the ice cream shop, where the rest of the group was waiting. As they entered, the Golden Muskeeteers turned to them with big smiles.

"Finally! How was the wand-choosing experience?" Ron asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Ginny grinned, holding up her wand. "It was amazing! Mr. Ollivander is so cool."

Daisy nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining. "I know, right? I tried out so many wands before finding the perfect one."

The group spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and enjoying their ice cream, happy that the shopping trip was finally complete. Harry leaned back in his chair, feeling content. "Well, that was a successful day, I'd say."

Draco nodded in agreement. "Definitely. Now, who's up for another round of ice cream?"

The ice cream shop was filled with the warm and lively atmosphere of the Double Muskeeteers and their families. The 12 Muskeeteers, along with the twins and Percy, sat at one large table, surrounded by their pets. Ron's little owl, Pig, perched on his shoulder, while Hermione's cat, Crookshanks, curled up in her lap. Neville's toad, Trevor, sat quietly in his terrarium, and Draco's black owl, Taurus, watched the scene with wise eyes. Harry's colour-changing cat, Kluer, played with Daisy's brown owl, Roxy, while Dudley's grey rabbit, Fiona, hopped around his feet. Harry's white owl, Hedwig, sat calmly on his arm, and his little sparrow, Poco, flitted about his head, chirping happily.

At the adjacent table, the adults chatted and laughed together. Grandma Mrs Tucker and Mrs Weasley exchanged stories, while Augusta and Pyre discussed their latest projects. Amelia and Mr Lovegood engaged in a heated debate about the latest developments in the wizarding world, and Narcissa, who had clearly made an effort to put aside her reservations, spoke warmly to the group.

As the afternoon wore on, the atmosphere grew more relaxed, and the initial awkwardness of the morning dissipated. Even Narcissa, who had initially seemed hesitant, now smiled and laughed with the others, clearly determined to support her son's happiness.

Just then, a rat scurried out from under the table and bit Scorpius's hand. His new wand slipped from his grasp and fell to the floor. But what caught everyone's attention was that the rat seemed...off. Its eyes glowed with an unnatural intensity, and its movements were eerily swift.

Scorpius let out a loud scream, drawing the attention of the adults at the adjacent table. Narcissa's eyes widened in alarm as she rushed to her son's side.

"Scorpius, darling! What's wrong?" Narcissa exclaimed, helping Scorpius to his feet.

Draco's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed intently on the rat. "That's no ordinary rat," he muttered, his hand instinctively reaching for his wand.

The atmosphere in the ice cream shop suddenly turned tense, the air thick with unease.

As the rat scurried across the floor, Harry's eyes widened in shock. "It's Scabbers!" Ron shouted, his voice echoing through the ice cream shop. The atmosphere was electric, with the sound of screams and shattering glass filling the air.

Pandemonium erupted as Crookshanks, Hermione's mischievous cat, took off after the rat, his tail twitching with excitement. Amelia, swiftly reacting to the situation, sent a Patronus to summon the Aurors. The silvery light of her Patronus illuminated the chaotic scene, casting an ethereal glow over the fleeing rat.

Harry, fueled by anger and a desire to capture the rat, began firing spells in its direction. "Glacius!" he shouted, his wand flashing through the air as he attempted to freeze the rat in its tracks. However, his aim was off, and the spell hit the floor instead, sending shards of ice flying everywhere. The sound of shattering ice echoed through the shop, adding to the cacophony of chaos.

Ginny's voice cut through the din, her words laced with concern. "Harry, be careful!" she warned, her eyes fixed anxiously on the rat as it darted beneath a nearby table.

Draco, Ron, and Hermione rushed to Harry's side, ready to join the chase. Draco's eyes gleamed with determination, while Ron's face was set in a fierce grimace. Hermione's brow was furrowed in concentration, her hands clenched into fists.

The ice cream shop descended into chaos, with spells flying and customers screaming. Tables overturned, and chairs scraped against the floor as people scrambled to get out of the way. Amidst the mayhem, Sirius's fate hung precariously in the balance, as the capture of Peter Pettigrew could finally prove his innocence.

Next Chapter is  The Filthy Traitor.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling The chapter started normal with some intercations between Potter siblings. I think the highlight of the chapter was Potter siblings and Narcissa. And yeah Weasleys can at least afford things now , I always wondered why Molly a former Prewett didn't had the fortune. And finally the wait is over , let's see how Peter will be caught. Well I would like you all to have a guess in which houses each Silver Musketeers will get sorted into , it would be Fun. And if you want any Bronze Musketeers please suggest me the names they can be of any year . Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 16: The Filthy Traitor !

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The ice cream shop was in complete disarray, with tables overturned and customers screaming. The guardians, including Mrs. Weasley, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Narcissa, quickly sided with their kids, trying to restore order. However, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco were too focused on capturing the rat.

"Glacius!" Harry shouted again, firing another spell at the rat, but it dodged once more.

"I've got an idea!" Ron exclaimed, his eyes shining with determination. "Let's try to corner it!"

Draco nodded, his pale face set in a fierce grimace. "I'll take the left side, you take the right, Ron!"

Hermione and Neville joined in, forming a semi-circle around the rat. Crookshanks, sensing victory, darted forward, hissing loudly.

The rat, realizing it was trapped, let out a terrified squeak and made a desperate dash for freedom. But the five friends were ready, their wands at the ready to cast the final spell.

The chaos in the ice cream shop was starting to attract attention from the alley outside. People passing by stopped to stare, wondering what was happening. Some of them took a step back, eyes wide with fear, as they realized that magic was involved. The rat, Peter Pettigrew, took advantage of the commotion and escaped the spells once again. Amelia and Augusta, despite their best efforts, were unable to fire spells due to the chaos.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker stood protectively beside Daisy and Dudley, trying to shield them from the mayhem. Daisy's eyes were wide with worry, and Dudley looked pale. Grandma wrapped a reassuring arm around Daisy's shoulders, holding her close.

"It's okay, dear," Grandma said softly. "We'll get through this."

Daisy nodded, her eyes fixed on Harry, who was still trying to catch the rat. Dudley, meanwhile, looked like he was about to faint. Grandma Tucker's grip on him tightened.

Narcissa, meanwhile, was frantically screaming at Draco to stop, while also searching for Scorpius. She was desperate to check if the bite he had received was normal or not. Pyre, trying to stay calm, stood with Samantha, who looked scared but unharmed.

"Samantha, are you okay?" Pyre asked, her voice soft.

Samantha nodded, her eyes fixed on Dudley, who was still looking pale.

Mrs. Weasley was surrounding the twins and Percy, trying to keep them safe. The twins, eager to help, were trying to cast spells, but they were too inexperienced and only added to the chaos.

"Fred, George, stop!" Mrs. Weasley shouted, trying to grab their wands. "You're making it worse!"

Percy, meanwhile, looked like he was about to have a fit.

"This is a disaster," he muttered, his eyes fixed on the rat. "We'll never catch it."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked on, confused and worried. They had never seen anything like this before.

Luna and her father, Xenophilius, stood out as oddities in the chaos. They seemed calm and detached, observing the scene with interest.

"Father, what's happening?" Luna asked, her voice dreamy.

Xenophilius smiled, his eyes twinkling.

"It seems, my dear, that we have a bit of a situation on our hands."

The Aurors, summoned by Amelia, had yet to arrive, and the situation was growing more and more out of control.

Peter's beady eyes darted around the chaotic scene, his mind racing with panic. He had been searching for a wand for weeks, ever since he had lost his last one in a narrow escape from a group of Aurors. He had been relying on his cunning and agility to evade capture, but it was only a matter of time before he was caught. And now, of all the unfortunate coincidences, he had stumbled into a group of children who knew his true identity.

As he scurried across the floor, Peter's thoughts were consumed by the gravity of his situation. If he was caught, he would be doomed. The Ministry would throw him in Azkaban, and he would never see the light of day again. The thought sent a chill down his spine, and he quickened his pace, desperate to escape.

The children, however, were hot on his heels. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco were determined to catch him, and they were not going to let him get away without a fight. Peter knew he had to think fast if he was going to survive this ordeal. He darted beneath a nearby table, using the overturned chairs and scattered ice cream as cover.

But the children were relentless, their spells and shouts filling the air as they tried to flush him out. Peter's heart was racing, his breath coming in short gasps as he tried to stay one step ahead of his pursuers. He knew he couldn't keep this up for much longer - he needed a plan, and fast, if he was going to escape alive.

Scorpius's eyes scanned the floor frantically as he searched for his wand. It was brand new, purchased just half an hour ago by his mother Narcissa, along with the other Silver Musketeers' wands. He had been so excited to try it out, and now it was lost in the chaos. The bite on his hand throbbed with pain, and Scorpius winced as he stumbled upon a chair and fell to the ground.

Crookshanks, Hermione's mischievous cat, was hot on the rat's trail, with Kluer, Harry's color-changing cat, close behind. The two cats darted beneath the tables, their eyes fixed on their quarry.

Ginny, meanwhile, made her way to Harry's side, her voice calm and soothing. "Harry, calm down," she said, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Anger won't help us catch him."

Harry took a deep breath, his eyes never leaving the rat. "You're right," he said, his voice tight with control.

Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Ron were searching the area, their wands at the ready. Amelia and Augusta had taken charge, and it seemed like the situation was finally getting under control.

But just as it seemed like the chaos was dying down, a loud crash echoed through the shop, followed by the sound of shattering glass. The rat had made a break for it, and the chase was far from over.

Gilderoy Lockhart, resplendent in his gleaming white robes, emerged from the shop, his eyes scanning the scene for an opportunity to gain more fame. However, his gaze fell upon the chaotic scene, and he stumbled, his eyes widening in shock. He let out a faint gasp before crumbling to the ground, unconscious.

The reporters, who had been lingering in Diagon Alley, sensed a scoop and began to hurry towards the scene. However, Amelia's stern glare and warning made them think twice, and they backed off, murmuring amongst themselves.

Just then, a boy's terrified scream pierced the air. "Mum!" Scorpius yelled, his voice trembling with fear.

Draco's eyes snapped towards his brother, his face pale with worry. "Scorpius!" he shouted, rushing towards him.

Narcissa's eyes widened in horror as she saw Peter Pettigrew, now transformed back into his human form, holding Scorpius from behind, the boy's own wand pressed against his neck.

Harry's eyes locked onto Peter, his face set in a fierce determination. "Let him go, Peter!" he shouted, his voice firm and commanding.

Peter's eyes gleamed with malice as he sneered at Harry. "You'll never take me alive, Potter!" he spat, his grip on Scorpius tightening.

The scene was one of controlled chaos, with Mrs. Weasley guarding the twins and Percy, who looked like they were about to make a move, but thought better of it under her stern glare. Her eyes flashed with a mix of worry and determination as she shielded her sons from harm. Grandma Mrs. Tucker surrounded Daisy, who was frantic with worry, her small face scrunched up in fear. Dudley, who was afraid but determined to help, stood tall beside her, his eyes fixed on Peter.

Narcissa's eyes flashed with anger as she took in the scene, her gaze fixed on Peter. Her pale skin was tinged with a hint of red, and her white-blond hair seemed to bristle with indignation. Amelia's voice was firm and commanding as she warned Peter, "Let Scorpius go, Pettigrew. You're not going anywhere."

Amelia also turned to Harry, Ron, Neville, Draco, and Hermione, her eyes serious. "Be careful, all of you. Don't fire any spells, you might hit Scorpius instead." Her voice was low and urgent, and the group nodded in unison, their faces set with determination.

Susan nodded and stepped back, staying behind with Samantha, who was guarded by Pyre. Pyre's eyes were fixed on Peter, her expression grim, as she shielded Samantha and Susan from harm. The other pets, sensing the tension, stayed still, not wanting to disturb or increase the chaos. Hedwig, Harry's snowy owl, watched from a nearby perch, her big round eyes fixed on Peter.

The rest of the crowd was in shock, their eyes fixed on Peter in disbelief. "But...but he's supposed to be dead," someone whispered. The news of Peter's supposed death had been widely believed, especially since Sirius's last trial, where he had been given house arrest until Peter was caught. Now, it seemed that Peter had been alive all along, and he had Scorpius as a hostage to ensure his escape. The crowd's murmurs grew louder, their voices filled with shock and outrage.

Luna's calm demeanor belied her sharp instincts and quick thinking. Despite appearing detached from the chaos, she was, in fact, seizing the opportunity to act. With a swift flick of her wand, she shouted, "Expelliarmus!" The spell shot out of her wand, hitting Peter's wand with precision. Peter's wand flew out of his hand, mere seconds before he could cast a smoke spell to aid his escape.

The sudden movement caught everyone off guard, and Scorpius, still held captive, fell to the ground, fainting. Narcissa rushed to his side, her face etched with worry, her eyes wide with fear. "Scorpius, my baby!" she exclaimed, cradling his head in her lap. Draco followed close behind, his eyes blazing with anger, his face pale with worry.

Harry and Ron sprang into action, attempting to apprehend Peter alongside Amelia. However, the cunning rat transformed into his rodent form once more, darting away with incredible speed. He scurried across the floor, weaving between the feet of the onlookers. It seemed he would escape yet again, leaving the group to regroup and reassess their strategy.

Amelia's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed intently on the fleeing rat. "We need to move, now!" she exclaimed, her voice low and urgent. "Harry, Ron, Draco, with me! We'll split up and cover more ground. The rest of you, stay here and tend to Scorpius!" She turned to Narcissa, her expression softening. "Narcissa, can you...?"

Narcissa nodded, her eyes never leaving Scorpius's face. "I'll take care of him, Amelia. Go!"

With that, Amelia, Harry, Ron, and Draco set off in pursuit of Peter, determined to bring him to justice. Hermione, Neville, and Susan stayed behind, tending to Scorpius and trying to revive him. Ginny, Luna, Dudley, and Samantha watched anxiously, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them.

Luna's calm demeanor belied her sharp instincts and quick thinking. Despite appearing detached from the chaos, she was, in fact, seizing the opportunity to act. With a swift flick of her wand, she shouted, "Expelliarmus!" The spell shot out of her wand, hitting Peter's wand with precision. Peter's wand flew out of his hand, mere seconds before he could cast a smoke spell to aid his escape.

The sudden movement caught everyone off guard, and Scorpius, still held captive, fell to the ground, fainting. Narcissa rushed to his side, her face etched with worry, her eyes wide with fear. "Scorpius, my baby!" she exclaimed, cradling his head in her lap. Draco followed close behind, his eyes blazing with anger, his face pale with worry.

Harry and Ron sprang into action, attempting to apprehend Peter alongside Amelia. However, the cunning rat transformed into his rodent form once more, darting away with incredible speed. He scurried across the floor, weaving between the feet of the onlookers. It seemed he would escape yet again, leaving the group to regroup and reassess their strategy.

Amelia's eyes narrowed, her gaze fixed intently on the fleeing rat. "We need to move, now!" she exclaimed, her voice low and urgent. "Harry, Ron, Draco, with me! We'll split up and cover more ground. The rest of you, stay here and tend to Scorpius!" She turned to Narcissa, her expression softening. "Narcissa, can you...?"

Narcissa nodded, her eyes never leaving Scorpius's face. "I'll take care of him, Amelia. Go!"

As Amelia, Harry, Ron, and Draco set off in pursuit of Peter, Hermione turned to Luna with a look of surprise. "Luna, how did you...? You're not even a first year at Hogwarts yet!"

Luna smiled serenely. "Oh, I've been practicing at home," she said, her dreamy eyes sparkling. "Father's been teaching me some basic spells. I'm glad I could help."

Ginny, Dudley, and Samantha watched anxiously, their eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before them. Susan and Neville tended to Scorpius, trying to revive him. The rest of the crowd looked on, stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Harry, Ron, Draco, and Amelia sprinted through the crowded alley, their footsteps echoing off the buildings. Crookshanks and Kluer, being cats, instinctively joined the chase, their agile bodies weaving in and out of the onlookers. Harry, utilizing his unique ability, communicated with the cats, instructing them to capture the rat at any cost, but alive.

As they ran, the rat darted and weaved, its beady eyes fixed on escape. Crookshanks, with lightning-fast reflexes, almost managed to snag the rat, but it transformed into Peter once more. With a swift motion, Peter snatched a nearby wand and fired a smoke spell, creating a thick cloud of fog behind him. The crowd gasped, momentarily blinded by the smoke.

In the chaos, Peter transformed back into the rat and scurried away, disappearing into the fog. Harry, Ron, Draco, and Amelia plunged into the smoke, determined to catch Peter. But as they stumbled through the dense fog, it became clear that Peter had gained the upper hand.

"Split up!" Amelia shouted, her voice muffled by the smoke. "We need to cover more ground!"

Harry nodded, his eyes scanning the fog. "I'll go left! Ron, you're with me!"

Draco and Amelia veered off to the right, their footsteps fading into the distance. The smoke began to clear, revealing the worried faces of the onlookers. But of Peter, there was no sign. Had he escaped once again?

Just then, three aurors, Moody, Kingsley, and Tonks, arrived on the scene, accompanied by Remus. They had been summoned by Amelia through a Patronus when the chaos erupted. Coincidentally, the three aurors were at the Bones' estate, serving as fake guards for Sirius's fake house arrest. Remus happened to be visiting Sirius when Amelia's Patronus arrived, and the four of them hastened to the scene.

As the smoke cleared, Peter was seen attempting to jump into the sewage. However, Remus swiftly cast an Animagus transformation spell, which transformed the rat back into Peter. Peter fell into the dirty sewage, covered in grime, his clothes torn and filthy.

Amelia, Ron, Draco, Harry, the aurors, and Remus immediately surrounded him. Harry cast "Expelliarmus!" and the wand that had flown away earlier was disarmed, flying out of Peter's hand. Moody instantly cast a binding spell, restricting Peter's Animagus transformation, ensuring he couldn't transform into a rat again.

"It's over, Pettigrew," Amelia declared, her voice firm. "You're not escaping this time."

Peter, covered in filth, glared at his captors with a mixture of anger and defeat. His eyes darted wildly, searching for an escape route, but there was none. The aurors moved in, preparing to take him into custody. Tonks carefully bound Peter's wrists with magical cuffs, while Kingsley and Moody stood guard.

Remus watched the scene unfold, a sense of satisfaction on his face. "Well done, everyone," he said, smiling. "Good teamwork."

Remus's eyes blazed with anger as he launched himself at Peter, gripping his collar in disgust and hate. "You traitor!" Remus spat, his voice trembling with rage. Peter, once their friend, had betrayed the Potters and framed Sirius for the crime. The memory of that betrayal still seared Remus's mind, and he could feel his anger boiling over.

Harry wasn't far behind, his face twisted in anger. "You bloody, filthy rat!" he swore loudly, his eyes blazing with fury. His voice echoed through the alley, and the sound seemed to shake the very walls. It was the second time ever he had sworn that badly in life, and the intensity of his emotions was palpable. His fists were clenched, and his body trembled with rage.

The others watched in stunned silence, aware of the depth of Harry's emotions. They knew that Harry's anger was not just about Peter's betrayal, but also about the pain and suffering he had caused. Amelia's eyes narrowed, her expression grim, while the aurors stood ready, prepared to intervene if necessary. The air was thick with tension, and it seemed as though the very atmosphere was charged with emotion.

On Amelia's instructions, the aurors apparated to the Ministry cell to keep Peter under custody. Amelia, Harry, Ron, Draco, and Remus rushed back to the ice cream shop, where a worried crowd had gathered. The scene was chaotic, with everyone chattering anxiously.

Amelia swiftly cleared the crowd, revealing the worried faces of Mrs. and Mr. Weasley, the twins, Percy, Ginny, Hermione, Neville, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Augusta, Samantha, Luna, her father, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Dudley. They were all gathered around a disturbing sight: Narcissa holding a fainted Scorpius, while Pyre treated the boy with a look of concern.

Daisy, usually bubbly and cheerful, looked pale and worried, her hair having transformed to a grey color due to her distress. Grandma Mrs. Tucker wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, trying to reassure her. The atmosphere was tense, filled with worry and uncertainty.

Draco rushed to his mother's side, concern etched on his face. "Mother! Scorpius!" he exclaimed, relief washing over him as he saw that Scorpius was being tended to by Pyre. He dropped to his knees beside his mother, his eyes scanning Scorpius's pale face.

Narcissa's face was pale, but she smiled weakly at her son. "Draco, darling, I'm fine. Scorpius was bitten by that...that creature," she said, her voice trembling. She stroked Scorpius's hair, her eyes filled with worry.

Harry, meanwhile, made his way to Ginny's side. She breathed a sigh of relief as she saw him, and her eyes scanned his face, understanding that Peter had been caught. She smiled, and Harry smiled back, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.

Pyre looked up from her ministrations, a look of concentration on her face. "The rat bite wasn't normal," she said. "It had a pain-giver, but I've healed it. He should be fine now." She smiled reassuringly at Narcissa.

Just then, Scorpius stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "M-Mother?" he whispered, his voice weak. He looked up at Narcissa, his eyes unfocused.

Narcissa's face lit up with relief. "Scorpius, darling! You're going to be fine," she said, hugging him tightly. Draco smiled, feeling a wave of relief wash over him. He wrapped his arms around his mother and brother, holding them close.

Amelia scanned the crowd, her eyes narrowing slightly. "I think we've had enough excitement for one day," she said. "Let's get out of here and go somewhere else."

The twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, apparated with all the shopping stuff they had collected for everyone, not just their masters. The rest of the group, the 12 Muskeeteers, along with their guardians, made their way to the Leaky Cauldron's floo network.

"Time to head home, I think," Remus said with a smile, as he led the group to the floo.

The group stepped into the floo, one by one, calling out "Fawcett Manor!" as they disappeared into the flames.

The group, consisting of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Susan, Ginny, Luna, Dudley, Scorpius, Daisy, and Samantha , twins and Percy , along with their guardians, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Narcissa, Augusta, Amelia, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Remus, arrived at the manor. The warm glow of the setting sun cast a cozy ambiance over the grand foyer.

Narcissa, who had never been to the manor before, thanked Grandma Mrs. Tucker for allowing her to visit. "Thank you so much for having me, Mrs. Tucker," Narcissa said, smiling graciously as she stepped inside.

Pyre instantly motioned Narcissa, who was carrying the still-weak Scorpius, to the plush couch in the living room so she could check if anything else was wrong. "Let me take a look at him," Pyre said, concern etched on her face as she gently took Scorpius from Narcissa.

Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked around in awe, taking in the grandeur of the manor. They had never been to a magical place like this before, except for Diagon Alley, which was more of a bustling shopping district. The ornate chandeliers, the sweeping staircase, and the warm, inviting atmosphere all combined to leave them breathless.

The rest of the group had been to the manor at least once or more, and the residents, of course, lived there. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and the others made themselves at home, flopping down onto the couches and armchairs, while Grandma Mrs. Tucker bustled off to the kitchen to prepare some refreshments.

Everyone settled into the cozy living room, surrounded by the warm glow of lamps and the comforting aroma of freshly baked treats. The twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, bustled in with trays laden with refreshments, which they distributed among the group with cheerful smiles.

Scorpius, now looking much better, sat up straight and asked, "What happened?" His curious eyes scanned the room, seeking answers.

Amelia took a deep breath and began to explain, "The rat that bit you, Scorpius, is finally caught. The Aurors have apprehended Peter, and he's currently in custody."

Those who hadn't known about the capture listened intently, their faces filled with a mix of relief and concern. Harry leaned into Ginny, who wrapped her arms around him, holding him close.

Narcissa's thoughts swirled as she sat in the cozy living room, surrounded by the warm glow of lamps and the gentle hum of conversation. The soft crackle of the fireplace and the sweet aroma of freshly baked treats wafting from the kitchen added to the sense of warmth and comfort that filled the room. Her day had been a whirlwind of emotions, and she couldn't help but reflect on the events that had transpired.

As she watched her son Scorpius laugh and chat with his friends, she felt a sense of realization wash over her. She had always prioritized her family's reputation and social standing, but today had shown her that there was more to life than just maintaining appearances. The fear and worry she had felt when Scorpius was attacked had been overwhelming, and seeing how his friends had rallied around him had made her realize that these people were not so different from her. They worried about their children, their families, and their loved ones, just as she did.

The experience had been a humbling one, and Narcissa felt a sense of gratitude towards the people who had helped her son. She glanced around the room, taking in the familiar faces of the Weasleys, the Potters, and their friends. They were a diverse group, to say the least, but they had come together in a way that transcended their differences.

As her thoughts turned to Peter, she felt a surge of anger and resentment. His actions had led to Sirius's imprisonment, and she knew that her cousin would never have harmed anyone. The fact that Peter had been caught and brought to justice was a small comfort, but it was a start. Narcissa made a mental note to apologize to Sirius when he was released, and to work on repairing their broken ties. It wouldn't be easy, especially given her husband Lucius's feelings on the matter, but she was determined to do what was right.

She knew that Lucius would be displeased with her decision, but she couldn't bring herself to care. For the first time in her life, she felt like she was putting her family's needs above her own desire for social standing. It was a liberating feeling, and one that she knew would bring her closer to her sons.

Just then, the fireplace erupted into a warm, golden light, and Sirius stepped out of the flames, a wide smile spreading across his face. He had been staying at the Bones' estate, under the guise of house arrest, but Harry and his friends knew the truth. The atmosphere in the room shifted as Harry's eyes met Sirius's, and he launched himself into a tight hug.

"Peter's been caught!" Harry exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement.

Remus wasn't far behind, embracing Sirius warmly. The rest of the group watched the reunion, smiles on their faces. Then, Amelia made her way to Sirius, and without hesitation, he pulled her into a passionate kiss, the tension between them palpable. The room fell silent, with all eyes on the couple, but no one looked away, happy to see the two people they cared about so deeply reunited.

Amelia's cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink as she smiled, her eyes sparkling with happiness. Sirius, on the other hand, was beaming with joy, his entire demeanor radiating a sense of relief and freedom.

"That's the best news I've heard all year!" Sirius exclaimed, his voice filled with emotion. "But what exactly happened? How did they catch Peter?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Harry, who took a deep breath before launching into the story of how Peter had been caught.

"Well, it was actually Scorpius who was attacked by Peter," Harry began, his eyes flicking to Scorpius, who was watching the scene with interest.

"Peter was disguised as a rat, and he bit Scorpius," Harry continued. "But luckily, Pyre was here, and she helped Scorpius. Then, the Aurors arrived, and they caught Peter."

Sirius's expression darkened as he listened to the story, his eyes flashing with anger. "I'm just glad Scorpius is okay," he said, his voice low and even.

Remus, who had been watching the scene quietly, stepped forward, his eyes shining with warmth. "We're all glad Scorpius is safe," he said, smiling at the young boy.

The room fell silent once again, as everyone digested the news. Then, Amelia spoke up, her voice firm and determined. "We'll make sure Peter pays for what he's done," she said, her eyes flashing with determination.

Sirius's eyes scanned the room, and his gaze landed on Narcissa, who was standing by the window, a soft smile on her face. The warm glow of the setting sun cast a gentle light on her, illuminating the subtle lines of her features. "Cissy," he whispered, a hint of surprise and warmth in his voice, as he took a step forward, his eyes locked on hers.

Narcissa's eyes met Sirius's, and she whispered back, "Siri." The room fell silent, with all eyes on the two of them. It was clear that they hadn't been close in a long time, not since Narcissa's marriage to Lucius. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, as the weight of past choices and misunderstandings hung between them.

But Narcissa had come to a realization earlier that day, and she was determined to make amends. She took a deep breath, the movement almost imperceptible, and stepped forward, her eyes locked on Sirius's. The soft rustle of her clothes was the only sound as she moved, her presence commanding attention without demanding it. "I'm sorry, Siri," she said, her voice barely above a whisper, the words trembling with emotion. "I'm so sorry for everything."

The tension between Sirius and Narcissa dissipated as they shared a warm hug, their differences momentarily forgotten. The room seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief as the atmosphere lightened.

As the evening drew to a close, people slowly began to make their way back to their respective homes. The Weasleys, however, lingered, chatting quietly among themselves. Sirius, Amelia, Susan, Draco, Hermione, Neville, and Remus also remained, enjoying each other's company.

Narcissa, however, was firm in her decision regarding her younger son. "Scorpius, it's time for you to head home," she said gently, smiling at her younger son. Draco, on the other hand, was allowed to stay, and he grinned in relief.

Narcissa nodded, a hint of a smile on her face. "Come, Scorpius. We'll Floo home." Scorpius nodded, and together they stepped into the fireplace. The flames engulfed them, and they disappeared into the night, leaving the others to continue their quiet gathering.

Sirius's eyes shone with gratitude as he began to thank those who had supported him throughout the ordeal. "Harry, Ron, Draco, Hermione, Neville, Remus, Amelia...," he said, his voice filled with emotion, as he looked at each of them in turn. "And of course, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and...Snape," he added, his tone softening slightly as he acknowledged the potions master's role in his exoneration.

Although Sirius and Snape still had their differences, Sirius couldn't deny the fact that Snape, along with the others, had worked tirelessly for months to prove his innocence. Now, with Peter finally caught, Sirius's freedom was almost within reach.

The others watched the scene unfold, smiling warmly. Daisy, her eyes shining with happiness, leaned against Harry, who wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders. Dudley, looking relieved, grinned at his cousin. Ginny, her face alight with joy, beamed at Sirius, while the twins, Percy, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker all nodded in agreement, happy to see Sirius's name finally cleared.

The evening wore on, filled with laughter and conversation, as they sat down to a celebratory dinner. The table was laden with all sorts of delicious dishes, and everyone savored each bite, enjoying the warm and cozy atmosphere.

As the night drew to a close, those who didn't reside in Fawcett Manor began to say their goodbyes and Floo back to their homes. Before they left, Harry stood up, a smile on his face, and looked at his closest friends.

"I just wanted to thank you all," Harry said, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Draco, Ron, Hermione, Neville – you've all been supporting me for months, helping me to prove Sirius's innocence. I couldn't have done it without you."

Draco smiled, looking pleased, while Ron and Hermione exchanged a warm glance. Neville nodded, a quiet smile on his face.

"We're always here for you, Harry," Ron said, clapping Harry on the back.

"Thanks, guys," Harry replied, feeling a deep sense of appreciation for his friends. "I'm just glad it's all over, and Sirius is finally free."

As the evening drew to a close, Sirius, Amelia, and Susan stepped into the fireplace, Flooing back to the Bones estate, accompanied by Remus. Draco, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and the rest of the Weasleys also bid their goodbyes, Flooing off to their respective homes.

Ginny, however, lingered, a soft smile on her face. She glanced at Harry, and together they slipped away from the others, heading towards Harry's room. The other residents of Fawcett Manor retired to their own rooms, leaving the young couple to their quiet evening.

As they entered Harry's room, Ginny's eyes sparkled with mischief. She stepped out onto the balcony, the warm summer air enveloping them. "It's still August 2nd," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's eyes met hers, and suddenly, a memory flooded back. Exactly one year ago, on this very day, in this very manor, they had shared their first kiss. Harry's heart skipped a beat as he recalled the magic of that moment.

As the memory of their first kiss flooded back, Harry's heart swelled with emotion. He gently pulled Ginny closer, his lips meeting hers in a soft, tender kiss. One hand cradled her hair, while the other rested on her waist, drawing her near.

Ginny's hands wrapped around Harry's neck, deepening the kiss as they stood together on the balcony, the summer night air enveloping them. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of their love.

As they stood there, foreheads still touching, Harry's eyes gazed deeply into Ginny's, his voice barely above a whisper. "I love you," he said, the words filled with emotion, his heart beating rapidly with excitement.

Ginny's eyes sparkled, her voice equally soft, her breath caressing Harry's skin. "I love you too," she replied, her words sending shivers down Harry's spine, her fingers intertwined with his, their hands resting on each other's waist.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them seemed to fade away. The stars twinkled above, the moon casting a silver glow over the balcony. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the distant sound of crickets provided a soothing background melody.

Everything felt right, finally. With Peter's capture, Sirius's freedom was within reach, and the darkness that had haunted them for so long was slowly lifting. The weight of the past year's struggles was slowly fading away, replaced by a sense of hope and promise.

Their minds wandered back to the past year, filled with adventure, danger, and ultimately, love. They remembered the exact day they shared their first kiss, August 2nd, and the events that followed. Ginny's birthday, August 11th, when Harry saved her from the blasting curse flower, but got hit himself and was admitted to St. Mungos.

They recalled the day he woke up, August 13th, when he asked her to be his girlfriend, his heart racing with excitement, his voice trembling with nervousness. The memory of her smile, her laughter, and her tears of joy was etched in his mind forever.

They remembered the day Dudley changed, apologized to Harry, and the start of a new chapter in their lives. Hogwarts had brought its own set of adventures, with Harry, Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Neville forming an unbreakable bond. The discovery of Sirius's innocence, the battles they fought, and the memories they created would stay with them forever.

Their first "I love you" on Halloween, the promise of marriage and children, the discovery of their shared dreamland, and the countless nights they spent together in their dreams. The thrill of saving the Philosopher's Stone, the final battle against Quirrell, and the end of their first year at Hogwarts.

The summer that followed had brought its own surprises, Daisy then from the discovery of Harry's abuse to the arrest of the Dursleys. And now, with Peter's capture, everything felt like it was finally falling into place.

As they stood there, foreheads still touching, Harry and Ginny felt a deep sense of peace, knowing that they had each other, and that together, they could face anything. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of their love.

The tender moment was interrupted by Hedwig's soft hooting. The spell that had held them entranced was broken, and Ginny reluctantly pulled away from Harry. "I have to go," she said, smiling wistfully.

"I know," Harry replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "But I'll see you soon."

Ginny nodded, her eyes shining with love. She turned and walked over to the fireplace, her hand reaching out to grasp the mantelpiece. "I'll be thinking of you," she said, looking back over her shoulder.

"Always," Harry replied, his heart aching slightly as he watched her prepare to leave.

With a final smile, Ginny stepped into the fireplace and disappeared in a swirl of flames, leaving Harry alone in his room with Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer. The three pets seemed to sense Harry's melancholy, and they gathered around him, offering silent comfort.

Harry quietly made his way to Daisy's room, his mind still replaying the events of the day. He had been worried about her, remembering how frightened she had been at Diagon Alley when the reporters surrounded her. It had been her first experience with the wizarding media, and it had been overwhelming. And then, to make matters worse, Peter had appeared, causing even more chaos.

Harry pushed open the door to Daisy's room, and was relieved to see that she was fast asleep. Her room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft rustling of the wind outside. Harry's eyes adjusted to the darkness, and he could see Daisy's peaceful form, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath.

He smiled softly, feeling a surge of love and protectiveness towards his little sister. He was grateful that she was safe, and that she had him to look out for her. Harry stood there for a moment, watching over Daisy as she slept, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him.

Harry's gaze fell upon the piles of unopened bags and boxes, filled with Daisy's first-year supplies. He smiled, remembering how excited she had been to start her journey at Hogwarts. But it seemed that in the chaos of the day, she had forgotten to unpack.

His eyes then landed on the cage that held Roxy, the beautiful brown owl he had bought for Daisy at Diagon Alley. The cage was still locked, and Roxy looked up at Harry with big, round eyes. Harry's heart melted as he walked over to the cage and opened the door.

"Hello, Roxy," Harry said softly, reaching out to stroke the owl's soft feathers. "From now on, you're part of the family. You're Daisy's owl, and you're welcome to stay with us here at Fawcett Manor."

Roxy hooted softly, and Harry smiled. "You'll get along great with Hedwig," he said. "She's my owl, and she's very wise. If you ever need any advice or help, just ask Hedwig. She'll take care of you."

Harry walked into Dudley's room, expecting to find him either fast asleep or playing with his new rabbit, Fiona. But what he saw took him by surprise. Dudley was sitting at his study table, surrounded by piles of books and papers, with the first-year potions textbook open in front of him. The same book they had bought for him just that day.

Harry's eyes widened in surprise as he took in the scene. Dudley, who had always been fascinated by magic, was now pouring over a potions textbook with a look of intense concentration on his face. Harry remembered how Dudley had been less than enthusiastic about potions when he had explained the different subjects at Hogwarts to him and Daisy. But it seemed that Dudley was now determined to give it another try.

As Harry looked closer, he could see that Dudley was overdoing himself. His eyes were bloodshot from lack of sleep, and his face was pale with exhaustion. Harry's concern for his cousin's well-being grew, and he knew he had to intervene before Dudley pushed himself too far.

"Dudley, what are you doing?" Harry asked, trying to stifle a smile. "You're going to exhaust yourself."

Dudley looked up, startled, and then rubbed his tired eyes. "I just wanted to get a head start on my schoolwork," he said, his voice laced with determination. "I don't want to fall behind."

Harry walked over to the study table and sat down beside Dudley. "You're not going to fall behind, Dudley," he said reassuringly. "You're going to do great. But you need to get some rest, too. It's been a big day."

Dudley nodded, looking a bit more relaxed. "I guess you're right," he said, closing the textbook. "I just get so excited about learning all this new stuff."

Harry grinned. "I know exactly what you mean," he said. "But trust me, you'll have plenty of time to learn everything. For now, let's get some sleep, okay?"

Harry smiled as he looked at Fiona, who was watching him with big, round eyes. "You know, Dudley, I think I can get some expert advice on how to take care of Fiona," Harry said, leaning forward.

Dudley looked at him curiously. "Who's the expert?" he asked.

Harry grinned mischievously. "Fiona herself," he said, focusing his attention on the rabbit.

Fiona let out a series of high-pitched squeaks and twitches, and Harry listened intently. After a moment, he nodded.

"Okay, got it," Harry said, turning to Dudley. "Fiona says she needs fresh veggies every day, a clean cage, and gentle pets. She also likes it when you let her hop around her cage for exercise."

Dudley's eyes widened in amazement. "How did you know all that?" he asked.

Harry just smiled. "Let's just say I have a way with animals," he said.

Harry walked into his room, expecting to find all of his pets fast asleep. But to his surprise, Hedwig was still wide awake, watching him with her big, round eyes.

Poco and Kluer, on the other hand, were curled up together, sleeping peacefully. Harry smiled as he looked at them, feeling grateful for the companionship they provided.

He turned his attention back to Hedwig, who was still watching him intently. "Hey, Hedwig," Harry said softly, walking over to her perch. "What are you still doing awake?"

Hedwig blinked slowly, and Harry could sense a hint of amusement in her gaze. "Just keeping watch, Harry," she said, in a soft, rumbling hoot.

Harry grinned, teasing her playfully. "Or maybe you're just waiting for Taurus to fly by?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

Hedwig's expression turned stern, and she refused to answer Harry's question. "Goodnight, Harry," she said curtly, turning her head away.

Harry chuckled, realizing he had gone too far. "Goodnight, Hedwig," he said, laughing softly. "I'll stop teasing you about Taurus... for now."

With that, Harry climbed into bed, feeling happy and content. As he drifted off to sleep, he could sense Hedwig's watchful gaze still on him, even if she was pretending to be annoyed.

Harry's eyes fluttered open, and he found himself in the secret dreamland he shared with Ginny. It was a place where only they could enter, a world of their own creation, filled with rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and towering trees.

As he looked around, he saw Ginny standing in front of him, her beautiful smile illuminating the entire landscape. They had left off on this exact spot when Ginny had returned to the Burrow, and now they were picking up where they had left off.

"Happy anniversary," Ginny said, her voice barely above a whisper, as she wrapped her arms around Harry's waist.

Harry's heart skipped a beat as he pulled her closer. "Happy anniversary," he replied, his lips brushing against hers.

Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss, and Harry felt like he was melting into Ginny's embrace. It was still August 2, the first anniversary of their first kiss, and they were celebrating it in their own special way.

As they kissed, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of love and happiness.

After their romantic moment, Harry and Ginny decided to have some fun in their dreamland. The landscape transformed into a Quidditch pitch, complete with goals, Bludgers, and a Golden Snitch.

"You're going to be the Seeker, I'm the Keeper," Ginny said, grinning mischievously.

Harry laughed, mounting his Firebolt. "You're on, but I'm not going to go easy on you."

The game was intense, with Ginny expertly blocking Harry's shots and Harry skillfully dodging Bludgers. But as the game reached its climax, the dreamland began to shake and tremble.

"It's time to wake up," Ginny said, smiling sadly.

Harry nodded, feeling a pang of disappointment. He didn't want to leave their magical dreamland.

As the shaking grew more intense, Harry felt himself being pulled back into his physical body. He opened his eyes to find himself in his bedroom at Fawcett Manor. The sun was shining brightly through the window, casting a warm glow over the room.

"August 3," Harry said to himself, stretching his arms over his head. Another day of summer vacation had begun.

Harry enjoyed his morning run with Dudley, feeling the cool breeze on his face and the warm sun on his skin. As they ran, he noticed the beautiful scenery around them, the rolling hills, and the lush green forests.

After their run, Harry decided to tend to the farm animals, making sure they had enough food and water. He spent some time with the horses, brushing their coats and feeding them treats. Then, he moved on to the crop fields, checking on the progress of the wheat and barley.

Next, he visited the fruit and flower gardens, admiring the beautiful blooms and ripe fruits. He picked a few apples and berries, deciding to have them for breakfast. Finally, he went to the vegetable garden, where he watered the plants and checked for any signs of pests.

Meanwhile, Dudley had gone inside, probably to have his breakfast. Harry smiled, thinking about his cousin's love for food. He made a mental note to join him soon, looking forward to a hearty breakfast after his morning chores.

As the manor residents sat for breakfast, Harry read the Daily Prophet, though he knew what today's headlines would be. And as expected, it covered yesterday's Diagon Alley chaos and the shocking appearance of Peter Pettigrew, who had been presumed dead for years. The article revealed that Pettigrew had been hiding in plain sight, disguising himself as Ron's pet rat, Scabbers.

Now, more and more articles were in favor of Sirius, suggesting that he might be innocent after all. One article stated that today Sirius was also getting a trial. Harry decided he would floo to the Bones' estate and ask Sirius and Aunt Amelia herself if that was true.

Harry groaned when he saw his photo with Gilderoy Lockhart, which was caught when Lockhart had dragged him. Seriously, this person would be their new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. Then he saw Daisy's photo, who was looking afraid, with an article that revealed Daisy was Harry Potter's sister. It looked like yesterday was a golden day for the press, as today's Daily Prophet had pretty big hits.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker noticed Harry's concerned expression. "What's wrong, Harry?" she asked, pouring him a glass of orange juice.

"Today's Daily Prophet," Harry replied, holding up the newspaper. "It says Sirius is getting a trial today, and there's this ridiculous article about Lockhart... and they even have a picture of Daisy."

Dudley, who was sitting next to Harry, looked at the newspaper with interest. "Hey, I'm in the background of that photo with Lockhart!" he exclaimed.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Congratulations, Dudley."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker frowned. "I don't like this one bit. Harry, why don't you floo to the Bones' estate and check on Sirius? See if this trial business is true."

Harry nodded, already getting up from his seat. "I'll go right now."

Daisy, who had been quietly eating her breakfast, spoke up. "Harry, can I come with you?"

Daisy and Harry stood in front of the fireplace, holding hands as they prepared to floo to the Bones' estate. Grandma Mrs. Tucker waved goodbye, reminding them to be careful.

"Don't worry, Grandma," Harry said with a smile. "We'll be fine."

Dudley, who was sitting at the kitchen table surrounded by stacks of books, looked up and grinned. "You two have fun. I'll be here, hitting the books."

Harry chuckled. "You're really getting into the whole studying thing, aren't you?"

Dudley nodded enthusiastically. "I don't want to fall behind, Harry. I know it's going to be tough, but I'm determined to do well."

Daisy smiled proudly at her cousin. "That's the spirit, Dudley!"

With a final wave, Daisy and Harry stepped into the fireplace and disappeared in a burst of flames, leaving Dudley to his studies.

As Harry and Daisy stepped out of the fireplace, they were immediately greeted by the stern face of Alastor Moody, also known as Mad-Eye. He was a seasoned auror with a penchant for paranoia, and his magical eye, which was actually a prosthetic, seemed to be scanning them from head to toe.

"Ah, Potter and...?" Moody's gaze narrowed at Daisy.

"This is my sister, Daisy," Harry explained.

Moody's expression softened slightly, but his tone remained gruff. "Right, right. You're clear to enter. But let me warn you, I'm keeping an eye on things around here. Can't be too careful, especially with... certain individuals lurking about."

Harry nodded understandingly, and Moody stepped aside, allowing them to pass. As they entered the estate, Harry could see that it was just as beautiful as he had imagined. The interior was elegant, with polished wooden floors and intricate tapestries adorning the walls.

Daisy looked around in awe. "Wow, this is amazing!"

Harry smiled, happy to share this experience with his sister. "I know, right? I've heard a lot about this place."

Just then, a warm voice called out from the next room. "Harry! Daisy! Welcome!"

It was Susan who had greeted them warmly. "Harry! Daisy! I'm so glad you're here!"

After greeting Susan, she introduced them to Kingsley, a tall, imposing figure with a calm demeanor. "This is Kingsley, one of the aurors who's been helping us out," Susan explained.

Then Tonks came bounding ahead, her bright pink hair a stark contrast to the more subdued atmosphere of the estate. Obviously, Harry and Tonks already knew each other, and she grinned at him mischievously.

Harry then saw Moony, Remus Lupin, standing off to the side, watching them with a warm smile. Harry couldn't help but notice Tonks looking at Remus with interest, and he smiled inwardly.

Remus, also known as Uncle Moony, smiled warmly as he hugged Harry and then Daisy. "It's great to see you both!

Harry grinned, feeling happy to see his godfather's friend. "We've missed you , Uncle Moony."

Daisy looked up at Remus with adoration. "Uncle Moony, I've been practicing my spells! Want to see?"

Remus chuckled. "I'd love to, dear. But first, let's go say hello to Sirius. He's been waiting for you."

As they walked towards the living room, Harry noticed Tonks sneaking glances at Remus, a blush rising to her cheeks. He smiled inwardly, thinking that maybe something interesting was brewing between the two.

The group entered the living room, where Sirius was sitting on a couch, looking relieved but still a bit worried. Amelia, or Aunt Lia, was sitting next to him, holding his hand.

"Harry! Daisy!" Sirius exclaimed, opening his arms for a hug. "I'm so glad you're here. I've got some good news, and I think you'll want to hear it."

Sirius's expression turned serious as he began to explain. "Yes, the Daily Prophet was right. Today's the day of my trial. Amelia's been working tirelessly to ensure that the truth comes out, and I'm hopeful that I'll finally be cleared of all charges."

Harry's eyes widened with determination. "We'll be there to support you, Sirius! We'll make sure everyone knows you're innocent."

Daisy nodded vigorously in agreement. "Yes, we'll all be there! You're not alone, Sirius."

Amelia, who had been quietly observing the conversation, smiled warmly at the group. "Thank you, dear ones. Your support means the world to us. Now, let's get ready for the trial. We don't want to be late."

The scene unfolded with Peter Pettigrew, aka Wormtail, standing before the Wizengamot, his eyes darting wildly as he confessed to his heinous crimes under the influence of Veritaserum. The room listened in stunned silence as he revealed his true nature: a Death Eater, a traitor to the Potters, and a murderer of twelve innocent Muggles. His betrayal of Sirius, framing him for the crimes he himself had committed, was the final nail in his coffin.

Peter was swiftly sentenced to life imprisonment in Azkaban, his Animagus transformation to be suppressed by the prison's special cells.

With Peter's confession and sentencing, the attention turned to Sirius, who was finally declared free of all charges by Minister Fudge. As a token of compensation for his ten years in Azkaban and five months under house arrest, Sirius was awarded 100,000 Galleons.

Furthermore, Sirius reclaimed his seat on the Wizengamot, proudly taking his place as the head of the noble and ancient House of Black. Narcissa Malfoy, who had temporarily occupied the seat, relinquished it without hesitation, much to the displeasure of her husband, Lucius.

Sirius also took the opportunity to register his Animagus form with the Ministry, a necessary step to ensure his freedom.

In a final act of closure, Barty Crouch Sr, the former head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, stepped forward to offer a public apology to Sirius. His failure to provide Sirius with a fair trial ten years ago weighed heavily on his conscience, and he sought to make amends.

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as the verdict was announced, and Sirius, finally exonerated, let out a deep breath, his eyes shining with relief. Amelia, who had been sitting beside him, wrapped her arms around him, tears of joy streaming down her face.

The night air was filled with laughter and music as the guests arrived at Bones estate. The 12 Muskeeteers, comprising both the Golden and Silver teams, were excitedly chatting and joking together. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan, the Golden Musketeers, were welcoming their younger counterparts, Ginny, Luna, Dudley, Scorpius, Daisy, and Samantha, the Silver Musketeers.

As the party began, Twins Fred and George Weasley started performing magic tricks, leaving everyone in stitches. Percy, looking a bit more serious, was engaged in a conversation with Charlie, who was enthusiastically talking about his dragon reserve. Pyre Jones, Charlie's girlfriend, was chatting with Mrs. Weasley, who was beaming with pride.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Harry's honorary grandmother, was busy spoiling the Silver Musketeers with treats and stories. Narcissa Malfoy, though looking a bit out of place, was politely chatting with Remus Lupin and Tonks.

The atmosphere became even more joyful when Dumbledore, Snape, and McGonagall arrived. Dumbledore's twinkling eyes sparkled as he greeted the guests, while Snape's usual stern expression softened slightly as he congratulated Sirius on his acquittal. McGonagall, or "Gran Minnie" as Harry affectionately called her, was warmly hugging the 12 Muskeeteers.

As the night wore on, Sirius and Amelia took center stage, publicly announcing their relationship with a tender kiss. The guests erupted into cheers and applause, with the 12 Muskeeteers whistling and shouting congratulations.

"It's about time!" Ron exclaimed, grinning at Sirius and Amelia.

"We're so happy for you both!" Hermione added, beaming with joy.

As the celebration continued, the night air was filled with love, laughter, and magic.

Next Chapter is  One Year of Love.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. So how you like the Peter chase scene. Then I thought it was justified that Remus was one who caught Peter. And well Narcissa is torn now. But she will absolutely hate Pettigrew. And about Trial , I thought we recently went through a trial during Harry's abuse so it thought inconvenient to potray trial in detail as we already know what the result would be. Well now Sirius is free. So all the drama which started in this story is sorted out so now we will need new drama. I thought it better to gather around all the pieces I threw here and there in the story till now before starting the new plot, because Chamber of secrets would be lot more non canon than original obviously Ginny being Harry's girlfriend, it would be odd if she opened the chamber. Well still 2nd year will atleast stick to some canon part , but from third year story will change entirely. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 17: One Year of Love

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Harry woke up in his room at Fawcett Manor at 5 am, feeling refreshed and ready for his morning exercise routine. He quickly got dressed and made his way to the backyard, where he was joined by Dudley.

The two of them set off on their morning run, the crisp early morning air invigorating their senses. After their run, they moved on to their exercise routine, which included a series of stretches and strength-training exercises.

As they finished their workout, Harry and Dudley walked back to the manor, feeling energized and alert. They showered and changed into comfortable clothes, and then Harry headed to his room to spend some quality time with his pets.

Harry sat on the floor of his room, surrounded by his beloved pets. Hedwig, his snowy owl, perched on his shoulder, nuzzling his ear. Poco, the little sparrow, flitted about his head, chirping happily. Kluer, his colour-changing cat, purred contentedly on his lap.

"Today's going to be a lazy day, guys," Harry said, scratching Kluer behind the ears. "No Quidditch practice, no studying... just us, hanging out."

Hedwig softly hooted in agreement, while Poco tweeted excitedly. Kluer, sensing Harry's relaxed mood, began to change colour, shifting from a deep blue to a warm, sunny yellow.

Dudley sat at his desk, surrounded by stacks of books and papers. He was determined to prepare himself for his first year at Hogwarts, despite feeling a bit anxious. As a Muggleborn, he was worried that he would struggle to keep up with his magical peers.

Occasionally, he would take a break to play with Fiona, his pet grey rabbit. He would watch her hop around her cage, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. Dudley would also take short walks around the manor, enjoying the fresh air and remembering Harry's advice to pace himself.

"Don't overdo it, Dudley," Harry had said. "You'll have plenty of time to learn and catch up. Just take it one step at a time."

Dudley took a deep breath, feeling a sense of determination. He was going to work hard and prove to himself and everyone else that he was capable of succeeding at Hogwarts.

Daisy sat in her room, surrounded by books and papers, trying to get to know her new owl, Roxy. She was determined to learn as much as she could before her first year at Hogwarts, but it wasn't easy. Unlike Harry, she didn't have a special gift for understanding animals, so she had to work harder to communicate with Roxy.

As she studied, Daisy's mind wandered to the upcoming school year. She couldn't help but feel a little intimidated by the prospect of being Harry Potter's sister. What if she couldn't live up to his reputation? What if she failed?

Just as Daisy was starting to feel overwhelmed, she remembered something that made her feel a little better. She realized that Harry was not only her hero, but also her brother, and that he would always be there to support her. This thought changed her mood, and her hair colour shifted to a lovely shade of lavender.

Daisy smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that she still had a lot to learn, but with Harry by her side, she felt like she could handle anything.

The dining room was filled with the warm aroma of roasted vegetables and the sound of chatter. Grandma Mrs Tucker, Dudley, and Daisy were already seated, eagerly waiting for Harry to emerge from the kitchen. The table was set with fine china and sparkling glasses, and a beautiful centerpiece of fresh flowers added a touch of elegance to the room.

Just then, Harry walked out, accompanied by Twinky and Dimpy, the twin elves. He was carrying a large tray laden with steaming dishes, and a bright smile on his face. His messy black hair was slightly tousled, and his emerald green eyes sparkled with amusement.

However, it was clear that Harry had had a bit of a rough time in the kitchen. His robes were covered in scratches, and he had a few faint claw marks on his cheek. A small trickle of blood had dried on his chin, and his sleeves were slightly torn.

"Harry, what happened to you?" Daisy asked, concern etched on her face. She pushed her chair back and stood up, her deep red hair catching the light.

"Kluer," Harry replied, chuckling. "I accidentally stepped on her tail, and she... well, let's just say she wasn't very happy about it." He set the tray down on the table and began to serve the dinner, his movements smooth and efficient.

Everyone laughed, and the tension in the room dissipated. Twinky and Dimpy, sensing that the mood had lightened, began to sing a soft, melodious tune as they helped Harry serve the dinner. Their tiny voices blended in perfect harmony, filling the room with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Grandma Mrs Tucker smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, Harry, it looks like Kluer's got her claws on you again." She patted Harry's hand, her touch warm and comforting.

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. It was moments like these that he cherished, surrounded by the people he loved, and the warmth and laughter that filled the room.

Daisy looked at Harry with curious eyes. "Harry, how do I take care of Roxy? What kind of food does she like? And how often should I clean her cage?"

Harry smiled, happy to share his knowledge. "Well, Daisy, Roxy is a brown owl, so she loves to eat mice and small rodents. You can also give her some owl treats, but make sure to ask Grandma Mrs Tucker or Twinky and Dimpy first."

He paused, thinking for a moment. "As for her cage, you should clean it at least once a week. Make sure to remove any droppings or uneaten food, and replace the bedding with fresh straw or wood shavings."

Meanwhile, Dudley was looking at Harry with a worried expression. "Harry, I've been studying for my first year, but I'm really struggling with Potions. I just don't get it. How do you study for it?"

Harry chuckled. "Well, Dudley, Potions can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I'm here to help. First of all, you need to understand the basics of Potions, like the different ingredients and their properties."

He leaned in, a conspiratorial look on his face. "But the key to studying Potions is to practice, practice, practice. Try making simple potions at home, like a Cure for Boils or a Sleeping Draught. And don't be afraid to experiment and try new things."

After dinner, the kids, along with Grandma Mrs Tucker and the twin elves, gathered in the living room to play a game of Gobstones. The room was filled with the warm glow of candles and the soft crackling of the fireplace.

Harry, Daisy, and Dudley sat on the floor, surrounded by the other kids, with Grandma Mrs Tucker in her favorite armchair, watching over them. Twinky and Dimpy, the twin elves, were busy setting up the Gobstones board, their tiny hands moving quickly as they arranged the stones.

"Okay, let's start!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "Daisy, you can play with me, and Dudley, you can play with Grandma."

Daisy grinned, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "I'm going to beat you, Harry!"

Harry chuckled. "Oh, I don't think so, Daisy. I'm the Gobstones champion!"

The game began, with the kids taking turns rolling the stones and trying to capture each other's pieces. The room was filled with laughter and shouts of excitement as they played.

Grandma Mrs Tucker watched over them, a warm smile on her face. "It's so lovely to see you all having so much fun together," she said, her eyes twinkling with happiness.

Twinky and Dimpy, the twin elves, sat on the sidelines, watching the game with interest. Occasionally, they would offer words of encouragement or advice to the players.

As the game continued, the competition grew fierce, with Harry and Daisy engaging in a heated battle for Gobstones supremacy. But in the end, it was Harry who emerged victorious, much to Daisy's dismay.

"I'll get you next time, Harry!" Daisy exclaimed, laughing.

Harry grinned, ruffling her hair. "I'm shaking in my boots, Daisy!"

As Harry drifted off to sleep, he couldn't help but think of Ginny and their magical dreamland. It was a place where they could be together, free from the worries of the wizarding world.

As he fell asleep, Harry felt himself being transported to the dreamland. He found himself standing in a beautiful forest, surrounded by towering trees and sparkling fireflies. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Suddenly, Ginny appeared beside him, her bright smile illuminating the forest. "Hey, Harry!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

Harry hugged her back, feeling a sense of joy and contentment wash over him. "Hey, Ginny! I missed you today."

Ginny grinned mischievously. "I had a great time today, though. The twins and I pranked Ron, and it was hilarious!"

Harry chuckled, eager to hear more. "What did you do?"

Ginny giggled. "We replaced his wand with a fake one that looked exactly the same. When he tried to cast a spell, it just made a silly noise and shot out a bunch of feathers!"

Harry laughed, imagining Ron's reaction. "That's brilliant! I'm sure Ron was thrilled."

Ginny grinned. "Yeah, he was a bit annoyed at first, but then he couldn't help but laugh."

As they strolled through the forest, Harry told Ginny about the Gobstones game they had played after dinner. Ginny listened intently, asking questions and making jokes.

Their conversation was interrupted by a soft rustling in the bushes. Hinny, their dream phoenix, emerged from the underbrush, her beautiful plumage glowing in the moonlight.

As Harry woke up, he felt a pang of disappointment that his time with Ginny in the dreamland had come to an end. He stretched his arms and yawned, looking at the clock on his bedside table. It was 5 am, still early, but he was used to waking up at this hour to start his morning routine.

He got out of bed and began his exercise routine, which included a combination of magical and non-magical exercises to keep him physically fit. Dudley joined him soon after, and together they worked on their respective routines, sweating and puffing as they pushed themselves to their limits.

Daisy, who was still sleepy, stumbled out of her room and joined her brother and cousin for their morning exercise. She rubbed the sleep from her eyes and yawned, but soon she was laughing and joking with Harry and Dudley as they exercised together.

After they finished, they headed downstairs to the kitchen, where Grandma Mrs Tucker and the twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, were already preparing breakfast. The delicious smell of freshly baked bread and cooking bacon filled the air, making Harry's stomach growl with hunger.

"Good morning, Harry! Good morning, Dudley! Good morning, Daisy!" Grandma Mrs Tucker exclaimed, beaming at them. "Come and sit down, breakfast is almost ready!"

After breakfast, Daisy announced that she was heading to Samantha's house for a gathering with the other girls from the Musketeers group. Ginny, Luna, Susan, and Hermione were all going to be there, and Daisy was excited to spend the day with her friends.

Dudley, on the other hand, looked flustered at the mention of Samantha's name. He had a crush on Samantha, and the thought of Daisy spending the day with her made him feel anxious.

"Hey, Daisy, have fun at Samantha's," Dudley said, trying to sound casual despite his obvious discomfort.

Daisy grinned mischievously at her cousin. "I will, Dudley. Don't worry, I'll make sure to say hi to Samantha for you."

Dudley's face turned bright red as he quickly looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment. Harry chuckled to himself, amused by his cousin's reaction.

As they stepped inside the house, Harry couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions. The house on Privet Drive held many bad memories for him, but it was also a part of his past. Dudley, sensing his cousin's unease, put a hand on his shoulder.

"Hey, Harry, you okay?" Dudley asked, his voice soft with concern.

Harry nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just...this house brings back a lot of memories."

Dudley nodded understandingly. "I know. But we can change that. We can make this house a happy place for someone else. And it'll be a great investment too - we can rent it out to a nice family."

Harry agreed. "Definitely. We just need to make sure it's in good condition first. Let's make a list of any repairs or renovations that need to be done."

Together, they began to inspect the house, making note of any necessary work. Harry's eyes lingered on the bloodstains in his old room, a painful reminder of the abuse he had suffered at the hands of his Muggle relatives.

"We'll need to get these stains out," Dudley said, his voice firm. "No one deserves to be reminded of that kind of pain."

Harry nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his cousin. Dudley had come a long way since his days as a spoiled, selfish boy. He was now a kind and caring wizard, and Harry was proud to call him his cousin.

As the evening drew to a close, the residents of Fawcett Manor gathered in the living room, sharing stories of their day. The warm glow of the setting sun streamed through the windows, casting a cozy atmosphere over the room. Grandma Mrs. Tucker sat in her favorite armchair, knitting a soft blanket, while Twinky and Dimpy, the twin elves, bustled around the room, tidying up and refilling tea cups.

Daisy, still bubbling with excitement, plopped down beside Harry on the couch, eager to tell him all about her day at Samantha's. "We had the best time ever!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "We played hide-and-seek in the garden, and Samantha showed me her favorite books. We even had a picnic under the willow tree."

Harry smiled, happy to see his sister having such a great time. "That sounds amazing, Daisy," he said, ruffling her hair. "I'm glad you had fun."

Dudley, who was sitting in an armchair across from them, looked a bit wistful. "I'm glad you had fun too, Daisy," he said, trying to sound casual. "Did...did Samantha say anything about me?" He fidgeted with his sleeve, his eyes darting nervously around the room.

Daisy grinned mischievously. "Maybe," she teased, her voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm not telling." She giggled, clearly enjoying the upper hand.

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Don't tease him, Daisy," he said, laughing. "He's already got it bad enough."

Daisy's eyes sparkled as she shared the news with Harry and Dudley. "And guess what? Pyre's mom, Olivia, is really nice. She's a single mom, you know. Their dad, Philip, died a few years ago."

Harry's expression turned sympathetic. "That's tough. Losing a parent is never easy."

Daisy nodded, her voice filled with compassion. "I know, right? But Olivia seems really strong. And Samantha...well, Samantha's actually adopted."

Dudley's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? I had no idea."

Daisy nodded. "Yeah, Olivia told me that Samantha's biological mom was a friend of Philip's. She died at the hands of Death Eaters, and Olivia adopted Samantha."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with questions. "Do you know who Samantha's biological mom was?"

Daisy shook her head. "No, Olivia didn't mention her name. But I'm sure we'll find out more about it eventually."

Harry's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "So, were all the other girls from our group there?" Though he didn't mention any names directly, his question was clearly hinting at their presence.

Daisy grinned, catching the subtle hint. "Oh, you mean Ginny, Luna, Samantha, Hermione, and Susan? Yeah, they were all there. We had a blast together."

Harry's face lit up with a warm smile, happy to hear that his friends had a good time. Dudley, on the other hand, looked a bit wistful, his thoughts drifting back to Samantha.

Harry walked into his cozy bedroom, the soft glow of the moon casting a gentle light through the window. He flopped down onto his bed, running a hand through his messy black hair. With a contented sigh, he reached for the stack of books on his bedside table.

He had decided to start reading the books for his upcoming second year at Hogwarts, and he was currently making his way through the five books written by Gilderoy Lockhart. Though he was still irritated that Lockhart was going to be their new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, Harry was determined to be prepared.

He opened the second book and began to read, his eyes scanning the pages with a mixture of interest and skepticism. The books were more like storybooks than textbooks, and Harry couldn't help but feel that they weren't going to be very helpful in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class.

After an hour of reading, Harry closed the book, rubbing his tired eyes. He had been reading for a while, and while the stories were somewhat entertaining, he couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't going to be very helpful.

He sighed, setting the book aside. "I don't know how Lockhart expects us to learn anything from these," he muttered to himself.

Just then, Hedwig flew into the room, settling onto her perch. Harry smiled, reaching out to stroke her soft feathers. "Hey, girl. What have you been up to tonight?"

Hedwig hooted softly, nuzzling Harry's hand. Harry chuckled, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. He glanced over at Poco, who was sleeping in his cage, and Kluer, who was curled up at the foot of his bed.

With a contented sigh, Harry climbed into bed, feeling grateful for the peaceful evening. He drifted off to sleep, surrounded by the comforting presence of his pets.

August 6th was a sunny day, perfect for the inauguration of the new Dragon Reserve. The 12 Muskeeteers, consisting of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Susan, Ginny, Luna, Dudley, Scorpius, Daisy, and Samantha, were all excited to be there. They were joined by the Weasley family, including Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Bill, Charlie, and Percy, as well as Pyre and her sister Samantha.

The reserve was a vast area of land, filled with rolling hills, sparkling lakes, and of course, dragons. Charlie, the manager of the reserve, was beaming with pride as he showed everyone around.

Pyre was also thrilled, not just because of Charlie's achievement, but also because she had been promoted to Head of Department of Injuries from Dragon burns and related at St Mungos.

"This is amazing, Charlie!" Pyre exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I'm so proud of you!"

Charlie grinned, hugging her back. "Thanks, Pyre. I couldn't have done it without your support."

The original five friends, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco, walked excitedly towards the enclosure where Norberta, the Norwegian Ridgeback, was being kept. As they approached, they could hear the sound of rustling scales and a low rumbling growl.

"I still can't believe we're going to see Norberta again," Ron said, his eyes shining with excitement.

"I know, it's been ages," Hermione replied, consulting the map of the reserve they had been given. "According to this, Norberta's enclosure is one of the largest in the reserve."

Draco, grinning mischievously, began to retell the story of how Harry and Hagrid had reacted when Norberta had hatched last year. "And then, Harry and Hagrid were cooing over Norberta like she was a baby or something," Draco said, chuckling.

Susan giggled. "That's so sweet!" she exclaimed. "I can just imagine Harry and Hagrid fawning over a baby dragon."

Ginny smiled, having already heard the story from Harry. "I know, right?" she said. "Harry's always had a way with animals."

Luna, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. "Dragons are fascinating creatures," she said. "Did you know that they have a special connection to the elements?"

The others looked at her in surprise, but Harry just smiled. "That's really interesting, Luna," he said. "I didn't know that."

As they approached the enclosure, they could see Norberta in all her glory. She was enormous, with scales as black as coal and eyes that glowed like embers.

"Wow," Neville breathed. "She's incredible."

Draco nodded. "Definitely one of the most impressive dragons I've ever seen."

The group stood there in awe, watching as Norberta prowled around her enclosure, her wings spread wide.

Daisy gazed at Norberta in wonder, her eyes shining with excitement. "She's so cute!" Daisy exclaimed, bouncing up and down.

Dudley and the other Silver Muskeeteers, except for Luna and Ginny, exchanged amused glances. "You think a dragon is cute?" Dudley asked, chuckling.

Scorpius grinned. "Yeah, Daisy, you're cracked just like Harry."

Samantha giggled. "I don't know, guys. I think Norberta is kind of adorable."

But before the argument could escalate, Luna spoke up. "Actually, I think Norberta is lovely," she said, her dreamy expression unruffled. "And I'm sure she's very intelligent too."

Ginny smiled, nodding in agreement. "Yeah, dragons are really smart. And Norberta seems especially gentle."

The group fell silent, watching as Norberta began to playfully chase after a ball, her scales glinting in the sunlight.

Charlie, being the experienced Dragon Reserve Manager that he was, carefully guided Pyre through the process of approaching a dragon. Pyre watched intently, her eyes wide with fascination.

"First, you have to move slowly and calmly," Charlie explained, demonstrating the movement. "Dragons are highly sensitive to energy and vibrations, so you want to make sure you're not startling them."

Pyre nodded, mimicking Charlie's movements as they slowly made their way towards Norberta's enclosure. Norberta, sensing their presence, turned her head towards them, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

"Next, you want to establish a connection with the dragon," Charlie continued, holding out his hand for Norberta to sniff. "This is usually done through a gentle touch or a soothing voice."

Pyre followed Charlie's lead, reaching out her hand for Norberta to sniff. Norberta gently nuzzled Pyre's hand, and Pyre couldn't help but smile.

"She's beautiful," Pyre breathed, looking up at Charlie with shining eyes.

Charlie grinned, pleased that Pyre was taking to the dragons so well. "I know, right?" he said. "Dragons are truly magnificent creatures."

Harry slipped into the enclosure, his eyes fixed on Norberta. Charlie turned to him, a hint of warning in his voice. "Harry, I told you to stay back."

But Harry just grinned. "I can talk to her, Charlie. I'm a Parseltongue, remember?"

Pyre's eyes widened in surprise. "You can talk to dragons?" she asked, her voice full of wonder.

Samantha, Luna, Scorpius, and Susan all looked at Harry with newfound interest. Daisy and Dudley, however, exchanged confused glances.

"What's a Parseltongue?" Daisy asked, looking up at Harry with a puzzled expression.

But before Harry could explain, Charlie intervened. "It means Harry can speak Parseltongue, the language of snakes and dragons," he said, smiling proudly at Harry.

Harry's face lit up with a bright smile as Norberta approached him, her eyes shining with recognition. "She remembers me!" Harry exclaimed, delighted.

Norberta gently nuzzled Harry's hand, and then turned to the others. Ron, Neville, Draco, and Hermione all received a warm welcome from the dragon, who seemed to recall their previous encounters.

Hermione, however, looked slightly disappointed. "She's not a baby anymore," she said wistfully.

Draco, meanwhile, was grinning at Norberta. "You know, my name means 'dragon' in Greek," he said, puffing out his chest. "I should at least try to communicate with her."

"Go on, then," Ron encouraged, curious to see how Draco would fare.

Draco cleared his throat and began to speak in a low, rumbling voice. "Norberta, draconis...?"

Norberta cocked her head to one side, listening intently to Draco's words. The others watched with bated breath, eager to see if Draco's attempt at dragon-speak would be successful.

Draco's attempt at communicating with Norberta ended in a comical failure, with the dragon tilting her head in confusion. The group erupted into laughter, with Charlie and Pyre chuckling along with the Muskeeteers.

"I think you need a bit more practice, Draco," Ron teased, grinning.

Draco shrugged, laughing. "I guess I'm no Parseltongue."

But Susan, who had been watching the exchange with interest, spoke up. "Actually, I think it was brave of you to try, Draco."

Draco's eyes met Susan's, and he smiled, looking pleased. "Thanks, Susan. I guess I'll just have to stick to my regular language skills."

Hermione, who had been observing the exchange, smiled warmly at Susan. "I think that's a great attitude to have, Susan."

The group continued to chat and laugh, enjoying each other's company as they spent time with Norberta.

Mrs. Weasley let out a deep sigh, shaking her head. "I don't know why you had to take a job working with dragons, Charlie. It's just so...dangerous."

Charlie chuckled, putting a reassuring arm around his mother. "I know it's not the safest job, Mum, but I love it. And at least I'm back in the country now, instead of being all the way in Romania."

Mrs. Weasley frowned, though a hint of a smile played on her lips. "I suppose that's some comfort. But I still worry about you, dear."

Harry, who had been watching the exchange, spoke up. "Don't worry, Mrs. Weasley. Charlie's really good at his job. And he's got Norberta here to keep him company."

Norberta, as if on cue, let out a soft rumble, nuzzling Charlie's hand. Mrs. Weasley couldn't help but laugh, her worries momentarily forgotten.

The atmosphere in the room shifted slightly as Mrs. Weasley made a comment that caught everyone off guard. "Charlie, dear, I do wish you'd cut your hair. It's getting far too long and makes you look like a girl."

Pyre, who had been standing beside Charlie, spoke up in his defense. "I think it's perfect just the way it is. It suits him."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Mrs. Weasley and Pyre. The tension was palpable, as if the two women were locked in a silent disagreement. Charlie, sensing the awkwardness, tried to intervene.

"Mum, it's okay, really. I like my hair this way."

But Mrs. Weasley and Pyre continued to exchange a tense glance, their faces set in opposing expressions. The rest of the group watched in discomfort, unsure of how to break the awkward silence.

Molly's eyes lingered on Charlie, a mix of emotions swirling inside her. She couldn't quite put her finger on why she felt this way, but it was as if she was slowly losing her little boy. The realization stung, and she sighed, trying to shake off the feeling.

"It's just...he's growing up," Molly said to herself, her voice barely above a whisper.

Pyre, who had been watching the exchange, placed a gentle hand on Molly's shoulder. "I think I understand what you mean, Mrs. Weasley. It's hard to see them become independent, isn't it?"

Molly turned to Pyre, a hint of a smile on her face. "Yes, it's just...I don't know, it feels different with Charlie. Maybe it's because Bill is off doing his own thing, and now Charlie is too..."

Pyre's expression was understanding. "I'm sure it's just a natural part of letting go, Mrs. Weasley. But Charlie will always be your son, no matter how old he gets or where life takes him."

Molly's thoughts were interrupted by Pyre, who gently squeezed her hand. "I know it's hard, Mrs. Weasley, but I promise I'll take good care of Charlie. We're happy together, and I know he loves you just the same."

Molly smiled weakly, feeling a mix of emotions. She was happy for Charlie, but it was difficult to let go of the little boy he once was. "I know, dear. It's just...being a mother is hard sometimes. I didn't feel this way when Ginny and Harry started dating, though."

Pyre nodded understandingly. "Maybe that's because Ginny's still at home, and you see her every day. With Charlie, it's different – he's moved out, and you don't get to see him as often."

Molly nodded, considering Pyre's words. Just then, Charlie walked over to the two women, a concerned look on his face. "Mum, is everything all right? You look a bit...upset."

Molly forced a bright smile, not wanting to worry her son. "I'm fine, dear. Just a little...sentimental, that's all."

As the evening drew to a close, the Weasley family and their guests began to say their goodbyes. Harry, however, lingered behind, his eyes locked on Ginny's.

"I'll walk you out," Ginny said, smiling up at Harry.

Together, they strolled out of the Burrow, the warm summer air enveloping them. They stopped at the edge of the property, where Harry turned to Ginny and wrapped his arms around her.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Harry whispered, his lips brushing against Ginny's.

Ginny's eyes sparkled as she smiled up at Harry. "I'll be counting the minutes," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they shared a tender kiss, the stars twinkled above them, casting a magical glow over the moment.

Here's the continuation:

As the next 3 days went by, the residents of Fawcett Manor settled into a comfortable routine. Harry spent his mornings studying in the library, pouring over books on advanced magic and trying to get a head start on his second year at Hogwarts.

Afternoons were reserved for playing with his pets - Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer. He loved watching Kluer change colors, and the little cat seemed to enjoy the attention.

Dudley, on the other hand, was busy preparing for his first year at Hogwarts. He spent hours studying, trying to learn as much as he could about magic and the wizarding world. Fiona, his pet rabbit, was always by his side, providing comfort and companionship.

Daisy, Harry's younger sister, was excited to start her first year at Hogwarts. She spent her days practicing her magic, trying to gain more control over her metamorphic abilities. Roxy, her pet owl, was her constant companion, and the two were inseparable.

As the evening drew to a close, the family would gather together, sharing stories and laughter. Grandma Mrs. Tucker would smile, watching her grandchildren grow and thrive. It was a peaceful, happy time, and the residents of Fawcett Manor felt grateful for the love and companionship they shared.

Harry made his way through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, his destination clear in his mind. He pushed open the large wooden doors of Gringotts Wizarding Bank and stepped inside, the cool air enveloping him.

"Ah, young Master Potter!" one of the goblins called out, nodding in greeting.

Harry smiled and made his way to the Potter family vault. He had a feeling that Grandma Mrs. Tucker was right – tomorrow was Ginny's 11th birthday, and he wanted to get her the perfect gift.

As he entered the vault, Harry's eyes widened at the treasure trove before him. Gold, jewels, and magical artifacts sparkled in the dim light. He knew exactly what he was looking for, and he quickly set to work searching through the shelves.

"What's all the fuss about, Harry?" a soft voice asked, and Harry turned to see Griphook, one of the goblins, standing behind him.

"It's Ginny's birthday tomorrow," Harry explained, holding up a small, exquisitely crafted box. "I wanted to get her something special."

Griphook's eyes lit up. "Ah, a birthday gift! Let me see that."

Harry handed over the box, and Griphook examined it carefully before nodding his approval. "Excellent choice, young Master Potter. I'm sure she'll love it."

As the clock struck midnight, Harry drifted off to sleep, his mind wandering to the special someone he couldn't wait to see. He found himself standing in the beautiful Dreamland he shared with Ginny, surrounded by rolling hills and sparkling fountains.

Ginny appeared beside him, her eyes shining with excitement. "Harry!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.

"Happy birthday, Ginny!" Harry whispered, his lips brushing against her ear. "I have a special day planned for you tomorrow, but I wanted to celebrate with you here first."

Ginny's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I love it here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's our own secret world."

Harry nodded, his eyes locked on Ginny's. "Our own little paradise," he agreed, taking her hand in his.

Together, they strolled through the Dreamland, the stars twinkling above them like diamonds. Hinny, their beloved phoenix, fluttered around them, its feathers glowing softly in the moonlight.

As they walked, Harry told Ginny all about his day, from his trip to Gringotts to his excitement about celebrating her birthday tomorrow. Ginny listened, her eyes sparkling with delight, and Harry knew that this was just the beginning of a very special day.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with mischief as she leaned in close to Harry. "I want a birthday kiss," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Harry's heart skipped a beat as he smiled, his eyes locked on Ginny's. "I'd be happy to give you one," he replied, his voice low and gentle.

As they shared a tender, romantic kiss, the Dreamland around them seemed to glow with an soft, ethereal light. Hinny, their beloved phoenix, fluttered around them, its feathers shimmering with a soft, rainbow glow.

"I'll see you tomorrow, at the Burrow," Harry whispered, his lips still brushing against Ginny's.

"I'll be counting the minutes," Ginny replied, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

With one final, gentle kiss, they reluctantly parted, knowing they would be reunited again soon. As they drifted off to sleep, they both couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the special day ahead.

As Harry stepped out of the Floo, Mrs. Weasley enveloped him in a warm hug. "Good morning, dear! We're so glad you're here. Ginny's been counting down the minutes until her birthday celebration."

Mr. Weasley chuckled, clapping Harry on the back. "And I'm sure you're the first one she wants to see. You're always welcome here, Harry."

Harry smiled, feeling grateful for the Weasleys' kindness. He made his way upstairs to Ginny's room, the birthday bouquet he had carefully selected the day before held tightly in his hand.

As he pushed open the door, Ginny looked up from her bed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Harry!" she exclaimed, scrambling out of bed to fling her arms around him.

"Happy birthday, Ginny!" Harry whispered, handing her the bouquet. "I got these for you. I hope you like them."

Ginny's face lit up as she took in the colorful array of flowers. "They're beautiful, Harry! Thank you so much!"

Just as Harry and Ginny were about to get lost in their kiss, Ron burst into the room, a big smile on his face. "Happy birthday, Ginny!" he exclaimed, holding out a new Quidditch-themed poster.

Ginny's eyes lit up as she took the poster from Ron. "Holyhead Harpies!" she exclaimed, laughing. "You know I love them!"

Harry grinned, feeling happy to see his friends together. "Nice choice, Ron!" he said, chuckling.

Ron beamed with pride. "I knew you'd like it, Ginny. Happy birthday again!"

As they chatted, the sound of footsteps and laughter could be heard coming from downstairs. "I think the others are arriving," Harry said, smiling at Ginny.

Just as the group was catching up, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the hallway. "That must be Bill!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, a warm smile spreading across her face.

A tall, ruggedly handsome young man with a mop of red hair walked into the room, a wide grin on his face. "Hey, everyone! Sorry I'm a bit late. I had to apparate from Egypt, and it took me a bit longer than expected."

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a squeal of delight. "Bill! You're here!"

Bill chuckled, setting down his bag and opening his arms for a hug. "Of course I'm here, little sis! I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world."

The group welcomed Bill with warm smiles and greetings, happy to see him home safely from his adventures in Egypt.

Bill led Ginny to a quiet corner of the room, a sly grin spreading across his face. "So, Ginny, I hear you and Harry are still going strong?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ginny blushed, looking around nervously before nodding. "Yeah, Bill, we are."

Bill chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Good, good. I'm glad to hear that. But I have to ask, is Harry treating you right?"

Ginny smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "Bill, Harry is amazing. He's always so kind and thoughtful, and he makes me feel like I'm the only person in the world."

Bill's expression softened, and he nodded approvingly. "I'm glad to hear that, Ginny. You deserve someone who treats you like a queen. And I have to say, I'm impressed with Harry. He's a good kid."

Ginny grinned, feeling relieved that her big brother approved of her boyfriend. "Thanks, Bill. That means a lot coming from you."

Ginny's expression turned serious, and she looked up at Bill with a stern gaze. "Bill, I appreciate your concern, but you have to promise me you won't interfere in my relationship with Harry. We can handle things on our own."

Bill chuckled, holding up his hands in a defensive gesture. "Alright, alright, I promise. I just want to make sure you're happy, that's all."

Ginny smiled, seeming to accept Bill's promise. The tension was broken, and the group headed downstairs to the kitchen, where Mrs. Weasley had prepared a magnificent birthday breakfast.

The long table was laden with all sorts of treats: pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, and sausages. The delicious aromas filled the air, making everyone's stomach growl with anticipation.

"Dig in, everyone!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, beaming with pride.

The Weasleys and Harry eagerly obeyed, loading their plates with their favorite foods. The kitchen was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter as they enjoyed their meal together.

As the Weasley brothers, Ron, Fred, and George, snickered mischievously, Harry instinctively tried to shield Ginny from the impending attack. But before he could react, the brothers simultaneously poured pancake syrup all over Harry and Ginny.

Ginny shrieked with laughter as the sticky syrup dripped down her face and clothes. Harry, equally drenched, couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation.

"It's a tradition!" Fred and George exclaimed in unison, grinning from ear to ear. "Every Weasley gets syrup-bombed on their eleventh birthday!"

Ron, equally amused, added, "And Ginny's no exception!"

Ginny playfully rolled her eyes, laughing. "You lot are impossible!"

Mrs. Weasley chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, I suppose it's only fitting. Now, let's get you two cleaned up!"

Susan smiled, "Amelia and Sirius will be here soon, they just had to finish up some work."

And indeed, soon after, Amelia and Sirius arrived, smiling warmly at the gathering. Remus, Tonks, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker followed closely behind, adding to the lively atmosphere.

As the adults chatted and laughed, the 12 Muskeeteers, along with the twins, Charlie, and Bill, decided to take the celebration outside. "Let's play Quidditch!" Ron exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement.

The group eagerly agreed and divided into two teams. Since they had more players than usual, they decided to have eight players on each team instead of the traditional seven. But as it was a friendly match, no one minded the slight deviation from the rules.

As they prepared to start the match, the air was electric with anticipation. The Burrow's backyard was transformed into a makeshift Quidditch pitch, with makeshift goals and a flurry of colorful Quaffles and Bludgers flying about. The players mounted their broomsticks, ready to begin the game.

The twins, Fred and George, chuckled mischievously and warned Harry, "You'd better watch out for those Bludgers today, mate. Don't just focus on saving Ginny, or you'll end up getting clobbered yourself."

Bill, Charlie, and Ron burst out laughing at this, clearly remembering a past incident. However, Ginny didn't find it amusing, her expression turning slightly annoyed.

The rest of the group looked confused, so Charlie explained, "Last year, on Ginny's birthday, we were all playing Quidditch together – just like today. One of the Bludgers broke free and was heading straight for Ginny. But Harry here," Charlie said, nodding towards Harry, "came out of nowhere with lightning speed and took the impact straight to his stomach."

The group's eyes widened in surprise, and Ginny's expression softened, looking at Harry with gratitude.

Harry smiled sheepishly, "It was nothing, really. Just a reflex."

But Charlie continued, "Reflex or not, it was an incredible move. We were all stunned. And Ginny was pretty shaken up too."

Ginny playfully rolled her eyes, "Yeah, thanks for reminding me, Charlie."

The group shared a laugh, and the tension was broken. Bill, still chuckling, said, "Alright, alright, let's get started before we have any more trips down memory lane."

The teams mounted their broomsticks, and the Quidditch match began. The air was filled with the sound of whooshing broomsticks, shouting players, and the occasional crack of a Bludger.

As the Quidditch match came to an end, Bill, with a sly grin, caught Harry and Ginny trying to sneak away towards the lake. "Ah-ah, I don't think so, you two!" Bill exclaimed, blocking their path. The twins, Fred and George, appeared out of nowhere, equally mischievous. "Yeah, no sneaking off for private moments, not on Ginny's birthday!" they chimed in, teasingly.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a sheepish glance, but couldn't help laughing at being caught. "We were just... uh... going for a walk," Harry stammered, trying to come up with a convincing excuse. But Bill and the twins just chuckled, knowing better.

As the evening approached, the entire gathering, including the 12 Muskeeteers and the Weasley family, assembled for the highlight of the celebration: Ginny's cake cutting. Ginny beamed with excitement, wearing a beautiful dress that Harry had given her. It was a tradition now, as she had worn a dress given by Harry the previous year as well. The dress sparkled in the fading light, and Ginny looked absolutely stunning.

The cake-cutting ceremony was a joyful affair, with Ginny beaming as she sliced into the magnificent birthday cake. The room erupted in cheers and applause as she took her first bite.

Next, it was time for the gift-giving ceremony. The 12 Muskeeteers went first, each presenting Ginny with a thoughtful and personalized gift. Ron gave her a beautiful Quidditch-themed necklace, while Hermione presented her with a set of sparkling crystal bookends. Neville gave her a handmade terrarium, and Draco offered a stunning silver locket. Susan gave her a gorgeous journal with a lock and key, adorned with intricate silver filigree.

The Silver Musketeers also gave their gifts. Luna presented Ginny with a delicate, dreamcatcher-like ornament, while Dudley gave her a funny "Wizarding Survival Kit" filled with jokes and pranks. Scorpius offered a cleverly designed puzzle box, and Samantha gave her a beautiful, handmade photo album. Daisy, being the creative metamorphagus she was, gave Ginny a stunning, one-of-a-kind painting that changed colors depending on the viewer's mood.

The Weasleys followed, showering Ginny with gifts that reflected their unique personalities. Bill gave her a rare book on magical creatures, while Charlie presented her with a beautiful dragon-scale necklace. Percy gave her a set of elegant silver hair clips, and the twins offered a mischievous-looking prank kit.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Amelia, Sirius, Pyre, Remus, and Tonks also gave Ginny thoughtful gifts, each one reflecting their love and appreciation for her.

Finally, it was Harry's turn. He smiled nervously, his eyes shining with excitement, as he reached for the small, exquisitely wrapped box hidden behind his back. "I've got a special gift for you, Ginny," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

Ginny's eyes widened as she unwrapped the box, revealing a stunning jewelry box adorned with intricate patterns and gemstones. "Harry, you shouldn't have spent so much money on me!" she exclaimed, her cheeks flushing. "You already bought me that beautiful wand last week."

Harry chuckled, holding up his hands in defense. "I didn't spend a single sickle on it, I promise!"

Ginny's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Then you stole it?"

Harry laughed, shaking his head. "No, of course not! Look, it has the mark of the Potter house on it." He pointed to a small, elegant crest etched onto the box.

Ginny's eyes lit up with understanding. "You brought it from your Gringotts family vault, didn't you?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

Ginny's fingers hovered over the box's lid, hesitating for a moment before asking, "May I open it?"

As Ginny opened the box, revealing the beautiful silver bracelet, the room fell silent in awe. Everyone's eyes widened, but they had come to expect such thoughtful gestures from Harry.

However, Sirius and Remus gasped, their faces filled with a mix of shock and nostalgia. All eyes turned to them, curious about their reaction.

"This bracelet... it's the same one James gave to Lily when they were engaged," Sirius said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Remus nodded, his eyes shining with tears. "It's a traditional Potter family heirloom, passed down through generations. The eldest son is given this bracelet, so he can present it to his life partner."

The room erupted into a flurry of emotions. Ginny's eyes welled up with tears as she gazed at the bracelet, then at Harry. Harry's face glowed with happiness, his eyes shining with love.

Hermione and Susan exchanged knowing glances, smiling at the romantic gesture. Ron looked stunned, but happy for his best friend. Draco's face broke into a genuine smile, his eyes sparkling with delight.

"That's really something, Harry," Draco said, his voice filled with sincerity. "You always manage to surprise us."

The Silver Musketeers, Ginny's siblings, and the rest of the family were equally moved, their faces reflecting a mix of surprise, joy, and nostalgia.

The moment hung in the air, filled with the weight of history, love, and tradition. Harry's thoughtful gift had not only touched Ginny's heart but had also connected the past and present, weaving a beautiful tapestry of love and family.

Ginny's eyes remained fixed on the bracelet, her face a picture of wonder. She looked like she was frozen in time, unable to move or speak. Tears of joy began to well up in her eyes, and she blinked rapidly, trying to hold them back.

Finally, she found her voice, and it was barely above a whisper. "Harry, it's... it's beautiful," she stammered, her eyes shining with tears.

Harry smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm glad you like it," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

Ginny's gaze drifted from the bracelet to Harry's face, and she took a step closer to him. "It's not just the bracelet, Harry," she said, her voice trembling. "It's the thought, the love, and the tradition behind it. You're giving me a part of yourself, a part of your family's history."

Harry's face glowed with happiness, and he took another step closer to Ginny. "You're a part of me, Ginny," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "You're my everything."

The room around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own little world of love and magic.

The room was so quiet that you could have heard a pin drop. Ginny and Harry were lost in each other's eyes, the only sound being the soft hum of excitement and emotion.

It took Ron's cough to break the spell. "Ah, sorry to interrupt," Ron said, his voice a little awkward, "but I think Ginny needs to put it on."

Ginny's eyes fluttered back to reality, and she smiled shyly at Ron. "Right," she said, taking the bracelet from the box.

Harry stepped forward, taking the bracelet from Ginny. "Let me," he said, his voice low and gentle.

With trembling hands, Harry fastened the bracelet around Ginny's wrist. It sparkled in the light, a beautiful symbol of their love and commitment to each other.

The room erupted into applause, cheers, and whistles. The Silver and Golden Musketeers , grinning from ear to ear.

"Blimey, Harry!" Ron exclaimed. "You really know how to make an entrance!"

As the evening drew to a close, the party began to wind down. The dinner had been a grand affair, with everyone raving about the delicious food. The music had been lively, and a few of the guests had even taken to the dance floor.

"I'm so glad everyone had a good time," Ginny said, smiling at Harry as they watched their friends say their goodbyes.

"Me too," Harry replied, putting his arm around Ginny's shoulders. "It's been an amazing night."

As the guests departed, the Silver and Golden Musketeers lingered, reluctant to end the evening. They chatted and laughed, exchanging stories and memories of the past year.

"I'm going to miss you all so much when we're back at Hogwarts," Luna said wistfully.

"We'll make sure to stay in touch," Harry promised, smiling at Luna. "And we'll have plenty of adventures together when we're back at school."

As the last of the guests departed, the Musketeers said their own goodbyes, promising to meet up again soon. The night had been a magical one, filled with laughter, love, and memories that would last a lifetime.

As Harry left, he and Ginny shared a tender moment. "I love you," Harry whispered, his eyes locked on Ginny's.

"I love you too," Ginny replied, her voice barely above a whisper. They shared a soft, sweet kiss before Harry disappeared into the night.

Ginny then walked over to the Floo Network, her heart still aglow with the magic of the evening. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley smiled at each other, watching their daughter radiate happiness.

"It's amazing how Ginny has found her soulmate at such a young age," Mrs. Weasley said, her voice filled with affection.

Mr. Weasley nodded, his eyes twinkling. "We started dating at 13, didn't we?" he said, looking at his wife.

Mrs. Weasley smiled. "Yes, we did. But Ginny's 11, and Harry's 12... and they've been together for almost a year now. It's just incredible."

As the Weasleys continued to reminisce, Ginny's brothers began to head to their rooms, exhausted from the evening's celebrations.

"Goodnight, Ginny!" Ron called out, yawning.

Ginny smiled, waving goodbye to her brothers. "Goodnight!"

As soon as Ginny drifted off to sleep, she found herself transported to the magical world of Dreamland. The sky was painted with hues of pink and purple, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers.

Harry was already there, waiting for her with a warm smile. "Hey, Gin," he said, opening his arms for a hug.

Ginny ran into his arms, feeling the familiar sense of comfort and happiness. "Hey, Harry," she replied, her voice muffled against his chest.

As they hugged, Hinny, their phoenix, fluttered down from the sky, singing a soft, melodious song. Ginny and Harry watched in awe as Hinny settled beside them, its feathers glowing with a soft, ethereal light.

"Shall we go for a walk?" Harry asked, taking Ginny's hand in his.

Ginny nodded, and they set off into the dreamy landscape, Hinny flying overhead, its song filling the air.

As the day unfolded, the residents of Fawcett Manor went about their daily routines. Daisy sat in the garden, concentrating on changing the color of her hair. She was a metamorphagus, and it was essential to practice controlling her abilities.

"I want to change it to purple today," Daisy said to herself, scrunching up her face in concentration.

Meanwhile, Dudley was in the study, pouring over books on basic magic theory. He was determined to make a good impression in his first year at Hogwarts.

"I'm going to be the best student ever," Dudley muttered, highlighting important passages in his textbook.

In the library, Harry sat at a large wooden desk, surrounded by stacks of ancient books. He was engrossed in reading a book on how to read auras, written in ancient Latin. The book had been given to him by Dumbledore, who had told him that he possessed a very rare ability - the ability to see auras.

"This is fascinating," Harry said to himself, deciphering the intricate Latin text. "I had no idea that auras could reveal so much about a person's character and emotions."

As the day drew to a close, the residents of Fawcett Manor gathered in the dining room for dinner. Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled warmly at everyone, happy to see her family thriving.

"I'm so proud of all of you," she said, serving roast chicken and vegetables. "You're all growing up to be talented and remarkable individuals."

The dinner conversation was lively, with everyone discussing their plans and goals for the upcoming year. As they ate and chatted, the atmosphere in the dining room was filled with warmth and love.

August 13 dawned, bringing with it a sense of excitement and anticipation. Harry woke up at 5, as was his daily routine, and began his morning exercise routine with Dudley.

As they exercised, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Dudley, who had come a long way since his days as a spoiled and entitled cousin.

At 7, Harry flooed to the Burrow, where Ginny was waiting for him. "Good morning, Mrs. Weasley!" Harry called out, as he stepped out of the fireplace.

Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly, her eyes shining with happiness. "Good morning, Harry! Ginny's been waiting for you."

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and he smiled, feeling his heart skip a beat. He walked over to her, took her hand, and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek.

"Happy anniversary," he whispered, his voice filled with affection.

Ginny's face lit up with a bright smile. "Happy anniversary, Harry!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around his neck.

Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly at the couple, her eyes shining with happiness. "I'm so glad you two are happy together," she said, patting Harry's arm.

Mr. Weasley, who was sitting at the kitchen table, sipping his morning tea, looked up and smiled. "Yes, you two make a wonderful couple," he agreed.

Ginny and Harry exchanged a tender kiss, basking in the warmth and love that surrounded them. It was a moment they would cherish forever, a celebration of their love and commitment to each other.

"What do you want to do today, Gin?" Harry asked, holding her hand tightly.

Ginny's eyes sparkled mischievously. "I have a surprise planned for you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" he asked, his eyes shining with excitement.

Ginny just smiled, her lips curving upwards. "You'll have to wait and see," she teased.

Ginny led Harry to the backyard, where a beautiful picnic was set up. There was a blanket spread out on the grass, surrounded by a basket of food, a jug of lemonade, and a bouquet of Ginny's favorite flowers, sunflowers.

"Wow, Gin, this is amazing!" Harry exclaimed, his eyes scanning the spread.

Ginny smiled, pleased with herself. "I wanted to make today special," she said, taking Harry's hand.

They sat down on the blanket, and Ginny began to unpack the food. There were sandwiches, fruit, and cookies, all of Harry's favorite things.

As they ate, they talked and laughed, enjoying each other's company. Harry was grateful for Ginny, who always knew how to make him happy.

After they finished eating, Ginny pulled out a small gift box from behind the basket. "I got you something," she said, her eyes sparkling.

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "What is it?" he asked, taking the box from Ginny.

He opened the box, and inside, he found a beautiful silver watch. Engraved on the back was a message: "To Harry, my forever love, Ginny".

Harry's eyes welled up with tears as he looked at Ginny. "It's beautiful," he said, his voice choked with emotion.

Ginny smiled, her eyes shining with happiness. "I'm glad you like it," she said, leaning in to kiss Harry.

After enjoying their picnic, Harry and Ginny returned to the Burrow, where Harry had a special surprise waiting for her. He had planned it with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley before Ginny's birthday, and today was the day it would be revealed.

"Close your eyes, Gin," Harry said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Ginny's curiosity was piqued, but she obediently closed her eyes. Harry led her to the living room, where the Twin Elves, Twinky and Dimpy, were waiting with a large canvas.

"Okay, Gin, you can open your eyes now," Harry said, stepping back to reveal the surprise.

Ginny's eyes widened as she took in the sight before her. The Twin Elves had set up an easel, and a painter's palette lay on a nearby table.

"What's going on?" Ginny asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

"We're going to have our portrait painted together," Harry explained, taking Ginny's hand. "It's a special gift for our anniversary."

Ginny's face lit up with delight. "That's amazing, Harry!" she exclaimed.

The Twin Elves nodded in unison, their eyes twinkling with excitement. "We will make sure it is a masterpiece," Twinky said, while Dimpy nodded in agreement.

Harry and Ginny posed for the portrait, sitting together on a couch, holding hands, and smiling at each other. The painter began to work, capturing the love and happiness that radiated from the couple.

As they sat for the portrait, Harry leaned over and whispered in Ginny's ear, "I love you, Gin."

Ginny's face glowed with happiness. "I love you too, Harry," she replied, squeezing his hand.

As the portrait painting continued, the atmosphere in the room was filled with laughter and chatter. The Twin Elves worked their magic, capturing the essence of Harry and Ginny's love for each other.

After a while, the painter stepped back to admire his work. "It's finished," he announced, beaming with pride.

Harry and Ginny stood up to examine the portrait. They gasped in unison as they took in the breathtaking image before them. The portrait showed them sitting together, holding hands, and smiling at each other. Their love and happiness radiated from the canvas, and it seemed as though they would step out of the portrait at any moment.

"It's beautiful," Ginny whispered, her eyes shining with tears.

Harry nodded, his eyes filled with emotion. "It's perfect," he said, putting his arm around Ginny.

The Twin Elves bowed, their faces flushed with pleasure. "We're glad you like it," Twinky said, while Dimpy nodded in agreement.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley entered the room, beaming with pride. "It's lovely, isn't it?" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed.

Mr. Weasley nodded, his eyes twinkling. "It's a wonderful way to capture your love for each other," he said, smiling at Harry and Ginny.

The portrait, sensing their attention, came to life. The Harry and Ginny in the portrait smiled and waved at the real Harry and Ginny.

"Hello, Harry! Hello, Ginny!" the portrait Harry said, grinning.

"We're so happy to see you!" the portrait Ginny added, smiling sweetly.

Ginny giggled, delighted by the talking portrait. "This is amazing, Harry!" she said, turning to him with shining eyes.

Harry smiled, happy to see Ginny so happy. "I'm glad you like it, Gin," he said, taking her hand in his.

Next Chapter is  Hogwarts Again.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling my best work I know it. Thanks for reading. I think it's the last chance for you all to guess houses for our new Muskeeteers . § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 18: Hogwarts Again.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The rest of the summer passed smoothly for Harry. He spent his days at Fawcett Manor with his sister Daisy and cousin Dudley, enjoying the warm weather and each other's company. They would often have picnics in the garden, play games, and go on walks in the nearby woods.

Ron and Ginny spent their summer at the Burrow, helping their mother with the household chores and spending time together. Ron was excited to start his second year at Hogwarts, while Ginny was nervous but thrilled to begin her first year.

Draco and Scorpius spent their summer at Malfoy Manor, practicing their dueling skills and learning new spells. Draco was looking forward to his second year at Hogwarts, while Scorpius was eager to start his first year.

Hermione spent her summer at her home, reading books and studying, eager to stay ahead of her schoolwork. Neville spent his summer at his grandmother's home, helping her with her gardening and learning new spells.

Susan spent her summer at Bones Estate with her aunt Amelia Bones and Sirius. Luna spent her summer at her home, studying and learning new things.

Samantha spent her summer with her sister Pyre, learning new spells and who was busy with her work as a healer. Pyre's boyfriend Charlie Weasley would often visit, sharing stories about his work as a Dragon Reserve Manager.

As the summer drew to a close, the Muskeeteers began to make plans for their return to Hogwarts. They would often meet up at each other's homes, discussing their expectations for the upcoming year and sharing stories about their summer vacations.

There had been two gatherings of the Muskeeteers during the summer. The first one was on August 19th at Longbottom Manor, where they had spent the day playing games and having a picnic. The second one was on August 27th at Bones Estate, where they had spent the day learning new spells and practicing their dueling skills.

Now, with only two days left before the start of the new school year, the Muskeeteers were busy packing their trunks and saying their goodbyes to their families.

On August 30, Remus visited Fawcett Manor, bringing a warm smile and a twinkle in his eye. He was greeted at the door by Grandma Mrs. Tucker, who welcomed him with a hug.

"Remus, dear, it's so lovely to see you!" she exclaimed.

Remus chuckled and returned the hug. "It's wonderful to see you too, Mrs. Tucker. And I'm sure the children are excited to start their new year at Hogwarts."

Harry, Daisy, and Dudley were indeed excited, and they eagerly gathered around Remus in the living room. Remus had brought gifts for each of them - a new book on magical creatures for Harry, a set of sparkling fairy wings for Daisy, and a bag of his favorite treats for Dudley.

"Thank you, Uncle Moony!" Daisy exclaimed, hugging Remus tightly.

Remus smiled and ruffled her hair. "You're welcome, dear. I'm so proud of all of you. You're going to have an amazing year at Hogwarts."

As they chatted and laughed together, Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for the loving and supportive community that surrounded him. He knew that he was lucky to have such wonderful friends and family, and he was excited to see what the new year would bring.

It was August 31st now. Harry was in his room, surrounded by the familiar comforts of home. He sat on his bed, staring at a small box in front of him. Inside the box were four stick figures, each one carefully crafted to represent someone special in his life: Mum, Dad, Moony, and Padfoot.

Though he now had the real Moony and Padfoot in his life, Harry still treasured the stick figures. They held a special place in his heart.

That evening, Harry had a long chat with the stick figures, pouring out his thoughts and feelings to them. It felt like they were with him, listening and offering words of encouragement.

As he talked, Harry felt a sense of peace settle over him. It was as if his parents, James and Lily, were sitting with him, watching over him with pride.

"I'm going to miss you guys so much when I'm back at Hogwarts," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The room was quiet for a moment, and then Harry imagined his mother's voice saying, "We'll always be with you, Harry. You're growing up to be an amazing wizard, just like your father."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of pride and determination. He knew that he had a lot to live up to, but with the support of his friends and family, he felt like he could conquer anything.

Daisy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she carefully placed her favorite clothes and books into her trunk. She couldn't believe that she was actually going to Hogwarts, just like her big brother Harry.

"Me going to Hogwarts, me going to learn magic!" Daisy squealed to herself, twirling around her room.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Daisy, dear, are you almost packed?" It was Grandma Mrs. Tucker.

"Yes, Grandma! I just need to add a few more things," Daisy replied, opening the door to let her grandma in.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled and hugged Daisy. "I'm so proud of you, dear. You're going to make so many new friends at Hogwarts."

Daisy beamed with pride, feeling happy and content. She knew that she was loved and supported, and that she was exactly where she was meant to be.

Daisy gently stroked Roxy's soft feathers before closing the cage door. "Don't worry, Roxy. We'll be at Hogwarts soon, and you'll love it there. You can fly around and explore with the other owls."

Roxy hooted softly in response, and Daisy smiled. She felt a thrill of excitement mixed with a little nervousness. Tomorrow was a big day - her first day at Hogwarts.

As she turned to leave her room, Daisy caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her deep red hair was looking particularly vibrant, and her hazel eyes sparkled with anticipation. She grinned, feeling a sense of confidence wash over her.

"I'm ready for this," she said to herself, before heading downstairs to join her family for a special dinner.

As the first light of dawn crept into her room, Daisy threw off her covers and jumped out of bed. She felt a mix of excitement and nerves as she thought about the day ahead. She had heard so many amazing stories about Hogwarts from Harry, and she couldn't wait to experience it all for herself.

She began to get dressed, her hands shaking slightly with anticipation. She chose a simple white shirt and a flowy skirt, hoping to make a good impression.

As she finished getting ready, Daisy took a moment to look around her room. She would miss this place, but she was ready for the adventure that lay ahead.

"Which house will I be in?" Daisy wondered, pacing back and forth in her room. She had always hoped to be in Gryffindor, just like Harry, but she knew that the Sorting Hat's decision was final.

Just then, there was a knock at the door. "Daisy, dear, are you up? It's time for breakfast," Grandma Mrs. Tucker called out.

Daisy took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. "Yes, Grandma, I'm coming," she replied, opening the door and following Grandma Mrs. Tucker downstairs to the kitchen.

"Morning, sis!" Harry said, smiling warmly at Daisy. "Big day today, isn't it?"

Daisy nodded, feeling a mix of emotions. She was excited to start her journey at Hogwarts, but also a bit nervous about what lay ahead.

"Gran, what's for breakfast?" Harry asked, looking at the spread on the table.

"Your favorite, dear - pancakes, eggs, and bacon," Grandma Mrs. Tucker replied, smiling.

Dudley, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "I'm going to miss this, Gran. Your cooking is the best."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker chuckled. "You'll be back for holidays, dear. And who knows, maybe you'll even learn to cook a thing or two at Hogwarts."

The twin elves, Twinky and Dimpy, giggled at this, and Harry grinned. "Yeah, Dudley, you can be the next big chef."

Dudley playfully rolled his eyes, and the group fell into a comfortable silence as they enjoyed their breakfast.

As they rode in the taxi, Daisy couldn't help but bounce up and down with excitement. "I've heard so many amazing stories about Hogwarts, Harry. What's it really like?"

Harry grinned. "It's even better than the stories, sis. You'll love it there. And don't worry, I'll be there to show you around."

Dudley, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "Yeah, and I'll be there too, Daisy. We'll stick together, okay?"

Daisy smiled, feeling a sense of relief. "Thanks, Dudley. That means a lot to me."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker smiled warmly at the three of them. "I'm so proud of all of you. You're going to have an amazing year at Hogwarts."

The three of them were indeed ready, with their trunks packed and all pets in their respective cages or bags. Kluer, Harry's colour-changing cat, was peeking out of her special bag, while Roxy, Daisy's brown owl, and Fiona, Dudley's grey rabbit, were secure in their cages. Hedwig, Harry's snowy owl, and Poco, his little sparrow, were also ready to go.

As they approached King's Cross Station, Harry looked out the window. "We're almost there. Let's get out and find Platform 9 3/4."

They moved through the busy platforms, weaving past crowds of Muggles and wizards alike, and on their way, they found Susan with her aunt Amelia and Sirius, of course. Harry hugged his godfather tightly.

"Hey, Daisy, don't worry about the Sorting Ceremony," Susan said with a reassuring smile. "You'll be great, no matter which house you're in. Just be yourself."

Daisy nodded, looking a bit more at ease. "Thanks, Susan. I just don't want to disappoint anyone."

Sirius chuckled. "You won't disappoint anyone, Daisy. You're a brilliant young witch. And remember, the Sorting Hat takes into account what's in your heart, not just your abilities."

Harry grinned. "Yeah, and I'm sure you'll make plenty of new friends, no matter which house you're in."

Amelia smiled warmly at the group. "I'm so proud of all of you. You're going to have an amazing year at Hogwarts."

As they approached the brick wall between platforms 9 and 10, Harry said, "Okay, everyone! Let's get ready to board the Hogwarts Express!"

As they prepared to cross the barrier, Susan turned to her aunt Amelia and nodded. "I'm ready, Aunt Amelia."

Amelia smiled and took Susan's hand. Together, they walked straight at the brick wall between platforms 9 and 10. They disappeared into the wall, reappearing on the other side.

Next, Dudley looked at Sirius uncertainly. "Do I just...walk through it?"

Sirius grinned. "That's right, Dudley. Just walk straight through. I'll be right behind you."

Dudley took a deep breath, then walked through the barrier. Sirius followed close behind.

Harry turned to Daisy, who was looking a bit nervous. "Don't worry, sis. I've got you. Just stick with me."

Daisy nodded, and together they walked through the barrier. Grandma Mrs. Tucker followed them, a warm smile on her face.

As they emerged on the other side, Harry grinned at Daisy. "See, I told you it was easy! Now, let's find our trunks and get on the train."

Daisy smiled, looking relieved. "That was amazing! I felt like I was walking through a brick wall."

Meanwhile, Dobby was hiding behind a nearby stack of trunks, his large eyes fixed on Harry and his friends with a mixture of frustration and despair. He had been trying to come up with a plan to keep Harry Potter from returning to Hogwarts, convinced that the young wizard was in grave danger. But every time he thought he had a foolproof plan, something went wrong.

Dobby's ears drooped as he watched Harry and his friends laughing and chatting together. He had been so sure that he could stop Harry from getting on the train, but now it seemed like all his efforts had been for nothing.

With a disappointed sigh, Dobby slumped against the trunks, his eyes fixed on the ground. He would have to come up with a new plan, and fast, if he was going to keep Harry safe. But for now, he could only watch as Harry and his friends boarded the Hogwarts Express, feeling more helpless than ever.

As Harry, Daisy, Dudley, and Susan waited with Grandma Mrs. Tucker for their other friends to arrive, Sirius, along with Amelia, were levitating the luggage of Susan, Harry, Dudley, and Daisy to a compartment that Harry had found, which would accommodate all 12 Muskeeteers at least.

The luggage, adorned with colorful labels and stickers, floated gently through the air, guided by Sirius's skilled magic. Amelia watched with a warm smile, her eyes shining with pride as she saw the excited faces of the young friends.

As they finished loading the luggage, Hermione arrived with her parents. Harry, ever the polite boy, hurried over to greet them. "Mr. and Mrs. Granger! It's so great to see you again. I hope you had a wonderful summer."

Hermione's parents smiled warmly at Harry, exchanging pleasantries with him and Grandma Mrs. Tucker. Meanwhile, Sirius levitated Hermione's luggage to join the others.

Hermione herself hurried over to her friends. "Hey, guys! I'm so excited to be back at Hogwarts. I've missed it so much over the summer."

Daisy grinned at Hermione. "I'm a bit nervous, to be honest. What if I don't make any friends in my house?"

As Samantha arrived with her sister, Pyre, and their mother, Olivia, the platform grew even more lively. Samantha's eyes sparkled as she spotted Dudley, and she smiled shyly at him.

Dudley, on the other hand, looked like he had been struck by lightning. His face turned bright red, and he stumbled over his own feet. "H-hi, Samantha!" he stuttered.

Pyre chuckled good-naturedly and patted Dudley on the back. "Easy there, Dudley. No need to get flustered."

Harry grinned at Dudley's misfortune, but Grandma Mrs. Tucker just smiled warmly at Samantha and her family. "Welcome, dear! We're so glad you're here."

As the group chatted, Sirius continued to levitate luggage into the compartment, making sure everything was secure and in its place. The sound of laughter and chatter filled the air, mingling with the hiss of steam and the rumble of the Hogwarts Express.

As Luna arrived with her father, Xenophilius Lovegood, the group's attention was drawn to the eccentric pair. Luna's dreamy expression and her father's unconventional attire made them stand out in the crowd.

"Ah, wonderful to see you all!" Xenophilius exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with enthusiasm. "I've been studying the migratory patterns of Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, and I believe I've made some fascinating discoveries."

Luna smiled serenely, her silvery eyes shining with a far-off look. "Father's been working on a new article for The Quibbler," she explained, her voice soft and melodious.

Harry, ever the supportive friend, showed genuine interest in Xenophilius's research. "That sounds amazing, Mr. Lovegood! I'd love to hear more about it."

Xenophilius beamed with pride, launching into a detailed explanation of his findings. As he spoke, the group listened with varying degrees of fascination and bewilderment, but Harry's encouraging smile kept Xenophilius going.

As Neville arrived with his grandmother, Augusta, the group welcomed them with warm smiles. Augusta, a stout woman with a kind face, beamed with pride as she looked at Neville.

"Ah, Neville's all grown up now," she said, patting his shoulder. "I'm so proud of him."

Neville blushed slightly, but Harry smiled warmly at him. "We're all proud of you, Neville. You're one of our top Herbology experts."

Augusta smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Well, someone has to keep the family tradition going. Neville's parents would be proud of him too."

The group fell silent for a moment, respecting the mention of Neville's parents. Harry's eyes met Neville's, and he gave him a reassuring nod.

Just then, Sirius called out, "Ah, perfect timing! The rest of the luggage is all set. Now, where's the rest of our crew?"

As the Weasley family arrived, the platform erupted in a flurry of activity. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, beaming with pride, hugged their children and greeted Harry and his friends warmly.

"Ah, wonderful to see you all!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. "We've got all the essentials packed – treats, clothes, and of course, the latest Quidditch gear."

The Twins, Fred and George, grinned mischievously as they handed out sweets and jokes to their friends. Ron, looking a bit flustered, smiled at Hermione, who blushed in response.

Ginny, meanwhile, rushed over to Harry and threw her arms around him. "I've missed you so much!" she whispered, her eyes sparkling with happiness.

Harry smiled, hugging her back tightly. "I've missed you too, Gin. Can't wait to catch up on the train ride."

As the Malfoys arrived, the atmosphere on the platform shifted. Lucius's displeasure was palpable, his eyes scanning the group with disdain. Narcissa, however, smiled warmly, her eyes shining with a hint of apology.

"Ah, good morning," Narcissa said, her voice smooth as silk. "I trust everyone's summer was enjoyable."

Draco, standing beside his parents, looked a bit uncomfortable, his eyes darting between his friends and his father. Scorpius, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the tension, his eyes wide with excitement as he took in the scene.

Scorpius smiled brightly and waved at Harry. "Hi, Harry!"

The air was thick with tension as Sirius and Lucius locked eyes, their mutual dislike palpable. However, Narcissa quickly intervened, her voice smooth and diplomatic.

"Ah, Sirius, always a pleasure," Narcissa said, her eyes gleaming with a hint of warmth. "I trust you're doing well."

Sirius's expression softened slightly, but his eyes never left Lucius's face. "Narcissa, you're as gracious as ever," Sirius replied, his voice low and even.

Lucius, however, was not interested in making small talk. He snorted in disgust, his eyes scanning the group with disdain. "I fail to see why my sons insist on associating with...such company," Lucius sneered, his voice dripping with malice.

Draco and Scorpius exchanged uneasy glances, their faces flushing with embarrassment. The rest of the group, however, stood tall, their eyes flashing with defiance. None of them were happy with Lucius's condescending attitude.

As Lucius's gaze fell upon Hermione's parents, his expression twisted in disgust. "Muggles," he spat, his voice dripping with contempt.

Mr. Weasley's face turned red with anger. "How dare you!" he exclaimed, his fists clenched. "You've got no right to insult our friends!"

The atmosphere on the platform grew increasingly tense as the argument escalated. Narcissa attempted to intervene, but Lucius's anger only seemed to grow.

"You're associating with Muggles, Weasley?" Lucius sneered. "No wonder your family's always been considered...unrefined."

Sirius stepped forward, his eyes flashing with anger. "That's enough, Lucius," he growled.

The situation was on the brink of getting out of hand, with the rest of the group watching anxiously, wondering what would happen next.

The atmosphere on the platform had reached a boiling point. Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked on in confusion, unsure of what was happening. But before things could escalate further, Draco stepped forward, his voice low but firm.

"Father, stop," Draco said, his eyes locked on Lucius.

But Lucius was beyond reason. "What are you defending the little Mudblood now?" he spat, his voice dripping with venom.

The moment the word "Mudblood" left Lucius's lips, the platform erupted into chaos. Sirius's fists clenched, and he took a step forward, ready to punch Lucius. But just as suddenly, he stopped.

Draco had shouted, his voice ringing out across the platform. "Shut up!" he yelled, his eyes blazing with defiance as he glared at his father.

The platform fell silent, with all eyes on Draco and Lucius. The tension was palpable, and it seemed like anything could happen next.

Lucius's face turned beet red with rage. "Repeat that, boy?" he thundered. "Are you forgetting that you are talking to your father?"

Draco stood tall, his voice unwavering. "Then don't talk this way about my friends," he said, his eyes flashing with defiance.

Harry watched the scene unfold, his heart going out to Draco. He knew how hard it must be for him to stand up to his father like this. But Harry also knew that Draco was angry, and he couldn't let his father insult Hermione, never.

The air was thick with tension as Lucius took a step closer to Draco, his eyes blazing with fury. But before he could say anything, Narcissa intervened, her voice calm and soothing.

"Lucius, please," she said, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Let's not forget ourselves. We are at station, after all."

Lucius's smirk returned, and he sneered at Draco. "Did you forget your punishment a week ago, boy?" he asked, his voice dripping with malice.

Draco's face fell, and he visibly grimaced. Narcissa and Scorpius also looked pained, clearly uncomfortable with the direction the conversation was heading.

Lucius continued, his voice rising. "If you continue to behave like this, you will suffer the consequences."

Draco stood tall, his voice steady. "Then what?" he countered bravely.

Lucius's face turned red with rage, and he looked as if he would attack his own son. But before he could do anything, Sirius stepped forward and punched him.

The platform erupted into chaos once again, with people shouting and screaming. Draco chuckled bitterly, clearly relieved that someone had intervened.

Lucius stumbled backward, his eyes blazing with anger. He spat out venomously, "You're a disappointment, Draco. Just like Scorpius."

With that, Lucius turned and stormed off the platform, leaving the others to wonder what would happen next.

Narcissa's face fell, her eyes widening in shock as Lucius stormed off. "Lucius, wait!" she called after him, but he didn't turn back.

Scorpius looked like he was about to cry, his eyes welling up with tears. Draco immediately put a comforting arm around his brother's shoulders.

Draco's face was set in a determined expression. "Don't worry, Scorpius," he said quietly. "We'll be okay."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. He couldn't believe what Lucius had just said. "Draco, I'm so sorry," he said, his voice full of empathy.

Ron, Hermione, and Neville all nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their disgust at Lucius's behavior. Susan looked like she was about to cry, her eyes shining with tears.

Sirius, still fuming, turned to Narcissa. "You need to do something about him," he said, his voice low and urgent. "He's going to hurt someone one of these days."

Narcissa's face was pale, her eyes haunted. "I know," she whispered. "I'll try to talk to him, but...he's not listening to me anymore."

The group stood there in silence for a moment, the tension between them palpable. Then, slowly, they began to disperse, still talking quietly among themselves.

As the tension began to dissipate, Ron, always the jokester, changed the subject. "Hey, has anyone seen the new Quidditch broomsticks that just came out?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

The others laughed and began to chat about Quidditch, and soon the atmosphere in the compartment was lively and cheerful. Before long, it was almost time for the Hogwarts Express to depart.

The 12 Muskeeteers found themselves waving goodbye to their families as the train prepared to leave the station. Harry grinned at Ginny, who was beaming with excitement. "Can't wait for the year to start!" she exclaimed.

Draco rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "You're always so eager, Ginny," he teased.

Ginny playfully hit Draco on the arm. "Hey, someone has to balance out your cynicism!" she retorted.

The others laughed and continued to chat as the train slowly began to move, carrying them away from the platform and towards another year of adventure at Hogwarts.

The compartment was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter as the 12 Muskeeteers settled in for the long journey to Hogwarts. However, despite the lively atmosphere, Draco's eyes still held a hint of sadness. He tried to shake off the feeling, but the incident with Lucius still lingered in his mind.

"It hurts, doesn't it?" Harry asked softly, noticing Draco's expression.

Draco nodded, looking out the window. "I don't understand why he's always so...critical," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Susan put a comforting hand on Draco's arm. "I'm sure he doesn't mean to hurt you, Draco," she said gently.

Draco sighed. "It's just...things were always okay between us until last year. But Scorpius...he's always been a disappointment to him." He shook his head, a mixture of sadness and frustration on his face.

The others listened quietly, offering words of comfort and support. As they talked, the compartment grew quieter, the only sound the gentle rhythm of the train wheels on the tracks.

Draco's eyes clouded over, his voice laced with pain. "He's our dad, but sometimes I feel like he doesn't even care about us, especially Scorpius."

Scorpius looked down, his eyes welling up with tears. "I'm sorry, Draco," he whispered.

Draco immediately put a comforting arm around his brother's shoulders. "It's not your fault, Scorpius," he said softly. "Father just...he has a lot of expectations, and sometimes it feels like we can never measure up."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "That's not true, Draco," he said firmly. "You and Scorpius are amazing, and you deserve so much better than a father who doesn't appreciate you."

The others nodded in agreement, offering words of encouragement and support. As they talked, the compartment grew quieter, the only sound the gentle rhythm of the train wheels on the tracks.

Daisy's eyes welled up with tears as she thought about the Malfoy brothers' situation. She couldn't imagine how they must feel, having a father who was so cruel and unsupportive. She glanced over at Scorpius, who was sitting quietly, looking out the window. She thought of Harry, her brother, her everything. For her, Harry was her mum, her dad, her family. She couldn't believe how she would handle it if Harry did something like that to her.

"How could a father be so cruel?" she wondered, looking at Harry, who was watching her with concern.

Harry got up and sat down beside her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders. "It's not okay, what Lucius did," he said softly. "But we're here for Draco and Scorpius, and we'll support them no matter what."

Daisy nodded, feeling a bit better. She glanced over at Draco and Scorpius, who were both watching her with appreciation.

"How do you do it?" Daisy asked softly, turning to Draco. "How do you deal with him being so...mean?".

"How do you do it?" Daisy asked softly, turning to Draco. "How do you deal with him being so...mean?"

Draco's expression turned somber, and he hesitated before answering. "To be honest, it's not easy," he said quietly. "But we've learned to...cope, I suppose. We have each other, and that helps." He glanced over at Scorpius, who looked up and smiled weakly.

Daisy nodded, feeling a pang of sympathy for the Malfoy brothers. She couldn't imagine how hard it must be for them, dealing with a father like Lucius. She reached out and put a hand on Scorpius's arm. "We're here for you, both of you," she said softly. "You're not alone."

Susan's eyes lingered on Draco's profile, her mind whirling with thoughts. She couldn't explain why, but she felt a pang of sympathy for him. She had always known that his father, Lucius, was a difficult man, but seeing the pain in Draco's eyes had touched something within her.

As she gazed at Draco, Susan felt a flutter in her chest. She tried to brush it off as mere concern, but deep down, she knew it was something more. She just couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

"I'm so sorry, Draco," Susan said softly, reaching out to put a hand on his arm.

Draco turned to her, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Thanks, Susan," he said quietly, his voice filled with gratitude.

Susan smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. She didn't know what was happening, but she knew that her feelings for Draco were changing. And she wasn't quite sure what to make of it.

Neville's eyes sparkled with excitement as he shared his idea. "We can make this our own special compartment!" he exclaimed. "Just think about it, we can engrave our names on the seats and make it our own little Muskeeteer hideout."

The others looked at each other, intrigued by the idea. "That's brilliant, Neville!" Ron said, grinning. "We can call it the Muskeeteer Compartment!"

Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "And we can make it a tradition to sit here every time we take the train to Hogwarts."

Draco smiled, seeming to relax a bit more. "I like it," he said. "It'll be our own little sanctuary."

Susan's eyes shone with excitement. "We can even add our own special touches to make it feel more like home."

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friends. "I think it's a great idea," he said. "Let's do it!"

Neville's eyes sparkled with excitement as he shared his idea. "Since this is one of the few compartments that can accommodate all 12 of us, why don't we make it our permanent compartment?" he exclaimed. "You know, we can engrave our names below our seats. We can make it our very own Muskeeteer Compartment and sit here every time we board the train."

The others looked at each other, intrigued by the idea. "That's brilliant, Neville!" Ron said, grinning. "We can call it the Muskeeteer Compartment!"

Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "And we can make it a tradition to sit here every time we take the train to Hogwarts."

Draco smiled, seeming to relax a bit more. "I like it," he said. "It'll be our own little sanctuary."

Susan's eyes shone with excitement. "We can even add our own special touches to make it feel more like home."

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friends. "I think it's a great idea," he said. "Let's do it!"

Harry stepped back to admire his handiwork, a satisfied smile spreading across his face. "Done!" he exclaimed, holding up his pocket knife.

The others cheered and clapped, urging him on as they worked on their own engravings. Ron was struggling to get his name straight, while Hermione was carefully adding intricate flourishes to her letters.

Draco, meanwhile, was engraving his name with a flourish, his eyes gleaming with pride. Susan was working on her name, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Neville was carefully engraving his name, making sure the letters were perfectly aligned. "Almost there," he muttered to himself, his tongue poking out of the corner of his mouth.

As the Silver Musketeers worked on their engravings, the Golden Musketeers offered words of encouragement and advice. Ginny was helping Dudley with his engraving, while Luna was carefully crafting her name in elegant, cursive script.

Daisy, meanwhile, was adding a few extra touches to her engraving, her eyes sparkling with creativity. Scorpius was working on his name, his face set in determination.

Samantha was giggling as she tried to engrave her name, her hand slipping and sliding over the surface. Dudley, sitting beside her, was trying to help, his face flushing with excitement.

As they worked, the compartment was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter, the atmosphere warm and convivial. It was clear that the Muskeeteers were excited to make this compartment their own special haven.

As the others finished their engravings, Harry took out his pocket knife once again. He walked over to the compartment door and began to engrave a message.

"What's that, Harry?" Ron asked, curiosity getting the better of him.

"I'm just marking our territory," Harry replied with a grin. "This compartment belongs to us, after all."

As Harry finished engraving, the others gathered around to admire his handiwork. In elegant, cursive script, the words "The Double Musketeers" were etched into the door.

"Brilliant!" Draco exclaimed. "It's official now. This is our compartment."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "We should make sure to keep it tidy and welcoming. After all, it's our own little home away from home."

The others nodded in agreement, already feeling a sense of ownership and belonging. The compartment was theirs, and they were determined to make the most of it.

The twins, Fred and George, burst into the compartment, their faces flushed with excitement. "What's all the commotion about?" Fred asked, his eyes scanning the compartment.

"We've just claimed this compartment as our own," Harry said, gesturing to the engravings on the seats.

George's eyes widened as he took in the sight. "Blimey, you've made it official! The Double Musketeers have their own compartment!"

Susan's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You're the New Marauders, aren't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ron and Harry exchanged a mischievous glance. "Maybe," Ron said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Draco chuckled. "Let's just say we're continuing a legacy."

The twins grinned, clearly pleased with themselves. "We've been planning some new pranks," Fred said, "and we think it's time to bring in some fresh faces."

George nodded. "We've been talking, and we think the Silver Musketeers should join the New Marauders."

Harry's eyes lit up. "I think that's a brilliant idea!"

Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "The more, the merrier. And it'll be great to have some new perspectives on our pranks."

Neville grinned. "Besides, it'll be fun to have the whole group involved."

Draco smiled, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Let's do it, then. The New Marauders are about to get a whole lot bigger."

The twins whooped in excitement, and the others cheered in agreement. The New Marauders were expanding, and it was going to be epic.

The twins grinned, clearly pleased with themselves. "And now, with the 12 Muskeeteers on board, we've got a total of 14 members," Fred said, holding up his hands for emphasis.

George nodded. "The New Marauders are officially unstoppable!"

Harry pulled out two large pieces of parchment from his bag and unfolded them, revealing the Marauders Maps. The Golden Musketeers, who had heard stories about the original map, gathered around, fascinated.

"Blimey, Harry! You've made a new one!" Ron exclaimed, his eyes scanning the newer, larger map. "It's massive! How did you fit everything on here?"

Draco whistled. "This is incredible. You've added so many new passages and secrets. I see you've included the hidden stairs in the East Wing and the secret door in the library."

Hermione's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "How did you manage to create a new map, Harry? It must have taken you ages."

Neville nodded, equally impressed. "And it's even bigger than the original! I see you've included the greenhouses and the Quidditch pitch."

The twins, Fred and George, grinned at each other. "We knew Harry was working on something special, but this is amazing! Can we see some of the new passages?"

The Silver Musketeers, however, looked confused. Samantha frowned. "What's so special about these maps?"

Harry smiled. "These maps reveal every secret passage, hidden room, and shortcut within Hogwarts. Moony and Padfoot helped me create the new one over the summer."

Luna's eyes widened. "That's incredible! Can we see more?"

Harry nodded, happy to share his creation. "Of course. Let me show you some of the new features. This symbol here indicates a hidden door, and this one shows a secret passage."

Susan leaned in, her eyes scanning the map. "Wow, this is so detailed. You've even included the location of the Fat Friar's portrait."

Scorpius looked impressed. "I had no idea Hogwarts had so many secrets."

Daisy's eyes sparkled. "Can we explore some of these passages? Please?"

Harry grinned. "Of course, we can. But we have to be careful. We don't want to get caught by the teachers."

The group nodded in agreement, already planning their next adventure.

The 12 Muskeeteers settled in for a fun game of Exploding Snap, laughing and joking as they shuffled the cards. Harry dealt the cards, and they began to play, the tension building as they waited for the exploding snap.

"I'm going to win this time!" Ron exclaimed, his eyes fixed intently on the cards.

"Oh no, you're not!" Hermione retorted, her brow furrowed in concentration.

Ginny giggled. "I think I've got this one."

Just then, the snap exploded, and cards went flying everywhere. The group erupted into laughter.

"Ha! I won!" Hermione exclaimed, holding up the winning card.

The others congratulated her, and they began to play another round. As they played, they chatted and joked, enjoying each other's company.

Daisy and Scorpius started a side conversation about their favorite magical creatures. "I love Thestrals," Daisy said. "They're so majestic."

Scorpius nodded. "I know, right? I've always wanted to see one up close."

Luna, who was sitting nearby, smiled dreamily. "I've seen them, you know. They're even more beautiful than you can imagine."

The others listened, fascinated, as Luna described her encounter with the Thestrals.

As the game continued, the atmosphere remained lively and fun, the 12 Muskeeteers enjoying each other's company.

The discussion turned to an old argument among the Golden Musketeers: which houses the new Silver Musketeers would get sorted into. Ginny, Luna, Dudley, Scorpius, Daisy, and Samantha were the six Silver Musketeers in question.

"I think Ginny will be a Gryffindor," Ron said confidently. "She's brave and daring, just like Harry."

"I don't know," Hermione countered. "Ginny's also very clever and resourceful. I think she might be a Ravenclaw."

Draco snorted. "Ginny's definitely a Gryffindor. She's got too much of the Weasley spirit in her."

Susan smiled. "I think Luna might be a Ravenclaw. She's always talking about those strange creatures she sees."

Neville nodded. "And Dudley might be a Hufflepuff. He's very loyal to Harry, and he's been trying really hard to learn magic."

Harry grinned. "I think Scorpius might be a Slytherin. He's got a bit of a cunning streak in him."

Hermione thought for a moment. "Daisy might be a Gryffindor too. She's very brave and determined, just like Harry."

Ron chuckled. "And Samantha might be a Hufflepuff. She's always looking out for others and trying to help."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "I think Samantha might be a Slytherin. She's got a bit of a clever streak in her."

The others continued to debate and speculate, each one convinced that their predictions were correct.

As the rain pattered against the compartment windows, the atmosphere inside grew cozy and relaxed. Luna's dreamy voice continued to weave a spell around Harry and Ginny as she described the creature.

"It has the body of a deer, but its antlers shine like diamonds in the moonlight," Luna said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Ginny's eyes widened. "That sounds beautiful, Luna."

Harry smiled. "I think I've heard of something like that before. Maybe it's a magical creature that only appears under the full moon."

Meanwhile, Daisy, Susan, and Samantha slept peacefully, their gentle snores and soft breathing a soothing background noise. Daisy's hair, which had been a deep red earlier, had changed to a soft pink, reflecting her calm and serene state. Susan's black eyes flickered slightly as she dreamed, while Samantha's brown hair spilled across the seat, framing her peaceful face.

Draco groaned in frustration as Ron made another clever move on the chessboard. "You're going to win again, aren't you?"

Ron grinned. "Looks like it, mate."

Scorpius and Dudley were completely absorbed in their game of rock-paper-scissors, their faces tense with concentration.

"I'm going to beat you this time, Dudley!" Scorpius exclaimed.

Dudley chuckled. "We'll see about that, Scorpius."

As the game continued, Hermione and Neville struggled to keep their eyes open, finally succumbing to sleep as the gentle rocking of the train and the sound of the rain outside lulled them into a peaceful slumber. Hermione's bushy brown hair spilled across her face, while Neville's round face relaxed into a soft, peaceful expression.

As Ginny fell asleep, her head on Harry's shoulder, he gently wrapped his arm around her, holding her close. Draco and Ron started another game of chess, their faces intent on winning. Dudley and Scorpius continued their rock-paper-scissors match, their laughter and shouts filling the compartment.

Luna's dreamy voice continued to weave a spell around Harry as she talked about Nargles. "I'm sure they're real, Harry. I've seen them flitting around the edges of the forest."

Harry smiled and nodded, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "I'm sure you have, Luna."

As Luna spoke, all of the pets in the compartment gathered around Harry, as if drawn by an unseen force. Hedwig, Poco, and Kluer were joined by Ron's Pigwidgeon, Hermione's Crookshanks, Neville's Trevor, Draco's Taurus, Daisy's Roxy, and Dudley's Fiona. The animals chattered and whispered to Harry, who listened intently, understanding their every word.

Luna watched, her silvery eyes shining with a hint of jealousy. She had always been fascinated by Harry's ability to communicate with animals, and for a moment, she wished she could do the same. But she knew it was impossible – Harry's gift was unique, and she could only admire it from afar.

The compartment door slid open, and the trolley lady's cheerful voice filled the air. "Treats, anyone? Cauldron Cakes, Pumpkin Pasties, Chocolate Frogs?"

The asleep ones stirred, rubbing their eyes. Ginny yawned, stretching her arms. "What's going on?"

Harry smiled. "The trolley lady's here. Who wants treats?"

Draco, Neville, and Susan joined Harry in buying treats for the group. They pooled their money together, making sure everyone got an equal share.

"I'll have a Cauldron Cake, please," Luna said, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Me too," Ginny chimed in.

Ron grinned. "I'll take a Pumpkin Pastie."

Hermione opted for a Chocolate Frog, while Neville chose a treacle fudge. Susan, Draco, and Scorpius went for the Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans.

Samantha smiled. "Can I have a Chocolate Frog too?"

Dudley's eyes lit up. "And I'll take a Cauldron Cake!"

Daisy clapped her hands. "Ooh, I want a Pumpkin Pastie!"

As they enjoyed their treats, the compartment filled with the sweet scent of Cauldron Cakes and the sound of happy chatter.

As the conductor's announcement echoed through the corridors, the girls quickly gathered their Hogwarts robes and headed to the bathrooms to change. Ginny, Luna, Daisy, Susan, Hermione, and Samantha chattered excitedly as they disappeared into the bathrooms.

Meanwhile, the boys remained in the compartment, changing into their robes. Harry, Ron, Neville, Draco, Dudley, and Scorpius joked and laughed as they helped each other with their ties and cuffs.

"I'm so excited to get to Hogwarts," Ron said, his eyes shining with anticipation.

"Me too," Harry replied, grinning. "I've got a feeling this is going to be an amazing year."

Draco smirked. "I'm only excited about the Quidditch matches."

Neville chuckled. "You're going to have some tough competition this year, Draco."

As the boys finished changing, they sat back down, looking smart in their Hogwarts robes. They waited patiently for the girls to return, eager to arrive at Hogsmeade station and start their new year at Hogwarts.

Draco leaned in, a conspiratorial look on his face. "I've been thinking of trying out as a Seeker for Slytherin this year," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "That's great, Draco! You'd make an excellent Seeker."

Draco's expression turned skeptical. "I don't know, Harry. I'm worried that people will call me a cheater just because of...you know, the rest of the Slytherin team."

Ron frowned. "Don't be ridiculous, Draco. You're a brilliant flyer. If anyone can make it onto the team fair and square, it's you."

Neville nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Draco, you'd be amazing. We'll all come and cheer you on."

Draco smiled wryly. "Thanks, guys. I'll definitely think about trying out."

The compartment door slid open, and the six girls returned, looking elegant in their Hogwarts robes. Ginny's face glowed with a soft smile as she caught Harry's eye.

"You look absolutely pretty, Ginny," Harry said, his eyes shining with admiration.

Ginny's cheeks flushed pink as she smiled. "Thanks, Harry."

Being a good brother, Harry also turned to Daisy and said, "And you look lovely too, Daisy. Your robes suit you perfectly."

Daisy beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thanks, Harry!"

Hermione and Susan exchanged amused glances, their eyes sparkling with teasing intent. "So, we don't look pretty, eh?" they asked in unison, their voices dripping with playful accusation.

Harry gulped, realizing his mistake. He felt his face grow warm as he hastily added, "No, I mean, yes, you both look pretty too!" He smiled weakly, hoping to deflect any further teasing. And he repeated same to Luna and Samantha too.

Luna and Samantha smiled, pleased with the compliment. Luna's dreamy eyes sparkled, while Samantha's brown eyes shone with warmth.

Ginny, however, raised an eyebrow, her chocolate brown eyes glinting with amusement. "So, you think they're pretty?" she asked, her tone playful yet slightly teasing. She leaned in, her red hair falling in loose waves around her face.

Harry gulped again, not wanting to get into trouble with his girlfriend. He felt a surge of panic as he tried to think of a way to extricate himself from the situation. But to his relief, all the girls burst out laughing.

The compartment was filled with the sound of their giggles and snorts. Hermione wiped tears from her eyes, while Susan grinned mischievously. Luna and Samantha chuckled, their eyes shining with mirth.

Draco chuckled, his grey eyes glinting with amusement. "That's why Harry should've just been honest and not tried to be so polite," he said, shaking his head. "Now look at him, all flustered!"

However, Draco's smirk was short-lived. The girls turned to him, their eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, Draco, do you think we're not pretty, then?" they asked, their voices dripping with amusement.

Draco's face flushed, and he gulped, realizing he had walked into a trap. His pale skin grew pink as he stuttered, "I-I mean, of course, you're all pretty..."

As Draco struggled to extricate himself from the situation, the other boys in the compartment couldn't help but burst out laughing. Ron's eyes watered as he held his sides, while Neville chuckled, his round face creasing with mirth. Dudley, looking a bit flustered, laughed nervously, his eyes darting towards Samantha, who was grinning at him. Scorpius, sitting next to Draco, chuckled, his blue eyes sparkling with amusement.

However, their amusement was short-lived. The girls, still grinning mischievously, turned their attention to the other boys.

"So, Ron, do you think we're pretty?" Hermione asked, her bushy brown hair bobbing as she nodded.

Ron's grin faltered as he stuttered, "I-I mean, of course, you're..."

But before he could finish, Susan jumped in, her black eyes sparkling. "And what about you, Neville? Do you think we're pretty?"

Neville's face grew hot as he spluttered, "I-I think you're all...uh...lovely..."

Luna, sitting next to Ginny, smiled dreamily. "I think we're all beautiful, inside and out," she said, her silvery eyes shining.

Daisy, who was sitting next to Harry, giggled. "I think we're all pretty, but Harry's the most handsome," she said, making Harry blush.

Samantha playfully rolled her eyes. "Oh, please, Daisy. You're biased because Harry's your brother."

Scorpius chuckled. "I think my brother's pretty cool, but I don't think he's handsome," he said, making Draco laugh.

Draco, still grinning, shook his head. "You're all impossible," he said, chuckling.

The girls giggled, clearly enjoying the boys' discomfort. Even Ginny was laughing, her eyes shining with amusement as she leaned against Harry.

Harry, however, just smiled wryly, shaking his head. "I think I'll just stay out of this one," he said, chuckling.

As they gazed out the window, the night sky twinkled like diamonds against the dark canvas. The compartment was filled with the sound of chatter and laughter when the conductor's voice boomed through the speakers.

"We will be arriving at Hogsmeade Station in approximately five minutes. Please gather your belongings and prepare to disembark."

The compartment erupted into chaos as the 2nd years started shouting instructions to the 1st years.

"Don't worry about your luggage! Just leave it here, the house-elves will take care of it!" Ron exclaimed.

"Yeah, and the same goes for your pets!" Hermione added. "They'll be taken to the castle and settled into their new homes."

Daisy's eyes grew wide with nervousness as Susan explained, "First years will be taking the boats to the castle, while the rest of us will be going by carriage."

Daisy's voice trembled slightly. "B-boats? I've never been on a boat before..."

Ginny, noticing her friend's distress, placed a reassuring hand on Daisy's shoulder. "Don't worry, Daisy. We'll all be together. It'll be fun, I promise!"

Next Chapter is Sorting of Silver.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.I think this chapter was better that last one right. As you can guess in next chapter we will have the sorting. How do you like Lucius Sirius encounter ? Well I guess my reason to give them name Muskeeteers is only so that I can mention them together all at once whenever needed so well , I am a bit lazy. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 19: Sorting of the Silver

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The train's wheels screeched to a halt, and the compartment doors swung open. The 12 Muskeeteers, along with their fellow students, poured out of the train and onto the platform of Hogsmeade Station. The cloudy night sky of September 1st enveloped them, casting a mystical gloom over the scene.

As they made their way through the crowds, the Golden Muskeeteers caught the familiar voice of Hagrid booming across the platform. "Firs' years, this way!" he called, his accent warm and welcoming.

Some of the Silver Muskeeteers, who had met Hagrid before, smiled at the sound of his voice. Ginny, Luna, Daisy, and Dudley exchanged excited glances, while Scorpius and Samantha stared at Hagrid's giant form, their eyes wide with wonder.

Harry, however, didn't hesitate. He rushed forward, a huge grin spreading across his face, and threw his arms around Hagrid's waist. "Hagrid!" he exclaimed, hugging his first-ever human friend tightly.

Hagrid chuckled, his eyes twinkling with warmth, and ruffled Harry's hair. "Ah, 'arry! Good ter see yeh, lad!"

Harry gently reminded Hagrid, "Easy, Hagrid! Loosen up a bit!" He smiled, knowing that Hagrid often forgot his enormous size and strength.

The other Golden Muskeeteers, except Susan, who had joined the group at the end of the previous year, also gathered around Hagrid, eager to greet their friend. Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco all exchanged warm hugs with Hagrid.

Meanwhile, Ginny, Luna, and Daisy approached Hagrid, their faces lit up with excitement. Ginny waved enthusiastically, while Luna smiled dreamily. Daisy looked up at Hagrid with wide eyes, clearly in awe of his massive frame.

Dudley, noticing that Samantha and Scorpius were still standing back, looking a bit intimidated by Hagrid's imposing figure, took it upon himself to escort them over to the group. "Hey, it's okay," Dudley reassured them. "Hagrid's a gentle man. He won't hurt us."

As they approached, Hagrid's face broke into a warm smile. "Ah, 'ello there, youngsters! Welcome ter Hogwarts!"

The Golden Muskeeteers, being second years, wouldn't be experiencing the traditional boat ride to Hogwarts. They bid farewell to Hagrid and made their way to the horseless carriages, eager to take their seats.

"See you all at the feast!" Ron called out, waving at the Silver Muskeeteers.

"Have fun on the boat ride!" Hermione added, smiling.

Meanwhile, Hagrid turned his attention to the Silver Muskeeteers and the other first years. "Alright, youngsters! Follow me! Four to a boat, please!" he shouted, his voice carrying across the platform.

The Silver Muskeeteers exchanged excited glances. Ginny grinned at Luna, who was looking dreamy as usual. Daisy, looking a bit nervous but thrilled, stayed close to Ginny. Dudley, Scorpius, and Samantha fell into step behind Hagrid, looking a bit awestruck by the giant gamekeeper.

As they made their way to the boats, the sound of lapping water and chirping creatures filled the air. The Silver Muskeeteers couldn't wait to experience their first Hogwarts boat ride.

As the Silver Muskeeteers boarded the boats, Ginny noticed that their boat was full. "Looks like you two will have to get into another boat!" she exclaimed, grinning at Dudley and Samantha.

Dudley's face turned bright red as he glanced at Samantha. "Oh, okay," he muttered, trying to play it cool.

Dudley and Samantha joined Collin Creevy and Astoria Greengrass in another boat. As they pushed off from the shore, Dudley couldn't help but steal glances at Samantha, who was chatting animatedly with Collin.

Meanwhile, the six Golden Muskeeteers were enjoying their ride to Hogwarts in the horseless carriages. Ron was regaling the group with stories of his summer holidays, while Hermione listened intently, taking mental notes.

Draco and Susan were engaged in a heated debate about the latest Quidditch match, with Neville chuckling good-naturedly at their banter. Harry smiled to himself, happy to see his friends getting along so well.

As the carriages glided smoothly towards Hogwarts, the Golden Muskeeteers chatted excitedly about the new school year, eager to see what adventures lay ahead.

Harry thought about the Silver Muskeeteers, wondering how they were faring on their boat ride in the rain. He hoped they were all right, but his concern was fleeting as he was distracted by the commotion around him.

As the Golden Muskeeteers entered the castle, they were immediately greeted by the mischievous Peeves, who was throwing water balloons at the students. Draco, being his usual elegant self, tried to dodge the balloons, but unfortunately, one of them hit him right on the chest.

"Ah, blast it all!" Draco exclaimed, as water dripped from his robes.

The others burst out laughing at Draco's misfortune. "Well, at least you're already wet, so the rain won't bother you," Ron chuckled.

Hermione playfully rolled her eyes. "You're not exactly the most dignified, Draco."

Draco shot her a wry glance, but couldn't help smiling. "I suppose I'll just have to endure the indignity."

Professor McGonagall, or Gran Minnie as Harry affectionately called her, strode into the entrance hall, her eyes twinkling with authority. "That's enough, Peeves!" she commanded, her voice firm but amused.

Peeves, still chuckling to himself, vanished into thin air, leaving behind a trail of water balloons. McGonagall turned to the students, her expression stern but kind. "First years will be arriving shortly. I need to go meet them at the boathouse. Please, all students, make your way to the Great Hall."

The students began to murmur and move towards the Great Hall. McGonagall's eyes scanned the crowd, her gaze lingering on the Golden Muskeeteers. "And do try to behave yourselves," she added, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. The new school year was about to begin, and he couldn't wait to see what adventures lay ahead.

As they walked towards the Great Hall, the Golden Muskeeteers encountered more students joining the stream of bodies flowing towards the entrance. Susan's eyes lit up as she spotted Hannah Abbott, her friend from Hufflepuff. "Hannah!" Susan exclaimed, rushing over to give her a warm hug.

Harry, meanwhile, caught sight of Cedric Diggory, a fellow student from Hufflepuff, and Rolf Scamander, a Ravenclaw student. "Hey, Cedric! Rolf!" Harry called out, grinning. The three of them exchanged friendly greetings, chatting briefly about their summer holidays.

Draco, however, was not as fortunate. As he turned a corner, he came face to face with Crabbe, a Slytherin student who was still loyal to the old ways. Draco's eyes narrowed as he noticed Goyle hovering in the background, a scowl on his face. It seemed that Goyle was still opposed to Draco's efforts to unite the houses.

Ron and Neville, meanwhile, had run into Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan, two Gryffindor students. "Hey, guys!" Ron exclaimed, clapping Dean on the back. "How was your summer?"

Hermione, who had been walking alongside them, paused to chat with Parvati Patil, a Gryffindor student. "Parvati, I've been meaning to ask you," Hermione said, "have you heard anything about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher?"

As the second-year students gathered at the entrance of the Great Hall, the Golden Muskeeteers were surrounded by their friends. Parvati Patil and Lavender Brown chatted with Hermione, while Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan joked with Ron. Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott, and Justin Finch-Fletchley joined the group, followed by Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis, Sophie Roper, Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner, Lisa Turpin, Sue Li, Padma Patil, Terry Boot, Ernie Macmillan, and Lily Moon.

The only notable absentees from their year were Pansy Parkinson, Goyle, Millicent Bulstrode, and Theodore Nott, who had refused to join the rest of their year in promoting house unity. Crabbe, who had initially been part of the group, excused himself, casting a nervous glance at Draco.

The rest of the students mingled together, laughing and chatting. As they stood at the gate, they all let out a collective sigh. "I wish we could sit together like we usually do," Parvati said wistfully.

"I know," Hermione replied, "but it's a feast day, so we have to sit at our house tables."

Ron grinned mischievously. "Doesn't mean we can't have some fun, though."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure what you're planning, Weasley, but I'm sure it'll be... interesting."

The Great Hall was filled with the chatter of students as they took their seats at their respective house tables. The Golden Muskeeteers, however, were split up, with Draco sitting at the Slytherin table and Susan at the Hufflepuff table with Hannah.

Draco, resplendent in his Slytherin robes, smiled wryly as he caught Harry's eye. "I'll join you soon," he mouthed, before turning to chat with his Slytherin friends.

Meanwhile, Susan was deep in conversation with Hannah at the Hufflepuff table. "I'm so excited for the feast," Hannah said, her eyes shining. "I've heard the pumpkin juice is amazing."

Susan grinned. "I've had it before, it's really good. But I'm more excited to see what the first years are like."

At the Gryffindor table, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville were chatting animatedly. "I heard the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is really good," Parvati said, his eyes wide with excitement.

Hermione nodded. "I've heard that too. I'm really looking forward to the class."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. It was going to be a great year.

At the Slytherin table, the atmosphere was tense, as it usually was. The only ones who seemed to be embracing the house unity were the second years, with the notable exceptions of Pansy, Goyle, Millicent, and Theodore. The third years and above looked on with a mixture of disdain and disbelief.

Marcus Flint, a Slytherin student in his sixth year, sneered at the second years. "Look at them, trying to be friends with the other houses. It's pathetic," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Draco, who was sitting nearby, ignored Flint's comment. He hoped that this year, the new first years would follow in their footsteps and neglect the old rivalries. He glanced over at the Gryffindor table, where Harry, Ron, and Hermione were laughing together. Draco smiled to himself, feeling grateful for his unlikely friendships.

Harry's gaze swept across the staff table, taking in the familiar faces of the professors. He spotted Professor Sprout, the Herbology teacher, chatting with Professor Flitwick, the Charms master. Professor Snape, the Potions master, sat with his usual scowl, while Professor Sinistra, the Astronomy teacher, sipped a cup of tea. Even the ghostly Professor Binns was present, looking as transparent as ever. At the center of the table, Professor Dumbledore beamed warmly, his eyes twinkling with welcome.

Harry's gaze lingered on the empty seat beside Dumbledore, where Professor McGonagall normally sat. He assumed she must be receiving the first years, including the six Silver Musketeers.

Then, his eyes landed on Gilderoy Lockhart, who was flashing his famous smile at the staff table. Harry's expression turned skeptical, recalling the unpleasant encounter at Diagon Alley. Lockhart had attempted to exploit Harry's and Daisy's presence to boost his own fame, leaving a lasting impression on Daisy, who still felt intimidated by the memory.

Ron's stomach growled audibly, breaking Harry's reverie. "Blimey, when are the first years going to arrive already? I'm starving!" Ron complained, his eyes fixed on the staff table, where the feast was presumably waiting to begin.

Hermione playfully rolled her eyes. "Patience, Ron. The first years will be here soon. And I'm sure the feast will be worth the wait."

Neville, sitting beside Harry, leaned in and whispered, "I hope the Silver Musketeers are doing okay. It's their first time on the Hogwarts and everything."

Harry smiled reassuringly. "They'll be fine, Nev. Ginny's got everything under control, I'm sure."

Just then, the doors to the Great Hall swung open, and Professor McGonagall led the first-year students into the hall. Harry's eyes scanned the group, searching for the Silver Musketeers.

As the first-year students filed into the Great Hall, Harry's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces. His heart swelled with excitement as he spotted Ginny, her bright red hair standing out amidst the sea of new students. She caught his eye and smiled, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling with excitement.

Next, Harry spotted Daisy, her deep red hair gleaming in the candlelight. She waved enthusiastically at Harry, her hazel eyes shining with joy. Dudley, who was standing beside her, grinned at Harry, looking a bit more at ease than he had expected.

Harry's gaze continued to sweep the crowd, taking in Luna's dreamy expression, Scorpius's brave smile, and Samantha's confident stride. The Silver Musketeers were all accounted for, and they looked like they were ready to take on Hogwarts.

"I'm so relieved they're all here safely," Hermione said, her brow furrowed with concern.

"Me too," Ron agreed, his eyes fixed on the first-year students. "Now, let's get this feast started! I'm starving!"

Professor McGonagall's voice echoed through the Great Hall, calling for silence. The first-year students looked at each other nervously, their eyes wide with excitement and a hint of fear. McGonagall explained the sorting ceremony, her voice clear and authoritative.

"The Sorting Hat will be placed on your head, and it will determine which of the four houses you will be sorted into," she said. "The houses are Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff. Each house has its own unique qualities and traditions."

Harry watched as McGonagall brought out the Sorting Hat, an old and worn-out hat that looked like it had been around for centuries. He remembered his own sorting ceremony, and his conversation with the Hat, whose name was Edward.

"Ah, Harry Potter," Edward had said. "You're a tricky one, aren't you? I can see that you have qualities that would make you a good fit for all four houses."

Harry had been the longest Hatstall ever, as Edward had weighed his options carefully before finally sorting him into Gryffindor.

The first-year students looked at the Sorting Hat with a mix of fascination and trepidation. Who would be the first to be sorted?

The Sorting Hat, Edward, began to sing its song, and the Great Hall fell silent. The first-year students looked at each other nervously, while the older students smiled, remembering their own sorting ceremonies.

"In days of old, when magic was new

The founders gathered, brave and true

They created Hogwarts, a school of might

Where young wizards learn, day and night

The brave and daring, the clever and wise

The loyal and fair, with hearts full of pride

The houses of Hogwarts, four in all

Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, and Hufflepuff's call

The Sorting Hat's decision, is final and fair

It sees the heart, and knows what's there

So come forth, first years, and take your place

The Sorting Hat will sort you, with a smile on its face"

As the song ended, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville exchanged surprised glances.

"Blimey, that's different from our song!" Ron exclaimed.

"I know, right?" Harry agreed. "I wonder why it changes."

Percy, who was sitting at the staff table, stood up and explained, "The Sorting Hat changes its song every year, it's a tradition. It reflects the current state of the wizarding world and the students who are being sorted."

Hermione nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. I wonder what this year's song means."

Neville grinned. "I think it means we're in for an exciting year!"

Professor McGonagall's voice rang out across the Great Hall, "The first student to be sorted will be... Nigel Brotch!"

Nigel, a boy with a nervous expression, made his way to the sorting stool. The Golden Musketeers, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan, applauded enthusiastically, setting an example for the rest of the students.

The Sorting Hat, Edward, was placed on Nigel's head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and applause as Nigel made his way to join his new classmates. The Golden Musketeers continued to applaud, smiling at each other in approval.

Harry glanced over at the Silver Musketeers, who were watching with wide eyes. Ginny, Luna, Dudley, Scorpius, Daisy, and Samantha all looked a bit awestruck by the whole experience.

Ron leaned over to Harry and whispered, "I'm glad we decided to applaud for every house. It's going to be a great year!"

Harry grinned, nodding in agreement. "Definitely. Now, let's see who's next!"

Next, Professor McGonagall called out, "Collin Creevy!"

Collin, a boy with a wide smile, made his way to the sorting stool. The Sorting Hat, Edward, was placed on his head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and applause as Collin made his way to join his new classmates. Collin reached the Gryffindor table, beaming with excitement. He was particularly thrilled to meet Harry Potter, and his eyes widened as he spotted him.

"Harry Potter! I'm such a huge fan! I've read all about you!" he exclaimed, his voice full of admiration.

Harry's face turned bright red as he smiled sheepishly. "Thanks, Collin. It's nice to meet you," he said, trying to play it cool.

Ron, Hermione, and Neville chuckled at Harry's embarrassment. "Looks like you've got a fan club, Harry," Ron teased.

Hermione playfully rolled her eyes. "I'm sure it's just the beginning."

Next came a girl, Elorra Dunn. She walked confidently to the sorting stool, her eyes shining with excitement. The Sorting Hat, Edward, was placed on her head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin table applauded politely as Elorra made her way to join her new classmates. Draco, sitting at the Slytherin table, smiled and nodded in approval.

Next came Dudley Dursley. So he would be the first to get sorted among the Silver Musketeers. Whispers started in the Great Hall as they clearly remembered the surname Dursley, the ones who abused Harry and now were in Azkaban. Many whispered he was Harry Potter's cousin. Dudley looked embarrassed and scared, but Harry gave him a thumbs up along with other Golden and Silver Musketeers.

The whispers and murmurs in the Great Hall grew louder as Dudley Dursley made his way to the sorting stool. Many students couldn't help but stare, recognizing the surname Dursley and remembering the stories of how Harry Potter's Muggle relatives had treated him poorly.

Dudley's face turned bright red as he tried to ignore the whispers. He looked scared and embarrassed, but then his eyes met Harry's. Harry, sitting at the Gryffindor table, gave him a reassuring thumbs up and a smile. The other Golden and Silver Musketeers followed Harry's lead, offering Dudley supportive smiles and nods.

Professor McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on Dudley's head. The Hat took a moment to consider before shouting, "HUFFLEPUFF!"

As Dudley made his way to the Hufflepuff table, whispers grew louder, with some students pointing and staring. However, when they saw Harry give Dudley a thumbs up and a reassuring smile, the whispers began to die down.

Susan, already seated at the Hufflepuff table, smiled warmly at Dudley as he approached. "Hey, welcome to Hufflepuff!" she said, making room for him beside her.

Dudley's confidence grew as he took his seat, smiling back at Susan. He glanced over at Harry, who gave him another encouraging nod. The rest of the Golden and Silver Musketeers also offered him supportive smiles.

Dudley looked relieved and happy to have found his place among the Hufflepuffs. He chatted quietly with Susan, getting to know his new classmates. The Great Hall was filled with the sound of chatter and clinking silverware as the feast began.

Harry thought to himself, "At least Susan is there at Hufflepuff to guide Dudley. Maybe I can even ask Cedric to keep an eye on him." He felt a sense of relief knowing that Dudley had Susan and potentially Cedric to help him navigate his first year.

Meanwhile, the sorting ceremony continued. Professor McGonagall called out the next name, "Felix Gibbered!"

Felix, a nervous-looking boy, made his way to the sorting stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw table erupted in applause as Felix made his way to join his new classmates. Harry watched with a smile, happy to see the new students finding their places at Hogwarts.

Astoria Greengrass walked confidently to the sorting stool, her eyes shining with excitement. Harry watched with interest, realizing that she must be Daphne's sister. Daphne was a good friend of theirs, and Harry was curious to see how her sister would fare.

The Sorting Hat was placed on Astoria's head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" The Slytherin table applauded politely as Astoria made her way to join her new classmates.

Next, Professor McGonagall called out, "Miles Hugo!" A boy with a nervous expression made his way to the sorting stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table erupted in applause as Miles made his way to join his new classmates.

Samantha Jones, Pyre's younger sister, walked confidently to the sorting stool. The Golden Musketeers, seated at their respective tables, applauded warmly to show their support. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan all grinned at her, eager to see which house she would join.

The Sorting Hat was placed on Samantha's head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table erupted in applause as Samantha made her way to join her new classmates.

The Golden Musketeers applauded once more, beaming with pride. "Well done, Sam!" Harry called out, smiling. Samantha smiled back, looking thrilled to be the first among the Silver Musketeers to join Ravenclaw.

Dudley let out a slight sigh, looking a bit disappointed. He had been hoping that his crush, Samantha, would be sorted into the same house as him, Hufflepuff. But now that she was in Ravenclaw, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment.

However, his expression quickly changed to one of excitement and applause as the next student was called.

"Next, we have Luna Lovegood!" Professor McGonagall announced.

Luna, with her dreamy expression, walked calmly to the sorting stool. The Golden Musketeers, seated at their respective tables, applauded warmly to show their support. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan all grinned at her, eager to see which house she would join.

The Sorting Hat was placed on Luna's head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table erupted in applause as Luna made her way to join her new classmates, including Samantha.

Dudley clapped politely, still looking a bit wistful. He couldn't help but wonder how he was going to impress Samantha now that they were in different houses.

"Next, we have Scorpius Malfoy!" Professor McGonagall announced.

Scorpius Malfoy, Draco's younger brother, walked confidently to the sorting stool. Draco's eyes narrowed slightly, his brow furrowed in concern. He had been worried about how their father, Lucius, would react if Scorpius wasn't sorted into Slytherin.

The Sorting Hat was placed on Scorpius's head, and the Great Hall fell silent. After a few moments, the hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and applause as Scorpius made his way to join his new classmates.

Draco let out a sigh of relief, a mix of emotions on his face. He was happy for his brother, but he knew their father wouldn't be pleased. "Well, that's...interesting," Draco murmured to himself, trying to gauge how his father would react to the news.

Harry, who was sitting at the Gryffindor table, grinned at Scorpius. "Welcome to Gryffindor, Scorpius!" he exclaimed, clapping him on the back. Scorpius smiled, looking a bit awestruck by the sudden attention.

The Great Hall was abuzz with whispers and gasps as the news spread like wildfire: a Malfoy in Gryffindor? The Slytherin table looked stunned, while the Gryffindor table cheered and clapped for Scorpius.

Draco's eyes met Harry's, and they shared a brief, knowing look. It was a silent understanding between them, a promise that Harry would keep a watchful eye on Scorpius and make sure he was okay.

Draco's expression was a mix of emotions - surprise, concern, and a hint of pride. He knew that his father, Lucius, would not be pleased with the news, but he also knew that Scorpius was brave and strong enough to handle himself.

Scorpius, meanwhile, looked thrilled and a bit overwhelmed as he made his way to the Gryffindor table. Harry grinned at him and clapped him on the back, welcoming him to the Gryffindor family.

Professor McGonagall's voice echoed through the Great Hall once again, "Next, we have Erric Murley!"

Erric, a nervous-looking boy, made his way to the sorting stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on his head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" The Slytherin table applauded as Erric joined their ranks.

The Golden Musketeers, seated at their respective tables, clapped politely for Erric, welcoming him to Hogwarts.

Next, Professor McGonagall called out, "Duna Nicholas!"

Duna, a bright-eyed girl, walked confidently to the sorting stool. The Sorting Hat was placed on her head, and after a moment's consideration, shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hufflepuff table erupted in cheers and applause as Duna joined their ranks.

The Silver Musketeers, including Dudley, who was sitting at the Hufflepuff table, grinned at Duna, welcoming her to their house.

The Great Hall fell silent once again as Professor McGonagall called out, "Daisy Potter!"

Daisy, looking scared and nervous, made her way to the sorting stool. The whispers started immediately, "Potter...Harry's sister." The room was filled with murmurs and gasps.

Daisy looked overwhelmed, her eyes scanning the room anxiously. Harry, being the protective brother he was, shouted, "SILENCE!" and smiled reassuringly at Daisy.

The Sorting Hat was placed on Daisy's head, and after a brief moment, shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" The Slytherin table applauded as Daisy made her way to join them.

The Sorting Hat announced its most shocking news, "And after a Malfoy in Gryffindor, today we have a Potter in Slytherin!" The Great Hall erupted in a mixture of gasps, whispers, and applause.

Daisy, her eyes brimming with tears, looked over at Harry, who was sitting at the Gryffindor table. But Harry gave her the most assuring smile, trying to convey that everything would be alright. He had always been protective of his little sister, and now that she was in Slytherin, he knew he had to rely on someone else to keep an eye on her.

Harry and Draco shared a brief glance, another silent pact between them. This time, it would be Draco who would look out for Daisy in Slytherin, making sure she was safe and happy. In return, Harry would do the same for Scorpius, Draco's younger brother, who had surprisingly been sorted into Gryffindor earlier that day. The two boys had formed an unspoken understanding, one that went beyond their houses.

The feast continued, with the sorting ceremony ongoing. The Golden Musketeers, seated at their respective tables, applauded politely for each new student. The Silver Musketeers, who had already been sorted, joined in, cheering and whistling for their fellow first years.

So, out of the six Silver Musketeers, only Ginny was left to be sorted. But, to everyone's surprise, the next person called was a girl named Demelza Robbins. Demelza walked confidently to the sorting stool, and after a brief moment, the Sorting Hat shouted, "GRYFFINDOR!" The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and applause as Demelza joined their ranks.

The next student called was a boy named Ivan Sykes. Ivan made his way to the sorting stool, and the Sorting Hat announced, "RAVENCLAW!" The Ravenclaw table applauded politely as Ivan joined their table.

Finally, a girl named Alice Walker was called. Alice walked to the sorting stool, and after a brief moment, the Sorting Hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hufflepuff table cheered and clapped as Alice joined their ranks.

The Silver Musketeers were growing restless, eagerly waiting for Ginny's turn. Harry, in particular, was getting anxious, wondering which house Ginny would be sorted into.

The Great Hall fell silent once again as Professor McGonagall called out, "Ginny Weasley!" The whispers started immediately, "Harry's girlfriend...finally, we get to see her." Some girls in the audience looked on with a hint of jealousy, their eyes fixed on Ginny.

Ginny, looking confident and poised, walked up to the sorting stool. The Golden Musketeers, seated at their respective tables, applauded politely, their eyes shining with excitement. The Silver Musketeers, Ginny's fellow first years, cheered and whistled, eager to see which house Ginny would join.

As Ginny sat down on the stool, the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. The audience held its collective breath, waiting for the Hat's decision. Harry, seated at the Gryffindor table, looked on anxiously, his heart beating with excitement. He knew that Ginny was destined for greatness, and he couldn't wait to see which house she would call home.

The Sorting Hat's voice echoed in Ginny's mind, "Oh, so it finally gets to meet her." The Hat continued, "It was because of you that Harry wanted to get sorted into Gryffindor last year, despite being capable of being in all houses. Only because you are a Weasley, destined for Gryffindor, and Harry knew that. He really loves you, and it looks like you love him too. Of course."

Ginny whispered back to the Hat, "But there's no guarantee, right? Because today you sorted a Malfoy into Gryffindor and a Potter into Slytherin, so who knows?"

The Hat reassured her in her mind, "Worry not," and then shouted out loud, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted in cheers and applause as Ginny made her way to join her new classmates. Harry, beaming with pride, whistled loudly, his eyes shining with happiness. The Silver Musketeers, Ginny's fellow first years, cheered and clapped, thrilled to see Ginny join the Gryffindor house.

As the sorting ceremony continued, Harry and Ginny's hands remained clasped together under the table, a secret gesture of affection amidst the cheering and applause. The next person called was Rose West, who made her way to the sorting stool. After a brief moment, the Sorting Hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hufflepuff table cheered and clapped as Rose joined their ranks.

The Golden Musketeers, seated at their respective tables, applauded politely, while the Silver Musketeers cheered and whistled, thrilled to see their fellow first years join the Hogwarts community.

"Next up is Ryan West!" Professor McGonagall announced. Ryan walked confidently to the sorting stool, and after a brief moment, the Sorting Hat announced, "SLYTHERIN!" The Slytherin table applauded politely as Ryan joined their ranks.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a brief glance, smiling at each other.

Finally, the last person to be sorted was Alan Wytch. "And our final student for this year is Alan Wytch!" Professor McGonagall announced. Alan made his way to the sorting stool, and after a brief moment, the Sorting Hat shouted, "HUFFLEPUFF!" The Hufflepuff table cheered and clapped once more as Alan joined their ranks.

As the sorting ceremony concluded, Professor McGonagall smiled warmly and said, "And that concludes our sorting ceremony for this year! I would like to welcome all our new students to Hogwarts, and I am sure you will all make many wonderful memories here."

The Great Hall erupted in cheers and applause once more, as the first years made their way to their new tables, beaming with pride. Harry and Ginny's hands parted, and they joined in the applause, grinning at each other.

Daisy's eyes sparkled with a mix of emotions as she glanced at Harry, who was beaming with pride at Ginny's sorting into Gryffindor. "I just wanted to be in Harry's house," Daisy admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Draco, seated nearby, offered her a reassuring smile. "Slytherin isn't bad, Daisy," he said gently. "It's a great house, and I'm sure you'll make many wonderful friends here."

Daisy nodded, looking slightly more at ease. "I know, I just...I really wanted to be in Gryffindor with Harry," she repeated, her eyes drifting back to her brother.

Harry, sensing his sister's gaze, turned to her and grinned. "Hey, Daisy! You'll be amazing in Slytherin, I just know it!" he exclaimed, his voice carrying across the table.

Daisy's face lit up with a warm smile as she smiled back at her brother. "Thanks, Harry," she said, feeling a sense of reassurance wash over her.

"The time has come to begin our feast," Dumbledore announced, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "Let us welcome our new students and celebrate the start of another year at Hogwarts. For now, it would be wise if we let the feast begin."

As Dumbledore's words faded away, the Great Hall was suddenly filled with the savory aromas of roasting meats, steaming vegetables, and freshly baked bread. The long tables were instantly laden with an assortment of dishes, and the students' eyes widened in wonder.

"Wow!" Ron exclaimed, his eyes scanning the spread before them. "I'm starving!"

Hermione playfully rolled her eyes. "You're always starving, Ron."

Meanwhile, the first years were getting their first glimpse of the Hogwarts ghosts. the Fat Friar, was chatting with the Hufflepuff first years, while the grey Lady, was floating elegantly near the Ravenclaw table. The Gryffindor first years were giggling at the antics of Sir Nicholas Gryffindor's ghost, also known as the Nearly Headless Nick , while the Slytherin first years looked a bit awestruck by the Bloody Baron's ghost.

Ginny, who was sitting beside Harry, leaned in and whispered, "I'm so glad I'm in Gryffindor."

Harry smiled and whispered back, "Me too, Gin. Me too."

The Slytherin table was abuzz with excitement as the first years, including Daisy, took their seats. Draco, who was sitting near the front, caught Harry's eye and smiled. The Slytherin table was decorated with green and silver streamers, and the students were all wearing green and silver robes.

Next to the Slytherin table was the Hufflepuff table, where Dudley had taken a seat. He was chatting with his new classmates, looking a bit more at ease now that the feast had begun. The Hufflepuff table was decorated with yellow and black streamers, and the students were all wearing yellow and black robes. Susan, who was sitting near the front, was laughing with some of her classmates.

The Ravenclaw table was a bit more subdued, with the students engaged in quiet conversations. Luna was sitting near the front, looking dreamy as usual. Samantha was sitting next to her, chatting with some of the other Ravenclaws. The Ravenclaw table was decorated with blue and bronze streamers, and the students were all wearing blue and bronze robes.

Finally, the Gryffindor table erupted into cheers as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Scorpius took their seats. Ginny was sitting next to Harry, grinning from ear to ear. Neville was chatting with some of his classmates, looking happy and relaxed. The Gryffindor table was decorated with red and gold streamers, and the students were all wearing red and gold robes.

Dumbledore's warm smile filled the Great Hall as he began his announcements. "Welcome, everyone, to the new Hogwarts session! I trust you all had a wonderful summer break."

The students applauded politely, and Dumbledore continued, "I am pleased to announce that our new Defence Against the Dark Arts professor is the renowned wizard, Gilderoy Lockhart."

As soon as Lockhart's name was mentioned, many of the girls in the Great Hall let out excited squeals. Hermione, in particular, looked utterly flustered, much to Ron's frustration. Draco, too, seemed annoyed by the commotion.

Meanwhile, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy exchanged skeptical glances. They had already heard of Lockhart's questionable reputation, and they weren't impressed. In fact, most of the boys in the Great Hall seemed to share their disdain for the new professor.

"Blimey, what's wrong with him?" Ron muttered to Harry, eyeing Lockhart's flamboyant attire.

Harry just shook his head. "I don't know, but I don't trust him."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he continued, "And now, a few reminders to ensure our academic year begins smoothly. The Forbidden Forest, as always, is strictly off-limits to all students." He paused, his gaze drifting towards the Weasley twins and the Golden Musketeers, who exchanged innocent glances.

"Lastly, our esteemed caretaker, Mr Argus Filch, has reminded me to inform you all that magic and dueling are strictly prohibited in the corridors. Additionally, please note that a list of banned items is available in Mr Filch's office for your perusal."

The Great Hall fell silent, with students exchanging whispers and glances. The Golden Musketeers, however, seemed unfazed, their faces set in determined expressions.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with amusement as he invited the students to sing the Hogwarts song. The Great Hall erupted into a cacophony of different tunes, with each student singing their own version of the song. The Slytherins sang with a sly, sneering tone, while the Gryffindors belted out their version with confidence and enthusiasm.

The Ravenclaws sang in harmony, their voices blending together in perfect unison. The Hufflepuffs, meanwhile, sang with a warm, gentle tone that was both soothing and uplifting.

Just when it seemed like the song was coming to an end, the Weasley brothers - Fred and George - burst into a rousing rendition of the Funeral March. Their deep, booming voices echoed through the Great Hall, causing everyone to burst out laughing.

"Bravo, Weasley brothers!" Dumbledore exclaimed, his eyes shining with mirth. "I think that's a first - singing the Funeral March to the Hogwarts song!"

Dumbledore's warm smile faded as he concluded the feast. "Tomorrow and the day after will be half-days, and the day after that is Friday, already a half-day. Classes will commence tomorrow. And since you are all now fed and watered, off you go! The feast is at an end."

The House Prefects stepped forward, leading the way out of the Great Hall. The first-year students followed closely behind their respective prefects, chattering excitedly among themselves.

Meanwhile, the Golden and Silver Musketeers lingered for a moment, falling behind the crowd. They exchanged knowing glances, their faces aglow with anticipation.

"Shall we make our move tomorrow?" Harry whispered, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

"Definitely," Ron replied, grinning. "We've got a few tricks up our sleeves."

Hermione nodded in agreement. "But we must be careful. We don't want to get caught."

Draco smirked. "Leave that to me. I've got a few ideas on how to keep us under the radar."

The group shared a laugh, their bond stronger than ever. Little did they know, their adventures were only just beginning.

Harry wrapped his arms around Daisy, giving her a warm hug. "Houses don't matter, sis," he whispered reassuringly. "We're still the same family, and we'll always stick together."

Draco, meanwhile, shared a tender moment with his younger brother, Scorpius. He hugged Scorpius tightly, a hint of concern etched on his face. "Scorp, I'm just worried that Father might...you know, send you a displeasure letter soon," Draco whispered, his voice laced with anxiety.

Scorpius smiled bravely, trying to reassure his brother. "Don't worry, Draco. I can handle it. I'm a Gryffindor now, and I'm not going to let Father's disapproval bring me down."

Draco's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind racing with thoughts of how to protect his brother from their father's wrath. Little did he know, Scorpius was more resilient than he thought, and their father's disapproval would only strengthen Scorpius's resolve.

Harry wrapped his arms around Dudley, giving him a warm hug. "Congratulations, Cuz!" he exclaimed. "I'm so proud of you for being sorted into Hufflepuff!"

The other Golden Musketeers followed suit, congratulating their Silver counterparts on their sorting. Ron ruffled Scorpius's hair, grinning. "Welcome to Gryffindor, Scorp!"

Hermione beamed at Luna. "I'm so thrilled you're in Ravenclaw, Luna! You'll do great things, I just know it."

Draco nodded at Daisy. "Well done, Daisy. Slytherin will suit you perfectly."

Neville smiled warmly at Samantha. "Congratulations, Sam! Ravenclaw's a fantastic house. I'm sure you'll excel."

Susan smiled at Ginny. "I'm so glad you're in Gryffindor, Ginny. We'll have to study together soon."

The Silver Musketeers blushed and smiled, basking in the praise and congratulations from their older friends.

As the sorting ceremony came to a close, the students began to make their way to their respective common rooms. Samantha and Luna followed their prefect, a tall and slender Ravenclaw student, out of the Great Hall. "I'm so excited to see our common room!" Luna exclaimed, her eyes shining with anticipation.

Meanwhile, Susan escorted Dudley to the Hufflepuff common room, chatting with him about his impressions of the sorting ceremony. "I'm really glad you're in Hufflepuff, Dud," Susan said with a smile. "You'll make a great addition to our house."

Draco, on the other hand, accompanied Daisy to the Slytherin common room, his eyes gleaming with pride as he introduced her to their fellow Slytherins. "This is Daisy, a new Slytherin student and a good friend of mine," he said, his voice smooth as silk.

Back in the Great Hall, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville gathered around Scorpius and Ginny, grinning from ear to ear. "Welcome to Gryffindor, you two!" Ron exclaimed, clapping Scorpius on the back. "We're going to have an amazing year!"

Together, the group made their way to the Gryffindor common room, laughing and chatting as they went. As they climbed the stairs, Harry turned to Ginny and whispered, "I'm so glad you're in Gryffindor, Gin. We're going to have so much fun together." Ginny smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "I couldn't agree more, Harry."

The Fat Lady, a majestic portrait of a woman in a pink silk dress, gazed at the group with a discerning eye. "Password?" she asked, her voice low and melodious.

"Percy told me the password," Hermione said, a hint of a smile on her face. "It's 'Crimson Lightning'."

The Fat Lady nodded, seemingly satisfied, and swung open to reveal a hidden passageway. The six Gryffindors - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Scorpius - walked through the passage together, laughing and chatting.

Ginny, who had grown up hearing stories about the Fat Lady from her family, walked through the passage with a confident air, while Scorpius followed closely behind, his eyes wide with wonder.

"Blimey, I've never seen anything like this!" Scorpius exclaimed, his voice full of excitement. "Is this really the entrance to the Gryffindor common room?"

Harry grinned. "The one and only, Scorp. Welcome to our humble abode."

Ginny snuggled into the couch beside Harry, who wrapped a warm arm around her shoulders. Scorpius, however, was met with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion by the other Gryffindors.

Dean Thomas raised an eyebrow. "You're a Malfoy," he stated, his tone neutral.

Scorpius nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Guilty as charged," he said, his voice dripping with charm.

Parvati Patil leaned forward, her dark eyes gleaming with interest. "What's it like being a Malfoy?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Scorpius shrugged, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "It has its perks," he said, "but it's not all fun and games, trust me."

The group laughed, and the tension was broken. Harry smiled, relieved that Scorpius was fitting in so well.

Ron grinned at Scorpius. "Welcome to the Gryffindor common room, mate! We don't usually get Malfoys in here, but we'll make an exception for you."

Scorpius chuckled, looking relieved. "Cheers, Ron. I think I'm going to like it here."

As Scorpius chatted with Ron, Harry, and the others, not everyone in the Gryffindor common room seemed pleased with his presence. Some of the older Gryffindor students, who had been influenced by the stories of the First Wizarding War, shot Scorpius suspicious glances.

A few unnamed Gryffindors, who were sitting in the corner, whispered among themselves, casting distrustful looks at Scorpius. One of them, a tall, dark-haired boy, muttered something under his breath, and his friends snickered.

Scorpius, sensing their hostility, frowned slightly, but Harry quickly came to his defense.

"Hey, what's going on here?" Harry asked, his eyes scanning the room.

Ron nodded in agreement. "Yeah, Scorp's one of us now. Let's just forget about his family, okay?"

Harry thought he should meet other new first years Demelza and Nigel too. "Hey, Nigel and Demelza, I wanted to introduce myself," Harry said, walking over to them with a friendly smile.

Nigel and Demelza looked up at him, slightly awestruck, but Harry's warm demeanor quickly put them at ease.

"Hi, Harry," they replied in unison, trying to sound casual despite their obvious excitement.

Harry chuckled and said, "If you need any help, don't hesitate to ask me, Hermione, Neville, or Ron. As senior Gryffindors, it's our duty to help you settle in."

Hermione, Ron, and Neville nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their willingness to assist the new students. Ginny, who was sitting beside Harry, smiled encouragingly at Demelza, Nigel, Collin, and Scorpius.

Scorpius, who was chatting with Ron, grinned at Harry. "Thanks, Harry. We'll definitely keep that in mind."

Demelza, a shy-looking girl with curly brown hair, spoke up, "Thank you, Harry. That's really kind of you."

Nigel, a tall, lanky boy with a messy mop of black hair, nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, thanks, Harry. We really appreciate it."

Collin, still starry-eyed, just smiled and nodded, clearly thrilled to be talking to his idol, Harry Potter.

Dean, Seamus, Sally, Parvati, and Lavender, who were sitting nearby, nodded in agreement with Harry. "Yeah, we're all happy to help," Dean said with a friendly smile.

Seamus with a mischievous grin, chimed in, "We've been in your shoes before, so we know how it feels. Just ask us if you need anything."

Sally, gentle-looking , added, "We'll do our best to make you feel welcome here."

Parvati, with a big smile, said, "And don't worry if you get lost or forget something. We've all been there."

Lavender, sweet-looking with a soft voice, nodded in agreement. "We'll look out for you, okay?"

The five first-year students, Collin, Demelza, Nigel, Scorpius, and Ginny, looked relieved and grateful for the offer of help. They smiled and thanked the group, feeling more at ease in their new surroundings.

Harry thought about Daisy, he thought she must be asleep by now. He hoped Daisy would adjust well in Slytherin. He imagined her smiling face and felt a surge of pride and love for his little sister.

Meanwhile in Slytherin common room Draco sat with Daisy, Crabbe, Tracey, Daphene, Sophie. Draco really was helping Daisy adjust.

Draco smiled warmly at Daisy, "You're doing great, Daisy. I'm glad you're adjusting well to Slytherin."

Daisy smiled back, feeling grateful for Draco's help. "Thanks, Draco. I don't know what I would have done without you."

Crabbe, who was sitting nearby, grunted in agreement. "Yeah, Draco's been a big help."

Tracey, Daphene, and Sophie nodded in agreement, smiling at Daisy. They had all taken a liking to her and were happy to see her fitting in so well.

Draco leaned back in his chair, looking pleased with himself. "I'm just glad I could help, Daisy. We Slytherins have to stick together, after all."

Daisy laughed, feeling a sense of belonging. "I'm glad I'm a part of it, Draco."

Just then, the portrait of Salazar Slytherin looked down at them, a hint of a smile on his face. Draco caught his eye and nodded respectfully.

The atmosphere in the common room was cozy and relaxed, with the sound of crackling flames and muted conversations filling the air. Daisy felt grateful to be a part of this community, and she knew she would always cherish the friendships she made here.

Draco's eyes sparkled with gratitude as he thought about Harry's unwavering acceptance of him last year. "He didn't have to," Draco thought to himself, "but he did, and now it's my turn to repay him."

Draco turned his attention back to Daisy, who was chatting with the other Slytherins. "I'll make sure she fits in here," Draco thought, a determined glint in his eye.

Just then, Crabbe spoke up, "Hey, Draco, you're really taking care of Daisy, aren't you?"

Draco nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Someone has to. And besides, Harry would do the same for Scorpius."

The Slytherins nodded in agreement, and the conversation flowed easily, with Daisy laughing and joking with her new friends.

As the evening wore on, Draco couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and belonging. He had found his place at Hogwarts, and he had Harry to thank for it.

"Thanks, Harry," Draco whispered to himself, a silent promise to always be there for his friends, just as Harry had been there for him.

Susan smiled warmly as she led the group of first years through the cozy Hufflepuff common room. "And this is our favorite corner, we call it the 'Badger's Den'," she said, gesturing to a plush, circular seating area.

Dudley's eyes widened as he took in the warm, golden atmosphere of the room. "Wow, this is amazing!" he exclaimed.

Hannah chuckled. "We're pretty proud of our common room," she said. "It's the coziest in the whole school."

Justin nodded in agreement. "Definitely," he said. "You'll love it here, Dudley."

As they continued the tour, Susan pointed out various Hufflepuff traditions and customs. Dudley listened intently, eager to learn more about his new house.

"I'm so glad I'm a Hufflepuff," Dudley said, beaming with pride.

Susan smiled, happy to see Dudley fitting in so well. "We're glad to have you, Dudley," she said. "You're going to make a fantastic Hufflepuff."

The group continued to chat and laugh together, enjoying each other's company as they explored the Hufflepuff common room.

As the group dispersed, the Gryffindor common room grew quieter. Percy, being the responsible prefect that he was, made sure the first years were settled into their dormitories before heading off to his own.

Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, and Neville trudged up the stairs to their dormitory, exhausted from the day's events. Seamus and Dean were already there, lounging on their beds.

"Hey, guys!" Seamus called out, tossing a quaffle in the air. "What's the plan for tomorrow?"

Dean yawned, stretching his arms. "I say we head down to Hagrid's hut, see if we can scrounge up some rock cakes."

Ron's eyes lit up. "Brilliant idea, Dean!"

Neville chuckled, flopping down onto his bed. "You're always up for food, Ron."

Harry grinned, shaking his head. "Well, I'm in. Who's up for a trip to Hagrid's?"

The others cheered in agreement, and the conversation drifted off into discussions of Quidditch, homework, and the latest rumors about the Hogwarts staff.

In the first-year girls' dormitory, Ginny was getting settled in with her new classmates, Demelza Robbins and others. They were all chatting excitedly about their first day at Hogwarts.

"I'm so nervous about our first Charms lesson," Demelza said, biting her lip.

Ginny smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, we'll all be in it together. And I'm sure Professor Flitwick will be a great teacher."

The girls all nodded in agreement, feeling a bit more at ease as they drifted off to sleep.

As Harry opened his eyes in the 2nd year boys' dormitory, he smiled, thinking about the day's events. He got out of bed and began to tend to his pets. Hedwig, his snowy owl, hooted softly as he fed her treats. Poco, his little sparrow, chirped happily as Harry stroked his feathers. Kluer, his color-changing cat, purred contentedly as Harry petted her.

After spending some time with his pets, Harry felt his eyelids growing heavy, and he drifted off to sleep. As he slept, he opened his eyes in the dreamland he shared with Ginny.

In the dreamland, Ginny was waiting for him, a gentle smile on her face. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of soft music drifted through the air.

"Hey," Ginny said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've been waiting for you."

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. "Sorry I'm late," he said, taking Ginny's hand in his. "I was spending some time with Hedwig and the others."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with understanding. "I know how much they mean to you," she said. "But I'm glad you're here now. I've missed you."

Harry's heart swelled with love for Ginny. He knew that their dreamland was a special place, one where they could be alone together and just be themselves.

As they strolled through the dreamland, hand in hand, Harry felt a sense of contentment wash over him. This was where he felt most at peace, surrounded by the beauty of their dreamland and the love of his girlfriend.

Suddenly, a faint rustling sound caught their attention. Harry and Ginny turned to see Hinny, their phoenix, emerging from a nearby thicket. Her feathers glowed with a soft, pulsing light, and her eyes shone with a deep, inner wisdom.

"Hello, Hinny," Harry said, feeling a sense of wonder at the sight of their beloved phoenix.

Ginny smiled, reaching out a hand to stroke Hinny's soft feathers. "We're so glad you're here," she said. "We've missed you."

Hinny nuzzled Ginny's hand, her eyes shining with affection. Harry smiled, feeling grateful for this special moment with Ginny and Hinny in their dreamland.

As Harry and Ginny strolled hand in hand through their dreamland, Harry turned to her with a smile. "We're so lucky that you're in Gryffindor, Gin," he said, his eyes shining with happiness.

Ginny grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I know, right? I couldn't have asked for a better house."

Harry's thoughts then turned to his younger sister, Daisy, who had been sorted into Slytherin. "I hope you'll do fine in Slytherin, Dais," he said, feeling a sense of pride and protectiveness towards his sister.

Ginny nodded in agreement. "I'm sure she'll be great, Harry. And what about the others? Dudley, Scorpius, Luna, and Samantha?"

Harry smiled, feeling grateful for the strong bond between the Silver Musketeers. "I hope you all have an amazing year," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

As they continued their stroll, Hinny, their phoenix, fluttered down from the sky, her feathers glowing softly in the dreamland light. Harry and Ginny smiled at each other, feeling grateful for this special place where they could be together, free from the worries of the wizarding world.

Next Chapter is  The School Year !

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. So I think that's it. I hope you like the sorting of our silvers. I know many of you would maybe not like Dudley being Hufflepuff but I think that's best for him. Share your opinions. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 20: The School Year !

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Harry woke up at 5:00 AM, his usual time, and stretched his arms over his head. He lay in bed for a moment, listening to the quiet sounds of the dormitory. Ron, Neville, Dean, and Seamus were all still fast asleep, their gentle snores and rustling of sheets filling the air.

Harry quietly got out of bed and put on his joggers. He then made his way downstairs to the Gryffindor common room, trying not to disturb the other students.

As he entered the common room, he was greeted by the sight of Crookshanks, Hermione's mischievous cat, trying to shred the couch. "Hey, Crookshanks! Leave that alone," Harry said, laughing, as he gently scolded the cat.

The common room was quiet, with only a few early risers like Harry stirring. The rest of the students were still fast asleep, enjoying the last bits of summer vacation. Harry, on the other hand, was wide awake, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the new year.

He sat down next to Crookshanks, trying to distract him from his destructive endeavors. As he sat there, Harry's thoughts turned to the day ahead. It was the first day of term, and he was excited to see his friends and start the new year. He wondered what the year would bring, and whether they would have any new adventures.

After a while, Harry decided to head out of the common room. As he exited, he gave the Fat Lady a gentle nod, and she swung open, revealing the dimly lit corridor. The castle was silent, with only the occasional creak of the wooden floorboards breaking the stillness. The portraits that lined the walls were sleeping, their subjects' eyes closed in peaceful repose.

As Harry made his way through the corridors, he encountered Peeves, the mischievous poltergeist. "What are you doing up so early, Potter?" Peeves asked, his voice like a rusty gate.

"Just getting some exercise, Peeves," Harry replied, smiling.

Peeves snorted. "Exercise? You're mad, Potter! Go back to bed!"

Harry chuckled and continued on his way. As he turned a corner, he spotted Dudley, who was standing near the kitchens, looking relieved. "Hey, Dud!" Harry called out, jogging over to his cousin.

Dudley smiled, looking a bit disheveled. "Hey, Harry! I'm so glad I ran into you. I was trying to find my way back to the Hufflepuff common room, but I got lost."

Harry grinned. "No worries, I'm here to rescue you! What were you doing up so early, anyway?"

Dudley shrugged. "I couldn't sleep, so I decided to go for a run. I'm still getting used to the castle, I guess."

Harry nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, it can be overwhelming at first. But don't worry, you'll get the hang of it soon."

The two cousins made their way to the Hogwarts grounds, enjoying the crisp morning air. Dudley was still marveling at the castle's architecture, and Harry was happy to show him around. As they walked, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement for the new year ahead.

The two cousins made their way to the Quidditch pitch, enjoying the crisp morning air. They decided to go for a run around the lake.

As they ran, they chatted about their summer holidays, sharing stories and laughter. Harry was happy to see that Dudley was fitting in well at Hogwarts, despite being a Muggle-born wizard.

After their run, Harry suggested they take a break and do some stretching exercises. Dudley agreed, and they spent the next 20 minutes loosening up their muscles.

"I'm going to go for a swim," Harry said, nodding towards the lake. "Want to join me?"

Dudley shook his head. "Nah, I think I'll pass. I'm not exactly the swimming type."

Harry chuckled. "Suit yourself, Cuz. I'll catch you later."

With that, Harry jumped into the lake, the cool water enveloping him like a refreshing hug. He swam a few laps, feeling invigorated and refreshed.

Meanwhile, Dudley did some more exercise on the grassy bank, watching Harry with a mixture of admiration and envy. When Harry finally emerged from the lake, Dudley was ready to head back to the Hufflepuff common room.

"See you later, Harry," Dudley said, grinning. "I've got to get some breakfast."

"Later, Cuz," Harry replied, smiling. "Have a good day!"

With that, Dudley headed off, leaving Harry to his own devices. Harry spent the next hour doing some stretching exercises, yoga, and meditation. He felt centered and focused, ready to tackle whatever challenges the day might bring.

As he finished his meditation, Harry decided to visit Hagrid at his hut. He made his way through the castle grounds, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

When he arrived at Hagrid's hut, he found the gamekeeper busy preparing food for the hippogriffs.

"Morning, Harry!" Hagrid boomed, his eyes twinkling with delight. "I'm glad yeh're here. I could use some help feedin' these lovely creatures."

Harry grinned, eager to assist his friend. Together, they made their way to the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, where the hippogriffs were waiting.

As they approached, the majestic creatures turned to face them, their eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and caution.

"Okay, Harry, yeh know the drill," Hagrid instructed, handing him a basket of food. "Just offer 'em the food, and they'll come to yeh. But remember, yeh gotta show 'em respect, or they'll get a bit testy."

Harry nodded, taking a deep breath as he approached the first hippogriff. He held out the food, speaking softly to calm the creature. To his delight, the hippogriff nuzzled his hand, accepting the offering.

As they finished feeding the hippogriffs, Hagrid patted Harry on the back. "Thanks, mate. Yeh're a natural with these creatures."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. He bid Hagrid farewell, making his way to the secret garden, a hidden oasis within the castle walls.

The house-elves, Chimey, Blinky, and Wobby, were already there, tending to the various plants and vegetables.

"Harry, sir! Welcome back!" Chimey exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "We've missed yeh so much! Did yeh have a good summer?"

Harry walked into the Gryffindor common room, greeted by the warm glow of the fireplace and the lively chatter of his fellow students. The room was bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the peaceful atmosphere he had left behind earlier. Students were scattered about, some engaged in lively discussions, while others were busy with their homework or simply lounging on the comfortable couches.

Harry made his way to the second-year dormitory, where he took a refreshing shower to wash away the sweat from his earlier exercise. He then changed into his Hogwarts robes, feeling the familiar comfort of the worn fabric. With his hair still damp, he headed back down to the common room, eager to join his friends.

As he descended the stairs, he spotted his fellow Gryffindor Muskeeteers gathered near the fireplace. Ron was busy devouring a plate of treacle fudge, while Hermione was engrossed in a book, her brow furrowed in concentration. Neville was chatting with Dean and Seamus, their laughter carrying across the room. Harry smiled, feeling a sense of belonging as he joined his friends.

"Hey, Harry!" Ron called out, his mouth full of fudge. "Where've you been? We were starting to think you'd abandoned us!"

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Just went for a run and a swim, and then visited Hagrid," he replied, taking a seat beside Hermione.

Hermione looked up from her book, her eyes sparkling with interest. "How's Hagrid doing?" she asked.

"He's doing great," Harry replied. "We fed the hippogriffs together."

Neville's eyes lit up. "That sounds amazing! I've always wanted to see the hippogriffs up close."

Harry grinned. "Maybe next time, Nev. Hagrid said he'd take us all to meet them soon."

As they chatted, the common room continued to bustle with activity, the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Harry felt grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful friends, and he knew that this was going to be an amazing year at Hogwarts.

The Great Hall was bustling with students, the long wooden tables laden with a variety of dishes, from steaming plates of eggs and bacon to bowls of porridge and fruit. The Gryffindor table, once strictly reserved for Gryffindor students, was now a melting pot of students from all four houses, thanks to Harry's efforts to break down the traditional barriers.

As the six Gryffindor Muskeeteers - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Scorpius - made their way to the table, they were greeted by their fellow students, who were eager to catch up on the latest gossip. The atmosphere was lively, with laughter and chatter filling the air.

"Hey, guys! What's up?" Ron asked, plopping down beside Harry and Hermione.

"Not much, Ron," Hermione replied, smiling. "Just getting some breakfast before our first class."

"I'm starving!" Neville exclaimed, loading his plate with a mountain of eggs, bacon, and toast.

Ginny and Scorpius chatted quietly, discussing their plans for the day. As they ate, the rest of the Double Muskeeteers - Draco, Susan, Luna, Dudley, Samantha, and Daisy - joined them, creating a lively and eclectic group.

The conversation flowed easily, with topics ranging from the latest Quidditch match to the upcoming Hogsmeade weekend. As they finished their breakfast, the group began to disperse, each member heading off to their respective classes.

As the Double Muskeeteers finished their breakfast, they began to disperse, each member heading off to their respective classes.

"Hey, Harry, don't forget we have Potions with Professor Snape today!" Draco reminded him, as they gathered their belongings.

"I'm not looking forward to it," Ron said, making a face. "Snape's always breathing down our necks."

"Well, at least we'll be together," Harry said, smiling reassuringly at his friends.

Meanwhile, the first-year Muskeeteers were heading off to their own classes. Ginny, Luna , Samantha , and Scorpius were off to Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall, while Daisy, Dudley, had Defence Against Dark Arts with Professor Lockhart.

"I'm so excited for Transfiguration!" Ginny exclaimed, bouncing up and down. "I've heard Professor McGonagall is an amazing teacher."

"I'm more interested in Defence Against Dark Arts," Samantha said, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I've heard Professor Lockhart is really knowledgeable about Dark Magic."

The group chatted excitedly as they made their way to their respective classrooms, eager to start their first day of classes.

You are correct, Susan Bones is a Hufflepuff student, and she would not be in the same Potions class as the Gryffindors and Slytherins.

As the second-year Gryffindors and Slytherins made their way into the dimly lit Potion dungeons, the air was thick with anticipation. The Muskeeteers, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco, took their usual seats at the back of the classroom, exchanging nervous glances. Professor Snape, resplendent in his black robes, stood at the front of the room, surveying his students with an piercing gaze.

"Welcome, second years, to the world of Potions," Snape began, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I trust you have all had a... enlightening summer. This year, we will be delving deeper into the complexities of potion-making, and I warn you, it will not be easy. The art of brewing potions requires finesse, attention to detail, and a steady hand. I doubt many of you possess these qualities, but I shall endeavor to drill them into you nonetheless."

Snape's eyes scanned the room, lingering on Harry, who met his gaze with a calm, respectful expression. It was no secret that Snape had a soft spot for Harry, despite his tough exterior. Since last year, Snape had made a conscious effort to be less biased in his teaching, and Harry had benefited from this newfound fairness.

As the second-year Slytherins and Gryffindors filed out of the Potions dungeon, the air was filled with the sound of chatter and the clinking of cauldrons being packed away. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco made their way to the library, eager to grab a few minutes of rest before their next class.

"I'm so relieved that's over," Hermione sighed, running a hand through her bushy brown hair. "I don't know how much more of Snape's sarcasm I can take."

"Tell me about it," Ron agreed, grinning. "I thought I was going to turn into a toad or something."

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "You're just not used to being in a class where you're not the best, Ron."

Ron playfully punched Harry's arm. "Hey, watch it, mate!"

Draco, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "I must say, Potter, you seem to have a knack for Potions. I'm surprised."

Harry shrugged. "I just try my best, I suppose."

As the group continued to chat and relax, the tension of the Potions class began to melt away, replaced by the warm camaraderie of friendship.

As the group of friends gathered in the library, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and chatter. Susan, who had just joined them from her Charms class, smiled warmly at her friends. "Hey, guys! How was everyone's day?"

Ginny, who had just arrived with the other first-year students, bounced over to Harry, her eyes shining with excitement. "Harry, I had the best time in Transfiguration! I was one of the few who managed to turn a matchstick into a needle!"

Ron, who was sitting at a nearby table, chuckled. "That's my girl! You're a natural, Ginny!"

Hermione, who was studying a book on Advanced Potion-Making, looked up and smiled. "That's great, Ginny! I'm sure you'll excel in Transfiguration."

Meanwhile, Daisy and Dudley, who had just arrived from their Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, looked less than impressed. "Ugh, Lockhart is so annoying," Daisy said, rolling her eyes. "He's more interested in talking about himself than actually teaching us anything."

Dudley nodded in agreement. "I know, right? I was expecting a lot more from our Defense Against the Dark Arts lessons, but so far, it's been a disappointment."

Harry sympathized with his friends. He had been expecting a more challenging and informative lesson from Lockhart, but it seemed that the famous wizard was more interested in self-promotion than actual teaching.

As the students made their way to their respective classes, the library grew quieter, with only the occasional rustle of pages or whispered conversation breaking the silence. Madam Pince, the librarian, watched with a keen eye, ensuring that the remaining students maintained a respectful level of noise.

Meanwhile, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville walked together to their Defense Against the Dark Arts class, chatting excitedly about their upcoming lesson. "I heard Lockhart's going to teach us how to defend against Cornix Pixies," Ron said, his eyes shining with enthusiasm.

"I'm not sure I'm looking forward to that," Hermione replied, frowning slightly. "Pixies can be really mischievous."

"Don't worry, Hermione," Harry reassured her. "We'll face them together. We always do."

As they entered the classroom, they were greeted by Professor Lockhart, who was standing at the front of the room, a self-satisfied smile plastered on his face. "Welcome, welcome, my young friends," he said, his voice dripping with charm. "Today, we're going to learn how to defend against those pesky Cornix Pixies. I must say, I'm quite the expert on the subject."

Draco and Susan, meanwhile, made their way to their History of Magic class, joining their fellow Slytherins and Hufflepuffs. As they took their seats, Professor Binns, the ghostly teacher, began to drone on about the International Warlock Convention of 1289.

Ginny, Scorpius, and Dudley, on the other hand, headed to their Astronomy theory class, eager to learn more about the stars and planets. As they settled into their seats, Professor Sinistra began to explain the basics of celestial navigation.

Luna, Sam, and Daisy, meanwhile, made their way to their Herbology class, where they would be learning about the various magical plants and fungi that grew in the Hogwarts greenhouses. As they donned their aprons and gathered around the workbenches, Professor Sprout began to demonstrate the art of cultivating Venomous Tentacula.

As the classes began, the students settled in, eager to learn and absorb the knowledge that their professors had to offer. Little did they know, however, that this year would be filled with more challenges and adventures than they could ever have imagined.

Professor Lockhart, dressed in his signature flashy attire, stood confidently in front of the class. "Welcome, students, to today's lesson on Defense Against the Dark Arts! We're going to learn how to handle those pesky Cornix Pixies."

The 2nd-year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws exchanged excited glances. Lockhart, with a flourish, opened the cage, releasing the pixies into the open. However, instead of using the correct spell to control them, Lockhart attempted to use a wrong spell, which only seemed to enrage the pixies further.

Chaos erupted as the pixies began scratching and flying around the room. Students screamed and ran for cover, desperate to escape the mayhem. Lockhart, realizing his mistake, turned tail and fled the room, leaving the students to fend for themselves.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville, however, stood their ground. They knew they had to act fast to contain the situation. "We need to freeze them!" Harry shouted above the din.

One by one, the four friends carefully aimed their wands and cast the freezing spell, "Immobilus!" The pixies, now frozen in mid-air, slowly began to descend back into their cage.

As the last pixie was secured, the room fell silent. Harry, Ron, Neville, and Hermione shared a triumphant glance. They had saved the day, despite Lockhart's incompetence.

"That was brilliant!" Ron exclaimed, grinning.

"Yeah, but Lockhart's an idiot," Neville added, shaking his head.

Hermione defended Lockhart, "I don't think he's that bad, he's just... enthusiastic."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "Enthusiastic?"

Hermione blushed. "Well, he's trying, isn't he?"

As they made their way to the Great Hall, Harry couldn't help but mutter under his breath about Lockhart's incompetence. Ron and Neville walked alongside him, nodding in agreement and making supportive noises. Hermione, however, walked on the other side of Harry, her brow furrowed in concern.

"Come on, Harry, don't be too hard on him," Hermione said, her voice gentle but firm. "He's just trying to teach us, even if he doesn't exactly know what he's doing."

Harry snorted. "Trying to teach us? He's more interested in talking about himself than actually teaching us anything useful!"

Ron chuckled. "Yeah, and his hair is always perfectly styled, even after a chaotic pixie attack!"

Neville grinned. "I know, right? I'm starting to think he uses more hair gel than the entire Quidditch team combined!"

As they approached the Hufflepuff table, the rest of the Dual Musketeers looked up and smiled. Ginny waved enthusiastically, while Luna and Susan exchanged warm greetings. Scorpius and Dudley high-fived each other, and Samantha rolled her eyes good-naturedly. Draco, sitting at the end of the table, grinned at Harry.

"Potter, I see you're still got your priorities straight - saving the day, one pixie at a time," Draco said, chuckling.

Harry chuckled and shook his head. "Someone's got to keep Lockhart on his toes."

Just then, Daisy slid onto the bench beside Draco, her deep red hair gleaming in the Great Hall's sunlight. "Sorry I'm late, guys! I was chatting with Professor Sprout about our Herbology project."

The group welcomed Daisy with smiles and hellos, and the conversation turned to their various classes and projects.

As the students made their way to their respective classes, the atmosphere was filled with chatter and excitement. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Susan walked together, discussing their morning's events, particularly Lockhart's chaotic lesson.

"I still can't believe he thought those pixies were harmless," Ron said, chuckling.

"I know, right?" Harry replied. "I've never seen anyone get so out of his depth so quickly."

Hermione shook her head, defending Lockhart. "You're being too harsh, Harry. He's just trying to teach us in his own way. And he did manage to get rid of the pixies eventually."

Susan nodded in agreement. "I think Hermione has a point, Harry. We should give him a chance."

Neville grinned. "I think Susan's just saying that because she has a crush on him, but I agree with Hermione too."

Hermione blushed, while Susan's face turned bright red as the others teased her good-naturedly.

Meanwhile, Draco joined his fellow Slytherins in the Astronomy classroom. He took his seat beside Blaise Zabini, exchanging quiet greetings as the lesson began.

As the lesson began, Professor Sinistra wrote on the blackboard, "Today, we will be studying the movements of the planets and their influence on magic."

Draco listened intently, taking notes and asking thoughtful questions. He was determined to excel in this class, as he had a keen interest in the mysteries of the universe.

In another part of the castle, Ginny, Scorpius, Luna, and Samantha walked into the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, eager to learn from the infamous Professor Lockhart. They took their seats alongside their fellow first-year students, chatting excitedly about the lesson to come.

Daisy and Dudley, on the other hand, made their way to the Transfiguration classroom, where they would be learning the intricacies of magical transformation. They sat down beside their fellow Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, exchanging nervous glances as Professor McGonagall began the lesson.

"Today, we will be practicing the art of transforming objects," McGonagall announced, her eyes twinkling with a hint of challenge. "I expect you all to pay close attention and follow instructions carefully."

As the day drew to a close, the 12 Muskeeteers made their way to their respective common rooms. The Golden Muskeeteers, consisting of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan, headed towards Gryffindor Tower, with the exception of Draco, who veered off towards Slytherin's common room, and Susan, who made her way to Hufflepuff's cozy space.

Meanwhile, the Silver Muskeeteers, comprising Ginny, Luna, Daisy, Dudley, Scorpius, and Samantha, dispersed to their respective houses. Ginny, Scorpius, made their way to Gryffindor Tower, chatting excitedly about their first day of classes. Luna and Samantha entered the Ravenclaw common room, lost in thought as they pondered the mysteries they had studied earlier that day. Daisy, being a Slytherin, slipped into the Slytherin common room, exchanging quiet greetings with her fellow students. Dudley, proud to be a Hufflepuff, made his way to the Hufflepuff common room, where he was welcomed warmly by his new classmates.

As they settled into their respective common rooms, the Muskeeteers couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lay ahead. Little did they know, their bond would be tested in ways they never could have imagined.

Harry saw Scorpius receive a letter from an unknown owl. Scorpius's eyes scanned the letter, and his face fell. He quickly folded the letter and ran out of the Gryffindor common room, looking worried.

Harry's mind racing with possibilities, he thought about how Scorpius, being a first-year Gryffindor, was already dealing with a lot. As a member of the Malfoy family, Scorpius was in a house that didn't usually accommodate his family's legacy. Harry remembered the promise he had made to Draco to take care of Scorpius, just as Draco had promised to look out for Daisy, who was in Slytherin.

With a sense of responsibility, Harry turned to the other Gryffindor Muskeeteers - Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Ginny.

"I'll check on Scorpius," Harry said. "You guys stay here."

With that, Harry got up and followed Scorpius to the first-year Gryffindor dormitory. He wanted to make sure his friend was okay.

Harry walked into the first-year Gryffindor dormitory, looking for Scorpius. He found him sitting on his bed, staring at a letter in his hand. Scorpius's eyes were fixed on the parchment, his brow furrowed in concern. Harry's instincts told him that something was wrong.

"Scorpius, what's the matter?" Harry asked, sitting down beside him on the bed.

Scorpius looked up, his eyes welling up with tears. He handed Harry the letter, his hand shaking slightly. Harry took the letter and began to read. It was from Lucius Malfoy, Scorpius's father.

As Harry read the letter, his expression darkened. Lucius's words were venomous, criticizing Scorpius for not living up to the Malfoy family's expectations. The final blow came when Lucius expressed his disappointment that Scorpius had been sorted into Gryffindor, rather than Slytherin.

"'You are now an even greater disappointment to me, Scorpius,'" Harry read aloud, his voice low and angry. "'I had expected more from a Malfoy. Your decision to join Gryffindor is a betrayal of our family's values.'"

Harry's eyes met Scorpius's, and he could see the pain and hurt reflected back at him. He felt a surge of anger towards Lucius, but he knew he had to be there for Scorpius.

Harry comforted Scorpius, trying to ease the pain and worry etched on his face. "It's okay, Scorpius. We're here for you. Your father's words don't define your worth," Harry said softly.

Scorpius nodded, taking a deep breath as Harry handed him back the letter. Harry then left Scorpius alone for a while, giving him some space to process his emotions.

Downstairs in the common room, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and Neville looked at Harry questioningly as he entered. "What's wrong, Harry?" Ginny asked, concern etched on her face.

Harry told them briefly about Scorpius's letter from Lucius, but then excused himself, saying he needed to talk to Draco. He left the common room through the Fat Lady's portrait, making his way to find Draco.

As he walked, he coincidentally met Draco on the way to the Great Hall. Draco looked tense, and before Harry could tell him about Scorpius, Draco revealed that he had received a letter from his father as well.

"Father's pressuring the board of governors to resort Scorpius," Draco said, his voice low and worried.

Harry's eyes widened in concern as he listened to Draco. "Resorting for Scorpius? That's ridiculous!" Harry exclaimed. "Scorpius is a great student, and he's already made some wonderful friends here."

Draco's expression turned grim. "I know, Harry. But Father...he's not exactly rational when it comes to the family's reputation. And with Scorpius being sorted into Gryffindor...well, you can imagine how that's gone over."

Harry's face darkened. "We can't let Lucius get away with this, Draco. We have to support Scorpius, no matter what."

Draco nodded, a small smile on his face. "I knew I could count on you, Harry. Let's go talk to Scorpius and figure out our next move."

Together, the two friends made their way back to Gryffindor Tower, determined to defend Scorpius against his father's unreasonable demands.

Harry and Draco made their way to the Gryffindor common room, navigating through the castle's corridors. As they climbed the stairs to the common room, Harry could feel the eyes of his fellow Gryffindors on them. It wasn't every day that a Slytherin student, especially Draco Malfoy, was seen entering the Gryffindor common room.

When they reached the common room, Harry pushed open the portrait of the Fat Lady, and they slipped inside. The room was cozy, with a warm fire crackling in the fireplace. Scorpius was sitting on a couch, looking worried and anxious. He brightened up slightly when he saw Harry and Draco.

"Hey, guys," Scorpius said, trying to sound cheerful. "What's up?"

Harry and Draco exchanged a glance before Harry sat down beside Scorpius. "We need to talk to you about something, Scorpius," Harry said gently. "Draco got a letter from his father, and it's about you."

Scorpius's eyes widened in alarm. "What does it say?"

Draco hesitated before speaking. "Father's trying to pressure the board of governors to resort you, Scorpius. He's not happy about you being in Gryffindor."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Scorpius. Harry could see the worry and fear etched on his face. He reached out and put a reassuring hand on Scorpius's shoulder.

"We're not going to let that happen, Scorpius," Harry said firmly. "We'll support you, no matter what. You're one of us now, and we stick together."

The other Gryffindors in the room nodded in agreement, showing their support for Scorpius. Draco, too, nodded, his expression serious.

Scorpius looked at them, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks, guys. It means a lot to me."

The tension in the room dissipated, replaced by a sense of camaraderie and determination. Harry smiled, feeling proud of his friends for rallying around Scorpius.

As they sat there, talking and laughing together, Harry knew that they would face whatever challenges came their way, as a team, and as friends.

Draco soon left for his own common room, but not before giving Scorpius a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, Scorp. We'll figure something out."

However, the Gryffindor Muskeeteers sat together, all trying to distract Scorpius. They gathered around him, forming a cozy circle in the common room.

"Hey, Scorpius, don't worry about it, mate," Ron said, trying to reassure him. "We're all here for you, and we won't let anything happen to you."

"Yeah, and besides, your dad can't just get you resorted," Hermione added. "There are procedures to follow, and it's not that easy."

Ginny spoke up, "We'll support you, Scorpius, no matter what. You're one of us now."

Scorpius smiled weakly, looking grateful for their support. "Thanks, guys. Just knowing you're all behind me makes me feel better."

Harry, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. "We'll do everything we can to help you, Scorpius. And remember, you're not alone. You're one of us now, a Silver Musketeer."

The others nodded in agreement, and Neville added, "We'll face whatever comes next together, as a team."

As they continued to chat and reassure Scorpius, the atmosphere in the common room began to relax, and the tension eased. The Gryffindor Muskeeteers were determined to support their friend and make sure he felt safe and welcome at Hogwarts.

As the evening drew to a close, the students of Hogwarts began to disperse to their respective dormitories. Scorpius, still reeling from the news about his potential resorting, made his way to the first-year boys' dormitory, accompanied by his new friends Nigel and Collin.

"I'm glad we're in the same house, Scorpius," said Nigel, a fellow first-year student, as they climbed the stairs. "We'll have to study together and make sure we don't get lost in the castle."

Scorpius smiled weakly, still worried about his future. "Thanks, guys. I'm just a bit... anxious, I suppose."

Meanwhile, Ginny and Demelza made their way to the first-year Gryffindor girls' dormitory, chatting quietly about their concerns for Scorpius.

"I hope everything works out for him," said Ginny, frowning with worry. "It's not fair that he has to go through this."

Demelza nodded in agreement. "We'll support him, no matter what happens."

In another part of the castle, Hermione, Parvati, Lavender, and Sally were getting settled into their dormitory, their faces somber with concern.

"I just can't believe it," said Parvati, shaking her head. "Scorpius is such a great guy. He doesn't deserve this."

Hermione nodded, her brow furrowed with worry. "We'll do everything we can to support him. We're all in this together."

Finally, Harry, Ron, Neville, Dean, and Seamus made their way to their dormitory, their faces serious with concern.

"We'll figure something out, Scorpius," said Harry, as they settled into bed. "We're not going to let anything happen to him ."

Ron nodded in agreement. "Yeah, mate. We're all behind him ."

The others nodded, their faces set with determination. They knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but they were ready to face it together.

However, the next day, when all 12 Muskeeteers sat at the Slytherin table for breakfast, they were surprised to see Lucius Malfoy in school. It seemed like Lucius had already persuaded the board of governors for resorting. Dumbledore didn't look happy, nor did any other teacher, maybe except Lockhart. Scorpius got panicked.

"What's going on, Dad?" Scorpius asked, his voice shaking slightly.

"Ah, Scorpius, my son," Lucius said, his voice smooth as silk. "I've managed to persuade the board of governors to consider resorting. It's for the best, trust me."

Scorpius looked like he was about to pass out. "But, Dad, I don't want to be resorted! I want to stay in Gryffindor!"

Lucius's expression turned cold. "You'll do as you're told, Scorpius. You're a Malfoy, after all."

The other Muskeeteers exchanged worried glances. This was not good. Harry, being the quick thinker he was, jumped into action.

"Hey, Lucius, I don't think that's a good idea," Harry said, his voice firm but polite. "Scorpius is happy in Gryffindor, and we're happy to have him. Why can't he just stay?"

Lucius sneered at Harry. "You're just a foolish little boy, Potter. You don't know what's best for Scorpius. I do."

Dumbledore, who had been watching the exchange, stepped forward. "Lucius, I think we need to discuss this further. In my office. Now."

Lucius nodded, a smug look on his face. "Very well, Headmaster. I'll be delighted to discuss this further."

As Lucius followed Dumbledore out of the Great Hall, the Muskeeteers looked at each other, worried. What was going to happen to Scorpius?

The Great Hall was abuzz with whispers as students from all four houses waited anxiously for the outcome of the meeting between Lucius and Dumbledore. The 12 Muskeeteers, seated together at the Slytherin table, remained quiet, their faces etched with concern for their friend Scorpius.

At the Gryffindor table, Seamus Finnigan was whispering to Dean Thomas, "I've never heard of resorting happening before. Do you think it's true that Scorpius might be resorted?"

Dean shook his head, "I don't know, but I hope not. He's a great guy."

Meanwhile, at the Ravenclaw table, Terry Boot was chatting with Anthony Goldstein, "I've heard that resorting is a very complicated process. It requires a lot of paperwork and approval from the Ministry."

Anthony nodded, "Yes, I've heard that too. I hope Scorpius doesn't have to go through it."

At the Hufflepuff table, Ernie Macmillan was whispering to Hannah Abbott, "I don't think Scorpius will be resorted. Dumbledore won't let that happen."

Hannah smiled, "I hope you're right, Ernie. Scorpius is a great guy, and we don't want to lose him."

As the whispers continued, the Great Hall grew quieter, awaiting the return of Lucius and Dumbledore. The 12 Muskeeteers remained silent, their eyes fixed on the staff table, waiting anxiously for the outcome.

As Dumbledore returned, his expression was solemn, a stark contrast to Lucius's smirk. Scorpius's face fell, his eyes filled with worry. Professor McGonagall, with a sympathetic gaze, brought the Sorting Hat to the front of the Great Hall. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation as Scorpius was called to the stool. The other 11 Muskeeteers watched with bated breath, their eyes filled with concern.

"Please, Scorpius, sit down," McGonagall said gently, her voice softening the tension.

Scorpius slowly made his way to the stool, his eyes fixed on the Sorting Hat. As he sat down, the hat was placed on his head. The Great Hall fell silent, awaiting the outcome.

"I hope he gets resorted back to Gryffindor," Harry thought to himself, his fingers crossed in anticipation. The Sorting Hat's decision would change Scorpius's life, and Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility, hoping that his friend would remain by his side.

As Scorpius closed his eyes, the Sorting Hat began its conversation with him. The hat's voice echoed in Scorpius's mind, "So, young Scorpius, I hear you're quite the brave one. Your father, Draco, was a Slytherin, but I sense you're different. You have a certain... spark within you."

Scorpius thought to himself, "I don't want to be like Father. I want to be my own person."

The Sorting Hat continued, "I see. You're not afraid to break free from the family mold. That takes courage. But, tell me, Scorpius, what do you value most? Bravery, intelligence, loyalty, or ambition?"

Scorpius's thoughts flashed back to his friends, the Silver and Golden Musketeers. He remembered how they stood by each other, no matter what. "I value loyalty and bravery," he replied, his mental voice firm.

The Sorting Hat chuckled, "Ah, an excellent choice, young Scorpius! I think I know just the place for you..."

As the hat finished its deliberation, Scorpius's eyes snapped open. The Great Hall fell silent, awaiting the hat's announcement. The Silver and Golden Musketeers exchanged anxious glances. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan looked on with bated breath. Ginny, Luna, Dudley, Samantha, and Daisy seemed to be holding their collective breath.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with interest, while Lucius's expression turned skeptical. The Sorting Hat's voice boomed through the hall, "SCORPIUS MALFOY, I SORT YOU INTO... GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers and applause as Scorpius made his way to join his new classmates. The Silver and Golden Musketeers beamed with pride. Harry grinned, knowing his friend had found his true home.

As the Great Hall erupted in cheers and applause, Scorpius made his way to the Gryffindor table, beaming with pride. The Silver and Golden Musketeers exchanged thrilled glances, grinning from ear to ear.

"Blimey, Scorpius! Congratulations, mate!" Ron exclaimed, clapping Scorpius on the back.

"Welcome to Gryffindor, Scorpius!" Harry said with a smile, shaking Scorpius's hand.

Just then, Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father, stood up from the Slytherin table, his face reddening with indignation. "This is a mistake!" he shouted, his voice echoing through the hall. "A Malfoy in Gryffindor? Preposterous!"

The Great Hall fell silent, with all eyes on Lucius. Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with amusement as he leaned forward, his hands clasped together. "Ah, Lucius, I assure you, the Sorting Hat's decision is never a mistake. The Hat sees something in Scorpius that makes him a perfect fit for Gryffindor."

Lucius's face turned even redder, but before he could say another word, Draco intervened, standing up from his seat. "Father, please. Scorpius has made his choice, and we should respect it."

The Great Hall erupted in applause once more, with the Gryffindor table cheering the loudest. Scorpius smiled, feeling grateful for his brother's support. Lucius, however, looked far from convinced, his eyes narrowing in disapproval.

Lucius's face turned beet red as he continued to make a scene. "This is absurd!" he shouted, his voice echoing off the stone walls of the Great Hall. "A Malfoy in Gryffindor? It's a travesty! Scorpius, you are a Slytherin, through and through. You should be resorted immediately!"

The Great Hall fell silent, with all eyes on Lucius. The students looked on in discomfort, unsure of how to react. The professors, however, were not pleased with Lucius's outburst.

"Lucius, that's enough," Professor Dumbledore said firmly, his eyes twinkling with a hint of warning. "The Sorting Hat's decision is final. Scorpius has been sorted into Gryffindor, and that is where he will stay."

Lucius scoffed, his eyes flashing with anger. "You're making a mistake, Dumbledore. A Malfoy in Gryffindor? It's a mockery!"

Draco, who had been watching the scene unfold, stood up, his face pale. "Father, please," he said, his voice low and even. "Scorpius has made his choice. We should respect it."

Lucius turned to Draco, his eyes narrowing. "You're just as bad as your brother," he spat. "You're both a disappointment to the Malfoy name."

The Great Hall erupted into chaos, with students shouting and arguing. The professors struggled to restore order, but it was clear that the atmosphere had been irreparably damaged.

In the midst of the chaos, Scorpius looked on, his eyes wide with uncertainty. He glanced at Harry, who gave him a reassuring smile.

"Hey, don't worry about it," Harry said, clapping Scorpius on the back. "You're a Gryffindor now. We've got your back."

Scorpius smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Harry. He knew that he had made the right decision in choosing Gryffindor.

Scorpius stood up, a sudden surge of bravery coursing through his veins. "Okay, resort me," he said, his voice firm and resolute. The Great Hall fell silent, with all eyes on Scorpius. The professors looked on in surprise, while the students exchanged bewildered glances.

Lucius's smirk grew wider, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Ah, how...interesting," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

The Sorting Hat was placed on Scorpius's head once again. The hat's voice echoed in Scorpius's mind, "So, you want to be resorted, eh? Very well, let us see..."

The hat and Scorpius had a brief conversation, their voices hushed and indistinguishable to the rest of the hall. After a moment, the hat shouted out, "GRYFFINDOR!"

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers and applause, with the Golden Musketeers - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan - beaming with pride. The Silver Musketeers - Ginny, Luna, Daisy, Dudley, Scorpius, and Samantha - joined in, grinning from ear to ear. Harry, Ron, and Hermione rushed over to congratulate Scorpius, while Ginny and Luna exchanged excited whispers.

Lucius's smirk faltered, his face darkening with displeasure.

"Foolish boy," Lucius muttered under his breath, his eyes flashing with anger. "You will regret this, Scorpius. Mark my words."

Scorpius stood tall, his blue eyes flashing with determination as he faced his father, Lucius. "I'm telling you, Father, no matter how many times I'm resorted, the result will be the same," Scorpius said, his voice firm and resolute. "I challenge you to try again, if you don't believe me!"

The Great Hall fell silent once more, with all eyes on the Malfoy family drama unfolding before them. Lucius's face darkened, his eyes narrowing in displeasure. "You dare to defy me, Scorpius?" Lucius spat, his voice low and menacing.

Scorpius stood his ground, his chin held high. "I'm not defying you, Father. I'm simply stating the truth. I'm a Gryffindor, and I won't let you or anyone else change that."

The Gryffindor table erupted into cheers and applause once more, with Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Scorpius, and the rest of the Golden and Silver Musketeers beaming with pride. Draco, Susan, Dudley, Samantha, and Daisy all joined in, grinning from ear to ear.

Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor and Head of Gryffindor House, stepped forward, a stern expression on her face. "That's enough, Lucius. The Sorting Hat's decision is final. Scorpius is a Gryffindor, and he will remain so."

Lucius's face twisted in anger, but he knew better than to cross McGonagall. With a snarl, he turned and stormed out of the Great Hall, leaving Scorpius and the rest of the students to celebrate.

As the drama in the Great Hall subsided, the 12 Muskeeteers decided to head to Hagrid's hut for a morning gathering before classes. The sun was shining brightly, casting a warm glow over the Hogwarts grounds. The group walked together, chatting and laughing, as they made their way to Hagrid's cozy abode.

As they approached the hut, they realized it might be a challenge to fit all 12 of them inside. Hagrid's hut was spacious, but not quite large enough to accommodate their entire group. Harry, being the quick thinker he was, remembered an advanced charm he had learned from a library book over the summer.

"Wait a minute, I think I can help with that," Harry said, a mischievous glint in his eye. He raised his wand and began to chant the words of the charm. "Expansio!"

A soft, blue glow emanated from Harry's wand, and the hut began to expand, its walls stretching outward to accommodate the large group. The Muskeeteers watched in awe as the hut grew larger, its interior transforming to fit their needs.

"Blimey, Harry! How did you do that?" Ron exclaimed, his eyes wide with wonder.

Harry grinned, pleased with himself. "Just a little something I learned over the summer. Now, shall we go inside?"

With the hut now spacious enough to fit them all, the 12 Muskeeteers filed inside, eager to start their day together. Hagrid, who had been watching from the doorway, smiled warmly at the group.

"Ah, 'ello, youngsters! Welcome to me 'ome. I've got a fresh pot of tea brewin' on the fire. Help yerselves!"

As they settled into Hagrid's cozy hut, the conversation turned to the drama that had unfolded in the Great Hall.

"Blimey, Scorp, your dad was furious, wasn't he?" Ron said, referring to the tension between Scorpius and his father, Lucius.

Scorpius nodded, looking a bit shaken. "Yeah... he wasn't happy."

Draco spoke up, his voice defensive. "I stood up for Scorp, though. I told Father that Scorp didn't do anything wrong."

Hagrid's expression softened, and he nodded at Draco. "Aye, Draco, yeh did the right thing, standin' up for yer brother like that. It's not always easy to do the right thing, especially when it's hard."

The Muskeeteers nodded in agreement, smiling at Draco and Scorpius.

As the 12 Muskeeteers settled into Hagrid's cozy hut, the conversation turned to the drama that had unfolded in the Great Hall. Ginny, still looking a bit confused, turned to Harry and asked, "But Harry, why didn't I have a seat? I thought your spell would have taken care of that."

Harry chuckled and wrapped his arms around Ginny, pulling her close. "You don't need a seat, Gin," he said with a grin. "You've got mine." He patted his lap, and Ginny's eyes widened in realization.

"Oh, you mean...?" she started to ask, her cheeks flushing pink.

Harry nodded, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Yeah, my lap is your seat, anytime."

The others laughed and teased Ginny good-naturedly, but she just rolled her eyes and snuggled into Harry's side. "You're impossible, Harry Potter," she said with a smile.

As they continued to chat, Hagrid poured tea and handed out rock cakes, which the Muskeeteers accepted with varying degrees of enthusiasm. The rock cakes were, as usual, a bit of a challenge to chew, but no one wanted to hurt Hagrid's feelings by complaining.

"Thanks, Hagrid, these are... really something," Ron said, trying to sound sincere as he struggled to take a bite.

Hagrid beamed with pride. "Glad yeh like 'em, Ron! I was up all night bakin' 'em."

The Muskeeteers exchanged amused glances, but said nothing, not wanting to hurt Hagrid's feelings. They chewed their rock cakes in silence, trying to be polite.

The warm glow of the fire pit in Hagrid's hut cast a cozy ambiance, illuminating the faces of the 12 Muskeeteers as they sat together in comfortable silence. The hut, once a humble abode, had been expanded to accommodate the group's gatherings. The wooden beams, now reinforced with sturdy magical supports, seemed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

As they sat together, it was clear that the conventional boundaries of Hogwarts' houses had been bridged. The group's camaraderie was a testament to the power of friendship and shared experiences. Who would have imagined that one day, Hagrid's hut would be expanded to accommodate such a diverse and vibrant group of friends?

The presence of two Malfoys, Draco and Scorpius, was a notable aspect of the group's dynamic. Their inclusion was a testament to the fact that even the most unlikely individuals could find common ground and become close friends.

As the fire crackled and spat, the group's collective energy was palpable. It was as if they had created their own little world, one where the traditional rivalries and divisions of Hogwarts were left at the door.

The sight of a Malfoy in Gryffindor colors and a Potter in Slytherin robes would have been unthinkable just a year ago. Yet, here they were, a living embodiment of the idea that friendship and loyalty could transcend even the deepest-seated differences.

In this moment, as they sat together in comfortable silence, it was clear that the 12 Muskeeteers had created something truly special - a bond that would last a lifetime, and one that was simply meant to be.

Next Chapter is  Adjusting at Hogwarts

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Oh it was really satisfying to include Lucius vs Scorpius. And sorting hat part. I hope you like it.  Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!

Chapter 21: Adjusting at Hogwarts

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The sun cast its warm rays through the windows of the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, illuminating the faces of the second-year students. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and their classmates, including Padma Patil, Terry Boot, and Anthony, sat waiting for Professor Lockhart to begin the lesson.

As Lockhart swept into the room, a charismatic smile plastered on his face, Harry let out a discreet groan. He had been looking forward to this class all week, but Lockhart's antics always seemed to detract from the learning experience.

"Ah, welcome, welcome, my dear students!" Lockhart exclaimed, his voice booming through the room. "I trust you're all ready to learn the art of defending against those pesky Cornix Pixies?"

The class murmured in agreement, and Lockhart began to pace around the room, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Now, I know some of you may be thinking, 'Professor Lockhart, why didn't you help us catch those pixies last class?' And to that, I say... Ah, but that would have deprived you of the opportunity to learn, wouldn't it?"

Lockhart's smile grew wider as he paused for dramatic effect. "You see, my dear students, the art of defense is not just about waving a wand and shouting spells. It's about strategy, cunning, and... Well, let's just say, a dash of flair."

Harry raised an eyebrow, skeptical of Lockhart's claims. He had been looking forward to learning some real defensive magic, not just listening to Lockhart's boasts about his own supposed prowess.

"Today, we're going to learn the 'Pixie-Binding Jinx,'" Lockhart announced, his eyes glinting with excitement. "It's a tricky spell, but with my expert guidance, I'm sure you'll all be masters of it in no time."

As Lockhart began to demonstrate the spell, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment. This was not what he had been hoping for. Where was the substance? The real magic? He glanced over at Ron and Neville, who seemed to be sharing his skepticism.

"This is going to be a long lesson," Ron whispered, rolling his eyes.

Hermione shot him a warning glance, but Harry couldn't help but smile in agreement.

As Lockhart began his theory lecture, he proudly held up his book, "Magical Me," and started reading from it. Harry listened intently, but his eyes narrowed as he noticed some inconsistencies in Lockhart's arguments. He raised his hand, and Lockhart, with a charming smile, called on him.

"Excuse me, Professor Lockhart," Harry said, "but on page 37, you say that the 'Pixie-Binding Jinx' requires a clockwise motion, while on page 42, you say it requires a counterclockwise motion. Which one is correct?"

Lockhart chuckled and winked at the class. "Ah, excellent question, Harry! You see, the direction of the motion depends on the specific type of pixie you're dealing with. It's all about adapting to the situation, you know."

The boys in the class rolled their eyes, skeptical of Lockhart's explanation. Ron whispered to Harry, "He's just making it up as he goes along."

On the other hand, the girls in the class looked flustered, their eyes shining with admiration for Lockhart's supposed expertise. Hermione, however, looked thoughtful, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"I think I see what you mean, Professor Lockhart," she said, "but could you clarify the difference between the two motions?"

Lockhart beamed at Hermione, happy to have a student who seemed to appreciate his teaching. "Ah, an excellent question, Hermione! The clockwise motion is used for pixies that are more...ah, shall we say, 'friendly,' while the counterclockwise motion is used for those that are more...ah, 'feisty.'"

The class nodded, some looking more convinced than others. Harry, however, remained skeptical, his eyes never leaving Lockhart's face.

As the class on Defense Against the Dark Arts came to a close, the students filed out of the room, buzzing with excitement and skepticism. Harry, Ron, and Neville lagged behind, discussing their doubts about Professor Lockhart's teaching abilities.

"I mean, he didn't even teach us any real defensive magic!" Ron exclaimed, frustration etched on his face.

"And he's always talking about himself," Neville added, rolling his eyes. "It's like he's more interested in being famous than actually teaching us anything useful."

Harry nodded in agreement. "I know, right? I felt like I was stuck in some kind of weird dream, listening to him drone on and on about his supposed 'adventures'."

Hermione, who had been walking slightly ahead of the trio, slowed down but didn't join in the conversation. She seemed lost in thought, her brow furrowed in concern. The boys didn't notice her silence, too caught up in their own discussion.

"I bet he's just making all that stuff up," Ron said, scoffing. "I mean, who's ever heard of a wizard defeating a bunch of dark creatures with just a smile and a flick of his wand?"

Neville chuckled. "Yeah, and what's with all the 'selected' stories from his book? It's like he's trying to brainwash us or something."

Harry snorted. "Brainwash us? More like bore us to death!"

As they turned a corner in the corridor, Hermione suddenly stopped and turned to face them. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of defensiveness.

"You guys are being really unfair," she said, her voice firm but measured. "Just because Professor Lockhart's teaching style is different doesn't mean he's a bad teacher. Maybe we just need to give him a chance."

As the Silver Musketeers Ginny, Scorpius, and Daisy approached, Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. "Hey, guys! How was Charms?" he asked, grinning at the trio.

Ginny rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "It was okay, I guess. Professor Flitwick's always so cheerful, it's hard not to have fun."

Scorpius chuckled. "Yeah, and I managed not to turn my wand into a rubber chicken this time, so that's a plus!"

Daisy smiled sweetly. "I'm just glad we got to practice the Wand-Choosing Charm. I think I'm getting the hang of it!"

Collin, who had been quietly observing the group, suddenly piped up. "Hey, Harry! Can I get a photo with you? My mum would love it!"

Harry laughed and obliged, posing for a photo with Collin. Just then, a commotion broke out nearby. Students were clustering around a table, eagerly waiting for autographs. Harry's eyes narrowed as he realized who was holding court: Professor Lockhart.

Hermione watched with a thoughtful expression. "I suppose he does have a way of inspiring people," she said, her voice measured.

Ron snorted. "Yeah, and I'm sure he's signing those autographs with a flourish, just to make sure everyone knows what a 'legend' he is."

Draco raised an eyebrow. "You have to admit, though, he does have a certain... charm."

Susan shot him a dry look. "Oh, please. He's all flash and no substance."

As they watched, Lockhart grinned broadly, signing autographs with a flourish. "Ah, yes, my dear students! I'm always happy to oblige my adoring fans!"

As the Silver Musketeers joined the group, the atmosphere became more lively. "Hey, guys! What's all the commotion about?" Luna asked, her dreamy eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Just Lockhart being his usual self," Ron replied, rolling his eyes. "Thinks he's God's gift to wizarding world."

Draco snorted. "Please, he's all flash and no substance. I'm surprised he hasn't tried to sell his autographs yet."

Susan chuckled. "I think he's already working on that, Draco. He's been talking about writing a new book."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure it'll be a bestseller... among his fans, at least."

Just then, Neville glanced at his watch. "Hey, guys, we should get going. Our next class is about to start, and we don't want to be late."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, let's head to the Muskeeteers room first, though. We can discuss our plan for the next class, and the Silver Musketeers can check out the room for the first time."

The group set off towards the secret room, eager to share their thoughts and ideas. As they walked, the Silver Musketeers chattered excitedly about their first visit to the Muskeeteers room.

"I've heard so much about this room!" Ginny exclaimed. "I'm dying to see it!"

Scorpius grinned. "I've heard it's got all sorts of hidden passages and secrets. Can't wait to explore!"

Daisy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I've heard it's got a special charm that makes it invisible to everyone except the Musketeers!"

Luna's eyes shone with curiosity. "I wonder if we'll find any new creatures in there."

Dudley, who had been quietly observing the group, spoke up, "I've heard the room is really cool. Can't wait to see it for myself."

Samantha smiled, "I'm excited to see what kind of secrets the room holds."

As they approached the room, Harry smiled, knowing that the Silver Musketeers were in for a treat. He pushed open the door, revealing the cozy, hidden space within. The Silver Musketeers gasped in unison, their eyes wide with wonder.

It was at the evening when all 12 Muskeeteers were able to meet again. They all were settled in Muskeeteers room, a cozy, hidden space that only they knew about. The Silver Muskeeteers, except Ginny, still looked a bit awestruck by the room's secrets and hidden passages. Ginny, on the other hand, was busy giggling and whispering with Harry, who was making funny faces at her. They were acting like a typical couple, holding hands and stealing glances at each other.

Ron, trying to avoid the lovey-dovey atmosphere, rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "You two are impossible," he said, shaking his head. He didn't like to see his sister like that, but he was also happy for her.

Draco, sitting on a nearby couch, raised an eyebrow. "You're just jealous, Weasley," he said, smirking.

Ron shot him a mock-angry look. "I am not jealous, Malfoy. I just don't want to see my sister making a fool of herself."

Ginny playfully hit Ron on the arm. "Hey, watch it, Ron! Harry's not making a fool of me, I'm making a fool of him!"

The room erupted in laughter, and the tension was broken. The 12 Muskeeteers settled in for a cozy evening together, chatting and joking like old friends.

As the evening drew to a close, the 12 Muskeeteers decided it was time to head back to their respective common rooms. They said their goodbyes, and with a chorus of "see you tomorrow," they began to disperse.

The Gryffindor Muskeeteers, consisting of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Scorpius, made their way to Gryffindor Tower. As they climbed the stairs, they chatted excitedly about their plans for the next day.

Meanwhile, the Slytherin Muskeeteers, Daisy and Draco, slipped away to the Slytherin common room, located in the dungeons. They exchanged a brief smile before parting ways to change into their robes.

The Hufflepuff Muskeeteers, Dudley and Susan, headed to the Hufflepuff common room, which was located near the kitchens. They walked in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company.

Lastly, the Ravenclaw Muskeeteers, Luna and Samantha, made their way to the Ravenclaw common room, which was accessible through a hidden entrance. As they climbed the stairs, they engaged in a lively discussion about the latest book they had read.

With the Muskeeteers safely back in their respective common rooms, the castle grew quiet once more, awaiting the dawn of a new day.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the Hogwarts grounds, Harry discreetly took Ginny's hand, and with a mischievous grin, led her away from the group. "Shh, come with me," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Ginny's eyes lit up with curiosity, and she giggled as Harry enveloped them both in his invisibility cloak.

Under the cloak's concealing folds, they made their way to the secret garden, a hidden oasis nestled deep within the castle's ancient walls. The garden was a labor of love, tended by the house-elves, who had transformed it into a whimsical paradise. As they entered, Ginny gasped in wonder, her eyes drinking in the vibrant colors and sweet scents that filled the air.

"Harry, this is incredible!" she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're amazing!" Harry beamed with pride, pleased that Ginny was delighted with the surprise he had planned for her. With a gentle smile, he took her hand, and they strolled along the winding paths, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature and the soft glow of twinkling fairy lights.

As they walked, the tension between them was palpable, their hands touching, sending shivers down their spines. They paused beside a tranquil pond, its surface reflecting the starry sky above. Harry turned to Ginny, his eyes locked on hers, and whispered, "I'm so glad we have this place, just for us." Ginny's heart skipped a beat as she met his gaze, her voice barely audible, "Me too, Harry."

As they stood there, the sound of gentle lapping of the water against the pond's edge created a soothing melody. Ginny's gaze drifted away from Harry's, and she began to speak in a soft, conversational tone. "You know, Harry, I've been getting to know Demelza Robbins, my dormmate. She's really nice, and we've become fast friends."

Harry's interest was piqued, and he leaned in slightly, encouraging Ginny to continue. "What's she like?" he asked, his voice low and curious. Ginny's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, she's a bit of a bookworm, always with her nose buried in some ancient tome or other. But she's got a great sense of humor, and we have a lot of fun together."

As Ginny spoke, Harry listened intently, happy to see her so carefree and relaxed. He was glad that she had found a friend in Demelza, someone who shared her interests and values. The thought of Ginny having someone to confide in, someone who understood her, filled him with a sense of contentment.

Just then, a soft rustling sound came from the nearby bushes, followed by the appearance of a small, furry creature. It was Poco, Harry's little sparrow, who had flown in to join them. Ginny giggled as Poco landed on Harry's shoulder, nuzzling his ear affectionately. "Looks like we've got some company," Harry said, smiling, as he stroked Poco's soft feathers.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Hogwarts grounds, Harry, Ginny, and Poco continued their playful escapade. Poco, being the mischievous little sparrow he was, flitted about, chirping and tweeting, as he led Harry on a merry chase.

Ginny watched the scene unfold, a bright smile spreading across her face. She couldn't help but giggle at the sight of Harry, his eyes shining with excitement, as he darted about, trying to catch the elusive Poco.

Since Harry loved Ginny with all his heart, his pets had automatically taken a liking to her as well. Hedwig, his faithful snowy owl, would often perch on Ginny's shoulder, nuzzling her gently, while Kluer, his color-changing cat, would curl up in her lap, purring contentedly.

As Poco continued to flit about, Harry finally managed to catch him, scooping him up in his hands. "Gotcha, you little scamp!" Harry exclaimed, laughing, as Poco chirped and tweeted, clearly pleased with himself.

Ginny walked over to Harry, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're so patient with him, Harry," she said, smiling. "I don't know how you do it."

Harry grinned, scratching Poco behind the ears. "It's easy, Gin," he said. "Poco's just a big softie at heart."

As they stood there, surrounded by the peaceful evening atmosphere, Harry and Ginny shared a warm, tender moment, their eyes locked on each other, their hearts filled with love and affection.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Hogwarts grounds, Harry and Ginny made their way back to Gryffindor Tower, mindful of the impending curfew. They had spent the evening strolling around the castle, enjoying each other's company, but now it was time to return to their dormitories.

"I don't fancy getting caught and losing points or bagging a detention this early," Harry said, his voice low and cautious.

Ginny nodded in agreement. "Definitely not. We don't want to start the year on the wrong foot."

Harry smiled mischievously and pulled out his invisibility cloak. "I've got just the thing. I've been carrying this around with me, just in case."

Ginny's eyes widened in amusement. "You're always prepared, aren't you? I didn't know you kept it in your robes."

Harry shrugged. "You never know when you might need it. Now, let's get moving."

He draped the cloak over them, and they became instantly invisible. Harry pulled out the new Marauders map, a clever device that revealed the location of everyone within the castle. Ginny took charge, guiding them through the winding corridors, expertly avoiding professors and prefects.

As they walked, the map revealed the whereabouts of various students and staff members. Ginny expertly navigated them around the obstacles, her eyes scanning the map with a practiced ease.

"Okay, we're clear," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "The coast is clear. Let's make a run for it."

They quickened their pace, their footsteps silent on the stone floor. Finally, they reached the entrance to Gryffindor Tower, where the Fat Lady's portrait gazed down at them.

"Password?" she asked, her voice stern but not unkind.

Ginny smiled mischievously. "Crimson Lightning."

The Fat Lady's expression softened, and she nodded graciously. "Very well, you may enter."

The portrait swung open, revealing the cozy Gryffindor common room. Harry and Ginny slipped inside, grateful to have made it back safely. They collapsed onto a plush couch, laughing and catching their breath.

"That was close," Harry said, grinning at Ginny.

Ginny smiled back, her eyes sparkling. "We make a good team, don't we?"

Harry nodded, his heart full of affection for his girlfriend. "The best team."

As the Fat Lady's portrait swung shut behind them, Harry and Ginny found themselves in the cozy Gryffindor common room. However, to their surprise, the room was empty, the fire crackling softly in the hearth.

"I guess everyone's already turned in," Ginny said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry nodded, glancing around the room. "Yeah, it's getting late. We should probably get some rest too."

Ginny smiled, and Harry walked her to the stairs leading to the girls' dormitories. They shared a soft, gentle kiss goodnight before Ginny headed up the stairs.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Harry," she whispered, her eyes sparkling in the dim light.

"Tomorrow," Harry replied, watching her disappear into the darkness.

He then turned and made his way to the boys' dormitories, climbing the stairs to the second year boys' dorm. The room was quiet, the only sound the soft snores of his fellow students.

Harry changed into his pajamas, slipping into bed just as Ron stirred, rubbing his eyes.

"Hey, Harry," Ron whispered, his voice sleepy. "What time is it?"

"Late," Harry replied, snuggling under the blankets. "Go back to sleep, Ron."

Ron nodded, yawning, and soon fell back asleep. Harry smiled, feeling grateful for his friends and the cozy warmth of the Gryffindor dormitories. He closed his eyes, drifting off into a peaceful sleep.

As Percy entered the empty Gryffindor common room, he couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over him. He had just finished his prefect rounds, making sure everyone was in their dorms and the castle was quiet. But what he had done afterwards was not exactly prefect-like behavior.

Percy's eyes darted around the room, ensuring he was alone. He let out a sigh and ran a hand through his disheveled hair, trying to smooth it out. His eyes landed on the faint lipstick mark on his lips, and he quickly rubbed it off with the back of his hand.

A sly grin spread across his face as he thought about his secret rendezvous with Penelope Clearwater. It was a risk, sneaking around and stealing kisses in the corridors, but it was exhilarating. And Penelope was worth it.

Just as Percy was about to head up to his dorm, he heard the sound of footsteps coming from the fat lady's portrait. He quickly composed himself, straightening his robes and adopting a more prefect-like demeanor.

"Who's there?" the fat lady asked, her voice low and sultry.

Percy cleared his throat. "Just me, Percy Weasley. I was, uh, just making sure everything was in order."

The fat lady raised an eyebrow. "At this hour? Very well, Percy. You may enter."

As the portrait swung open, Percy stepped through, his eyes scanning the room once more before heading up to his dorm, a secret smile still playing on his lips.

Harry and Ginny drifted off to sleep, their minds still buzzing with the events of the day. But as they slipped into slumber, they found themselves transported to a different realm, one that existed only in their dreams. In this mystical place, they opened their eyes to find themselves standing side by side, surrounded by a soft, ethereal glow.

"Welcome to Dreamland," Harry whispered, his eyes shining with excitement, as he took Ginny's hand in his.

Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I love it here," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's like our own secret world."

As they stood there, Hinny, the phoenix they had created together, fluttered down from the sky, its feathers shimmering in the soft light. Harry and Ginny watched in awe as Hinny settled beside them, its eyes shining with a deep, inner light.

"What do you want to do tonight?" Harry asked, turning to Ginny with a mischievous grin.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I don't know, what do you suggest?"

Harry's grin grew wider. "Well, we could explore the gardens, or visit the lake. Or we could just sit here and watch the stars."

Ginny's eyes shone with excitement. "I love watching the stars with you," she replied, snuggling closer to Harry.

As they sat down together, Hinny settled beside them, its eyes watching over them as they gazed up at the starry sky. The night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the soft, soothing sound of gentle music.

In this magical place, time stood still, and all that mattered was the love and companionship they shared. As they sat there, lost in the beauty of the night, Harry and Ginny knew that they would always treasure this special place, this Dreamland that was theirs alone.

As they strolled through the rolling hills and sparkling meadows of Dreamland, Ginny suddenly took off running, her laughter echoing through the air. "Catch me, Harry!" she called out, her red hair flying behind her.

Harry grinned, feeling the thrill of the chase. He took off after Ginny, his feet pounding the soft, grassy terrain. The scenery around them shifted and morphed, responding to their playful energy. Flowers bloomed and burst into colorful sparks, and the sky above transformed into a kaleidoscope of swirling patterns.

As they ran, Hinny, their phoenix, soared overhead, its wings beating in time with their laughter. The creature's plumage shimmered with a soft, rainbow light, illuminating the dreamscapes around them.

Harry gained on Ginny, his heart pounding with excitement. Just when he thought he was about to catch her, Ginny dodged and weaved, leading him on a merry chase through the ever-changing landscapes of Dreamland.

Finally, Harry managed to catch up to Ginny, sweeping her up in a playful hug. They spun around, laughing and holding each other tightly, as the dreamscapes around them dissolved into a soft, golden light.

Harry woke up the next day at his regular time, 5 am. The other students in Gryffindor's dormitory were still fast asleep, their gentle snores and soft breathing creating a soothing background noise. Harry quietly got out of bed, careful not to disturb his friends, and began to get dressed in the dimly lit room. He put on his worn-out jeans and a faded Quidditch t-shirt, then slipped on his socks and shoes.

After getting dressed, Harry made his way to the common room, the soft glow of the fire pit illuminating his path. The room was empty, except for a few scattered books and the occasional flickering candle. Harry settled into his favorite armchair, feeling the soft cushions envelop him as he gazed into the crackling flames. The warmth and silence of the room were a perfect way to start the day, and Harry felt his mind begin to clear as he sat there, lost in thought.

The sun had just begun to rise over the Hogwarts grounds, casting a warm glow over the castle and its surroundings. Harry,  was stretching his arms and yawning when Ginny came downstairs. Her bright red hair was tied up in a ponytail, and she looked determined.

"I'm joining you for exercise today," she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Harry was taken aback. "Really? You're not exactly a morning person, Gin."

Ginny grinned. "I know, but I want to start getting in shape. And I don't want to be left out of your daily routine."

Together, they made their way to the kitchen, where the entrance to the Hufflepuff common room was located. As they approached, they found Dudley already waiting for them, sipping on a cup of tea.

"Hey, Cuz!" Dudley exclaimed, his eyes widening in surprise as he took in Ginny's early morning appearance. "I didn't know you were joining us today, Gin!"

Ginny smiled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I decided to start getting in shape. And I didn't want to miss out on the fun."

Dudley chuckled. "Well, you're definitely in for a treat. Harry's exercise routine is not for the faint of heart."

Harry rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Hey, it's not that bad. I promise I'll go easy on you, Gin."

Ginny playfully punched Harry's arm. "I can handle it, Potter. Let's get started!"

As the morning sun cast its golden rays over the Hogwarts grounds, Harry, Ginny, and Dudley made their way outside for their morning exercise. Harry, being the athletic and disciplined individual he was, had a fixed routine that he followed diligently. He began with a brisk run around the grounds, feeling the cool morning air fill his lungs as he pounded the earth. Next, he made his way to the Black Lake, where he dove into the crystal-clear waters for a refreshing swim.

Ginny, determined to keep up with Harry, insisted on joining him for the entire routine. Harry warned her to pace herself, reminding her that it was only her first day, but Ginny was not one to back down from a challenge. She swam alongside Harry, her strokes strong and confident, despite the fact that she was not as experienced a swimmer as Harry.

Meanwhile, Dudley sat on the grassy banks of the Black Lake, watching his friends with a mixture of admiration and exhaustion. He had done his fair share of exercise for the day and was content to simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

As Harry and Ginny swam, they chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company. Harry was impressed by Ginny's determination and endurance, and Ginny was thrilled to be able to keep up with her boyfriend.

After their swim, Harry and Ginny climbed out of the lake, shaking off the excess water and stretching their limbs. They lay down on the grassy banks, soaking up the warm sunshine and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

"You're a natural, Gin," Harry said, grinning at Ginny. "I'm proud of you."

Ginny smiled, feeling happy and content. "Thanks, Harry. I couldn't have done it without you."

Dudley, who had been quietly observing the exchange, spoke up. "You two are something else. I'm just going to sit here and enjoy the view."

Harry and Ginny laughed, and the three friends sat together in comfortable silence, enjoying the beauty of the Hogwarts grounds.

As they entered the Gryffindor common room, Harry gently set Ginny down on the couch, trying not to jostle her too much. "You should have told me you were getting tired, Gin," Harry said, concern etched on his face.

Ginny rubbed her eyes, looking a bit sheepish. "I didn't want to slow you down, Harry. You were having so much fun."

Harry smiled and sat down beside her. "I'd rather have you with me, even if we have to take it slower. Besides, I think I've had enough excitement for one morning."

Just then, Ron and Hermione walked into the common room, looking a bit disheveled. "What's going on?" Ron asked, eyeing Ginny's tired expression. "Did you guys have a rough morning?"

Harry filled them in on their early morning adventure, and Hermione clucked her tongue in concern. "Ginny, you should be more careful. You can't push yourself too hard."

Ginny nodded, looking a bit chastened. "I know, Hermione. It's just...I don't want to miss out on anything. Especially not with Harry."

Ron grinned. "Don't worry, Gin. We'll make sure you're included in all the fun. Even if it means taking it easy sometimes."

As they chatted, Neville walked into the common room, looking a bit flustered. "Hey guys, have you seen my toad, Trevor? I swear, I had him right here..."

The group launched into a discussion about Neville's missing toad, and Ginny leaned back against the couch, feeling grateful for her friends and their unwavering support. Despite her exhaustion, she couldn't help but smile, knowing she was surrounded by people who cared about her.

As the sun began to set, the 12 Muskeeteers gathered in their secret meeting room, excited to choose their Marauder names. The room was filled with anticipation as they sat in a circle, eager to begin the discussion.

"Alright, let's get started!" Harry exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. "We need to choose names that are unique and reflect our personalities."

"I've been thinking," Ron said, "I want a name that's connected to gold, since it's a valuable treasure."

"Ah, that's a great idea, Ron!" Hermione chimed in. "How about 'Aurum'? It's the Latin word for gold."

Ron's eyes lit up. "I love it! Aurum it is, then."

Next, it was Hermione's turn. "I've been thinking about a name that reflects my sharp instincts," she said. "How about 'Talona'? It means 'sharp claw' in Latin."

The group nodded in agreement, impressed by Hermione's clever choice.

Neville, who had been quietly observing the discussion, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my connection to nature," he said. "How about 'Thistle'? It's a prickly yet beautiful flower."

The group applauded Neville's choice, and he smiled, looking pleased.

Susan, who had been listening intently, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my calm and gentle nature," she said. "How about 'Iridia'? It's a play on the word 'iris,' which is a symbol of peace and hope."

The group nodded in agreement, admiring Susan's thoughtful choice.

Draco, who had been quietly observing the discussion, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my icy demeanor," he said, a sly grin spreading across his face. "How about 'Glace'? It's the French word for ice."

The group raised an eyebrow at Draco's choice, but ultimately nodded in agreement.

Scorpius, who had been listening intently, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my adventurous spirit," he said. "How about 'Lycan'? It's a play on the word 'lycanthrope,' which is a mythical creature that's part human, part wolf."

The group applauded Scorpius's choice, and he grinned, looking thrilled.

Ginny, who had been quietly observing the discussion, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my mysterious and elusive nature," she said. "How about 'Nyxora'? It's a play on the word 'nyx,' which is the Greek goddess of night."

The group nodded in agreement, admiring Ginny's clever choice.

Luna, who had been listening intently, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my dreamy and ethereal nature," she said. "How about 'Volaris'? It's a play on the word 'vola,' which means 'to fly' in Latin."

The group applauded Luna's choice, and she smiled, looking pleased.

Daisy, who had been quietly observing the discussion, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my colorful and vibrant personality," she said. "How about 'Chroma'? It's the Greek word for color."

The group nodded in agreement, admiring Daisy's thoughtful choice.

Dudley, who had been listening intently, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my rugged and adventurous spirit," he said. "How about 'Rooke'? It's a play on the word 'rook,' which is a type of bird that's known for its intelligence and adaptability."

The group applauded Dudley's choice, and he grinned, looking thrilled.

Samantha, who had been quietly observing the discussion, spoke up next. "I want a name that reflects my fierce and wild nature," she said. "How about 'Fera'? It's the Latin word for wild animal."

The group nodded in agreement, admiring Samantha's clever choice.

As the discussion came to a close, the 12 Muskeeteers smiled at each other, proud of their new Marauder names.

"Alright, it's official," Harry said, grinning. "We are the new Marauders!"

The group cheered, and the room was filled with laughter and excitement as they celebrated their new identities.

As they were about to disperse from the Muskeeteers room, Ginny suddenly spoke up, "Hey, we didn't choose a Marauder name for Harry yet!" The room fell silent, and all 12 Muskeeteers turned their attention to Harry.

"I think we should choose a name that reflects his personality," said Hermione, "something brave and strong."

"I agree," said Ron, "but it should also be something that's a bit quirky, you know, like Harry."

Draco, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly spoke up, "I think I have a suggestion. How about 'Aurora'? It's a name that reflects the dawn of a new era, and it's also a bit unconventional."

Susan nodded thoughtfully, "I like it. It's a name that captures Harry's spirit of hope and renewal."

Neville, who had been quietly listening to the conversation, suddenly spoke up, "I think we should choose a name that's a bit more...mischievous. You know, something that reflects Harry's sense of humor and love of pranks."

Luna, who had been gazing off into space, suddenly focused on the conversation, "I think I have a suggestion. How about 'Lumos'? It's a name that reflects Harry's ability to bring light and hope to those around him."

The room fell silent as the Muskeeteers considered the various suggestions. Finally, Ginny spoke up, "I think we should put it to a vote. Who's in favor of 'Aurora'?"

A few hands went up, but it was clear that it wasn't the most popular choice. Draco looked slightly disappointed, but he smiled good-naturedly.

"Okay, who's in favor of 'Lumos'?" asked Ginny.

This time, more hands went up, but it still wasn't a unanimous decision. Luna looked pleased, but she didn't seem surprised.

"Okay, let's try something else," said Ginny. "Who's in favor of... 'Morph'?"

The room fell silent, and then suddenly, all 12 Muskeeteers shouted out in agreement. Harry grinned, looking pleased.

"I think we have a winner," said Ron, laughing.

And with that, Harry's Marauder name was officially decided. He was 'Morph', a name that reflected his ability to adapt and change, just like the magical creatures he loved.

Harry and Daisy walked a short distance away from their friends, finding a quiet spot near a large stone staircase. Harry turned to Daisy, his eyes filled with concern. "Hey, Dais, what's wrong? Your hair's been looking a bit... dull lately," he said gently, using the nickname he reserved just for her.

Daisy sighed, her eyes gazing down at the floor. "I don't know, Harry. I just feel like I don't fit in anywhere. I'm a Slytherin, but I don't feel like I belong there. And I'm not in Gryffindor with you, Ron, and Hermione... it just feels weird," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry nodded understandingly, his expression empathetic. "I know how you feel, Dais. But you have to remember that the Sorting Hat chose Slytherin for you for a reason. You've got qualities that make you a great fit for that house," he reassured her, trying to boost her confidence.

Daisy looked up at Harry, her eyes searching for reassurance. "You really think so, Harry?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Harry smiled warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course, I do! And even if you weren't in Slytherin, you'd still be my sister, and I'd still be here for you, no matter what," he promised, his voice filled with conviction.

Daisy's face brightened slightly, her hair color shifting to a slightly more cheerful shade of pink. "Thanks, Harry. Just talking to you makes me feel better," she said, smiling weakly.

Harry grinned back at her, relieved that he could help ease her concerns. "Anytime, Dais. Now, let's get some rest. We've got a big year ahead of us," he said, clapping her on the back.

With that, the siblings shared a warm smile before parting ways, each heading to their respective common rooms to unwind and prepare for the adventures that lay ahead.

That night, Harry opened his eyes in the serene and enchanting realm of Dreamland, where he and Ginny would often meet in their dreams. The soft, ethereal glow of the dreamworld illuminated Ginny's gentle features as she lay beside him, her red hair cascading like a fiery waterfall down her back. As Harry settled into the dream, he turned to Ginny and began to recount his conversation with Daisy.

"I had a talk with Daisy today," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper. "She's really struggling with being in Slytherin, and I can understand why. I feel like I'm letting her down, not being able to protect her from all the pressure and expectations."

Ginny's expression turned sympathetic, her brown eyes filled with concern. "You're not letting her down, Harry," she said softly. "You're being an amazing brother, just like you always are. Daisy knows that, and she's lucky to have you looking out for her."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Ginny. Her words always had a way of calming his worries and reassuring him. As they lay there, surrounded by the peaceful ambiance of Dreamland, Harry felt his concerns about Daisy slowly fade away, replaced by the warmth and comfort of being with Ginny.

As the first light of dawn crept over the Hogwarts grounds, Harry and Ginny shared a tender kiss in their secret Dreamland before waking up in their respective dormitories. It was 5 am on September 5th, and the castle was still bathed in a serene silence.

Harry made his way down to the Gryffindor common room, where he found Ginny already seated by the fire, her eyes gleaming with a soft, morning light. She smiled as Harry approached, and he couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest.

"Morning," Ginny said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Morning," Harry replied, sitting down beside her. "Sleep well?"

Ginny nodded, and they sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the flames dance in the fireplace.

Just then, Dudley appeared at the entrance of the common room, looking a bit sleepy but otherwise cheerful. "Hey, guys! Ready for some exercise?"

Harry grinned. "Always."

The three of them made their way to the kitchens, where they grabbed some quick breakfast before heading out to the grounds for their morning exercise. As they walked, Harry kept a watchful eye on Ginny, making sure she didn't overdo it like she had the day before. It was only her second day of exercise, after all, and Harry didn't want her to push herself too hard.

Dudley, on the other hand, was still struggling to keep up with Harry's pace. Despite having started their morning exercise routine months ago, Dudley still couldn't quite match Harry's athleticism. Harry, however, was patient and encouraging, offering words of support and advice as they ran through the misty morning air.

As they exercised, the castle slowly came to life around them, the sounds of laughter and chatter carrying on the wind. 

As the 12 Muskeeteers sat together at the Slytherin table, the Great Hall was filled with the chatter of students and the clinking of silverware against plates. The long tables were laden with a variety of dishes, including porridge, eggs, bacon, and toast. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan sat alongside Ginny, Luna, Dudley, Scorpius, Daisy, and Samantha, enjoying their breakfast together.

"Pass the bacon, please," Ron said, holding out his plate.

"Here you go," Neville replied, handing him the platter.

Meanwhile, Harry was chatting with the new Slytherin first years. "So, Astoria, what do you think of Hogwarts so far?" he asked.

"It's amazing!" Astoria exclaimed. "I've never seen anything like it. The castle is so beautiful, and the teachers are all so knowledgeable."

"I know, right?" Harry said, smiling. "It's a really special place. And I'm glad you're enjoying it."

Ryan, who was sitting next to Astoria, chimed in. "Yeah, it's been a real adventure so far. I'm loving flying lessons, and I'm hoping to try out for the Quidditch team in a few years."

"You're a flying enthusiast, huh?" Harry asked, grinning. "Well, you're definitely in the right place. We've got a great flying instructor, and I'm sure you'll pick it up in no time."

As they continued to chat, Erric listened intently, taking it all in. Elorra, on the other hand, was busy discussing flying techniques with Ryan and Harry.

Daisy, who was sitting next to Scorpius, leaned over and whispered, "I'm so glad we're all sitting together today. It's nice to have everyone in one place."

Scorpius smiled and nodded in agreement. "Definitely. It's always more fun when we're all together."

As the 12 Muskeeteers finished their breakfast, they began to disperse, chatting and laughing together. The Great Hall was filled with the warm glow of sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the room.

Dudley, walking alongside Samantha, noticed that she seemed a bit off. Her usual bright smile was missing, and her eyes seemed distant. Dudley slowed down, matching his pace to hers, and asked, "Hey, Sam, what's wrong? You seem a bit...down."

Samantha sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "It's just...yesterday was my birthday," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Dudley's eyes widened in surprise. "Your birthday? Why didn't you tell us?" he asked, feeling a pang of guilt for not knowing.

Samantha shrugged. "I don't know...I've never really celebrated my birthday before. It's not a big deal, really."

But Dudley knew that it was a big deal. He could see the hint of sadness in her eyes, the feeling of being overlooked and forgotten. He made a mental note to plan a surprise belated birthday party for her in the Muskeeteers' room. He just needed to find Harry and inform the others.

"Hey, Sam, don't worry about it, okay?" Dudley said, trying to reassure her. "We'll make it up to you, I promise."

Samantha smiled weakly, but Dudley could see the faintest glimmer of hope in her eyes. He grinned back at her, already planning the surprise party in his mind.

As the evening sun cast a warm orange glow over the Hogwarts castle, Samantha made her way to the Muskeeteers' room, her mind preoccupied with thoughts of Luna. She had expected Luna to accompany her, as they always did, being fellow Ravenclaws and Muskeeteers. But Luna had excused herself early, citing some unknown reason, leaving Samantha to navigate the corridors alone.

"Where could Luna be?" Samantha wondered, her brow furrowed in concern. She quickened her pace, her footsteps echoing off the stone walls as she turned a corner, the Muskeeteers' room coming into view. A warm, golden light spilled from the doorway, beckoning her inside.

As the sun began to set on the Hogwarts grounds, Dudley's excitement grew. He had been planning a belated surprise party for Samantha's birthday, and the big moment was finally approaching.

Dudley took a deep breath, surveying the Muskeeteers' room one last time. The decorations were perfect, the cake was ready, and the gifts were wrapped. All they needed now was the guest of honor.

Just then, the door creaked open, and Luna slipped inside, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "She's on her way," Luna whispered, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

The group held their collective breath, waiting for Samantha's arrival. Dudley's plan was about to unfold, and they couldn't wait to see Samantha's reaction...

As the door creaked open, the room fell silent. The Muskeeteers held their collective breath, their eyes fixed on the entrance. Samantha, or Sam as she was affectionately known, stepped into the room, a look of curiosity etched on her face.

"Hey, what's going on?" Sam asked, her eyes scanning the room, taking in the balloons, streamers, and the large banner that read "Belated Happy Birthday Sam!" in bold, golden letters.

The room remained silent, the Muskeeteers frozen in anticipation, their faces split into wide, mischievous grins. Sam's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Guys, what's...?" Sam's voice trailed off as she took in the scene before her. Her eyes widened, and a look of surprise washed over her face.

"Surprise!" the Muskeeteers shouted in unison, their voices echoing through the room as they leapt from their hiding spots, surrounding Sam with cheers and applause.

Sam's face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with delight. "You guys didn't have to do this!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion.

"We wanted to," Harry said, stepping forward, a warm smile on his face. "We're so sorry we missed your actual birthday, but we hope this makes up for it."

Sam's eyes shone with tears as she gazed at her friends, her heart filled with gratitude. "It's perfect," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you, guys. This means everything to me."

The room erupted into cheers and applause once more, the Muskeeteers surrounding Sam with hugs and congratulations. The party had officially begun, and it was going to be a night to remember...

As she made her way around the room, hugging and thanking each of her friends, her eyes landed on Dudley. A hint of a smile played on her lips as she approached him. "Dudley, I have to thank you especially," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I know this was your idea."

Dudley's face turned bright red as he looked around nervously, his eyes darting from one person to another. "Uh, yeah... I mean, it was nothing, Sam," he stammered, trying to downplay his role in the surprise party. "I just, uh, mentioned it to the others, and they, uh, ran with it..."

Samantha's smile grew wider as she leaned in to hug Dudley. "Thanks, Dudley. This means a lot to me," she said, her voice filled with sincerity. Dudley's face grew even redder as he awkwardly patted Samantha's back, looking flustered but happy.

As the party continued, Harry and Ginny slipped away to a quiet corner, observing the scene unfolding before them. They exchanged a knowing glance, and Harry leaned in to whisper, "Looks like Dudley's got a bad case of nerves, doesn't it?"

Ginny's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I think it's adorable, actually. He's really trying to make a good impression on Samantha."

Harry nodded, his eyes never leaving the pair. "Yeah, and Samantha seems to be enjoying the attention. I'm glad they're getting along so well."

Ginny's gaze softened, her voice taking on a gentle tone. "It's sweet, isn't it? They're both really happy, and it's nice to see them having so much fun together."

As they watched, Dudley stumbled over his words, his face growing increasingly red. Samantha, however, simply laughed and playfully teased him, putting him at ease. The atmosphere around them was filled with warmth and camaraderie, and Harry and Ginny couldn't help but feel grateful to be a part of it.

Just then, Dudley glanced up, catching Harry's eye. He looked relieved to have an excuse to escape, and he made his way over to Harry and Ginny, Samantha by his side. "Hey, guys, what's going on?" he asked, trying to sound nonchalant despite his obvious nervousness.

Harry grinned, clapping Dudley on the back. "Just enjoying the party, Dud. You're doing great, by the way."

Dudley's face lit up with a smile, and he turned to Samantha, who was watching him with a warm smile. "Thanks, Harry. I think I'm just going to go get some more punch, okay?"

Samantha nodded, and Dudley hurried off, looking relieved. As he disappeared into the crowd, Harry turned to Ginny and whispered, "I think we're about to witness something special, don't you?"

As the night wore on, the group of friends continued to chat and laugh together. Dudley returned with a fresh glass of punch, but he didn't make any move to confess his crush to Samantha. Instead, the conversation turned to Samantha, and the others started asking her random questions.

"So, Sam, what's your favorite subject in school?" Ron asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Samantha thought for a moment before responding, "I think I like Transfiguration the best. I love the idea of being able to change things with just a flick of my wand."

The others nodded in agreement, and Hermione asked, "What's your favorite book?"

Samantha smiled mischievously. "I love reading about the history of magic. There's something about the old stories that just fascinates me."

As the conversation continued, Harry found himself zoning in and out. He was happy to see his friends having so much fun, but his mind kept wandering back to the strange feeling he had earlier.

Then, Samantha mentioned her middle name - Dorcas. Harry's ears perked up, and he felt a sudden jolt of recognition. He knew he had heard that name before, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Wait, Sam, your middle name is Dorcas?" Harry asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Samantha nodded, looking at him curiously. "Yeah, why?"

Harry hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He knew he had heard the name Dorcas before, but he couldn't remember where. It was frustrating, like trying to recall a word that was on the tip of his tongue.

"I'm not sure," Harry said finally, shaking his head. "I just feel like I've heard that name before."

The others looked at him curiously, but Samantha just smiled. "Maybe you have, Harry. Maybe you just don't remember yet."

As the conversation continued, Samantha mentioned her middle name, "Dorcas," and Harry's ears perked up again. He felt a sudden jolt of recognition, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Wait, Sam, your mum's name was Dorcas?" Harry asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Samantha nodded. "Yeah, that's what I was told. I don't really know much about my parents, though. I was adopted."

The others nodded sympathetically, and Harry's eyes sparkled with curiosity.

Samantha continued, "I don't know much about my dad, but my mum's surname was...Meadow."

Harry's eyes widened, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. He was on the verge of a revelation, but it slipped through his fingers like sand. If he had made the connection, it would have been enormous. But for now, it remained just out of reach.

As the evening drew to a close, the Muskeeteers bid each other farewell, exchanging warm smiles and whispered promises to meet up again the next day. The six Gryffindor Muskeeteers, Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, and Scorpius, made their way to their common room, chatting and laughing together.

Harry, still deep in thought, walked hand in hand with Ginny, his mind preoccupied with the mysterious name - Dorcas Meadows. He couldn't shake off the feeling that he had heard it before, but the memory remained elusive, teasing him with its proximity.

As they climbed the stairs, Ron turned to Hermione and whispered, "Hey, Mione, what's up? You've been quiet all evening." Hermione smiled and replied, "Just thinking about the Transfiguration homework, Ron. I'm not sure I understand the intricacies of the spell."

Neville, walking alongside them, chuckled and said, "Don't worry, Hermione, we'll figure it out together. We always do." Scorpius, bringing up the rear, grinned mischievously and added, "And if all else fails, we can always count on Harry to bail us out."

Ginny playfully rolled her eyes and whispered to Harry, "You're not going to let them rely on you all the time, are you?" Harry smiled and squeezed her hand, "Of course not, but I'll always be there to help them out."

As they reached the Gryffindor common room, the warm glow of the fire pit and the comfortable chairs enveloped them, welcoming them to their cozy sanctuary. The six friends settled in, ready to unwind and relax together, but Harry's mind still lingered on the enigmatic name - Dorcas Meadows. Where had he heard it before?

Next Chapter is Moony - Past and Present !

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 22: Moony : The Past and Present

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

 

The dimly lit Gryffindor common room was abuzz with the soft murmur of conversations and the occasional burst of laughter. The fire crackled, casting a warm glow over the room. Harry sat on a plush armchair, his eyes fixed on the flames as he pondered the mysterious name - Dorcas Meadows.


Suddenly, it hit him. He had heard the name from Remus, but he wasn't sure. The memory lingered just out of reach, teasing him. Harry's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with possibilities. He had to know more.

Later that night, as the boys' dormitory grew quiet, Harry sat up in bed, his movements careful not to disturb the others. Ron, Neville, Seamus, and Dean were fast asleep, their gentle snores and soft breathing filling the room. Harry decided to take a chance and write a letter to Remus.

He slipped out of bed and made his way to the desk, the moonlight casting an eerie glow over the room. Harry sat down, quill in hand, and began to write. The words flowed effortlessly as he started out casually, asking Remus about his day, and then, almost as an afterthought, he asked if Remus knew anyone by the name of Dorcas Meadows.

Just as Harry finished writing, a soft hooting sound filled the air. Hedwig, his faithful owl, had arrived as if sensing that Harry needed her. He smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Harry carefully tied the letter to Hedwig's leg, making sure it was secure. "Please, Hedwig, make sure Remus gets this," he whispered, his eyes locked on hers.

With a soft flutter of her wings, Hedwig took off into the night, disappearing into the darkness. Harry watched her go, his heart filled with a sense of hope. He knew that Remus would be able to shed some light on the mysterious name, and he couldn't wait to hear back from him.

Remus sat alone in his cozy cottage, surrounded by the familiar comforts of his home. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. The flames danced and flickered, casting shadows on the walls as the darkness of the night slowly receded. The cottage was quiet, except for the occasional creak of the old wooden beams and the soft ticking of the clock on the mantle.

Yes, Sirius visited from time to time, and so did Dora. Tonks, with her bubbly personality and infectious laughter, had a way of brightening up even the darkest of days. She would often arrive unannounced, her hair a vibrant pink or purple, and a mischievous glint in her eye. Remus couldn't help but smile whenever she was around, and he loved the way she always seemed to know how to make him feel better.

But despite their visits, Remus couldn't shake off the feeling of loneliness that had been his constant companion since Dorcas's passing. He had thought that time would heal the wound, but it still felt raw and tender. He often found himself wandering the empty rooms of his cottage, searching for something to fill the void that Dorcas had left behind.

The problem was this Dora. He couldn't believe it, that he was repeating the mistake. Mistake of falling in love with someone. He still remembered the night of January 26, 1980, when he had broken up with Dorcas because a week ago he had almost hurt her during his werewolf transformation. He clearly remembered how she had looked at him, her eyes filled with tears and concern, as he had told her that he couldn't be with her anymore.

He remembered the way she used to smile, the way her eyes sparkled when she laughed. He recalled the way she used to hold his hand, the way her touch made him feel like everything was going to be alright. He remembered the way she used to make him feel, like he was the only person in the world.

Remus's mind wandered back to the memories of their time together. He remembered the way she used to love walking in the woods, the way she would pick wildflowers and bring them back to their little cottage. He remembered the way she would cook dinner for him, the way the smell of her cooking would fill the entire cottage. He remembered the way she would sing to him, her voice soft and melodious, the way it would make him feel like he was in a dream.

He remembered the way she would always know how to make him feel better, the way she would always know what to say to make him smile. He remembered the way she would always be there for him, the way she would always support him, no matter what.

Remus's thoughts drifted back to the day they had met, like actually met not as classmates but something more, January 15, 1976. He had been immediately drawn to her bright smile and infectious laughter. He remembered the way she had looked at him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, as they had struck up a conversation.

He remembered their first date, February 14, 1976, when they had gone on a romantic walk in the woods. He had been nervous, but she had put him at ease with her warm smile and gentle touch.

Remus's eyes felt heavy with tears as he thought about the day he had broken up with her, January 26, 1980. He had been so scared of hurting her, of losing control during his werewolf transformation. He had thought he was doing the right thing, but now he realized he had made a terrible mistake.

He remembered the way she had tried to meet him again, the way she had begged him to reconsider. He remembered the way he had refused, scared of his own weakness. He remembered the way she had stopped begging to meet him, the way she had seemed to give up on him.

And then, the unthinkable had happened. September 16, 1980, the day he had received the news of her death. He had been devastated, feeling as though he had lost a part of himself. He had wished that he could turn back time, that he could go back to the way things were before. But he knew that was impossible.

Lost in thought, Remus looked out the window, watching as the darkness of the night slowly gave way to the dawn. The sky was a deep shade of indigo, with the first hints of pink and orange creeping over the horizon. The stars were still twinkling, like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse. Remus felt a sense of peace wash over him as he gazed out at the beauty of the dawn.

It was then that he saw an owl coming, soon identifying it as Hedwig. His heart skipped a beat as he wondered what news Harry's letter might bring. He felt a sense of excitement and trepidation as he waited for Hedwig to land.

Remus's eyes scanned the letter, a mixture of warmth and curiosity on his face. Harry's letter was casual, filled with stories about his adventures at Hogwarts and his friends. But Remus's eyes narrowed slightly as he read the sentence that had been casually tucked in among the others: "By the way, do you know anyone named Dorcas Meadows?"

Remus's heart skipped a beat as he read the name. Dorcas Meadows. A name he hadn't heard in years, a name that brought back a flood of memories and emotions. He felt a pang of sadness and longing, and his eyes gazed out the window, lost in thought.

As Harry woke up at 5 am, the soft morning light crept through the windows, casting a warm glow over the dormitory. He stretched, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. His daily routine was something he looked forward to, and he couldn't wait to meet Ginny and Dudley for their morning exercise.

Just as he was about to get out of bed, Harry's eyes landed on Hedwig, who was perched on her usual spot near the window. She looked at him with her big, round eyes, and Harry's heart skipped a beat as he noticed the small piece of parchment tied to her leg. It was a reply from Remus.

Harry's excitement grew as he quickly got out of bed and approached Hedwig. He gently untied the parchment from her leg, his fingers trembling slightly with anticipation. Hedwig watched him with interest, her head cocked to one side.

"Thanks, Hedwig," Harry whispered, giving her a gentle stroke on the head. "You're the best owl a guy could ask for."

With the parchment in hand, Harry walked over to the window and sat down on the windowsill, the early morning sunlight casting a warm glow over his face. He took a deep breath, his heart racing with excitement, and began to read Remus's reply.

As Harry read the letter, his eyes scanned the familiar handwriting:

"Dear Harry,

I was delighted to receive your letter, and I must say, I'm intrigued by your question. Yes, I did know a Dorcas Meadows. We met many years ago, and I have many fond memories of her. If you remember we talked about her in the summer.

I'm afraid that's all I can say for now, Harry. But I promise to tell you more soon. In the meantime, please be careful, and don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Take care, Harry.

Best,
Remus"

As Harry finished reading the letter, his memory refreshed, and he recalled the story Remus had told him during the previous summer. Dorcas Meadows was one of the people Remus had loved and lost.

But as Harry's memory refreshed, a new doubt crept into his mind. Yesterday, during Samantha's belated birthday party in the Muskeeteers' room, she had mentioned that Dorcas Meadows was her late mother. Harry's eyes widened as he made the connection.

He had written to Remus because he had forgotten the details about Dorcas, but he knew Remus had known her somehow. Now, with the new information, Harry's mind was racing with questions. What was the relationship between Remus and Dorcas? And did Remus know that he had a daughter, Samantha?

Harry's eyes lingered on the letter, his thoughts swirling with possibilities. He felt a sudden urge to talk to Remus, to ask him more questions and clarify the mystery surrounding Dorcas Meadows and her connection to Samantha.

As Harry entered the Gryffindor common room, he was lost in thought. The letter from Remus had triggered a memory, and now he was plagued by doubts. Was Remus really Samantha's father? And did Remus even know that, if it was true?

Ginny, who was waiting for him, noticed the distant look in his eyes. She was sitting on the couch, dressed in her exercise attire, with her hair tied back in a ponytail. "Hey, Harry! What's wrong?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Harry hesitated, unsure if he should share his doubts with Ginny. But something about her gentle tone put him at ease. "I just got a letter from Remus," he said, walking over to her.

Ginny's eyes widened with interest. "What did he say?"

Harry sat down beside her, running a hand through his messy black hair. "It was about Dorcas Meadows. Remus knew her, but I'm not sure if he knows about Samantha."

Ginny's expression turned thoughtful. "Samantha did say that Dorcas was her mother, didn't she?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, she did. But I'm not sure if Remus knows that he's her father, if that's even true."

Ginny's eyes locked onto his, filled with understanding. "We'll figure it out, Harry. Together."

Just then, the portrait of the Fat Lady swung open, and Dudley poked his head in. "Hey, guys! Ready for our exercise routine?"

Ginny smiled, and Harry forced a smile, trying to push aside his doubts for the time being. "Yeah, let's go!" Ginny exclaimed, jumping up from the couch.

As they made their way out of the common room, Harry couldn't shake off the feeling that he was on the cusp of uncovering a long-hidden secret.

Remus's hands moved deftly as he cracked eggs into a bowl, his mind elsewhere. He had been taken aback by Harry's letter, inquiring about Dorcas Meadows. What had sparked Harry's interest in her? Remus's thoughts drifted back to his time at Hogwarts, his friendship with Dorcas, and the painful memories they shared. He had often wondered what had become of her, but after her death, he had pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on his own survival.

As he whisked the eggs, Remus's eyes gazed out the window, lost in the past. The trees swayed gently in the morning breeze, their leaves rustling softly. The peaceful atmosphere was a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside him. Remus's heart ached as he thought about Dorcas, and the what-ifs that still lingered.

"Remus, dear, are you alright?" a soft voice interrupted his reverie.

Remus turned to face Tonks, who was standing in the doorway, a look of concern etched on her face. Remus's eyes widened in surprise as he took in Tonks's sudden appearance in his kitchen. "Tonks, what are you doing here?" he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

Tonks's face flushed a deep pink as she looked away, fidgeting with her hands. "I-I just wanted to check if you're doing okay, Remus," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Remus's expression softened as he took in Tonks's endearing blush. He couldn't help but feel a warmth in his chest at her concern for him. "I'm fine, Tonks," he reassured her, his voice gentle. "Just a bit...preoccupied."

Tonks's eyes darted back to his, sparkling with interest. "Preoccupied?" she repeated, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What's on your mind, Remus?"

Remus poured the steaming hot tea into delicate china cups, the aroma filling the air as they sat down at the small, wooden table. Tonks's eyes sparkled with excitement as she added a spoonful of sugar to her tea. "My training is finally complete, Remus!" she exclaimed, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. "I'm officially an Auror now!"

Remus's gaze drifted off, his mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Dorcas and the past. He nodded absently, a faint smile on his lips. "Congratulations, Tonks...that's wonderful news," he said, his voice distracted. Tonks's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing that something was amiss, but she didn't press the issue, simply smiling and taking a sip of her tea. The warm glow of the setting sun cast a cozy ambiance over the room, but Remus's thoughts remained shrouded in the shadows of his past.

Tonks asked directly, enough with this dancing around, " Remus , do you like me ? ". Remus said , " Offcourse...I mean..eh..I like you ..I mean you are...a great friend." He said stammering almost revealing his true feelings. Tonks's eyes sparkled with amusement as she watched Remus's face turn bright red. "Like me as a great friend?" she repeated, her voice laced with skepticism. Remus stammered again, and Tonks's grin grew wider. "Remus, come on," she said, her tone teasing. "I think you're hiding something from me."

Remus sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Tonks, I...I do like you," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm a werewolf, Tonks. I'm old, I'm poor, and I'm jobless. You deserve so much better than someone like me." He looked down, his eyes avoiding hers.

Tonks's expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch Remus's arm. "Remus, you're not old, you're not poor, and you're definitely not jobless," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "You're kind, you're smart, and you're one of the most wonderful people I've ever met. And as for being a werewolf...I think that's part of what makes you so special." She smiled, her eyes shining with determination. "I don't care about any of those things, Remus. I care about you."

Remus's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt his heart skip a beat. No one had ever looked at him the way Tonks did, with such acceptance and affection at least not anyone since Dorcas. He felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to find the right words to say.

"Tonks, I...I don't know what to say," he stammered, feeling like a nervous schoolboy. "You're...you're amazing, Tonks. But I'm still a werewolf. I don't want to hurt you."

Tonks's smile never wavered. "Remus, I'm an Auror," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "I can take care of myself. And besides, I think I can handle a little fur once a month." She winked at him, and Remus's face turned bright red again.

He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Tonks, the beautiful and brave Auror, was actually interested in him? It seemed too good to be true. But as he looked into her eyes, he saw the sincerity and affection there, and his heart soared.

"Tonks, I...I think I might be falling for you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tonks's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I'm already fallen, Remus," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I've been fallen for you since the moment I met you."

Tonks's eyes sparkled with anticipation as Remus leaned in, his face inches from hers. She could feel the warmth of his breath on her skin, and her heart was racing with excitement. It seemed like he was about to kiss her, but suddenly, he stopped.

"Dorcas," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Tonks's eyes widened in surprise, and she felt a pang of confusion. "Dorcas?" she repeated, her voice soft. "Who's Dorcas?"

Remus's eyes seemed to glaze over, and he looked away, his face filled with a mixture of sadness and longing. "Dorcas was...someone I loved," he said, his voice cracking. "Someone I lost."

Tonks's expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch Remus's arm. "I'm so sorry, Remus," she said, her voice filled with compassion. "I had no idea."

Remus took a deep breath, and his eyes refocused on Tonks. "It's not fair to you, Tonks," he said, his voice filled with regret. "I'm still carrying a torch for someone who's gone. I don't know if I can ever let her go."

Tonks's face was filled with understanding, and she smiled softly. "Remus, you don't have to let her go," she said. "You can always carry her memory with you. But maybe...just maybe...there's room in your heart for someone else too."

Remus's eyes widened in surprise as Tonks's lips touched his. It was a gentle, soft kiss, but it sent shivers down his spine. He felt his heart racing, and his mind went blank. For a moment, he forgot about everything - his werewolf curse, his fear of hurting Tonks, his doubts about their relationship. All he could think about was the warmth of Tonks's lips, the sweetness of her breath, and the way her eyes sparkled with mischief.

As they pulled back, Tonks smiled up at Remus, her eyes shining with excitement. "I've been wanting to do that for a long time," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Remus's face felt hot, and he couldn't help but smile back at Tonks. "I...I think I've been wanting you to do that for a long time too," he stammered, feeling like a nervous schoolboy again.

Tonks giggled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I think we make a good team, Remus," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "We can face anything as long as we're together."

Remus's heart swelled with emotion, and he felt a deep connection to Tonks. He knew that he wanted to be with her, to explore the world together, to face whatever challenges came their way. And as he looked into her eyes, he knew that he would do anything to make her happy.

"I think you might be right, Tonks," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I think we do make a good team."

Remus sat in contemplative silence, the darkness of the night wrapping around him like a shroud. His thoughts were still reeling from Tonks's unexpected visit and the emotions she had stirred within him. As he sat there, he felt an overwhelming sense of melancholy wash over him, and his mind began to wander to the past.

Without realizing it, Remus's thoughts drifted to Dorcas, the woman he had loved and lost. He had never forgotten her, and the pain of her death still lingered deep within him. As the memories flooded back, Remus felt a sudden urge to visit her grave, to pay his respects and find some measure of peace.

With a quiet resolve, Remus rose from his chair and made his way to the door. He slipped out into the night, the cool air enveloping him as he made his way to the cemetery where Dorcas was laid to rest. The moon cast eerie shadows on the ground as he walked, his footsteps quiet on the dew-kissed grass.

As he approached Dorcas's grave, Remus felt a sense of calm wash over him. He stood before the headstone, his eyes tracing the familiar inscription etched into the marble. For a long moment, he simply stood there, lost in thought and memory.

"I'm sorry, Dorcas," Remus whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling of the wind. "I'm so sorry I wasn't brave enough to be with you, to face the challenges that came our way. I'll always love you, and I'll never forget you."

Remus stood before Dorcas's grave, the moon casting an ethereal glow over the quiet cemetery. The soft, silvery light illuminated the intricate carvings on the headstone, and Remus's eyes wandered over the familiar inscription, his gaze tracing the curves of the letters. He took a deep breath, the night air filling his lungs, and began to speak in a soft, melancholic tone.

"Dorcas, it's been a long time. I know I haven't been here as often as I should have, but I've been thinking about you a lot lately." Remus's voice was barely above a whisper, and the words seemed to hang in the air like mist. "I've been feeling...restless, I suppose. Like I'm finally starting to move on from the past."

As he spoke, Remus's eyes seemed to cloud over, memories flooding his mind. He remembered the way Dorcas used to smile, the way her eyes sparkled in the sunlight. He remembered the way she used to laugh, the way her voice sounded when she sang. Remus's voice cracked slightly as he continued, "I've met someone, Dorcas. Her name is Tonks. She's... vibrant, full of life. Reminds me of you, in a way."

A faint smile crossed Remus's face, and he chuckled softly, the sound barely audible. "She's a Metamorphmagus, can change her appearance at will. Always keeps me on my toes." Remus's eyes seemed to light up for a moment, and he looked almost... happy.

But the moment was fleeting, and Remus's expression turned serious once more. His eyes clouded over, and his voice dropped to a whisper. "I know it's not the same, Dorcas. I'll always carry you with me, in here," he said, tapping his chest. "But I think... I think I'm finally starting to heal. To move on." Remus's voice was barely audible now, and the words seemed to be torn from his very soul. "It looks like I'm moving on, Dorcas."

Remus stood there for a long time, lost in thought. The cemetery was quiet, the only sound being the distant hooting of owls. The moon continued to cast its silvery glow, and Remus's shadow stretched out before him, a dark and lonely shape. Finally, he seemed to come back to himself, and with a quiet nod, he apparated to Tonks's flat, his heart racing with anticipation.

The apparition was smooth and effortless, and Remus materialized outside Tonks's door. He took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest, and raised his hand to knock. The door opened almost immediately, and Tonks stood before him, a hopeful look on her face.

For a moment, the two of them just stared at each other, the tension between them palpable. Then, without a word, Remus swept Tonks into his arms and kissed her. Tonks knew exactly what his answer was.

"I'm in, Tonks," Remus whispered, his lips still brushing against hers. "I'm all in."

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise. "Dorcas? That's Remus's ex-girlfriend's name, isn't it?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

Harry nodded. "Yes, it is. And I think that's more than just a coincidence. I think there's a connection between Samantha and Remus, and I think it's time we found out what it is."

Ginny's face lit up with determination. "Let's go talk to Remus," she said, standing up and brushing off her robes. "We'll get to the bottom of this, Harry."

Back at Tonks' flat, she and Remus were sitting on her couch, still grinning at each other as they replayed the moment they had shared earlier - their first kiss.

"I must say, I'm still reeling from that," Tonks said, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I've been wanting to do that for ages."

Remus chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm glad you did," he said. "I've been wanting to kiss you for a while now too."

Tonks leaned in closer, her voice taking on a flirtatious tone. "Really? And what made you want to kiss me, hmm?"

Remus's face turned slightly pink, but he smiled, his eyes locked on Tonks'. "I think it's because I've fallen for you, Tonks," he said softly. "You're an amazing witch, and an even more amazing person."

But just then Hedwig entered the flat , it was odd because it was the second letter from Harry in 2 days. Remus's eyes scanned the letter, his expression growing increasingly solemn. Tonks, sensing something was amiss, leaned in closer, her eyes filled with concern. "What's wrong, Moony?" she asked softly.

Remus took a deep breath before responding, "It's Harry. He wants to meet me urgently. It's about...Dorcas." His voice trailed off, and he looked away, his eyes clouding over with memories.

Tonks's expression changed from concern to surprise. She knew how much Dorcas had meant to Remus, and she also knew that he had only recently begun to open up to her about his past. "Dorcas?" she repeated, her voice gentle. "What about her, Moony?"

Remus hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He had thought he had finally moved on from the pain of his past, but now it seemed like it was all coming back to haunt him. "I don't know," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "Harry didn't say. But I have a feeling it's not good."

Tonks reached out and took Remus's hand, her touch warm and comforting. "We'll face whatever it is together, Moony," she said softly. "You're not alone."

Tonks's eyes widened in surprise as Remus revealed the truth about the Shrieking Shack. "But isn't the Shrieking Shack haunted?" she asked, her voice filled with amusement.

Remus smiled, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "It's not haunted, Tonks," he said, his voice low and soothing. "Dumbledore encouraged that rumor because when I was at school, I used to transform there. The shrieks were actually of me, not any ghost."

Tonks's expression changed from surprise to understanding, and she nodded her head. "I see," she said, her voice filled with curiosity. "So, you're meeting Harry there?"

Remus nodded, his smile still plastered on his face. "Yes, I am. He wants to discuss something with me, and I have a feeling it's important."

Tonks's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm coming with you, then," she said, her voice firm.

Remus chuckled and wrapped his arm around Tonks's waist. "I wouldn't have it any other way," he said, and together they Apparated to Hogsmeade, the wind whipping through their hair as they disappeared into the night.

As they apparated, the familiar sights and sounds of Hogsmeade village gave way to a denser, darker atmosphere. The Shrieking Shack loomed before them, its twisted, gnarled branches reaching towards the sky like skeletal fingers. Tonks's eyes widened as she took in the eerie sight.

Remus led her around the shack, his hand guiding hers through the darkness. "There's no visible door," he explained, "but there's a hidden entrance, only accessible to those who know where to look."

Tonks's curiosity was piqued as Remus stopped in front of a section of the shack's wall. He raised his hand, and a small section of the wooden planks slid open, revealing a narrow doorway. Remus smiled, his eyes glinting in the dim light. "After you, Tonks."

With a thrill of excitement, Tonks stepped through the doorway, Remus following close behind. The doorway creaked shut behind them, enveloping them in darkness.

As the sun began to set on the Hogwarts grounds, Remus and Tonks waited patiently in the Shrieking Shack, the dim light of the setting sun casting a warm orange glow over the small room. The silence between them was comfortable, a testament to their deep affection for each other. Remus, his eyes shining with warmth, reached out and gently took Tonks's hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. Tonks, her eyes sparkling with amusement, smiled and leaned into him, her pink-tinted hair a vibrant splash of color in the fading light.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed outside, growing louder with each passing moment. Remus and Tonks exchanged a knowing glance, their faces set with anticipation. The door to the shack creaked open, and two figures slipped inside, their faces obscured by the shadows.

As they moved further into the room, the fading light danced across their features, revealing the unmistakable faces of Harry and Ginny. They were both clad in their Hogwarts robes, their eyes shining with excitement. With a flourish, they swept off the Invisibility Cloak that had concealed them, the shimmering fabric pooling at their feet like a dark, liquid shadow.

As the footsteps approached, Tonks's eyes sparkled with curiosity, but Remus's gaze remained fixed on the spot where the sound originated. Suddenly, two figures materialized, and Tonks's eyes widened in surprise.

"Harry! Ginny!" Remus exclaimed, a warm smile spreading across his face.

Tonks's gaze darted between the two couples, her eyes lingering on the intertwined hands of Remus and herself. "What are you two doing here?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, their faces mirroring each other's surprise. "We were just... uh... exploring," Harry stammered, his eyes darting to Remus and Tonks's joined hands.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Yeah, we didn't expect to find you two... like that," she added, her gaze flicking to Tonks's hand, which was still clasped in Remus's.

Remus's face flushed slightly, but he smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I suppose we have some explaining to do," he said, his voice low and gentle.

Harry's eyes sparkled with excitement as he asked, "So, are you two together now?" He glanced at Ginny, who was trying to stifle a smile.

Remus's face flushed slightly, and he nodded, his eyes locked on Tonks. "Yes, we are," he replied, his voice low and gentle.

Tonks beamed, her eyes shining with happiness. "We're really happy, Harry," she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

However, the atmosphere shifted as Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance. They had been about to discuss Dorcas, Remus's ex-girlfriend, and the sudden revelation of Remus and Tonks's relationship made the situation feel awkward.

Ginny's eyes dropped, and she fidgeted with her hands, while Harry cleared his throat, trying to find the right words to continue the conversation. "Remus, we... uh... we need to talk to you about something," Harry began, his voice hesitant.


Tonks smiled reassuringly. "I know you two wanted to discuss Dorcas, and I'm perfectly fine with it," she said, her voice calm and gentle.


Harry and Ginny exchanged a relieved glance, their faces relaxing. They had been worried about how Tonks would react, given her relationship with Remus.

Remus's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression curious. "So, what's so urgent that you two wanted to talk about Dorcas?" he asked, his voice low and thoughtful.

Harry and Ginny looked at each other, their eyes locking in a silent understanding. They had discussed how to approach this conversation, and now it was time to begin. Harry took a deep breath, preparing to start the discussion.

Harry unsure how to proceed said, "Remus, Ginny and I have been thinking...and we think that you might be Samantha's father."

The room fell silent once again, with Remus's eyes widening in shock. Tonks's expression was one of surprise and curiosity, but also concern for Remus.

Remus's face paled, and he looked like he had been punched in the gut again. He slumped back in his chair, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance. Tonks reached out and took his hand again, offering him support.

"Remus, is this...could this be true?" Tonks asked gently, trying to break the silence.

Remus slowly turned his gaze to Harry and Ginny. "Why do you think that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Harry explained, "We...we just put two and two together. Samantha's mother's name is Dorcas Meadows, and you...you told us about Dorcas. We didn't know what to make of it, so we thought we should talk to you."

Ginny added, "And Samantha...she looks a bit like you, Remus."

Remus's eyes dropped, and he took a deep breath, trying to process the revelation. The room remained silent, with Tonks being the only one who spoke up.

"We...we need to talk to Samantha," Tonks said gently. "We need to know more about her mother, and...and if she knows anything about you, Remus."

Remus sat in stunned silence, his eyes glazing over as memories flooded his mind. Tonks wrapped her arms around him, offering comfort and support. "It's okay, Remus," she whispered softly. "We'll figure this out together."

Tonks's own expression was a mix of emotions - shock, concern, and a hint of uncertainty. "If it's true..." she trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know what it means for us, for our future."

Harry and Ginny exchanged a nervous glance. They had been unsure about how to approach the situation, and now that the revelation was out, they weren't sure what to expect. They had only wanted to help Samantha, and now it seemed like they might have uncovered a long-buried secret.

The room remained silent, with only the sound of Remus's ragged breathing breaking the stillness. Tonks held him close, her eyes fixed on Harry and Ginny, searching for answers that no one seemed to have.

Ginny's voice broke the silence, her tone measured and cautious. "Before we tell Samantha anything, shouldn't we confirm it with Olivia Jones?" she suggested, her brow furrowed with concern. "If Philip Jones was friends with Dorcas, she might know something about their relationship, or if Dorcas ever mentioned being pregnant."

Tonks nodded in agreement, her eyes locked onto Remus's face. "That's a good idea, Ginny. We should make sure before we tell Samantha anything. It's a lot to take in, and we don't want to upset her unnecessarily."

But Remus shook his head, his eyes clouding over with memories. He took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling slowly. "No, I'm certain," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "After Dorcas and I broke up, she tried to contact me several times. She sent me owls, tried to meet with me...I was so caught up in my own problems, I didn't realize..." His voice trailed off, lost in thought.

Tonks's eyes widened, and she reached out to take Remus's hand again. "Remus, are you sure?" she asked gently, her voice soft and soothing. "This is a lot to take in, even for you."

Remus nodded, his jaw clenched. "I'm positive, Tonks. I remember now. She sent me owls, and I ignored them. I was so caught up in my own guilt and shame...I didn't realize she was trying to tell me something important."

The room fell silent again, the only sound the soft ticking of the clock on the mantle. Harry and Ginny exchanged a nervous glance, unsure of what to say or do next. Tonks held Remus's hand, her eyes fixed on his face, trying to offer what little comfort she could.

Remus's eyes widened in horror as the truth dawned on him. He slumped forward, his head in his hands, as if the weight of his guilt was crushing him. Tonks's eyes filled with tears as she wrapped her arms around him, trying to offer what little comfort she could.

"I abandoned her," Remus whispered, his voice cracking with emotion. "Dorcas was pregnant, and I abandoned her. And our daughter...Samantha..." His voice trailed off, overcome with grief and regret.

The room fell silent, the only sound Remus's ragged breathing. Tonks held him close, her eyes fixed on Harry and Ginny , her expression a mix of sadness and concern. Harry and Ginny exchanged worried glances, unsure of how to react. They had never seen Remus like this before.

Remus's body began to shake, his breathing growing more labored. Tonks held him tighter, trying to calm him down. "Remus, it's okay," she whispered softly. "We're here for you. We'll get through this together."

But Remus was beyond consolation. He was caught up in a maelstrom of guilt and regret, unable to escape the torment of his own memories. His panic attack was escalating, threatening to consume him whole.

Remus's breathing grew more rapid, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. His eyes darted wildly around the room, as if searching for an escape from the overwhelming emotions that threatened to consume him. Tonks's hands grasped his, holding tight as he tried to pull away.

"Tonks, I...I don't expect you to stay with me," Remus stammered, his voice trembling. "I've just found out I have a daughter, and I abandoned her mother when she was pregnant. I'm a terrible person, Tonks. You deserve so much better than me."

Tonks's expression was calm and determined, her eyes locked on Remus's as she tried to reassure him. "Remus, listen to me," she said softly, her voice a gentle counterpoint to Remus's growing panic. "I don't just like you, Remus. I love you."

The words hung in the air, a palpable declaration that seemed to freeze time. Remus's eyes widened, his face pale as he stared at Tonks in shock. It was the first time she had said those words, and the impact was evident.

Remus's panic attack seemed to intensify, his breathing growing more ragged as he struggled to process Tonks's words. Tonks held tight to his hands, her eyes never leaving his face.

"I love you, Remus," she repeated, her voice firm and resolute. "I love you for who you are, not for what you've done in the past. We all make mistakes, Remus. It's how we learn from them that matters."

Remus's eyes filled with tears, his face contorted in a mix of pain and emotion. Tonks's words seemed to be slowly penetrating the fog of his panic, offering a lifeline of hope and redemption. Harry and Ginny watched, transfixed, as Tonks's love and acceptance slowly began to calm Remus's stormy emotions.

Remus's eyes widened in distress as he protested, "But Tonks, what if we grow even closer? What if we can't live without each other?" His voice trembled with anxiety, his mind racing with the implications of their relationship. He felt like he was drowning in a sea of uncertainty, unsure of how to navigate the complexities of his own heart.

Tonks's expression remained calm, but her eyes sparkled with determination. She leaned forward, her hands still grasping Remus's, her fingers intertwined with his in a gentle yet firm hold.

"What are you afraid of, Remus?" she asked softly, her voice a gentle counterpoint to Remus's growing anxiety. "That I'll leave you because of your...condition? Because of your past?" Her voice was gentle, but firm, and Remus felt a surge of emotion at the understanding in her eyes.

Remus nodded, his face twisted in anguish. "I'm a Werewolf, Tonks," he whispered, the words torn from his very soul. "I'm 11 years older than you. I'm poor, I'm jobless...and now, there's Samantha. What if she wants to live with me?" The thought sent a shiver down his spine, and he felt like he was being torn apart by his own guilt and fear.

"It would be unfair to you, Tonks," he continued, his voice cracking with emotion. "To ask you to live with Samantha's mother's memory hanging over us. I don't want to burden you with my past, with my mistakes." Remus felt like he was exposing his very soul to Tonks, and he was terrified of being rejected, of being deemed unworthy of her love.

Tonks's grip on Remus's hands tightened, her eyes shining with tears. "Remus, I love you," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of Remus's own ragged breathing. "Not despite your past, but because of who you are today. We'll face whatever comes next together, as long as we have each other."

Tonks's eyes locked onto Remus's, her gaze piercing as she asked, "Remus, do you love me too?" Her voice was barely above a whisper, but it carried the weight of her entire being. The air around them seemed to vibrate with anticipation, as if the very fate of their relationship hung in the balance.

Remus's mind went into a tailspin as he hesitated, his internal conversation a jumbled mix of fear, doubt, and longing. "What if I'm not good enough for her?" he thought to himself, his mind racing with the ghosts of his past. "What if my being a Werewolf, my age, my poverty, my joblessness...what if all these things come between us?" But beneath all the uncertainty, one truth shone bright: he loved Tonks, with every fiber of his being.

He took a deep breath, his chest heaving with emotion as he searched for the right words. His eyes locked onto Tonks's, and he felt his heart swell with emotion. "Yes, Tonks, I love you..." he began, his voice barely above a whisper.

But before he could continue, Tonks's hand shot up, her fingers pressing against Remus's lips, silencing him. "Not 'but'," she said, her eyes shining with tears. Her voice was firm, resolute, and Remus felt his heart skip a beat as he gazed into her eyes.

"That's all I need to know, Remus," Tonks continued, her voice filled with conviction. "If you love me, and I love you, we'll figure everything else out together. We'll face whatever challenges come our way, as long as we have each other." Her words were like a balm to Remus's soul, soothing his fears and calming his doubts.

Tonks's gaze softened, a gentle smile spreading across her face. "I don't have a problem with Samantha, Remus," she said, her voice filled with compassion. "I'll have a readymade daughter, and I'm okay with that. We'll make this work, Remus, together."

As Tonks's lips met Remus's, the air around them seemed to electrify with tension. They kissed passionately, their emotions pouring out like a dam that had burst. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the depths of their love.

Remus's arms wrapped around Tonks, pulling her close as they deepened the kiss. Tonks's hands slid up Remus's chest, her fingers tangling in his hair. They were lost in their own little world, oblivious to everything else.

But their solitude was short-lived. A discreet coughing sound broke the spell, and they slowly pulled away from each other, gasping for air. Tonks's cheeks were flushed, and Remus's eyes shone with happiness.

As they turned to face the source of the coughing, they were met with the amused grins of Harry and Ginny, who were sitting on the couch, trying to stifle their giggles. "Sorry to interrupt," Harry said, his eyes twinkling with mirth, "but we didn't want to leave you two alone in here forever."

Tonks's face turned bright red as she realized they had forgotten they were still in the Shrieking Shack, and that Harry and Ginny were still there, watching them. Remus chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and wrapped his arm around Tonks's shoulders, pulling her close. "I think we got a bit carried away," he said, his voice filled with amusement.

With the romantic moment between Remus and Tonks having passed, the group refocused on the serious matter at hand. Harry, still seated on the couch, turned to Remus and asked, "So, shall Ginny and I tell Samantha about this or not?"

Remus's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded slowly. "Though I am certain that Samantha is my daughter, I still would like to be sure and confirm with Olivia Jones," he said, his voice measured. "It's only fair that we are absolutely certain before we share this news with Samantha."

Tonks, who was still seated beside Remus, nodded in agreement. "Yes, we should be sure. But I have a feeling, Remus. A feeling that Samantha is indeed your daughter," she said, her eyes shining with conviction.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, and Harry nodded. "We'll wait, then. Until you're certain," Harry said, his voice filled with understanding.

Remus smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Harry. Thank you, all of you. Your support means the world to me," he said, his voice filled with emotion.

With the decision made to wait until Remus was certain about Samantha's parentage, Harry and Ginny bid their farewells to Remus and Tonks. As they turned to leave, Tonks called out, "Be careful, you two! And don't worry, we'll figure things out here."

Harry smiled and nodded, his eyes twinkling with reassurance. "We will, Tonks. Thanks for understanding."

Ginny grinned mischievously. "We'll be fine, Tonks. We have our trusty invisibility cloak, don't we, Harry?"

Harry chuckled and wrapped the cloak around them, the familiar feeling of the soft, silky fabric enveloping them. "We certainly do, Gin."

With the cloak securely in place, they made their way to the hidden passageway that led from the Shrieking Shack to the Whomping Willow. The tree's branches creaked and swayed ominously in the wind as they approached, but Harry and Ginny moved swiftly and silently, the cloak rendering them all but invisible.

As they emerged from the passageway, they paused for a moment, listening to the sounds of the night. The wind rustled through the leaves, and the distant hooting of owls carried on the breeze. Harry smiled, feeling the thrill of adventure and the comfort of Ginny's presence beside him.

"Shall we head back to the castle, Gin?" Harry asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's go. I have a feeling it's going to be an interesting night."

Next Chapter is The Bond.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 23: The Bond

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Monday, September 7, dawned with a dull and cloudy sky, casting a greyish hue over the Hogwarts grounds. The Gryffindor 2nd year boys' dormitory was quiet, with the rest of the boys fast asleep, their gentle snores and soft breathing filling the air. Harry, however, was wide awake, having woken up at his usual time of 5 am. He yawned, feeling a bit more tired than usual, and stretched his arms above his head, arching his back in a languid stretch.

Normally, he, Dudley, and Ginny would be up and about, getting ready for their morning run and exercises. They would meet up in the common room, exchange quiet morning greetings, and then head out into the crisp morning air, their footsteps echoing through the deserted corridors. But today, Harry wasn't feeling as enthusiastic. The events of the previous night still lingered in his mind, and he couldn't shake off the feeling of excitement and trepidation that had settled in his stomach.

He and Ginny had stayed up late, discussing their meeting with Remus and Tonks in the Shrieking Shack. The weight of the secret they were keeping was still settling in, and Harry knew Ginny was probably feeling just as tired as he was. They had talked about Remus's possible daughter, Samantha, and the implications of this revelation. Harry's mind was still reeling with questions and doubts, and he knew he needed some time to process everything.

"Maybe I'll skip the run today," Harry thought to himself, snuggling deeper into his bed. "Just this once, it won't hurt." He closed his eyes, letting the softness of his pillow envelop him, and drifted off into a light doze, his mind still whirling with thoughts of Remus, Tonks, and Samantha.

The Great Hall was abuzz with the chatter of students as they gathered for breakfast. The long tables were laden with a variety of dishes, from golden-brown pastries to steaming bowls of porridge. The 12 Muskeeteers, as usual, sat at the Gryffindor table, surrounded by friends from different houses.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan, the Golden Muskeeteers, were already seated, chatting and laughing with each other. The Silver Muskeeteers, Ginny, Luna, Daisy, Dudley, Scorpius, and Samantha, joined them, adding to the lively atmosphere.

As they ate, Harry and Ginny couldn't help but steal glances at Samantha, who was chatting with Luna and Daisy. They had learned the shocking truth about Samantha's parentage just the day before, and it was still sinking in. They knew they had to keep the secret hidden for now, but it was hard not to look at Samantha with newfound curiosity.

"I hope she'll forgive Remus when she finds out," Ginny whispered to Harry, her brow furrowed with concern.

"I know, me too," Harry replied quietly, his eyes drifting back to Samantha. "But for now, we have to keep it a secret."

The conversation around them continued, with Ron and Hermione discussing their upcoming Transfiguration homework, and Neville and Draco arguing about the best Quidditch teams. The Silver Muskeeteers, meanwhile, were engrossed in a heated debate about the merits of different magical creatures.

As breakfast drew to a close, the 12 Muskeeteers reluctantly parted ways, heading off to their respective classes. But Harry and Ginny couldn't shake off the feeling that their lives were about to become a lot more complicated.

As the breakfast crowd dispersed, the students made their way to their respective classes. Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss on the cheek before she left with Luna and Samantha for their 1st year Defense Against the Dark Arts class. "See you at lunch, Gin!" Harry called out, grinning.

Daisy, Dudley, and Scorpius headed off to their 1st year Transfiguration class, chatting excitedly among themselves. Susan, meanwhile, made her way to the 2nd year Potions class, which was being held jointly with the Ravenclaws.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco walked together to their 2nd year Charms class, which was being held in one of the castle's larger classrooms. As they entered the room, they were greeted by the cheerful face of Professor Filius Flitwick, the Charms master and Head of Ravenclaw House.

"Ah, welcome, welcome, my dear students!" Professor Flitwick exclaimed, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles. "Today, we shall be learning the Glacius charm, a freezing charm that will render objects immobile and frozen in place."

The students took their seats, eager to begin the lesson. Harry and Hermione, who were sitting together, exchanged a look of excitement. They had always enjoyed Charms class, and they were looking forward to learning this new spell.

"Now, the wand movement for Glacius is a bit tricky," Professor Flitwick warned, "but with practice, I'm sure you'll all master it. Let's begin with the incantation... Glacius!"

As Professor Flitwick began to demonstrate the Glacius spell, Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. He had already learned this spell in his first year, when he and Professor Snape had collaborated on the Potter-Snape Amnesia Potion. With a flick of his wand and a confident incantation, Harry successfully cast the spell, freezing a nearby object in place.

Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "Harry, how did you...?" she trailed off, looking scandalized.

Professor Flitwick beamed with pride. "Ah, excellent work, Mr. Potter! You have earned 5 points for Gryffindor!"

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of pride. "I already knew the spell, sir," he explained. "I learned it last year when I was working with Professor Snape."

The rest of the class looked at Harry in awe, and Professor Flitwick nodded approvingly. "Well, in that case, let us proceed with the theory behind the Glacius spell. It is a complex and ancient spell, with roots in the earliest forms of magic. The incantation, 'Glacius,' is derived from the Latin word for ice, and the wand movement requires a delicate balance of finesse and control."

As Professor Flitwick launched into a detailed explanation of the spell's origins and importance, Harry felt a sense of satisfaction. He had always enjoyed Charms class, and it was moments like these that reminded him why. The rest of the class listened intently, taking notes and asking questions as Professor Flitwick led them through the intricacies of the Glacius spell.

As the Charms class came to a close, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville bid farewell to Draco, who had to attend a different class. Despite being in the same year, the six Golden Musketeers were divided into three houses, making it challenging for them to have classes together. The Gryffindors, consisting of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Parvati, and Sally-Anne, made their way to Greenhouse No. 6 for Herbology with the 2nd-year Hufflepuffs.

Along the way, they were joined by Susan, who had just finished her Potions class with the Ravenclaws. The group chatted casually as they walked, discussing their previous class and sharing stories. Upon arriving at the greenhouse, they were greeted by Professor Pomona Sprout, the Head of Hufflepuff and Herbology teacher.

Professor Sprout, a short, jolly woman with gray, curly hair and soil-covered clothes, welcomed her students warmly. "Ah, excellent! I'm glad to see you all here today. Today, we'll be learning about the properties of Wolf's Bane and its uses in potions." She handed out small pots containing the plant, and the students began to examine it.

The class was uneventful, with the students carefully observing and taking notes on the plant's characteristics. Harry and Neville, being two of Professor Sprout's favorites, received extra guidance and encouragement as they worked with the Wolf's Bane.

As the class concluded, the Gryffindors and Susan made their way to the Astronomy Tower for their next lesson. The Astronomy theory class was held in a large, circular room with a dome-shaped ceiling, offering a breathtaking view of the night sky. The students took their seats, eager to learn about the wonders of the universe.

"Today, we'll be discussing the constellations and their significance in the wizarding world," Professor Sinistra announced, beginning her lecture. The students listened intently, taking notes and asking questions as they explored the vast expanse of the stars.

In the dimly lit Potions Dungeons, the scent of various concoctions wafted through the air, mingling with the murmur of students discussing their latest experiments. Ginny, a first-year Gryffindor, stood at her workstation, her eyes scanning the ingredients laid out before her. She was partnered with her friend Daisy, a Slytherin, who was busily measuring out the ingredients for their hair rinsing potion.

Ginny's brow furrowed in confusion as she watched Daisy work. She couldn't shake the feeling that she already knew how to make this potion, but that was impossible. She had never read about it before, and yet, the steps seemed eerily familiar. "Daisy, do you think we're doing this right?" Ginny asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Daisy looked up, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Yeah, I think so. Professor Snape said to use the dried chamomile flowers and the essence of rose petals. Why, do you think there's something wrong?"

Ginny hesitated, unsure how to articulate her concerns. "No, it's just...I feel like I've done this before."

Daisy shrugged, her attention returning to their potion. "Maybe you just have a knack for potions, Ginny. You're really good at Transfiguration, after all."

Meanwhile, Scorpius, a first-year Gryffindor, worked alongside Nigel, carefully measuring out the ingredients for their own potion. They seemed to be doing well, their banter light and easy as they worked.

Professor Snape moved through the room, inspecting the students' work and offering comments. Though he was still a strict teacher, his snide remarks were no longer laced with malice. He stopped at Ginny and Daisy's workstation, his eyes narrowing as he examined their potion.

"Not bad, Miss Weasley," he said, his voice low and measured. "But you, Miss Potter, seem to be relying too heavily on instinct. Potions requires precision, not guesswork."

Ginny felt a flush rise to her cheeks as she met Snape's gaze. She wasn't sure how to respond, unsure what he wanted from her. Daisy, however, seemed unfazed, smiling sweetly at Snape.

"Don't worry, Professor, we'll get it right," Daisy said, her voice confident.

Snape's expression softened ever so slightly, a hint of approval in his eyes. "I expect nothing less, Miss Potter." He moved on to the next workstation, leaving Ginny and Daisy to their potion.

As the class continued, Ginny found herself growing more and more frustrated. She knew she was capable of making this potion, but somehow, her instincts were getting in the way. She glanced over at Scorpius and Nigel, who seemed to be doing fine, and then at Daisy, who was busily stirring their potion.

"Maybe we should start again," Ginny suggested, feeling a sense of trepidation.

Daisy's eyes met hers, a spark of mischief in their depths. "Or maybe we just trust your instincts, Ginny. After all, you're the one who's been making this potion in your sleep."

Ginny's eyes widened, a shiver running down her spine. How did Daisy know that? She hadn't told anyone about her strange feelings, not even her best friends. But before she could respond, Snape's voice cut through the room, calling out the next step in the potion-making process.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of the Astronomy class, students began to file out of the tower, making their way to the Great Hall for lunch. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Susan were soon joined by Draco, Dudley, Samantha, and Luna, forming a lively group as they walked.

"Hey, what's the plan for lunch?" Ron asked, his stomach growling with anticipation.

"I could eat a whole elephant," Hermione joked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Susan chuckled. "You're always so dramatic, Hermione."

As they neared the Great Hall entrance, Harry's gaze wandered, and he spotted Ginny, Daisy, and Scorpius emerging from the dungeon corridor, surrounded by other first-year Gryffindors and Slytherins. His face broke into a warm smile as he waved at his girlfriend.

Ginny, however, seemed lost in thought, her brow furrowed in concentration. She didn't notice Harry's wave, too engrossed in her own musings. Harry's smile turned amused, and he nudged Ron with his elbow.

"Ginny's got her thinking cap on," Harry whispered, his eyes still fixed on his girlfriend.

Ron followed Harry's gaze and chuckled. "Maybe she's trying to figure out the secrets of the universe."

As the group entered the Great Hall, the aroma of roasting meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, making everyone's stomach growl in anticipation. The long tables were filled with students chatting and laughing, while the professors sat at the staff table, overseeing the proceedings.

The Golden and Silver Musketeers continued to chat and joke as they made their way to their usual table, eager to enjoy their lunch together.

As the Golden and Silver Musketeers enjoyed their lunch, Harry discreetly reached under the table and took Ginny's hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. The gentle touch snapped Ginny out of her reverie, her thoughts about the  Potions class momentarily forgotten. Her eyes widened, and she turned to Harry, a hint of surprise and affection in her gaze.

Harry's emerald green eyes locked onto hers, filled with concern and understanding. He could sense that something was bothering her, and he was willing to wait until she was ready to share her thoughts.

Ginny gave his hand a gentle squeeze before shaking her head, her red hair rustling softly. "I'm fine, Harry," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the din of the Great Hall.

Harry's gaze lingered on hers for a moment, his expression reassuring. He knew that Ginny would open up to him when she was ready, and he was content to simply be by her side. With a gentle smile, he turned his attention back to his lunch, his fingers still wrapped around hers, a comforting presence in the midst of the bustling Great Hall.

The rest of the Musketeers continued their lively conversation, oblivious to the quiet moment shared between Harry and Ginny. Ron regaled the group with a tale of his latest prank, while Hermione playfully rolled her eyes. Neville and Draco engaged in a heated debate about the merits of various Quidditch teams, their competitive spirits on full display. Meanwhile, the Silver Musketeers chatted among themselves, their laughter and giggles adding to the joyful atmosphere.

As they ate, Harrys thoughts wandered to their  upcoming class, and he wondered what new challenges and adventures awaited them. But for now, he was content to simply enjoy the quiet companionship of his friends, and the gentle warmth of Ginny's hand in his.

As the lunch hour drew to a close, the Great Hall began to empty as students made their way to their next classes. The Golden Musketeers, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Neville, gathered their belongings and prepared to head off to Transfiguration, accompanied by their fellow 2nd year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws. Susan, meanwhile, bid farewell to her friends and joined the Hufflepuffs and Slytherins heading to D.A.D.A. with Draco.

Ginny, Daisy, and Scorpius, along with the other 1st year Gryffindors and Slytherins, made their way to Charms, while Luna, Dudley, and Samantha joined the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs for Potions.

As the groups began to disperse, Harry took advantage of the momentary chaos to steal a quick kiss from Ginny. Her eyes widened in surprise as their lips touched, and though she was caught off guard, she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest. Before she could respond, Harry was already pulling away, a mischievous grin on his face.

The brief moment left Ginny breathless, her cheeks flushed as she watched Harry hurry off to join his friends. She couldn't help but smile, her heart still racing from the unexpected kiss.

Just as Harry was about to disappear into the crowd, he heard his name being called. "Harry!" Madam Hooch's voice rang out across the hall. He turned to see the flying instructor beckoning him over. "I'll catch up with you guys later," he told his friends, gesturing for them to go ahead without him. With a wave, the Golden Musketeers continued on their way, leaving Harry to make his way over to Madam Hooch.

"What's up, Madam Hooch?" Harry asked, curiosity getting the better of him as he approached the flying instructor. Madam Hooch's expression seemed serious, and Harry's mind began to wander, wondering what she might want to talk to him about.

As he approached her, Madam Hooch smiled warmly. "Harry, it's great to see you again. How was your summer?" she asked, her interest genuine. Harry replied, "It was the best, thanks." The trial of the physical abuse case against the Dursleys had been widely reported in the wizarding press, so Madam Hooch already knew that Harry was finally free from their clutches.

With the small talk out of the way, Madam Hooch's expression turned serious. "Harry, I know you have class now, but I wanted to talk to you about something. I was wondering if you'd be willing to help me with something this weekend," she said, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement. Harry's face lit up with interest as she continued, "I'd like you to help me train some of the first-year students. You've shown great skill and confidence on the broomstick, and I think you could be a big help to them."

Harry nodded enthusiastically, happy to help. "Of course, Madam Hooch. I'd be happy to help," he said. Madam Hooch smiled, pleased with his response. "Excellent! I'll give you all the details this evening in my office. Let's just say it's a special project, and I think you're the perfect person to help me with it."

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the Hogwarts grounds. Harry and Ginny had spent the afternoon by the black lake, enjoying each other's company and the peaceful atmosphere. They sat together on a blanket, Ginny snuggled up against Harry's chest, and occasionally they would share a gentle kiss or cuddle. The tension between them was palpable, but it was a comfortable, loving tension that only added to the serenity of the moment.

Ginny still hadn't opened up to Harry about what was on her mind, and he knew better than to pry. He could sense that something was bothering her, but he trusted her enough to know that she would tell him when she was ready. Ginny, in turn, was grateful for Harry's understanding nature. She loved how he didn't push her to talk about things she wasn't ready to discuss.

As they sat together, Harry eventually broke the silence. "Hey, I need to go meet Madam Hooch in about an hour," he said, his voice low and gentle. Ginny nodded, her eyes still fixed on the lake. "Okay, I'll let you go then," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry smiled and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. They sat there for a few more minutes, enjoying each other's company before Harry reluctantly stood up. "I'll see you later, okay?" he said, helping Ginny to her feet.

Ginny nodded and smiled up at him. "Yeah, I'll see you later," she replied, her eyes sparkling with affection. Harry leaned in and kissed her softly on the cheek before turning to make his way to Madam Hooch's office.

As he walked, Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for the special bond he shared with Ginny. He loved her more and more each day, and he knew that their relationship was built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect. He pushed aside his thoughts and focused on his upcoming meeting with Madam Hooch, wondering what she had in store for him.

With a sense of curiosity and anticipation, Harry made his way to Madam Hooch's office, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

Harry walked into Madam Hooch's office, greeted by the familiar sight of Quidditch equipment and the sound of her warm, husky voice. "Ah, Harry! Good to see you, dear boy. I trust you're doing well?" She smiled, her piercing yellow eyes crinkling at the corners.

Harry took a seat, feeling a sense of ease in her presence. "I'm doing great, Madam Hooch. Thanks for asking. I was thinking about the upcoming Quidditch season, and I wanted to talk to you about it."

Madam Hooch nodded, her expression turning serious. "Yes, the new season is just around the corner. We've got some talented young players this year, and I'm excited to see how they'll perform." She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And, of course, I'm looking forward to seeing you in action, Harry. You're one of my star players, after all."

Harry blushed, feeling a mix of embarrassment and pride. "Thanks, Madam Hooch. I'm looking forward to it too." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I've been thinking about volunteering to help the new first years train this weekend. Would that be okay with you?"

Madam Hooch's face lit up with approval. "That's a wonderful idea, Harry! I'm sure the new students would love to learn from you. You can work with the Gryffindors and Slytherins on Friday afternoon, and then help out with the Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws on Saturday afternoon."

As they discussed the training schedule, Harry couldn't help but think about the previous year's Quidditch matches. He had been the Gryffindor seeker, and it had been a wild ride. There was the time Quirrell had tried to jinx his broom, and the terrifying encounter with the Dementors. But he had still managed to catch the snitch, much to everyone's surprise.

Madam Hooch seemed to sense his thoughts, a playful glint in her eye. "And, Harry, don't forget to catch that snitch in one piece this year, hmm?" She chuckled, her voice low and husky.

Harry felt his face heat up, remembering the blush-worthy moments from the previous year. "I'll try my best, Madam Hooch," he promised, grinning.

As their meeting drew to a close, Harry left Madam Hooch's office feeling invigorated and ready for the new Quidditch season. He couldn't wait to get back on his broom and take to the skies, the thrill of competition and the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins.

The sun was shining brightly on the Friday morning of the second week of September, casting a warm glow over the Hogwarts grounds. Harry stood beside Madam Hooch, who was addressing the first-year Gryffindors and Slytherins, including his girlfriend Ginny, His Daisy  and his friend Scorpius. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the distant chirping of birds, creating a lively atmosphere.

Madam Hooch's voice was calm and soothing as she explained the basics of flying on broomsticks. Harry listened intently, his eyes scanning the group of students. He noticed that some of them looked nervous, their faces pale and worried. That's when he spotted Collin Creevy, Astoria Greengrass, and Erric Murley, who had approached Madam Hooch earlier, expressing their concerns about flying.

"Alright, now it's time for some hands-on practice," Madam Hooch announced, gesturing to the broomsticks laid out on the grass. "Harry, would you be so kind as to assist the students who need a bit more guidance?"

Harry nodded and walked over to Collin, Astoria, and Erric, who looked like they were about to throw up. "Hey, guys, don't worry, I'll help you out. It's not as scary as it looks, I promise."

Collin's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really, Harry? You're going to teach us how to fly?"

"Yeah, I'll show you the ropes," Harry replied with a grin. "But first, let's start with mounting the broom. It's all about balance and control."

Astoria and Erric exchanged nervous glances, while Collin looked like he was about to burst with enthusiasm. "I've always wanted to learn how to fly! Can I be the first to try?"

Harry chuckled. "Sure thing, Collin. Let's get you on the broom and see how it goes."

As Harry helped Collin onto the broomstick, he noticed that Astoria and Erric looked even more anxious. He reassured them with a smile. "Don't worry, guys, I'll be right here with you. We'll take it one step at a time."

Meanwhile, the rest of the group, including Ginny, Daisy  and Scorpius, were already soaring through the skies, their broomsticks gliding effortlessly above the grass. Harry watched them with a sense of pride, knowing that he had helped some of them overcome their fears.

But for now, his focus was on Collin, Astoria, and Erric, who needed his guidance and support. He was determined to help them feel more confident on their broomsticks, even if it meant taking things at a slower pace.

The sun was shining brightly on the Quidditch pitch as Harry stood beside Madam Hooch, watching the first-year students nervously mount their broomsticks. The air was filled with the sound of chatter and the occasional shout of excitement. Harry's eyes scanned the group, his gaze settling on two Hufflepuffs and two Ravenclaws who looked particularly anxious.

"Alright, now it's your turn," Madam Hooch said, gesturing to the nervous students. "Harry, would you be so kind as to help them out?"

Harry nodded and walked over to the students. "Hey, don't worry, I'll show you the ropes," he said with a reassuring smile. "What's your name?" he asked one of the Hufflepuffs.

"I'm Alan Wytch," the student replied, his voice shaking slightly.

"And I'm Duna Nicholas," the other Hufflepuff said, her eyes wide with fear.

Harry turned to the Ravenclaws. "And you two are...?"

"I'm Ivan Sykes," one of them said, his face pale.

"And I'm Felix Gibbered," the other replied, his eyes fixed on Harry with a mixture of admiration and fear.

Harry chuckled. "Don't worry, guys, flying is all about balance and control. I'll show you how it's done."

As Harry began to explain the basics of flying, the rest of the group, including Dudley, Luna, and Samantha, were already soaring through the skies, their broomsticks gliding effortlessly above the grass. Harry watched them with a sense of pride, knowing that he had helped some of them overcome their fears.

"Hey, Harry, can I ask you something?" Alan said, his voice hesitant.

"Of course, what's up?" Harry replied.

"How do you stay so calm while flying?" Alan asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Harry grinned. "Well, it's all about practice and experience. And a bit of confidence never hurts."

As Harry continued to help the nervous students, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. He loved being able to share his knowledge and skills with others, and he was happy to see that his friends were already making progress.

"Okay, now it's your turn to try," Harry said, gesturing to the broomsticks. "Remember, balance and control are key. Just relax and have fun."

The students nodded, their faces set with determination. Harry watched as they mounted their broomsticks and took to the skies, their shouts of excitement and laughter filling the air. He smiled, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. This was what being a teacher was all about – sharing knowledge and watching others grow.

As the students flew back to the castle, Madam Hooch called out to Harry, "Well done, Potter! You've earned 25 points for Gryffindor for your help these past two days." The students cheered and clapped, and Harry smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

After a brief chat with Madam Hooch about the Chudley Canons' latest loss in the British and Irish Quidditch League, Harry bid her farewell and set off to enjoy the rest of his Saturday. However, little did he know that Ginny had been planning a special surprise for him.

Ginny had been secretly preparing a cozy date in the secret garden, a hidden spot that only the closest of friends knew about. The garden was filled with vibrant flowers, and the soft chirping of birds could be heard in the distance. A small, intricately carved wooden table had been set up, adorned with a delicate lace tablecloth and a vase of fresh flowers. A small, golden lantern hung from a nearby tree, casting a warm, golden glow over the area.

Ginny sat on a nearby bench, her eyes fixed on the path that Harry would take to get to the garden. She couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and admiration for her boyfriend. "He's always so busy, saving the wizarding world one day and flying lessons the next," she thought to herself. "He deserves a day to relax and enjoy himself, just for a change."

As Harry walked towards the garden, Ginny's eyes lit up with excitement. She stood up, smoothing out her robes and adjusting her hair. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She couldn't wait to see the look on Harry's face when he saw the surprise she had planned for him.

"Hey, Harry!" Ginny called out, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry turned, his eyes scanning the area until they landed on Ginny. A smile spread across his face, and he quickened his pace. "Ginny! What are you doing here?" he asked, his eyes taking in the cozy setup.

Ginny's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I wanted to do something special for you, Harry. You always put everyone else first, and I thought it was time someone did something special for you."

Harry's eyes softened, and he walked towards Ginny, his arms open wide. "You're amazing, Ginny," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "I don't deserve you."

Ginny's face flushed, and she smiled, feeling happy and content. "You're going to spoil me, Harry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The two of them sat down at the table, surrounded by the beauty of nature, and enjoyed each other's company, savoring the special moment they shared.

As they sat together, they chatted and laughed, enjoying each other's company. The tension between them was palpable, but it was a good kind of tension - the kind that came from being around someone you care deeply about.

"I love it here," Ginny said, looking around at the lush greenery. "It's so peaceful."

"I know what you mean," Harry replied, smiling at her. "I feel like I can just be myself when we're here together."

Ginny smiled back at him, and they sat in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying the beauty of the garden. Then, Harry spoke up again, "You know, I was thinking... maybe we could take a walk around the garden? I want to show you some of the flowers that are blooming."

Ginny nodded, and they set off on their stroll, hand in hand, taking in the sights and sounds of the secret garden.

As they strolled through the secret garden, the warm sunlight filtering through the lush greenery above them cast dappled shadows on the path. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the soft chirping of birds, creating a peaceful atmosphere that made Ginny feel more at ease. She had been glad that Harry hadn't pushed her to talk about what was bothering her since Monday, but she felt it wasn't fair to expect him to share his worries with her if she wasn't willing to do the same.

Ginny took a deep breath, letting the calm surroundings settle her nerves. "Hey, I've been meaning to talk to you about something," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's just been feeling really weird lately."

Harry's eyes locked onto hers, his expression concerned. He slowed their pace, his hand instinctively reaching out to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "What's going on, Gin? You can tell me anything."

The gentle touch sent a flutter through her chest, but Ginny focused on her concerns. "It's just that now that our syllabus is moving forward in all classes, I keep getting this strange feeling that I've learned all of this before. But at the same time, it feels like I'm reading it for the first time."

Harry's brow furrowed in interest, and he leaned against a nearby tree, his eyes never leaving hers. "That does sound weird. Can you give me an example?"

Ginny thought for a moment, trying to articulate her experience. "Well, like in Charms class today. Professor Flitwick was teaching us this new spell, and I just seemed to... know it. I mean, I wasn't even thinking about it, it just came naturally. And it's not just that one spell, it's been happening in all my classes."

Harry's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and he took her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers. "That's fascinating. And a bit unsettling, I can imagine."

Ginny's eyes searched Harry's face, hoping for some insight or reassurance. She felt a sense of comfort with him by her side, and she knew she could trust him to help her figure things out. "Exactly! I mean, I know I'm a good student and all, but this feels different. It's like... I know everything, but at the same time, it's all new. Does that make any sense?"

Harry's expression turned thoughtful, and he squeezed her hand gently. "I think I understand what you mean. But let's not jump to conclusions just yet. Maybe we can figure this out together, okay?"

As they stood there, hands entwined, Ginny felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that with Harry's help, she could face whatever was going on, and she was grateful for his unwavering support.

Ginny's shoulders relaxed, and a sense of relief washed over her as she finished explaining the strange feeling that had been plaguing her. Harry's concerned expression slowly transformed into a thoughtful one, his eyes narrowing as he processed the information. Though his brow furrowed, indicating that he was still uneasy, Ginny could sense his mind racing to find a solution.

As she watched Harry's expressions change, Ginny's lips curled into a gentle smile. She found his intense focus endearing, and her heart swelled with affection. She had grown accustomed to Harry's thoughtful nature, and it was moments like these that reminded her why she loved him so much.

Harry's eyes seemed to glaze over, lost in thought, as he murmured, "I don't like this, Gin. There's something off about this, and I need to figure out what it is." His voice was barely above a whisper, but Ginny's ears picked up the subtle concern laced within.

Ginny's gaze lingered on Harry's face, observing the way his eyes darted back and forth as he thought. She knew that look; it was the same one he wore when he was trying to solve a complex puzzle or decipher a mysterious clue. Her smile grew, and she felt a surge of admiration for her boyfriend's determination and intelligence.

As the silence between them grew, Ginny decided to let Harry continue thinking. She knew that interrupting him now would only distract him from his train of thought. Instead, she leaned against the nearby tree, her eyes never leaving Harry's face, and waited patiently for him to share his thoughts. The peaceful atmosphere of the secret garden enveloped them, the soft chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves creating a soothing background noise that seemed to fade into the background as Harry's thoughts took center stage.

Harry's eyes narrowed as he concentrated, his mind racing with possibilities. He didn't like the uncertainty surrounding Ginny's strange feeling, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it. The peaceful atmosphere of the secret garden seemed to fade into the background as he focused on the task at hand.

"Gin, I need you to try something," Harry said, his voice low and thoughtful. "Can you perform the Glacius spell for me?"

Ginny's brow furrowed in confusion. "I don't know what that is," she admitted, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty.

But as she spoke, she felt it again - that strange, unsettling sensation that she knew something, even if she couldn't quite put her finger on it. It was as if her mind was trying to tell her something, but the message remained just out of reach.

Harry's eyes lit up with excitement. "Exactly," he said, a small smile playing on his lips. "You shouldn't know it. It's a second-year charm that Flitwick taught us last Monday. I was thinking that since it's a fairly common spell, it's not something unusual, so if you can do it, it might help us figure out what's going on."

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you...?" she began, but Harry just chuckled.

"Let's just say I have my ways," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Now, watch closely. The wand movement is like this," he demonstrated, his wand tracing a smooth, flowing motion through the air. "And the incantation is simply 'Glacius'."

Ginny's eyes followed Harry's wand, her mind taking in the movement and the words. She felt a surge of excitement as she realized what she was being asked to do. With a deep breath, she raised her own wand and attempted to replicate the spell.

To both their surprise, it worked. A small patch of air seemed to shimmer and freeze, tiny ice crystals forming in the space where Ginny's wand had pointed. Ginny's eyes widened in amazement, and Harry's face broke out into a wide grin.

"Well done, Gin!" he exclaimed, his eyes shining with pride. "You're a natural."

Ginny's face lit up with a smile, her eyes sparkling with pleasure. But as she looked at Harry, she could see the concern still lurking in his eyes. He was still thinking, still trying to figure out what was going on. And Ginny knew that she was in good hands - Harry wouldn't rest until he had uncovered the truth.

Harry's eyes sparkled with excitement as he turned to Ginny. "That's proof of my theory," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny's curiosity was piqued. "What theory?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Harry leaned in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I think that since we already have Dreamland, we know we have a bond. It seems that bond is growing. And we know our bond is related to our magical core."

Ginny's eyes widened as she began to understand. "You mean...?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, exactly. Whatever knowledge about magic I learn, you'll be able to do that with minimum effort, and vice versa. And since I'm a year older and already know the first-year course, you'll feel like you know it too."

Ginny's mind was racing with the implications. She had always known that she and Harry shared a special connection, but she had never thought about it in terms of their magical abilities. The idea that their bond could be influencing their learning process was both fascinating and a little unsettling.

As they sat there in the secret garden, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature, Ginny couldn't help but wonder what other secrets their bond might hold. She looked at Harry, her eyes searching for answers, and he smiled, his emerald green eyes sparkling with excitement.

"We'll have to explore this further," he said, his voice full of anticipation. "But for now, let's just enjoy the fact that you're a natural at magic, Gin."

Ginny smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment. She knew that she still had a lot to learn, but with Harry by her side, she felt like she could conquer anything. And as they sat there, hands touching, the air seemed to vibrate with an almost palpable energy, as if their bond was growing stronger by the minute.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm orange glow over the secret garden, Harry and Ginny shared a tender moment, their lips brushing softly together. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of birds chirping in the distance. Harry gently turned Ginny around, so she was leaning against the tree, and they spent the next hour lost in their own little world.

The tranquility of the garden was a perfect backdrop for their happiness. They sat together, hands entwined, enjoying each other's company. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a bubble of love and contentment.

As the hour drew to a close, Harry knew they had to return to the castle. However, he wasn't looking forward to facing Ron, not because he was afraid, but because he didn't want to deal with his friend's curiosity. Harry and Ginny had been careful about keeping their relationship private, and he didn't want to test Ron's limits by returning with swollen lips and disheveled clothes.

"Let's stay here for a bit longer," Harry whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling of leaves. "I don't feel like explaining anything to Ron just yet."

Ginny smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're not afraid of Ron, are you?" she teased, her voice laced with playful sarcasm.

Harry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course not," he replied, his voice filled with confidence. "I just don't want to deal with his questions, that's all."

Ginny nodded, understanding his concerns. They sat in comfortable silence for a while longer, enjoying the peacefulness of the garden, before eventually making their way back to the castle, hand in hand.

As they made their way to the Hufflepuff table for dinner, the atmosphere was lively, with the sounds of clinking silverware and hushed conversations filling the air. The long tables were adorned with golden accents, and the enchanted ceiling above shone with a warm, soft glow, casting a cozy ambiance over the Great Hall. Harry and Ginny walked side by side, their hands subtly brushing against each other, their faces flushed with happiness.

The rest of the Muskeeteers were already seated, their eyes sparkling with knowing glances as Harry and Ginny took their places among them. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan, the Golden Musketeers, were engrossed in a heated discussion about their latest Transfiguration lesson, their voices rising and falling in a lively cadence. Meanwhile, the Silver Musketeers – Ginny, Luna, Daisy, Dudley, Scorpius, and Samantha – chattered excitedly about their first year at Hogwarts, their laughter and giggles infectious.

Fred and George Weasley, Oliver Wood, Cedric Diggory, Rolf Scamander, Lee Jordan, Angelina Johnson, Alicia Spinnet, Katie Bell, Juniper Hunt, and Cho Chang joined the group, pulling up chairs and benches to accommodate the large gathering. The Hufflepuff table was soon abuzz with conversation, the air thick with the scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread.

As they sat down, Harry caught the eye of Madam Pomfrey, the school nurse, who smiled warmly at him from across the hall. Professor McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor and Head of Gryffindor House, watched the group with a knowing glint in her eye, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. Harry felt a surge of affection for his "Gran Minnie," as he affectionately called her.

The group ordered their meals, and the dinner was a lively, boisterous affair, with everyone laughing and joking together. No one mentioned the obvious – Harry and Ginny's secret tryst in the hidden garden – but the knowing smiles and raised eyebrows spoke volumes.

Ginny leaned over to Harry and whispered, "I think we're the talk of the town now."

Harry grinned mischievously and replied, "Who cares? We're happy, and that's all that matters."

Their friends around them chuckled and nodded in agreement, the atmosphere at the table warm and welcoming. The night wore on, filled with laughter and camaraderie, as the group of friends savored their time together, their bond growing stronger with every passing moment.

Next Chapter is The Reserve Team.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 24: The Reserve Team

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The Gryffindor common room was cozy, the fire crackling in the fireplace as the Gryffindor Musketeers gathered around for a game of Exploding Snap. The atmosphere was lively, with the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Scorpius, Ginny, and Harry sat in a circle, their eyes fixed on the cards as they took turns playing.

Ginny, seated beside Harry, couldn't help but notice that he seemed distracted. His eyes kept drifting away from the game, and his responses were a bit slow. She reached out and took his hand, her touch gentle but firm. Harry's gaze snapped back to hers, and he smiled softly as their eyes met.

"Hey, what's on your mind?" Ginny asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's eyes lingered on hers for a moment before he shook his head, his messy black hair rustling with the movement. "Just thinking about something, that's all," he replied, his emerald green eyes sparkling with a hint of distraction.

Their friends, engrossed in the game, didn't notice the exchange, but Ginny's grip on Harry's hand tightened. She knew him well enough to sense when something was bothering him. However, their moment of connection was short-lived, as Ron's loud whoop and Hermione's delighted laughter interrupted them.

"Yes! I win this round!" Ron exclaimed, pumping his fist in the air.

The group's attention shifted back to the game, but Harry and Ginny were already out, their cards discarded. They exchanged a look, shrugged, and settled in to watch the others continue playing.

"You two are out already?" Neville asked, grinning at them. "We're just getting started!"

Ginny smiled and leaned into Harry, her red hair brushing against his shoulder. "We'll just watch and cheer you on," she said, her voice filled with amusement.

Harry's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his gaze drifting back to the game. But his mind was still elsewhere, and Ginny's hand remained clasped in his, a gentle reminder that she was there for him, no matter what was on his mind.

As the game of Exploding Snap came to an end, the group of friends began to disperse, heading off to their respective dormitories. But Ginny held onto Harry's hand, her grip gentle yet insistent, as she whispered, "Hey, can you stay for a bit? I want to talk to you about something."

Harry nodded, and they lagged behind, watching as Neville and Ron bid them a quiet goodnight before disappearing into the corridor leading to the Gryffindor boys' dormitory.

Once they were alone, Ginny turned to Harry, her eyes sparkling with concern. "What's going on, Harry? You've been distracted all evening. Is everything okay?"

Harry sighed, running a hand through his hair as he leaned against the plush armchair in the cozy Gryffindor common room. The fire crackled in the fireplace, casting a warm glow over the room.

"It's Daisy," he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've been noticing that she's not herself lately. She looks happy and all, but sometimes her smile seems... off. And her eyes, they look glassy, like she's trying to hide something."

Ginny's brow furrowed in concern as she sat down beside him, her hand still clasped in his. "Do you think she's struggling in Slytherin? You know she's always wanted to be in Gryffindor with you."

Harry nodded, his eyes clouding over with worry. "I know. And I think that's part of it. She's trying to adjust, but it's not easy for her. She's always been a bit of a wild child, and Slytherin's not exactly the most... nurturing environment."

Ginny squeezed his hand reassuringly. "I'm sure she'll be fine, Harry. She's a strong girl, and she loves you. She'll talk to you if she needs help."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Ginny. She always knew just what to say to make him feel better.

"You're right," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I'll talk to her tomorrow. See if I can get her to open up a bit."

Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with understanding. "And in the meantime, let's get some rest. We can continue this conversation in our... special place."

Harry's heart skipped a beat as he caught her meaning. Their secret dreamland, where they could be themselves without fear of judgment or interruption. He smiled, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation.

"Night, Gin," he whispered, as they shared a long, sweet kiss.

"Night, Harry," she replied, her voice barely audible.

As they parted ways, heading off to their respective dormitories, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of peace wash over him. He knew that with Ginny by his side, everything would be okay. And he couldn't wait to see her again, in their special place, where their love and connection could flourish.

In the realm of their secret dreamland, Harry and Ginny stood together, surrounded by the ethereal beauty of their shared subconscious. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sky shimmered with a kaleidoscope of colors. They had met here countless times before, but tonight felt different. Tonight, they were on the cusp of a new discovery.

As they strolled through the dreamland, hand in hand, they couldn't help but reminisce about their conversation from earlier that afternoon. Ginny's eyes sparkled with excitement as she recalled Harry's words. "You know, Gin, I think I've figured out why you're picking up magic so quickly," Harry had said. "It's not just because you're a natural; it's because of our bond. You're somehow tapping into my knowledge and experiences."

Ginny's face had lit up with wonder, and she had eagerly asked Harry to elaborate. Now, in their dreamland, they decided to put their theory to the test. They summoned Hinny, their majestic phoenix, who appeared before them in a burst of fiery splendor.

"Hey, Hinny," Harry said, stroking the phoenix's feathers. "We need your help with something. Ginny and I have a theory, and we want to see if it's true."

Ginny nodded, her eyes shining with anticipation. "We think that because of our bond, I'll be able to master any magic or knowledge that Harry already has, with minimal effort."

Hinny cocked her head to one side, as if considering their words. Then, in a burst of fiery energy, she nodded her great head. "Your theory is correct, young ones," she said, her voice like music. "The bond between you two is strong, and it will indeed allow Ginny to tap into Harry's knowledge and experiences."

Harry and Ginny exchanged a thrilled glance. They had suspected as much, but to have their theory confirmed by Hinny herself was exhilarating. They leaned forward, eager to learn more, as Hinny continued to reveal the secrets of their magical bond.

Harry and Ginny walked hand in hand, the soft grass of their dreamland beneath their feet. The sky above was a kaleidoscope of colors, a reflection of their love and bond. Hinny, their majestic phoenix, had just left them, and Harry's mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Voldemort. His brow furrowed, and his eyes seemed to gaze into the distance, as if searching for answers to the questions that plagued him.

Ginny noticed the change in Harry's demeanor and squeezed his hand gently. "Hey, what's on your mind?" she asked, her voice soft and inquiring.

Harry's gaze returned to Ginny, and he took a deep breath before speaking. "I know he'll return one day," he said, his voice laced with concern. "Voldemort, I mean. I've been thinking about it a lot lately, and I don't know how to prepare for it."

Ginny's grip on his hand tightened, and she looked up at him with understanding eyes. She knew that Harry's concerns were not just about the wizarding world, but also about their own future together.

"You're scared," she stated, her voice soft but reassuring.

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of vulnerability he rarely showed to anyone but Ginny. "I've never shown this to anyone else, but I know it's different with you. You're the only one who truly understands me, Gin."

Ginny's smile was gentle, and she reminded him of the first time he told her he loved her. The memory flashed before them, and Harry's eyes locked onto Ginny's.

"I loved you from the day I met you," Harry's voice echoed in the memory, filled with conviction. "But I was waiting for the perfect moment to confess. Today, of all days, seemed fitting. It's the anniversary of the day love was ripped from my life, but I want to start anew, with you."

As the memory faded, Harry's gaze returned to Ginny's. He could see the love and understanding in her eyes, and it gave him the strength to face his fears.

"You'll always be there for me, won't you?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny's response was immediate. "I'll always be there for you, Harry. We'll face Voldemort together, because we have something to look forward to - our future, our promises to each other. We'll get married, have our five children, cook together, and grow old together."

Her words were a balm to Harry's concerns, and he felt a sense of reassurance wash over him. Ginny's conviction and determination were infectious, and Harry's fears began to dissipate.

"You're scared too, aren't you?" Harry asked, his eyes searching Ginny's face.

Ginny nodded, her expression resolute. "Yes, I'm scared, but we'll face it together. We'll defeat Voldemort, not just for ourselves, but for our future, for the life we've promised each other."

As they stood there, surrounded by the beauty of their dreamland, Harry knew that he could rely on Ginny, and she on him. Together, they would overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting. The promise of their future, their love, and their bond would see them through the darkest of times.

Their hands still clasped together, Harry and Ginny took a deep breath, their hearts filled with determination and love. They knew that they would face challenges, but they were ready to face them together, as a team.

"I love you," Harry said, his voice filled with emotion.

"I love you too," Ginny replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they stood there, the world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of love and determination. They knew that they would face the future together, hand in hand, and that nothing could ever break the bond between them.

As they stood there, their foreheads touching, Ginny couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The weight of Harry's concerns about Voldemort's return still lingered in the air, and she wanted to offer some reassurance. However, she also didn't want to ruin the peaceful atmosphere of their dreamland.

Their lips met in a gentle, tender kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of love. The kiss deepened, and they began to snog, their passion and love for each other evident in every touch. Ginny's hands slid up Harry's chest, her fingers wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer. Harry's arms wrapped around her waist, holding her tight as they lost themselves in the moment.

As they snogged, their surroundings seemed to fade away, leaving only the sound of their own ragged breathing and the gentle rustling of the grass beneath their feet. The sky above them seemed to spin, colors swirling together in a kaleidoscope of emotions. Time stood still as they savored the moment, their love and connection growing stronger with every passing second.

After a while, they broke apart, their foreheads still touching, and Ginny sighed. Her eyes fluttered open, and she gazed up at Harry, her expression soft and loving. Harry's eyes, too, were filled with adoration, his gaze locked onto hers.

"Tbh, this Voldemort thing gave me an idea," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She paused, studying Harry's expression to gauge his reaction.

Harry's eyes narrowed slightly, his brow furrowing in curiosity. "What is it?" he asked, his voice low and encouraging.

Ginny took a deep breath, choosing her words carefully. She didn't want to make Harry feel like she wasn't enjoying their time together in dreamland. "Well, last year, dreamland was really helpful because we were apart, but this year, we spend so much time together during the day, and then we have dreamland at night... I was thinking maybe we could use this to our advantage."

Harry's gaze intensified, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Go on," he urged, his voice filled with interest.

Ginny hesitated, unsure how to proceed. She didn't want to give the impression that she wasn't enjoying their leisure time together. "It's just that... I think we could start preparing for Voldemort's return. Just the two of us, for now, in our dreamland. We could use this place to our advantage, you know?"

Harry's expression softened, and he smiled, understanding Ginny's concerns. "I see what you mean," he said, his voice filled with appreciation. "You want to use our dreamland to prepare for the worst, but you don't want me to think you're not enjoying our time together."

Ginny nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Exactly," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I love spending time with you, Harry, and I don't want anything to ruin that. But I also don't want to be caught off guard when Voldemort returns."

Harry's eyes locked onto Ginny's, filled with determination. "We'll do it together," he said, his voice firm. "We'll use our dreamland to prepare for Voldemort's return, and we'll face whatever comes our way, together."

As the night wore on, Harry and Ginny's conversation turned to their plan to prepare for Voldemort's return. They decided to start researching and gathering information the next day, and then practice and train in their secret dreamland.

"We should start by looking into the history of the Dark Lord's past battles," Harry said, his eyes scanning the shelves of books in the library. "Maybe there's a pattern or a weakness we can exploit."

"That's a great idea," Ginny replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "But we have to be careful. We can't let anyone know what we're doing."

Harry nodded in agreement. "I know. That's why we'll have to be discreet. We can't ask Madam Pince about our bond or anything related to it. We have to find the information ourselves."

Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with determination. "I'm ready to start searching. Let's see what we can find."

As they began their search, the world around them started to shake, indicating that it was time to wake up. They reluctantly parted ways, promising to meet up later to continue their research.

The next morning, Harry woke up early, feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. He met up with Ginny, and they went for their morning run, followed by their usual routine of exercise, swimming, and meditation.

After their routine, they headed to the library, eager to start their research. The library was quiet, with only a few students scattered about, studying for their exams.

Harry and Ginny sat down at a table, surrounded by shelves of books, and began their search. They pored over ancient tomes, looking for any mention of the Dark Lord's past battles or weaknesses.

As they searched, they worked in silence, their minds focused on their task. They were determined to uncover any information that might help them prepare for the Dark Lord's return.

But their search was not without its challenges. They had to be careful not to arouse suspicion, and they had to navigate the complex web of information in the library.

As they worked, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and trepidation. He knew that their search was just the beginning of their journey, and that the road ahead would be fraught with danger.

But he was determined to face whatever challenges came their way, knowing that he had Ginny by his side. Together, they would uncover the secrets of their bond and prepare themselves for the battles that lay ahead.

Their search continued, with no end in sight, but they were determined to see it through, no matter what it took.

Harry gave Ginny a quick peck on the lips before heading towards the Quidditch pitch, his stomach fluttering with excitement for the first practice of the year. As he arrived, he saw Oliver Wood already there, his burly frame and commanding presence making him look like a seasoned coach. Harry was the second to arrive, and soon the rest of the team started filtering in.

"Alright, everyone!" Oliver boomed, his voice echoing across the pitch. "Welcome back to another year of Quidditch! Today, we're just going to do some light warm-ups to get everyone in shape. Then, I've got something important to discuss with you all."

The team began with laps around the pitch, followed by stretching exercises. Harry, who had already been exercising daily with Ginny and Dudley, found the warm-ups to be a breeze. He effortlessly completed the laps and stretching, his athletic body moving with ease.

Meanwhile, the rest of the team, except for Oliver, looked a bit more exhausted. Fred and George Weasley, the Beaters, were already joking around, trying to lighten the mood. Angelina Johnson, one of the Chasers, was stretching her long legs, her confident and strong-willed personality evident in her movements. Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell, the other Chasers, were chatting and laughing, their enthusiasm for the game palpable.

As they finished the warm-ups, Oliver gathered the team around him. "Alright, now that we're all warm and ready, let's talk about our strategy for this year. We've got a tough competition ahead of us, but I know we can do it. We've got a great team, and with some hard work and dedication, I think we can take the Cup home."

The team listened intently, their eyes fixed on Oliver as he outlined his plans for the season. Harry, meanwhile, was already thinking about his own strategy, his mind racing with ideas and tactics. He was determined to help Gryffindor win the Cup, and he knew that he had a talented team behind him.

"Let's get to it, then!" Oliver exclaimed, clapping his hands together. "We've got a lot of work to do, and I'm excited to see what we can achieve this year!"

The team cheered, their spirits high, as they began to discuss their plans and strategies for the season. Harry grinned, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. He knew that this was going to be an amazing year, and he was thrilled to be a part of it.

After the grueling practice session, the Gryffindor Quidditch team trudged towards the locker room, their exhaustion palpable. Oliver Wood, still buzzing with enthusiasm, waited until everyone had showered and changed before dropping another bombshell.

"Alright, team," he began, his voice echoing off the wooden benches. "I want to discuss something important. As you know, I'm the captain, but I think it's essential to have a backup in case I'm injured or unavailable during a match."

The team members exchanged curious glances, sensing where this conversation was headed. Oliver continued, "I propose that we appoint a vice captain. It's not an official Hogwarts position, but it'll give us an extra layer of leadership on the field."

The team's eyes locked onto Oliver, awaiting his next move. "I think it's only fair that we vote on who should take on this role. Nominations are open, but I think we should keep it simple and choose from within our own team."

Angelina Johnson, ever the confident one, spoke up, "I think I'd be a great fit for the role. I've got experience, and I'm always willing to lend a hand."

Fred and George Weasley, the dynamic Beater duo, chimed in, "We've got no objections, Angelina's the obvious choice!"

Alicia Spinnet and Katie Bell, the other Chasers, nodded in agreement, their faces set in determined expressions. Harry, observing the exchange, remained quiet, his eyes fixed on Oliver.

When it seemed like the decision was unanimous, Oliver asked, "Alright, let's make it official. Who's in favor of Angelina as our vice captain?"

"Angelina, you've got the team's vote," Oliver declared, a broad smile spreading across his face. "You're our new vice captain!"

Angelina beamed, her confidence and pride radiating from her like a palpable aura. However, just as the team was about to celebrate, Oliver's expression turned serious once more.

"But, team, there's something else we need to discuss," he said, his voice hinting at a more complex issue. "Something that might affect our dynamics and our chances of winning the Cup."

The team's attention refocused on Oliver, their faces set in anticipation, awaiting the next revelation. Little did they know that this was only the beginning of a series of events that would test their unity and determination.

Oliver Wood gathered his teammates around him, a determined look on his face. "Alright, guys, I want to propose an idea that could give us an edge this season," he began, his voice filled with enthusiasm. "I think we should set up a reserve team."

Harry raised an eyebrow, skeptical about the idea. "A reserve team? What's the point of that?" he asked, his voice laced with doubt.

Oliver's eyes lit up with excitement. "Think about it, Harry. We can have a team of players who can help us with practice, and if anyone gets injured, we have replacements ready to go. It'll give us more flexibility and depth."

The team began to discuss the idea, throwing around suggestions and ideas. Angelina Johnson spoke up, her voice confident. "I think it's a great idea, Oliver. We can have a mix of older and younger players, and it'll give the first years a chance to get involved."

Fred and George Weasley, the dynamic Beater duo, chimed in, their voices filled with excitement. "Yeah, and we can have some fun with it too. We can set up some friendly matches and see who can really bring their A-game."

As the team continued to discuss the idea, Harry's skepticism began to fade. He realized that having a reserve team could be a great way to get more people involved and to build a stronger sense of teamwork.

Finally, Oliver summed up the discussion. "Alright, so we're agreed. We'll propose the idea to Professor McGonagall tomorrow, and we'll make sure to include first years in the reserve team. Harry, I think you're the perfect person to manage the reserve team."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, but the team's faces were filled with nods of agreement. "You're perfect for it, Harry," Angelina said, her voice filled with conviction. "You're already an amazing Seeker, and you've got a great sense of teamwork. We'll help you out, of course."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of responsibility wash over him. "Alright, I'll do it. But we'll need to make sure we're organized and that we're communicating effectively."

The team grinned, their faces filled with excitement and anticipation. They knew that with Harry at the helm, the reserve team would be a success.

As they broke up, Oliver turned to Harry and said, "I'll make sure to get the proposal together, and we'll present it to McGonagall tomorrow. You're going to be great, Harry."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of pride and purpose. He knew that this was just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

Oliver stood nervously in McGonagall's office, fidgeting with the papers in his hand. He took a deep breath and began to present his proposal. "Professor McGonagall, I wanted to discuss an idea with you that I believe could greatly benefit the Gryffindor Quidditch team. We've been thinking about setting up a reserve team, and I think it could give us an edge this season."

McGonagall listened intently, her eyes narrowing slightly as Oliver spoke. When he finished, she leaned back in her chair, steepling her fingers together. "An interesting idea, Oliver. However, I do have some reservations. You're proposing to include first years on the reserve team. While I understand the benefits, I'm not sure if it's the best decision. First years are still adjusting to the Hogwarts curriculum and the pressures of Quidditch can be overwhelming."

Oliver nodded understandingly. "I see your point, Professor. But I believe that with proper guidance and training, the first years could prove to be valuable assets to the team. We've already discussed this among ourselves, and we're willing to put in the extra effort to make it work."

McGonagall's expression softened slightly. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Oliver. I'll need to discuss this with the Headmaster and see what can be done. I'll let you know my final decision by this evening. You may return to your classes now."

Oliver nodded, feeling a sense of hope. "Thank you, Professor. I appreciate your time."

As he left the office, Oliver couldn't help but feel that he had made a good impression. He looked forward to hearing McGonagall's decision later that day, hoping that it would be in favor of the reserve team.

Meanwhile, Harry and his friends were discussing the proposal in the Gryffindor common room. "I'm sure McGonagall will see the benefits of it," Harry said, his eyes shining with excitement.

"I don't know, Harry," Ron said, frowning. "First years might be a bit of a handful. What if they can't keep up?"

Ginny, who was sitting next to Harry, spoke up. "Hey, we're not that bad, Ron. We first years can handle it. And it'll be fun, I promise."

The group continued to discuss the proposal, their voices filled with anticipation and excitement. They knew that the decision was out of their hands now, but they were eager to hear McGonagall's response and see what the future held for the Gryffindor Quidditch team.

The evening sun had just set, casting a warm orange glow over the Gryffindor common room. The notice board was abuzz with excitement as students gathered around to read the latest announcement. In bold letters, it read: "Reserve Team Tryouts: September 16th". Many students were whispering among themselves, speculating about the tryouts and who might make the cut. Ginny, a bright smile on her face, was practically bouncing with excitement. She was going to try out, and she couldn't wait.

Ron, on the other hand, looked a bit apprehensive. "I'm not sure I'm ready for this," he said to Harry, who was standing beside him. "But I want to try out for reserve keeper. Think I've got a chance?"

Harry grinned encouragingly. "You've been practicing, Ron. I'm sure you'll do great."

Scorpius, who was hovering nearby, overheard the conversation and chimed in. "I'm thinking of trying out for reserve seeker. What do you think, Harry? Got any tips?"

Harry chuckled. "Well, you're a natural flyer, Scorpius. Just remember to stay focused and keep your wits about you."

The next day, September 15th, Harry decided to take Ginny, Ron, and Scorpius for a practice flying session to get them warmed up for the tryouts. They headed out to the Quidditch pitch, the sun shining brightly overhead. As they soared through the air on their brooms, Harry offered words of encouragement and advice, helping them fine-tune their flying skills.

Ginny was a bit rusty at first, but she quickly found her rhythm. Ron struggled a bit with his keeper skills, but Harry was there to offer guidance. Scorpius, meanwhile, was a natural, effortlessly gliding through the air.

As they practiced, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. The tryouts tomorrow were going to be a thrilling experience, and he was eager to see how his friends would do.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the pitch, Harry called out, "Alright, let's wrap it up for today. You've all got this, guys. Just relax and have fun tomorrow."

With that, the group of friends headed back to the Gryffindor common room, looking forward to the adventure that lay ahead.

The sun was shining brightly on the Quidditch pitch, casting a warm glow over the excited crowd of Gryffindor students gathered to watch the tryouts. The air was electric with anticipation as the would-be players prepared to showcase their skills. Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch stood at the edge of the pitch, observing the scene with keen eyes.

Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor team captain, stood at the center of the pitch, microphone in hand. "Alright, everyone! Let's get started. We'll be selecting new members for the team today, and I'll be taking help from our current team members to make the decisions." The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

The candidates were divided into their respective positions, each eager to prove themselves. Ron Weasley, Cormac Mclaggen, Liam Connor, and Astrid Fothergill stood nervously, ready to show off their Keeper skills. Ginny Weasley, Kai Rourke, Remi Patel, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Scorpius Malfoy, Collin Creevy, and Alisa MacTavis chatted excitedly as they prepared to take to the pitch as Chaser candidates.

Meanwhile, Sally Anne Perks, Caius Fletcher, Remi Patel, Seamus Finnigan, Collin Creevy, and Bryony Wildsmith geared up to demonstrate their Beater abilities. The Seeker candidates, including Scorpius Malfoy, Nigel Brotch, Demelza Robbins, Parvati Patil, Asher Reed, and the infamous Harry Potter, looked focused and determined.

Harry raised an eyebrow as he noticed Scorpius trying out for Chaser. "You're going for Chaser, Scorp?" he asked, amused.

Scorpius shrugged, a hint of a smile on his face. "Why not? I'm a natural flyer, and I think I can handle the pressure."

Oliver cleared his throat, drawing the attention back to the task at hand. "Alright, let's get the names and positions sorted. Keepers, please step forward first."

As the tryouts began, the Gryffindor students cheered and chanted, their enthusiasm and energy filling the air. The competition was about to heat up, and only the best would make the cut.

The sun beat down on the Quidditch pitch as the Gryffindor team gathered for the reserve team tryouts. Oliver Wood, the team captain, stood at the center of the pitch, microphone in hand, as he began to explain the selection process.

"Alright, everyone! Let's get started. We'll be selecting new members for the team today, and I'll be taking help from our current team members to make the decisions." The crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

The candidates were divided into their respective positions, each eager to prove themselves. Ron Weasley, Cormac Mclaggen, Liam Connor, and Astrid Fothergill stood nervously, ready to show off their Keeper skills.

Oliver started with the Keepers, ordering the rest of the candidates to move aside. "First, we'll be having you all take two laps around the pitch to warm up," he announced.

The four Keeper candidates nodded and took off, running around the pitch with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Ron puffed out his chest, determined to make a good impression, while Cormac sneered at the others, confident in his own abilities. Liam and Astrid exchanged a friendly smile, both of them focused on showcasing their skills.

Once the candidates had completed their laps, Oliver called out, "Alright, now it's time to test your skills. Chasers, please come forward!" Angelina, Alicia, and Katie stepped forward, ready to throw Quaffles at the Keeper candidates.

Oliver instructed the candidates to form a line, with Astrid first in line. "Astrid, you're up first. Try to save as many goals as you can out of ten," he said.

Astrid nodded, her eyes shining with determination. The Chasers began to throw Quaffles at her, one by one. Astrid dived and dodged, her movements swift and agile. She saved the first Quaffle with ease, but the second one slipped past her, hitting the back of the goal with a loud thud. She recovered quickly, saving the next three Quaffles, but missed the sixth one, which sailed past her and into the goal. She managed to save two more Quaffles, but missed the ninth one, which hit the goalpost with a loud clang. In the end, Astrid saved six out of ten Quaffles, a respectable showing, but not spectacular.

Next up was Liam Connor. Liam took a deep breath, focusing on the Quaffles. The Chasers began to throw, and Liam dived and dodged, his movements confident and assured. He saved the first Quaffle with ease, and then missed the second one, which sailed past him and into the goal. He recovered quickly, saving the next three Quaffles, and then missed the sixth one, which hit the goalpost with a loud clang. However, he managed to save the next two Quaffles, and then made an impressive dive to save the ninth one, which had been thrown with incredible speed and accuracy. In the end, Liam saved seven out of ten Quaffles, an impressive showing, but not enough to secure the top spot.

Cormac Mclaggen was next, and he strutted forward, his confidence bordering on arrogance. The Chasers began to throw Quaffles, and Cormac dived and dodged, his movements powerful and aggressive. He saved the first Quaffle with ease, and then missed the second one, which sailed past him and into the goal. However, he quickly recovered, saving the next four Quaffles, and then made an impressive block to save the seventh one, which had been thrown with incredible force. He missed the eighth Quaffle, but managed to save the ninth one, and then made a spectacular dive to save the tenth one, which had been thrown from an impossible angle. In the end, Cormac saved eight out of ten Quaffles, an impressive showing, but not perfect.

Finally, it was Ron Weasley's turn. Ron took a deep breath, his eyes fixed intently on the Quaffles. The Chasers began to throw, and Ron dived and dodged, his movements quick and agile. He saved the first Quaffle with ease, and then missed the second one, which sailed past him and into the goal. However, he quickly recovered, saving the next three Quaffles, and then made an incredible block to save the sixth one, which had been thrown with incredible speed and accuracy. He saved the next two Quaffles, and then made a spectacular dive to save the ninth one, which had been thrown from an impossible angle. And in the end, he even managed to save the tenth Quaffle, which had been thrown with incredible force and accuracy. Ron saved nine out of ten Quaffles, an almost perfect showing, and the best of all the candidates.

Oliver Wood grinned, impressed by Ron's performance. "Well done, Ron! You've shown some fantastic skills out there. I think we've found our new Reserve Keeper!"

The other candidates congratulated Ron on his selection, with Astrid and Liam offering words of encouragement. Cormac, on the other hand, looked disappointed, but tried to hide it behind a mask of indifference.

"Cormac's face turned bright red with rage as Oliver announced Ron's selection as the Reserve Keeper. "What?! You can't be serious! I saved eight out of ten Quaffles! I'm the best one here!" Cormac's voice rose to a shout, and he stomped his foot like a child.

Oliver stood firm, unfazed by Cormac's outburst. "Cormac, I understand you're disappointed, but Ron's performance was exceptional. He saved nine out of ten Quaffles. You can't deny his skill."

Cormac's tantrum escalated, and he began to shout and scream, his face contorted with anger. "This is a joke! You're just playing favorites! I'm the best one here, and you know it!"

The other candidates watched in awkward silence as Cormac's meltdown continued. Ron looked uncomfortable, while Astrid and Liam exchanged worried glances.

Oliver, however, remained calm and unruffled. "Cormac, I've made my decision. Ron is the best fit for the Reserve Keeper position. You need to accept that and move on."

Cormac's tantrum reached new heights, and he began to throw his arms around, his eyes flashing with anger. "I won't accept it! This is a travesty! I'm going to talk to the Head of our house, and I'll make sure you're sorry for this!"

Oliver's expression turned stern. "Cormac, that's enough. You're not going to intimidate me or change my decision. If you're not willing to accept the outcome, then maybe Quidditch isn't for you."

The tryouts fell silent, with all eyes on Cormac's explosive outburst. It was clear that Cormac's behavior had sealed his fate, at least for this year's team.

But when Cormac tried to attack Oliver, it was enough. The whole Quidditch team froze, shocked by Cormac's outburst. Ron, however, didn't hesitate. He pointed his wand at Cormac, his eyes flashing with anger.

"Flipendo!" Ron shouted, and a small blast of magic shot out of his wand, knocking Cormac backward with a gentle but firm force.

Cormac stumbled back, his arms flailing wildly as he struggled to regain his balance. Before he could recover, Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch appeared out of nowhere, their wands drawn.

"That's enough, Cormac!" McGonagall's voice was stern, her eyes blazing with disappointment. "You're taking a 20 points from Gryffindor for unsportsmanlike behavior. And you'll be serving a week's detention with me."

Madam Hooch nodded in agreement. "I'll also be taking away your flying privileges for a month, Cormac. You need to learn to control your temper."

Cormac's face turned bright red with rage and humiliation as he realized the gravity of his actions. He glared at Ron and Oliver, but they just looked back at him, unimpressed.

"You're done here, Cormac," Oliver said firmly. "You can leave now."

Cormac stormed off the pitch, his head held high in defiance, but his eyes flashing with anger. The rest of the team watched him go, relieved that the tension had been broken.

McGonagall turned to the remaining candidates. "Alright, let's get back to the tryouts. We still have a few positions to fill on the Reserve Team."

The tryouts continued, with the candidates eager to showcase their skills and make a good impression. Ron, meanwhile, couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at having stood up to Cormac. He had proven himself to be a valuable member of the team, and he was ready to take on whatever challenges came his way.

The sun was shining brightly on the Quidditch pitch as Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor team captain, stood before the Beater candidates. The air was filled with excitement and a hint of nervousness as the six candidates, Sally-Anne Perks, Caius Fletcher, Remi Patel, Seamus Finnigan, Collin Creevy, and Bryony Wildsmith, prepared to showcase their skills.

"Alright, let's get started!" Oliver exclaimed, his voice echoing across the pitch. "First, I want each of you to take two laps around the pitch. Show me your flying skills and how well you can handle your broomsticks."

The candidates nodded and mounted their brooms, taking off in a flurry of color and movement. The wind whipped through their hair as they soared around the pitch, their broomsticks gliding smoothly through the air.

Next, Oliver asked each of them to fly around the pitch with their Beater bats in hand. The bats gleamed in the sunlight as the candidates expertly maneuvered their brooms, their movements fluid and confident.

The next challenge was the most daunting: deflecting Bludgers while avoiding collisions with their fellow candidates. Oliver released the Bludgers, and the candidates flew into action, their bats clashing with the menacing balls. The sound of crashing and shouting filled the air as the candidates worked together to deflect the Bludgers.

Finally, Oliver set up a makeshift match, dividing the candidates into two teams. Harry, Katie, Angelina, and Alicia acted as members of the opposing team, while Fred and George played the roles of the opposing Beaters. The objective was to hit the opposing team with Bludgers while protecting their own teammates.

The match was intense, with Bludgers flying every which way and the candidates working tirelessly to deflect them. In the end, Oliver selected Remi Patel and Caius Fletcher as the two Beaters for the Reserve Team.

"Great job, Remi and Caius!" Oliver congratulated them, a smile spreading across his face. "You've both shown exceptional skill and teamwork. Remi, I know you're also trying out for Chaser - if you turn out to be better suited for that position, I'll consider moving you to Chaser. But for now, you're a Beater."

Collin Creevy looked focused, still determined to secure the Chaser position. He had not been eliminated yet and was eager to prove himself in the next round of tryouts.

As the tryouts came to a close, the Gryffindor team members gathered around Oliver, eager to hear his feedback and discuss the upcoming matches. The Reserve Team was shaping up to be a formidable force, and with Remi and Caius on board, they were ready to take on the challenges ahead.

The sun was shining brightly on the Quidditch pitch as Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor team captain, stood before the Chaser candidates. The air was filled with excitement and a hint of nervousness as the eight candidates, Ginny Weasley, Kai Rourke, Remi Patel, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, Scorpius Malfoy, Collin Creevy, and Alisa MacTavis, prepared to showcase their skills.

"Alright, let's get started!" Oliver exclaimed, his voice echoing across the pitch. "First, I want each of you to take three laps around the pitch. Show me your flying skills and how well you can handle your broomsticks."

The candidates nodded and mounted their brooms, taking off in a flurry of color and movement. The wind whipped through their hair as they soared around the pitch, their broomsticks gliding smoothly through the air.

Next, Oliver released Bludgers, testing the candidates' speed and agility as they dodged and weaved to avoid the menacing balls. The sound of crashing and shouting filled the air as the candidates worked tirelessly to evade the Bludgers.

After the exercise, Oliver asked the candidates to come down and wait while he discussed their performance with his main Chasers, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie.

"I think we've got a good idea of who's got the skills," Oliver said, his eyes scanning the candidates. "But we need to narrow it down to three. Let's discuss and decide."

After a brief discussion, Oliver announced the elimination of Alisa and Scorpius. Alisa looked disappointed but understanding, while Scorpius seemed a bit downcast but determined to prove himself in the Seeker tryouts.

"Don't worry, Scorpius," Oliver said with a smile. "You've still got a chance to make the team as a Seeker. Keep working on your skills."

Scorpius nodded, his eyes shining with determination.

The remaining six candidates waited anxiously as Oliver and his team discussed the next round of tryouts. They were eager to prove themselves and secure a spot on the Reserve Team.

"Alright, let's plan the next exercise," Oliver said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We need to see how they work together as a team and how they respond to pressure."

The six candidates exchanged nervous glances, knowing that the competition was far from over. They were ready to give it their all and prove their worth as Chasers.

Oliver asked the candidates to come down and wait while he discussed their performance with his main Chasers, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie.

"I think we've got a good idea of who's got the skills," Oliver said, his eyes scanning the candidates. "But we need to narrow it down to three. Let's discuss and decide."

The remaining candidates waited anxiously as Oliver and his team discussed the next round of tryouts. They were eager to prove themselves and secure a spot on the Reserve Team.

"Alright, let's plan the next exercise," Oliver said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "We need to see how they work together as a team and how they respond to pressure."

The candidates exchanged nervous glances, knowing that the competition was far from over. They were ready to give it their all and prove their worth as Chasers.

Now, Oliver took the Keeper position and asked each of the candidates to come one by one and give them 10 chances to goal. Ginny was the first to take her turn.

"Okay, Ginny, show me what you've got!" Oliver said, grinning.

Ginny nodded and mounted her broomstick. She flew towards Oliver, her eyes fixed intently on the goalposts. With a swift flick of her wand, she sent the Quaffle flying towards the goal. Oliver stretched out his hands, but Ginny's aim was true, and the Quaffle sailed past him, scoring a goal.

"Excellent shot, Ginny!" Oliver exclaimed. "You're off to a great start."

Next up was Dean Thomas. Dean took his position and flew towards Oliver, his broomstick wobbling slightly as he approached the goal. He threw the Quaffle, but Oliver was ready, and he easily deflected it. Dean tried again, and this time, the Quaffle sailed past Oliver, scoring another goal.

"Good job, Dean!" Oliver said, nodding.

Collin Creevy was next, and he took his position with a huge grin on his face. He flew towards Oliver, his broomstick zooming through the air, and threw the Quaffle with all his might. Oliver stretched out his hands, but Collin's aim was true, and the Quaffle scored another goal.

"Wow, Collin, you're a natural!" Oliver exclaimed.

Kai Rourke was the next to take his turn. Kai flew towards Oliver, his broomstick flying smoothly through the air, and threw the Quaffle with precision. Oliver deflected the first attempt, but Kai tried again, and this time, the Quaffle sailed past him, scoring another goal.

"Great job, Kai!" Oliver said, impressed.

Remi Patel was the next to take her turn. Remi flew towards Oliver, her broomstick wobbling slightly as she approached the goal. She threw the Quaffle, but Oliver was ready, and he easily deflected it. Remi tried again, but Oliver was too quick, and he deflected the Quaffle once more.

"Sorry, Remi, you're not quite there yet," Oliver said gently.

Seamus Finnigan was the last to take his turn. Seamus flew towards Oliver, his broomstick flying erratically through the air, and threw the Quaffle with all his might. Unfortunately, Oliver was too quick, and he deflected the Quaffle, preventing it from scoring. Seamus tried again, but Oliver was too strong, and he deflected the Quaffle once more.

"Sorry, Seamus, you're not quite there yet," Oliver said gently.

After all the candidates had taken their turns, Oliver tallied up their scores. Ginny had scored 6 out of 10, Dean had scored 5 out of 10, Collin had scored 5 out of 10, and Kai had scored 5 out of 10. Remi and Seamus had scored lower, with 4 and 3 out of 10 respectively.

"Alright, I've made my decision," Oliver said, looking at the candidates. "Seamus and Remi, I'm afraid you're eliminated from the Chaser tryouts. But Remi, you're still in the running for the Beater position, so don't give up yet."

Seamus looked disappointed, but Remi smiled and nodded, relieved that she still had a chance to make the team.

"But I still need to eliminate one more candidate," Oliver said, looking at the remaining four candidates. "I'll discuss it with my team and let you know soon. Wait here for a moment."

The candidates nodded and waited anxiously as Oliver and his team discussed their performances. They were eager to find out who would be the next to be eliminated and who would move on to the next round.

The sun was shining brightly on the Quidditch pitch as Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor team captain, stood before the remaining Chaser candidates. The air was filled with excitement and a hint of nervousness as Ginny Weasley, Kai Rourke, Dean Thomas, and Collin Creevy prepared to showcase their skills.

"Alright, let's get started!" Oliver exclaimed, his voice echoing across the pitch. "For this exercise, I'll divide you into two teams. Ginny, you're paired with Kai, and Dean, you're paired with Collin. Ron will take the Keeper's position, and Fred and George will act as Beaters, but they'll attack both teams. The team that scores more goals will have both members selected for the Reserve Team, while the losing team will have to take another chance, and the best of them will be selected, with one being eliminated."

Ginny and Kai nodded, as did Dean and Collin, their eyes fixed intently on the goalposts. Ron took his position as Keeper, while Fred and George mounted their brooms, grinning mischievously.

"Let's make it interesting!" Fred shouted, winking at his brother.

The whistle blew, and the match began. Ginny and Kai flew in perfect sync, their brooms gliding smoothly through the air as they dodged and weaved around the Bludgers. Dean and Collin followed close behind, their movements swift and agile.

The crowd cheered as the two teams clashed, their Quaffles flying back and forth in a blur of color and motion. Ron leapt and dived, his reflexes quick as he blocked shots and deflected Bludgers.

Fred and George, however, were relentless, their Beater skills honed to perfection as they targeted both teams. Ginny and Kai worked seamlessly together, their communication effortless as they dodged and countered the Beaters' attacks.

As the match neared its end, Ginny and Kai were ahead by a narrow margin. Dean and Collin fought hard, but their efforts were thwarted by Ron's exceptional Keeper skills.

When the final whistle blew, Ginny and Kai cheered, their arms raised in triumph. Dean and Collin smiled graciously, their faces flushed with exertion.

"Well done, Ginny and Kai!" Oliver exclaimed, beaming. "You're both selected for the Reserve Team! Dean and Collin, you'll have to try again, but we'll see who'll make the cut."

As the two teams flew back to the sidelines, Harry watched with pride, his eyes fixed on Ginny. He couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for her exceptional flying skills.

Ginny landed her broom, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkling with excitement. Harry strode over to her, his heart pounding in his chest.

"Hey, you're amazing!" he said, his voice low and husky.

Ginny grinned, her eyes locked on his. "Thanks, Harry!"

Without another word, Harry leaned in, his lips brushing against Ginny's in a soft, gentle kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of their love.

"Alright, let's get started!" Oliver exclaimed, his voice echoing across the pitch. "For this exercise, I'll be the Keeper, and Fred and George will attack with Bludgers. The goal is to score as many goals as possible. The one who scores the most will become the third Chaser for the Reserve Team."

Dean and Collin nodded, their eyes fixed intently on the goalposts. Oliver took his position as Keeper, while Fred and George mounted their brooms, grinning mischievously.

"Let's make it interesting!" Fred shouted, winking at his brother.

The whistle blew, and the match began. Dean and Collin flew in opposite directions, their brooms gliding smoothly through the air as they dodged and weaved around the Bludgers. Fred and George were relentless, their Beater skills honed to perfection as they targeted both players.

Dean quickly gained momentum, his movements swift and agile. He dodged a Bludger and shot towards the goal, scoring his first goal. Oliver leapt and dived, his reflexes quick as he blocked shots and deflected Bludgers.

However, Dean continued to impress, scoring goal after goal. He dodged, weaved, and countered the Beaters' attacks, his confidence growing with each successful shot. By the end of the exercise, Dean had scored an impressive 10 goals.

Collin, on the other hand, struggled to keep up. Despite his enthusiasm and eagerness to prove himself, he was unable to score as many goals as Dean. When the final whistle blew, Collin looked disappointed, his face flushed with exertion.

Harry, who had been watching from the sidelines, strode over to Collin, a warm smile on his face. "Hey, Collin, don't be too hard on yourself. You flew really well out there. It's not easy to take on Fred and George's Bludgers."

Collin looked up at Harry, his eyes shining with admiration. "Thanks, Harry. I just wish I could've done better."

Harry clapped Collin on the back. "You will, mate. You're a great flyer, and you've got the enthusiasm and spirit. Keep practicing, and you'll be scoring goals in no time."

Collin grinned, his disappointment forgotten in the face of Harry's encouragement. "Thanks, Harry. You're the best!"

As the two players walked off the pitch, Oliver called out, "Alright, Dean's our third Chaser! Well done, mate. You're in the Reserve Team now."

Dean beamed with pride, his face flushed with excitement. The Reserve Team members congratulated him, and Harry smiled, happy to see his friend succeed. The stage was set for the next challenge, and the Gryffindor Quidditch Team was ready to take on the season with renewed enthusiasm and skill.

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Quidditch pitch. The air was filled with an air of anticipation as the seeker candidates gathered around Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor team captain. The remaining spectators, including Hermione, Neville, Lee Jordan, Professor McGonagall, Percy Weasley, and Madam Hooch, watched with interest as the tryouts began.

"Alright, let's get started," Oliver announced, his voice carrying across the pitch. "First, we'll test your speed and stamina. I want you to run two laps around the pitch, and then two laps flying. We'll see who can keep up the pace."

The five seeker candidates nodded, their faces set with determination. They took off running, their footsteps pounding the grass as they circled the pitch. Harry watched from the sidelines, his eyes scanning each candidate's performance. Oliver stood beside him, making mental notes of each student's strengths and weaknesses.

Once the candidates completed their running laps, Oliver shouted, "Now, let's see what you're made of in the air!" The students mounted their brooms and took to the skies, flying two laps around the pitch. The wind whipped through their hair as they soared, their brooms gliding smoothly through the air.

As the flying laps concluded, Oliver called the candidates back down to the ground. "Now, let's test your agility and quick thinking," he said with a grin. "I'm going to throw five golf balls in different directions, and I want you to catch as many as you can."

The candidates nodded, their eyes fixed intently on Oliver. He threw the golf balls, and the students scattered, their brooms hovering just above the ground as they chased after the balls.

Parvati Patil managed to catch one ball, her face lighting up with excitement. Demelza Robbins and Nigel Brotch each caught two balls, their movements swift and precise. Scorpius Malfoy and Asher Reed proved to be the most skilled, catching three balls each.

Oliver nodded thoughtfully, his eyes narrowing as he considered the results. "Well, it looks like Parvati, unfortunately, you're out of the running," he said gently. "But the rest of you have shown great promise. We'll continue the tryouts in five minutes to see who will become our new seeker. Take a short break, and then we'll move on to the next challenge."

The four remaining candidates smiled, relieved and determined to do their best in the next round of tryouts. Harry watched them, his mind already turning to strategies and advice he could offer to help them improve their skills. The competition was heating up, and the Gryffindor Quidditch team was one step closer to finding their new seeker.

The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the Quidditch pitch. The remaining spectators, including Hermione, Neville, Lee Jordan, Professor McGonagall, Percy, and Madam Hooch, watched with interest as the seeker candidates gathered around Harry Potter. Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor team captain, was a bit tired from conducting the trials nonstop since afternoon, so he asked Harry to continue explaining the next challenge.

"Alright, let's get started," Harry announced, his voice carrying across the pitch. "We're going to release two snitches, and the two who catch them will move on to the next round. Those who fail will be eliminated."

The four remaining seeker candidates nodded, their faces set with determination. Scorpius Malfoy, Nigel Brotch, Demelza Robbins, and Asher Reed were all focused on the task at hand.

Harry raised his wand, and two snitches flew out of his hand, zipping through the air in different directions. The candidates took off, their brooms soaring through the darkness.

Scorpius, with his quick wit and bravery, expertly maneuvered his broom to chase after one of the snitches. He followed it closely, his eyes fixed intently on the tiny ball. As the snitch made a sharp turn, Scorpius adjusted his broom, making a precise turn to match the snitch's movement. With a swift swoop, he caught the snitch in mid-air, his face lighting up with excitement.

Meanwhile, Demelza Robbins was having a tough time keeping up with the second snitch. She was anxious and shy, but she didn't let that hold her back. She focused on the snitch, using her creative and empathetic nature to anticipate its movements. As the snitch made a series of rapid turns, Demelza used her magic to adjust her broom's speed and direction. She was determined to catch the snitch, and with a final burst of speed, she managed to snatch it out of the air.

The crowd cheered as Scorpius and Demelza returned to the center of the pitch, each holding a snitch aloft. Harry smiled, impressed by their skills. "Well done, Scorpius and Demelza," he said. "You've both made it to the next round. The rest of you, unfortunately, are eliminated."

The two eliminated candidates, Nigel and Asher, nodded graciously, acknowledging their opponents' superior skills. The competition was heating up, and the Gryffindor Quidditch team was one step closer to finding their new seeker.

The Quidditch pitch was bathed in a warm, golden light as Madam Hooch's magical lanterns flickered to life, illuminating the remaining spectators. Hermione, Neville, Lee Jordan, Professor McGonagall, Percy, and Madam Hooch herself watched intently as the seeker candidates prepared for the next challenge. The rest of the Gryffindor Quidditch team and the already selected reserve team members were also present, their faces set with anticipation.

Scorpius Malfoy and Demelza Robbins, the two remaining seeker candidates, stood side by side, chatting quietly as they awaited Harry's instructions. Despite being from different backgrounds, they had developed a friendly rapport, and their conversation was laced with a sense of camaraderie.

However, beneath the surface, Scorpius couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. As a Malfoy in Gryffindor, he sometimes faced prejudices from his peers, and the thought of potentially winning the seeker position made him anxious. He worried that Demelza, his friend and fellow candidate, might feel threatened or betrayed if he emerged victorious.

Demelza, sensing Scorpius's concerns, turned to him with a reassuring smile. "Hey, Scorp, don't worry about it. We're friends, no matter what happens out there. You're an amazing flyer, and I'm rooting for you all the way."

Scorpius's anxiety dissipated slightly as he looked at Demelza, her words of encouragement genuine and heartfelt. He nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards his friend. "Thanks, Demelza. That means a lot coming from you."

Just then, Harry approached them, Oliver Wood by his side. "Alright, lads, what's the plan, Oliver?" Harry asked, his emerald green eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Oliver glanced at the remaining candidates before responding, "For the next round, we'll release one snitch, but with a twist - a bludger will also be released. You'll need to navigate through the bludger while trying to catch the snitch. You'll do this three times, and the candidate who catches the snitch twice will be our new seeker."

The stakes were high, and the tension was palpable as Scorpius and Demelza prepared to face the challenge. The outcome was far from certain, but one thing was clear - only one of them would emerge victorious.

The first round began, and Harry released the snitch and the bludger. Scorpius and Demelza soared through the air, their brooms flying swiftly as they chased after the snitch. The bludger zoomed past Scorpius's head, but he expertly dodged it, his focus fixed on the snitch. With a swift swoop, Scorpius caught the snitch, his face lighting up with excitement.

The second round saw Demelza determined to catch up. She flew aggressively, her broom swooping and diving as she chased after the snitch. However, the bludger proved to be a challenge, and Demelza struggled to evade it. Scorpius, on the other hand, flew with ease, his skills honed to perfection. He caught the snitch once again, securing his position as the winner.

The third round was more of a formality, as Scorpius had already secured his position as the new seeker. Demelza, however, refused to give up, flying with all her might in a final attempt to catch the snitch. And she won that round Saving her dignity atleast.

"Congratulations, Scorpius!" Harry exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "You're our new seeker! And Demelza, you're an amazing flyer - we're glad to have you as part of our team."

Scorpius beamed with pride, his face flushed with excitement, while Demelza smiled, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment despite her loss.

Demelza approached Scorpius, her eyes shining with genuine happiness. "Well done, Scorp! You deserve it. I'm happy for you."

Scorpius smiled, feeling grateful for his friend's support. "Thanks, Demelza. You're an amazing flyer, and I'm glad we're on the same team."

As the two friends shook hands, their bond stronger than ever, the Gryffindor Quidditch team cheered, celebrating Scorpius's victory.

As the magical lanterns illuminated the Quidditch pitch, the remaining spectators applauded the reserve team's impressive performance. Madam Hooch beamed with pride, praising Oliver for conducting the trials non-stop throughout the day. Professor McGonagall also expressed her satisfaction, nodding in approval.

Harry discreetly mouthed "party" to Hermione and Neville, who understood the signal. They knew that they had to set up a celebration in the Musketeers' room, as three members of the 12 Musketeers had made it to the team. The trio slipped away to prepare and inform the rest of the Musketeers - Draco, Daisy, Luna, Samantha, Susan, and Dudley.

With the spectators and the reserve team members congratulating each other, Oliver called the main and reserve teams to gather on the pitch. "Alright, everyone! Now that we've got our reserve team, let's review the practice schedule," Oliver announced, his voice carrying across the pitch. "Normally, we'll have practices on Monday from 5 to 7:30 pm, then on Saturday from 6 to 7:30 am, followed by another session from 5 to 7:30 pm. And on Sunday, we'll have a practice from 4 to 6 pm."

The team members nodded, taking note of the schedule. Oliver continued, "Our reserve team will be an essential part of our practice sessions. They'll help us prepare for matches and step in if any of our main team members get injured."

Ron, Ginny, and the other reserve team members exchanged excited glances, eager to contribute to the team's success. As the meeting concluded, the team members began to disperse, chatting among themselves about the upcoming practices and matches.

Meanwhile, Hermione, Neville, and Harry worked on setting up the party in the Musketeers' room. They gathered food, drinks, and decorations, eager to celebrate the team's success and the reserve team's impressive performance. The room was filled with laughter and excitement as the Musketeers gathered to congratulate their teammates.

"I'm so proud of Scorpius and the others!" Ginny exclaimed, beaming with pride. "They did an amazing job out there."

"Definitely," Harry agreed, grinning. "We make a great team, both on and off the pitch."

As the party continued, the Musketeers celebrated their success, looking forward to the upcoming matches and the adventures that lay ahead.

Next Chapter is Quidditch Practices and Drama

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 25: Quidditch Practices and Drama

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

September 17 and 18 passed in a blur of Quidditch practices, academic rigor, and clandestine meetings in the Musketeers' room. The group's dynamics had become more cohesive, with the Golden and Silver Musketeers meshing seamlessly. Then, September 19 arrived, marking a special day – Hermione's birthday.

The 12 Musketeers had been secretly planning a surprise party for their dear friend. Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Scorpius worked together to transform the Musketeers' room into a vibrant celebration space, filled with balloons, streamers, and a massive banner that read "Happy Birthday, Mione!" in glittering letters. A sumptuous feast was laid out, featuring an assortment of Hermione's favorite treats, including chocolate éclairs, lemon tarts, and an assortment of teas.

Daisy, Draco, and Susan contributed to the decorations, while Luna, Samantha, and Dudley took charge of the entertainment, setting up a mini stage for a musical performance. Susan also baked a custom cake with Hermione's favorite flavors and design. The room was filled with the sweet scent of baked goods, courtesy of Susan's culinary skills, and the sound of laughter and chatter.

As Hermione walked into the room, she was taken aback by the surprise party. Her eyes widened in delight, and a bright smile spread across her face. "Oh, my goodness! You guys are absolutely amazing!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with emotion.

The group erupted into cheers and applause, with Harry, Ron, and Ginny presenting her with a beautifully crafted, leather-bound journal. "We got you something that suits your love for learning and organization," Harry said, grinning.

Neville and Scorpius handed her a thoughtful gift – a set of enchanted pens that would help her take notes more efficiently. "We know how much you love to study, Mione," Neville said, "so we thought these would be really helpful."

Luna and Samantha gave her a beautiful, handmade crystal necklace, which sparkled in the light. "We made it ourselves," Luna said, "with a little bit of magic, of course."

Draco and Daisy presented her with a rare, magical plant, which would thrive in her care. "We thought you'd appreciate something living and growing," Draco said, with a hint of a smile.

Susan proudly presented her custom cake, adorned with edible flowers and a fondant Gryffindor crest. "I made it especially for you, Mione," Susan said, beaming. "I hope you like it!"

Dudley, being his usual self, surprised her with a funny, handmade card, which had everyone in stitches. "I drew it myself," he said proudly, "with a bit of help from Ginny."

Hermione's eyes sparkled as she accepted the gifts, hugging her friends tightly. "This is the best birthday present ever! Thank you, guys, for making this day so special."

The evening was filled with laughter, stories, and games, as the 12 Musketeers celebrated Hermione's special day. It was a night that none of them would ever forget, a testament to the strong bonds of friendship that had formed within their group. As the night drew to a close, Hermione gazed at her friends, feeling grateful for the love and support they had shown her. "This has been the most incredible birthday ever," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

September 20, a Sunday, dawned bright and early, and Harry woke up at his usual time, 5 am. He stretched his arms and yawned, feeling refreshed after a good night's sleep. Ginny joined him at the common room, and they exchanged quiet morning greetings.

"Morning, love," Ginny whispered.

"Morning, Gin," Harry replied, smiling.

Their morning routine was well-rehearsed, and they knew exactly what to expect. They made their way to the kitchens, where Dudley was already waiting for them.

"Hey, cuz," Dudley said, grinning. "Ready for our morning run?"

"Always," Harry replied, and the three of them set off towards the castle grounds.

As they ran, they chatted about their plans for the day. Ginny mentioned that she had a free morning, while Dudley talked about his upcoming Hufflepuff meeting.

After their run, they headed back to the kitchens, where they began their morning exercises. They swam in the Black Lake, followed by stretching, yoga, and meditation.

By 7 am, they had finished their exercises and headed to the secret garden to help the house-elves with their daily chores.

"Thanks for helping us out, guys," Chimey, one of the house-elves, said gratefully. "We really appreciate it."

"No problem, Chimey," Harry replied. "We're happy to help."

After spending half an hour in the secret garden, they returned to the common room to shower and get ready for breakfast.

As they made their way to the Great Hall, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the corridors, making their stomachs growl with anticipation.

"I'm starving," Ron said, his eyes fixed on the breakfast spread.

"Me too," Ginny replied, laughing. "Let's go get some food."

The rest of the 12 Musketeers joined them, chatting about their plans for the day. Neville mentioned that he was working on his Herbology project, while Ron talked about his latest prank ideas.

And with that, they took their seats at the Gryffindor table, ready to start their day.

Sunday afternoon found the 12 Musketeers gathered in their secret meeting room, a cozy space hidden within the Hogwarts castle walls. The room was filled with excitement and chatter as they shared stories and laughed together. Draco, beaming with pride, announced that he had been selected as the Slytherin seeker.

"I've got the spot," Draco said, grinning from ear to ear. "I'm going to be the new Slytherin seeker."

The room erupted in congratulations and cheers, with Ron and Harry clapping Draco on the back. Ginny and Hermione exchanged a look of excitement, while Neville and Susan offered words of encouragement.

However, Draco's expression soon turned uncertain. "Do you think I got the spot because of my skills or because of my name?" he asked, his voice laced with insecurity.

Harry chuckled and playfully rolled his eyes. "Come on, Draco, you're a brilliant flyer. You earned it fair and square. Don't be daft."

Draco looked unconvinced, so Harry decided to tease him a bit. "Besides, you're not going to win against Gryffindor, mate. We're unbeatable."

Draco's face lit up with a mixture of annoyance and amusement. "Oh, really? You think you're that good, Potter?"

The room fell silent, with everyone eagerly awaiting Draco's response. Harry just smiled, knowing he had poked the Slytherin just enough to get a rise out of him. The banter between the two had become a familiar and entertaining dynamic, and everyone was eager to see where this conversation would go next.

The room erupted in laughter and playful banter, with Scorpius chuckling at the exchange between Harry and Draco. "You're really going to try to take us down, aren't you, Draco?" Scorpius teased, grinning at his brother's rival.

Draco smirked, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'll have you know, Scorpius, I'm a brilliant flyer. I'm going to crush Gryffindor's chances of winning the Quidditch Cup this year."

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "We'll see about that, Draco. You're going to have to do a lot better than just being 'brilliant' to take down our team."

The room fell silent, with everyone eagerly awaiting Draco's response. Scorpius leaned back in his chair, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Oh, this is going to be fun," he whispered to Ginny, who giggled and nudged him playfully.

As the conversation continued, the group of friends laughed and joked, their camaraderie and banter filling the room. The tension between Harry and Draco was palpable, but it was clear that they were just trying to one-up each other, their competitive spirits driving the conversation.

In the midst of the chaos, Hermione leaned over to Ron and whispered, "I think Draco's going to be a great seeker, don't you?"

Ron nodded, his eyes fixed on Draco. "Yeah, he's got the skills, all right. But we're not going to let him get the best of us, are we?"

The group continued to chat and laugh, their excitement and anticipation building as they discussed the upcoming Quidditch season. As they talked, their bond and friendship grew stronger, their determination to support each other and work together as a team evident in every word they spoke.

Scorpius, too, was amused by the exchange, his eyes shining with mirth as he watched his brother and friends interact. He leaned back in his chair, a contented smile spreading across his face. This was what being part of the 12 Musketeers was all about – friendship, camaraderie, and a healthy dose of competition.

Draco settled into his favorite chair in the Slytherin dormitory, a self-satisfied smile still plastered on his face from the earlier conversation with Harry. His owl, Taurus, perched on his windowsill, watching him with piercing eyes. Suddenly, Taurus spread his wings and took flight, swooping into the room with a soft hoot. Draco's eyes lit up as he saw the letter clutched in Taurus's talons.

"Ah, finally, a letter from Father," Draco said, his voice filled with anticipation.

He carefully took the letter from Taurus and broke the seal. As he read the contents, a mixture of emotions crossed his face. His eyes scanned the page, and a hint of surprise and amusement danced in his eyes.

"Father's pleased with my performance," Draco murmured to himself, a small smile playing on his lips. "Perhaps he's coming around, learning to appreciate my skills."

Draco's eyes continued to scan the letter, his brow furrowing slightly as he read on. His father's words brought a sense of excitement and anticipation. Lucius had mentioned sending a new broom, one that would arrive the next day.

"A new broom, how thoughtful," Draco said, his voice barely above a whisper.

For a moment, Draco's usual reserve faltered, and a glimmer of hope shone through. Maybe, just maybe, his father's approval and recognition would bring about a change in their strained relationship. Draco's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his fellow Slytherin students returning to the dormitory, their chatter and laughter filling the room.

As the evening wore on, Draco's mind wandered back to the letter, his thoughts oscillating between excitement for the new broom and a glimmer of hope that his father's approval might bring about a more profound change. The soft glow of the candles and the murmur of his fellow students created a soothing background, but Draco's mind remained preoccupied with the possibilities that the new broom and his father's approval might bring.

The sun beat down on the Quidditch pitch at 4 pm, casting a warm glow over the gathered Gryffindor team, both main and reserve players alike. Oliver Wood, the captain, stood at the forefront, his eyes scanning the group as he barked out orders. "Alright, let's get moving! Two rounds of the pitch, running at full speed. I want to see improvement from yesterday's practice, especially from you, Ron!" He shot Ron a pointed look, who sheepishly grinned.

Harry and Ginny, already accustomed to their morning routine of running and exercise, effortlessly completed the laps, their breathing steady and synchronized. Ron, however, lagged behind, his face reddening as he puffed along. Oliver's critical gaze followed Ron's progress, his expression a mix of concern and encouragement.

"At least you're better than yesterday, Ron," Oliver called out, trying to offer some motivation. Ron's face lit up with a mixture of relief and determination as he picked up his pace, his strides lengthening.

The rest of the team followed suit, their footsteps pounding the grassy pitch in unison. The reserve players, managed by Harry, watched intently, ready to step in if needed. Ginny, positioned near the front, exchanged a brief smile with Harry as they ran side by side. The team's energy was palpable, their focus on improving their skills evident in their determined strides.

As they completed the second lap, Oliver blew his whistle, signaling a halt. "Alright, that's enough for now. Let's move on to some drills. Beaters, get your bats ready! Chasers, let's work on your throws. Seeker, you're up next, Harry. Show me what you've got!"

The team dispersed, each member moving to their designated position, ready to fine-tune their skills and work together as a cohesive unit. The sound of laughter, shouts, and the clanging of bats against balls filled the air, a testament to the team's camaraderie and dedication to their sport.

After a few seeker drills, Oliver was pleased with Harry's performance and he said, "Harry, you've done a great job out there. Now, why don't you go manage the reserves? I'm sure they could use your expertise."

Harry nodded and made his way to a corner where the reserve team sat. He felt a little flustered as he realized that though Scorpius, Ginny, Ron, and Dean were his age or younger, Kai, Remi, and Caius were not, and he would be managing them. But he took a breath, remembering that in the field of Quidditch, he was senior here, having played for the team since last year.

As he approached the reserve team, Harry felt a sense of responsibility wash over him. He knew he had to lead the team effectively and make sure they were prepared to replace any injured players.

"Alright, let's get started!" Harry called out, his voice clear and confident. "Chasers, I want you to practice goal-shooting on the three loops of side A. Ginny, Dean, and Kai, take turns shooting from different angles and distances. Try to get as many goals as you can!"

The chasers nodded, grinning, and took to the air, their brooms humming as they zoomed towards the loops. Ginny started off, her long red hair streaming behind her as she swooped in towards the first loop. She expertly maneuvered her broom, dodging and weaving around imaginary obstacles, and shot the Quaffle with precision, scoring a goal.

Dean and Kai followed, each taking their turns shooting from different angles and distances. Ginny and Dean worked together, playing a game of "keep away" with the Quaffle, dodging and weaving around each other before Ginny finally shot the Quaffle into the goal.

Meanwhile, Ron positioned himself in front of the goals, his eyes fixed intently on the approaching balls. He crouched low, his broomstick at the ready, and prepared to block the shots. As the chasers took their turns, Ron expertly blocked several shots, his movements quick and agile.

"Beaters, let's work on perfecting our flight posture with the bats in hand," Harry continued, turning to Caius and Remi. "Practice your swings and get comfortable with the weight and balance of the bats. Remember, as beaters, your role is crucial in disrupting the opposing team's gameplay."

The two beaters nodded, their faces set in concentration, and began to practice their swings, the sound of their bats slicing through the air filling the atmosphere. Caius and Remi flew in tandem, practicing their timing and coordination as they swung their bats in unison.

Harry turned to Scorpius, who was hovering nearby on his broom. "Scorp, I want you to practice catching golf balls. I'll start throwing them in multiple directions, and you try to catch as many as you can."

Scorpius nodded, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Got it, Harry!"

With a flick of his wand, Harry sent the first golf ball soaring through the air. Scorpius swooped in, his broom responding eagerly to his movements, and snatched the ball out of mid-air with ease.

"Nice one, Scorp!" Harry called out, grinning. "Let's try a few more. I'll increase the number of balls and their pace. Are you ready?"

Scorpius nodded, his face set in determination, and Harry sent the next set of balls flying through the air. The sound of laughter and shouts filled the atmosphere as the reserve team practiced their skills, their movements a blur of color and motion.

As Oliver raised his whistle to his lips, the sound pierced the air, a loud, shrill blast that signaled the start of the mock game. Both the reserve and main teams gathered around him, their eyes fixed intently on their captain. The reserves looked tired, their faces flushed from the intense practice, their breathing a bit labored. The main team, on the other hand, seemed fresh and ready to take on the challenge, their eyes shining with excitement and anticipation. Ginny, however, stood out among the reserves, her eyes shining with determination and her stance exuding confidence. She was ready to prove herself, to show the main team what she was capable of.

"Alright, let's play a mock game, Main team vs Reserve Team!" Oliver announced, his voice ringing out across the pitch. "We'll play a full game, with all the rules and regulations. Let's see what you're made of, Reserves!" His voice was filled with a mix of excitement and competitiveness, and the teams could sense the intensity of the game to come.

The main team, comprising Oliver, Angelina, Alicia, Katie, Fred, George, and Harry, took to the air, their brooms humming as they soared into position. Oliver flew to the center of the pitch, his broom hovering steadily as he watched the teams take their positions. Angelina, Alicia, and Katie formed a tight formation, their brooms flying in perfect sync as they prepared to take on the reserve team's defense. Fred and George, the main team's beaters, flew to either side of the pitch, their bats at the ready.

The reserve team, led by Ron, Caius, Remi, Ginny, Dean, Kai, and Scorpius, followed suit, their movements a bit more disorganized. Ron, the reserve team's keeper, flew to the loops, his eyes fixed intently on the main team's chasers. Caius and Remi, the reserve team's beaters, flew to either side of the pitch, their bats at the ready. Ginny, Dean, and Kai formed a loose formation, their brooms flying erratically as they tried to get into position.

As the game began, it quickly became apparent that the reserve team was no match for the main team. Ginny, an exceptional chaser, flew with precision and skill, but even she couldn't single-handedly score all the goals. The main team's defense, led by Oliver, was too strong, and their chasers worked in perfect formation, their movements a testament to their practice and teamwork.

Ron, guarding the three loops, struggled to keep up with the main team's offense. He had never practiced guarding all three loops at once, and it showed. The main team's chasers, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie, worked together seamlessly, scoring goal after goal. Fred and George, the main team's beaters, used their bats to disrupt the reserve team's formation, making it even harder for them to score.

Meanwhile, Scorpius, the reserve team's seeker, found himself struggling to keep up with the Golden Snitch. The snitch was much faster than the golf balls he had practiced catching, and he found himself flying wildly, trying to keep up.

As the game neared its end, the main team was leading by a significant margin. Harry, the main team's seeker, spotted the Golden Snitch and swooped in, his broom flying smoothly. With a final burst of speed, he caught the snitch, securing the main team's victory.

The final score was 280 to 10, a testament to the main team's skill and experience. The reserve team, though, had learned a valuable lesson, and they vowed to practice harder and come back stronger.

As the teams landed on the pitch, Oliver called out, "Well done, Main team! You've shown what it takes to win. Reserves, don't be discouraged – you've got potential, and with practice, you'll be flying high in no time!"

As Oliver blew his whistle, signaling the end of practice, both teams made their way to the locker rooms. Oliver ensured that the Quidditch pitch was left in the same condition as it was before the practice, with no instruments damaged. In the locker room, Angelina tended to Dean's sprained ankle, while Fred and George attended to Scorpius and Ron. Caius, who was uninjured, watched with a mixture of relief and frustration.

Meanwhile, Harry made his way to Ginny, who was sitting on a bench, nursing her wrist. "Hey, let me take a look," Harry said, his voice soft and concerned. Ginny looked up at him, her eyes locking onto his, and Harry's heart skipped a beat. He gently took her wrist in his hands, his fingers tracing the delicate bones beneath her skin.

"Does it hurt?" Harry asked, his voice low and soothing.

Ginny nodded, wincing slightly as Harry probed her wrist. "Just a bit," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's eyes narrowed as he examined her wrist. He could see the faint outline of a bruise forming, and his fingers instinctively tightened around her wrist. "I'll get some ice," he said, his voice firm but gentle.

As he stood up to fetch the ice, Ginny's eyes followed him, her gaze soft and appreciative. Harry returned with a cold compress, which he carefully applied to Ginny's wrist. The coolness seemed to ease her discomfort, and she let out a soft sigh of relief.

"Better?" Harry asked, his voice low and concerned.

Ginny nodded, her eyes still locked onto his. "Yeah, thanks," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's fingers lingered on her wrist, his touch gentle but possessive. He could feel the warmth of her skin, the delicate pulse of her heartbeat, and his own heart responded with a flutter. He leaned in closer, his face inches from hers.

"You know, maybe you should sit out the next practice," Harry said, his voice low and husky. "We don't want you getting hurt worse."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You think I'm going to sit out? No way," she replied, her voice playful.

Harry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I figured you'd say that," he said, his voice filled with affection.

As he continued to tend to her wrist, the sounds of the locker room faded into the background, and all that was left was the gentle touch of Harry's fingers on Ginny's skin, and the soft, adoring gaze that passed between them.

As Oliver dismissed the team, he reminded them to shower and change out of their Quidditch jerseys. The girls and boys separated into their respective locker room sections. Harry lingered in the shower, ensuring he was alone in the boys' section. When he finally emerged, wrapped in a towel, he was surprised to see Ginny waiting for him.

Ginny's eyes sparkled as she grinned at Harry. She was dressed in her usual attire, but what caught Harry's attention was the fact that she was wearing his t-shirt. Ginny's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement as she grabbed Harry's shoulder, pushing him against the locker.

Before Harry could react, Ginny leaned in, her lips meeting his in a passionate kiss. Harry's initial surprise gave way to a sense of familiarity and comfort, and he found himself surrendering to the moment. The sound of their lips meeting filled the locker room, and Harry's towel began to slip, but he didn't care.

As they kissed, Ginny's fingers tightened around Harry's shoulder, holding him in place. Harry's hands instinctively rose to her waist, pulling her closer. The connection between them seemed to grow stronger with each passing moment.

The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in their own little bubble. The sound of their breathing, the beat of their hearts, and the gentle rustle of Ginny's hair against Harry's face were the only sounds that filled the air.

Their lips parted for a brief moment, and Ginny's eyes met Harry's. The intensity in her gaze made Harry's heart skip a beat. Ginny's fingers still grasped Harry's shoulder, her grip firm but gentle.

Without a word, Ginny leaned in again, her lips meeting Harry's in a tender, yet passionate kiss. The world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them, wrapped in their own little universe.

As the couple stepped out of the locker room, hand in hand, they couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness. Harry's towel had slipped earlier, leaving him standing in just his boxers, and both of them had blushed deeply at the sight. Ginny had groaned in disappointment when Harry put on his t-shirt and shorts, but she was still smiling as they walked out.

The Quidditch team's practice session had just ended, and Oliver Wood was busy discussing strategies with his teammates. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm orange glow over the Hogwarts grounds. The air was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter as the students made their way back to the castle.

Ginny and Harry walked side by side, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. They didn't need to say much, content with each other's company. As they approached the castle, they saw their friends from the 12 Musketeers gathered near the entrance.

"Hey, Harry!" Ron called out, grinning at Harry. "You were on fire out there today! That dive you made to catch the Snitch was insane!"

Harry chuckled, feeling a bit self-conscious about the praise. "Thanks, mate. I just got lucky."

Ginny nudged Harry playfully. "You're being modest again, Harry. You were amazing."

Draco, who was standing nearby, raised an eyebrow. "I think Harry can handle a bit of pressure, Ginny."

Harry shot Draco a look, but before he could respond, Ginny intervened. "Hey, let's not start anything, guys. We're all just trying to have a good time, right?"

The group nodded in agreement, and the tension dissipated. As they walked into the castle, they were greeted by the warm glow of the candles and the sound of chatter from the other students.

"Who's up for dinner?" Hermione asked, smiling at the group. "I'm starving!"

The others laughed and followed her to the Great Hall, where the tables were laden with food. It was going to be a great evening, and the 12 Musketeers were ready to make the most of it.

Next day was Monday, September 21. The students of Hogwarts were settling into their routine after a busy weekend. The morning had been filled with classes, and now the Gryffindor Quidditch team was making their way towards the Quidditch pitch for their scheduled practice session.

As they approached the pitch, they were shocked to see the Slytherin team also making their way towards the pitch. What caught their attention was the fact that the Slytherin team was equipped with brand new Nimbus 2001 brooms.

Harry's eyes scanned the Slytherin team and landed on Draco, who looked ashamed and frustrated. Harry understood that the new brooms were a gift from Lucius Malfoy, and he could sense Draco's discomfort with the situation.

Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor captain, shouted at Marcus Flint, the Slytherin captain, "Hey, what's going on here? We had booked the pitch for practice!" Marcus smirked and handed Oliver a note, saying, "Professor Snape has given us special permission to train our new seeker, Draco, today."

Harry's eyes widened as he saw Draco's shocked expression. It was clear that Draco had no idea about the note. Harry couldn't help but wonder why Snape would grant such an unfair advantage to the Slytherin team.

"What's going on, Draco?" Harry asked, trying to understand the situation better.

Draco's eyes darted towards Harry, and he muttered, "I don't know, Harry. I didn't ask for this."

Harry nodded sympathetically, knowing that Draco wasn't one to seek favors. The situation seemed fishy, and Harry couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off.

The tension between the two teams was palpable as they stood on the pitch, each waiting for the other to back down. The air was filled with the sound of broomsticks being adjusted and the murmur of conversations among the team members.

The scene was set for a heated confrontation, but for now, it seemed that both teams were waiting for the other to make the first move. The question on everyone's mind was: what would happen next?

Hermione walked towards the Quidditch pitch, her eyes scanning the area for any signs of the Gryffindor team. As she approached, she noticed a commotion between the Gryffindors and Slytherins. The Slytherin team was gathered around their captain, Marcus Flint, who was holding a note and smirking at Oliver Wood.

Oliver's face was red with anger, and he was arguing with Marcus. "This is ridiculous! You can't just show up here and claim the pitch is yours!"

Marcus sneered, waving the note in the air. "Professor Snape has given us special permission to train our new seeker, Draco, today. This note proves it."

Hermione's eyes widened as she pushed her way through the crowd. "Wait a minute, that's not possible! According to the rules, no professor can grant a note that overrides a previously scheduled practice session."

Marcus turned to her, his expression twisting in disdain. "And what would you know, Granger? You're just a mudblood."

The air seemed to vibrate with tension as the Gryffindors' faces darkened with anger. Hermione's eyes welled up with tears, and Draco's face contorted with rage. His eyes flashed with a fierce protectiveness, and his fists clenched at his sides. He took a step forward, his voice low and menacing. "How dare you insult my friend, you coward?"

With a swift motion, Draco punched Marcus squarely on the jaw. The sound of the punch was loud, and Marcus stumbled backward, clutching his jaw. Draco's chest heaved with anger, and his eyes blazed with a fierce intensity. He took another step forward, his fists still clenched, ready to strike again.

Harry quickly grabbed Draco's arm, holding him back. "Draco, stop! Don't let him get to you like that." Draco's eyes flashed with a mixture of anger and concern for Hermione, but he slowly relaxed his fists, his breathing still ragged.

The Slytherin team looked on in shock, while the Gryffindors watched with a mix of surprise and concern. The tension between the two teams was palpable, and it seemed that the situation was on the verge of boiling over.

Just then, Snape appeared out of nowhere, his presence commanding attention. To say that Snape was angry would be an understatement. His eyes blazed with fury as he strode towards the group, his long black robes billowing behind him.

Snape's anger was palpable as he stormed towards the group, his eyes blazing with fury. "Explain yourselves," he spat, his voice venomous. "What is the meaning of this...gathering?"

Marcus Flint, still nursing his jaw, took a step forward. "Professor Snape, I can explain—"

Snape's gaze cut him off, his eyes narrowing. "I doubt you can, Mr. Flint. You have been deceiving me, it seems." His attention turned to the note in Marcus's hand. "A forgery, I presume?" His voice dripped with disdain. "You dare to forge my signature?"

The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Snape's anger filled the space. Harry had never seen him so furious before. The Slytherin students shifted uncomfortably, while the Gryffindors watched with a mix of fascination and wariness.

Snape's gaze swept the group, his eyes lingering on each face before moving on. "This...incident will not be forgotten. I assure you, there will be consequences." He paused, his eyes settling on Marcus. "You, Mr. Flint, will lose 100 points for your house. And you will serve a detention for three months."

Marcus's face fell, and he looked like he had been punched in the gut. Snape's eyes then landed on Draco, who stood tall, his face expressionless. "And you, Mr. Malfoy, will lose 5 points for your house. Though I must admit, I am...impressed by your...spirit."

Draco's eyes flicked to Snape, a hint of surprise flashing across his face. It was evident that Snape had expected more from him, but he had also acknowledged Draco's bravery.

Snape's gaze lingered on Draco for a moment before he turned back to the group. "Let this be a warning to you all. I will not tolerate any further...indiscretions. You are all dismissed."

The group quickly dispersed, with Marcus looking like he was about to sulk. Draco, on the other hand, seemed lost in thought, his eyes fixed on some point in front of him. Harry watched him, wondering what was going through his mind.

As they walked away, Harry turned to Ron and Hermione. "I think I'm starting to understand why people are so scared of Snape," he said, his voice low.

Ron nodded in agreement. "Yeah, he's not exactly the most...diplomatic person, is he?"

Hermione shook her head. "It's not just that, Harry. It's the way he...commands respect. He's a very intimidating person."

Harry nodded, his eyes still fixed on Snape's retreating back. He knew that Snape was a complex person, with many layers to his personality. But one thing was certain - he was not someone to be trifled with.

As Snape and the Slytherin team departed, the tension lingered in the air. Draco, however, remained behind, his eyes fixed on Harry and the Gryffindor team. Hermione, noticing the strain, approached Draco and thanked him, her voice soft. "Thanks, Draco. Though I think the punch was a bit much."

Draco's gaze didn't waver, his anger still simmering. Harry understood that Draco's frustration wasn't just about the game; it was also about his father, Lucius. The unfair advantage they'd been given with the new brooms had likely added fuel to the fire.

But then, something unexpected happened. Hermione leaned in and kissed Draco's cheek, her lips barely grazing his skin. The gesture seemed to have a calming effect on Draco, his shoulders relaxing, and his eyes losing some of their intensity.

"Thanks, Hermione," Draco said, his voice a little softer.

With a nod, Draco bid them farewell and headed towards the Slytherin common room. Hermione watched him go, a thoughtful expression on her face, before turning to rejoin her friends.

The Gryffindor team, including the reserve players, made their way to the pitch to continue their disrupted practice. Oliver Wood, the captain, called out to the team, "Alright, let's get back to it! We've got a lot of ground to cover before the next match."

As they began to warm up, Harry noticed Ron looking a bit anxious. "Hey, mate, you okay?" Harry asked, clapping Ron on the back.

Ron nodded, taking a deep breath. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just a bit nervous about the upcoming match."

Harry grinned. "We've got this, Ron. We've practiced enough. Just focus on having fun and playing to your strengths."

Ron smiled back, some of his tension dissipating. "You're right, Harry. Let's do this."

The team launched into their practice, with Harry and the reserve team working together to perfect their moves. Ginny, Dean, and Kai were putting in extra effort, their determination to improve evident in every pass and shot.

Meanwhile, Scorpius, who was part of the reserve team, was focused on perfecting his flying skills as a seeker. His movements were fluid, and his instincts sharp, making him a valuable asset to the team.

As practice came to a close, the team gathered around Oliver, who was pleased with their progress. "Great job, everyone. Let's keep up the good work, and we'll be sure to give those Slytherins a run for their money."

The team cheered, their spirits high, as they made their way off the pitch, ready to take on the next challenge that came their way.

Here's the revised continuation:

As they finished their separate showers, Harry and Ginny met back in the locker room, the warm glow of their alone time still lingering. They exchanged a few tender kisses, their lips tracing the contours of each other's faces. The locker room, usually bustling with the chatter of their teammates, was now a serene oasis, theirs alone.

"I love you," Harry whispered, his voice husky with emotion.

Ginny's response was a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling with adoration. "I love you too," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

As they finally finished getting dressed, Harry glanced at Ginny, his mind already racing with plans for their evening. "You know, I was thinking," he said, "instead of heading to the Great Hall for dinner, why don't we sneak off to the Astronomy Tower for some stargazing? We can have a quiet dinner together, just the two of us."

Ginny's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds perfect," she agreed, her voice filled with anticipation.

Without drawing attention to themselves, they slipped out of the locker room, making their way to the Astronomy Tower. The evening air was crisp, the sky a deep shade of indigo, with stars beginning to twinkle like diamonds scattered across the canvas of the universe.

As they climbed the spiral staircase, the silence between them was comfortable, a testament to the ease of their relationship. They reached the top, where Professor Sinistra often taught her Astronomy lessons, and found a secluded spot to settle in.

Harry produced a small basket, carefully packed with an assortment of sandwiches, fruits, and pastries. Ginny's eyes widened in surprise. "You planned this, didn't you?" she asked, a smile playing on her lips.

Harry grinned, feeling a sense of satisfaction. "Maybe a little," he admitted, as they sat down together, their legs touching, and began their quiet dinner amidst the starry expanse.

The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of their own little bubble. The stars above seemed to twinkle in approval, as they savored their time together, their love growing stronger with each passing moment.

Here is the revised continuation:

As they sat together on the Astronomy Tower, surrounded by the starry night sky, Ginny turned to Harry with a thoughtful expression. "I'm feeling really nice in classes, though I wonder if it's unfair that I already know most of the material," she said, her brow furrowed in concern.

Harry's eyes sparkled with amusement as he wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "It's not unfair, Ginny," he reassured her. "Just because you have some knowledge doesn't mean you're not putting in the effort. You still have to perform and practice, and that's all your own."

Ginny's eyes searched his, and Harry could see the doubt lingering. He knew she was worried about relying too heavily on their secret bond, but he was determined to put her mind at ease.

"It's like magic," Harry said, his voice low and soothing. "You have the knowledge, but you still need to bring it to life. That's what makes it yours."

Ginny's face softened, and she leaned in close. Harry met her halfway, their lips brushing together in a sweet, gentle kiss.

As they pulled back, Harry smiled. "I'm not hungry for dessert anymore," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Ginny's laughter was music to his ears, and Harry felt his heart swell with love for her. He knew exactly what to say to make her feel better, and he was happy to be her rock.

The stars twinkled above them, and the night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Harry and Ginny sat together, wrapped in the magic of the moment, their love growing stronger with every passing second.

As they gazed up at the stars, Harry pointed to a constellation and said, "You know, that's Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky. And it's named after my godfather, Sirius Black."

Ginny chuckled. "Well, I guess that's one way to leave a mark on the universe."

Harry grinned, and they both fell silent, lost in the wonder of the stars. But as they stood there, they couldn't help but think about their own special connection.

"Hey, Ginny?" Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah?" she replied, her eyes still fixed on the stars.

"Do you think it's weird that our bond is affecting us like this?" Harry asked, his mind wandering back to their heated kiss in the locker room the day before.

Ginny's gaze drifted to his, and Harry could see the same thoughts reflected in her eyes. "You mean how our bodies are maturing faster than normal?" she asked, her voice low.

Harry nodded, and Ginny's expression turned thoughtful. "It's a bit scary, isn't it?" she said. "I mean, we're still kids, but our bond is making us grow up faster than we should."

Harry's eyes locked onto hers, and he could feel the intensity of their connection. "I know," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But at the same time, it feels right. Like our bond is meant to be this way."

Ginny's eyes searched his, and Harry could see the same uncertainty reflected back at him. They both knew that their bond was special, but they also knew that it came with its own set of challenges.

As they stood there, surrounded by the vastness of the universe, Harry and Ginny knew that they had to navigate their bond carefully. They had to learn to control it, to understand it, and to make sure that it didn't consume them. But for now, they just stood there, lost in the magic of their connection, and the infinite possibilities that lay ahead.

As Harry and Ginny stood on the Astronomy Tower, lost in the magic of their connection, they were suddenly interrupted by the fluttering wings of an owl. Harry's eyes lit up as he recognized the owl as Sirius's messenger.

"Looks like Sirius is trying to reach us," Harry said, carefully taking the letter from the owl's leg.

Ginny leaned in, her curiosity piqued, as Harry unfolded the parchment and began to read. The letter was lengthy, filled with Sirius's characteristic humor and warmth.

"What's it say?" Ginny asked, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Harry's eyes scanned the page, his expression changing from curiosity to surprise. "Sirius wants me to meet me in Diagon Alley on Sunday, September 27. He wants to register as my secondary guardian."

Ginny's brow furrowed. "That's a big deal. What made him decide to do this now?"

Harry's eyes continued to scan the letter. "He mentions that it's been over seven months since he escaped from Azkaban, and the Ministry is now willing to allow him to take on guardianship responsibilities."

Ginny nodded thoughtfully. "That makes sense. But what about Grandma Tucker? She's your primary guardian, right?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, she is. But Sirius wants to do this, and I think it's sweet of him."

As Harry continued reading, his eyes widened in surprise. "Daisy will be joining us, and Remus too. Sirius wants to register as Daisy's godfather officially."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with understanding. "That's wonderful. Remus has always been like a godfather to Daisy, even if it wasn't official."

Harry's eyes scanned the letter further, and a small smile played on his lips. "And it seems Sirius knows about Remus and Samantha's situation."

Ginny's expression softened. "At least we're not the only ones who know now. Maybe Remus will finally feel comfortable revealing the truth to Samantha."

As they finished reading the letter, Harry and Ginny exchanged a look of understanding. They knew that this development would bring changes, but they were ready to face whatever came next, together.

Next Chapter is Guardianship.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 26: Guardianship

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The next day, September 22, Tuesday, Harry couldn't wait to share the exciting news with his sister Daisy during breakfast. As they sat down at the Gryffindor table, Harry leaned in, a grin spreading across his face. "Daisy, guess what? Sirius wants me to meet him in Diagon Alley on Sunday to register as my secondary guardian, and Remus is going to officially register as your godfather," he whispered, trying to contain his enthusiasm.

Daisy's eyes widened, her face lighting up with excitement. "That's amazing, Harry! I'm so happy for you, and I'm thrilled that Remus is going to be my official godfather." She threw her arms around him, nearly knocking over her breakfast plate. "I'm going with you, right? I wouldn't miss this for the world!"

Harry chuckled, hugging her back. "Of course, you're coming with me. I wouldn't want to do this without you." He pulled back, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "And I have a feeling it's going to be a fantastic day."

That evening, Harry made his way to Professor McGonagall's office, seeking permission for his little excursion on Sunday. He knocked on the door, and upon hearing her warm "Enter," he stepped inside.

"Hey, Gran Minnie," Harry said with a smile, using the affectionate nickname he reserved for when they were outside of class.

Professor McGonagall's expression softened, and she looked up from the papers on her desk. "Ah, Harry, what can I do for you, dear?"

Harry took a deep breath and told her everything - about Sirius's letter, his desire to register as his secondary guardian, and Remus's role in officially becoming Daisy's godfather. He even shared his excitement about the upcoming meeting and how much it meant to him.

Professor McGonagall listened attentively, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. When Harry finished, she nodded thoughtfully. "I'm glad you're telling me all this, Harry. Given Sirius's recent... clarification of his situation, I see no issue with you meeting him in Diagon Alley. You're free to go with Daisy on Sunday."

Harry beamed with relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Gran Minnie. I really appreciate it."

With permission granted, Harry left the office, feeling a sense of accomplishment and excitement for the adventure ahead. Little did he know that this Sunday excursion would be just the beginning of a series of events that would change his life forever.

That evening, Harry made his way to Professor Snape's office, remembering that as Daisy's Slytherin head of house, it would be proper to ask for his permission as well. He knocked on the door, and upon hearing Snape's characteristic "Enter," he stepped inside.

Snape looked up from the papers he was grading, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in Harry's presence. "Ah, Potter," he said, his voice dripping with his usual sarcasm. "I assume you're not here to waste my time with frivolous chatter."

Harry smiled, undeterred by Snape's gruff demeanor. "Actually, Professor, I came to ask for your permission. I'm going to Diagon Alley on Sunday with Daisy to meet Sirius and Remus. We're going to officially register Sirius as my secondary guardian and Remus as Daisy's godfather. I wanted to make sure it's okay with you since she's a Slytherin student."

Snape raised an eyebrow, his expression softening ever so slightly. "I see. And what exactly is the purpose of this... excursion?" He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he waited for Harry's response.

Harry explained the situation in detail, telling Snape about the letters from Sirius and Remus, and the arrangements they had made to meet in Diagon Alley. Snape listened intently, his eyes never leaving Harry's face. When Harry finished, Snape nodded thoughtfully. "Very well, Potter. You have my permission. I'm sure it's merely a formality, but I appreciate your consideration."

As they discussed the upcoming meeting, Snape's expression turned more relaxed, and he leaned back in his chair. "I hear the Potter-Snape Amnesia Potion is doing well at St Mungos. The production is going smoothly, and the healers are pleased with its effects." He paused, his eyes glinting with interest. "I've been meaning to ask you, Potter, how do you think we can improve the potion's formula?"

Harry's eyes lit up with interest. "I've been thinking about that, Professor. I think if we add a pinch of moonstone to the mixture, it might enhance the potion's effects. And perhaps we could also experiment with different brewing techniques to see if that makes a difference."

Snape's gaze softened, and for a moment, Harry saw a glimmer of warmth behind his usual stern facade. "Ah, Potter, you're as insightful as ever. I think that's a capital idea. We'll have to discuss it further in our next potions lesson."

With permission granted and a brief discussion about the potion, Harry left Snape's office, feeling a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of his complex relationship with the potions master.

After dinner, Harry and Ginny strolled out of the Great Hall, the warm glow of the candles and the murmur of their friends fading into the background as they made their way into the quiet evening air. The sun had set, casting a golden light over the castle grounds, and the sky was painted with hues of pink and orange.

Ginny knew Harry felt a sense of obligation to take her on this romantic walk, especially since he had initially decided not to bring her to Diagon Alley on Sunday. He had wanted to spend time with Daisy, who had been feeling a bit down since joining Slytherin house. Ginny understood Harry's concerns, but she also found it ridiculous that he felt the need to make it up to her. After all, they had all the time they needed in their dreamland, where they could be together without any distractions.

As they walked, Ginny couldn't help but think about how much she loved Harry's noble nature. He was always putting others before himself, and she admired his selflessness. She reached out and took his hand, feeling a spark of magic as their palms touched.

"Hey, you don't have to do this, you know," Ginny said, looking up at Harry with a smile. "I know you're just trying to make me feel better, but I understand why you wanted to spend time with Daisy on Sunday."

Harry looked down at her, his emerald green eyes shining with affection. "I know, but I wanted to make sure you knew how much I care about you. You're my priority, Ginny. Always."

Ginny's heart skipped a beat as she heard the sincerity in Harry's voice. She knew he meant every word, and she felt grateful to have him by her side. "I love you, Harry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I love you too, Ginny," Harry replied, squeezing her hand gently. "More than anything in this world."

As they continued their walk, the stars began to twinkle in the sky, and the air grew cooler. Ginny leaned into Harry, feeling the warmth of his body and the comfort of his presence. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as long as they had each other.

As Harry and Ginny strolled out of the Great Hall, they bumped into Cedric, who was heading in the opposite direction. Harry's eyes lit up with a warm smile as he remembered Oliver Wood's words from earlier that evening. "Cedric's been appointed as the new seeker for Hufflepuff," Oliver had said, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and a hint of competitiveness.

"Cedric, congratulations!" Harry exclaimed, extending a hand in congratulations. Cedric's face broke into a modest smile as he shook Harry's hand.

"Thanks, Harry. I'm still getting used to the idea, to be honest," Cedric said, his voice humble.

Ginny chimed in, her eyes sparkling with genuine enthusiasm. "You'll do great, Cedric. You're an amazing flyer."

Cedric's smile widened, and he nodded in appreciation. "Thanks, Ginny. I'm just hoping to do my team proud."

The three of them chatted for a bit, discussing their plans for the upcoming Quidditch matches and their respective teams' chances. Harry was impressed by Cedric's sportsmanship and flying skills, and the two of them exchanged a few tips and strategies.

As the conversation drew to a close, Cedric glanced at the time and excused himself. "I've got to get going. Nice catching up with you both."

Harry and Ginny bid Cedric farewell, watching as he headed off to the Hufflepuff common room. As they continued on their way to the Gryffindor common room, Ginny turned to Harry with a curious expression.

"You're really looking forward to Sunday, aren't you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Yeah, I am. Sirius and Remus are coming, and we're going to get everything sorted out with the Ministry. It's going to be a big day."

Ginny nodded, her eyes understanding. "I'm happy for you, Harry. You deserve to have people you trust looking out for you and Daisy."

Harry's heart swelled with gratitude, and he squeezed Ginny's hand. "Thanks, Gin. I don't know what I'd do without you."

The two of them walked in comfortable silence for a moment, lost in their own thoughts, before Ginny spoke up again.

"Hey, what do you think Sirius will say when he meets Remus?"

Harry's face broke into a wide grin. "I have no idea, but I'm sure it'll be entertaining. Those two are always good for a laugh."

Their conversation continued, flowing easily as they made their way to the Gryffindor common room, already looking forward to the adventures that Sunday would bring.

Near the building, at the doors, two Goblin guards stood at attention. Harry gave them a courteous bow and wished them good morning in Gobbledegook, "Gobbaldy goobner, shalam alaikum." The guards immediately recognised him, and one of them stepped forward to initiate the imposter check, a procedure that was a privilege of Harry's friendship with the Goblin nation.

Sirius and Remus watched, gobsmacked, as the guards performed the check. They knew Harry was a friend of the Goblins, but they hadn't expected this level of familiarity. Daisy, who had witnessed a similar procedure two months ago when they had opened her trust vault, was amazed nonetheless. She leaned in, whispering to Sirius and Remus, "You see, it's a special procedure to ensure Harry's identity. He's one of the few outsiders who have earned the Goblins' trust."

The guard finished the check and nodded in satisfaction. "Ah, Harry Potter, friend of the Goblin nation. You may proceed." Harry smiled and nodded, "Shukraan, good morning once again." The guards stepped aside, allowing the group to enter Gringotts.

As they walked in, Sirius turned to Remus, his eyes wide with amazement. "Blimey, Remus, I had no idea Harry knew Gobbledegook." Remus smiled, "Harry's full of surprises, mate. He's been studying their language and traditions. He's quite the diplomat."

Daisy chimed in, "And he's very respectful of their customs. I've seen him spend hours talking to Bagnod, the main Bank Manager, about Goblin history and traditions." Harry, meanwhile, was already walking towards the counter, ready to conduct their business. "Let's get started, shall we? We have a lot to discuss with Bagnod."

At the counter, Harry greeted Ragnuk in Gobbledegook, "Gobbaldy goobner, shalam alaikum, Ragnuk." Ragnuk's face lit up with a warm smile as he replied, "Ah, Harry Potter, friend of the Goblin nation. May your vaults overflow with gold and your enemies perish." Harry reciprocated with a smile, "May your hammers strike true and your treasures multiply."

Ragnuk nodded in approval, "You remember our traditions well, Harry. Come, let us speak in private." He led them to a chamber behind the counter, where the group sat down around a large wooden table. Remus and Sirius exchanged a look of amazement as Ragnuk treated Harry with such familiarity.

"State your business, Harry," Ragnuk said, his eyes curious. Harry nodded to Sirius, who cleared his throat and began, "I'd like to register as Harry's secondary guardian. I'll need to speak with Obsidian, the Black Family Account Manager."

Ragnuk nodded thoughtfully, "Very well. I'll summon Obsidian. Please wait here." He disappeared through a side door, leaving the group in silence. Sirius turned to Harry and whispered, "You're certainly full of surprises, Harry. I didn't know you were fluent in Gobbledegook."

Harry smiled, "I've been studying it for a while now. It's essential for building relationships with the Goblin nation." Remus chuckled, "You're a natural diplomat, Harry."

The door opened again, and Ragnuk returned with a tall, slender Goblin with piercing black eyes. "Obsidian, this is Sirius Black. He's here to discuss becoming a secondary guardian for Harry Potter."

Obsidian's eyes narrowed slightly as he regarded Sirius, but he nodded curtly. "Very well. Let's proceed with the necessary formalities." The group settled in for a lengthy discussion, aware that the process would require patience and attention to detail.

Daisy and Remus sat on the plush sofa, sipping the sweet, frothy drink Ragnuk had offered them. The Goblin's warm smile and infectious laughter put everyone at ease as he chatted with Harry in Gobbledegook. Meanwhile, Sirius focused on the documents spread out before him, his brow furrowed in concentration.

As he finished signing the last paper, Obsidian, the slender Goblin with a keen eye for detail, nodded in satisfaction. "Very well, Sirius Black. With these documents, you are officially recognized as Harry Potter's secondary guardian. However, I must inform you that, as the head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, Harry Potter will be the acting heir of the House of Black until you produce an heir of your own."

Sirius's eyes flickered, but he remained composed, aware of the weight of responsibility that came with this role. Obsidian turned to Harry, who was observing the proceedings with interest. "And, Harry Potter, as the acting heir, you will have access to all the resources and bear the responsibilities that come with this position."

Griphook, Harry's main account manager and Potter Family Account Manager, stepped forward with the final papers. "Now, let's finalize the documents for Sirius Black as Harry's secondary guardian." Sirius and Griphook exchanged a brief glance before Sirius signed the papers, followed by Griphook's official stamp.

With the formalities complete, Sirius turned to Harry and smiled. "All done, Harry. I'm officially your secondary guardian." Harry smiled back, feeling a sense of relief and gratitude toward Sirius. Remus, sitting beside Daisy, nodded in approval, his eyes warm with affection for his friends.

Ragnuk, who had been watching the proceedings with a keen eye, stepped forward. "Well, now that the formalities are out of the way, let's celebrate with a feast! Goblin cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors and hearty portions." The group laughed, and the tension dissipated as they followed Ragnuk to the grand dining hall, where a sumptuous feast awaited them.

Harry asked Griphook if all his account managers could join them for lunch, and Griphook nodded in agreement. Soon, the group was seated at a long table, surrounded by the Goblin account managers, including Ragnuk, Obsidian, and Riojas. Daisy, Sirius, and Remus struggled to keep up as Harry and the Goblins effortlessly switched to Gobbledegook, their conversation flowing smoothly.

"I'm afraid I'm lost," Sirius admitted, chuckling. "Gobbledegook is a bit beyond me."

"Same here," Remus agreed, smiling. "But it's fascinating to listen to."

Daisy giggled. "I think I'm starting to pick up a few words, but it's still a bit confusing."

Harry grinned, happy to share his knowledge of the Goblin language with his friends. "Don't worry, it's not easy to learn. But I'm glad you're trying."

As they ate, the Goblins discussed various topics, from trade agreements to the latest in Goblin craftsmanship. Harry listened intently, asking questions and making thoughtful comments. The account managers were impressed by his knowledge and understanding of their culture.

Ragnuk leaned over to Harry and said, "You have a true affinity for the Goblin way, Harry Potter. We are honored to have you as a friend of the Goblin Nation."

Harry smiled, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn from and work with the Goblins. "The honor is mine, Ragnuk. I've learned so much from you all."

The lunch feast continued, with laughter and conversation flowing freely between the humans and Goblins. As they finished their meal, Griphook stood up, a satisfied smile on his face. "I think that concludes our meeting. Thank you, Harry, for inviting us to join you. We look forward to our next gathering."

With the formalities over, the group began to disperse, with the Goblins returning to their duties and Harry's friends chatting among themselves. Harry, Daisy, Sirius, and Remus lingered, enjoying each other's company and the warm atmosphere of the Goblin gathering.

Griphook leaned forward in his chair, his eyes fixed intently on Harry. "You know, young master Potter, you have a great many responsibilities as the heir to so many noble families. Perhaps it's time you considered taking on a more formal role in one of them?"

Harry raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the suggestion. "What do you mean, Griphook? I've never really thought about being the head of any of these houses."

Griphook nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, well, it's a significant undertaking, to be sure. But I think it would be particularly fitting for you to claim lordship of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. Not only would it solidify your position as a leader among your peers, but it would also allow you to formally acknowledge your sister, Daisy, as a member of the family tree."

Harry's eyes widened as he considered the idea. He had never thought about the formalities of family lineage, but Griphook's words made sense. Daisy was his sister, after all, and it would be a way to officially recognize her place in the family.

"What do you think, Griphook?" Harry asked, seeking the goblin's counsel. "Would it be a complicated process?"

Griphook smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Not for you, young master Potter. With your... unique position, I'm sure it would be a mere formality. Besides, I think it would be a wise move, considering your growing influence among the wizarding community."

Harry nodded thoughtfully, weighing his options. He wasn't sure if he was ready to take on the responsibilities that came with being the head of a noble house, but the idea of formally acknowledging Daisy as his sister was appealing.

Harry nodded, a decision forming in his mind. "Alright, Griphook. I'll do it. I'll claim lordship of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter and formally add Daisy to the family tree."

Griphook's face broke into a wide smile, clearly pleased with Harry's decision. "Excellent choice, young master Potter. I'll begin the necessary arrangements immediately."

Harry stood up, his thoughts already turning to the people he needed to inform. "I'll go speak with Remus, Daisy, and Sirius now. I'll ask them to wait a bit longer before we head to Diagon Alley and the Ministry."

Griphook nodded, his eyes sparkling with understanding. "Very well, young master Potter. I'll await your instructions."

With that, Harry left the meeting with Griphook, his mind racing with the implications of his decision. He made his way to where Remus, Daisy, and Sirius were waiting, his thoughts focused on breaking the news to them.

"Hey, guys," Harry said, approaching his friends. "I need to talk to you about something. Can you wait a bit longer before we head out? I've just agreed to something with Griphook, and I need to sort out a few things."

Remus, Daisy, and Sirius exchanged curious glances, but they nodded in unison. "Of course, Harry," Remus said. "What's going on?"

Harry hesitated, unsure how much to reveal just yet. "Let's talk about it later, okay? For now, let's just say that I've decided to take on a bit more responsibility. I'll fill you in on the details soon."

His friends nodded, trusting Harry's judgment. They settled in to wait, their conversation light and easy as they chatted about other things. Harry's mind, however, was already racing ahead, thinking about the implications of his decision and what lay ahead.

Harry, Remus, Sirius, and Daisy followed Griphook to the private chamber, where they were surprised to see Bagnod waiting for them. Harry's face lit up with a smile as he bowed deeply and greeted Bagnod in Gobbledegook, "Goblu duru kala! Wisha nav vaelta lakitu!" which roughly translated to "Good afternoon, respected one! May your vault flourish and your enemies perish!" Bagnod returned the bow and shook Harry's hand, responding in Gobbledegook, "Vaelta lakitu, young Potter! May your own vaults overflow with treasure!"

Bagnod explained that he had just arrived from the Goblin Council and would like to discuss something important with Harry after their current business was concluded. Harry's curiosity was piqued, but he nodded politely and turned his attention to Griphook, who began explaining the documents they needed to sign to formalize Sirius's role as Harry's secondary guardian and Remus's role as Daisy's godfather.

As they worked through the paperwork, Harry couldn't help but wonder what Bagnod wanted to discuss with him. He glanced over at the Goblin Bank Manager, who was watching him with a serious expression. Whatever it was, Harry had a feeling it was going to be significant.

"Griphook, how much longer will this take?" Harry asked, his eyes still on Bagnod.

"Just a few more signatures, young master Potter," Griphook replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Then we'll be done here."

Griphook's eyes gleamed with a mix of reverence and solemnity as he presented the Potter signet ring to Harry. "The Head of an Ancient and Noble House bears the weighty responsibility of overseeing the family's vast wealth, business interests, and legacy," he began, his voice filled with the gravity of the occasion. "As a respected member of the wizarding community, they often hold a seat in the Wizengamot, contributing to the governance of the magical world."

As Griphook spoke, Harry's gaze was drawn to the ring, his heart racing with anticipation. He had heard stories of the Potter signet ring, passed down through generations of his family. When Griphook finally handed him the ring, Harry's fingers trembled slightly as he took it.

The ring itself was exquisite, with intricate details that seemed to shimmer in the light. The shield with a golden snitch in flight, symbolizing cleverness and agility, with a wand crossing behind the snitch, representing magic and power, seemed to leap off the metal. Harry's eyes widened as he turned the ring over in his hand, feeling an overwhelming sense of connection to his ancestors.

"This was Grandfather Charlus's," Harry whispered, his voice barely audible. He could almost see his grandfather wearing the ring, proud and strong. A pang of sadness hit him as he remembered that his father, James, had never gotten the chance to claim his lordship due to the war. The weight of responsibility that came with wearing the ring felt crushing, but Harry knew he had to be strong, for his family's sake.

Griphook's expression softened. "Yes, young master Potter. This signet ring has been passed down through generations of your family. You are the rightful heir to the Potter legacy, and we are honored to see you claim it."

Harry's eyes stung as he slid the ring onto his finger. It fit perfectly, as if made for him. He felt a surge of pride and determination. He would make his family proud, and he would do everything in his power to live up to the legacy of the Potters. The ring seemed to glow on his finger, and Harry knew that this was just the beginning of his journey as the Head of the Potter House.

As Griphook handed Harry the Potter signet ring, Harry's eyes widened, and he felt a lump form in his throat. The weight of the ring settling onto his finger was like a tangible connection to his family's past, to his father and grandfather before him. He felt a wave of emotions wash over him, and before he knew it, tears pricked at the corners of his eyes.

Daisy, sensing her brother's emotional turmoil, stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. Her hair, which had been a deep shade of red earlier, gradually transformed to its original color as she held him close. Harry felt a sense of comfort and familiarity in her embrace, and he let out a shuddering breath as he hugged her back.

Sirius and Remus, who had been watching the scene unfold, exchanged a glance, their own eyes misty with emotion. Griphook, however, remained silent and still, understanding the gravity of the moment.

As they broke apart, Griphook cleared his throat and began to explain the formalities of Harry's new role as the head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. "As Lord Potter, you have the authority to add family members to your household," he said, his voice steady. "If you wish, you may formally add Miss Daisy Potter as your sister."

Harry nodded, his voice a little hoarse from the emotions that had welled up inside him. "Yes, I want to add Daisy as my sister, formally."

Griphook nodded and performed the necessary formalities. "Then, by the laws of the wizarding world, Miss Daisy Potter shall be recognized as your sister, and she shall bear the title of Madam Potter. In the event that you pass away without producing an heir, she shall become Lady Potter, inheriting the responsibilities and privileges of the Potter legacy."

Harry's mind wandered to Ginny, the girl he loved, and he knew that she would be the one to become Lady Potter when he married her. The thought filled him with longing, and he couldn't help but wonder what she was doing at that moment. Was she thinking of him, too?

"I'll see you all later," Harry said, his voice a little distant, lost in his thoughts of Ginny.

But for now, he was content to wear the Potter signet ring, feeling the weight of his family's legacy on his finger, and to have Daisy by his side as his sister.

Daisy walked into the waiting chamber, the soft glow of the lanterns casting a warm light on the faces of Sirius and Remus, who were seated on a plush couch, engaged in a hushed conversation. She took a seat beside them, and Sirius immediately wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her into a gentle squeeze. "Hey, kiddo, how's Harry doing?" he asked, his voice low and soothing, referring to the meeting with Mr. Bagnod that had just begun.

Remus smiled and leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with curiosity, his brow furrowed in concern. "Yes, what's going on? You said it was serious, Daisy. What's happening?"

Daisy's expression turned solemn, her brow mirroring Remus's concern. "It is serious. Harry just went in to meet Mr. Bagnod. I'm not sure what's happening, but Mr. Bagnod looked quite serious. He was frowning, and his usual warm demeanor was nowhere to be seen."

Sirius's arm tightened around Daisy, offering comfort. "Don't worry, we'll find out soon enough. Harry can handle himself, and we'll support him no matter what."

Meanwhile, in Mr. Bagnod's office, Harry sat down in the chair opposite the goblin's desk, the soft creak of the leather a familiar sound. Mr. Bagnod's expression was grave, his eyes narrowed, and Harry's instincts told him that something was amiss. "Ah, Lord Potter," Mr. Bagnod began, his voice formal, though a hint of warmth lingered beneath the surface. "Congratulations on claiming your lordship. I trust you're settling in well?"

Harry nodded, feeling a bit uneasy with the formal title, though he was growing accustomed to it. "Thank you, Mr. Bagnod. What's this about? You seemed...concerned when I arrived."

Mr. Bagnod placed a copy of The Gobbletin on his desk, the headline catching Harry's eye: "Sutyr's Followers Escape Azgharak: Goblin Nation on High Alert." The newspaper was written in Gobbledegook, but Harry's knowledge of the language, courtesy of his friendship with the goblin nation, allowed him to decipher the text. His eyes widened as he read the article, and Mr. Bagnod nodded solemnly. "Yes, three of Sutyr's most devoted followers have escaped from the depths of Azgharak, specifically from the fortress of Khrokmora. We don't know how they managed it, but they're considered extremely dangerous."

Harry's grip on the armrests tightened, his mind racing with the implications. "What kind of danger are we talking about, Mr. Bagnod? What can they do?"

"They're infamous for their brutal tactics, Lord Potter," Mr. Bagnod replied, his voice low and urgent. "They've attacked schools, hospitals, and innocent settlements in the past. Given the wizarding world's... arrangements, Hogwarts is likely safe, but St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries might be vulnerable. We're informing you, Lord Potter, as a friend of the goblin nation, so you can alert the Ministry and take necessary precautions."

Harry's face set in determination. He knew he had to act quickly to ensure the safety of his friends and the wizarding community. "I'll take care of it, Mr. Bagnod. Thank you for trusting me with this information. I'll speak to the Ministry and see what can be done to protect St Mungo's and other potential targets."

As Harry left the office, he felt a sense of resolve wash over him. He would do everything in his power to protect those he cared about, and he knew that the 12 Musketeers would stand united behind him. Little did he know that this was just the beginning of a new challenge, one that would test their bonds of friendship and their courage in the face of danger.

With a deep breath, Harry joined Daisy, Sirius, and Remus in the waiting chamber. "It's serious," he said, his voice low. "Sutyr's followers have escaped from Azgharak. Mr. Bagnod wants us to alert the Ministry so they can take precautions."

Daisy's eyes widened, and Sirius's arm around her shoulders tightened. Remus's face turned grave, his eyes clouding with concern. "We'll need to inform the others," Remus said, his voice firm. "The 12 Musketeers will stand together, as always."

Harry nodded, a sense of gratitude and solidarity washing over him. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, united and strong.

Harry's eyes locked onto Sirius and Remus as he began to explain, "You see, Sutyr was a dark goblin lord who led a terrorist group within the Goblin Nation. He was known for his brutal tactics and desire for power." Daisy's eyes widened with interest, and Remus nodded thoughtfully.

"Sutyr's rise to power began in 1906, after King Roran III's death," Harry continued. "He secretly gathered goblins from various cities and formed a terrorist group, seeking to challenge the existing order and assert goblin power through violence."

Sirius's expression turned grave. "That sounds like a nightmare. What happened to him?"

Harry's voice was steady. "He was captured in 1939 and imprisoned in Azgharak, but he escaped in 1940 and led a daring attack on the Goblin capital, sparking a brutal Intergoblin War."

Remus's brow furrowed. "I remember reading about the Intergoblin War. It was a dark time for the Goblin Nation."

Harry nodded. "Yes, and it's believed that Sutyr's followers, the ones who escaped Azgharak, may be planning to attack schools and hospitals. Mr. Bagnod warned me that Hogwarts is protected, but St. Mungo's might be vulnerable."

The room fell silent as the weight of Harry's words sank in. Daisy spoke up, her voice filled with concern. "We need to warn the Ministry and St. Mungo's. We can't let those followers harm innocent people."

Sirius nodded in agreement. "I'll go with you to the Ministry, Harry. We'll make sure they take necessary precautions."

As the foursome - Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Daisy - arrived at the Ministry of Magic around 3 pm, they were greeted by the imposing Ministry building. After passing through security, where they handed over their wands to be checked, they made their way to the Registry office.

At the Registry office, they were met by a clerk who looked at them with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. "Ah, yes, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin, and Miss Potter," the clerk said, his eyes lingering on Sirius. "I'm afraid there's a bit of a problem. You see, Mr. Black here... well, he's still technically a prisoner of Azkaban, despite the... ah... circumstances of his escape."

Sirius's eyes narrowed slightly, but Harry intervened before he could say anything. "That's alright, we'll just need to get the Minister's signature then," Harry said calmly.

The clerk nodded, seemingly relieved that Harry was willing to cooperate. "Yes, yes, that's correct. If you could just wait over there, I'll send a message to the Minister's office."

As they waited, Daisy handed in her documents to the clerk, which clearly mentioned Remus as her godfather. The clerk's eyes scanned the documents, and he nodded, "Ah, yes, everything seems to be in order here. We'll just need the Minister's signature for Mr. Black's... ah... situation."

Remus smiled warmly at Daisy, his eyes shining with pride and affection. "I'm honored, Daisy," he said softly.

Daisy smiled back, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "Thanks, Remus. I'm glad you're my godfather."

The four of them chatted quietly among themselves as they waited, discussing everything from Quidditch to their upcoming exams. But Harry's mind kept wandering back to the warning from Bagnod, the Gringotts manager, about the escaped followers of Sutyr. He knew they had to be vigilant, especially with St. Mungo's potentially being a target.

As they waited for the Minister's response, Harry's thoughts turned to the upcoming meeting with the Minister, and he wondered what other challenges lay ahead for them.

It was nearly 4 pm when Elara Asterope, Jr Undersecretary to Minister, followed by Minister Cornelius Fudge, arrived. The foursome greeted him, though Harry knew Fudge was not very good but still he was the minister at least. Fudge agreed to sign the guardianship paper and finally, Sirius became the official secondary guardian of Harry.

"Ah, excellent," Fudge said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "Now, let's get down to business, shall we?"

As Fudge began to sign the papers, he asked, "And what's this about Mr Lupin and Ms Potter? Why are they here?"

Harry explained, "We're here to register Remus as Daisy's godfather."

Fudge's expression turned incredulous. "A werewolf as a godfather? Ministry cannot allow it. It's... it's... incredulously ridiculous!"

Sirius stepped forward, his voice firm. "So, will the Ministry like to go against the will of James Potter, who was the heir of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter?"

Fudge spluttered, his face reddening. "Now, now, Mr Black, let's not bring up... ah... irrelevant matters."

But Sirius's words had their effect. Fudge knew he had no choice but to sign the papers, acknowledging Remus as Daisy's godfather. The Minister's reluctance was palpable, but he eventually relented, signing the documents with a flourish.

The atmosphere in the room remained tense, with Fudge's disapproval evident. However, Harry's calm demeanor and Sirius's firm stance had secured the desired outcome. For now, that was all that mattered.

Before Fudge could leave, Harry asked if he could have a word with him. Elara Asterope, Jr Undersecretary to the Minister, seemed inclined to deny the request, remarking that the Minister had far more important matters to attend to than a 12-year-old boy. However, Fudge intervened, his expression calculating.

It was clear that Fudge's sudden willingness to accommodate Harry stemmed from recent events. The case against the Dursleys for Harry's abuse, and the subsequent case involving Sirius Black, had both ended in favor of Harry and Sirius. Fudge, keenly aware of the political implications, didn't want to risk antagonizing either the head of the Ancient and Noble House of Black or the Boy Who Lived, who was also the heir to the Ancient and Noble House of Potter.

"Ah, yes, of course, Mr. Potter. I'd be happy to spare a moment," Fudge said, his tone amiable, but with an undercurrent of wariness.

As they stepped into a private room nearby, Harry's eyes met Fudge's, and he began, "Minister, I wanted to discuss the recent security breach involving the escape of Sutyr's followers from Azgharak prison."

Fudge's eyebrows furrowed. "Sutyr? I'm not familiar with the name. Who is he?"

Harry explained, "Sutyr was a dark Goblin who was imprisoned in Azgharak. He's notorious for his attacks on wizarding schools and hospitals. His followers escaping from prison pose a significant threat to the wizarding community."

Fudge's skepticism was evident. "And how did you come to know about this, Mr. Potter? Why would Goblins share such information with you?"

Harry's response was calm. "I'm a friend of the Goblin Nation, Minister. They've shared this information with me because of our... arrangement."

Fudge's eyes widened in surprise. "A friend of the Goblin Nation? I wasn't aware of any such... arrangement, Mr. Potter. How did you manage that?" He leaned back in his chair, his interest piqued despite himself.

Harry's expression remained neutral. "That's not important, Minister. What's important is ensuring the safety of the wizarding community. I'd like you to increase security at Hogwarts and St. Mungo's."

Fudge raised an eyebrow. "And why should I take the concerns of a 12-year-old boy seriously, Mr. Potter? You're a student, not a security expert."

Harry's smile was polite. "Because, Minister, this 12-year-old boy happens to be Lord Potter, the head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter. I claimed my lordship just today, as a matter of fact."

Fudge's surprise turned to astonishment. "Lord Potter? I hadn't heard... Congratulations, Lord Potter. Well, in that case, I'll look into the matter." He paused, then continued, "Lord Potter, I must say, I'm not entirely convinced that this is as serious a threat as you make it out to be."

Harry nodded, understanding Fudge's skepticism. "I understand your reservations, Minister. However, I'd appreciate it if you could take this matter seriously and take necessary precautions. The safety of the students at Hogwarts and the patients at St. Mungo's is paramount."

Fudge nodded, still looking a bit unconvinced. "Very well, Lord Potter. I'll look into it. But I'll need more concrete evidence before I can justify a significant increase in security measures."

Harry nodded, knowing that he had done what he could for now. "I understand, Minister. I'll see what else I can find out and get back to you if necessary."

As they concluded their discussion, Fudge's expression was thoughtful, still weighing the validity of Harry's claims. Despite his skepticism, he knew that ignoring the concerns of the head of an Ancient and Noble House like Potter wouldn't be wise. He would look into the matter, but he would do so with a critical eye, waiting to see if Harry's concerns would prove justified.

Harry came out of the room, nodding to himself as he processed the conversation with Minister Fudge. He knew Fudge was still skeptical, and Harry couldn't blame him. The Minister's expression had been a mixture of curiosity and doubt, and Harry had expected as much. With a subtle smile, Harry made his way towards the Atrium, where he spotted Sirius, Remus, and Daisy waiting for him.

"Hey, how did it go?" Sirius asked, falling into step beside Harry.

"It went as expected," Harry replied, his eyes scanning the Ministry's interior. "Fudge is still unsure about the threat. I think he's hesitant to take action without more concrete evidence."

Remus nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, in that case, it's probably a good idea to inform Amelia. She'll know what to do."

"Let's go see her," Harry said, already heading towards the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. "We're here anyway, and it can't hurt to keep her in the loop."

As they walked, Daisy gazed around in wonder, taking in the Ministry's imposing architecture. Sirius and Remus exchanged a knowing glance, having been here before. They navigated through the corridors, passing by a few "Dogbody" wizards – essentially guards – and some welcoming witches who seemed to be checking visitors.

After a short while, they arrived at Amelia Bones's office. Her Junior Undersecretary, Emmeline Piper, looked up from her desk, surprise etched on her face as she took in the group, especially Harry.

"Ah, Harry Potter! And... Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin, and... Miss Potter?" Emmeline's eyes lingered on Daisy, unsure of her relation to Harry.

"Good day, Miss Piper," Harry said, smiling politely. "We were wondering if we could meet with Amelia. It's regarding a matter of some importance."

Emmeline nodded, her expression professional. "Let me check if she's available. Please, wait here for a moment."

She disappeared into Amelia's office, leaving the group to wait in the outer room. Harry leaned against the wall, his mind still on the conversation with Fudge and the potential threat posed by Sutyr's followers. Remus and Sirius stood nearby, keeping a watchful eye on the surroundings, while Daisy continued to admire the Ministry's decor.

As Emmeline entered the office, Amelia looked up from the papers scattered across her desk, a hint of frustration etched on her face. "Ah, Emmeline, what is it?" she asked, her voice firm but polite.

"Visitors, ma'am," Emmeline replied, "Harry Potter, Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin, and... Miss Potter."

Amelia's expression changed to surprise, and she glanced at the clock on her wall, which read 4:30 pm. "Sirius didn't mention he was bringing Harry to see me today," she said, her brow furrowed slightly. She nodded, and Emmeline left to bring the visitors in.

As the door opened wider, Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Daisy stepped into Amelia's office. The room was spacious, with dark wooden panels on the walls and a large window that let in a warm glow of sunlight. Amelia's desk, made of polished mahogany, dominated the room, covered in stacks of papers, files, and a few scattered quills. Behind the desk, a large bookshelf stretched from floor to ceiling, filled with leather-bound tomes and a few Ministry of Magic publications.

Amelia stood up from her chair, a welcoming smile on her face. "Harry, Sirius, Remus, and Daisy, please come in. I wasn't expecting you all today, though." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she gestured to the chairs in front of her desk.

The group took their seats, Harry and Sirius sitting together, with Remus and Daisy beside them. Amelia leaned back in her chair, her hands clasped together on the desk. "So, what brings you all here today?" she asked, her eyes fixed intently on Harry.

Before dwelling into serious he decided to go with easy start . "Congratulations, Amelia!" Harry exclaimed, a warm smile spreading across his face. Amelia's expression transformed from confusion to remembrance, and she chuckled softly. "Oh, Sirius must have told you about our little announcement yesterday."

Daisy's eyes sparkled with excitement as she chimed in, "Can we see the ring? We love rings!" Amelia's face lit up, and she extended her hand, revealing a beautiful silver band adorned with a small, shimmering sapphire. "It's lovely, isn't it?" she said, her voice filled with happiness.

The group oohed and aahed over the ring, with Harry adding, "Sirius certainly has excellent taste." Amelia smiled, pleased with their reaction. As they admired the ring, the atmosphere in the room remained light and joyful, a pleasant contrast to the serious matters that had brought Harry and his friends to the Ministry earlier that day.

Amelia's eyes sparkled as she said, "Well, I wrote a letter to Susan this morning, she must have received it by now." Harry smiled, knowing that the news of Sirius and Amelia's engagement would spread like wildfire among the Musketeers.

"Does that mean all the others will know by the time Daisy and I arrive?" Harry asked, and Amelia nodded. Daisy's eyes lit up with excitement as she asked, "Have you set a date, then?"

Sirius and Amelia exchanged a glance, and Sirius replied, "Yes, we've set a date. We're planning on getting married on December 28th, during the Christmas holidays." Amelia added, "If that's fine with everyone, of course."

Amelia's expression turned slightly guilty as she said, "Before you tell me the actual reason you're here, I have something to share with you. I went to the Department of Magical Games and Sports this morning, and I forgot to not wear the ring."

She paused, a hint of amusement in her voice. "So, everybody saw it, and to avoid raising rumors, I told them about our engagement. By tomorrow, it's going to be in the papers."

Sirius chuckled and added, "I suppose we should be prepared for the news to spread quickly." Amelia nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and slight embarrassment.

The atmosphere in the room remained light and joyful, with an undercurrent of anticipation about the news spreading. Harry and Daisy listened intently, aware that their friends would soon be buzzing with the news of Sirius and Amelia's engagement.

Next Chapter is Scrimgeour's Plan .

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 27: Scrimgeour's Plan

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Finally, it was time to discuss the important matters. "Amelia, I need to tell you something," Harry said, his expression serious. "Bagnod warned me about three followers of a dark Goblin, Sutyr, who escaped from Azgharak prison. They're notorious for attacking schools and hospitals."

Amelia's eyes widened with concern. "That's alarming. What did Fudge say when you informed him?" Harry replied, "He seemed skeptical, thinking that the Goblins might be trying to destabilize his government." Amelia's brow furrowed. "That's unfortunate. We'll need to take precautions."

Harry continued, "There's something else. I claimed my lordship of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter when I was at the Ministry." Amelia's lips curled into an amused smile. "Well, you do have a claim to it, so why not? I'll inform Head Auror Scrimgeour about this."

Amelia's tone turned professional. "I'll make sure to brief him on the situation with the escaped Goblins and your conversation with Fudge. We'll keep a close eye on things." Harry nodded, feeling a sense of relief that Amelia was taking the matter seriously. "Thanks, Amelia. I appreciate your help." With that, the discussion came to a close for now, and Harry knew that Amelia would take the necessary steps to address the situation.

Sirius gave his fiancée a gentle kiss on the cheek, and the foursome - Sirius, Amelia, Remus, and Harry - left her office, the tension in the air dissipating slightly. "I'll meet you all at Tonks'," Amelia said, smiling, before heading off in a different direction.

Remus and Sirius helped Harry and Daisy apparate to the Leaky Cauldron. As they stepped out of the crowded pub, Harry let out a sigh of relief. "I don't think I'll ever get used to Apparating," he admitted, earning chuckles from the others. "Floo powder's much more my style," he added, grinning.

Just as they were about to part ways, Tonks spotted the group and hurried over, a wide smile on her face. "Remus! How are you?" she asked, giving him a quick kiss. Her eyes landed on Harry and Daisy, and she asked, "And how are these two doing?"

Remus smiled, putting a hand on Harry's shoulder. "They're doing great, Tonks. We just helped them with some official business." Tonks's eyes lit up. "Well, in that case, I'm inviting you all to dinner! Andromeda's been cooking up a storm, as usual."

The group agreed, and Tonks led them to her home, a cozy two-story cottage on the outskirts of town. As they approached the front door, it swung open, revealing a warm and welcoming Andromeda Tonks. "Nymphadora's brought friends home for dinner," she said, beaming, using Tonks's full name, which Tonks herself had always despised.

"Andi," Tonks groaned good-naturedly, "you know I hate being called that." Her mother just chuckled and ushered everyone inside. Edward, or Ted, Tonks, smiled and shook hands with the group. "Welcome, everyone. Come on in. Dinner's almost ready."

The group filed into the house, chatting and laughing, the atmosphere warm and friendly. Harry felt at ease, surrounded by people he cared about. As they sat down to eat, Tonks leaned over to Remus and whispered, "I'm so glad you could make it." Remus smiled, putting his arm around her, feeling grateful for this warm and loving family.

The dinner table was filled with laughter and conversation, the food delicious and plentiful. Harry enjoyed the company, feeling grateful for these people who had become like a family to him. As they finished their meal and began to clear the table, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him.

The evening wore on, with stories and jokes flowing freely. Harry glanced over at Daisy, who was chatting with Andromeda, and smiled. This was what family was all about – love, acceptance, and laughter.

As the evening wore on, the conversation turned to the past. Andromeda shared stories about her days as a healer, and Ted talked about his experiences as a lawyer in the wizarding world. The atmosphere remained warm and welcoming, with everyone laughing and chatting freely.

Remus, however, couldn't shake off the feeling of nervousness. Being in his girlfriend's parents' house made him a bit anxious, but Tonks' presence by his side helped calm his nerves.

Andromeda's eyes sparkled as she began to talk about Tonks' childhood. "Oh, Nymphadora, do you remember the time you turned your father's hair bright pink?" she asked, chuckling. Tonks groaned good-naturedly, her face turning slightly pink. "Mother, please, I've told you before, I hate being called Nymphadora," she said, rolling her eyes.

As the clock struck eight, Sirius stood up, saying, "I think Remus and I should get going. We have to drop Harry and Daisy off at Hogwarts."

Ted nodded understandingly. "You can use our fireplace to floo, if you'd like. Saves you a trip to the Leaky Cauldron."

Sirius smiled, grateful for the offer. "Thanks, Ted. That would be a big help."

Harry and Daisy said their goodbyes, and then stepped into the Tonks' fireplace. "Transfiguration office, Hogwarts," Harry said, and they disappeared into the flames.

As they flooed, they materialized in Professor McGonagall's office at Hogwarts. "Ah, Harry, Daisy," McGonagall said with a warm smile. "I trust your trip to Gringotts and the Ministry was successful? The registration of Sirius as your secondary guardian and Remus as your godfather, Daisy, went smoothly, I hope?"

"Yes, Gran Minnie," Harry replied, using the nickname he reserved for her in private. "Everything went well. Bagnold was very helpful."

McGonagall's expression softened slightly at the nickname, but she maintained her professional demeanor. "Good, good. I'm glad to hear that. Now, I believe it's getting late. You two should get some rest. You have classes tomorrow."

Harry and Daisy nodded, bidding McGonagall goodnight before heading off to their respective common rooms.

Daisy made her way down to the dungeons, the stone walls and flickering torches casting an eerie glow on her path. The air grew colder as she descended, and the sound of whispers and murmurs from the Slytherin students in the common room grew louder. She was quite happy with her day, spent with Harry despite Bagnod's warning about the escaped followers of the dark Goblin, Sutyr. As she reached the stone snake-enveloped door, she gave the password "Eternia" and the door slid open, revealing the Slytherin common room.

The room wasn't very full, as many had already retired to sleep in their dorms. However, Draco was awake, apparently waiting for her. He was sitting on a couch, reading a book, and looked up as she approached. "Hey, Daisy," Draco said, his voice low and smooth. "How was your day?"

Daisy walked over to him, feeling a sense of relief at finally being able to relax. "It went smoothly," she replied, trying to stifle a yawn. As she did, her hair changed to midnight blue, a trait she couldn't control when she was tired. Draco chuckled and patted the couch beside him.

"You should get some sleep, Daisy. You look exhausted," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Daisy nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Draco. He had taken Harry's promise to heart and was always looking out for her, like a protective older brother.

"I will," Daisy said, smiling at him. "Thanks for waiting up for me, Draco. Goodnight."

As she made her way to the first-year girls' dormitory, she noticed Astoria was still awake, reading a book. "Hey, Astoria," Daisy said, sitting down beside her friend.

"Hey, Daisy. How was your day?" Astoria asked, putting down her book.

Daisy shrugged. "It was fine. Just spent some time with Harry and the others."

The two girls chatted for a bit, discussing nothing serious - their favorite subjects, Quidditch, and the latest rumors about the Hogwarts ghosts. Before long, Astoria's eyelids began to droop, and she fell asleep, her book slipping from her hands. Daisy gently picked up the book and placed it on the bedside table.

She then pulled out her diary and began to write about her day. It was only her second entry since she got the diary, and she felt a sense of satisfaction as she wrote about her adventures with Harry. As she finished writing, she closed the book and drifted off to sleep, feeling safe and content in her dormitory.

Harry's journey to the common room was quite the adventure. As he walked down the corridor, Peeves, the mischievous poltergeist, suddenly appeared in front of him, grinning from ear to ear. "Hey, Harry Potter, catch this!" Peeves shouted, throwing a water balloon at Harry.

Harry tried to dodge, but the balloon hit him right on the chest, soaking him from head to toe. "Blast it, Peeves!" Harry muttered, shaking his head and sending water droplets flying everywhere. Peeves cackled with glee and disappeared into thin air, leaving Harry to deal with his dripping wet clothes.

As Harry continued on his way, he failed to notice a suspicious-looking floor tile with a tiny inscription that read "Step here and fall, silly wizard!" Harry stepped on it, and the tile gave way beneath his foot. He let out a startled yelp as he tumbled into a hidden pit, landing with a splat in a pile of foam blocks.

Harry groaned, rubbing his head. "Not again." He climbed out of the pit, brushing off the foam blocks and looking around to make sure no one had witnessed his mishap. Shaking his head, he continued to the portrait of the Fat Lady.

When he finally reached the portrait, he gave her the password, "Crimson Lightning." The Fat Lady smiled and swung open, revealing the Gryffindor common room. Harry entered, his eyes scanning the room for his friends. He spotted Ginny sitting on a couch, waiting for him. His other friends must have already retired to sleep, he thought, as he made his way to her.

Ginny's eyes sparkled with amusement as she took in Harry's soaking wet appearance. "You look like a drowned rat," she teased, giggling.

Before Harry could respond, Ginny leaned in and kissed him. Harry's heart skipped a beat as he wrapped his arms around her, deepening the kiss. After a few minutes, Ginny pulled back, her face flushed but a happy smile on her lips.

"I'm glad you're here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry smiled back, his hair still dripping water onto the floor. "Me too," he replied, pulling her close again.

He pulled her into his lap and buried his head inside her hair, smelling their flowery scent. He felt himself relax as he told her about his day. "So, I had a pretty eventful day," Harry started, wrapping his arms around Ginny.

"I bet," Ginny teased, running her fingers through his hair. "Tell me all about it."

Harry chuckled and began to recount his day. "Well, first things first, Sirius told me about his engagement to Amelia. I'm really happy for them, aren't you?"

Ginny smiled. "Yes, I already knew. Susan received a letter from Amelia this afternoon, so all the Muskeeteers know. We're all thrilled for them."

Harry grinned. "Great, I'm glad the news spread quickly. Anyway, after that, we went to Diagon Alley and then Gringotts to officially register Sirius as my secondary guardian. And Remus as Daisy's godfather. Then Griphook, my main account manager at Gringotts, along with Obsidian and Gripnick, gave us a Goblin feast."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with interest. "That sounds amazing! What was the feast like?"

Harry laughed. "It was incredible. The Goblins know how to throw a party. But the best part was when Griphook suggested that I should claim my lordship of at least one of my houses. So, I officially claimed the House of Potter."

Ginny's eyes widened. "That's huge, Harry! Congratulations, Lord Potter."

Harry chuckled, feeling a bit self-conscious about the title. "Thanks. And get this – Griphook also added Daisy to the family tree. She's now officially Madam Potter."

Ginny's expression turned thoughtful, and she frowned slightly. "Shouldn't Daisy be Lady Potter, then?"

Harry smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "No, Lady Potter is a title reserved for my future wife. That would be you, Ginny."

Ginny's face turned bright red as she blushed deeply, but a satisfied smile spread across her face. She leaned in closer to Harry, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm looking forward to being Lady Potter one day."

Harry continued his tale, "Then Bagnod wanted to meet me. He told me that three followers of a late dark Goblin, Sutyr, have escaped Azgharak prison. They're notorious for attacking schools and hospitals, and with Hogwarts being protected, they might target St. Mungos."

Ginny's expression grew concerned. "I hope they catch those prisoners before anything happens," she said, her voice laced with worry.

Harry nodded and went on, "After that, we went to the Ministry to register Sirius as my secondary guardian and Remus as Daisy's godfather. However, due to Sirius's Azkaban issue, we needed the Minister's sign, so we met Fudge."

"What was Fudge's reaction?" Ginny asked, curiosity etched on her face.

Harry replied, "I told him about what Bagnod told me, but he seemed skeptical. I think he might think the Goblins are trying to destabilize his government or something. Still, he agreed to look into it."

Ginny's eyes narrowed. "That's not good. What did you do next?"

"We didn't want to take any chances, so before leaving the Ministry, we also told Amelia about it. Hopefully, they'll make the necessary arrangements," Harry said, reassuring Ginny.

Ginny nodded, seeming to relax a bit. "That's good thinking."

Harry smiled and continued, "Then, at the Leaky Cauldron, we met Tonks, and she invited us to dinner at the Tonkses'. I met Andromeda and Ted, Tonks's parents. It was nice meeting them."

Ginny's face lit up with a smile. "That sounds lovely. What happened after dinner?"

Harry chuckled. "Well, after dinner, Daisy and I came back. And on our way to the common room, Peeves threw a water balloon at me, and I got completely soaked."

Ginny burst out laughing. "Only Peeves could do that. Poor Harry, all wet and soggy."

Harry grinned mischievously as he pulled Ginny closer, making her breath hitch. "I know you love it when I'm all soaked," he teased, his eyes sparkling with amusement. Ginny's cheeks flushed, and she tried to push him away, but Harry held her firm. He captured her lips with his, and they shared a tender kiss.

As they parted ways, Harry whispered, "See you in dreamland, Firefly." Ginny smiled and nodded, and they reluctantly separated, heading to their respective dormitories. They knew they would meet again soon in their secret dreamland.

In dreamland, Harry and Ginny stood side by side, surrounded by a serene landscape. They began practicing defensive magic, studying spells and incantations they had been learning for the eventual return of Voldemort. Their bond grew stronger with each passing moment, and their magical cores resonated in harmony.

As they practiced, Hinny, their phoenix, watched over them, its fiery spirit radiating warmth and protection. Harry and Ginny moved in perfect sync, their wands weaving intricate patterns as they cast spells and counter-curse. Their love and trust in each other made their magic more potent, and they felt invincible together.

"You're getting better, Gin," Harry praised, his emerald green eyes shining with admiration. Ginny beamed, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling with pride. "Thanks to you, Morph," she replied, her voice filled with affection.

Amelia sat in her office, deep in thought as she studied the Auror office charts. She sighed, her brow furrowed with concern. It was a precarious time, with the Goblins out of prison and most of the experienced Auror force abroad on a mission to Germany. Although they still had some forces, she wasn't convinced it would be enough.

Her thoughts drifted to Harry Potter, the young boy her fiancé, Sirius Black, was so fond of. She had grown to care for Harry herself, and it worried her that the boy might be drawn into the danger that these escaped Goblins posed.

With a determined look, she turned to her Senior Undersecretary, Emmeline Piper. "Emmeline, please send a message to Head Auror Rufus Scrimgeour. I need him to come to my office immediately."

Emmeline nodded and quickly dispatched the owl. Amelia leaned back in her chair, her mind racing with the implications of the escaped Goblins. She knew that Hogwarts had been given protection, but St. Mungos might be vulnerable. She hoped Rufus would take her concerns seriously.

As she waited for Rufus to arrive, Amelia's thoughts turned to the visit Harry and his sister Daisy had made to the Ministry recently. She had been impressed by Harry's maturity and sense of responsibility, especially when he claimed his lordship for the House of Potter.

But her thoughts were interrupted by Emmeline's return. "Head Auror Scrimgeour is here, ma'am."

Amelia nodded, and Rufus entered the room, his expression serious. "Rufus, thank you for coming so quickly. I need to discuss the escaped Goblins with you."

Rufus nodded, taking a seat. "Of course, Amelia. What's the situation?"

Amelia's expression was grave as she leaned forward, her eyes locked on Rufus Scrimgeour. "Rufus, I'm telling you, this is serious. We have reason to believe that three Goblins, followers of the dark Goblin Sutyr, have escaped from Azgharak prison. They're notorious for targeting schools and hospitals."

Rufus raised an eyebrow, his tone skeptical. "And you're certain this information is reliable?"

Amelia nodded. "Yes, it comes from a trusted source. Bagnod, the Gringotts manager, informed Harry Potter, who in turn informed Minister Fudge. Given the current situation with our Auror force abroad, I'm worried we might not have the resources to handle this adequately."

Rufus leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "I understand your concern, Amelia, but we need to prioritize our resources. Places like Hogwarts, Hogsmeade, and Diagon Alley are more likely targets. I'm not convinced St Mungos is at risk."

Amelia's brow furrowed. "But we can't afford to take chances. St Mungos is a vulnerable target, and if these Goblins do attack...I don't want to think about the consequences. I think we should take precautions, at least increase the security there."

Rufus sighed, rubbing his chin. "Alright, I'll send a team to assess the situation at St Mungos, but I'm not committing a large force without more concrete evidence. We need to focus on the more probable targets."

Amelia's eyes narrowed, her voice firm. "I hope you're right, Rufus. But I have a feeling about this. Let's make sure we're prepared, just in case."

Rufus sat in his office, surrounded by the dimly lit wooden panels and the faint scent of old books. The weight of responsibility hung heavy on his shoulders as he pored over the reports on his desk. The Auror Office was at an all-time low, a shadow of its former self after the first war. Budget cuts had left them severely understaffed, with many of their best Aurors either inexperienced or abroad on missions.

He sighed, rubbing his temples. The numbers were stark: 24 Senior Aurors, 102 Junior Aurors, 300 Senior Cadets, and 507 Junior Cadets. Most were either green or away on assignments, leaving the department woefully unprepared for any major threats. Rufus's thoughts turned to the recent intelligence about the escaped Goblins, followers of the dark Goblin Sutyr. Amelia Bones had informed him of the potential threat to St Mungos, but Rufus was skeptical. Schools and shopping districts seemed more likely targets to him.

"Perhaps we're overreacting," Rufus muttered to himself, "or maybe the Goblins are just trying to create panic." Still, he couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. He decided to send a team to assess the situation at St Mungos, if only to cover their bases. With a heavy sigh, Rufus began to scribble notes, his mind racing with the possibilities.

Rufus sat at his desk, sipping his lukewarm tea, his mind racing with the implications of the escaped Goblins. He had received the intel from Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, about the potential threat to St Mungos Hospital. However, Rufus was unconvinced. In his experience, Goblins tended to target places of financial significance, like Gringotts Wizarding Bank or Diagon Alley.

"Perhaps this is an opportunity to prove myself," Rufus thought, a hint of ambition creeping into his mind. If he could handle this situation effectively, he might just overtake Amelia as the Head of DMLE. The thought sent a thrill through him. He began to ponder the possibilities, weighing the pros and cons of different scenarios.

"Amelia is wrong about St Mungos," Rufus muttered to himself. "The Goblins would be more likely to target Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. Maybe they're just trying to distract us from their real plan." The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. "Yes, that's exactly what they're doing. They're trying to throw us off their trail."

With a newfound sense of determination, Rufus began to formulate a plan. He would send a team to assess the situation at St Mungos, but he would also increase security at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. That way, he could cover his bases and prove his worth to the Ministry.

Rufus Scrimgeour, the Head Auror, sat in Minister Fudge's office, awaiting the minister's instructions. Fudge, a stout man with a self-assured air, began to speak.

"Rufus, I have reason to believe the Goblins are planning to destabilize our government by looting their Gringotts account and then blaming it on the dark goblins," Fudge said, his voice firm with conviction. "I want you to focus your efforts on protecting Diagon Alley, particularly Gringotts Bank. We cannot let them get away with this."

Rufus nodded, taking note of the minister's words. "Yes, Minister. But what about the tip we received about St. Mungos Hospital? Harry Potter informed us that the escaped Goblins might target the hospital."

Fudge waved his hand dismissively. "St. Mungos is not a priority, Rufus. The Goblins are trying to distract us from their real plan. We need to protect our financial interests, not some hospital. See to it that Diagon Alley is secure, and don't bother with St. Mungos."

Rufus raised an eyebrow, slightly skeptical of Fudge's reasoning. "As you wish, Minister. But I must say, I'm not entirely convinced that St. Mungos is not in danger. Perhaps we should—"

Fudge cut him off. "No, Rufus. I want your focus on Diagon Alley. You have your orders. See that they're carried out."

Rufus nodded, though he couldn't shake off the feeling that Fudge might be underestimating the situation. He left the minister's office, determined to do his job to the best of his abilities, despite the minister's biases.

The Great Hall was bustling with activity as students from all four houses gathered for breakfast. The 12 Musketeers, consisting of Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Susan, Ginny, Luna, Dudley, Scorpius, Daisy, and Samantha, sat together at the Hufflepuff table, enjoying their breakfast and discussing their plans for the day.

As they ate, the Daily Prophet arrived, and the students eagerly unfolded their copies to read the latest news. Harry's eyes scanned the headlines, and he smiled wryly as he saw his own title as Lord Potter being highlighted. "Lord Potter Takes His Rightful Place," the headline read.

Another article caught his eye, "Amelia Bones and Sirius Black: A Union of Strength and Loyalty." The Musketeers glanced at each other, having already known about the engagement, but still amused by the public announcement.

"Well, it's official now," Ron said, grinning. "Sirius is going to be a part of the family."

"About time," Hermione added. "They're perfect for each other."

Ginny leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Harry, when are you going to tell us what's really going on? You seem a bit preoccupied."

Harry's expression turned serious. "Let's discuss it in the Musketeers room. It's about the Goblins."

The others exchanged curious glances, sensing that something important was brewing.

Professor Sprout stood before her class of 2nd year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs, surveying the students as she began her lesson on the Flutterby Bush. "Good morning, class. Today, we'll be learning about the magical properties of the Flutterby Bush. Notice how the flowers adapt their scent to attract the unwary?"

The students leaned in, intrigued by the quivering plant. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Susan, and others took notes and asked questions, their curiosity piqued.

"Professor Sprout, can you tell us more about the Flutterby Bush's magical aura?" Hermione asked, her hand raised.

"An excellent question, Miss Granger," Professor Sprout replied. "The Flutterby Bush's magical aura allows it to interact with its environment in a unique way. Mr. Longbottom, would you kindly demonstrate how to handle the plant's delicate flowers?"

Neville nodded, carefully plucking a flower from the bush. "Like this, Professor?"

"Exactly, Mr. Longbottom," Professor Sprout said, smiling. "Well done."

Susan scribbled notes furiously, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Professor Sprout, what are the practical applications of the Flutterby Bush's magical properties?"

Professor Sprout's eyes lit up. "An excellent question, Miss Bones. The Flutterby Bush has several uses in potion-making and spellcasting..."

As the lesson continued, Harry listened intently, his mind momentarily distracted from the weight of the Goblin breakout.

The 2nd-year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs sat in Professor Sinistra's classroom, eagerly awaiting their Astronomy lesson. Professor Sinistra wrote notes on the blackboard, outlining the day's topic: the planets in our solar system.

"Today, class, we'll be discussing the unique characteristics of each planet," Professor Sinistra explained. "Please take notes and ask questions if you're unsure."

Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Susan were all attentive, scribbling notes and asking thoughtful questions. As the lesson progressed, the students learned about the different planets, their orbits, and their relative sizes.

After the lesson, the students packed up their belongings, chatting about what they had learned. Harry turned to his friends and said, "I'm really interested in learning more about the stars and constellations. Maybe we can do some stargazing tonight?"

Ron nodded enthusiastically. "That sounds like a great idea, Harry! I'll bring my telescope."

Hermione smiled. "I'll bring some snacks and we can make a night of it."

Susan chimed in, "I'll ask if I can join you guys. Maybe we can find a good spot on the grounds with minimal light pollution."

Neville nodded in agreement. "Sounds like a plan to me."

The next few days passed peacefully, with the Daily Prophet maintaining its silence on the Goblin breakout. Harry had already written to Amelia, whom he affectionately called Aunt Lia, regarding the potential threat to St. Mungos. She had assured him that she had handed the matter over to Rufus Scrimgeour, a capable Auror, although she mentioned possible political disagreements between them.

"Aunt Lia, I'm worried about St. Mungos," Harry had said in his letter. "If these Goblins are as dangerous as Bagnod says, we can't afford to take any chances."

"I've spoken to Rufus, Harry," Amelia had replied. "He's a good Auror, but there may be... disagreements. Still, I'm confident he'll handle it professionally."

Unbeknownst to Amelia, Fudge had already spoken to Rufus, convincing him to focus on Diagon Alley rather than St. Mungos. The Muskeeteers were vigilant, aware that the threat was real, even if the Ministry wasn't taking it seriously.

As the week drew to a close, Harry couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. He made a mental note to discuss the matter further with his friends, perhaps during their next meeting in the Musketeers' room.

On October 7, 1992, Harry was feeling anxious, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach. Ginny, always attuned to his emotions, noticed the change in his demeanor and decided to take matters into her own hands. During lunchtime, instead of heading to the Great Hall with the rest of the students, she steered Harry through the Whomping Willow passageway, the tree's branches whipping wildly as they passed.

"Hey, what's going on, Harry?" Ginny asked, her voice soft and concerned as they made their way to the Shrieking Shack. "You've been distant all morning. Is everything okay?"

Harry sighed, running a hand through his messy black hair. "I don't know, Ginny. I just have this bad feeling, like something's off."

Ginny's eyes locked onto his, her expression understanding. "Let's get out of here for a bit, just the two of us. We can have a quiet lunch in the Shack, and you can tell me all about it."

The Shrieking Shack, infamous for its eerie reputation, was the perfect place for a secret rendezvous. The howling wind outside seemed to amplify the creaks and groans of the old building, but Ginny and Harry were alone, safe in each other's company.

As they sat down to eat, Ginny leaned in close, her red hair spilling over her shoulders. "So, what's bothering you? Is it the Goblin thing?"

Harry nodded, his emerald green eyes clouding over. "Yeah, I just can't shake the feeling that St. Mungos is in danger. And Fudge doesn't seem to be taking it seriously."

Ginny's grip on his hand tightened. "We'll figure it out, Harry. We'll make sure St. Mungos is protected. But for now, let's just focus on us, okay?"

The tension in Harry's body eased slightly as Ginny's warmth spread through him. He smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude toward her. "Thanks, Ginny. You're always there for me."

Their lunch was a quiet, intimate affair, the only sound the distant howling of the wind and the creaks of the old shack. As they ate, Ginny leaned in close, her lips brushing against Harry's ear. "I love you, Harry."

"I love you too, Ginny," Harry replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

In that moment, the world outside receded, and all that mattered was the two of them, lost in their own little bubble of love and concern for each other. But as they finished their lunch, Harry's anxiety lingered, a nagging sense that their problems were far from over.

As they sat together, Ginny's lips brushed against Harry's, sending shivers down his spine. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of their kiss. Harry's anxiety momentarily forgotten, he let himself get swept up in the moment, his emerald green eyes closing as he savored the sensation.

But their blissful interlude was short-lived. A shrill scream pierced the air, followed by more cries of terror and panic. Ginny's eyes snapped open, and she pulled away from Harry, her face pale. "What's going on?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Harry's eyes flew open, and he rushed to the window, Ginny right behind him. They peered out into the distance, and Harry's heart sank. Hogsmeade was in chaos, smoke billowing into the air as people ran wildly through the streets.

"Oh no," Ginny breathed, her hand flying to her mouth. "It's been attacked."

Harry's worst fears had come true. The Goblins had struck, and Hogsmeade was paying the price. He felt a surge of anger and helplessness, knowing that he had warned the Ministry, only to be ignored.

"We have to get back to Hogwarts," Harry said, his voice firm. "We need to tell the professors what's happening."

Ginny nodded, her eyes wide with fear. "But what about the people in Hogsmeade? We have to help them."

Harry's face set in determination. "We'll do what we can, Ginny. But first, we need to get back to Hogwarts and sound the alarm. We can't do anything for Hogsmeade if we're stuck here."

Without another word, they made their way back through the passageway, the Whomping Willow's branches whipping wildly as they emerged on the other side. They sprinted toward the castle, their hearts racing with fear and adrenaline, knowing that their world was about to change forever.

They ran through the corridors, their footsteps echoing off the stone walls as they ignored the curious glances from other students. Their pace didn't slow until they reached the stone gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmaster's office. Harry and Ginny skidded to a stop in front of the gargoyle, which gazed at them with an unyielding expression.

"Password?" it demanded in a dry, raspy voice.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a frantic glance. They knew Dumbledore often used unusual passwords, sometimes even names of muggle candies. Harry tried "Bertie Bott's," but the gargoyle remained still. Ginny attempted "Sherbet Lemon," but it didn't budge. Time was running out, and they couldn't afford to waste any more.

Harry glanced around, ensuring they were alone except for Ginny. A spark of determination ignited in his eyes, and he turned back to the gargoyle. "Step aside," he said firmly, his voice low and commanding. "I need to see the Headmaster. I am the heir of Godric Gryffindor."

The gargoyle's expression didn't change, but to Harry and Ginny's surprise, it stepped aside, revealing the spiral staircase behind it. They exchanged a look of amazement; Harry hadn't been sure if his claim would work, but it seemed his secret heritage had just proven useful.

With the gargoyle's obstruction removed, they hastened up the staircase, the soft glow of the candles on the walls casting flickering shadows around them. They were one step closer to alerting Dumbledore about the attack on Hogsmeade, and they hoped the Headmaster would know what to do next.

They burst into the Headmaster's office, the door swinging open with a soft creak. Dumbledore, seated behind his desk, looked up from the papers he was studying, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of curiosity and mild amusement. Despite being 111 years old, he had seen his fair share of unexpected events, but two students suddenly appearing in his office without warning was a novelty.

"Ah, Harry, Ginny, what seems to be the matter?" Dumbledore asked, his voice calm and gentle.

Harry and Ginny quickly explained the situation in Hogsmeade, their words tumbling out in a rush. Dumbledore listened attentively, his expression growing increasingly serious as the gravity of the situation sank in.

As they finished their account, Harry couldn't help but notice that Dumbledore didn't ask about their presence in the Shrieking Shack during mid-afternoon. It was as if he knew that the reason for their absence from the Great Hall was irrelevant compared to the crisis unfolding in Hogsmeade. Harry wasn't sure if Dumbledore had deliberately chosen not to pry or if he simply had more pressing concerns, but he was grateful for the lack of questioning.

For now, Dumbledore's focus was on the attack, and Harry and Ginny were content to let him prioritize the situation. The Headmaster's eyes seemed to bore into the distance, his mind already racing with strategies to address the crisis.

Dumbledore was about to summon Fawkes, his phoenix, to flame travel him to Hogsmeade, when Harry suddenly stopped him. "Professor, I should come with you," Harry said firmly.

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with a mix of surprise and consideration as Harry requested to accompany him to Hogsmeade. "Absolutely not, Harry! You're a student, and this is far too perilous an endeavor for someone so young," Dumbledore said firmly, his voice laced with concern.

Harry stood his ground, his determination evident. "But, Professor, as a friend of the Goblin nation, I've had unique exposure to their culture and magic. I might be able to provide insight into what's happening in Hogsmeade, given the Goblins' involvement."

Dumbledore's expression softened slightly, weighing the potential benefits against the risks. Before he could respond, Ginny stepped forward. "I'm coming too," she said, her voice firm and resolute.

Both Harry and Dumbledore turned to her, protesting in unison. "Ginny, no!" Harry exclaimed. "It's not safe," Dumbledore added.

Ginny's eyes flashed with determination. "You promised me you'd treat me as your equal, Harry," she reminded him, her voice steady. Harry's eyes widened as he recalled the promise he'd made to her a year ago, when they first confessed their love for each other.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with amusement at the exchange, and he nodded thoughtfully. "It seems the young couple has a prior agreement, Harry. And given the circumstances, I believe it would be wise to have both of you accompany me. Your unique perspectives might prove invaluable."

With a wave of his hand, Dumbledore summoned Fawkes, his majestic phoenix. The bird's fiery plumage illuminated the room as it spread its wings, ready to transport the trio to Hogsmeade. "Fawkes, please take us to Hogsmeade," Dumbledore instructed, and the three of them stepped into the flames, surrounded by the warmth and light of Fawkes' fire.

As Fawkes' flames dissipated, the three of them found themselves standing amidst the chaos-stricken streets of Hogsmeade. The village was in disarray, with witches and wizards running wildly, screaming and trying to escape the destruction. The air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke and the sound of crashing and crumbling filled the air. Buildings were ablaze, their wooden beams crackling as they burned, and debris littered the cobblestone streets.

Aurors, led by Rufus Scrimgeour, the Head Auror, were attempting to regain control, but they seemed utterly helpless against the forces wreaking havoc on the village. Scrimgeour's face was set in a determined expression, but his eyes betrayed his growing frustration. His team of Aurors was firing spells at the creatures, but they seemed to have little effect.

Dumbledore's eyes scanned the scene, his expression grave with concern. "This is indeed a dire situation," he murmured.

The source of the destruction was not immediately apparent, but as they looked closer, they saw that it was not Goblins themselves, but rather strange, hulking creatures that seemed to be made of dark metal and stone. These creatures, Goblin golems, were smashing through buildings and overturning market stalls, their movements jerky and mechanical. Their bodies were imposing and intimidating, and they seemed almost unstoppable.

Ginny's eyes were wide with fear as she clutched Harry's arm. "What are those things?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

Dumbledore's face was set in a determined expression. "I'm not sure, but we need to stop them before it's too late."

Harry's eyes were fixed on the golems, his mind racing. He knew that as a friend of the Goblin nation, he had access to knowledge that might help them. He had spent countless hours studying Goblin texts and learning about their unique approach to magic. "Professor, I think I know how to stop them," he said, his voice firm.

Dumbledore turned to him, his eyes questioning. "How, Harry? What makes you think you know the solution?"

"The Goblins have combined their magic with Muggle concepts to create these golems," Harry explained. "They've taken the idea of automatons and infused them with magic. But there's a weakness – their tails. If we can destroy their tails, physically, not with magic, we might be able to shut them down."

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed, his mind working quickly. "Are you certain, Harry? This is no trivial matter."

Harry nodded, his confidence unwavering. "Yes, Professor. I've studied Goblin magic and their written texts. I'm sure this is the way to stop them."

With a determined look, Dumbledore nodded. "Very well, let's proceed. We have no other choice. We'll need to act quickly and carefully if we're to have any hope of stopping these creatures and restoring order to Hogsmeade."

As the chaos unfolded in Hogsmeade, Harry's eyes scanned the scene, his mind racing with the knowledge he had gained from his studies of Goblin magic. "Professor, I think I know how to stop them," he said, his voice firm.

Dumbledore turned to him, his eyes questioning. "How, Harry? What makes you think you know the solution?"

"The Goblins have combined their magic with Muggle concepts to create these golems," Harry explained. "The only way to stop them is to destroy their tails, physically, not with magic."

Dumbledore's eyes narrowed, his mind working quickly. "Very well, Harry. Let's proceed. I'll distract the golems while you and Ginny work on destroying their tails. I'll conjure hammers for you."

With a flick of his wand, Dumbledore conjured several large hammers, which hovered in the air, waiting for Harry and Ginny to grab them. "Let's go," Harry said, grabbing a hammer and nodding to Ginny.

Dumbledore stepped forward, his eyes twinkling with a fierce light. "Ignis eximius!" he shouted, casting a spell that sent a blast of fire towards the golems. The creatures stumbled back, momentarily distracted by the flames.

Harry and Ginny took advantage of the distraction, dashing towards the golems with their hammers at the ready. The Aurors, led by Scrimgeour, looked on in confusion, unsure of what to make of the situation. "A 12-year-old boy telling the Headmaster what to do?" Scrimgeour muttered, his expression skeptical.

As Dumbledore distracted the golems with his spells, Harry and Ginny snuck up behind the first golem. Harry gripped his hammer tightly, his eyes fixed on the golem's tail. Ginny nodded, and together they raised their hammers.

With a loud clang, Harry brought his hammer down on the golem's tail, striking it with precision. The golem let out a loud screech as its tail began to crack and crumble. Ginny followed up with another strike, her hammer hitting the golem's tail with equal force.

The golem stumbled, its movements becoming more erratic as its tail began to disintegrate. Dumbledore took advantage of the distraction, casting a spell that sent the golem stumbling back.

However, as they watched Harry and Ginny expertly dodge the golems' attacks and strike at their tails with precision, they began to realize that perhaps Harry knew what he was doing. "Well, I'll be...," Scrimgeour trailed off, his eyes wide with surprise.

Scrimgeour watched in amazement as the golem collapsed to the ground, its tail destroyed. "By Merlin's beard," he muttered, his eyes wide with surprise. "The boy's actually doing it."

He turned to his Aurors. "Alright, men! Let's help them out! We can't just stand here and watch. Cast immobilizing spells to keep the golems in place while Harry and Ginny work on destroying their tails."

The Aurors sprang into action, casting spells to immobilize the golems and provide cover for Harry and Ginny as they worked on destroying the tails. Dumbledore continued to cast his spells, keeping the golems distracted and off balance.

The battle raged on, with spells flying back and forth and the sound of hammering echoing through the streets of Hogsmeade. Harry and Ginny worked tirelessly, their hammers rising and falling in perfect sync as they targeted the golems' tails.

One by one, the golems began to collapse, their tails destroyed and their magical cores disrupted. The Aurors cheered, their initial skepticism forgotten in the face of Harry's ingenuity and bravery.

As the last golem fell, the village erupted in cheers. Harry and Ginny stood panting, their hammers still clutched in their hands, grinning from ear to ear. Dumbledore smiled, his eyes shining with pride.

"Well done, Harry," he said, his voice warm with approval. "You and Ginny make a formidable team."

Scrimgeour approached them, a look of respect on his face. "Harry Potter, I think it's time we took you seriously," he said, his voice gruff. "You've proven yourself to be a valuable asset in this fight against darkness."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of pride and satisfaction. He knew that this was just the beginning of a long and difficult journey, but he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Just then Harry's eyes scanned the scene, taking in the destruction and chaos. His mind was racing with thoughts, and suddenly, a realization struck him. "There were no Goblins here, just golems," he said, his voice low and thoughtful.

Dumbledore turned to him, his eyes questioning. "What does that mean, Harry?"

"It means Hogsmeade wasn't the target," Harry replied, his eyes narrowing. "It was just a distraction."

Scrimgeour's expression changed from one of relief to concern. "What are you talking about, Harry?"

"I think the real target is somewhere else," Harry said, his mind racing with possibilities. "Is St Mungos safe?"

Scrimgeour's face fell, and he looked at Dumbledore with a mixture of guilt and alarm. "To be honest, Harry, we didn't think St Mungos was in danger. Fudge convinced me to focus on Diagon Alley instead."

Harry's eyes widened in realization. "So, there's no security at the hospital?"

Scrimgeour shook his head, his expression grim. "None, due to Fudge's orders. I think we may have made a grave mistake, Harry."

The scene fell silent, with the weight of Scrimgeour's words hanging in the air. Harry's eyes locked onto Scrimgeour's, his mind racing with the implications.

"Let's get to St Mungos, now," Harry said, his voice firm and urgent.

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling with a fierce light. "Indeed, we must act quickly. Time is of the essence."

The battle between the aurors, Scrimgeour, Dumbledore, and the healers versus the three goblins was intense. The air was filled with the sound of spells and curses, the scent of smoke and destruction hanging heavy over the grounds. Pyre Jones, her brown hair tied back in a ponytail, was frantically tending to the wounded patients while also casting defensive spells to protect them.

"Take cover!" Scrimgeour bellowed, his eyes flashing with determination. "We need to take down those goblins before they cause any more harm!"

Dumbledore, his eyes twinkling with a fierce light, strode forward, his wand flashing with a soft blue glow. "Ah, I think it's time we showed these goblins the true meaning of power and precision."

The aurors followed close behind, their wands firing spells that ricocheted off the goblins' twisted forms. The goblins retaliated with dark magic, sending debris flying everywhere. Harry watched for a moment, his eyes locked onto the goblins, before turning to Ginny.

"Ginny, I need to summon Twinky. I have a message for Bagnod."

Ginny nodded, her eyes never leaving the battle. "Be quick, Harry. We don't know how much longer we can hold them off."

Harry focused his mind and whispered, "Twinky, come to me." A faint spark of light appeared before him, and Twinky, the twin elf, materialized. "Twinky, I need you to take a message to Bagnod. Tell him the three goblins have been spotted at St Mungos. He needs to bring the Goblin Police immediately."

Twinky nodded, her eyes shining with understanding, and vanished in a flash of light. Harry watched her go, hoping she would reach Bagnod in time.

The battle raged on, the sound of spells and curses growing louder. Harry knew they had to end this quickly, before anyone else got hurt. He turned back to the fight, his eyes locked onto the goblins, ready to join the battle alongside his friends.

The battle raged on inside St Mungos Hospital, the sound of spells and curses echoing off the walls. Dumbledore stood tall, his eyes flashing with determination as he cast a series of complex spells to counter the Goblins' dark magic. Harry and Ginny stood back, their eyes fixed on the chaos unfolding before them. Dumbledore had specifically instructed them to stay out of the fight, citing the unpredictable nature of the Goblins' magic and the risk of things escalating further.

"I don't like this," Ginny whispered to Harry, her eyes darting towards the Goblins. "We should be helping."

"Dumbledore's orders," Harry replied, his voice low. "Let's just watch for now."

Just then, a spell from one of the Goblins struck a Healer with incredible force, sending her crashing to the ground. Harry's eyes widened in horror as the Healer lay motionless. A surge of anger coursed through him, and without thinking, he let out a low growl.

The air around them began to shift, the wind picking up speed as if responding to Harry's emotions. Ginny's eyes snapped to Harry, her face pale with concern. "Harry, what's happening?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the growing din.

Harry's eyes were fixed on the Goblins, his face twisted in a mixture of rage and grief. He didn't seem to notice the wind whipping around them, or Ginny's worried gaze. The wind grew stronger, howling through the hospital like a beast unleashed. Ginny looked horrified, her eyes darting to Dumbledore, who was still battling the Goblins, seemingly unaware of the sudden change in the atmosphere.

The Goblins, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, hesitated for a moment, their eyes flicking towards Harry with a mixture of fear and curiosity. Harry's emotions seemed to be fueling the wind, which was now buffeting the hospital's walls and windows. Ginny took a step back, her eyes fixed on Harry in a mixture of awe and fear, as if she sensed that something extraordinary was happening, but had no idea what.

Next Chapter is Impact of the Battle.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  Hey guys , welcome again . I know I was a bit late but since I am an Indian and there is this whole war situation going on here , I didn't wanted to place this battle chapter here but then I thought it's purely fictional and should not offend anyone but even if it does , I apologise as that was not my intention. So what are your thoughts on this action packed chapter. Just don't complain about Harry and Ginny not using more spells though, as they are mere 2nd and 1st year respectively, even if they are training in their secret dreamland. But I promise that it would not always be the case , I have the whole training arc planned ahead after we complete this Goblin battle and its impact on wizarding world arc. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 28: Impact of the Battle

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Ginny's horror turned to alarm as Harry's eyes suddenly glowed with an intense, earthy light that seemed to pulse with a life of its own. The wind died down, and the air seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. The Goblins, caught off guard, stumbled backward as the earth beneath them seemed to shift and respond to Harry's power.

Without seeming to realize what he was doing, Harry used the element of earth to trap the three Goblins, binding them with thick, gnarled roots that burst forth from the floor like living serpents. The roots wrapped around the Goblins' ankles and wrists, holding them fast with a strength that seemed almost primal. The Goblins struggled against their restraints, their faces twisted in shock and fear as they realized they were helpless against this strange and ancient magic.

Dumbledore's eyes widened in stunned amazement, his gaze fixed on Harry with a mixture of wonder and trepidation. He took a step forward, his hands extended as if to touch Harry, but then hesitated, unsure of what to do. "By the ancient arts," he breathed, his voice barely audible over the sound of the Goblins' struggles. "What is happening?"

The aurors and Scrimgeour stood frozen, their faces pale with shock. Pyre and the other healers stared at Harry in awe, unsure of what to do. Some of them took a step back, their eyes fixed on Harry with a mixture of fear and fascination.

Just as suddenly as it had begun, the earthy glow faded from Harry's eyes, and he stumbled forward, his legs giving way beneath him. Ginny rushed to his side, catching him as he fell. "Harry!" she cried, her voice trembling with fear. She held him tightly, her arms wrapped around his waist as she tried to support his weight.

As Ginny held Harry, Bagnod burst into the scene with a contingent of Goblin forces, their eyes fixed on the trapped Goblins. Bagnod's face was set in a stern expression, his eyes blazing with a fierce determination. "Seize them!" he barked, his voice firm. "These dark Goblins will face justice for their crimes."

The Goblin forces moved swiftly, surrounding the trapped Goblins and binding them with heavy chains that clanked and rattled as they were dragged away. The dark Goblins struggled and cursed, but they were no match for the combined might of the Goblin forces and the mysterious power that had bound them.

As the last of the dark Goblins were dragged away, Ginny cradled Harry's head in her lap, her face etched with worry. "Harry, wake up," she whispered, her voice barely audible. She stroked his hair, her fingers trembling with fear. But Harry remained unconscious, his body limp in Ginny's arms.

Dumbledore, Bagnod, and Pyre gathered around Harry, who lay unconscious in Ginny's lap. Ginny's face was etched with worry as she stroked Harry's hair, her eyes fixed on his pale face. "Harry, please wake up," she whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

Dumbledore's eyes were filled with a mixture of concern and wonder as he gazed at Harry. "This is indeed a remarkable display of magic," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I have never seen anything like it."

Bagnod's face was set in a stern expression, his eyes narrowed as he watched Harry. "The boy's magic is indeed powerful," he said. "But we must ensure he is safe."

Pyre, the healer, gently took Harry's pulse, her eyes scanning his face for any signs of distress. "He's stable, but we need to get him to a safe place," she said. "I'll take him to St Mungos' private ward."

Ginny looked up at Pyre with concern. "Pyre, what's happening to him?" she asked, her voice filled with worry. "Will he be okay?"

Pyre smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Ginny. I'll take good care of him. Charlie will kill me if anything happens to him," she added with a gentle smile.

Scrimgeour, the Head Auror, who had been standing nearby, looking shocked, finally spoke up. "What just happened?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion. "How did Harry...?"

Dumbledore's eyes never left Harry's face. "It seems, Scrimgeour, that Harry's abilities are still unfolding. We have much to learn about his powers."

Bagnod nodded in agreement. "The boy's connection to the elements is indeed remarkable. We will need to discuss this further."

As Pyre carefully lifted Harry into her arms, Ginny stood up, her eyes never leaving Harry's face. "I'll stay with him," she said, her voice firm.

Dumbledore nodded. "Very well, Ginny. We'll ensure he's safe. Let's proceed to the ward."

As Pyre tended to Harry in the ward, Dumbledore standing beside her, Ginny's eyes never left Harry's face. Bagnod approached Dumbledore and cleared his throat to get his attention. "If I may, Headmaster, I'd like a word with Ginevra," he said, his voice low.

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose slightly, curiosity etched on his face. "Very well, Bagnod. Ginny, would you step aside with him for a moment?" he asked, his eyes flicking to Ginny.

Ginny nodded, her brow furrowed slightly as she followed Bagnod to a quiet corner of the ward. "What is it, Bagnod?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"I witnessed something truly remarkable today," Bagnod said, his eyes gleaming with intensity. "I believe it goes beyond the elemental magic we saw Harry display."

Ginny's eyes widened slightly, intrigued. "What do you mean?" she asked, leaning in closer.

Bagnod's voice dropped to a whisper. "I'd rather discuss this with Harry and you alone, without the presence of...others. Would you arrange a meeting with me at Gringotts once Harry is well enough?"

Ginny's curiosity was piqued. "Of course, Bagnod. I'll make sure Harry and I visit you as soon as possible," she promised, her mind racing with possibilities.

Bagnod nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "I look forward to it, Ginevra. Until then," he said, before turning to rejoin the others.

Ginny's gaze wandered around the ward, taking in the extent of the damage. St Mungos, a place of healing and care, had been transformed into a scene of chaos and destruction. Bloodstains marred the walls, and furniture lay shattered on the floor. Injured healers and patients filled the ward, their moans and cries filling the air.

Ginny's heart ached as she took in the devastation. She couldn't help but wonder what had happened here, and how the three Goblins had managed to cause so much destruction. Her eyes fell upon a young healer, her arm bound in a makeshift sling, and a patient, his face pale and clammy, being tended to by a team of healers.

She sighed, her eyes returning to Harry's face. Pyre's reassuring smile caught her attention. "He's going to be fine, Ginny," she said. "Just a bit of magical exhaustion. He'll wake up soon."

Ginny nodded, her gaze settling back on Harry's face. She took his hand in hers, feeling a sense of comfort at the familiar warmth of his skin. As she sat there, waiting for Harry to awaken, her mind wandered back to Bagnod's mysterious words. What could he possibly want to discuss with her and Harry? And what did he mean by something more than Harry's elemental magic?

In his subconscious state, Harry's eyes slowly fluttered open, and he found himself surrounded by a gathering of figures that seemed to be...elvish. Four of them stood out to him, their features indistinct but somehow familiar. He couldn't quite make out their faces or details, but he sensed a strange connection to them.

The first figure seemed to embody lightness and airiness, with delicate features that hinted at a slender build. Harry caught glimpses of pale skin and hair that might have been silver or light gold, but it was hard to tell. There was something about this figure that felt gentle and soothing.

The second figure appeared sturdy and earthy, with strong features that suggested a robust build. Harry glimpsed dark hair and skin tones that seemed rich and earthy. This figure exuded a sense of stability and grounding.

The third figure radiated heat and energy, their lean build and bold features striking. Harry saw hints of fiery red hair and skin tones that seemed golden or bronzed. This figure seemed intense and vibrant, like a flame burning brightly.

The fourth figure had a serene and aquatic appearance, their lithe build and delicate features evoking a sense of calm. Harry glimpsed pearlescent skin and hair that flowed like seaweed. This figure seemed mysterious and otherworldly.

Beyond these four figures, Harry sensed the presence of 15 more, their outlines shrouded in darkness. He couldn't see their features or details, but he felt their presence like a gentle hum in the background.

Harry's mind struggled to make sense of what he was seeing. Who were these people? Why were they here? He tried to speak, but his voice was trapped in his throat. He tried to reach out, but his body felt heavy and unresponsive.

As he gazed at the four figures, Harry felt a sense of wonder and confusion. What was going on? Why could he see them, but not clearly? And who were the others, shrouded in darkness? The vision began to fade, and Harry's consciousness slipped back into the darkness, leaving him with more questions than answers.

As Harry's consciousness slowly returned, he found himself enveloped in a warm, comforting embrace. The familiar scent of Ginny's hair wafted through his senses, and he knew without a doubt that it was she who held him so tightly. The softness of her red hair tickled his face, and the gentle rise and fall of her chest against his side were a soothing balm to his frazzled nerves.

At first, Harry's mind was foggy, and he struggled to recall the events that had led him to this moment. But as he breathed in the scent of Ginny's hair and felt the warmth of her body, his memories began to resurface. The battle at St Mungos came flooding back – the goblins, Dumbledore's calm guidance, and his own unexpected surge of elemental magic.

Harry's thoughts were still hazy, but he remembered the feeling of the earth responding to his call, trapping the goblins. He recalled Bagnod's arrival and the goblins' arrest. Then, there was the vision – four figures that seemed elvish, and beyond them, 15 more, their outlines indistinct. Harry's mind was a jumble of questions and confusion, but for now, he pushed those thoughts aside and focused on the warmth and comfort of Ginny's presence.

As he lay there, Harry became aware of Ginny's gentle sobs of relief, her warm breath on his neck, and the soft pressure of her arms around him. He tried to lift his head, but a wave of dizziness washed over him, forcing him to pause. Ginny's grip on him tightened, as if sensing his movement.

"Harry?" Ginny whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "You're awake."

Harry's throat felt dry, and his voice was hoarse as he tried to respond. For a moment, he just lay there, absorbing the warmth of Ginny's body, her scent, and the gentle rhythm of her breathing. Slowly, his foggy mind began to piece together the events leading up to his faint, but for now, he was content to let Ginny hold him, her presence a comforting anchor in the midst of uncertainty.

Ginny's arms around him were a haven, a place where he felt safe and protected. Harry's eyes fluttered closed, and he let out a soft sigh, feeling the tension in his body begin to ease. He knew that he had a lot to process, a lot to figure out, but for now, he was just grateful to have Ginny by his side.

The sound of someone clearing his throat jolted Harry back to reality. He looked around, still disoriented, and found himself in the damaged ward of St Mungos. Dumbledore and Pyre Jones, the healer, stood nearby, their faces etched with concern. Harry's throat felt parched, and his body ached all over, but he couldn't speak. The memories of the battle with the goblins and his unexpected surge of power flooded his mind.

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with warmth as he approached Harry. "Ah, young Potter, I'm glad to see you're awake. You've had quite an ordeal." His voice was soothing, but Harry's mind was racing with questions.

Pyre Jones gently checked Harry's vitals, her hands moving with precision. "He's stable, but we need to monitor him closely. Whatever happened out there seems to have taken a lot out of him."

Harry's gaze drifted to Ginny, who still held him tightly, her eyes red-rimmed from crying. He tried to speak, but his voice was barely a whisper. Ginny's grip on him tightened as she sensed his movement.

"Harry, don't try to talk yet," Pyre advised, her voice gentle. "You need to rest and recover."

Dumbledore nodded in agreement. "We'll let you rest for now, Harry. But we'll need to discuss what happened and... other matters later."

As the silence fell, Harry's thoughts whirled with the visions he had seen - four figures that seemed elvish, and beyond them, 15 more, their outlines indistinct. He had no idea what they meant or why he had seen them. For now, he was content to let Ginny hold him, her presence a comforting anchor in the midst of uncertainty.

When Harry next opened his eyes, he saw he was still in the same room. Some time must have passed as he didn't remember when he fell asleep, but Dumbledore and Pyre were not there now. Only Ginny was present, holding his hand but seated on the floor with her head resting on his hospital bed. She must have dozed off, exhausted from the ordeal. Harry's gaze fell on Ginny's peaceful face, and a soft smile crept onto his lips. He gently stroked her hair with his free hand, trying not to disturb her.

As he lay there, Harry's mind began to wander back to the events that had transpired. The battle at St Mungos, the elemental magic he had unknowingly used, and the visions he had seen - four elves and beyond them, 15 more indistinct figures. What did it all mean? He had so many questions, but for now, he was content to simply be with Ginny.

Ginny stirred, sensing Harry's gaze on her. She looked up, her eyes locking onto his, and a warm smile spread across her face. "Hey," she whispered, her voice husky from sleep.

"Hey," Harry replied softly, his fingers still gently stroking her hair. They sat there in comfortable silence for a moment, enjoying each other's company. Then Ginny's expression turned serious. "How are you feeling?" she asked, concern etched on her face.

Harry thought for a moment before responding. "A bit drained, but okay, I guess," he said, his voice still weak. Ginny nodded, her grip on his hand tightening. "You scared me, Harry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry's smile returned, and he squeezed her hand reassuringly. "I'm sorry, Ginny. I didn't mean to," he said, his eyes locked onto hers. Ginny's face softened, and she leaned forward, her lips brushing against his forehead in a gentle kiss.

Just then, the door to the room opened, and Pyre Jones walked in, a clipboard in her hand. "Ah, good to see you're both awake," she said with a warm smile. "How are you feeling, Harry?"

Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance before Harry responded. "I'm okay, I guess. Still a bit tired," he said, trying to sit up straighter in bed. Pyre nodded, her eyes scanning his chart. "That's to be expected. You've had quite an ordeal. We'll need to keep an eye on you for a while longer, just to be sure you're recovering properly."

As Pyre began to examine Harry, Ginny stood up, stretching her cramped muscles. "I'll go get some tea," she said, smiling at Harry. "You want one?"

Harry nodded, grateful for the small comfort. As Ginny left the room, Pyre turned to Harry with a thoughtful expression. "Harry, we need to talk about what happened during the battle. You... used some kind of magic that none of us have seen before. Can you tell me what you remember?"

Harry hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. But Pyre's kind eyes put him at ease, and he began to recount his memories of the battle, leaving out the visions he had seen. Pyre listened intently, her expression growing more serious by the minute.

Pyre's eyes narrowed as she listened intently to Harry's account of the battle. She had never heard of anything like the magic Harry had used, and even after his explanation, she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. Whatever it was, it had taken a great deal of power from Harry, leaving him with a case of magical exhaustion.

Just then, Ginny walked in with a tray of steaming tea cups. "Hey, I brought some tea," she said, smiling at Harry and Pyre. Pyre nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Ah, thank you, Ginny. I'll just leave you two alone for a while. Harry, I'll check on you later." With that, Pyre left the room, leaving Harry and Ginny alone.

As the door closed behind Pyre, Harry looked around the room properly for the first time. The damage to St Mungos was extensive, with broken furniture and shattered windows scattered everywhere. The walls were cracked, and the air was thick with the smell of disinfectant and something else... something metallic. Harry's eyes lingered on the destruction, his mind replaying the events that had led to this.

Ginny set the tray down on a nearby table and walked over to Harry, her eyes filled with concern. "Hey, how are you feeling?" she asked softly, taking his hand in hers. Harry squeezed her hand gently, his eyes still scanning the room. "I'm okay, I guess. Still trying to process everything that happened," he replied, his voice low.

Ginny nodded understandingly, her grip on his hand tightening. "We'll figure it out together," she said softly. Harry smiled weakly, his eyes finally focusing on Ginny's face. For a moment, they just sat there in comfortable silence, enjoying each other's company amidst the chaos.

Harry gazed into Ginny's eyes, his voice barely above a whisper. "I love you, Ginny." Ginny's face lit up with a radiant smile, and she leaned in, her lips brushing against his in a sweet, gentle kiss. Harry's heart skipped a beat as he deepened the kiss, feeling like he was melting into her. They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's arms, their lips locked in a tender embrace.

As they pulled back, Harry wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. They cuddled together, savoring the warmth and comfort of each other's presence. Time seemed to stand still as they basked in the happiness of being together.

Just as they were getting lost in the moment, the door opened, and Harry's eyes widened slightly as he saw Sirius, Remus, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Mrs. Weasley, and Charlie standing there. He thought to himself that Dumbledore must have notified them about the recent events. Ginny, sensing his tension, held him closer, her eyes fixed on the group.

Sirius, with a concerned expression, stepped forward. "Hey, Cub, are you okay?" he asked, his voice filled with worry.

Remus nodded in agreement. "We've heard about the battle at St. Mungos. You're quite the hero, Harry."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker rushed forward, her face etched with relief. "Oh, Harry, my dear boy, I'm so glad you're safe."

Mrs. Weasley smiled warmly. "We're just glad you're alright, dear. We were worried sick about you."

Charlie, who had been quietly observing the scene, nodded. "I'll go find Pyre. She's been helping with the healing efforts at St. Mungos."

Ginny smiled softly. "Thank you, Charlie. I'm sure she'd appreciate that."

The group began to disperse, with Charlie heading off to find Pyre. Harry watched them go, feeling a mix of gratitude and relief. He knew they cared about him deeply, and he appreciated their concern.

As they left, Harry turned to Ginny. "I'm glad they didn't scold us," he whispered.

Ginny smiled. "I think they're just glad we're safe. Besides, they know we'd do it all again if needed."

Harry nodded, his eyes locking onto hers. "We would, wouldn't we?"

Ginny's smile grew wider. "We certainly would, Harry."

Harry sat on the bed in his ward room at St. Mungos, still recovering from the battle. Ginny sat beside him, holding his hand. "I had a vision while I was unconscious," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. Ginny's eyes widened with interest, and she leaned in closer. "What happened?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

Harry closed his eyes, trying to recall every detail. "I saw four elves standing ahead of fifteen other outlines that were a bit blurry. I don't know what they are or what it means." Ginny's brow furrowed as she tried to process the information.

"I don't understand what it could mean," Harry admitted, frustration creeping into his voice. Ginny nodded in agreement. "Me neither. But it might be connected to the unusual powers you displayed during the battle."

Ginny's eyes lit up with a thought. "Do you think it's related to your elemental magic?" Harry's eyes widened as he considered the possibility. "Maybe, but I don't know how or why."

Ginny's expression turned thoughtful. "Bagnod came to see me while you were unconscious. He said we should meet him at Gringotts whenever possible because he has something remarkable to tell us." Harry's curiosity was piqued. "That's strange. Why would he want to talk to both of us?"

Ginny shook her head. "I don't know, but maybe it's connected to your vision or the battle. You're friends with the Goblin Nation, but why would he want to talk to me too?" Harry's eyes locked onto hers, filled with determination. "We'll find out soon enough. Let's go to Gringotts and talk to Bagnod."

As they sat there, lost in thought, trying to piece together the mysteries that surrounded them, the damaged ward room seemed to fade into the background, and all that mattered was uncovering the truth.

Next time he woke up , Harry's eyes adjusted to the scene, he saw that his friends, the Double Musketeers, were gathered around him, their faces filled with concern and worry. Ginny was still sitting beside him, holding his hand. Daisy was pacing back and forth, her eyes fixed on Harry's face. Ron, Hermione, and Neville were sitting on the other side of the room, their expressions serious. Draco and Scorpius were standing by the window, looking out, while Dudley, Luna, and Samantha were chatting quietly in a corner. Susan was sitting on the floor, her eyes fixed on Harry.

Harry's mind wandered for a moment, wondering how his friends had managed to get permission to leave Hogwarts and visit him at St. Mungos. He suspected that Dumbledore must have had a hand in it. He also assumed that Ginny must have already told them about the events of the previous day - the attack on Hogsmeade, the battle at St. Mungos, and everything that had happened in between.

As he looked at his friends, he could sense their concern and worry. They were all staring at him, their eyes filled with a mix of relief and frustration. Harry knew they were upset that he and Ginny had left to battle without them, but he also knew they would understand that there hadn't been time to find them and include them.

"Hey, mate," Ron said, getting up and walking over to Harry. "How are you feeling?"

Harry smiled weakly. "I'm okay, Ron. Just a bit tired."

Hermione frowned. "You should be resting, Harry. You went through a lot yesterday."

Harry nodded, feeling a bit guilty. "I know, I just...I'm glad it's over."

The room fell silent, and Harry could sense the unspoken questions and concerns. Neville spoke up, breaking the silence. "We're just glad you're okay, Harry. We were worried sick about you."

Draco spoke up, his voice calm. "We understand that there wasn't time to find us, but next time, we'd like to be included. We're your friends, after all."

Harry nodded, feeling a bit relieved. "I'll try, Draco. But sometimes things happen fast, and there's no time to think."

Ginny's hand remained clasped in his, a comforting presence amidst the concern and worry of their friends.

"I'm sorry we didn't tell you guys about the battle," Harry said, looking around at his friends. "It all happened so fast, and we didn't have time to think."

"We're not blaming you, Harry," Hermione said, her voice softening. "We're just worried about you. We know you're capable of handling yourself, but it's not just about you. We're a team, and we want to be there for each other."

"I know," Harry said, feeling a pang of guilt. "And I appreciate that. But sometimes, things just happen, and we have to react quickly."

Dudley spoke up, his voice filled with concern. "We're just glad you're okay, Harry. We were worried sick about you. And Ginny, too."

Ginny smiled, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Thanks, guys. We're okay. Just a bit battered and bruised."

Scorpius grinned. "You two are quite the dynamic duo. We're just glad we didn't have to face those goblins alone."

Luna nodded, her eyes dreamy. "Yes, it's always better to face challenges together. As friends."

The group nodded in agreement, and the tension in the room dissipated slightly. Harry felt grateful for his friends, for their support and understanding.

"We'll stick together from now on," Ron said, clapping Harry on the back. "No more sneaking off without us."

Harry smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie. "Deal."

The Daily Prophet lay open on Harry's lap, its headlines screaming the news of the recent attacks. Hermione had handed it to him, and now the entire group of Muskeeteers was gathered around, eager to know what the paper had to say.

"Let's see... 'Hogsmeade Under Attack: Goblin Golems Wreak Havoc'," Harry read aloud, scanning the article. "It says here that the attack on Hogsmeade was unexpected and that the Goblin Golems caused significant damage to the village, destroying several shops and buildings. The article mentions that the Goblin Golems were armed with dark magic and seemed to be targeting the wizarding community. It also talks about how Dumbledore, Ginny, and I arrived just in time to stop the Goblin Golems , with the help of some Aurors."

The article continued, "Eyewitnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with Goblin Golems  rampaging through the streets, causing destruction and panic. The Hogwarts Headmaster, Albus Dumbledore, was instrumental in stopping the Goblin Golems, and his quick thinking and bravery undoubtedly saved many lives. The article also mentions that Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley were part of the group that helped stop the Goblin Golems."

Dudley whistled softly. "Blimey, that's quite a story. I'm just glad you guys were there to stop them."

"Yeah, and it's all over the paper," Scorpius added, leaning in to get a better look. "I hope this doesn't mean we're going to have more trouble with Goblins in the future."

Harry turned the page, and his eyes landed on another article. " 'Battle of St Mungos: Dark Goblins Foiled'. This one goes into detail about the fight at St Mungos and how Dumbledore, the Aurors, and some healers worked together to stop the goblins. It mentions that the Goblins were well-prepared and had clearly planned the attack, but Dumbledore's quick thinking and the bravery of the Aurors and healers ultimately led to their defeat."

The article continued, "The battle was intense, with spells flying back and forth and the sound of explosions echoing through the hospital. Despite being outnumbered, the defenders of St Mungos fought valiantly, and their efforts paid off in the end. The article also praises the work of the healers, who continued to tend to the wounded despite the danger."

"But it doesn't mention your... unusual abilities," Hermione noted, her brow furrowed in concern. "Let's hope it stays that way."

The next article caught Harry's eye. " 'Mysterious Powers on Display: Potter's Role in Battle Raises Questions'. Great, just what I need," Harry muttered, rolling his eyes.

This article speculated about Harry's abilities and how he had seemingly trapped the goblins. "Some experts believe that Potter's powers may be more extensive than previously thought, and that he may have access to magic that is not yet fully understood. Others are questioning whether Potter's abilities are truly unique or if they can be replicated by others."

The article went on to say, "While Potter's bravery and quick thinking are undeniable, the true extent of his powers remains a mystery. Some are wondering if Potter's destiny is truly tied to the wizarding world, or if he has a greater role to play in the world of magic."

Neville shook his head. "You're always full of surprises, Harry. But let's just focus on keeping a low profile, shall we?"

The next article was more somber. " 'Hogsmeade and St Mungos Suffer Heavy Damage: Several Casualties Reported'. This one talks about the damage and the lives lost in both Hogsmeade and St Mungos. It mentions that several people were killed or injured in the attacks, including some of the healers and patients at St Mungos."

The article listed the names of those who had been killed or injured, and the group fell silent as they read the names. "It's just so sad," Luna said softly. "So many people hurt or killed."

Finally, Harry read the last article. " 'Healer Shortage Worsens: Wizarding Britain in Crisis'. It says here that the wizarding world is facing a severe shortage of healers, especially after the recent attacks. Many healers were injured or killed, and the demand for medical care has increased dramatically."

The article went on to say, "The Ministry of Magic is urging young wizards and witches to consider a career in healing, and is offering incentives to those who are willing to take on the challenge. However, many experts believe that more needs to be done to address the shortage, and that the wizarding community must come together to support its healers and ensure that they have the resources they need to care for the wounded."

The group began  discussing the article and the implications of the healer shortage.

"This is terrible," Susan said, her brow furrowed with concern. "We need more healers, especially with the recent attacks and all."

"I know," Hermione agreed. "Maybe we can do something to help. I'm sure there are ways we can support the healers and encourage more people to become healers."

"I'm in," Ron said, nodding. "We should talk to Pyre about this. She's a healer, after all. She might have some ideas about how we can help."

"That's a great idea," Harry said, smiling. "We can also talk to Madam Pomfrey. She's always been a great source of information and advice."

As they discussed the article, Ginny leaned over to Harry and whispered, "You know, we should really talk to Bagnod soon. He said he had something remarkable to tell us."

Harry nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "Let's go see him soon. Maybe we can learn more about what's going on and how we can help."

The group continued to discuss the articles and the implications of the recent attacks, their conversation filled with concern and determination. As they talked, they began to formulate plans to support the healers and address the healer shortage, knowing that they had to do something to help.

Just then, Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall entered the room. McGonagall's eyes scanned the group before landing on Harry, her expression softening slightly. "Harry, are you alright?" she asked, her voice gentle.

The Muskeeteers exchanged glances, aware that McGonagall's informal tone was reserved for Harry and Ginny. "I'm fine, Professor," Harry replied, smiling weakly.

Mcgonagall nodded, her eyes still on Harry. "I'll take the rest of you back to Hogwarts now. It's getting late, and the hospital is still in no condition for visitors."

The Muskeeteers nodded, gathering their belongings. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Susan, Dudley, Scorpius, Luna, and Samantha bid Harry and Ginny farewell. Daisy, however, lingered, her eyes shining with concern as she approached Harry. "Take care of yourself, Harry," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm always here for you, big brother."

Harry smiled, feeling a surge of affection for his little sister. "I will, Daisy. Don't worry about me. You take care of yourself too, okay?" Daisy nodded, then turned to Ginny and hugged her tightly. "Look after him, Ginny," she whispered, before joining the others.

As the door closed behind them, Dumbledore turned to Harry and Ginny. "Ah, now that we have a moment alone, I think it's time we discussed the... unusual display of powers you exhibited during the battle, Harry."

Harry shifted uncomfortably, sensing that Dumbledore was referring to his mysterious connection to the elements. Ginny's hand found its way to his, offering silent support.

"What about it, sir?" Harry asked cautiously, aware that Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with curiosity.

Dumbledore's smile grew wider. "Let's just say, Harry, that your abilities are quite... fascinating. I believe we have much to discuss, and I would like to start by asking you a few questions."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. He knew that Dumbledore's interest in his powers could lead to more questions than answers. Ginny's grip on his hand tightened, a reminder that she was there to support him, no matter what.

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with warmth and curiosity as he began to speak. "First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to both of you," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "Without you, Harry, I would never have known about the attack on Hogsmeade, and I'm deeply grateful that you and Ginny were able to inform me promptly. Your actions, Harry, in particular, were instrumental in defeating the Goblin golems. I must say, your knowledge and expertise in dealing with them were invaluable. I'm thankful that you were there to help, and I apologize that despite my presence, you two were in danger."

Dumbledore's expression turned somber, and he looked at Harry with a hint of self-reproach. "It seems I've failed you again, Harry. I should have been more vigilant, more prepared." His eyes seemed to bore into Harry's, as if searching for understanding.

Harry quickly intervened, his face twisted in a mixture of emotions. "No, sir, it wasn't your fault," he said firmly, knowing that Dumbledore still felt guilty about the summer events. "You can't be everywhere at once, and we managed just fine. You were there to help us when it mattered most."

Dumbledore's gaze lingered on Harry, and he seemed to understand what Harry was trying to do – to alleviate his guilt. "I see," he said softly. "Well, let's proceed, shall we? Have you done that sort of magic before?" he asked, his eyes locked on Harry, curiosity etched on his face.

Harry shook his head, and Ginny did the same. "No, sir," Harry replied. "I've never done anything like that before." He paused, his brow furrowed in thought. "Although, there have been times when the wind has reacted strongly to my emotions, especially when I've been angry. But it never had such a drastic effect as what happened yesterday."

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with intrigue as he leaned forward, his interest piqued by Harry's revelation. "Fascinating, Harry," he said, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. "It seems that you may have an affinity for the elements, particularly earth and wind. Though, I must admit, without further research, it's impossible to say for certain."

Harry shook his head, a hint of confusion etched on his face. "I don't know how I did it, sir. It all happened subconsciously. I just reacted."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "I see. Well, let's not jump to conclusions just yet. We'll need to study this phenomenon further. Perhaps we can uncover the underlying mechanism behind your...talent."

Ginny, who had been quietly observing the conversation, spoke up. "Sir, do you think this has something to do with Harry's ability to communicate with creatures?"

Dumbledore's gaze shifted to Ginny, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "That's an interesting question, Ginny. While it's possible that there's a connection, we can't assume anything just yet. We'll need to explore this further."

As the conversation continued, Harry couldn't shake off the feeling that he had tapped into something much deeper and more complex than he had initially thought. The idea that he might have an affinity for the elements was both exhilarating and unsettling, and he couldn't wait to learn more about his abilities.

"Let's schedule some study sessions, Harry," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling with excitement. "I have a feeling that we're just scratching the surface of something remarkable."

The moment of silence that followed was palpable, heavy with unspoken thoughts and concerns. It was Ginny who finally broke the silence, her voice steady and inquiring. "Professor Dumbledore, what's the situation like in the country right now? I mean, beyond what's being reported in the Daily Prophet?"

Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with interest as he leaned forward, about to respond when the ward door swung open. Amelia Bones, Susan's aunt and Sirius's fiancée, strode in, her expression a mix of relief and apology.

"Harry, I'm so glad to see you're all right," she said, rushing to his side. "I'm sorry I haven't visited sooner, but I've been incredibly busy with work."

Harry smiled, affectionate towards her given her relationship with Sirius. "It's okay, Aunt Lia. I know you've been busy."

Dumbledore stood up, a warm smile on his face. "Ah, Amelia, perfect timing. I was about to answer Ginny's question, but I think you're far more qualified to provide an update on the current situation. And, by the way, congratulations on your engagement to Sirius. I didn't get a chance to offer my congratulations yesterday."

Amelia nodded, her expression turning serious. "Thank you, Albus. Yes, of course, I'll fill Ginny in on the details. Given my position, I have a better grasp of the current situation."

With that, Dumbledore bid them farewell, assuring Harry that Amelia could answer Ginny's previous question much better. As the door closed behind him, Amelia turned to Harry and Ginny. "Now, let's talk about what's been happening..."

Ginny leaned forward, her eyes locked on Amelia's. "Yes, please, Aunt Lia. We want to know everything."

For a moment, Amelia appeared to be gathering her thoughts before her stern professional demeanor gave way to a more aunt-like warmth. "Day after tomorrow, there's going to be a Wizengamot trial given the events of yesterday," she began, her expression serious. "Fudge will likely be discredited, and I might be questioned today too."

She paused, her eyes scanning the room before focusing on Harry and Ginny. "The situation at St Mungos is dire. Many healers are injured or worse, killed, resulting in a severe shortage of medical staff in Britain. As you've probably read in the Daily Prophet, many wealthy patients who can afford it are seeking treatment abroad, while those who can't will have to deal with the limited staff."

Amelia's voice took on a note of determination. "The Ministry is trying to arrange for foreign aid, but it's a complex situation. We'll need to stay vigilant and support each other through this challenging time."

Her words hung in the air, filled with an unspoken understanding of the difficulties ahead. Ginny leaned forward, her eyes locked on Amelia's, eager to absorb every detail. "What can we do to help, Aunt Lia?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

Amelia's expression softened slightly. "For now, let's focus on supporting each other and staying informed. We'll face whatever comes next together."

Harry's eyes widened as he asked, "How many healers are there in total Britain?" Amelia's expression turned somber, and she sighed before responding, "The number has been remarkably low for the past few decades, and now, due to yesterday's events, it's even more dire." She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing, "It's about one healer per 1368 people, an all-time low."

Ginny's eyes locked onto Amelia's, shocked. "That's incredibly low," she whispered. Harry's face reflected his concern, and he asked, "Is there a reason for this shortage?" Amelia's gaze drifted, her voice measured. "There are several factors contributing to this. Firstly, the healer's course is extremely challenging and only lasts for a year after Hogwarts. It's a vast amount of material to cover in such a short time. If they were to extend the duration, it might exacerbate the situation."

Amelia's words hung in the air, and the room fell silent for a moment. Harry and Ginny exchanged a worried glance, both thinking about the implications of such a severe shortage of healers. The gravity of the situation was palpable, and they knew they had to do something to help.

"There must be a way to attract more students to this field," Harry said, determination creeping into his voice. Amelia nodded, a hint of hope in her eyes. "Perhaps, Harry. You're always good at finding innovative solutions. We might need your help in addressing this issue."

As Amelia spoke, Harry's mind began racing with ideas. He knew that with the help of his friends, the 12 Musketeers, and the resources available to him, they could make a difference. The seed of a plan was already taking root in his mind, and he was eager to share it with his friends.

For now, though, he just nodded, his eyes locked onto Amelia's. "We'll figure something out, Aunt Lia. We always do." Ginny's hand found its way into his, and together, they offered Amelia a reassuring smile.

As the night wore on, Harry and Ginny shifted their discussion to lighter topics, laughing and reminiscing about their recent adventures. Ginny was amused that she was allowed to stay with Harry at the hospital, while others weren't given the same privilege. She teased Harry about his fame and influence, saying with a grin, "I guess being the Boy Who Lived has its perks."

Harry chuckled and rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "You're just happy to be here with me," he said, smiling.

Ginny's face softened, and she leaned in close. "Always," she whispered.

Their conversation continued, easy and relaxed, until Amelia eventually excused herself due to her busy schedule as the Head of DMLE.

As Amelia left, Harry and Ginny settled in for a restful sleep, snuggled together in the hospital room. Even in their dreamland, rather than discussing the events of the day, they decided to sleep, letting the fatigue wash over them.

"I'm glad Aunt Lia understands," Ginny murmured, her voice barely audible as she drifted off to sleep.

"Me too," Harry whispered back, his arm wrapped around her. "Let's just rest for now. We'll figure out the rest tomorrow."

With that, they both let go, slipping into a deep sleep, their bond and love for each other a comforting presence in the darkness.

Next Chapter is Meeting Bagnod !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Okay so I am back , and looks like after 2 months I am back on schedule of publishing in every four days.  Okay so I hope that you are not dissapointed with only 3 - 4 Paragraphs of the fight remaining, I didn't wanted to show off Harry's powers completely I just wanted a start , it's not time for Harry to control them yet because first he will need to train exclusively which he had not yet. Okay so what do you think on this powers it's just a small part though. Healer shortage will lead to many changes in future btw. Also we will explore Harry and Ginny's bond fully for now in next chapter, finally after 110 chapters it will be revealed though I will keep a few tricks under my sleeves . Well Until then see you . Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 29: Meeting Bagnod !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Harry woke up first, gently stirring in the hospital bed. He looked around, taking in the familiar surroundings of St Mungo's, though the ward was still visibly damaged from the goblin attack. Ginny, sensing his movement, slowly opened her eyes.

"Morning," she whispered, her voice soft from sleep.

Harry smiled and leaned over to kiss her forehead. "Morning, Gin."

Ginny sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "I'll go get some tea. You stay here and rest."

Harry nodded, watching as she slipped out of the room. He settled back into the pillows, his mind wandering to the events of the past few days. The goblin attack, the elemental magic he had unknowingly used, and the mysterious vision of the elves still lingered in his thoughts.

Before Ginny returned with the tea, the door to the room opened, and Pyre Jones, the healer, walked in. "Good morning, Harry. How are you feeling today?"

"I'm good, Pyre. Thanks for asking," Harry replied. "You look tired, though. Dark circles and all."

Pyre smiled wearily. "Yes, well, we're a bit short-staffed at the moment. The remaining healers are working overtime to care for everyone."

Harry's expression turned sympathetic. "I hope you're getting some rest, Pyre. You can't keep going without sleep."

Pyre chuckled. "I'll manage, Harry. You're the one we need to focus on getting discharged today. You're looking much better, and I'm sure Amelia will be happy to see you out of here."

Ginny returned with the tea just as Pyre was finishing his examination. "I'll let you two have your tea in peace. Harry, you'll be discharged this afternoon, so make sure you're ready."

As Pyre left, Ginny handed Harry a cup of steaming tea. "Here you go, Harry. Let's enjoy this before the chaos of the day begins."

Harry took a sip, feeling the warmth spread through him. "Thanks, Gin. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Ginny smiled and sat beside him, her eyes sparkling with affection. "You'll never have to find out, Harry."

Harry and Ginny reconvened in their hospital room, discussing the plan they had formed the previous night in their secret dreamland. "We need to talk to Sirius about our plan," Harry said, his eyes scanning the room as if ensuring they were alone. "He's bound to visit us before my discharge, and that's when we'll broach the subject."

Ginny nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with determination. "And I'm sure Mum will be here soon, fussing over you as usual."

Just then, the door opened, and Ginny's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, walked in. Mrs. Weasley rushed to Harry's side, fussing over him with a warm smile. Harry groaned good-naturedly, still pleased by the motherly affection he wasn't used to before his life with the Dursleys.

After the Weasleys left, Sirius and Amelia walked in, hand in hand. Harry noticed Amelia looked quite worked up, much like Pyre had that morning. "Ah, Cub!" Sirius exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he approached Harry's bedside. "How are you feeling today?"

Amelia's expression was more serious. "Harry, dear, I'm so glad you're recovering well. We were all worried sick about you."

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and they exchanged a knowing glance. This was the perfect opportunity to discuss their plan with Sirius. But for now, they would have to wait and observe, ensuring the timing was right to bring up their proposal.

Ginny glanced around the room, ensuring they were alone, before nodding to Harry. Sirius and Amelia exchanged a knowing look, sensing that the two were about to discuss something important.

"You see, Sirius and Amelia, we've been thinking about the healer shortage," Harry began, his eyes locked on Amelia. "You told us about it yesterday, Amelia, and we've come up with a plan. But we need some information about the Board of Governors of Hogwarts. So Amelia, can you tell us more about the Board of Governors of Hogwarts?" Harry asked, his eyes locked on hers.

Amelia's expression turned curious. "The Board of Governors? What does that have to do with the healer shortage?" But answered anyway as her expression turned thoughtful. "The Board of Governors consists of 16 seats, divided among the four Hogwarts houses: Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. Each house has one founder seat and three member seats."

Sirius leaned back, observing the conversation with interest.

Amelia continued, "Let's start with the Slytherin Division. The founder seat is currently empty, and the member seats are occupied by Lucius Malfoy, Cyrus Greengrass, and Victoria Mortlake."

Ginny listened intently, her mind absorbing the information. "What about the Gryffindor Division?" she asked.

Amelia smiled. "The Gryffindor Division also has an empty founder seat, and the member seats are occupied by Augusta Longbottom, Eugene Forthgill, and Silvia Jones."

Harry scribbled some notes on a piece of parchment. "And what about Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw?"

Amelia continued, "The Hufflepuff Division has Abraxas Smith, Aaragon Douglas, and Laura Truman as member seats, with the founder seat also empty. The Ravenclaw Division consists of Michael Boot, Arctus Nightshade, and Ariana Firestone as member seats, with their founder seat also empty."

Sirius nodded, his eyes on Harry and Ginny, waiting for them to proceed with their discussion.

"We need to get Sirius on the Board of Governors," Harry said, his eyes locked on Amelia, his voice filled with determination. "If he can claim a seat, he can propose a plan to help with the healer shortage that's affecting the wizarding world."

Ginny took over, her voice filled with excitement, her words tumbling out in a rush. "We've been thinking that Hogwarts could offer some new courses to prepare students for the challenges ahead, and with Sirius on the Board, we can make it happen."

Sirius leaned forward, intrigued, his eyes sparkling with interest. "What kind of courses are you thinking of, Cub?" he asked, his voice low and smooth.

Harry explained, his words measured and thoughtful. "I read in the library at Fawcett Manor that Hogwarts used to offer more courses, and we think Sirius should propose two new ones. First, Healing as an elective for 3rd years and above. Amelia told us that the current healer training program is only a year long after Hogwarts, and that's not enough time to cover everything. If we offer Healing as an elective, students can get a head start and be more prepared for the program. It might not solve the current shortage, but it could help in the long run."

Ginny added, "And the second course would be Dueling. During the attack on St. Mungo's, many Aurors were less capable because they weren't specifically trained for such situations. If we add Dueling as an elective, it could increase the competency of Aurors and help them prepare for the challenges ahead."

Amelia's eyes widened slightly, her expression thoughtful. "That's an interesting idea. If Sirius can claim a seat on the Board, he can definitely propose these courses. But we'll need to figure out how to make it happen."

Sirius nodded, a determined look on his face. "I'll do it. I'll make sure to get on that Board and propose these courses. We'll need to gather support from the other members, but I'm confident we can make it work."

The group fell silent for a moment, contemplating the plan. Then, Harry spoke up, his voice filled with determination. "Let's get to work. We need to figure out how Sirius can claim a seat on the Board and what exactly we'll propose in those new courses."

Ginny nodded, her eyes shining with excitement. "We'll need to research the Board's rules and procedures, and see if there are any precedents for adding new courses."

Sirius smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'll start digging into it, Cub. With a bit of luck and some clever maneuvering, we might just be able to make this work."

The group began brainstorming, throwing out ideas and suggestions, their excitement and enthusiasm building as they worked together to bring their plan to life.

Amelia nodded thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing as she considered the plan. "I think I might be able to help with getting Sirius on the Board. Sipvia, one of the Gryffindor member seats, is...well, let's just say she's getting on in years. She's 135, and I think she might be willing to retire soon."

Sirius's eyes lit up with interest. "That's perfect. If Silvia retires, I can claim her seat as a former Gryffindor student. I should be eligible to take her place as a member of the Gryffindor Division."

Harry smiled, his eyes shining with excitement. "That's brilliant, Amelia. If Sirius can get on the Board, he'll be able to propose those new courses and help us make a real difference."

Ginny nodded, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "And with Sirius on the Board, we'll have a much stronger voice in the wizarding world. We can push for real change and make sure that Hogwarts is preparing students for the challenges they'll face."

Amelia smiled, her expression confident. "I'll talk to Silvia and see if I can persuade her to retire. But we'll need to move quickly, before the Board fills the seat with someone else."

Sirius nodded, his face set in determination. "Let's get to work. We'll make this happen, and we'll make sure that Hogwarts is ready for whatever comes next."

With the plan to get Sirius elected to the Board of Governors underway, Harry added another ambitious idea, shocking both Amelia and Sirius. "I also plan to claim my seat in the Wizengamot," Harry said, his voice matter-of-fact.

Amelia's eyes widened in surprise. "Harry, you're still a student! The Wizengamot is a highly influential and demanding role. Are you prepared for that kind of responsibility?"

Sirius looked equally stunned. "Cub, I had no idea you were planning to claim your seat so soon. It's a big deal."

Ginny nodded in agreement with Harry. "We've discussed this, and we believe it's essential for Harry to claim his seat. With his unique abilities and perspective, he can make a real difference."

Harry explained, "The Potter seat in the Wizengamot has been dormant since my grandfather's passing. As his heir, it's time for me to claim it and take on the responsibilities that come with it."

Ginny added, "And having Harry in the Wizengamot will allow him to influence decision-making in critical situations. It'll be a huge step forward."

That being done Sirius and Amelia left. As the morning sun cast its warm rays over the hospital, Harry and Ginny walked down the ward, taking in the scene before them. The walls still bore the scars of the recent attack, and the air was thick with the smell of disinfectant and the faint tang of magic. The only positive note was that the bloodstains were finally gone, a small comfort in the midst of chaos.

Madam Pomfrey and Andromeda Tonks were busy tending to the wounded, their faces etched with exhaustion. Harry and Ginny exchanged a concerned glance, shocked to see the two women there.

"Madam Pomfrey, what brings you here?" Harry asked, approaching her. "I thought you were handling student injuries at Hogwarts."

Madam Pomfrey looked up, her eyes weary. "Ah, Harry, we're short-staffed, and Andromeda kindly offered to help out. We're doing our best, but it's a challenge."

Andromeda Tonks nodded in agreement. "I'm doing what I can, but it's chaos here. We'll need more healers soon, or we'll be overwhelmed."

Ginny frowned, her brow furrowed in concern. "Do you think the trial on the 10th will address the healer shortage? Will they come up with a plan to train more healers or allocate resources better?"

Andromeda's expression turned thoughtful. "It's possible, dear. The Wizengamot might take the situation seriously enough to implement changes. But for now, let's focus on healing the wounded and stabilizing the hospital."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his mind already racing with ideas. He knew they had to act fast to mitigate the crisis, and he was determined to do just that. He glanced at Ginny, and she met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with understanding. They had a plan, and they would see it through.

"Let's get to work, shall we?" Harry said, his voice low and determined. "We can't just stand around. What can we do to help?"

Madam Pomfrey smiled weakly. "Actually, Harry, your presence might be a comfort to some of the patients. Would you be willing to visit with them?"

Harry nodded, and Ginny followed suit. Together, they began making their way from bed to bed, offering words of encouragement and comfort to those in need.

As they visited the patients, some of whom were shocked to see Harry Potter standing before them, their faces lighting up with wonder and gratitude. Harry's natural charm and Ginny's empathetic nature put everyone at ease.

At one bed, they found a young healer, her arm wrapped in bandages. "Harry Potter, I...I didn't think I'd ever see you here," she stammered.

Harry smiled warmly. "I'm just doing my part, just like everyone else. How are you feeling?"

The healer, whose name was Emily, smiled back, her eyes shining with tears. "I'm...I'm okay, I guess. Just a bit shaken. I was trying to protect the patients when...when the goblins attacked."

Ginny took Emily's hand. "You're doing great, Emily. We're all proud of you."

As they continued their rounds, they visited a patient named Mr. Jenkins, a middle-aged man who had been badly injured during the attack. He looked up at Harry with a mixture of awe and fear in his eyes.

"Harry Potter...I've heard so much about you," Mr. Jenkins said, his voice shaking.

Harry sat down beside him, his presence calming. "I'm here now, Mr. Jenkins. You're safe. We'll get you back on your feet in no time."

At another bed, they found a young witch, barely out of her teenage years, who had been a student at Hogwarts before becoming a healer. She stared at Harry in wonder, her eyes wide with admiration.

"Harry Potter...I never thought I'd meet you," she breathed.

Harry chuckled. "I'm just a normal person, trying to do what's right. What's your name?"

"I'm...I'm Sophie," the witch replied, still starstruck.

Ginny smiled and took Sophie's hand. "We're glad you're okay, Sophie. We'll get through this together."

As they walked, Harry's senses picked up on the emotions and auras surrounding him, and he responded accordingly, offering a reassuring touch or a listening ear. Ginny worked alongside him, her own magic and empathy complementing Harry's.

Their presence was a balm to the wounded, and soon, the atmosphere in the ward began to shift, becoming more hopeful and positive. Together, they made their way from bed to bed, offering words of encouragement and comfort to those in need. As they walked, Harry's senses picked up on the emotions and auras surrounding him, and he responded accordingly, offering a reassuring touch or a listening ear.

As they worked, Harry's determination grew. He would claim his seat in the Wizengamot, and he would make sure that the wizarding world took notice. The healer shortage would be addressed, and the hospital would be rebuilt, stronger than ever. It was just the beginning of their plan, and Harry was ready to take on the challenge.

After their emotional visit with the patients, Harry and Ginny returned to their room, exhausted but determined. They discussed their plan, focusing on the upcoming meeting with Bagnod at Gringotts.

"We need to finalize our approach for the Wizengamot trial," Harry said, his mind racing with strategies.

Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with determination. "We'll get Sirius elected to the Board of Governors, and you'll claim your seat in the Wizengamot. We'll make sure the wizarding world takes notice."

They talked about their foundation, designed to support those in need, and how it would help address the healer shortage and other issues.

After a while, Harry pulled Ginny close, and they shared a tender kiss. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Ginny replied, snuggling into his chest.

As they cuddled, Harry felt a sense of peace wash over him. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

After their emotional visit with the patients, Harry and Ginny returned to their room, exhausted but determined. They discussed their plan, focusing on the upcoming meeting with Bagnod at Gringotts.

"We need to finalize our approach for the Wizengamot trial," Harry said, his mind racing with strategies.

Ginny nodded, her eyes sparkling with determination. "We'll get Sirius elected to the Board of Governors, and you'll claim your seat in the Wizengamot. We'll make sure the wizarding world takes notice."

They talked about their foundation, designed to support those in need, and how it would help address the healer shortage and other issues.

After a while, Harry pulled Ginny close, and they shared a tender kiss. "I love you," he whispered.

"I love you too," Ginny replied, snuggling into his chest.

As they cuddled, Harry felt a sense of peace wash over him. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

After a tender kiss, Harry and Ginny started snogging, lost in the moment. Just as they were getting more intimate, they heard a knock on the door. They quickly pulled away from each other, trying to compose themselves. Harry called out, "Come in!"

The door opened, and Tonks and Remus walked in. Tonks raised an eyebrow, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Well, well, well, looks like we caught you two at a rather... interesting moment."

Ginny's face flushed, but Harry just chuckled. "Tonks, you're as subtle as ever."

Remus's expression was more serious. "We didn't mean to interrupt, but we did need to check on you, Harry. How are you feeling today?"

Harry smiled, "I'm doing much better, thanks for asking. The doctors say I'm recovering well."

Tonks nodded, "Good to hear. We were worried about you after what happened at St. Mungo's."

Ginny added, "We've been taking good care of him, don't worry."

Remus smiled, "I know you have, Ginny. You're always looking out for him."

After the brief exchange about Harry's health, Remus continued, "We also wanted to talk to you about something else. You asked about Samantha being Dorcas's daughter. Yes, I've confirmed it with Olivia Jones."

Tonks added, "And we're hoping Samantha will accept me as her aunt."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "And what about you, Remus? When are you going to tell Samantha she's your daughter?"

Remus's expression turned somber. "I've been thinking about that. I plan to tell her before Christmas, if everything goes well."

Tonks placed a reassuring hand on Remus's arm. "I just hope she accepts you, Remus. She's a strong-willed girl."

After a brief conversation, Tonks and Remus bid them farewell.

As Remus and Tonks left, Harry's gaze lingered on Ginny, who had drifted off to sleep, her gentle breathing a soothing melody. He felt a deep sense of adoration for her, his heart swelling with love. He gently adjusted her robes, making sure she was covered properly, his face flushing slightly at the thought of anyone seeing her otherwise.

Soon, he too fell asleep, lulled by Ginny's peaceful presence and the soft hum of the hospital room. The warmth of the sunbeam streaming through the window and the gentle rustle of the trees outside created a sense of tranquility, and Harry's exhaustion finally caught up with him.

A few hours later, they were awoken by the sound of voices and the rustle of clothes. Harry's eyes fluttered open to see Amelia, Sirius, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker standing beside his bed. Sirius's face broke into a wide smile as he said, "We've got some news, kids. I'm now a board member."

Ginny's eyes snapped open, and she sat up straight, her face lighting up with excitement. "That's amazing, Sirius!" She glanced at Harry, and they shared a look of triumph.

Amelia nodded, her expression serious. "This is a significant step forward in our efforts to bring about change in the wizarding world. Silvia Jones's retirement was the perfect opportunity for Sirius to take her place."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, however, seemed completely unaware of the plan they had discussed with Amelia and Sirius. She fussed over Harry and Ginny, clucking her tongue in concern. "You two need to eat more and rest properly. I've brought some homemade soup and sandwiches for you."

Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, grateful for her care. They knew they had to keep their plans quiet for now, even from Grandma Tucker. Harry smiled, "Thanks, Grandma. We're fine, really." Ginny nodded in agreement, and they both accepted the food and affection, playing along with her concern.

As the sun began to set on the hospital's grounds, casting a warm orange glow over the buildings, Pyre Jones arrived, looking even more exhausted than she had that morning. Despite the healer shortage's toll on her, her eyes lit up with a warm smile as she approached Harry, Ginny, Amelia, Sirius, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker. "Hey, guys," she said, her voice a little softer than usual, "I've got those discharge papers for you, Harry. You're free to go whenever you're ready."

Ginny's face relaxed into a relieved smile, and she reached out to take the papers from Pyre. "Thanks so much, Pyre. We really appreciate it." Harry nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving Pyre's face. He knew how hard she and the other healers had been working, and he felt a deep gratitude toward her.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker bustled forward, fussing over Harry. "Now, let's get you home and fed, dear. I've got a lovely dinner waiting for you." Sirius chuckled and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. "I think we've got this covered, Kailey. But thanks for the offer."

Amelia smiled, her eyes warm with concern. "We'll make sure Harry gets plenty of rest, Pyre. Thanks again for your care." Pyre nodded, her smile faltering for a moment as she looked at Harry. "Just be careful, okay? You're not fully recovered yet."

As they finalized the discharge process, Harry felt a sense of relief wash over him. With Pyre's guidance, they made their way out of the hospital, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Sirius apparated with Harry and Ginny to Diagon Alley, his arms around them to ensure a smooth transition. As they arrived, the familiar sounds of the alleyway filled the air. Sirius said, "I'll wait for you two at the Leaky Cauldron," and with a nod, he apparated away, leaving Harry and Ginny to head to Gringotts.

Harry and Ginny climbed the stairs to Gringotts, greeting the guard Goblin with a bow and a polite "Good evening" in Gobbledegook. Harry had been teaching Ginny the Goblin language, and she was quickly picking it up. The guard Goblin responded formally, "Good evening, Lord Potter, Miss Weasley," as he performed a slight bow. Given Harry's status as a friend of the Goblin Nation, he was subjected to a routine imposter check, a formality that verified his identity through magical and Goblin-made tests.

Once the check was completed, the guard nodded, satisfied. "Lord Potter, you may proceed."

Upon entering, they approached the reception desk, where a Goblin named Baldok sat. Harry greeted him formally in Gobbledegook, "Zrhk'tk tk'shal Heimsk," which roughly translated to "Greetings, esteemed one." Harry showed Baldok the friend tag on his key, and Baldok nodded, confirming his identity. "Lord Potter, we've been expecting you. You're here to meet with Manager Bagnod, I presume?"

"Yes, that's correct," Harry replied. "Bagnod requested our presence to discuss a matter of importance."

Baldok nodded, his expression serious. "Very well. I'll inform him of your arrival. Please, follow me." He led them to a secure area, where they would meet with Bagnod. As they walked, Ginny leaned in close to Harry and whispered, "What do you think Bagnod wants to discuss?"

Harry smiled reassuringly. "I'm not sure, but I'm sure it'll be fine."

They reached Bagnod's office, a spacious room with intricate Goblin carvings on the walls. Harry and Ginny greeted him with a formal bow and a phrase in Gobbledegook, "Zrhk'tk tk'shal Heimsk," which roughly translated to "Greetings, esteemed one." Bagnod returned the greeting, his expression serious.

"Ah, Lord Potter, Miss Weasley, please take a seat," Bagnod said, gesturing to the chairs before his desk.

Harry and Ginny sat down, their faces formal. Bagnod began, "I trust you are both in good health, Lord Potter? And Miss Weasley, I see you are well too?"

"Yes, we are both well, thank you for asking, esteemed Bagnod," Harry replied. "Ginny is doing fine, thank you for inquiring about her."

Bagnod nodded, satisfied with their response. "I have several matters to discuss with you both. But first, please, tell me, do you have anything you wish to discuss?"

Harry and Ginny exchanged a brief look before Harry spoke, "Actually, esteemed Bagnod, we do have a matter to discuss, but we'll discuss it after you've shared your thoughts."

Bagnod's expression remained formal, but a hint of curiosity flickered in his eyes. "Very well, let us proceed with the matters at hand then."

Bagnod's expression turned serious as he began to explain, "The magic you exhibited at St. Mungo's, Lord Potter, was elemental magic. I see you and Miss Weasley are unfamiliar with the term." He paused, observing the genuine surprise on their faces.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a formal glance before Harry replied, "Indeed, esteemed Bagnod, we are not acquainted with elemental magic. Tk'shal tk'tavili [This is unexpected] , we would be grateful if you could enlighten us."

Bagnod nodded, his voice taking on a pedagogical tone. "Magic is inherent within all magical beings. In ancient times, everyone performed wandless magic, as it is a natural part of our core. However, over the centuries, wizards and witches have become increasingly dependent on wands, which channel magic, making it precise but limited. Unfortunately, this dependence has led to a decline in the magical core's potency."

Ginny's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned forward slightly. "You mean to say that wandless magic is possible, but rare? Zrhk'tk tk'kral [What is the secret] , how does one achieve this?"

"Yes, Miss Weasley," Bagnod replied. "Wandless magic requires a strong magical core, which few possess nowadays. Elemental magic, a form of wandless magic, manipulates the four elements – earth, air, fire, and water – and fifteen sub-elements. The user is referred to as a Mage. And, Lord Potter, you have demonstrated the ability to perform elemental magic, specifically using the earth element."

Harry's eyes widened in shock, and Ginny's gaze mirrored his surprise. "Tk'shal tk'tavili [This is unexpected] ," Harry murmured. Ginny placed a reassuring hand on his arm, her touch a gentle reminder of their bond.

Bagnod's formal demeanor remained unchanged, but a hint of fascination flickered in his eyes. "Your ability, Lord Potter, is remarkable. I believe there is more to explore regarding your magical heritage."

Harry and Ginny listened intently, their minds racing with questions and implications. They knew that this revelation would change their understanding of magic and their place within the wizarding world.

Harry's eyes widened with curiosity as he asked, "But how can I...he should not... Zrhk'tk tk'shal tk'tavili [This is unexpected and overwhelming]." Ginny quickly came to his side and softly kissed him to calm him down. They both apologized to Bagnod, who chuckled and said, "Tk'shal Heimsk, young ones. Zrhk'tk tk'kral tk'shal tk'tavili [Greetings, young ones. Love is a powerful force, indeed]."

Once Harry composed himself, he asked, "How can I perform elemental magic, if it's the highest form of wandless magic, and even Dumbledore can't do much more than simple spells?"

Bagnod's expression turned serious as he replied, "It all depends on the magical core, as I told you earlier. I believe that due to the physical, mental, physiological, and psychological abuse you endured for the first ten years of your life, your magic has expanded more than usual, reaching levels it used to be in ancient times."

Ginny's eyes were fixed intently on Bagnod as she asked, "Tk'shal tk'kral tk'shal Heimsk [What do you mean by ancient magic]?"

Bagnod explained, "It's part of ancient magic, which used to be common thousands of years ago and started limiting after the invention of wands. And the conditions you had, I don't think any wizard has ever had it that bad in hundreds of years."

Harry's mind was racing with questions, and Ginny's grip on his hand tightened as she sensed his turmoil. Bagnod's words hung in the air, leaving them both in deep thought. The silence was finally broken by Harry's soft whisper, "Zrhk'tk tk'shal tk'tavili [This is unexpected and overwhelming], indeed."

Harry's eyes widened in shock as he asked, "But how? Why me?" Bagnod's expression turned solemn, and he replied, "Tk'shal Heimsk, young ones. Zrhk'tk tk'kral tk'shal tk'tavili. Magic has chosen you, Harry Potter." Ginny's grip on Harry's hand tightened as she whispered, "What do you mean, magic is alive?"

Bagnod sighed, "Ah, the knowledge of magic's sentience has been lost to many. But we goblins know the truth. Magic is alive, and it has chosen you, Harry, to wield its power. You will face many challenges, not just Voldemort. You will need to master ancient magic to save the wizarding world from darkness."

The room fell silent as Harry and Ginny struggled to comprehend the weight of Bagnod's words. Harry's mind was reeling with questions, but he couldn't form the words to ask them. Ginny's eyes were fixed on Bagnod, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.

"Zrhk'tk tk'shal tk'tavili," Bagnod continued, "the road ahead will be fraught with danger. But with magic on your side, you may yet succeed where others have failed."

Ginny's eyes were still wide with wonder as she asked Bagnod, "What exactly is Ancient Magic? Is it just elemental magic?"

Bagnod chuckled, the sound low and gravelly, "Ah, Ancient Magic is much more, young ones. It encompasses a range of abilities that only a select few have mastered." He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing, "Ancient Magic includes abilities such as understanding and communicating with creatures, natural healing, sensing magic, sensing plants and understanding nature, being a fast learner, elemental magic, and wandless magic."

As Bagnod listed the abilities, Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, their faces drawn in comprehension. They realized that out of the seven abilities mentioned, Harry was already proficient in the first five. The recent battle had apparently unlocked the elemental and wandless magic within him.

Harry's mind wandered back to the book given by Ollivander the previous year. He had read about these abilities, but never thought he would possess them. Ginny's grip on his hand tightened as she sensed his thoughts drifting away.

Bagnod's formal demeanor remained unchanged as he observed the young pair. "It seems, Harry Potter, that you are indeed a master of Ancient Magic. Your potential is remarkable."

The room fell silent, with Harry and Ginny absorbing the weight of Bagnod's words. The air was thick with unspoken questions and the promise of new challenges ahead.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a significant look, silently agreeing that they should mention the vision he had received that day. Harry took a deep breath and began to recount his experience. "Bagnod, sir, I had a vision while I was unconscious at St. Mungo's. I saw four elves, and beyond them, I saw the outlines of about fifteen more. I didn't understand what it meant, but it felt significant."

The goblin's face went through a transformation, shock written all over his features. His eyes widened, and his mouth hung slightly ajar. It was a look that Harry and Ginny would forever remember, a mix of astonishment and wonder. Bagnod's formal demeanor crumbled for a moment, revealing a glimpse of genuine surprise.

After a moment, Bagnod regained his composure and apologized for the outburst. "Forgive me, young ones. It seems the legend is true." He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing, "About ten to fifteen thousand years ago, there used to be magical species called elemental and sub-elemental elves. But with time, they went into hiding and never showed up to any creature, especially not humans. Though there have been a few sightings every now and then, no one has seen them since six hundred years ago. The last one was Sypherna, who had married someone in your ancestors, Harry."

Bagnod's eyes seemed to gaze into the past, recalling the stories that had been passed down through the goblin nation. "She made a told of a legend, known only to goblins. Wizards and witches think Elemental and Sub-elemental elves got extinct. But according to the legend, they are in hiding, and one day their magical heir, who will bear their magic, will rediscover them, and they will enter the wizarding world."

Harry and Ginny listened intently, their minds racing with questions and possibilities. They knew that this revelation would change everything, and they were about to embark on a journey that would uncover secrets hidden for centuries.

Bagnod's expression turned serious as he began to explain the significance of Harry's vision. "Young Lord Potter, it appears that you have seen the Elemental Elves and Sub-Elemental Elves in your vision. This suggests that you are indeed their magical heir, as the legend foretells."

Harry's eyes widened in astonishment, and Ginny's grip on his arm tightened in support. "Elemental Elves?" Harry repeated, his voice barely above a whisper.

Bagnod nodded gravely. "Yes, the Elemental Elves are a group of magical creatures deeply connected to the elements of nature. There are four types: Wind, Forest, Fire, and Sea. Each type has a unique physical appearance, culture, and magical tradition tied to their respective element."

Ginny's curiosity was piqued. "And what about the Sub-Elemental Elves, sir?"

Bagnod's eyes gleamed with knowledge. "The Sub-Elemental Elves are a diverse group of magical creatures that embody specific aspects of the elements or other fundamental forces of nature. There are fifteen types, including Aether, Lightning, Ice, Earth, Crystal, Metal, Light, Sound, Shadow, Nature, Dream, Chaos, Time, Life, and Death."

Harry felt overwhelmed, his mind reeling with the sheer amount of information. "I...I didn't know any of this," he admitted, feeling a bit bewildered.

Bagnod's expression softened. "It is a lot to take in, Young Lord Potter. But it seems that you are indeed the magical heir of these creatures. We will need to discuss this further and explore the implications of this revelation."

As Bagnod paused, collecting his thoughts, Harry turned to Ginny and whispered, "This is getting more complicated by the minute."

Ginny's response was equally soft. "We'll figure it out together, Harry. We'll face whatever comes our way, side by side."

Bagnod cleared his throat, drawing their attention back to him. "We will need to proceed with caution and gather more information about your connection to these creatures. I propose that we conduct further research and discuss the details of your vision in greater depth."

Harry nodded, determination etched on his face. "Let's do it. I'm ready to learn more about my heritage and my responsibilities as the magical heir."

Bagnod's expression turned solemn as he began to discuss the second topic. "Young Lord Potter, Miss Weasley, I'd like to talk to you about something else that caught my attention during the battle at St. Mungo's." Harry and Ginny exchanged a nervous glance, their minds racing with possibilities.

"What is it, sir?" Harry asked, trying to sound calm.

Bagnod's eyes locked onto theirs. "I've noticed a unique bond between the two of you. A magical connection that seems to be growing stronger by the day." Ginny's face paled, and Harry's grip on her hand tightened.

"How did you...?" Ginny trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper.

"As a goblin, I have the ability to see certain...threads that connect individuals," Bagnod explained. "I didn't notice it when you both visited the bank on August 1, but during the battle, it was unmistakable."

Harry's mind reeled. How did Bagnod know about their bond? They had kept it a secret, sharing it only with Hinny, their phoenix in the dreamland.

"Don't worry, Young Lord Potter, Miss Weasley," Bagnod reassured them. "Your secret is safe with me. I understand the importance of discretion."

Ginny's voice was formal, as was her tone when speaking to Bagnod. "We appreciate your understanding, sir. May I ask how you plan to keep this...information confidential?"

Bagnod nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Rest assured, I will keep your confidence. As a goblin, I am bound by our codes of honor and secrecy. You have my word that this will not be shared with anyone."

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and they shared a moment of understanding. They would have to be cautious, but for now, they were grateful for Bagnod's discretion.

"Thank you, sir," Harry said formally, echoing Ginny's tone. "We appreciate your understanding and support."

Bagnod's expression turned serious once more. "I'm glad we understand each other. Now, let's focus on the implications of this bond and how we can work together to ensure your safety and well-being."

The conversation was far from over, and Harry knew that their lives were about to become even more complicated. But with Ginny by his side, he felt a sense of determination wash over him. They would face whatever came next, together.

Bagnod's expression turned solemn as he began to explain further. "According to my knowledge, your bond started approximately nine years ago. It's a rare bond called Core Bond, which connects two magical cores. The two individuals can be anything - friends, siblings, parent-offspring, or even lovers."

Harry and Ginny nodded, recalling their first meeting when Ginny had done accidental magic and apparated to a Muggle traffic, and Harry had saved her. They had forgotten about it until Hinny told them last Christmas.

Bagnod continued, "However, when you both got together last year, it must have transformed into something else - something more powerful. A Love-Core Bond, perhaps. The Core Bond is still present, but love is also in play."

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and they exchanged a formal glance. "This is fascinating," Harry said, his voice filled with curiosity. "What implications does this bond have, sir?"

Ginny added, "Yes, and how can we... harness its power?"

Bagnod leaned forward, his eyes locked onto theirs. "That, Young Lord Potter and Miss Weasley, is what I wish to discuss with you. Your bond has the potential to be incredibly powerful. But it also poses risks. We need to understand its extent and limitations."

Harry and Ginny leaned forward, intrigued and eager to learn more about their bond. The air was thick with anticipation as Bagnod began to reveal the secrets of their Love-Core Bond.

Bagnod's expression turned solemn as he began to explain further. "In the wizarding world, every individual possesses three primary components: the soul, the core, and the heart or mind. The magical core serves as the source of magic, while the mind or heart is the source of conscience and feelings. The soul, on the other hand, is the source of life."

Harry and Ginny listened intently, their faces filled with curiosity. Bagnod continued, "The core is what allows us to perform magic, and it is unique to each individual. The heart or mind is what guides our actions and decisions, influencing our emotions and thoughts."

Ginny leaned forward, her eyes locked onto Bagnod's. "And how do these components relate to our bond, sir?"

Bagnod nodded. "Ah, yes. In your case, the Love-Core Bond between the two of you has linked your conscience and core together. This bond is a rare and special connection, one that enhances your magical abilities and creates a deep emotional understanding between the two of you."

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and they exchanged a formal glance. "This is fascinating," Harry said, his voice filled with interest. "Could you elaborate on the implications of this bond, sir?"

Bagnod leaned forward, his eyes serious. "The Love-Core Bond between you two is a powerful connection, one that can amplify your magical abilities and create a deep sense of understanding and empathy between the two of you. However, it also poses risks, and it's essential to understand its extent and limitations."
.

Bagnod's expression turned solemn as he began to explain the implications of Harry and Ginny's bond. "Firstly, it's clear that your love is pure and true," he said, his voice filled with a deep understanding. "This bond between you two is rare and special, and it has already manifested in the form of a dreamland, which you both have been visiting every night."

Harry and Ginny exchanged a formal glance, their eyes locked in a deep understanding. "Yes, sir," Harry replied, his voice respectful. "We've been meeting in our dreamland since Christmas 1991."

Bagnod nodded, his eyes twinkling with approval. "I see. Well, in that case, you both must be aware of the deep emotional connection you share. Next, you'll soon be able to share magic, and later, memories. You already have a phoenix, Hinny, as a symbol of your love, which is a remarkable manifestation of your bond."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Share magic, sir? What do you mean?"

"It's a unique aspect of your bond," Bagnod explained. "You'll be able to tap into each other's magical energies, enhancing your abilities and creating new possibilities. As your bond grows stronger, you'll also be able to share memories, thoughts, and emotions."

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and they exchanged a soft glance. They had already experienced glimpses of this shared magic, but they had never imagined it would grow stronger.

Bagnod continued, his voice filled with a deep wisdom. "You'll also grow and mature physically, emotionally, and mentally, which you've probably already noticed. And lastly, you both are promised to each other forever, sort of betrothed. Harry will have to propose one day and marry Ginny officially, but it's guaranteed."

Harry and Ginny's eyes locked in a deep understanding, their faces filled with a mix of emotions. They knew that their bond was special, but they had never imagined it was this profound.

"You're saying, sir," Harry asked, his voice filled with curiosity, "that our bond is a lifelong commitment?"

Bagnod nodded, his eyes twinkling with approval. "Yes, Harry. You and Ginny are bound together, not just by your love, but by the very fabric of magic itself. It's a beautiful and rare thing, and I'm honored to have been a part of this revelation."

The room fell silent, with Harry and Ginny absorbing the weight of Bagnod's words. They knew that their bond was special, and now they understood its true extent.

Bagnod continued, his voice filled with a deep wisdom. "However, your bond is not complete yet; it's in process, as your phoenix has not yet manifested in the real world. This is proof that your bond still needs to reach its full potential."

Harry and Ginny leaned forward, intrigued. "What does it mean, sir?" Harry asked.

Bagnod's eyes locked onto theirs. "Your phoenix will come to life the moment your bond is completed. And it would only be completed when you both become one in body."

Realization dawned on their faces as they understood what Bagnod meant. They exchanged a glance, and their eyes dropped, their faces flushing slightly.

Bagnod's voice remained gentle but firm. "I mean physically one. After that, Harry and Ginny, you will be in core, mind, and heart, and the only thing that would be your own would be your souls, which each of you will have separate. Because if not, then you are already married."

Harry and Ginny's eyes met again, and they knew that their bond, though strong, wouldn't be completed anytime soon. They sat in contemplative silence for a moment, absorbing the weight of Bagnod's words.

"Thank you, sir," Harry said finally, his voice filled with respect. "We'll keep this in mind."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "Yes, sir. We'll be careful."

Bagnod nodded, a small smile on his face. "I know you both will. Now, let's keep this discussion between us, shall we?"

Harry and Ginny thanked Bagnod for sharing the remarkable information about his elemental magic, vision, and their bond. "Thank you, sir, for enlightening us about the intricacies of our bond and Harry's abilities," Harry said, his eyes locked onto Ginny's.

Bagnod nodded, his expression warm. "You're welcome, Lord Potter and Miss Weasley. I'm glad I could provide clarity on these matters."

Next Chapter is Lord Potter in Action.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. So how about that , I finally revealed their bond completely. Also I revealed this whole ancient magic thing I have been mentioning since chapter 2 I think. And the elemental elves. And new Healing and Dueling classes, Wizengamot……? Oh Trust me it will all be fun. Also before anyone claims that Harry is too powerful, I want to say since in this story Harry is more powerful  it will mean Voldemort will be too , so there will be no imbalance, you will learn more about in future. I wanted a super Harry but to balance of Voldemort will be super Voldy too , and just maybe he would be smarter and more villainous. Whatever questions you may have pls don't hesitate to ask. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 30: Lord Potter in Action

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

With the formalities out of the way, Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, and Harry began to discuss their next plan. "Sir, I'd like to inform you that I'll be claiming my Wizengamot seat as Lord Potter in tomorrow's meeting."

Bagnod nodded, his eyes sparkling with interest. "Ah, an excellent decision, Lord Potter. Your presence will undoubtedly bring about positive change."

Ginny squeezed Harry's hand, and he continued, "We've been discussing a matter of great importance, sir. We wish to establish a Trust Foundation to help those in need, not just within the wizarding community but also among Muggles and other magical species worldwide."

Bagnod's expression turned thoughtful. "A noble endeavor, indeed. The recent incidents have highlighted the need for such initiatives. Tell me more about your vision."

Harry and Ginny took turns explaining their plan, emphasizing their desire to provide aid without boundaries, be it magical or geographical. Bagnod listened intently, his eyes lighting up with approval.

"I'm impressed, Lord Potter and Miss Weasley," Bagnod said when they finished. "Your compassion and foresight are truly admirable. I'm more than willing to support your endeavor, especially given your unique position as a friend of the Goblin nation, Lord Potter."

As Bagnod spoke, Harry and Ginny exchanged a look of determination, their hands still clasped together. They knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to face the challenges, side by side.

Harry began, his eyes locked onto Bagnod's. "We would like to reveal our reasons for sharing this with you, Lord Bagnod."

Ginny nodded in agreement, her voice formal. "Indeed, Lord Bagnod, our reasons are twofold. Firstly, we require financial assistance for our endeavor. As you know, Lord Potter is the heir to several Ancient and Noble houses, but he has only claimed the Lordship of the House of Potter thus far."

Harry took over, his expression determined. "To access the funds required for our plans, we need guidance and assistance. We were hoping Gringotts could provide us with the necessary support, not necessarily financial, but rather guidance and expertise."

Bagnod's eyes sparkled with interest, his expression thoughtful. "I see. And what is the nature of this endeavor, Lord Potter and Miss Weasley?"

Ginny's voice was clear and confident. "We aim to establish a Trust Foundation to support those in need, across the wizarding world, without boundaries. We believe Gringotts' expertise and guidance would be invaluable in this pursuit."

Bagnod nodded, his eyes never leaving theirs. "I understand. And I'm happy to discuss how Gringotts can assist you in this noble endeavor. Please, continue."

Bagnod nodded, his expression formal. "Yes, Lord Potter and Miss Weasley, claiming lordship of your inherited houses will indeed provide you with the necessary access to the vaults and resources required for your endeavors."

Harry's eyes narrowed slightly as Bagnod listed the houses he was heir to, his mind racing with the implications. He wasn't surprised by most of the names, but the mention of Flamel caught his attention. "Nicholas and Pernelle Flamel are indeed alive, using the Sorcerer's Stone to sustain themselves," Bagnod continued. "However, they have decided to retire completely, and as their heir, you can claim lordship of the Flamel legacy, Lord Potter."

Ginny's eyes met Harry's, a spark of understanding between them. "We appreciate this information, Lord Bagnod," she said, her voice formal. "We will proceed with claiming the lordships and accessing the necessary resources."

Bagnod nodded, his eyes gleaming with a hint of approval. "I will guide you through the process, Lord Potter and Miss Weasley. The goblin nation is eager to see you claim your rightful place and utilize your unique abilities for the greater good."

"We are grateful for your assistance, Lord Bagnod," Harry said, his expression serious. "We intend to use our resources and abilities to make a positive impact on the wizarding world."

As the meeting progressed, Bagnod's expression turned purposeful. "I suggest we begin the process of claiming your lordships immediately, Lord Potter. The sooner you assert your inheritance, the sooner we can move forward with establishing the Trust Foundation."

Harry turned to Ginny, seeking her input. "What do you think, Ginny? Should we start claiming the lordships now?"

Ginny's cheeks flushed slightly as she met Harry's gaze. "It's your inheritance, Harry. You should claim it as you see fit."

Harry's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled. "Not just mine, ours," he corrected, his voice low. "I'll marry you someday, Ginny, and everything I have will be yours."

Ginny's blush deepened, but she didn't look away. Bagnod cleared his throat, his expression formal once more. "Ah, yes, well, in that case, perhaps we should begin with the Ancient and Noble House of Peverall?"

Harry nodded, his mind made up. "Yes, let's start with Peverall. We'll claim it jointly, for the benefit of our future endeavors."

Bagnod nodded, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Very well, Lord Potter. I will guide you through the process. Claiming the House of Peverall will grant you access to significant resources and influence."

Together, the trio began the formal process of claiming the House of Peverall, their discussion filled with the intricacies of goblin law and the implications of Harry's inheritance. As they worked, Harry's thoughts turned to the future, and the possibilities that lay ahead for him and Ginny.

As the meeting concluded, Harry and Ginny emerged from Gringotts, the cool evening air a welcome respite after hours of paperwork. The sun had long since set, casting a warm orange glow over the wizarding bank. "It's 8 pm, Lord Peverall," Ginny said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Harry smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Indeed, Lady Weasley. Five hours have passed in what felt like mere moments."

"I'm not Lady Weasley, though," Ginny added with a chuckle. "That's my mother's title, not mine."

Harry smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "So, shall I call you Future Lady Potter then?" he teased, his voice low and affectionate.

Ginny's cheeks flushed slightly, but she met Harry's gaze with a sparkle in her eyes. "You may, Lord Potter," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

They exchanged warm glances, their bond allowing them to convey a silent understanding. As they walked out of the bank, they spotted Sirius waiting patiently for them. His eyes lit up with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.

"Ah, finally! I was starting to think you'd both been swallowed whole by the vaults," Sirius said, pushing off the wall he'd been leaning against.

Harry and Ginny shared a knowing look, their bond allowing them to convey a silent understanding. They hadn't told Sirius about the meeting's purpose, and he had waited patiently for five hours, no questions asked.

"We're done, Sirius," Harry said, clapping his friend on the back. "Let's get some dinner. I'm starving."

Sirius chuckled, falling into step beside them. "I knew you'd emerge eventually. Though I must admit, I'm intrigued. What did Bagnod want?"

Ginny smiled mischievously. "Perhaps we'll tell you over dinner, Padfoot."

The trio walked off into the evening, their laughter and conversation carrying them away from the bank, into the night.

As they walked out of Gringotts, Sirius looked at Harry and Ginny with a hint of curiosity. "So, where to now? Hogwarts, I presume?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.

"We were thinking of heading to the Burrow for dinner instead," Harry said, a mischievous glint in his eye. "We'd love for you to join us, Sirius."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "Yeah, we need to talk to Mum and Dad about something. And we'll fill you in on what Bagnod said, too."

Sirius raised an eyebrow but shrugged. "Alright, let's go. I'm intrigued. What's the plan, you two?"

"We'll tell you at dinner," Harry promised, smiling.

Sirius nodded and side-along apparated them to just outside the Burrow's wards. As they walked towards the house, the warm glow of the setting sun cast a cozy atmosphere over the scene.

Upon arrival, they found Arthur and Molly Weasley surprised to see Harry and Ginny, expecting them to be at Hogwarts. "Harry, dear, we thought you'd be back at school by now," Molly said, concern etched on her face.

Arthur nodded in agreement. "Yes, what's going on? Why the sudden change of plans?"

"We'll explain everything over dinner, Mum, Dad," Ginny said, giving her parents a reassuring smile. "Let's get settled first."

The group walked into the Burrow, the aroma of Molly's cooking wafting through the air, making their stomachs growl in anticipation. The evening promised to be filled with laughter, good food, and secrets shared among friends.

The warm glow of the setting sun had faded, replaced by the soft lighting of the Burrow's living room. Harry, Ginny, Sirius, Arthur, and Molly sat comfortably, surrounded by the familiar atmosphere of the Weasley home. The dinner plates had been cleared, and the conversation had turned to the reason behind Harry and Ginny's visit. The air was filled with anticipation as they waited for Harry and Ginny to share their news.

"So, you two wanted to talk to us about something?" Arthur asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity. Molly leaned forward, her hands clasped together, her face a picture of concern and interest.

"Yes, Dad," Ginny said, glancing at Harry before continuing. "We visited Bagnod at Gringotts today. After Harry's discharge from St Mungos, we thought it was essential to meet him."

Sirius nodded, confirming he knew about the meeting. "I dropped them off at Gringotts, Arthur. They had some business to discuss with Bagnod." His casual tone reassured Arthur and Molly that Harry and Ginny had been in good company.

Molly's expression changed from concern to relief, knowing her daughter and Harry weren't alone. "Oh, good. We were worried when you didn't tell us about your plans." Arthur's face still held a hint of curiosity, but he let the matter drop for now, focusing on what Harry and Ginny had to share.

"Go on, what's this about?" Arthur asked, his eyes locked on Harry and Ginny. Harry took a deep breath, and Ginny's hand found its way to his, offering silent support.

"We met Bagnod, and he shared some crucial information with us," Harry began, his voice steady.

"So, Bagnod told us that the magic I used at St. Mungo's was Elemental Magic," Harry explained, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "He said it's a part of Ancient Magic, and I'm a Mage."

Molly's eyes widened in surprise, while Arthur's face showed interest. Sirius nodded thoughtfully, already aware of Harry's unique abilities.

Ginny continued, "Bagnod also told us that Harry is the magical heir of the Elemental and Sub-Elemental Elves. We're not entirely sure what that means, but it seems to be connected to Harry's powers."

Arthur leaned forward, intrigued. "That's fascinating. What else did Bagnod say?"

Harry took over, "He suggested we establish a Trust Foundation to support those in need. We've already discussed it with Amelia, and we're working on it. We've also started claiming Harry's inheritance to arrange proper funding."

Sirius smiled, proud of Harry's initiative. "That's a great idea, Harry. I'm happy to help in any way I can."

Molly beamed with pride, happy to see Harry and Ginny working together on such an important project. "We're proud of you both. You're growing up to be such responsible and caring young people."

"So, we've been thinking about establishing a Trust Foundation to help those in need," Harry said, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "We want it to be inclusive, helping wizards, Muggles, Goblins, House-Elves – everyone."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "We've discussed it with Bagnod, and he's offered to help us in any way he can."

Arthur's face lit up with interest. "That's a wonderful idea, kids. What made you think of this?"

Harry explained, "We've seen the impact of the recent attacks, and there's a shortage of healers. We want to do something to make a difference."

Molly smiled, proud of the young couple. "You're both so compassionate. I'm sure it'll be a huge success."

Sirius leaned forward. "I've got some connections that might be helpful. I'd be happy to lend a hand."

Ginny continued, "We've thought of naming it C.A.R.E. Foundation – Compassionate Aid and Relief Efforts. But Bagnod suggested adding 'Potter' to the name, as it would attract more attention and support."

Harry's face showed a hint of discomfort. "I don't particularly like the idea of using my name, but Bagnod pointed out that it would be beneficial."

Arthur nodded understandingly. "Sometimes, Harry, your reputation can be a powerful tool for good. I'm sure you'll make it work."

The room fell silent for a moment, as the three adults considered the proposal. Then, Molly spoke up, "We'll support you both every step of the way. You're doing something truly remarkable."

"We were thinking," Harry began, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and trepidation, "that we'd like someone to manage the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation... someone we trust implicitly, someone who can handle the responsibilities and make sure our vision becomes a reality."

Ginny nodded enthusiastically, her eyes shining with conviction. "And we thought... well, we thought of you, Mum. You're the perfect person for the job."

Molly's eyes widened in shock, her face a picture of utter surprise. She looked at Harry and Ginny as if they had just suggested something entirely impossible. "Me? Manage the Foundation?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper, her tone incredulous.

Arthur and Sirius exchanged bewildered glances, equally taken aback by the suggestion. Arthur's eyebrows shot up, while Sirius's mouth curved into a surprised smile.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a nervous glance before Harry continued, his words spilling out in a gentle rush. "We know it's a lot to ask, but we believe you're the perfect person for the job. You've managed our family, juggling multiple responsibilities, keeping everyone fed, happy, and organized... we think your experience would be invaluable to the Foundation."

Ginny added, her voice filled with warmth and conviction. "And, well, now that all of us kids are either at Hogwarts or graduated, you might have some... free time on your hands. We know it's not just about trust, but about finding someone with the right skills and experience. You've always been the glue that holds our family together, Mum. We think you could do the same for the Foundation."

Arthur's expression changed from surprise to consideration. He leaned forward, his eyes lighting up with interest. "Actually, Molly, you've always been excellent at organizing and managing things. It could be a perfect fit. You'd be able to bring your skills and experience to a much larger stage."

Sirius nodded in agreement, a smile spreading across his face. "And with my... other responsibilities, Arthur's work at the Ministry, and Amelia's duties as Head of DMLE, you're one of the few people we know who could devote the time and energy required to make the Foundation a success."

Molly's shock began to wear off, replaced by a thoughtful expression. She looked at Harry and Ginny, her eyes filled with a mix of emotions – surprise, pride, and a hint of uncertainty. "I... I don't know what to say. It's a huge responsibility, but... I suppose it could be a wonderful opportunity."

Just then, a gentle knock on the window grasped the attention of all five of them—Sirius, Harry, Ginny, and Ginny's parents, who were seated comfortably in the cozy living room of the Burrow. Harry got up to answer it, opening the window to let in a majestic barn owl with a letter tied to its leg. The letter apparently was from Gringotts, as it had the Gringotts seal embossed on the envelope. Harry smiled as he gently petted the owl, gave it a bowl of water, and the owl flew away, its mission accomplished.

Harry sat back down, opened the letter, and read its contents. A broad smile spread across his face as he looked up at the others. "It's from Bagnod," Harry said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "He's set up the account in the name of the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation, with me as chairman, Ginny as Deputy Chairman, and Mrs. Weasley as Manager."

All of them smiled, pleased with the news. Mrs. Weasley's face lit up with a warm smile, but then her expression turned slightly questioning. "They already knew I would accept before asking me, eh?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Ginny smiled mischievously and said, "Of course. We all know how much you love helping others, Mum."

As they sat in the cozy living room of the Burrow, surrounded by warm candlelight and the soft hum of conversation, they celebrated the successful meeting with Bagnod. Sirius, Molly, and Arthur sipped on fire whiskey, while Harry and Ginny shared a bottle of Butterbeer.

"To new beginnings," Sirius toasted, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

"To the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation," Molly added, smiling at Harry and Ginny.

"May it bring hope and aid to those in need," Arthur said, his voice filled with warmth.

Harry and Ginny clinked their bottles together, savoring the sweet, creamy taste of Butterbeer. They exchanged a glance, their eyes locking in a moment of understanding and shared purpose.

As they chatted and laughed, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation. The night wore on, and eventually, it was time for Harry and Ginny to leave.

"Sirius, could you take us back to Hogwarts?" Harry asked, finishing his drink.

"Of course, kiddo," Sirius replied, standing up. "I'll drop you both off."

With fond farewells and well-wishes, Harry and Ginny bid the Weasleys goodnight, ready to face the challenges ahead.

As they stepped out of the carriage and onto the platform, Harry and Ginny bid farewell to Sirius, thanking him for the ride. McGonagall, affectionately known as Gran to Harry and Ginny in private, stood waiting for them, her eyes twinkling with a mix of warmth and authority.

"Ah, Harry, Ginny, I see you're back safely," McGonagall said, her voice firm but gentle. "I trust you had a productive meeting with Mr. Bagnod?" Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, deciding how much to reveal. "It was very informative, Gran," Harry replied, using the affectionate term they reserved for her in private, but also comfortable enough to use it in this setting given their close relationship. Harry replied, careful not to disclose too much about their discovery of his being a Mage or the nature of their bond. "We discussed the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation and our plans to help those in need."

McGonagall nodded, her expression thoughtful. "I'm glad to hear that, Harry. Your philanthropic efforts are commendable. However, I must remind you both that you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow. It's getting late, and you should get some rest." Ginny smiled, knowing that Gran was looking out for their well-being. "Thank you, Gran. We'll head straight to bed."

With that, Harry and Ginny bid McGonagall goodnight and made their way to Gryffindor Tower. As they entered the common room, they found it deserted, the fire burning low. "Looks like everyone's already asleep," Harry observed, glancing around at the empty chairs.

"Yeah, it's pretty late," Ginny replied, stifling a yawn. "We should get some rest too. We can tell the others about our plans tomorrow morning."

Harry nodded in agreement. "First thing in the morning, we'll gather everyone and fill them in on the details."

As the night wore on, they decided it was time for bed. Harry walked Ginny to her dorm, and as they stood outside the door, he pulled her close. "Goodnight, Gin," he whispered, his eyes shining with affection.

Ginny's smile sparkled in the dim light. "Goodnight, Harry," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss, the world around them melting away. As they pulled back, Harry smiled, his heart full. "Sweet dreams, my love."

With one last glance, they bid each other goodnight, the promise of tomorrow's adventures lingering in their hearts as they drifted off to sleep.

Harry woke up in his bed at the usual time, 5 am. He and Ginny had discussed their plan for the day multiple times in the dreamland at night. It was a crucial day due to the Wizengamot trial.

He glanced over to see Neville and Ron still asleep. He woke them up, which wasn't easy, but he had to since he and Ginny would be attending the Wizengamot trial. Before they left, they needed to inform the Musketeers about their plans. Given their late arrival the previous night, they hadn't had a chance to brief their friends yet.

"Guys, wake up! We need to talk," Harry said, shaking Ron and Neville gently. Ron groggily opened his eyes, while Neville stretched. "What's going on, Harry?" Ron asked, yawning. "Today's the Wizengamot trial. Ginny and I will be there, and before we leave, we need to tell the others about our plans," Harry explained. Neville and Ron exchanged a look, now fully awake and aware of the importance of the day. "Let's get the others," Neville suggested, already heading out to gather the rest of the Musketeers.

The little sleepy but alert group of Musketeers gathered in the Musketeers room of Hogwarts. Harry and Ginny stood before their friends, their faces serious but determined.

"Today's the Wizengamot trial," Harry began, his voice low but clear. "Ginny and I will be attending. We've formed a three-staged plan to counter the problems the wizarding world faces."

Ron rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the sleep. "What's the plan, mate?" he asked, his interest piqued.

"We'll start by getting Sirius elected to the Board of Governors," Ginny explained. "He'll propose new elective courses for third years and above: Healing and Dueling. This will address the healer shortage and enhance competency for potential Aurors."

Draco nodded, his interest sparked. "That's a solid start. What's the next stage?" he asked, leaning forward.

Harry took over, his eyes shining with determination. "I'll claim my seat in Wizengamot to ensure representation and influence decision-making in critical situations."

"I want to come with you," Ron said, and others nodded in agreement. "It'll be a great experience," Neville added, while Hermione scribbled some notes, her brow furrowed in thought.

Susan, Luna, Scorpius, Samantha, Dudley, and Daisy all voiced their interest in attending the trial. Hermione looked up, "I think it's a great idea, but we should make sure we understand the Wizengamot's procedures and protocols before we attend."

"Guys, I appreciate the enthusiasm," Harry said with a smile, "but we'll need permission from our respective guardians and Dumbledore."

"Why is Ginny allowed to go, then?" Ron asked, a hint of teasing in his voice.

"I've already taken permission for her," Harry replied calmly. "And, if I can manage, I'd like to take Daisy with me. As Lord Potter, I can demand that Madam Potter attend with me."

Daisy beamed, happy at the prospect. "That sounds like fun! Thanks, Harry."

Draco leaned back in his chair. "So, what's the third stage of the plan?"

"We're establishing a foundation to support those in need," Ginny said. "Potter C.A.R.E. – Compassionate Aid and Relief Efforts. Bagnod suggested the name."

Luna's eyes sparkled. "That sounds wonderful. I'm sure it'll make a difference."

Hermione nodded, "I'll start researching the legal aspects of establishing a foundation. We should ensure we're doing everything by the book."

Scorpius nodded. "We're in this together, Harry. We'll support you every step of the way."

The group nodded in agreement, their faces set with determination. They knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but they were ready to face it together.

"Let's get moving," Harry said. "We have a lot to do before the trial. Ron, can you and Neville start working on the proposal for the Board of Governors? Hermione, can you help me review the Wizengamot's procedures?"

Hermione nodded, "Of course, Harry."

As the Musketeers dispersed to their tasks, Harry and Ginny shared a look, their bond stronger than ever. They were ready to face whatever lay ahead, side by side.

As the other Musketeers worked on their respective tasks, Harry and Ginny reached the gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmaster's office. Harry glanced around, ensuring they were alone, and then used his status as heir of Hogwarts founders to step aside the gargoyle without password. The stone creature moved, revealing the spiral staircase. They climbed the stairs and knocked on the door.

"Enter," Dumbledore's voice called out.

Inside, Dumbledore sat behind his desk, looking surprised to see them at such an early hour. He wore an eccentric nightdress, which caught Harry and Ginny off guard.

"Good morning, Harry, Ginny," Dumbledore said, his eyes twinkling. "I wasn't expecting you both so early."

"Sir, we need to discuss today's trial," Harry began. "Ginny and I want to attend, and I'm also taking Daisy with me."

Dumbledore nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Very well, Harry. Though, I must say, I'm intrigued. You've already taken permission from Mr. Weasley for Ginny, I presume?"

"Yes, sir," Harry replied. "We've taken care of that. I also wanted to inform you that I'll be claiming my seat at Wizengamot before the trial starts."

Dumbledore's eyebrows rose. "Ah, I see. You're referring to your inheritance, I presume? You have a valid claim, Harry, but are you prepared for the implications?"

"I believe it's necessary, sir," Harry said firmly. "Given the current situation with the healer shortage and other pressing issues, I feel it's crucial to have a voice in the Wizengamot."

Dumbledore nodded, a hint of a smile on his face. "Very well, Harry. I'm curious to see how this unfolds. You may proceed with your plans."

It was around 10 am when the Musketeers were done with their respective tasks. Harry and Ginny gathered in the Musketeers room, a secret meeting room at Hogwarts known only to the 12 Musketeers, surrounded by their friends. The Golden Musketeers - Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan - sat alongside the Silver Musketeers - Ginny, Luna, Scorpius, Dudley, Daisy, and Samantha.

"Alright, let's get down to business," Harry said, his eyes scanning the room. "We've got a lot to cover before the trial today."

"I've got the latest on the healer shortage," Ron said, handing Harry a parchment. "The numbers aren't looking good. We need to act fast."

"I've been going over the Wizengamot seating arrangements," Hermione added, "and I've found a few potential allies among the Ancient and Noble Houses."

The Musketeers shared their findings, discussing their research on the escaped goblins and the Dark Goblin Sutyr. As they spoke, Harry and Ginny listened intently, their minds racing with strategies and plans.

With their tasks complete, the Musketeers fell silent, awaiting Harry's next move. The room was filled with anticipation, the air thick with determination.

"Let's finalize our plan," Harry said, his voice firm. "We've got a trial to attend, and we need to be prepared."

It was around 11 am when Harry, Ginny stood up, taking all the findings and taking Daisy with them, bidding farewell to others with a promise of giving a screen-by-screen description of the trial when they return.

"We'll meet you all later," Harry said, smiling.

"Yeah, we'll tell you everything," Ginny added.

Daisy nodded, her eyes shining with excitement.

The three of them made their way to the Headmaster's office, where Dumbledore was already waiting for them, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.

"Ah, excellent timing, my young friends," Dumbledore said, his voice warm and welcoming. "The Floo Network awaits. Shall we proceed to the Ministry?"

Harry, Ginny, and Daisy nodded, and Dumbledore led them to the Floo, the flames crackling to life as they prepared to depart.

"Let's get going," Harry said, his eyes fixed on the Floo Network.

With a final glance at their surroundings, they stepped into the flames, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As the four of them stepped out of the Floo Network at the Ministry of Magic, they were immediately greeted by the imposing structure of the Wizengamot building. The sound of chattering wizards and witches filled the air as they made their way towards the entrance.

At the entrance, a Lord of Wand stood guard, carefully inspecting the wands of each visitor. "Ah, good morning, Lord Potter, Madam Potter, Miss Weasley," he said, his eyes scanning their wands before handing them each a badge. "Chief Warlock Dumbledore, welcome. Please, wear your badges at all times within the Ministry."

The badges read: "Lord Harry James Potter - Wizengamot Trial, October 10, 1992", "Madam Daisy Potter - Accompaniment to Lord Potter, Wizengamot Trial, October 10, 1992", "Miss Ginevra Molly Weasley - Accompaniment to Lord Potter, Wizengamot Trial, October 10, 1992", and "Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore - Wizengamot Trial, October 10, 1992".

Dumbledore smiled warmly as he accepted his badge. "Thank you, good sir. We shall indeed."

With their badges securely fastened, the four of them proceeded towards the Wizengamot chambers, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As the group made their way to the Wizengamot chambers, the grandeur of the Ministry of Magic's architecture surrounded them. The high ceilings, marble floors, and intricate woodwork adorned with magical symbols seemed to whisper tales of ancient magic. The sound of murmuring voices and the rustling of robes filled the air.

As they walked, they greeted a few ministry employees, including Ginny's father, Arthur Weasley. "Ah, Ginny, dear! Morning, Harry, Dumbledore," he said with a warm smile, his eyes twinkling behind his spectacles. "Good luck, Harry. I'm sure you'll do great."

Patricia Moon, Lily Moon's mother and the Head of Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse, also greeted them. "Good morning, everyone. I see you're here for the trial, Harry. I'll be observing from the audience section," she said, her voice firm yet kind.

Dumbledore nodded at her. "Good morning, Patricia. Yes, Harry has some important matters to attend to today. I'm sure he'll represent the Potter family well."

As they approached the Wizengamot chambers, Dumbledore turned to Harry and Ginny. "Now, Harry, as you're going to claim your Wizengamot seat for the House of Potter, you must act as a Lord. Be polite and formal during the presentation or speaking. Remember to maintain the dignity of your position."

Harry smirked slightly, glancing at Ginny, who shared a knowing look with him. They both knew that Harry was also going to claim the House of Peverall seat, having claimed its lordship the previous night. Ginny's eyes sparkled with amusement, and Harry's lips curled up in a subtle smile.

Dumbledore continued, "Daisy and Ginny, you can sit in the guest section as you're accompanying Harry. Just Harry will need to give permission for your entry. I'll make sure to arrange it."

"Understood, sir," Harry replied, his eyes scanning the corridor ahead as they approached the Wizengamot chambers. The doors, adorned with intricate carvings of the Wizengamot crest, swung open, revealing a grand hall filled with rows of seats and a central dais.

The group stepped forward, ready to face whatever lay ahead. Harry's eyes locked onto the dais, his determination and confidence evident in his stride. Ginny walked beside him, her head held high, her eyes shining with pride and support. Daisy followed closely, her eyes wide with excitement and a hint of nervousness.

As they entered the hall, the murmurs of the audience and the reporters in the press section filled the air. The 12 Aurors and 6 Hitwizards, positioned strategically around the hall, stood at attention, their eyes scanning the room for any signs of trouble.

Harry's gaze swept across the room, taking in the various sections – the audience, the press, the guests, and the witnesses. He nodded slightly, his mind already focused on the trial ahead.

As the four - Harry, Ginny, Daisy, and Dumbledore - entered the Wizengamot chambers, the grandeur of the room took their breath away. The high ceilings, adorned with intricate carvings of magical symbols, seemed to stretch up to the sky. The walls were lined with rows of seats, each section designated for specific individuals - audience, reporters, guests, and witnesses.

The room was slowly filling up, but it was still relatively empty. Harry's eyes scanned the space, taking in the various sections. He spotted the Aurors and Hitwizards positioned strategically around the room, their eyes vigilant. He recognized a few of the Aurors, including Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alastor Mad-Eye Moody.

The reporters' section was also starting to fill up, with Rita Skeeter and Casey Anthony already seated, their quills and notebooks at the ready. The Wizarding Wireless Network operator was setting up his equipment, preparing to broadcast the trial live.

In the audience section, Harry spotted Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Patricia Moon, Madam Pomfrey, and a few other Hogwarts staff members, including Snape and McGonagall. Andromeda Tonks, Pyre Jones, and some Board of Governors members were also present.

As they took their seats in the guest section, Dumbledore nodded to Harry. "Ah, Harry, you'll be claiming your seat shortly. For now, let's observe from here."

Harry nodded, his eyes fixed on the empty Founder seats at the front of the room. Ginny and Daisy sat beside him, their faces set with determination.

The room continued to fill up, with more people arriving every minute. The murmur of conversations grew louder, and the air was thick with anticipation. When about 75% of the seats were filled, Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and they shared a nod. The trial was about to begin, and they were ready.

As the room was still only 75% full, Harry's nerves began to get the better of him. Ginny, sensing his anxiety, reached out and gently brushed some imaginary dust from his formal wizarding robes, adorned with the Potter crest. The gesture was subtle, but it had a profound effect on Harry. Ginny gave him a quick peck on the cheek, whispering "I love you" in his ear. The words had an instant calming effect on Harry, and he smiled softly.

Daisy, who was sitting beside them, giggled at the tender moment. "You two are so adorable," she whispered, her eyes shining with amusement.

Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and for a moment, they just looked at each other, the tension in the room dissipating. "You're my rock, Ginny," Harry whispered back, his voice barely audible.

Ginny's smile faltered for a moment before she replied, "You're mine too, Harry."

The three of them sat in comfortable silence for a moment, waiting for the trial to begin. Harry's eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces of the Aurors and reporters. He spotted Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alastor Mad-Eye Moody among the Aurors, and Rita Skeeter and Casey Anthony among the reporters.

The Wizarding Wireless Network operator was setting up his equipment, preparing to broadcast the trial live. Harry's stomach twisted with a mix of nerves and anticipation. He knew this trial was going to be crucial, not just for the wizarding world but also for his own future.

As they waited, Harry's thoughts turned to the plans he and Ginny had made to address the problems facing the wizarding world. He was determined to make a difference, and this trial was just the beginning. With Ginny by his side and Daisy supporting them, Harry felt a sense of determination wash over him. They were ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As the room continued to fill, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy decided to head to the audience section to greet Ginny's parents, who were already seated and waiting for the trial to begin. Along with them were Pyre Jones, Charlie's girlfriend, and Andromeda Tonks, Tonks' mother.

"Hey, Mum! Dad!" Ginny exclaimed, waving at her parents as they made their way through the crowd.

"Ah, darling! Harry, dear!" Mrs. Weasley said warmly, embracing Ginny and then Harry in a tight hug. "We're so proud of you both for taking this step."

Mr. Weasley nodded in agreement, his eyes shining with admiration. "You've both grown up so much. I'm not sure what's driving you two, but you're both doing fantastically well."

Pyre Jones smiled warmly at Harry and Ginny. "I must say, I'm a bit nervous about the trial today. It's not every day that the Wizengamot convenes for such a critical discussion."

Andromeda Tonks, standing beside Pyre, nodded in agreement. "Yes, the shortage of healers is a pressing issue. I have faith in Harry and Ginny's plan, though. They're both intelligent and resourceful young wizards."

Daisy, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chimed in, "We're all in this together, right? The 12 Musketeers will support Harry and Ginny every step of the way."

Ginny grinned, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "That's the spirit, Daisy! We're in this together, always."

As they chatted, Harry's eyes scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces of the Aurors and reporters. He spotted Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alastor Mad-Eye Moody among the Aurors, and Rita Skeeter and Casey Anthony among the reporters. The Wizarding Wireless Network operator was setting up his equipment, preparing to broadcast the trial live.

The atmosphere in the room was tense, with many people whispering among themselves about the recent attacks and the healer shortage. Harry's presence seemed to calm some of the nerves, and many people nodded or waved at him as he passed by.

"Let's hope this trial goes smoothly," Harry said to Ginny and Daisy, his voice low and confident. "We've got a long way to go, but I think we're on the right track."

Ginny squeezed his hand reassuringly, their secret bond and plans only known to the two of them. "We will, Harry. We've prepared well, and we have the support of so many people here."

As they bid farewell to Ginny's parents and Pyre Jones, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy made their way back to the guest section, chatting with Tonks for a while along the way.

"Hey, Tonks, how's it going?" Harry asked, falling into step beside the Auror.

"Can't complain, Harry," Tonks replied with a grin. "Just trying to stay busy. You know how it is. Though I have to say, I'm a bit nervous about today's trial. The healer shortage is getting out of hand."

"I know what you mean," Ginny said, nodding in agreement. "We're hoping the trial will bring some attention to the issue and maybe even lead to some solutions."

Daisy chimed in, "And we're going to do our part to help, too. Harry's got a plan to—"

Harry cut her off with a subtle shake of his head, and Daisy trailed off, understanding that their plan wasn't public knowledge yet.

Tonks raised an eyebrow but said nothing, instead continuing, "Well, I hope you two know what you're getting yourselves into. This trial's going to be a big deal. I've got to get going, but let's catch up later, okay?"

With that, Tonks headed off, leaving Harry, Ginny, and Daisy to continue on to their seats in the guest section. As they walked, Harry leaned over to Ginny and whispered, "Ready for this?"

Ginny smiled and squeezed his hand discreetly. "Born ready."

As the room filled to 95 percent capacity, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy scanned the Wizengamot seat section, recognizing many faces. Neville's Grandma, Augusta Longbottom, caught their eye and smiled warmly at them. Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, nodded in greeting. Sirius Black, Harry's godfather, waved discreetly from his seat as a Wizengamot member.

However, not everyone's expression was welcoming. Lucius Malfoy, representing the Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy, glared at Harry with disdain. "Still can't stomach the boy's influence, can he?" Ginny whispered to Harry, noticing the exchange.

"Only one of many who'd rather see me elsewhere," Harry replied calmly, his eyes scanning the room for other familiar faces.

The Minister of Magic, Cornelius Fudge, and his Senior Undersecretary, Delores Umbridge, were noticeably absent, likely running late for the significant trial. The atmosphere was tense, with anticipation hanging in the air.

Daisy leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ready for this, Harry? We've got your back."

Harry smiled, a hint of reassurance in his eyes. "Born ready. Let's do this."

The trio waited, poised for the trial to begin, aware of the weight of the proceedings and the potential impact on the wizarding world.

As the room filled to 95 percent capacity, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy scanned the Wizengamot seat section, recognizing many faces. Reid didn't need to be told that the atmosphere was tense with anticipation hanging in the air.

Just then, Delores Umbridge, the Senior Undersecretary of the Minister of Magic, arrived, looking out of place in her bright pink robes. Harry's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing slightly as he watched her take her seat. "And there she is," Harry muttered, his tone less than impressed. "Delores Umbridge, looking as lovely as ever," he added sarcastically.

"Looks like the woman who tried to railroad me during Sirius's trial last year has arrived," Harry muttered to Ginny and Daisy, his tone dripping with disdain. "And she was supporting the Dursleys during my abuse trial this summer. She's got a lot of nerve showing up here."

Ginny's eyes flashed with anger. "That woman has no shame. She's always siding with whoever's in power, no matter how unjust their cause."

Daisy frowned, her eyes fixed on Umbridge. "I've heard she's a pure-blood supremacist. Is that true?"

Harry nodded. "Sirius and Aunt Lia told me she's got a serious grudge against anyone who's not pure-blood. She's even been behind some laws that make life harder for people like Remus."

The trio watched as Umbridge settled into her seat, her expression haughty. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the trial to begin.

The atmosphere was tense, with anticipation hanging in the air. Harry, Ginny, and Daisy waited, poised for the proceedings to start, aware of the weight of the trial and its potential impact on the wizarding world.

As the room filled with anticipation, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy scanned the Wizengamot seat section, recognizing many faces. Ginny whispered to Harry, "Looks like the whole wizarding world is watching this one." Harry replied calmly, "Can't say I'm thrilled about it." His gaze drifted over to the section where the Wizengamot members sat, his eyes lingering on Delores Umbridge before moving on.

Just then, a commotion started at the entrance as the Aurors, including Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alastor Mad-Eye Moody, stood at attention, while the Hitwizards formed a protective barrier. The room buzzed with whispers as Minister Cornelius Fudge made his grand entrance, his brightly robed figure striding confidently into the room. The sound of camera clicks and reporters' murmurs filled the air as Fudge made his way to his seat, waving to the crowd with a politician's charm.

As Fudge settled into his chair, Delores Umbridge took her seat beside him, her expression haughty. The room fell silent, waiting for the trial to begin. Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and he gave her a reassuring smile.

Next Chapter is  The Wizengamot Debut.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 31: The Wizengamot Debut

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The Wizengamot trial commenced with a formal announcement by the announcer. "This Wizengamot trial, scheduled for October 10, 1992, is hereby convened to discuss the events that transpired on October 7, 1992, and their impact on wizarding Britain." The announcer's voice echoed through the hall, commanding attention. "This trial will be led by the Chief Warlock of Wizengamot, Albus Dumbledore, and supported by esteemed members of the Wizengamot, including Minister Cornelius Fudge, Amelia Bones, Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amos Diggory, Head of Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Bartemius Crouch Sr., Head of Department of International Magical Cooperation, Rufus Scrimgeour, Head Auror, and Delores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary of Minister of Magic."

The announcer continued, "Before the trial begins, I must remind the audience and reporters that any misbehavior will not be tolerated. This trial will be broadcasted across Britain via the Wizarding Wireless Network. All attendees are expected to maintain decorum and respect the proceedings."

As the trial was about to start, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy took their seats in the guest section, awaiting the proceedings to unfold. The atmosphere was tense, with anticipation hanging in the air. The Aurors, including Kingsley Shacklebolt, Nymphadora Tonks, and Alastor Mad-Eye Moody, stood guard, while reporters like Rita Skeeter and Casey Anthony prepared to document the trial. The Wizarding Wireless Network operator ensured that the trial would be broadcasted live across the wizarding world.

As the Wizengamot trial was about to commence, Harry Potter stood up from the guest section, nodding discreetly at Albus Dumbledore, the Chief Warlock of Wizengamot. With a quick, reassuring kiss on the lips for Ginny and a gentle peck on the cheek for Daisy, Harry made his way to the center stage. The room fell silent, with all eyes on him, except for those who knew what was about to unfold - Ginny, Daisy, Dumbledore, Amelia Bones, and Sirius Black.

"Before this trial begins, I wish to claim my rightful seat at Wizengamot," Harry declared, his voice clear and confident. "As the Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, I assert my claim to the corresponding seat in this esteemed council."

The room erupted into murmurs, with some members exchanging surprised glances. Dumbledore's eyes sparkled with interest as he nodded for Harry to proceed. The significance of Harry's statement hung in the air, and the Wizengamot members began to whisper among themselves.

The Chief Warlock leaned forward, his eyes locked on Harry. "Very well, Lord Potter," Dumbledore said, his voice dripping with formality. "The Wizengamot will need to verify and validate your claim. This will undoubtedly be a lengthy process."

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as members began discussing the implications of Harry's claim. The trial's start was now uncertain, and the agenda had suddenly shifted.

The Wizengamot chamber erupted into a cacophony of murmurs and whispers, with many members exchanging shocked glances. Minister Fudge's eyes narrowed as he leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "Lord Potter," he mused, "with his fame and influence, could potentially wield significant power in the Wizengamot."

Meanwhile, Lucius Malfoy stood up, his face twisted in protest. "This is preposterous!" he exclaimed. "The boy is barely twelve years old! He's far too young to claim his seat in the Wizengamot."

Harry's calm and collected demeanor was unwavering. "If I may address the council, esteemed members," he said, his voice clear and confident. "According to the English Wizengamot Rulebook of 1928, to claim one's seat, the candidate must be the Lord or Lady of the house. There is no mention of age restrictions."

The room fell silent once more, with all eyes on Harry. Malfoy's face turned red with indignation. "This is absurd!" he spluttered. "The rulebook clearly implies—"

Harry cut him off with a raised hand. "I'd be happy to have the rulebook read aloud, if the council would permit it."

Lucius Malfoy's face turned beet red with rage, his eyes flashing with anger as he realized his objections were being dismissed. Minister Fudge's expression was a mix of surprise and concern. Dolores Umbridge looked appalled. Then he looked thoughtful, a calculating glint in his eye as he weighed the potential implications of Harry's claim.

Dolores Umbridge looked like she'd sucked on a lemon, her face pinched and disapproving, clearly displeased with the turn of events.

The reporters in the gallery were scribbling furiously, their faces alight with excitement. Sirius Black smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. Amelia Bones nodded thoughtfully, a hint of a smile on her face. Augusta Longbottom, seated in the gallery, smiled warmly, looking proud of her young friend.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with interest as he leaned forward. "Very well, Lord Potter. Let us proceed with the reading of the rulebook. This should prove most enlightening." His expression was one of mild curiosity, rather than concern, as if he was aware of the outcome and was simply indulging the proceedings.

The Chief Warlock nodded to a nearby clerk, who hastily retrieved the Wizengamot Rulebook of 1928. "Page 347, section 4, subsection 2," Harry specified, his voice clear.

The clerk opened the book to the specified page and began to read aloud. "'Any Lord or Lady of an Ancient and Noble House, upon claiming their seat, shall be granted a position within the Wizengamot council, subject to verification of their claim.'"

The room fell silent as the clerk finished reading. Lucius Malfoy's face turned an even deeper shade of red, while Minister Fudge looked thoughtful. The reporters scribbled furiously, their faces alight with excitement.

Sirius Black chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. Amelia Bones nodded, a small smile on her face. Augusta Longbottom beamed with pride, her eyes shining with warmth.

Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, a knowing glint in his eye. "It seems, Lord Malfoy, that the rulebook supports Lord Potter's claim. The Wizengamot will need to formally acknowledge and verify his position."

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as the members began to discuss the implications of Harry's claim. The outcome was becoming increasingly clear: Harry Potter, the Boy Who Lived, was about to become a powerful force in the wizarding world.

The Wizengamot chamber fell silent as Harry Potter, Lord Potter, stood before the council, his voice clear and confident. "Honorable members of the Wizengamot, I wish to claim my seat for the Ancient and Noble House of Peverall."

The room erupted into chaos, with gasps and whispers filling the air. Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise, while Sirius Black's face lit up with curiosity. Minister Fudge's expression turned skeptical, and Lucius Malfoy's face darkened with disdain.

Delores Umbridge's voice rose above the din. "This is unprecedented, Lord Potter. You cannot simply claim a seat without proof. We have rules and procedures to follow."

Harry's gaze met hers calmly. "As we all know, according to the Wizengamot Rulebook of 1928, page 347, section 4, subsection 2, any Lord or Lady of an Ancient and Noble House, upon claiming their seat, shall be granted a position within the Wizengamot council, subject to verification of their claim. I have already demonstrated this when I claimed my seat for the House of Potter on September 26, 1992."

Snape's eyes narrowed, his voice low and measured. "I believe Lord Potter's claim warrants investigation, Minister Fudge." Harry noticed the faade, understanding that Snape's behavior was a carefully crafted performance, one that would be necessary should Voldemort return and Snape's true allegiance needed to remain hidden. Harry knew that despite Snape's harsh demeanor, he cared deeply for him, and their secret collaboration in the past was proof of that.

Ginny's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, looked at each other in shock, their faces filled with a mix of pride and concern.

Harry's eyes locked onto Ginny's, and they exchanged a brief, knowing glance. The room buzzed with anticipation as the council members began to discuss the implications of Harry's claim.

"I'd like to request a recess to review the documentation, Minister Fudge," Amelia Bones said, her voice firm.

Fudge nodded, his expression thoughtful. "Very well, let us proceed with caution. Lord Potter, please provide the necessary documentation to support your claim."

Harry's smile was calm and confident. "I shall, Minister Fudge. I am prepared to prove my claim. Let us proceed."

The trial would continue, with the fate of Harry's claim hanging in the balance.

As the council awaited Harry's documentation, he instead strode towards the guest section, his eyes locked onto Ginny's. He reached into her pocket and retrieved a small pocket knife, giving her a quick kiss on the lips in the process. The room fell into chaos as gasps and whispers erupted.

Ginny's cheeks flushed, while Lucius Malfoy's face turned beet red with outrage. Delores Umbridge's voice rose above the din. "This is absurd! Lord Potter is clearly mad! He's just 12 years old, he doesn't know what he's doing!"

Amelia Bones, however, seemed to understand Harry's intentions. A rare smile crept onto her face, and she winked at Harry. He returned the gesture, a hint of mischief in his eyes.

With the pocket knife in hand, Harry returned to the center stage. He made a small cut on his palm, earning gasps from the audience. Rolling his eyes, he let a single drop of blood fall onto the floor.

"By the power vested in my bloodline, I, Harry James Potter, Head of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, claim the Wizengamot seat of House Potter, in accordance with the Rulebook of 1928, page 347, section 4, subsection 2," he declared.

As the drop of blood touched the ground, it glowed with a golden light. The long-dormant Potter seat in the Wizengamot section began to glow, and the air seemed to vibrate with ancient magic. The seat, once a mere decoration, now shone with a warm, golden light, signaling its activation.

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on the glowing seat. It was clear that Harry's unconventional method had succeeded in claiming his rightful place in the Wizengamot.

The room was stunned into silence, with council members and guests alike staring at the glowing Potter seat. Minister Fudge's jaw dropped, while Lucius Malfoy's face turned pale with shock. Delores Umbridge looked like she'd been slapped, her face reddening with indignation.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with amusement, and he nodded in approval. Sirius Black, Harry's proud godfather, grinned from ear to ear, his eyes shining with pride. Ginny's face lit up with a radiant smile, her eyes sparkling with admiration, and she turned to whisper excitedly to Harry's sister, Daisy, who sat beside her in the guest section. Daisy's eyes widened in awe, and she clutched Ginny's hand, her face alight with wonder.

Mr. and Mrs. Weasley beamed with pride, exchanging excited whispers. Amelia Bones leaned back in her chair, a hint of a smile still on her face, her expression saying, "I should have expected that from Harry."

As the silence lingered, Harry spoke up, his voice calm and confident. "Now, I shall use the same method to prove my claim for the Peverall seat."

Without hesitation, Harry repeated the process, making another small cut on his palm, letting a drop of blood fall to the ground. "By the power vested in my bloodline, I, Harry James Potter, claim the Wizengamot seat of the Ancient and Noble House of Peverall, in accordance with the Rulebook of 1928, page 347, section 4, subsection 2."

As the blood drop touched the ground, it glowed golden once more. The room held its breath, awaiting the outcome. Slowly, a previously hidden seat in the Wizengamot section began to glow, its intricate carvings shimmering with a soft, ethereal light. The seat, dormant for 700 years, now radiated a warm, golden glow, as if awakened by Harry's claim.

The room erupted into chaos once more, with gasps, whispers, and murmurs filling the air. The council members looked at each other, some in shock, others in awe, as they struggled to comprehend the implications of Harry's claims.

The reactions continued to ripple through the Wizengamot chamber as Dumbledore, resplendent in his formal robes, stood up, his eyes twinkling with a mix of amusement and approval. "Lord Potter-Peverall, you may take your seat now," he declared, his voice carrying across the room.

Harry, dressed in formal attire adorned with both the Potter crest—a shield featuring a golden snitch in flight, symbolizing cleverness and agility, with a wand crossing behind the snitch, representing magic and power—and the Peverall crest—a shield featuring the three Deathly Hallows symbols: the Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Cloak of Invisibility, representing power, legacy, and mastery over death—stood up, his eyes locked on Dumbledore.

"Though I am indeed Lord Potter-Peverall," Harry said, his voice clear and confident, "I would prefer to be addressed simply as Lord Potter."

Dumbledore nodded graciously, a hint of a smile on his face. "Very well, Lord Potter. You may take your seat."

As Harry moved to take his place, the room erupted into a flurry of whispers and murmurs, with some members exchanging surprised glances. Minister Fudge's jaw dropped, while Lucius Malfoy's face turned pale with a mixture of shock and disdain.

With that being done, Dumbledonde's voice resonated through the Wizengamot chamber, "The Wizengamot Trial shall begin now. The purpose of this trial is to discuss the events of October 7 and determine the course of action to prevent such incidents in the future."

The room fell silent as the members of the Wizengamot took their seats. Harry, having claimed his seats for the House of Potter and Peverall, made his way to the Wizengamot section, accompanied by Daisy and Ginny who sat in the guest section reserved for family and guests of Wizengamot members. The Aurors and Hitwizards stood guard, their eyes scanning the room.

In the audience section, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat alongside Patricia Moon, the Head of the Department of Child Healthcare and Abuse. Madan Pomfrey, Snape, McGonagall, and Flitwick, all Hogwarts staff members, were also present. Andromeda Tonks, Pyre Jones, and several Board of Governors members who weren't part of the Wizengamot, including Victoria Mortlake and Eugene Forthgill, had also gathered.

The reporters' section buzzed with activity, Rita Skeeter and Casey Anthony taking notes, while the Wizarding Wireless Network Operator prepared to broadcast the trial.

As the trial was to commence, Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and he smiled reassuringly. This was the beginning of a long process, but with his friends and allies by his side, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

"Let's get started," Dumbledonde declared, his eyes twinkling with a mix of gravity and determination. "The first item on the agenda is the attack on St. Mungo's Hospital. Minister Fudge, please proceed with your statement."

Harry began his statement, his voice clear and formal. "Chief Warlock, esteemed members of the Wizengamot, I appreciate the opportunity to address the events of October 7. On September 27, I had the privilege of meeting with Lord Bagnod, the Gringotts Manager, regarding a matter of utmost importance. He informed me that three followers of the dark Goblin Sutyr had escaped from Azgharak prison and were likely to attack schools and hospitals, specifically targeting St. Mungo's."

The room fell silent, with many members exchanging concerned glances. One council member, Mr. Crouch, raised his hand, and upon being acknowledged by the Chief Warlock, asked, "Lord Potter, if I may interrupt, Lord Bagnod warned you of this threat, and yet St. Mungo's was still attacked. Why was the security not increased?"

Harry's response was measured. "That, sir, would be a question better directed at the Ministry, as I alerted Minister Fudge, but I suppose the reasoning behind the Minister's actions is not for me to speculate on."

The room erupted into gasps and murmurs, with many members clearly shocked that the warning had been ignored.

The Chief Warlock raised his wand, and a soft "Silencio" spell was cast over the room, restoring order. "Please, Lord Potter, continue with the reason Lord Bagnod chose to inform you."

Harry nodded. "Lord Bagnod informed me because I am a Friend of the Goblin Nation."

The room fell silent once more, and then erupted into a mixture of shocked expressions and whispered conversations. Many members were clearly unaware of Harry's connection to the Goblin Nation, and the implications of this relationship were not lost on them.

The trial continued, with Harry addressing the council. "Before I proceed with my statement, I would like to inform the esteemed members of the Wizengamot that I have two honored guests who have arrived. With their permission, I would like to introduce them to the council."

The chamber gates opened, and two goblin dignitaries, Bagnod and Khazuk, entered the hall. Harry stood up, his voice filled with respect. "I apologize to our goblin guests for any impropriety, as I know they value respect deeply. I would like to introduce Bagnod, the Gringotts Manager and a member of the Goblin Council, and Khazuk, the Goblin Minister and also a member of the Goblin Council, appointed by Goblin King Soran."

The council members exchanged glances, some of them murmuring in surprise. Harry continued, "The reason for their presence is twofold. Firstly, with Bagnod here, he can confirm that he indeed informed me on September 26 about the escaped followers of the dark Goblin Sutyr. Secondly, considering the goblin-related nature of this matter, it seems only fitting to have goblin representatives present to provide their perspective."

The room fell silent, with some council members looking displeased, while others nodded in agreement. The Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore, spoke up, "Very well, Lord Potter. Your guests are welcome to stay. Please proceed with your statement."

As the trial continued, Harry addressed the Wizengamot council, his voice calm and composed. Before he could proceed with his statement, however, Goyle and Crabbe exchanged displeased glances at the presence of the goblin dignitaries. Dolores Umbridge, seated nearby, couldn't resist chiming in, her tone dripping with disdain.

"Excuse me, Chief Warlock," Umbridge said, her voice shrill. "I fail to see why these... creatures are allowed in this esteemed council. It's an affront to the dignity of the Wizengamot."

Harry's emerald green eyes locked onto Umbridge, his gaze steady. "Madam Umbridge, I'd like to remind you that the Chief Warlock has already approved the presence of Lord Bagnod and Lord Khazuk. As Lord of the Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter and Peverall, I must insist that you address them with the respect due to their stations. Any further disparagement may lead me to press charges against you for discrimination."

Umbridge's face reddened, but she bit back her retort, realizing the gravity of Harry's warning.

Turning to his goblin friends, Harry offered a heartfelt apology. "My apologies, Lord Bagnod and Lord Khazuk, for any impropriety that may have occurred due to Madam Umbridge's words. Please be assured of my deepest respect and gratitude for your presence here today."

In the guest section, Ginny's eyes flashed with anger, her hands clenched into fists. She had grown to admire the goblins, particularly Bagnod, during their meeting the previous day. She was ready to defend them if necessary.

The trial hung in a moment of tense silence before Harry continued, his voice steady and formal. "With your permission, Chief Warlock, I'd like to proceed with my statement regarding the events of October 7th and the subsequent implications for the wizarding community."

Dumbledore nodded, his eyes twinkling with approval. "Very well, Lord Potter. Please, proceed."

The room waited with bated breath as Harry began to unfold his narrative, his words clear and authoritative.

"As Lord Bagnod informed me of the escaped goblins and the potential threat to St. Mungo's, I, accompanied by my godfather, Sirius Black, my sister, Daisy, and my honorary uncle, Remus Lupin, immediately visited the Ministry," Harry continued, his voice steady and measured.

"Upon arrival, I met with Minister Fudge and conveyed the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the potential danger to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. While Minister Fudge assured me that he would consider the warning, his tone was laced with skepticism, suggesting he doubted the credibility of the information or perhaps the motives behind it."

Harry's gaze flicked briefly to Minister Fudge, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his expression a mixture of defensiveness and unease.

Harry nodded to Amelia Bones, who stood up, her demeanor confident and authoritative. "After being warned by Harry, I immediately set things in motion, coordinating with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and reaching out to our available resources. However, we faced a significant challenge as most of our Auror force was on a foreign mission, assisting the German Ministry of Magic in addressing a series of mysterious attacks on their wizarding communities."

Amelia's expression turned serious, her voice taking on a note of regret. "Despite this, I promptly informed Head Auror Scrimgeour of the potential threat, and he took necessary actions based on the information available at the time. Unfortunately, due to Minister Fudge's orders, Scrimgeour's initial focus was on protecting Diagon Alley, rather than St. Mungo's, which ultimately proved to be the target of the attack."

The room was silent, awaiting the next part of the narrative, as Harry and Amelia presented their account of the events leading up to the attack on St. Mungo's, the tension palpable as the Wizengamot council members absorbed the details.

Scrimgeour stood up, his expression somber, reflecting the weight of the realization that had been settling within him. He had long since acknowledged his mistake in prioritizing Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade over St. Mungo's Hospital, a decision that had led to devastating consequences. With a deep breath, he began his formal statement to the Wizengamot.

"Your Lordships, esteemed members of the Wizengamot, I stand before you today with a heavy heart, acknowledging the gravity of the events that transpired on October 7. It is with utmost sincerity that I admit my part in the tragic unfolding of that night. Lady Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, had indeed informed me of the potential threat to St. Mungo's Hospital, and I had initially planned to allocate our Auror forces accordingly."

Scrimgeour paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "However, I was acting under the orders of Minister Fudge, who, on the night of September 27, instructed me to focus our efforts on protecting Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade. Minister Fudge believed the goblin attack to be a scheme to destabilize his government, and I was duty-bound to follow his directives."

As Scrimgeour spoke, Fudge's face turned red with indignation, and he attempted to interrupt. But Scrimgeour's voice remained steady and unwavering. "I must emphasize that, had I been allowed to follow my initial plan, which was informed by Lady Bones's briefing, the outcome might have been different. The concentration of our forces at Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, while leaving St. Mungo's relatively unprotected, proved to be a critical mistake."

The goblin representatives in the guest section, including Bagnod and Khazuk, exchanged glances, their faces dark with anger and a sense of vindication. The tension in the room was palpable as Scrimgeour concluded his statement, his words hanging in the air like an unspoken question: Who bore the ultimate responsibility for the tragedy that had befallen St. Mungo's Hospital?

Scrimgeour continued his statement, recounting the events of October 7. "Around noon on October 7, I received an alarm from my Aurors stationed in Hogsmeade, informing me that the village was under attack. I immediately mobilized additional forces and proceeded to the scene. Upon arrival, I witnessed the chaos and destruction caused by the Goblin Golems. Our Aurors were valiantly attempting to counter the threat, but unfortunately, their spells seemed to have little effect against the Golems' resilience."

Scrimgeour's expression turned thoughtful as he recalled the turning point. "It was then that Lord Potter, Miss Ginny Weasley, and Chief Warlock Dumbledore arrived at the scene. Lord Potter suggested a novel approach to destroying the Goblin Golems – physically attacking their tails without the use of magic. Initially, I was skeptical, but witnessing the effectiveness of this tactic firsthand, I adapted our strategy."

He nodded in acknowledgment of Harry's ingenuity. "Under Lord Potter's guidance, our Aurors, along with Chief Warlock Dumbledore, worked to distract the Goblin Golems, while Lord Potter and Miss Weasley, armed with a hammer, targeted the Golems' tails, ultimately destroying them. Their unorthodox yet effective method proved to be the key to our success in repelling the attack in Hogsmeade."

Before Scrimgeour could continue, Lucius Malfoy stood up, his voice dripping with malice. "It seems Lord Potter's familiarity with the destruction of Goblin Golems raises interesting questions. Might I inquire, Lord Potter, how you came to possess such knowledge?"

Harry's calm demeanor didn't waver as he responded, "As a friend of the Goblin nation, I've taken an interest in their world and magic. Moreover, it's not exactly arcane knowledge. Any wizard willing to look beyond their prejudices and read about goblin history would find that Goblin Golems and their vulnerabilities are well-documented, even in basic texts."

Malfoy's face turned a deep shade of red, and Harry couldn't help but notice the satisfaction on the faces of those around him – Ginny was smirking, Sirius looked amused, and Bagnod and Khazuk, the goblin representatives, seemed pleased by Harry's response.

Scrimgeour cleared his throat, regaining the room's attention. "If I may continue, despite the interruption... Though we successfully repelled the attack in Hogsmeade, the cost was high. The village suffered significant property damage, which, fortunately, can be repaired. Unfortunately, we lost three Hogsmeade civilians and two Aurors, with 18 civilians and 7 Aurors sustaining serious injuries, and an additional 67 civilians and 26 Aurors suffering lesser but still notable injuries."

He paused, his expression grave. "What proved even more unfortunate was that shortly after our victory, Lord Potter realized the attack on Hogsmeade was merely a distraction. None of the escaped goblins were present at the scene, leading us to deduce that St. Mungo's Hospital, left relatively unguarded due to Minister Fudge's orders, was in grave danger." Scrimgeour's words hung in the air, the weight of Fudge's decision palpable.

Before Scrimgeour could continue, Dolores Umbridge interrupted, a smug look on her face. "Sir Scrimgeour, you mentioned that Lord Potter and Miss Weasley were present alongside Chief Warlock Dumbledore during the battle in Hogsmeade. Is that correct?"

Scrimgeour nodded. "Yes, that's correct."

Umbridge's smirk grew wider as she addressed the council. "Then might I inquire why two students were outside the bounds of Hogwarts during a time of battle? It seems Headmaster Dumbledore's...laxity in discipline is becoming a recurring issue."

Dumbledore's calm demeanor didn't waver. "Lord Potter and Miss Weasley informed me of the attack, and yes, they were already out of bounds when they did so. The details of how they came to be outside Hogwarts' boundaries are a matter between a headmaster and his students. However, I assure you, they did face certain...consequences for their actions. A few points were deducted from their houses, though no detention was given, considering their bravery saved the day."

Umbridge's expression deflated slightly, but she pressed on. "But why were two students out of bounds in the first place?"

Augusta Longbottom stood up, her voice firm. "This trial is not about Hogwarts' disciplinary policies or students being out of bounds. That's an issue for the school to sort out internally."

Dumbledore, however, chose to respond, a twinkle in his eye. "Why would two students who happen to be lovers be out of bounds, indeed?"

The room erupted into muffled chuckles, and Umbridge's face turned bright red. Harry and Ginny's faces were also flushed, though for different reasons.

Scrimgeour stood up, his eyes flashing with annoyance at Madam Umbridge's interruption. He addressed the Wizengamot, his voice firm and formal. "As I was saying, Lord Potter realised the attack was a distraction, as no real Goblin was sighted, and St Mungo's was in real danger due to the lack of security, courtesy of Minister Fudge's orders."

The room fell silent, with many eyes fixed on Minister Fudge, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Scrimgeour continued, "Lord Potter, Miss Ginevra Weasley, myself, my Aurors, and Professor Dumbledore immediately apparated to St Mungo's, but the damage was already extensive. The hospital was severely damaged, with many patients and healers dead, badly injured, or injured."

Scrimgeour's voice remained steady, but his tone conveyed the gravity of the situation. "Despite our best efforts, the goblins proved challenging to apprehend due to their unfamiliarity with our magic. However, some healers assisted us in the battle."

Scrimgeour's expression turned grave as he continued, "However, Lord Potter somehow utilised an unusual form of magic, and the goblins were captured. Shortly thereafter, Mr. Bagnod arrived and took the prisoners into custody."

He paused, surveying the room before delivering the devastating toll. "The aftermath of the attack on St Mungo's was catastrophic. The hospital suffered extensive damage, with half of its structure rendered unusable. We suffered significant losses: 32 civilians visiting the hospital at the time, 16 patients, 53 healers, and 13 Aurors lost their lives."

Scrimgeour's voice remained steady as he detailed the injuries. "Furthermore, 109 civilians, 87 patients, 167 healers, and 38 Aurors sustained grave injuries, while 256 civilians, 167 patients, 265 healers, and 75 Aurors suffered injuries of varying severity."

The room fell silent, the weight of Scrimgeour's words hanging heavy in the air.

Scrimgeour's voice was somber and weighed with regret as he concluded his statement. "In summation, the combined attacks on Hogsmeade and St. Mungo's resulted in 119 fatalities, 426 serious injuries, and 856 injuries of varying severity. This tragic outcome was precipitated by a singular, critical decision: the failure to adequately guard St. Mungo's, a decision that was, regrettably, made in favor of following Minister Fudge's directives over the more prudent counsel of others, notably Amelia Bones."

He paused, his gaze sweeping the assembly with a mix of sorrow and resolve. "Though this decision was made under Minister Fudge's orders, I acknowledge my role in this grave mistake. As the Head Auror, it was my duty to ensure the safety of our most vulnerable targets, and I fell short of that duty. I would like to extend my deepest condolences and apologies to the families of those affected, to the victims themselves, and to the wizarding community at large."

Scrimgeour's tone turned solemn and reflective. "As the Head Auror, I should have accorded greater weight to Amelia Bones' counsel on this matter of defense. Her expertise and foresight, had they been heeded, might have prevented this tragedy. I am prepared to accept the consequences of my error, and I humbly submit myself to the judgment of this esteemed assembly."

With a dignified gesture, Scrimgeour requested a moment of silence. "Before proceeding, I request that we observe two minutes of silence in respect for the departed, that they may find peace in the afterlife. Let us take this moment to honor their memory and to reflect on the lessons that can be learned from this tragic event."

The assembly fell silent, with all present standing in reverence. The only sound was the soft murmur of the Wizengamot's solemn proceedings, as the weight of Scrimgeour's words hung heavy in the air. The aurors guarding the Wizengamot stood at attention, their faces somber, while the reporters scribbled furiously in their notebooks, capturing every detail of the proceedings. In the audience section, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley held hands, their faces etched with concern, while Madam Pomfrey dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief.

After the two minutes of silence, the Chief Warlock's voice broke the stillness. "Thank you, Minister Scrimgeour, for your statement and your willingness to accept responsibility. Before we proceed to discuss the charges that will be brought against you, the Wizengamot will now open the floor for questions regarding the statements made by Harry Potter, Amelia Bones, and yourself. These statements pertain to the warning received by Harry Potter from Bagnold on September 27, his subsequent informing of Minister Fudge and Amelia Bones, Amelia Bones' communication with you, Minister Scrimgeour, Minister Fudge's directives regarding the defense of St. Mungo's, and the detailed account of the events that transpired during the attack on Hogsmeade and St. Mungo's on October 7."

The Chief Warlock's gaze swept across the assembly. "If any member of the Wizengamot or the accused has questions regarding these statements, please proceed. We will hear your questions and responses before moving forward with the proceedings."

The room fell into a momentary hush as the members of the Wizengamot and the observers awaited the first question, their faces reflecting a mix of anticipation and gravity.

The Wizengamot trial chamber was filled with an air of anticipation as Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore addressed the assembly. "The first question comes from Madam Ava Morales, a member of the Council of Magical Law. Madam Morales, please proceed."

Madam Morales stood up, her voice clear and formal. "Chief Warlock Dumbledore, though Head Auror Scrimgeour mentioned that by the time he, aurors, yourself, Lord Potter, and Miss Weasley reached the hospital, most of the damage was already done, can someone tell us what exactly happened at the hospital?"

Amelia Bones, seated in the Wizengamot section, rose to her feet. "Chief Warlock, we have one of the witnesses from that time, Healer Pyre Jones from St. Mungo's, who despite her hectic schedule has been here for this trial. May I request that she address the Wizengamot?"

Dumbledore nodded graciously. "Very well, Madam Bones. Healer Jones, please come forward and share your account."

Pyre Jones, seated in the witness section, stood up and made her way to the designated area. "Chief Warlock, esteemed members of the Wizengamot, I will recount the events as they unfolded. At around 10 am, suddenly all the Floo connections terminated. Inside the hospital, it became impossible to Apparate, at least until the hospital was half destroyed. Following the Floo shutdown, some of the magical equipment started behaving erratically, which, in my professional opinion, was likely due to the influence of Goblin magic."

She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing. "There were several blasts that followed, which we later determined were caused by Goblin bombs. These blasts were responsible for a significant portion of the casualties and fatalities. Just before these events, a few healers, including myself, were fighting to save as many lives as possible. The aurors and others arrived shortly after, and the rest of the events have been detailed by Head Auror Scrimgeour."

With her testimony given, Pyre Jones stepped back, her role in the trial concluded for the moment. The Wizengamot members began to murmur among themselves, digesting the information provided. The trial would continue, with more questions and testimonies to come, as the assembly sought to understand the full extent of what had occurred on that fateful day.

The Wizengamot trial chamber was filled with an air of anticipation as Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore addressed the assembly. "The next question comes from another esteemed member of the Council of Magical Law. Sir, please proceed."

Ava Morales' fellow council member, Alexander Gray, stood up, his voice clear and formal. "Chief Warlock Dumbledore, during his statement, Head Auror Scrimgeour mentioned that Lord Harry Potter used some unusual magic to capture the three goblins ultimately. Can someone tell us what kind of magic that was?"

The room erupted into murmurs, with Harry and Ginny exchanging an alarmed look. They had no intention of making Harry's powers public, and it was better that only they knew about it for now. Dumbledore intervened, his voice calm and authoritative.

"I'm afraid that's a personal question, and Lord Potter is not required to answer that. Besides, this question does not help the purpose of this trial. Let us focus on the events of October 7 and the measures we can take to prevent such incidents in the future."

With that, the Chief Warlock steered the trial back on track, leaving Harry's secret safe for the time being. The trial would continue, with more questions and testimonies to come, as the assembly sought to understand the full extent of what had occurred on that fateful day.

The Wizengamot trial chamber was filled with anticipation as Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore banged his gavel, signaling the continuation of the trial. Lord Yaxley stood up, his voice dripping with formality.

"Chief Warlock Dumbledore, I pose this question to the esteemed Bagnod, Manager of Gringotts. Why were the three goblins arrested and imprisoned by Gringotts authorities instead of being handed over to the Auror Office?"

Lord Black, Sirius Black, rose from his seat, his voice confident. "If I may interject, Chief Warlock, I'd like to address Lord Yaxley's query. Given the goblins' nature and the jurisdiction involved, it would be prudent for them to be dealt with by the Goblin Nation, as per our agreements."

Khazuk, the Goblin Minister, stood up, his expression stern. "I'd like to add, Chief Warlock, that according to the Goblin Ministry treaty of 1804, the Ministry cannot arrest criminal goblins unless the Goblin Nation fails to punish them properly. In this case, the rearrested goblins had already been sentenced to death by Goblin King Soran on October 8."

The room erupted into murmurs, with the assembly members discussing the intricacies of goblin jurisdiction and the treaty. Dumbledore's calm voice cut through the din.

"Thank you, Lord Yaxley, Lord Black, and Minister Khazuk, for your insights. The Wizengamot will take these points into consideration during our deliberations."

Dumbledore's voice echoed through the Wizengamot chamber, "Are there any further questions or matters to be raised regarding the events of October 7?" The chamber fell silent, with no one speaking up. "Very well, if there are no further questions, we shall proceed to discuss the guilt and charges against Minister Fudge and Head Auror Scrimgeour due to their negligence. Amelia Bones, as the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, will not be judged, as she did her best, and it was the Minister who overruled her."

Fudge shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his eyes darting around the chamber. Scrimgeour, on the other hand, bowed his head in acceptance, his expression somber. "I have realized my mistake the day of the attack itself, and I am ready to take responsibility for it, as I have already stated during my testimony."

The Wizengamot members began to whisper among themselves, their voices inaudible to the guests and audience. After a few minutes, Dumbledore's voice rang out once more. "The Wizengamot has reached a decision. Minister Fudge, due to your negligence and mistakes, your term as Minister will be shortened by two years, effective immediately. Your term will now conclude in 1994 instead of 1996."

Fudge's face fell, his eyes widening in dismay. Scrimgeour's expression remained somber, but he nodded in acceptance.

Harry Potter, seated as a representative of the Ancient and Noble House of Potter, watched the proceedings with interest. Ginny, in the guest section, smiled slightly, proud of Harry's growing involvement in the wizarding world. Daisy, sitting beside Ginny, looked anxious, her eyes fixed on Harry.

Umbridge's face twisted into a scowl, her displeasure evident. Sirius Black, seated as a member of the Wizengamot, nodded in approval, his eyes on Fudge. Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, maintained a stoic expression, her focus on the proceedings.

McGonagall, also in attendance, watched the scene unfold with a discerning gaze, her eyes flicking between Harry and the Wizengamot members. Augusta Longbottom, seated nearby, nodded thoughtfully, her expression a mix of approval and concern.

As the Wizengamot members began to murmur among themselves, Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and he smiled slightly, his expression reassuring.

Dumbledore's voice continued, "As for Scrimgeour, the Wizengamot has taken into account your bravery during the Havoc at Hogsmeade and the Battle at St Mungo's, as well as your willingness to accept responsibility for your actions. Given your valor and dedication to the wizarding community, your punishment will be less severe. You will be demoted from the position of Head Auror to Deputy Head Auror, effective immediately."

Scrimgeour's expression turned thoughtful, a mix of relief and determination on his face. He nodded in acceptance, his eyes cast downward.

Dumbledore's voice rang out once more, "Furthermore, as a result of Scrimgeour's demotion, Captain Kingsley Shacklebolt will assume the position of Head Auror, effective immediately. We have every confidence in his abilities to lead the Auror Office with distinction."

The Wizengamot members nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting a sense of approval. Harry Potter's eyes lit up with interest, he had heard a lot about Kingsley Shacklebolt's bravery and strategic thinking.

Dumbledore's voice concluded the proceedings, "Let it be known that both Minister Fudge and Scrimgeour are expected to conduct themselves in a manner befitting their offices. Any repetition of such negligence will result in severe consequences. Minister Fudge, your term will now conclude in 1994, and you will not be eligible to nominate for the post in the next elections. You are both expected to act with utmost diligence and responsibility, as if on probation."

The chamber fell silent, the weight of the Wizengamot's decision settling in. Fudge's face reflected his disappointment, while Scrimgeour's expression showed determination to learn from his mistakes. Kingsley Shacklebolt, standing nearby, nodded in acceptance of his new role, a sense of responsibility etched on his face.

As the first part of the trial concluded, Dumbledore, in his capacity as Chief Warlock, stood up and announced, "The Wizengamot will adjourn for half an hour. We will reconvene at 2:30 pm to discuss the impacts of the events of October 7 on Wizarding Britain. Lord Bagnod and Minister Khazuk, you are free to leave if you wish or attend the next part of the trial."

The room erupted into a flurry of activity as the members of the Wizengamot, reporters, and spectators alike began to stir. Harry, seated in his newly claimed seat as the representative of the Ancient and Noble Houses of Potter and Peverall, nodded thoughtfully. Ginny and Daisy, seated in the family section, exchanged smiles with him, relieved that the first part of the trial had gone smoothly despite the protests from Lucius Malfoy and Delores Umbridge.

As the recess began, Harry turned to Amelia Bones, seated nearby, and whispered, "What do you think the outcome of the second part of the trial will be, Madam Amelia?"

Amelia's expression was serious. "It's hard to predict, Lord Potter. But I think the Wizengamot is taking this matter very seriously. We'll have to wait and see how the discussion unfolds."

Meanwhile, in the guest section, Bagnod and Khazuk stood up, their faces stoic as they conferred briefly. "I think we've made our point clear, Khazuk," Bagnod said quietly. "Now, let's see how the Wizengamot responds."

Khazuk nodded in agreement. "The goblins will be watching closely. This trial's outcome will have significant implications for our relations with the wizarding community."

As the half-hour recess drew to a close, the room began to settle back into order. Harry took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for the challenges ahead. The second part of the trial would be crucial in determining the future of Wizarding Britain, and he was determined to play his part to the best of his ability.

With a quiet confidence, Harry stood up, his eyes scanning the room as the Wizengamot members began to take their seats. The trial would soon resume, and he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As the Wizengamot members filed back into the trial room, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy made their way to the audience section, joining Ginny's parents, Pyre, Andromeda, McGonagall, Snape, Flitwick, and Pomfrey. The atmosphere was tense, with many still reeling from the unexpected turn of events.

Harry's face lit up with a smile as he asked, "How was I, everyone?"

Molly Weasley beamed with pride. "You were absolutely brilliant, Harry! So confident and articulate."

Pyre nodded in agreement. "You handled yourself impeccably, Harry. I'm so proud of you."

Andromeda smiled warmly. "You truly are a natural leader, Harry. Your composure under pressure is inspiring."

McGonagall's eyes shone with pride. "Well done, Harry. You demonstrated exceptional maturity and wisdom beyond your years."

Snape's expression was more subdued, but a hint of approval flickered in his eyes. He glanced around the room before responding, "Your... composure was satisfactory, Potter. Though, of course, there's always room for improvement."

Harry chuckled, knowing Snape's praise was tempered by his need to maintain his cover. "Thanks, Professor," he said with a grin.

As the others continued to offer their congratulations, Harry felt a sense of gratitude towards his friends and mentors. He knew he couldn't have navigated the trial without their support and guidance.

The group's conversation was interrupted by the Wizengamot members taking their seats. The trial was about to resume, and Harry's attention turned to the proceedings ahead. He leaned in, his eyes fixed on the Wizengamot members, ready to follow the discussion and respond when necessary.

The trial room buzzed with anticipation as the announcer's voice echoed through the hall. "The second session, scheduled to begin in 5 minutes, will be delayed by an additional 15 minutes." Harry rolled his eyes, there was still time to kill. He, Ginny, and Daisy remained seated, chatting quietly among themselves.

Sirius and Amelia walked over to join them, their faces relaxed, dropping the formal demeanor they had maintained during the trial so far. "You were brilliant in there, Harry," Sirius said with a smile.

Amelia nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Lord Potter, your arguments were impeccable. You demonstrated exceptional maturity and wisdom beyond your years."

Harry's face lit up with a modest smile. "Thanks, Sirius, Amelia. I just hope I can make a difference."

Daisy patted Harry's arm. "You always do, Harry. We're all proud of you."

Ginny leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "What do you think the delay is about?"

Harry shrugged. "Maybe they're discussing something in private? We'll find out soon enough."

The group's conversation was interrupted by the sound of rustling papers and murmured discussions among the Wizengamot members. The tension in the room was palpable, and everyone was eager for the trial to resume.

As they waited, Harry's mind wandered to the events that had led them to this point. The goblin attack, the battle at St. Mungo's, and the aftermath had been chaotic. He was determined to make a difference, to use his influence to help those in need.

The minutes ticked by, and the room grew quieter, anticipation building for the resumption of the trial. Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and he smiled, knowing that together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.

Since there was time to kill, what better than snogging his girlfriend? Harry leaned in, his lips meeting Ginny's in a gentle kiss. Daisy giggled and rolled her eyes, "You two are impossible." Though Harry knew there were many people watching, including reporters, he didn't care. As he and Ginny were together was no news, and it made headlines last year itself, so what more could they do? Ginny's face was flushed, but she responded likewise, her arms wrapping around his waist.

Rita Skeeter, sitting in the reporters' section, scribbled furiously in her notebook, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Exclusive material!" she muttered to herself. Casey Anthony, sitting nearby, just shook her head with a smile, "Those two are meant to be."

Meanwhile, Madam Pomfrey, seated in the audience section, beamed with a warm smile, "Young love is so precious." Snape, sitting a few rows away, tried to maintain a stoic expression but couldn't help a slight softening of his features as he watched Harry and Ginny.

Sirius Black, seated next to Amelia Bones, grinned and whispered, "Those two are going to set the world on fire, one kiss at a time." Amelia chuckled and nudged him playfully.

They broke apart, keeping their foreheads together, and whispered, "I love you." "I love you too," Ginny replied, her voice barely audible.

Next Chapter is C.A.R.E.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. So this was it the Wizengamot Debut. Did you like the formal setting, I made it different from last trial and was thinking to stick to this format as it seemed formal , what do you think. Though all this formal stuff is lengthy to write and sometimes I slip out. And it took more than I expected, I thought it would be over in single chapter but it seemed young lord Potter wants to be in action more.

And ofcourse some maybe dissapointed by Fudge's punishment but I had to keep him around for more as I don't think Umbridge will ever make it to Hogwarts in the story so all Umbridge vs Harry had to happen politically and if Fudge is sacked I don't think Umbridge can be around there anymore. And it wasn't like Fudge supported Goblin attack or something, though keeping him in probation helps. About Scrimgeour I think in canon too the man was right at core just had some issues with politics , and I think this incident may have just made him realise his mistakes, because I plan to give aurors a bigger role than canon when the war breaks out in due time.

And also today I was thinking about the deaths which will take place in story , well there is a long time for even first one to happen now , but I have already changed many times who will die and who will live its só frustrating to choose whom to kill. But there needs to be some as a war always comés with a price. How about you all comment on who do you think will die within soan of the 7 years of Hogwarts.

As of now that I am typing this chapter, I intend to wrap the trial in next chapter, but somehow whenever I plan something short it turns out to be longer but will see. See you soon , Love ~ Author of MTB. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 32: C.A.R.E.

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Foreheads still together, Harry saw that Ginny was blushing. He smirked and was about to kiss her again. However, it seemed the trial was about to begin, so he caressed her cheek and then ruffled Daisy's hair to get her annoyance. "Later, sis," he whispered, making his way to his seat as Lord Potter, his eyes scanning the Wizengamot chamber.

As he walked, he noticed the various sections - the Wizengamot seats, the family seats, the Council seats, and the audience section where Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Madam Pomfrey, and other familiar faces sat. The reporters' section caught his eye, with Rita Skeeter scribbling furiously and Casey Anthony looking on with interest. The Aurors, including Kingsley Shacklebolt, Tonks, and Mad-Eye Moody, stood guard, their eyes scanning the room.

Ginny and Daisy watched him go, Ginny's face still flushed. "He's enjoying this, isn't he?" Daisy whispered, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. Ginny just smiled, her eyes following Harry as he took his seat, ready to face the trial ahead.

The trial was about to begin, and Harry's presence as Lord Potter was already making waves. The room buzzed with anticipation, and the weight of the proceedings settled in. It was going to be a long and eventful afternoon.

Dumbledore's voice echoed through the Wizengamot chamber, formally announcing the continuation of the trial. "This Wizengamot trial, convened on October 10, 1992, is now in its second part. The purpose of this gathering is to discuss the impacts of the events of October 7 and to determine suitable solutions."

As Dumbledore spoke, Harry noticed Kingsley Shacklebolt taking his place in the Wizengamot seats, while Scrimgeour moved to stand guard, nodding at Harry as he passed. Harry returned the nod, thinking that despite Scrimgeour's flaws, his dedication to eradicating crime from the wizarding world was commendable.

The room buzzed with anticipation as the trial progressed, the weight of the proceedings settling in. Harry watched as the various members of the Wizengamot prepared to discuss the solutions to the problems caused by the events of October 7. The atmosphere was tense, but Harry felt a sense of determination, knowing that the decisions made here would have far-reaching consequences.

With the trial underway, Harry's thoughts turned to the challenges ahead, and he steeled himself for the debates to come. The fate of the wizarding world hung in the balance, and he was determined to play his part in shaping its future.

Dumbledore gestured to the members of the Wizengamot, inviting them to begin their discussions. "Let us proceed with the agenda. The first topic for discussion is the Goblin-Ministry relationship and the implications of the recent attack. Lord Potter, you have invited representatives from the Goblin community to attend this trial. Perhaps you would like to begin the discussion?"

Harry stood up, his eyes meeting Lord Bagnod's and Khazuk's in the guest section. "Thank you, Chief Warlock. Yes, I'd like to start by acknowledging the strained relationship between the wizarding community and the goblins. The events of October 7 have brought to light the deep-seated issues that have been festering for centuries."

Lord Bagnod stood up, his expression solemn. "If I may, Chief Warlock, I'd like to add that the goblin community feels a sense of betrayal and mistrust towards the Ministry. The treaty of 1807 was meant to ensure non-interference, but it seems that the Ministry has consistently used it as an excuse to ignore our plight, such as during the dark reign of Sutyr in 1949."

The room fell silent, the weight of Lord Bagnod's words hanging in the air. Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "Thank you, Lord Potter, and thank you, Lord Bagnod. The Wizengamot acknowledges the historical grievances and the recent events. Perhaps we can find a way to move forward and improve our relationship with the goblin community."

Harry spoke up, his voice calm and measured. "I propose that the Ministry acknowledges the sovereignty of the goblin nation and works towards establishing a more cooperative and respectful relationship. Furthermore, I'd like to suggest that the Wizengamot offers a formal apology for the Ministry's past inactions and expresses a commitment to work together to prevent such incidents in the future."

The discussion that followed was heated, with some members of the Wizengamot opposing Harry's proposal, while others supported it. Lucius Malfoy sneered, "The goblins are nothing but thieves and traitors. Why should we apologize to them?"

Dumbledore intervened, his voice calm but firm. "The Wizengamot will not be swayed by prejudice. We will work towards finding a solution that benefits both our communities. Lord Potter's proposal is a step in the right direction. Let us proceed with the discussion and find a way to move forward."

The trial continued, with the members of the Wizengamot debating and discussing the impacts of the events of October 7 and their solutions. Harry felt a sense of hope, knowing that the decisions made here would shape the future of the wizarding world.

As the discussion progressed, the room became increasingly divided. Some members of the Wizengamot supported Harry's proposal, citing the need for cooperation and mutual understanding between the wizarding and goblin communities. Others, however, were more skeptical, questioning the goblins' loyalty and motives.

Lord Bagnod's voice rose above the din, his words laced with a hint of frustration. "We have been patient for far too long. The goblin community demands recognition and respect. We will not be treated as inferior or as mere subjects of the Ministry."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully, his eyes twinkling with understanding. "I believe Lord Bagnod's words reflect the sentiments of many in the goblin community. It is time for us to listen and to work towards a more equitable relationship."

Kingsley Shacklebolt spoke up, his voice calm and measured. "I support Lord Potter's proposal. A formal apology and recognition of goblin sovereignty would be a significant step towards healing the wounds of the past. It would also demonstrate our commitment to working together for the greater good."

Lucius Malfoy scoffed, his face reddening with indignation. "You would have us apologize to these... creatures? It's absurd. The goblins are nothing but a nuisance, a constant thorn in the side of the wizarding community."

Harry's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring. "The goblins are not 'creatures' or 'nuisances,' Lord Malfoy. They are a proud and ancient people, with their own culture and traditions. It's time for us to recognize their value and contributions to our world."

Dumbledore's gentle voice intervened, calming the atmosphere. "Let us not forget the purpose of this gathering. We are here to find solutions, not to perpetuate old grievances. Lord Potter's proposal is a starting point. Let us work together to build a brighter future for all."

The discussion continued, with the members of the Wizengamot debating and negotiating the terms of the proposal. Slowly but surely, a consensus began to emerge. The Ministry would acknowledge goblin sovereignty, offer a formal apology, and work towards establishing a more cooperative relationship.

Dumbledore's voice echoed through the chamber once more, formalizing the agreements. "By the authority vested in me, I declare that the Wizengamot has reached a decision. The Ministry of Magic acknowledges the sovereignty of the goblin nation and offers a formal apology for past inactions. We commit to working together towards a more cooperative and respectful relationship. Let this be a new beginning for our communities."

The room erupted into applause, with Lord Bagnod and Khazuk smiling in approval. Harry felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that this was just the start of a new era of cooperation and understanding between the wizarding and goblin communities.

The Wizengamot trial was a formal proceeding, with the Chief Warlock, Albus Dumbledore, overseeing the assembly. Minister Cornelius Fudge stood at the podium, addressing the council about the healer shortage. "We've been discussing the massive shortage of healers in our country, particularly in the wake of the recent Dark Lord's attacks. Many of our healers have been injured or killed, and we're struggling to cope with the demand."

Fudge explained that the Ministry had been exploring various options to address the shortage, including increasing funding for healer training programs and offering incentives for experienced healers to return to the workforce. However, he noted that these efforts had been met with limited success.

"We've also considered calling for healers' aid from foreign countries," Fudge said. "However, this would not only be a significant financial burden but also raise concerns about the quality of care and potential cultural differences in medical practices."

Harry nodded discreetly to Ginny, Mrs. Weasley, Sirius, and Amelia before standing up. "If I may interrupt, Minister," Harry said formally, "I'd like to propose a solution to this pressing issue. I'd like to announce the establishment of the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation."

A murmur ran through the assembly as Harry explained, "This foundation will provide aid to all species in need, regardless of their magical or non-magical nature. It will be a private foundation, not government-funded, and its purpose is to support those affected by the recent events and address the healer shortage."

Harry outlined the foundation's plans, "We will donate to foreign aid, bringing in experienced healers from other countries to assist our wizarding world. We will also fund St. Mungo's repairs, ensuring our healers have the facilities they need to provide quality care. Additionally, we will offer scholarships and training programs to encourage young wizards and witches to pursue careers in healing."

When someone protested, Harry clarified, "As the founder, I assure you it's a private initiative. I'm announcing it here to bring attention to the wizarding world's needs and to encourage others to join us in this effort." He nodded to Bagnod, who produced documents proving the foundation's establishment on October 9.

"The Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation is committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by the recent events," Harry declared, his voice carrying across the assembly. "We believe that by working together, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a brighter future for our community."

The room fell silent, with many eyes on Harry, the young Lord Potter, and his determination to make a difference. The trial would continue, but the atmosphere had shifted, with hope and anticipation hanging in the air.

Lucius Malfoy rose from his seat, his eyes narrowing as he addressed the Chief Warlock. "I strongly object to this proposal, Your Lordship. The Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation's intentions may seem noble, but we cannot verify its credibility without thorough scrutiny. Lord Potter's reputation precedes him, but that does not automatically guarantee the foundation's legitimacy."

His voice dripped with condescension as he continued, "Furthermore, the foundation's scope seems overly ambitious. Bringing in foreign healers, funding repairs at St. Mungo's, and offering scholarships? It's a tall order, and we have no guarantee that these goals will be met."

Umbridge nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. "I concur with Lucius. Transparency and accountability are paramount. The Ministry needs to oversee this foundation to ensure it operates within the bounds of our laws and regulations. I think it's essential that this foundation be registered with the Ministry and work under our guidance. It's the only way to ensure transparency and accountability.""

Harry's expression remained calm, but a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Madam Umbridge. The Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation is a private organization, established with my private funds. Under no rule am I obligated to work under Ministry guidance. I understand your concerns, but I've taken every precaution to ensure the foundation's legitimacy. The documents, as I mentioned, are available for review. Gringotts has verified the foundation's establishment, and the letter for registration has been sent to the Ministry."

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room. "I assure you, the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation will be transparent in its dealings and accountable for its actions. We'll provide regular updates and financial reports to maintain transparency."

The tension in the room was palpable as the Ministry officials and the Wizengamot council members weighed Harry's words, their faces a mix of intrigue and skepticism.

"The foundation's full form is Compassionate Aid and Relief Efforts, and I am honored to serve as its Chairman. My girlfriend, Miss Ginevra Weasley, will act as Deputy Chairman, and Mrs. Molly Weasley has graciously accepted the role of Manager."

The room buzzed with murmurs as Harry continued, "Furthermore, I am pleased to announce that Mr. Sirius Black, Madam Amelia Bones, Mr. Arthur Weasley, and esteemed goblin, Mr. Bagnod, have agreed to join the executive committee. Together, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the wizarding world."

As Harry concluded his formal announcement, the Wizengamot members began to discuss the proposal, their reactions ranging from interest to skepticism. Lucius Malfoy, seated nearby, raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable.

The trial would continue, with the fate of the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation hanging in the balance.

With that being done, Dumbledore congratulated Harry on his proposal and all the Wizengamot, audience, and guests applauded for this. "Well done, Lord Potter," Dumbledore said with a warm smile. "Your dedication to the greater good and your willingness to take on the responsibility of leading the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation is truly commendable. I must say, I am impressed by your vision and leadership."

Then just when Dumbledore announced the end of the trial, Sirius stood up and said, "As a member of the Board of Governors of Hogwarts, and given the members present here today, I believe it's fitting that the Wizengamot is here, as I wish to call for an open Board meeting." This was met with shock, as there hadn't been an open Board meeting for 300 years. Harry and Sirius exchanged a glance, knowing what Sirius was going to propose.

The room fell silent, with murmurs and gasps spreading throughout the audience. Dumbledore's eyebrows rose in surprise, while Lucius Malfoy's expression turned skeptical. Harry and Sirius exchanged a brief glance, their plan unfolding as intended.

"An open Board meeting?" Dumbledore repeated, his eyes scanning the room. "It's been centuries since such a meeting was last convened. I believe we have a quorum, nonetheless. Let us proceed with the request."

With the seating arrangement adjusted to accommodate the 12 Board Governors at the center stage, the rest of the Wizengamot and audience members took their places in the designated sections. Harry moved to sit beside Ginny and Daisy once again. Sirius, however, announced that although this was an open meeting, only Board members would be allowed to participate in the discussions.

"While we welcome the presence of the Wizengamot and the audience, I'd like to remind everyone that only Board members will be contributing to the discussions today," Sirius clarified.

He then invited Dumbledore and McGonagall, in their capacities as Headmaster and Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, to join the meeting. The two esteemed professors took their seats alongside the Board members, ready to offer their insights and expertise as needed. The stage was set for a productive and potentially pivotal discussion regarding the future of Hogwarts and its governance.

Sirius stood confidently at the podium, surveying the assembly of Board members. "Honorable members of the Board of Governors, I am pleased to propose the introduction of two new elective subjects for third-year students and above: Healing and Dueling. These courses will not only enhance the students' skills but also address the current shortage of healers and improve the wizarding world's defense capabilities."

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "The recent events at St. Mungo's Hospital have highlighted the dire need for skilled healers in our community. By introducing a Healing course, we can encourage students to pursue a career in healing, thereby addressing the shortage of skilled professionals. This will not only benefit the hospital but also the entire wizarding world."

Sirius's eyes scanned the room, meeting the gaze of his fellow Board members. "Furthermore, the Dueling course will equip students with essential defensive skills, making them more competent in the face of dark magic threats. In today's uncertain world, it is crucial that our students are prepared to defend themselves and others. This course will provide them with the necessary training and expertise to do so effectively."

He continued, his voice filled with conviction. "These two subjects will not only benefit the students but also the wizarding community as a whole. By providing our students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, we are investing in the future of our world. I urge you all to consider the merits of this proposal and join me in supporting the introduction of these vital courses."

The room fell silent, with the Board members deep in thought, weighing the pros and cons of Sirius's proposal. The air was thick with anticipation as they awaited the opportunity to discuss and debate the merits of the proposed subjects.

The Board members deliberated on Sirius's proposal, their expressions a mix of intrigue and skepticism. Lucius Malfoy, a Slytherin representative, spoke up first, his voice dripping with condescension.

"An intriguing proposal, Sirius. However, I must express my reservations about introducing such...unconventional subjects. Dueling, in particular, seems rather...uncivilized."

Sirius stood firm. "With all due respect, Lucius, the wizarding world is facing unprecedented threats. Our students need to be equipped with the necessary skills to defend themselves. Dueling, as a subject, would provide them with a structured environment to learn and hone these skills."

Cyrus Greengrass, another Slytherin representative, nodded in agreement with Lucius. "I concur with Lucius. We must prioritize more...refined pursuits."

Augusta Longbottom, a Gryffindor representative, countered, "But, Cyrus, the reality is that our students will face dark magic threats. Wouldn't it be prudent to prepare them?"

The discussion continued, with Board members weighing the pros and cons of Sirius's proposal. Victoria Mortlake, a Slytherin representative, asked, "How would these subjects be assessed? Would they be graded alongside our traditional subjects?"

Sirius smiled. "An excellent question, Victoria. I propose that these subjects be graded separately, with a focus on practical demonstrations and evaluations."

Eugene Forthgill, a Gryffindor representative, spoke up, "I think we're overlooking the potential benefits of these subjects. Healing, in particular, could address the current shortage of skilled healers."

Lucius Malfoy raised an eyebrow. "I still fail to see how dueling will benefit our students in the long run. Isn't this just a way to glorify violence?"

Sirius leaned forward, his eyes locked on Lucius. "Dueling is not about glorifying violence, Lucius. It's about teaching our students discipline, strategy, and control. These skills will serve them well, regardless of their chosen path."

The debate continued, with no clear resolution in sight. The Board members were deeply divided, and the discussion showed no signs of ending anytime soon.

As the discussion progressed, the Board members began to focus on the logistics of implementing the new subjects. Augusta Longbottom spoke up, "Assuming we agree to add these subjects, how will they fit into the existing curriculum?"

Sirius nodded, "That's a great question, Augusta. I propose that we introduce these subjects as electives, starting from the third year. This would give students a chance to explore their interests and aptitudes."

Lucius Malfoy countered, "I think it's premature to discuss the specifics when we haven't even decided if these subjects are worthy of inclusion."

Victoria Mortlake suggested, "Perhaps we could consider offering these subjects as extracurricular activities, rather than formal classes?"

Abraxas Smith shook his head, "I disagree. If these subjects are valuable enough to be taught, they should be treated as legitimate courses with proper instruction and assessment."

Ariana Firestone proposed, "Why not make them optional subjects, but still part of the regular curriculum? Students could choose to take them in place of other electives."

The discussion continued, with various Board members proposing different models. After some debate, the Board agreed to introduce Healing and Dueling as sixth and seventh elective subjects, starting from the third year.

Michael Boot asked, "How will these subjects be assessed? Will there be O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams?"

Sirius replied, "Yes, I propose that students taking these subjects would sit for O.W.L. exams in their fifth year and N.E.W.T. exams in their seventh year, just like other elective subjects."

The Board members nodded in agreement, and the proposal was formalized. The final decision was put to a vote, and with a majority in favor, the motion was passed.

The new subjects would be added to the Hogwarts curriculum as follows:

- Healing and Dueling would be introduced as elective subjects in the third year.
- Students would have the option to take these subjects in place of other electives.
- O.W.L. exams would be held in the fifth year, and N.E.W.T. exams would be held in the seventh year.

With the decision made, the Board began to discuss the finer details of implementation, including instructor selection, curriculum development, and resource allocation.

With the decision to add Healing and Dueling as elective subjects made, the Board members proceeded to vote on the proposal. The results showed that all members, except Lucius Malfoy and Abraxas Smith, voted in favor of the proposal.

Lucius Malfoy spoke up, "I still have reservations about the value of these subjects, but I suppose it's too late now. I hope the implementation is handled with care."

Abraxas Smith added, "I voted against it because I think we're overloading the students with too many subjects. But I'll support the decision and help with implementation."

The discussion then turned to the logistics of implementing the new subjects. Augusta Longbottom suggested, "For both Healing and Dueling, we need experienced professors who can teach the practical aspects of these subjects."

Eugene Forthgill agreed, "Absolutely. For Healing, a retired healer would be ideal. Someone with years of experience in treating injuries and illnesses."

Ariana Firestone nodded, "And for Dueling, an experienced Auror would be perfect. Someone who's faced real-world threats and can teach students how to defend themselves effectively."

The Board members discussed the curriculum development for both subjects, deciding that the courses should be gradually developed from basic to advanced over the five-year period.

Sirius explained, "For both subjects, the first year should focus on foundational knowledge and skills. As the students progress, the curriculum should become increasingly advanced, preparing them for the O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. exams."

The Board agreed on the following plan:

- Year 3: Introduction to basic concepts and skills in Healing and Dueling.
- Year 4: Building on the foundational knowledge, with a focus on practical application.
- Year 5: Preparation for O.W.L. exams, with a focus on refining skills and knowledge.
- Year 6: Advanced coursework, with a focus on specialization and complex scenarios.
- Year 7: Preparation for N.E.W.T. exams, with a focus on mastery and application.

With the plan in place, the Board began to discuss the recruitment process for the professors, as well as the resources needed to support the new subjects.

With that being done, Sirius gestured to Dumbledore, who, as Chief Warlock, ended the Wizengamot trial and the open Board meeting. All started dispersing. Harry, Ginny, and Daisy walked towards Sirius, Amelia, and Ginny's parents, Molly and Arthur.

As they approached, Harry smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment after the trial. Ginny matched his smile, her eyes sparkling with pride. Daisy bounced along beside them, her hair changing to a bright shade of pink, reflecting her excitement.

Sirius, Amelia, Molly, and Arthur turned to face them. "Well done, Harry," Amelia said, her expression serious but approving. "You handled yourself remarkably well in there." Molly beamed with pride, while Arthur nodded, smiling. "We're all very proud of you, Harry," Molly added.

The group chatted for a moment, discussing the trial's outcome and the Board meeting's decisions. As they talked, Harry noticed the Aurors and Hitwizards keeping watch, ensuring the Wizengamot's security. The scene was set for more significant developments, with Harry's plans for the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation already gaining momentum.

After the Wizengamot trial, Harry and Ginny sent Daisy with Professor McGonagall back to Hogwarts. They had obtained permission from Dumbledore for a special meeting. "Alright, Daisy, go with Professor McGonagall. We'll meet you later," Harry said, smiling.

Ginny nodded in agreement. "We'll join you soon, Daisy."

With Daisy gone, Harry and Ginny turned to Dumbledore. "Sir, with your permission, we'd like to accompany Bagnod to Gringotts," Harry requested.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled. "Very well, Harry. I'm sure Bagnod has important matters to discuss. Off you go, then."

With Dumbledore's blessing, Harry and Ginny followed Bagnod out of the Wizengamot hall, ready to claim Harry's inheritances and further solidify their plans for the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation.

It was a very tired Harry and Ginny who reached Hogwarts at 9 pm, greeted Dumbledore goodnight as they had used his floo to arrive from Gringotts, and went straight to the Musketeers room. Fortunately, Daisy had already given the Musketeers who didn't attend the trial a screen-by-screen description of the trial, so Harry and Ginny didn't have to explain it to them.

The Musketeers shared a laugh when Ginny mentioned that Lucius was absolutely shocked when Harry had claimed his seats at Wizengamot. "He looked like he'd just sucked on a lemon," Ginny said, imitating Lucius's expression. Draco and Scorpius laughed particularly hard at that one, but their laughter was tinged with a hint of disappointment.

"I wish we could've seen that," Draco said, chuckling. "Father's face must've been priceless."

"Yeah, I know, right?" Scorpius added. "I'm really disappointed we weren't there to see it. I would've loved to have seen Father's reaction."

Ginny grinned mischievously. "Don't worry, I'm sure there will be more opportunities for us to see him flustered in the future."

The room erupted in laughter, and Harry smiled, feeling relieved after a long day. He glanced at Ginny, who was giggling with her friends, and his heart swelled with love and affection.

The Musketeers continued to chat and joke, discussing the events of the trial and their implications. Harry listened intently, happy to let his friends speculate and analyze the situation. He knew that the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with his friends by his side, he felt more confident than ever.

As they continued their evening in the Musketeers' room, Hermione showed Harry and Ginny the evening's copy of The Daily Prophet. Harry and Ginny skimmed through the pages, knowing the headlines would be dominated by the Wizengamot trial, Harry's claim to his seats, Fudge's and Scrimgeour's punishment, the establishment of the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation, and the announcement of new electives. However, one photo caught their attention, and they couldn't help but blush.

The photo showed Harry and Ginny during the recess, lost in a tender moment, snogging while Daisy giggled beside them. The caption read, "Potter and Weasley's Romantic Interlude in Wizengamot."

Rita Skeeter's article, "Love in the Time of Law," read: "In a shocking display of unprofessionalism, Lord Potter and Miss Ginevra Weasley were caught in a compromising position during a crucial trial recess. Sources close to the pair claim their relationship is putting undue pressure on their duties. Is their love strong enough to withstand the demands of Lord Potter's esteemed role?"

In contrast, Casey Anthony's article, "A Love Beyond Duty," read: "Lord Potter and Miss Ginevra Weasley's relationship is a beacon of hope in tumultuous times. Despite the challenges they face, they find moments to cherish each other's company, showcasing a love that brings strength and stability in the face of adversity."

"Looks like our little snog session made the papers," Ginny said, her cheeks flushing.

Daisy, sitting beside them, giggled. "I'm famous now! 'Daisy Potter, the giggling witness to the star-crossed lovers' moment.'"

The three friends shared a laugh, enjoying the lighthearted moment amidst the chaos of the past few days.

As the Muskeeteers started going back to their respective dormitories for the night, Harry kissed Daisy on the forehead and ruffled her hair before she could go. "Night, sis," he said with a smile. Daisy blushed and playfully rolled her eyes. "Night, Harry. Don't stay up too late," she replied, waving goodbye.

Harry watched her go, feeling a sense of satisfaction that this Wizengamot outing had also made Daisy happy, as she had spent quality time with him. Then he turned to see Ginny smiling at him, her eyes sparkling in the dim light of the corridor. "You're quite the charmer, Lord Potter," she teased, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry chuckled and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close. "Only for certain people, Future Mrs. Potter," he whispered back, his lips grazing her ear. Ginny's cheeks flushed, and she leaned into him, her face tilted upwards.

For a moment, they just stood there, lost in each other's eyes, the world around them fading into the background.

As they stood there, lost in each other's eyes, the world around them seemed to fade away. The dim light of the corridor, the quiet murmur of the castle, everything became a distant hum. It was as if time itself had slowed down, allowing them to savor the moment.

However, the moment was broken by Peeves the infamous Poltergeist who dropped water balloons at them. "Ha! Gotcha, lovebirds!" Peeves cackled, his voice echoing through the corridor as the water balloons splashed and drenched Harry and Ginny.

Ginny's eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a laugh, "Peeves, you little pest!" She playfully glared at the poltergeist, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Harry chuckled and shook his head, "Peeves, you're going to get yourself in trouble one of these days." He smiled wryly, his eyes never leaving Ginny's face.

Peeves just grinned mischievously and vanished around the corner, leaving Harry and Ginny to deal with the mess. They shared a look, and without a word, they both knew what the other was thinking. They burst out laughing, the tension broken.

"Well, I guess that's one way to ruin the mood," Ginny said, her voice still shaking with laughter.

Harry wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "Don't worry, Future Mrs. Potter. I'll find ways to make up for it." He whispered, his lips grazing her ear.

Ginny's cheeks flushed, and she leaned into him, "I'm counting on it, Mr. Potter." She smiled, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the sound of Peeves' laughter faded into the distance, and the castle's quiet murmur returned to normal. The moment might have been broken, but the connection between them remained strong.

As the night wore on, Harry and Ginny decided to skip the Gryffindor dormitories and head to the Hogwarts kitchens instead. They had missed dinner due to their late arrival from the Wizengamot trial, where Harry had claimed his inheritance lordship. The couple knew they could rely on the house-elves to serve them a late-night snack.

With Harry's Invisibility Cloak and Marauder's Map, they could move about the castle undetected, even at curfew time. They made their way to the kitchens, the soft clinking of pots and pans growing louder as they approached.

The house-elves were delighted to see Harry and Ginny, their faces lighting up with warm smiles. "Master Harry, Miss Ginny, we've got some lovely treats for you!" Chimey, one of the house-elves, exclaimed, bustling about to prepare their snack.

"Thank you, Chimey," Harry said, shedding his cloak and folding it neatly. "We're starving. What's on the menu tonight?"

"Ah, we've got some delicious pumpkin pasties, treacle fudge, and a special batch of rock cakes, just for you, Master Harry," Blinky said, her eyes twinkling.

Ginny's eyes widened as she surveyed the spread. "It all looks amazing. We'll have some of everything, please."

The house-elves beamed with pride, serving the couple a veritable feast. Harry and Ginny dug in, savoring the flavors and textures of the treats. As they ate, they chatted with the house-elves, discussing their day and the events of the Wizengamot trial.

"You're a hero, Master Harry," Wobby said, his eyes shining with admiration. "We're so proud of you for standing up for the goblins and helping St. Mungo's."

Harry smiled, feeling a warmth in his chest. "It's all part of being a friend, Wobby. We look out for each other."

As they finished their snack, Ginny leaned over and whispered, "You're doing great, Harry. I'm so proud of you too."

Harry's heart skipped a beat as he met her gaze, his emerald green eyes locking onto her chocolate brown ones. "Thanks, Future Mrs. Potter," he whispered back, his voice low and husky.

The house-elves giggled and whispered among themselves, happy to see their beloved Harry and Ginny enjoying each other's company. As the night wore on, the couple lingered, enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of the Hogwarts kitchens.

As the night wore on, Harry and Ginny sat down with the house-elves in the secret garden, surrounded by the lush greenery and vibrant flowers that the elves had lovingly tended to. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the space, casting a warm ambiance over the gathering. Chimey, Blinky, and Wobby, the three house-elves who had become like family to Harry, looked at him with wide eyes as he and Ginny shared their latest endeavor.

"We want you all to be a part of Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation," Harry announced, his eyes shining with excitement. Ginny nodded in agreement, her smile radiant.

The house-elves were taken aback, their faces reflecting their surprise and delight. "Master Harry, Miss Ginny, you want us to be part of your foundation?" Chimey asked, her voice trembling with emotion.

"Yes, we do," Ginny replied. "This foundation isn't just for humans or Goblins; it's for every magical creature in the world. And that includes house-elves like you."

The house-elves looked at each other, overwhelmed by the prospect. It took a while for them to calm down, their squeals of delight and tears of joy mingling as they hugged each other and the couple. Wobby, the usually stoic elf, was seen wiping away tears, his face beaming with pride.

"Master Harry, you're always thinking of us," Blinky said, her voice choked with emotion. "We'd be honored to be part of Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation."

Harry and Ginny smiled, happy to see the house-elves so thrilled. "We're glad you're excited," Harry said. "We'll need your help to make this foundation a success. We'll work together to help those in need, regardless of their background or species."

As the night drew to a close, Harry and Ginny bid the house-elves goodnight, promising to meet with them soon to discuss the details of their involvement with the foundation. The couple walked back to the castle, hand in hand, feeling a sense of purpose and fulfillment. They knew that this was just the beginning of a remarkable journey, one that would bring them closer to their friends, family, and the wider wizarding world.

As the night wore on, Harry and Ginny carefully made their way back to the Gryffindor common room, trying to avoid detection by Argus Filch, the caretaker. They knew that if they were caught after curfew, Filch wouldn't hesitate to take action, despite their good relationship. Harry wrapped his invisibility cloak around them, ensuring they remained hidden.

"Shh, quiet," Harry whispered, his eyes scanning the corridor for any sign of Filch. Ginny nodded, her hand instinctively reaching for Harry's as they crept along the walls.

They managed to narrowly miss Filch, who was patrolling the corridors with his usual zeal. Harry and Ginny breathed a sigh of relief as they slipped into the Gryffindor common room, the portrait of the Fat Lady swinging shut behind them.

The common room was quiet, the fire crackling in the hearth. Harry and Ginny settled into a couch, exhausted from their long day. They didn't bother to change or head to their separate dorms; instead, they snuggled into each other, feeling the warmth and comfort of each other's presence.

"I'm so tired," Ginny murmured, her head nestled on Harry's shoulder.

"Me too," Harry replied, wrapping his arms around her. "But it's been a long day. I'm just glad we made it back without getting caught."

As they sat together, the tension of the day began to melt away, replaced by the soothing warmth of each other's company. Before long, they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, the soft crackle of the fire lulling them into a peaceful slumber.

The night wore on, and the castle grew quiet, but Harry and Ginny remained lost in their dreams, their love and bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

Ron stood frozen in the doorway, his eyes fixed on the sight before him. Harry and Ginny were fast asleep, wrapped in each other's arms on the couch in the Gryffindor common room. Ron's initial reaction was one of surprise, followed quickly by a protective brotherly instinct. He felt a pang of concern, not anger, as he gazed at his sister and best friend.

"Blimey," Ron whispered to himself, trying to process what he was seeing.

Despite knowing that Harry and Ginny were a couple and that they often shared a bed at home with Ginny's parents' permission, seeing them together like this in the Hogwarts common room was different. Ron took a deep breath and reminded himself that Harry was his best mate, and he trusted him completely. He also knew that Ginny was in good hands with Harry.

Ron decided not to disturb them, choosing instead to quietly back away and leave them to their peaceful slumber. As he turned to leave, the soft creaking of the floorboards beneath his feet didn't even stir Harry and Ginny, who were deeply asleep, exhausted from their long day.

"Guess I'll let them sleep," Ron thought, smiling slightly as he headed out to find some breakfast or maybe meet up with Hermione and the others.

As Ron walked away, the portrait of the Fat Lady swung shut behind him, hiding the cozy scene within the Gryffindor common room. Harry and Ginny remained lost in their dreams, unaware of Ron's brief visit.

Percy walked into the Gryffindor common room, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of his fellow prefects or students needing guidance. Instead, his gaze landed on Harry and Ginny, fast asleep on the couch, wrapped in each other's arms. Percy's expression turned stern for a moment, his prefect persona taking over.

But as he gazed at his little sister, his sternness softened. It was hard for Percy to reconcile his role as a prefect with his feelings as a big brother. Seeing Ginny with Harry brought back memories of when she was little, and he'd teased her mercilessly. Now, she was growing up, and Percy couldn't help but feel a pang of protectiveness.

"Blimey," Percy whispered to himself, "Ginny's really grown up."

As a prefect, Percy felt it was his duty to ensure students adhered to Hogwarts' guidelines. But as Ginny's brother, he trusted Harry implicitly. He knew Harry would always look out for Ginny.

Percy cleared his throat, trying to decide whether to wake them or let them sleep. In the end, his affection for Ginny and his trust in Harry won out. Percy walked over to them and gently cleared his throat again, not wanting to startle them.

"Ginny, Harry, perhaps you two should get some proper rest in your own beds?" Percy suggested softly, trying to sound more like a concerned brother than a strict prefect.

However, before Percy could say anything more, Ron appeared beside him.

"Hey, Perce, let them be," Ron whispered. "They're exhausted. We all are after those goblins."

Percy raised an eyebrow at Ron but nodded eventually. "You're right, of course. I'll let them sleep. But Ron, make sure they get up for breakfast. Can't have them missing meals."

Ron grinned and nodded. "Will do, Perce. Don't worry, I've got it covered. I'll wake them up in time for breakfast."

With that, Percy nodded and left the common room, leaving Ron to keep an eye on Harry and Ginny.

As the morning sun peeked through the windows of the Gryffindor common room, Ron gently nudged Harry and Ginny, who were still fast asleep on the couch. "Hey, guys, wake up! Breakfast is soon," Ron whispered, trying not to startle them.

But before Ron could wake them, the other Gryffindor Musketeers, including Neville, Hermione, and Scorpius, kept watch, ensuring that no one disturbed the sleeping couple. They stood guard, chatting softly among themselves, until it was almost time for breakfast.

As the time approached, Ron, Neville, Hermione, and Scorpius gently roused Harry and Ginny, making sure they didn't oversleep. "Hey, guys, time for breakfast," Ron said softly. Harry and Ginny slowly stirred, stretching their arms and yawning.

The group of friends made their way to the Great Hall, where the long tables were filled with students chatting and laughing. The Golden Musketeers, including Draco and Susan, were already seated at the Hufflepuff table, chatting with Dudley and the other Silver Musketeers. Harry and Ginny joined them, and the group exchanged morning greetings.

"Morning, everyone," Harry said, smiling at his friends. Draco nodded in greeting, and the group began to serve themselves breakfast, enjoying the warm atmosphere and each other's company.

The Great Hall was filled with the warm scent of freshly baked bread and the hum of conversation as students gathered for breakfast. The 12 Musketeers sat together, enjoying their meal while discussing the latest news. Many students around them were talking about the Wizengamot trial that had taken place the day before, having read about it in the Daily Prophet. Some were also excited about the news of two new subjects being introduced the following year: Healing and Dueling.

However, the Musketeers had already discussed the trial and the new subjects in their secret meeting room. Now, they were focused on something else - Potter C.A.R.E., the foundation that Harry and Ginny had recently established.

"We want to help you both with your foundation," Ron said, looking at Harry and Ginny. "We can't contribute financially, but we can offer our ideas and support whenever you need it."

"I've been thinking," Hermione said, "perhaps we could help with organizing events or campaigns to raise awareness about the foundation's cause."

"That's a great idea, Mione," Harry said, smiling at his friend. "We could also use help with spreading the word about Potter C.A.R.E. and its mission."

The group began brainstorming, throwing around ideas and suggestions on how they could assist Harry and Ginny with their foundation. Ginny nodded, taking mental notes of the ideas being shared. "This is exactly what we need," she said, smiling at her friends. "Your support means a lot to us."

As breakfast came to a close, the Musketeers had already made a list of potential ways to help Potter C.A.R.E., excited to get started and support their friends' initiative.

As the 12 Musketeers gathered in the Great Hall for breakfast, Harry couldn't help but notice the admiring glances directed his way. Many girls were eyeing him, and Ginny's possessive gaze met his across the table. She wasn't happy about the attention he was receiving.

"Looks like being a Lord and Wizengamot member has its perks, doesn't it?" Ron whispered to Harry, nudging him with his elbow.

Harry rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "More like more headaches."

Ginny shot him a warning glance. "Don't encourage them, Harry."

Draco, sitting nearby, chuckled. "You're quite the catch now, Potter. I suppose you'll have to fend off the ladies with a stick."

Harry smiled wryly. "I'm taken, thanks. No need for any sticks."

Scorpius, Ginny, and the rest of the Musketeers shared amused glances. They knew how much Harry disliked the attention, and Ginny's protective nature was always on high alert when it came to him.

As breakfast came to a close, the group began discussing their plans for the day. "We've got Quidditch practice this afternoon," Ron reminded Harry. "We need to work on our teamwork."

"Right," Harry agreed. "Let's meet up at 4 pm to go over some strategies before practice."

The Musketeers nodded in agreement, and the conversation turned to their upcoming classes and other activities. However, Harry's mind kept wandering back to the admiring glances he'd received. He hoped Ginny wouldn't get too possessive; he valued their relationship and didn't want any unnecessary drama.

As they left the Great Hall, Ginny slipped her hand into his, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You're mine, Harry Potter. Don't forget that."

Harry smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "I'll never forget, Future Mrs. Potter."

Next Chapter is Halloween & Sam's Secret.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  Well this chapter wasn't much but I guess it was fine. I always thought that even though Harry gates his fame he could use it to betterment of society so here it is Potter C.A.R.E. Also from this chapter onwards new chapter would be uploaded once a week on Wednesday evening IST i.e. Morning in U.S. Timing and Afternoon in England. If any of my readers is from any other countries you could speculate the timings or put my story on your notifications. Thank You. Meet you next Wednesday June 18. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 33: Halloween & Sam's Secret !

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As the days flew by, Harry found himself immersed in the daily routine of Hogwarts, his mind preoccupied with the looming first Quidditch match in November. Quidditch practices were intense, and the Musketeers meetings were always filled with laughter and camaraderie. The New Marauders' pranking sessions added an extra layer of excitement to their lives. Amidst all this, Harry and Ginny were busy laying the groundwork for the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation, though they hadn't had to venture out of Hogwarts yet.

However, the approaching Halloween festivities cast a somber mood over Harry. The anniversary of his parents' death was just two days away, and the memories still lingered painfully. Daisy, sensing her brother's melancholy, stayed close to him.

"Hey, Harry, are you alright?" Ginny asked, noticing the distant look in his eyes as they walked out of Transfiguration class.

"Yeah, I'm fine, Future Mrs. Potter," Harry replied, forcing a smile. "Just a bit preoccupied with...you know."

Ginny nodded understandingly, her eyes filled with empathy. "We'll get through this together, okay?"

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the castle grounds, Harry felt a sense of nostalgia wash over him. He knew that in two days, he and Ginny would visit his parents' graves, a ritual they'd maintained since the previous year.

"Let's go for a walk, Ginny," Harry suggested, his voice barely above a whisper.

Ginny nodded, and they strolled through the quiet corridors, the only sound being the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet. The cool evening air carried the whispers of ancient spells, and the flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the walls.

As they walked, Harry's thoughts drifted to the upcoming visit to his parents' graves and the promises he'd made to Ginny on that fateful night a year ago. The bond between them seemed to grow stronger with each passing day, and Harry felt grateful for her presence in his life.

"Ginny, do you think we'll ever be able to move past all this pain?" Harry asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.

Ginny's grip on his hand tightened. "We'll face it together, Harry. We'll heal, and we'll find a way to make the pain more bearable. I promise."

The darkness of the approaching night seemed less daunting with Ginny by his side. Together, they would face whatever lay ahead, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

As the sun set over the Hogwarts grounds, Harry, Ginny, and Daisy sat together in the Gryffindor common room, their faces somber. The weight of the recent events still lingered, and the pain of their shared experiences had brought them closer together. Ginny's eyes were filled with concern as she looked at her boyfriend and his sister.

"Hey, are you two okay?" Ginny asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Daisy sighed, her eyes welling up with tears. "I don't know, Ginny. I keep thinking about my parents. I never knew them, and now I know they're gone. It's like...I don't know what to feel."

Harry put a comforting arm around his sister. "We're here for you, Daisy. We'll get through this together."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "We'll face it together, all of us. You don't have to go through this alone."

Daisy's voice cracked as she spoke. "I don't know what's better, not knowing or knowing now. It's like...I have so many questions, but no answers."

Ginny pulled Daisy into a hug. "We'll find the answers together, okay? We'll figure it out, one step at a time."

As they hugged, Harry looked on, feeling a mix of sadness and gratitude. He was grateful for Ginny's strength and compassion, and he knew that together, they would face whatever lay ahead.

"Thanks, Ginny," Harry said softly. "You're always there for us."

Ginny smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "I'll always be here for you both. We're in this together, forever."

The next morning, Harry and Ginny met with Sirius, Amelia, and Bagnod in the Burrow's living room to discuss the Potter C.A.R.E. Foundation's plans. Mrs. Weasley had prepared a hearty breakfast, and the aroma of freshly baked bread filled the air.

"Alright, let's get started," Harry said, taking a seat beside Ginny. "We've got a lot to cover. First, we need to finalize the budget for St. Mungo's repairs and the healer recruitment process."

Sirius nodded, pulling out a stack of parchments. "I've been going over the numbers, and I think we can allocate a significant amount from the Foundation's funds. Bagnod, can you tell us more about the goblins' requirements for the repairs?"

Bagnod, resplendent in his intricately designed goblin attire, leaned forward. "Yes, Lord Potter. The goblins are willing to work with us, but they need assurance that their safety concerns will be addressed. They've proposed a few... unconventional methods to reinforce the hospital's structure."

Amelia raised an eyebrow. "Unconventional?"

Bagnod smiled, his pointed ears twitching. "Let's just say they involve some unique applications of goblin magic. I'll make sure to send over the detailed proposal."

Ginny scribbled some notes on her parchment. "I'll work on coordinating with the goblins and the Ministry to get the necessary permits and approvals."

As the meeting progressed, they discussed everything from fundraising strategies to potential partnerships with other organizations. Harry felt a sense of pride watching his friends and loved ones work together seamlessly.

After the meeting, Harry and Ginny spent some time responding to letters and messages regarding the Foundation. They worked efficiently, their movements practiced and synchronized.

As the day drew to a close, Harry looked at Ginny and smiled. "You know, I think we're making great progress. The Foundation's going to do amazing things."

Ginny smiled back, her eyes shining with agreement. "We make a great team, Harry. And with the support of our friends and family, I know we'll succeed."

The evening sun dipped below the horizon as Harry and Ginny walked hand in hand, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Burrow's garden. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and the sound of distant laughter carried on the breeze.

As they strolled, Harry's thoughts turned to the upcoming Wizengamot meeting. He knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Ginny by his side and the support of their loved ones, he felt ready to face whatever came next.

The stars began to twinkle in the night sky as Harry and Ginny sat together, watching the world slow down. In that moment, everything felt right with the world.

The sun was setting over the Burrow as Harry, Ginny, and Daisy prepared to visit Godric's Hollow cemetery. It was a somber occasion, marking the anniversary of their parents' death. The trio stood outside the Burrow, surrounded by the warm glow of lanterns and the soft chatter of the Weasley family.

"Ready, guys?" Harry asked, his voice low and contemplative.

Ginny nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of sadness and determination. "We'll be there for you, Harry. And for Daisy too."

Daisy took a deep breath, her eyes welling up with tears. "I've always missed them, Harry. I wish we could have grown up with them."

Harry's expression softened, and he put a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "I know, Daisy. Me too."

The three of them set off, their footsteps quiet on the misty evening roads. As they walked, the atmosphere grew heavier, weighed down by the memories of the past. They finally reached the cemetery, the gravestones casting long shadows in the fading light.

Harry stopped in front of their parents' grave, his eyes fixed on the inscription. "James Potter and Lily Potter". Ginny and Daisy stood beside him, their presence a comforting reminder that they were not alone.

Daisy knelt down, her fingers tracing the letters on the grave. "I remember snippets of Mum and Dad, but it's all so fuzzy."

Harry's voice was barely audible. "I know, Daisy. I remember too."

Ginny's hand found Harry's, her grip tight. "We'll always be here for each other. The three of us, against the world."

As the night deepened, the trio sat together, surrounded by the silence of the cemetery. They shared stories, memories, and tears, their bond growing stronger with each passing moment.

In the darkness, Harry's thoughts turned to the future, to the challenges they would face and the love that would carry them through. He looked at Ginny, her eyes shining with a mix of sadness and hope.

"I love you," he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Ginny's smile was a beacon in the night. "I love you too, Harry. Forever and always."

As they sat there, Harry recalled the promise he had made to Ginny on this very day last year. He turned to her, his eyes locked on hers. "You know, Ginny, I promised you something last year. About our future, about our life together."

Ginny's smile grew wider. "I remember, Harry. You promised we'd get married, have five kids, and face everything together."

Daisy looked up at them, a soft smile on her face. "I'm glad you two have each other. You're meant to be."

The night wore on, filled with the quiet comfort of each other's presence, as they honored the memory of their parents and looked forward to the future.

The trio stood before the Potter cottage, the site where Harry's parents had met their demise. Harry and Ginny had visited this place before, but for Daisy, it was her first time. The cottage, once a warm and welcoming home, now stood as a haunting reminder of the tragic events that had unfolded.

"This is where it happened," Harry said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Mum and Dad died here, protecting me from Voldemort."

Ginny's hand instinctively found Harry's, offering comfort and support. Daisy looked around, taking in the eerie atmosphere. The cottage seemed frozen in time, its windows shattered, and the door hanging off its hinges.

"I can feel the darkness that lingered here," Ginny said, her voice filled with emotion. "It's hard to believe this was once a happy home."

Harry nodded, his eyes fixed on the spot where his parents had given their lives. "It's a reminder of what we're fighting against. But we won't let the darkness win."

Daisy stepped forward, her eyes welling up with tears. "I wish I could have known them," she whispered.

Harry put a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "They would have loved you, Daisy. You remind me so much of Mum."

As they stood there, the silence was broken only by the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. The trio stood in contemplative silence, paying their respects to the parents they had lost.

As they stepped into the half-destroyed cottage, Harry and Ginny couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu. They had been there the previous year, on the anniversary of James and Lily Potter's death, and it was a place where their feelings for each other had become undeniable. The cottage, with its overgrown garden and dusty interior, looked much the same as it had then, though the passage of time had done little to alleviate the sense of tragedy that lingered in the air. The top part of the cottage was still destroyed, a grim reminder of the night that had changed everything.

Daisy, however, was experiencing the cottage for the first time, and her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the ravaged interior. "This is where it happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Harry nodded, his eyes fixed on the spot where his parents had given their lives. "Yes, this is where Voldemort killed my parents."

Ginny's hand instinctively found Harry's, offering comfort and support as they stood there, surrounded by the remnants of a life cut short. The air was thick with the weight of memory, and for a moment, the trio stood in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

"It's hard to believe this was once a happy home," Ginny said finally, her voice filled with emotion.

Daisy's eyes were welling up with tears as she looked around at the destruction. "I can feel the pain and the fear," she whispered.

Harry's grip on Ginny's hand tightened as he looked at his sister. "We're here for them, Daisy," he said softly. "We're keeping their memory alive."

As they stood there, the silence was broken only by the sound of the wind rustling through the overgrown garden outside. It was a poignant reminder of the life that had once thrived within these walls, and the tragic events that had brought them to this point.

As they entered the bedroom, Harry and Ginny couldn't help but feel a wave of nostalgia wash over them. The room looked much the same as it had the previous year, with the same furniture and the same sense of warmth and love that seemed to emanate from every corner. Harry's eyes wandered to the wardrobe, where he remembered hiding behind his mother's dresses as a toddler. Ginny's hand instinctively found his, and she gave it a gentle squeeze as she sensed his emotions.

Daisy, on the other hand, looked around the room with a mixture of curiosity and detachment. She had no memories of this place, no sense of nostalgia or connection to the room where her brother had spent his early years. "I don't feel anything," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I wasn't even born here."

Harry turned to her, his eyes filled with understanding. "It's okay, Daisy. You don't have to feel anything. This is just a place for me and Ginny to remember our past." He walked over to her and put a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "You're our future, Daisy. You're the one who's going to make new memories with us."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "We're glad you're here with us, Daisy. We wouldn't want to be anywhere without you." Daisy smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards her brother and his girlfriend. She knew she was lucky to have them in her life, to have a family that cared about her.

The three of them stood there for a moment, surrounded by the memories of Harry's past and the promise of their future together. Then, without a word, they turned and left the bedroom, ready to face whatever lay ahead. As they walked out of the cottage, Harry glanced back at the room where his parents had slept, where he had slept as a baby. He felt a sense of peace wash over him, knowing that he had Ginny by his side, and Daisy too.

"Let's head back to Hogwarts," Harry said, smiling at his sister and girlfriend. "We've got a lot to catch up on, and I don't want to be late for our feast." Ginny nodded, and Daisy fell into step beside them, feeling grateful to be a part of this family.

As the trio entered McGonagall's office through the Floo, the warm glow of the fireplace and the soft hum of conversation enveloped them, a stark contrast to the somber mood that had settled over them after visiting Potter Cottage. Gran Minnie, as Harry affectionately called her, smiled warmly at the trio, her eyes twinkling with kindness. She opened her arms, and Harry and Daisy walked into her warm embrace. "Ah, my dear ones, I'm so glad you're here. The feast is about to start, and I wouldn't want you to miss it," she said, her voice soothing.

The three of them made their way to the Great Hall, where the other Musketeers were waiting for them. The hall was filled with students and teachers alike, all chatting excitedly about the Halloween feast. The long tables were laden with a variety of dishes, and the atmosphere was merry. As Daisy took in the decorations, her somber mood began to lift, and her hair color subtly shifted to reflect her changing emotions, a trait she had grown accustomed to as a Metamorphmagus.

The 12 Musketeers gathered at the Gryffindor table, an unusual arrangement since they usually sat at their respective house tables but always made sure to sit together. Harry, Ginny, and Daisy took their seats among their friends, and the conversation flowed easily. Ron was already teasing Hermione about her latest academic achievement, while Neville and Seamus were discussing their latest Herbology project. Luna and Samantha were engrossed in a conversation about the latest issue of the Daily Prophet, and Draco and Scorpius were chatting with Dudley and Susan about their latest Quidditch match.

As they sat together, Harry's eyes scanned the table, taking in the familiar faces of his friends. He smiled at Ginny, who was chatting with Hermione and Susan, and reached out to gently squeeze her hand under the table. Ginny smiled back, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm so glad we're all together tonight," she whispered to Harry, her voice barely audible over the din of conversation.

"Me too, Future Mrs. Potter," Harry replied, grinning at her. "It's going to be a great night." And with that, the feast began, filled with laughter, good food, and the warmth of friendship.

The feast continued, with the skeleton puppet show orchestrated by Dumbledore bringing bursts of laughter throughout the Great Hall. Harry, Neville, Ron, and Hermione exchanged glances, reminiscing about the previous year's Halloween celebration. Back then, their group had been smaller, consisting of just the four of them, with Ginny occasionally joining in, although she wasn't a Hogwarts student at the time. Draco had been a bit of a prat, to say the least.

"Blimey, remember that troll incident?" Ron whispered, grinning at his friends.

"How could I forget?" Hermione replied, rolling her eyes. "I was stuck in that bathroom, and you three came to my rescue."

Neville chuckled. "And Harry here took down that troll like it was nothing."

Harry's face turned slightly pink as he shrugged off the praise. "It was a team effort, really."

The atmosphere was much more enjoyable this year, with the entire student body coming together to celebrate Halloween. The tables were laden with an assortment of dishes, and the conversation flowed easily.

As they sat together, Ginny leaned over and whispered to Harry, "I'm so glad we're all having a good time tonight. It's a nice change of pace."

"Definitely," Harry agreed, smiling at her. "I'm just happy to see everyone enjoying themselves."

The night wore on, filled with laughter, good food, and the warmth of friendship. The 12 Musketeers, or the Dual Musketeers as they sometimes called themselves, were having the time of their lives, savoring the joy of being together on this special night.

As the night wore on, Harry and Ginny slipped away from the Great Hall, making their way to the Room of Requirement. Wobby, the house-elf, had told them about this magical room just the day before, and they were eager to try it out. The room was said to appear only when someone needed it, and they were curious to see if it was true.

"I'm so excited to see what this room looks like," Ginny said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Me too," Harry replied, smiling. "Wobby said it's amazing."

As they walked, Ginny noticed that Harry seemed a bit quieter than usual. She knew he had been strong for Daisy's sake when they visited Godric's Hollow, but she also knew that he needed to let his emotions out. And she was happy to provide a safe space for him to do so.

"Hey, are you okay?" Ginny asked, slipping her hand into Harry's.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Harry said, squeezing her hand. "Just thinking about Mum and Dad, I suppose."

Ginny nodded understandingly. "You don't have to put on a brave face for me, Harry. I'm here for you."

Harry smiled, feeling grateful for Ginny's understanding. He knew he could always count on her to be there for him, no matter what.

When they reached the Room of Requirement, they were amazed by its grandeur. The room was filled with comfortable chairs, soft cushions, and warm lighting. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind.

"This is incredible," Ginny breathed. "I can see why Wobby loves this room so much."

Harry nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over him. He knew he could let his guard down in this room, with Ginny by his side.

As they sat down on a plush couch, Harry felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He knew he could be himself around Ginny, without fear of judgment or rejection. And he knew that she would always be there to support him, no matter what.

"Thanks for bringing me here, Ginny," Harry said, looking into her eyes.

"No problem, Harry," Ginny replied, smiling. "I'm always here for you."

As they sat together on the couch, Harry felt a lump form in his throat. He didn't try to fight it, letting the emotions wash over him. Ginny wrapped her arms around him, holding him close as he buried his face in her hair. She gently ran her hand through his back, offering comfort and reassurance.

Tears pricked at the corners of Harry's eyes, and he let them fall, his body shaking with silent sobs. Ginny didn't ask him to talk about it, she just held him, letting him cry himself out. The stress and emotions of the day, the reminder of his parents' death anniversary, and the visit to Godric's Hollow all combined to overwhelm him.

But it wasn't about being sad or hurt; it was about feeling the weight of his memories and emotions. Ginny's presence was a balm to his soul, soothing his heart and calming his mind. As he cried, he felt some of the tension release, his body relaxing into Ginny's touch.

As the tears slowed, Harry took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm wash over him. He didn't need to say anything; Ginny understood. She knew him better than anyone, and he knew her. In this moment, words weren't necessary; their bond was enough.

Ginny continued to hold him, her hand stroking his back, as Harry let out a sigh, feeling drained but at peace. The Room of Requirement, with its soft lighting and comfortable atmosphere, seemed to fade into the background as they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms.

As Harry's tears dried, he looked up at Ginny, his eyes locking onto hers. He felt a surge of gratitude and love for her, and he knew exactly how to show it. With a gentle smile, Harry leaned in, his lips meeting Ginny's in a passionate kiss.

"I... love... you," Harry whispered between kisses, his words barely audible over the pounding of his heart.

Ginny's response was immediate, her lips moving in perfect sync with Harry's. "I... love... you... too," she replied, her voice filled with emotion.

Their kiss wasn't about passion or desire, although those feelings were certainly present. It was about the deep connection they shared, the love that flowed between them like a river. They had been learning more about their bond from Bagnod, and it had changed the way they interacted with each other. But in this moment, it was just about the two of them, lost in the beauty of their love.

As they kissed, the world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, suspended in a sea of love and adoration. It was a feeling that neither of them had ever experienced before, and it was all-consuming.

As they broke apart, breathless, Harry sighed, his eyes locked onto Ginny's. He just wanted to snuggle with her, to feel her warmth and closeness. They had shared a bed every time they were at home, whether at Ginny's or Harry's, her parents trusting them implicitly. But at Hogwarts, they had different dorms, and he missed sleeping snuggled up to her.

The Room of Requirement seemed to sense their longing, and the room changed, the furniture rearranging itself to form a cozy, intimate space. A plush bed appeared, adorned with soft, white linens and a canopy of gentle, shimmering fabric.

"Looks like the room knows what we need," Ginny whispered, her voice husky, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Harry smiled, his heart skipping a beat. "Guess so," he replied, his voice low, his eyes never leaving hers.

Without another word, they settled into the bed, wrapping their arms around each other, their bodies fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle. The Room of Requirement faded into the background, its magic creating a soothing ambiance that enveloped them in a sense of peace and tranquility.

As they snuggled together, Harry felt his heart fill with love and contentment. This was where he belonged, in Ginny's arms, surrounded by her love and warmth.

Harry woke up first, his gaze drifting to Ginny's peaceful face. For a moment, he was confused, disoriented, but as memories of the previous night flooded back, a soft smile spread across his face. He loved watching her sleep, her gentle breathing a soothing melody that calmed his mind. He couldn't resist the urge to lean in, his lips barely grazing her forehead in a tender kiss.

Ginny stirred, her eyes fluttering open. At first, she looked disoriented, her gaze unfocused. Then, as recognition dawned, her eyes locked onto Harry's, and a radiant smile illuminated her face. "Morning," she whispered, her voice husky from sleep.

"Morning," Harry replied, his voice low and gentle. "Did you sleep well?"

Ginny nodded, her eyes never leaving his. "Yeah, I did. The Room of Requirement is amazing. I felt like we were in our own little world."

Harry's smile deepened. "I know exactly what you mean. It's like our own sanctuary." He paused, his gaze lingering on her face. "I love watching you sleep, you know that?"

Ginny's cheeks flushed, but a smile played on her lips. "I had no idea. You're a bit creepy, Potter."

Harry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Creepy? Maybe a little. But I just can't help it. You're so beautiful when you're sleeping."

Ginny's smile softened, her eyes warming with affection. "You're not so bad yourself, Mr. Potter." She reached out, her hand brushing against his cheek. "But we should get up. We don't want to be late for breakfast."

Harry nodded, reluctantly pulling himself away from her. "You're right. Let's get ready."

After a leisurely morning routine that included a run, yoga, and helping the house-elves in the secret garden, Harry and Ginny made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. Notably, Dudley hadn't joined them for their morning routine, which was unusual. Harry and Ginny had grown accustomed to having him around, and his absence had gone unremarked during their activities.

It was 8 am, and the hall wasn't as crowded as it would be later in the day, given it was a Sunday. The 12 Muskeeteers, including Dudley, were already seated at the Ravenclaw table, chatting and laughing.

As Harry and Ginny joined the table, Harry noticed Daisy was quieter than usual. He exchanged a concerned glance with Ginny, who raised an eyebrow, equally puzzled. "Hey, Daisy, everything okay?" Harry asked, nudging her gently as they sat down.

Daisy looked up, forcing a weak smile. "Yeah, I'm fine, Harry. Just a bit...lost in thought, that's all."

Ginny placed a reassuring hand on Daisy's arm. "We're here for you, sweetie. Whatever's on your mind, you can share it with us."

Daisy nodded, appreciating Ginny's concern. "Thanks, Ginny. I'll be alright. It's just...yesterday was tough, visiting Mum and Dad's grave. It brought back a lot of memories."

The group fell silent, understanding the pain of losing loved ones. Harry wrapped his arm around Daisy's shoulders, offering what little comfort he could. "We're here for you, Daisy. Always."

As they began to eat, Ron yawned, stretching his arms. "Blimey, I'm starving! Sunday breakfasts are the best, aren't they?"

Hermione playfully rolled her eyes. "You're always starving, Ron. It's not just about Sunday breakfasts."

The group chuckled, the tension dissipating as they engaged in lighthearted banter.

As they finished their meal, Harry leaned over to Ginny. "You think Dudley's doing alright? He didn't join us for our morning routine today."

Ginny smiled knowingly. "Maybe he felt a bit left out with just the two of us. We should check in with him later."

Harry nodded in agreement. The breakfast continued, filled with laughter and camaraderie, as the 12 Muskeeteers savored their time together.

With breakfast wrapping up, the Muskeeteers were mildly surprised to see Remus and Tonks join their table. Daisy's mood lifted at seeing her godfather, and Harry and Ginny exchanged knowing glances. They had an idea why Remus and Tonks were there, given their secret knowledge of Remus's connection to Samantha.

As Remus and Tonks approached Samantha, Harry subtly signaled the other Muskeeteers to remain calm. "Something's up," Harry whispered to Ginny, his eyes fixed on Remus and Tonks.

Ginny nodded, her gaze following Harry's. "Let's see how this plays out," she replied softly.

Remus cleared his throat, drawing Samantha's attention. "Sam, we need to talk to you alone for a bit," he said gently. Tonks nodded in agreement, her expression reassuring.

Samantha looked puzzled but nodded, following Remus and Tonks to an empty classroom nearby. The other Muskeeteers exchanged curious glances but remained silent, thanks to Harry's discreet warning look.

"What's going on?" Draco whispered to Harry.

Harry just shook his head slightly. "Let's wait and see," he whispered back.

The Muskeeteers sat in silence, their eyes fixed on the classroom door, waiting for Samantha, Remus, and Tonks to return.

After half an hour, the classroom door opened, and Samantha emerged, her eyes red and puffy from crying. She looked furious and upset, her face streaked with tears. Remus and Tonks followed closely behind, their expressions dejected and concerned.

Harry and Ginny exchanged understanding glances. They had anticipated that revealing the truth about Samantha's parentage might be difficult for her to handle. The other Muskeeteers, however, looked confused and concerned, unsure what was happening.

"Sam, I'm so sorry," Remus said softly, trying to comfort her, but Samantha shook her head, her anger and hurt evident.

"How could you keep this from me?" Samantha demanded, her voice shaking with emotion. "All these years, I had no idea... Why didn't you tell me?"

Tonks stepped forward, her eyes filled with empathy. "We wanted to protect you, Sam. We didn't want you to get hurt."

Samantha's anger boiled over. "Protect me? By lying to me? By keeping my own identity from me?" She spun around, her eyes flashing with tears. "I need some space. Leave me alone."

With that, she stormed off, leaving the Muskeeteers and Remus and Tonks looking on in concern. Harry and Ginny knew they had to give Samantha time to process her emotions.

"We'll talk to her later," Harry said softly to Ginny. "For now, let's just give her space."

Ginny nodded in agreement, her eyes filled with understanding. The Muskeeteers dispersed, unsure what to do, but Harry and Ginny's guidance helped them understand that Samantha needed time alone.

Harry and Ginny remained behind, approaching Remus and Tonks with concern. Remus looked devastated, his eyes filled with self-hatred.

"Moony, it's not your fault," Harry said softly, placing a comforting hand on Remus's shoulder. "You did what you thought was best at the time. You can't blame yourself for not knowing Dorcas was pregnant."

Remus shook his head, his expression anguished. "I should have been there for her, for Sam. I abandoned them both."

Tonks stepped forward, wrapping her arms around Remus. "You didn't abandon them, Moony. You were trying to protect Dorcas from the risks of being with a werewolf. You didn't know about the pregnancy."

Ginny added her support, her voice gentle. "Remus, you're not defined by one decision. You've always been a kind and caring person. Samantha will come around; she just needs time."

Harry nodded in agreement. "We've all made decisions we regret. But it's how we learn and grow from them that matters. You're not alone, Moony. We're here for you."

Remus looked up, his eyes red-rimmed. "Thanks, Harry. Ginny. Tonks... you're all I need right now."

Tonks held him closer, her love and support evident. "We'll get through this together, Moony. As a family."

Harry and Ginny left Remus and Tonks alone in the classroom, allowing them some space. They headed to the Muskeeteers room, where the others were gathered, eager to know what was going on. Samantha was noticeably absent, and the atmosphere was tense.

As Harry and Ginny entered, the room fell silent. "What's happening?" Draco asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Samantha just found out about her parents," Harry explained gently. "Remus is her biological father."

The room erupted into a mixture of gasps and stunned expressions. "Blimey!" Ron exclaimed. "That's a lot to take in."

Ginny nodded. "She's upset. We gave her some space. "

Luna's eyes widened with compassion. "Poor Samantha. This must be overwhelming for her."

Dudley shook his head. "I can imagine how she'd feel. Finding out your whole life has been a lie..."

Hermione's face was etched with concern. "We'll be there for her, Harry. We'll support her through this."

The Muskeeteers nodded in agreement, their faces reflecting their worry for Samantha. For now, they would wait and offer their support, knowing that Samantha needed time to process this revelation.

"Let's just be there for her," Harry said softly. "She'll need our friendship right now."

The Muskeeteers nodded, united in their determination to support Samantha through this challenging time.

Samantha stood alone at the Black Lake, the water's edge mirroring the turmoil within her. She was angry, upset, and hurt, her emotions swirling like the lake's depths. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, but she refused to let them fall, not wanting to show weakness. Yet, the pain was overwhelming, and a few stray tears escaped, rolling down her cheeks.

"How could he do that to us?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible over the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. "How could he leave Mum and me like that?" The logical part of her brain told her that Remus hadn't known about her, but in this moment, rationality was lost on her. All she could think about was the pain of abandonment, of being unwanted.

Samantha's gaze drifted out across the lake, her mind replaying the conversation with Remus and Tonks. She felt like her whole identity was shifting, like the ground beneath her feet had given way. She didn't know who she was anymore, or where she belonged. The only thing she knew was that she needed time, space, and solitude to process this revelation.

As she stood there, the morning sunlight cast a gentle glow over the lake, but Samantha didn't notice the beauty around her. She was lost in her thoughts, her heart heavy with emotion. She just wanted to be alone, to sort through her feelings and come to terms with this new reality.

Samantha stood by the Black Lake, the cool morning breeze whispering through the trees as she grappled with the revelation. Her mind was a whirlwind of emotions - anger, hurt, confusion, and betrayal. She couldn't believe that her whole life had been a lie. The people she trusted had kept this secret from her, and the weight of that realization was crushing.

"How could he not know?" she thought, referring to Remus. "How could he just leave us like that?" The pain of abandonment stung, and Samantha felt like her identity was shifting, like she was losing her footing.

As she gazed out at the lake, her thoughts swirled around her biological parents. Dorcas, her mother, had been taken from her too soon, and now she was learning about her father, Remus. The more she thought about it, the more she felt like she didn't know herself anymore. Who was she, really? Where did she belong?

The silence around her was oppressive, punctuated only by the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. Samantha felt like she was drowning in her emotions, unsure of how to process them or where to turn. For now, she just stood there, lost in her thoughts, trying to make sense of it all.

Samantha's anger boiled over as she threw another stone into the lake, watching as the ripples disturbed the calm water. She was still reeling from the revelation that Remus was her father, and the pain of her whole life being a lie was almost too much to bear. She threw another stone, and another, trying to vent her frustration and hurt.

Just as she was starting to feel like she was finally alone with her thoughts, a voice broke the silence. "You can do better than that."

Samantha turned to see Dudley standing behind her, a smug look on his face as he threw a stone that landed much farther out in the lake than hers had. She felt a surge of anger at his interruption, and her eyes narrowed. "What are you doing here?" she snapped, not appreciating his sudden presence.

Dudley shrugged, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Just thought I'd join you for some stone-throwing fun. You're not very good at it, though."

Samantha's anger flared up, and she glared at him. "I don't want your help, Dudley. Just leave me alone."

But Dudley just smiled, his eyes never leaving hers. "Come on, Sam, don't be like that. I can show you how it's done."

Samantha's face twisted in anger, and she turned back to the lake, throwing another stone with all her might. But Dudley's words had struck a chord, and she couldn't shake the feeling that he was trying to get under her skin. She didn't need his help, and she certainly didn't need his company. She just wanted to be left alone to process her emotions and come to terms with her new reality.

Samantha turned to him, her eyes flashing with anger. "Just leave me alone, Dudley," she snapped, her voice barely above a whisper. Dudley's face fell, but he nodded understandingly. "Alright, Sam. I get it. You want to be left alone."

But instead of walking away, Dudley sat down beside her on a nearby rock. Samantha glared at him, her anger simmering just below the surface. "I said leave me alone," she repeated, her voice firm.

Dudley looked at her with a gentle smile. "I understand, Sam. I really do," he said softly. Samantha's expression twisted in skepticism. "You don't," she said flatly. "No one does."

Dudley's smile faltered, and he sighed. "Actually, I do," he said quietly. Samantha's eyes narrowed, her curiosity piqued despite herself. Dudley's eyes locked onto hers, filled with a deep understanding. "I went through a similar identity crisis when I called the Aurors to arrest my parents," he reminded her.

Samantha's mind flashed back to the stories Harry and Ginny had told her about Dudley's courageous act. She hadn't been part of their group back then, but she remembered the admiration in their voices when they spoke of Dudley's bravery. Suddenly, she felt at a loss for words. Dudley's presence, his understanding gaze, and his quiet strength seemed to defuse some of her anger, leaving her feeling uncertain and vulnerable.

Dudley sat quietly beside her, waiting for her to process her emotions. The silence between them was comfortable, and Samantha felt a sense of gratitude towards Dudley for not pushing her to talk. She didn't know what to say, but she knew she appreciated his presence.

For now, they just sat there, watching the ripples on the lake, each lost in their own thoughts.

As they sat there in silence, Dudley's presence seemed to slowly draw Samantha out of her darkness. He gently nudged her hand with his, and Samantha didn't pull away. Instead, she let her hand rest in his, feeling a sense of calm wash over her.

Dudley looked at her with a soft smile. "You know, Sam, I think I understand why you're so angry," he said quietly. "But I also think you're still the same person you've always been - strong, smart, and fierce."

Samantha's eyes welled up with tears as she looked at Dudley. No one had ever seen her like that before, not even herself. Dudley's words touched a chord within her, and she felt a glimmer of hope.

"My parents were wrong, Sam," Dudley continued, his voice filled with conviction. "They were cruel and hurtful, but that doesn't define me. And just because Remus is your biological father doesn't define you either."

Samantha's gaze dropped, and Dudley's fingers intertwined with hers, offering comfort. "You don't have to forget everything, Sam," he said gently. "But maybe, just maybe, you can give Remus a chance. He's not your parents. He's a good person who cares about you, and he wants to get to know you."

Samantha's eyes met Dudley's, and for a moment, they just looked at each other. Dudley's words sank deep into her heart, and she felt a small spark of hope ignite within her. Maybe, just maybe, Dudley was right. Maybe she didn't have to let her past define her. Maybe she could forge a new path, one with Remus by her side.

Without thinking, Samantha squeezed Dudley's hand, and he squeezed back. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. In that moment, Samantha felt seen, heard, and understood. And as they sat there, hands entwined, looking out at the lake, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Maybe, just maybe, things would be okay.

Dudley's smile grew, and he leaned in slightly. "You're still you, Sam. Don't let anyone or anything make you forget that." Samantha's heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes, feeling a connection she couldn't quite explain.

As they sat there, hands entwined, Dudley's calm exterior belied the turmoil brewing inside him. Samantha's hand in his was a gentle weight, and his mind was filled with thoughts of her. He had known he had feelings for her for a while now – Harry had even jokingly picked up on it – but moments like these made him realize just how deep those feelings went.

After a few moments of silence, Samantha's voice broke the stillness. "Thanks, Dudley," she said softly, her eyes welling up with tears. Before he could respond, she leaned in and hugged him tightly. "Tell the others not to worry about me, okay?" she whispered into his ear. Dudley's arms wrapped around her, holding her close. "I'll tell them," he promised, his voice barely above a whisper. As she pulled away, he let her go, watching as she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders.

With a newfound determination, Samantha turned and walked towards the empty classroom where Tonks and Remus were waiting. Dudley watched her go, a mix of emotions swirling inside him – concern for her, but also a sense of pride that she was taking this step. He knew she had a long way to go, but he was glad she was moving forward.

As Samantha disappeared into the classroom, Dudley let out a sigh, his eyes fixed on the door. He couldn't help but feel a pang of hope, wondering if maybe, just maybe, Samantha would come out of this experience with a newfound understanding. With a soft smile, Dudley stood up, brushing off his pants. He knew he had to let Samantha have her moment with Remus, and he wasn't about to intrude. Instead, he would go and reassure the others that she was going to be alright. Little did he know, this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

As Samantha walked into the empty classroom, Tonks and Remus were already seated, their faces filled with concern. Tonks offered a gentle smile, while Remus's eyes seemed to hold a mix of apprehension and hope.

"Hey, Sam," Tonks said softly, gesturing to a chair. "Sit down, love."

Samantha took a seat, her eyes fixed on Remus. "So, you knew all along?" she asked, her voice laced with a mix of emotions.

Remus nodded, his eyes locked on hers. "I'm so sorry, Samantha. I had no idea...about you. If I had known—"

Samantha cut him off, her voice firm but controlled. "You didn't know. I get that. But it's hard, okay? Finding out like this, that my biological parents...that you...it's a lot to process."

Remus's heart sank as he saw the mix of emotions on Samantha's face. He had been preparing himself for this moment, but nothing could have truly readied him for the pain and uncertainty in her eyes. He felt a pang of regret for not knowing about her sooner, for not being there for her.

Tonks reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Samantha's arm. "We're here for you, Sam. We'll support you through this."

Samantha's gaze lingered on Remus, her expression a mix of hurt and understanding. "I need time, Remus. I don't know if I'll ever be ready to...to call you Dad or anything like that. But I'm willing to try to understand you better, to get to know you."

Remus's eyes welled up with tears as he heard Samantha's words. He had expected resistance, but hearing her say she was willing to try meant the world to him. He felt a sense of hope, a sense that maybe, just maybe, he could make up for lost time.

"I don't expect you to call me Dad right away, Samantha," Remus said, his voice choked with emotion. "I just...I want to get to know you. I want to be there for you, to support you, to help you in any way I can."

Samantha looked at him, her eyes searching. "Why didn't you tell Dorcas about me?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Remus took a deep breath, his eyes dropping. "I was scared, Samantha. I was scared of hurting her, of hurting you. I didn't know about you, but if I had...I don't know if I would have been brave enough to be a part of your life."

Tonks squeezed Samantha's arm gently. "We're not here to place blame, Sam. We're here to move forward, to support each other."

Samantha nodded, her gaze still on Remus. "I know. It's just...it's a lot to take in. I feel like my whole life has been turned upside down."

Remus nodded, his eyes locked on hers. "I know, Samantha. I'm here for you. I'll do whatever it takes to help you through this."

The three sat in silence for a moment, the tension slowly dissipating. Tonks broke the silence, her voice gentle. "We'll take things slow, Sam. We'll figure this out together."

Samantha nodded, a small smile on her face. "Okay. Let's take it one step at a time."

As they sat there, Remus felt a sense of gratitude towards Tonks, towards Samantha for being willing to try. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he was willing to do whatever it took to build a relationship with his daughter. Samantha, on the other hand, felt a mix of emotions, uncertainty, but also a sense of hope. Maybe, just maybe, she could find a way to connect with this man who was her biological father. Tonks just smiled, her eyes filled with warmth, knowing that this was just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.

Next Chapter is  Quidditch is Back !!!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  I don't know but for some reason I felt lost at the beginning of the chapter. But anyway, the chicken is out the bag now , earlier than I anticipated actually but I thought that by the time of Christmas it's Sirius and Amelia' s Wedding so better be now. And do you think Dudley and Samantha would work out in future ? What are your views ? As I didn't made Harry's and Ginny's relationship bud and blossom slowly , I rather hope to show other relationships nicely, and I think it's a nice foundation. See You Next Wednesday - June 25 . Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 34: Quidditch is Back !!!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As Samantha walked into the Muskeeteers room, the group's concerned glances immediately shifted to her. They all knew about her revelation about Remus, and they were unsure if she would still want to celebrate Daisy's birthday. However, Samantha forced a bright smile onto her face, determined not to let her newfound family drama dampen the celebration. "Hey, guys! Sorry I'm late. Let's not waste any more time on that. It's Daisy's special day, and I'm sure she's starving!" she exclaimed, plopping down beside Dudley.

Dudley, who had comforted her near the Black Lake just hours before, looked at her with understanding eyes. He knew exactly what she was going through, and he was there to support her. As the group sang "Happy Birthday" to Daisy, Samantha couldn't help but feel a pang of gratitude towards her friends. They were all so supportive and caring, and she knew she could count on them no matter what.

As the celebration continued, Samantha found herself laughing and smiling along with the others, momentarily forgetting about her troubles. Dudley stayed close to her, occasionally glancing at her with concern, but also with a softness in his eyes that Samantha didn't notice.

The Muskeeteers room was filled with the sound of laughter and chatter, and the smell of cake and treats wafted through the air. It was a joyful, celebratory atmosphere, and Samantha felt grateful to be surrounded by such wonderful friends on a day that could have been overwhelming.

As the party drew to a close, Samantha turned to Daisy and said, "Happy birthday, Daisy! I'm so glad we could still celebrate despite everything." Daisy beamed at her, her eyes shining with happiness. "Thanks, Sam! This has been the best birthday ever!" The group cheered and clapped, and Samantha smiled, feeling a sense of belonging and friendship that she knew she could count on, no matter what lay ahead.

As the party drew to a close, Harry smiled warmly at Daisy, who was beaming with happiness. "Happy birthday, sis! I'm so glad we could celebrate despite everything," he said, pulling her into a tight hug.

Daisy hugged him back, her eyes shining with tears. "Thanks, Harry. This has been the best birthday ever! I'm so lucky to have you as my brother."

The group cheered and clapped, and Harry grinned, feeling a sense of pride and happiness. He glanced over at Ginny, who was smiling at him, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

As the Muskeeteers began to disperse, Harry and Daisy shared a quiet moment together. "You know, Daisy, I'm always here for you, no matter what," Harry said, his voice low and serious.

Daisy nodded, her eyes welling up with tears again. "I know, Harry. And I'm always here for you too. We're in this together, always."

The two siblings shared a tender moment, their bond stronger than ever. As they pulled back, Harry smiled and ruffled Daisy's hair. "I'm glad we're family, sis."

Daisy giggled and playfully pushed him away. "I'm glad too, Harry. Now, let's get out of here before the professors start yelling at us."

With that, the party came to an end, and the Muskeeteers bid each other farewell, already looking forward to their next adventure together.

The sun had set over the Hogwarts grounds, casting a warm orange glow over the Quidditch pitch. The Gryffindor team was gathered, their robes fluttering in the gentle breeze. Harry stood among them, his eyes fixed on Oliver Wood, the team captain, who was pacing back and forth, his face set with determination.

"Alright, let's get started!" Oliver called out, his voice carrying across the pitch. "We've got a big match coming up against Slytherin, and we need to be in top form. I don't want to see any slacking off, got it?"

The team nodded, their faces set with determination. Fred and George Weasley, the Beaters, began to stretch, their bats leaning against the goalposts. Angelina Johansson, the vice-captain, led the Chasers in a series of warm-up drills.

Ginny, who was watching from the sidelines as part of the reserve team, caught Harry's eye and smiled. "You got this, Harry!" she whispered, as he passed her on his way to his broomstick. Harry grinned and winked at her, feeling a surge of confidence.

As practice began, Harry took to the pitch, his broomstick at the ready. He soared through the air, the wind rushing past him as he practiced his dives and swoops. The Quaffle and Bludgers flew through the air, the sound of bats cracking against them echoing across the pitch.

Meanwhile, the Twins were being their usual mischievous selves, pretending to hit the Quaffle with their bats and sending it flying wildly off course. Oliver's face turned red with frustration. "What are you two doing? This isn't a joke, it's Quidditch practice! Focus!"

Fred and George looked at each other, grinning, before turning back to Oliver with innocent faces. "Sorry, Captain! We were just, uh, testing the Quaffle's aerodynamics."

Oliver glared at them. "You're not even taking this seriously! If you don't shape up, you'll be off the team!"

The Twins looked at each other, still grinning, but this time they focused on their Beater drills.

As Harry flew past Scorpius, who was watching from the sidelines as part of the reserve team, he called out, "Hey, Scorpius! You're going to be an amazing Seeker one day! Keep practicing, and you'll give me a run for my money!"

Scorpius smiled, looking motivated. "Thanks, Harry! I'm working hard, I promise!"

The practice session was intense, with the team working together seamlessly. Harry's reserve team members watched from the sidelines, ready to step in if needed. Ron Weasley, the reserve Keeper, offered words of encouragement as he watched Oliver make spectacular saves.

As the practice came to a close, Harry landed his broomstick, grinning from ear to ear. "That was a great session, team!" he exclaimed. "Let's keep it up, and we'll be unbeatable!"

The Gryffindor team cheered, their spirits high as they walked off the pitch together. Ginny fell into step beside Harry, and they shared a smile. "I'm so proud of you, Harry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're going to crush it against Slytherin."

Harry's face glowed with happiness, feeling like he was on top of the world. "Thanks, Gin. I couldn't do it without you cheering me on."

As the sun set over the Hogwarts grounds, Draco sat in the Slytherin common room, his eyes fixed on the flames dancing in the fireplace. He couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had been building up inside him. His teammates, except for Adrian, seemed more interested in spreading rumors about the Gryffindors than actually practicing their Quidditch skills.

Adrian Pucey walked over to Draco, a concerned look on his face. "Hey, Draco, what's wrong? You seem a bit off today."

Draco sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's just these idiots I'm stuck with. They're more interested in being blood purists than actually playing Quidditch."

Adrian nodded sympathetically. "I know what you mean. But we can't change the team, Draco. We just have to make the best of it."

Draco looked at Adrian, a small smile on his face. "You're right, as always, Adrian. You're the only one on this team who doesn't make me want to scream."

Just then, the doors to the common room swung open, and Daisy Potter walked in, her dark circles visible under her eyes. She looked tired but smiled when she saw Draco. "Hey, Draco! What are you up to?"

Draco stood up, a warm smile on his face. "Not much, Daisy. Just discussing the finer points of Quidditch with Adrian."

Daisy walked over to Draco and Adrian, her eyes sparkling with interest. "Oh, yeah? What's the plan for the match against Gryffindor?"

Draco shrugged. "To be honest, I'm not sure. But I've made a deal with Harry to be players first, friends next. I intend to keep my end of the bargain."

Daisy's eyes lit up with approval. "That's great, Draco! Harry will appreciate that. But are you sure your teammates will follow your lead?"

Draco's expression turned serious. "I'll make sure they don't get out of hand. I've had enough of their nonsense. It's time to show them that Quidditch is about skill, not blood status."

Daisy nodded vigorously. "I'm with you, Draco. Harry's been worried about the match, but if anyone can keep the Slytherins in line, it's you."

Draco smiled wryly. "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Daisy. But I think it's going to be a tough match. Gryffindor's got some talented players, and Oliver Wood's not one to underestimate."

The two of them sat down on a couch, discussing the upcoming match in detail. Adrian joined in, sharing his own insights and strategies. As they talked, Draco felt his earlier unease fade away, replaced by a sense of camaraderie with Daisy and Adrian.

"I've been thinking," Daisy said, "maybe we can come up with a strategy to distract the Gryffindor players. You know, something to throw them off their game."

Draco's eyes lit up with interest. "That's not a bad idea, Daisy. But we'd have to be careful not to cross any lines. I don't want to give Harry any reason to think I'm not playing fair."

Daisy grinned mischievously. "Don't worry, Draco. I've got a few ideas that are perfectly within the rules. Let's brainstorm and see what we can come up with."

The three of them spent the next hour discussing their plan, laughing and joking as they brainstormed. As the evening wore on, Draco felt more at ease, enjoying the company of his friends and looking forward to the Quidditch match ahead.

As they continued to discuss their plan, Daisy's expression turned thoughtful. "You know, Draco, I have to ask, do you think Slytherin will win the match against Gryffindor?"

Draco raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Well, I'm biased, of course, but I think we've got a good chance. We've been practicing hard, and our team's got some talented players."

Daisy smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm not sure I'll be cheering for Slytherin, though."

Draco's eyes narrowed, a knowing glint in them. "Oh? And who will you be cheering for, then?"

Daisy laughed, a sly grin spreading across her face. "Well, my brother's on the Gryffindor team, after all. I think I'll have to support him, don't you?"

Draco chuckled, shaking his head. "I should have known better than to expect you to be loyal to your own house. Family ties win out, I suppose."

Daisy playfully rolled her eyes. "Hey, don't be like that, Draco. I'm just supporting my brother. Besides, I'm sure Slytherin will put up a good fight."

Draco grinned, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I'm counting on it. But don't expect me to go easy on your brother just because you're cheering for him."

Daisy laughed, a confident smile on her face. "I wouldn't dream of it, Draco. I'll just have to trust that Harry can take care of himself."

The two of them continued to banter back and forth, their conversation lighthearted and playful. Despite their friendly rivalry, it was clear that they had a strong affection for each other, and their conversation was filled with warmth and camaraderie.

As they talked, Adrian chimed in, "You know, I think it's going to be a close match. Both teams have been practicing hard, and it's anyone's game."

Daisy nodded, her eyes shining with excitement. "I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a thrilling match, I'm sure."

The three of them continued to discuss the upcoming match, their conversation filled with anticipation and friendly rivalry. As the evening wore on, they reluctantly said their goodbyes, each looking forward to the match ahead.

Meanwhile, far away from Hogwarts, at Bones Manor, Sirius and Amelia were enjoying a romantic evening together. They sat on a plush couch in the dimly lit living room, surrounded by the warm glow of candles. Sirius pulled Amelia close, his eyes locked on hers, and they shared a passionate kiss. Amelia's hands wrapped around his neck, deepening the kiss. As they broke apart for a moment, Sirius smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I've missed you all day," he whispered, pulling her back in for another kiss.

After a while, they settled into a comfortable silence, holding each other on the couch. Sirius spoke up, "Tomorrow, I'm going to search for a professor for Healing and Dueling for next year. I want to make sure we get the best person for the job." Amelia nodded, her head resting on his shoulder. "You'll find someone great, I'm sure. You're always so thorough in your research."

Sirius smiled, his eyes shining with determination. "I won't settle for anything less. I want our students to have the best education possible." Amelia smiled back, her eyes filled with admiration for her partner's dedication. "That's one of the many reasons I love you, Sirius."

As they sat together, wrapped in each other's arms, Sirius couldn't help but feel grateful for the love they shared. He knew that with Amelia by his side, he could face anything that came their way.

As the evening wore on, Sirius's kisses grew more passionate, and he swept Amelia into his arms, carrying her to the bedroom. The soft glow of candles and the gentle rustle of sheets filled the air as they indulged in the intimacy of the moment.

Later, as the moon cast its silvery glow over the Bones Manor, Sirius and Amelia made their way to the dining room, their faces flushed with happiness. They sat down to a delicious dinner, the aroma of roasted chicken and steaming vegetables wafting through the air.

As they began to eat, Amelia asked, "So, when do you have to head to Hogwarts for the Quidditch match?" Sirius's eyes lit up with excitement. "The match is on the 14th. Harry's team, Gryffindor, is playing against Slytherin. I'll be there to cheer him on, of course."

Amelia smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "I'm sure Harry will appreciate having you in the stands. He's always been a bit of a favorite among the teachers and staff, hasn't he?" Sirius chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "That's an understatement. The boy's got a way of winning people over, that's for sure."

As they continued their dinner conversation, Sirius and Amelia discussed the upcoming match, their voices filled with warmth and affection for the young wizard at the center of it all.

November 14th, Saturday, dawned bright and early at Hogwarts. Harry and Ginny woke up in the Room of Requirements, where they had snuck out to sleep snuggled together the night before. Harry stretched, yawned, and sat up, his eyes fixed on Ginny's peaceful face. Ginny opened her eyes, smiled, and sat up beside him.

"Morning, Future Mrs. Potter," Harry whispered, pulling her close.

"Morning, Mr. Potter," Ginny replied, her voice husky.

As they got dressed, Harry's nerves began to flutter. Today was the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin, and Draco was playing for Slytherin. Harry had made a deal with Draco to be players first, friends next, but he couldn't help feeling a bit anxious.

"Hey, don't worry," Ginny said, noticing Harry's tension. "You'll do great. And Draco will too."

Harry smiled, feeling a bit better. "Yeah, I know. It's just...this is his first match, and I'm a bit nervous for him."

Ginny nodded understandingly. "We'll all be cheering for both of you. Well, except maybe Marcus Flint."

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, except him."

As they made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast, Harry's thoughts were consumed by the upcoming match. He was ready to give it his all and enjoy the game with his friends.

As the Muskeeteers gathered at the breakfast table, Daisy's jersey stole the show. She had cleverly designed it to display half of Gryffindor's colors and half of Slytherin's, proudly showing her support for both her house and her brother Harry. The group chuckled at her creativity, and Harry grinned, shaking his head in amusement.

"Good luck, Harry!" Daisy exclaimed, as the others echoed their well-wishes to both Harry and Draco.

After breakfast, the non-playing Muskeeteers made their way to the Quidditch stands in the stadium. Draco headed towards his Slytherin team, while Ginny lingered behind.

Oliver Wood, Gryffindor's team captain, approached Ginny. "Ginny, we're all set today. No one's injured, so you don't need to play."

Ginny smiled sweetly. "I'm not here to play, Oliver. I just wanted to give Harry a good luck kiss."

Oliver rolled his eyes, and the rest of the team followed suit, chuckling. "Fine, we'll give you some privacy," Oliver said with a grin, turning his back on Ginny and Harry.

Ginny walked up to Harry, her eyes sparkling with affection. Harry leaned in, his heart racing with excitement, ready for the good luck kiss that would boost his confidence before the big match.

As Ginny reached Harry, she stood on her tiptoes and wrapped her arms around his neck, her eyes sparkling with affection. Harry's eyes lit up, and he smiled, his face inches from hers.

"Hey, Future Mrs. Potter," Harry whispered, his voice low and husky.

"Hey, Mr. Potter," Ginny replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "Ready to fly high and crush Slytherin?"

Harry chuckled. "You know I am. But don't tell Draco I said that."

Ginny giggled and leaned in closer. "My lips are sealed, but only if you give me a proper good luck kiss."

Harry's smile broadened as he wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer. Their lips met in a sweet, gentle kiss. As they kissed, Harry whispered, "I love you, Gin."

"I love you too, Harry," Ginny whispered back, her voice trembling with emotion.

The kiss deepened, and they lost themselves in the moment. The rest of the team cleared their throats, trying to break the spell. Harry and Ginny slowly broke apart, their faces flushed, and their eyes shining with love.

"Good luck, Harry. Fly safe, and don't let Draco get the better of you," Ginny said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

Harry grinned, his eyes still locked on hers. "You know I won't. And don't worry about Draco; we'll be players first, friends next, remember?"

Ginny nodded, smiling. "I know. Just make sure you come back to me in one piece."

With one last squeeze, Harry let go and turned to join his teammates, who were all grinning at him. Oliver Wood patted Harry on the back. "Alright, let's get going. We've got a match to win."

Harry nodded, took a deep breath, and led his team onto the Quidditch pitch, feeling invincible with Ginny's love and support behind him.

At the Quidditch stands, the non-playing Muskeeteers gathered, chatting excitedly among themselves. They were joined by the Hogwarts house-elves, who wore Potter jerseys to show their support for Harry. The elves were led by Chimey, Blinky, and Wobby, who were beaming with pride.

As they waited for the match to begin, they were joined by some special guests. Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Narcissa Malfoy, and Lucius Malfoy arrived, drawing attention from the students.

Daisy Potter's face lit up as she saw Grandma Mrs. Tucker. "Grandma!" she squealed, rushing to hug her tightly. Grandma Mrs. Tucker laughed, hugging Daisy back just as tightly. "My little sweetpea!" she exclaimed.

Next, Daisy turned to Remus Lupin, her godfather. "Uncle Moony!" she said, throwing her arms around him. Remus smiled, hugging her back. "Hello, little one," he said.

Daisy then turned to Sirius Black, grinning mischievously. "Padfoot!" she said, hugging him tightly. Sirius chuckled, hugging her back. "Hey, kiddo," he said.

Samantha Jones stood a short distance away, her eyes fixed on Remus. She nodded at him, her expression a mix of curiosity and wariness. Remus smiled softly, nodding back at her. "Samantha," he said, his voice gentle. Samantha's eyes lingered on him for a moment before she looked away, her face neutral. It was clear that she was still getting used to the idea of Remus being her father, and while she had promised to give him a chance, she wasn't ready to open up to him just yet.

Meanwhile, Narcissa Malfoy was embarrassing Scorpius by hugging him tightly and talking to him like a baby in public. "My little Scorpius, be a good boy, won't you?" she cooed. Scorpius's face turned bright red as he tried to extricate himself from his mother's grasp. "Mother, please," he muttered, looking mortified.

Lucius Malfoy, on the other hand, was standing a short distance away, his face stern. He was disgusted by Narcissa's display, but he was also here for a reason - to watch the match and show off the Nimbus 2001 that he had "donated" to the Slytherin team. His relationship with both Scorpius and Draco was strained, to say the least, and he wasn't here to bond with his sons. He was here to see his investment pay off, and that was all.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, however, was busy hugging Dudley, who was grinning from ear to ear. "My little Dud-Dud!" she exclaimed. Dudley chuckled, hugging her back. "Grandma, I'm fine," he said, laughing.

As the crowd began to cheer, the Muskeeteers turned their attention to the Quidditch pitch. The match was about to begin, and Harry and Draco were ready to face off. The question on everyone's mind was, who would emerge victorious? Only time would tell.

The stands were buzzing with excitement as the crowd eagerly awaited the start of the match. Lee Jordan's voice boomed through the commentary system, "Welcome to the Quidditch pitch, folks! We've got a real treat for you today. The Gryffindor and Slytherin teams are about to clash in the first match of the season! And let me tell you, these two teams are going to give it their all!"

The teachers were all seated in their respective areas, with Professor McGonagall looking particularly fierce in her Gryffindor scarf. Professor Snape, on the other hand, looked as stoic as ever, his eyes fixed intently on the pitch. Hagrid was cheering loudly, his massive frame bouncing up and down as he waved his arms.

The students were all decked out in their house colors, with the Gryffindor and Slytherin contingents being the most vocal. The non-playing Muskeeteers were sitting together, looking a bit conflicted. "I don't know whom to support," Hermione said, biting her lip. "Harry's my best friend, but Draco's been really nice to me."

"I know what you mean," Ron said, scratching his head. "I'm torn between supporting Harry and being loyal to Gryffindor."

Ginny just rolled her eyes. "Come on, guys. We're all supporting Harry and Draco. They're players first, friends next, remember?"

Meanwhile, the Hogwarts house-elves were all wearing Potter jerseys to show their support for Harry. Chimey, Blinky, and Wobby were all cheering loudly, their eyes shining with excitement.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Sirius, Remus, Narcissa, and Lucius were all seated in the VIP area, looking rather out of place among the students. Lucius was muttering under his breath about the state of the Quidditch pitch, while Narcissa was fidgeting with her gloves. Remus was chatting with Sirius, who was grinning from ear to ear. Grandma Mrs. Tucker was clapping enthusiastically, her eyes fixed on the pitch.

As Lee Jordan's voice boomed through the commentary system, the teams emerged onto the pitch, their brooms at the ready. "And here comes the Gryffindor team, folks! Led by Oliver Wood, the captain, and Harry Potter, their star Seeker! We've got Fred and George Weasley on the beaters, Angelina Johansson, Alicia Spinnet, and Katie Bell on the chasers, and Oliver Wood guarding the goalposts!" The Gryffindor team flew onto the pitch, their scarlet and gold robes fluttering behind them. Harry grinned at his teammates as he took his position, his Nimbus 2000 broomstick gleaming in the sunlight.

"And now, the Slytherin team makes their entrance! Led by Marcus Flint, the captain, and Draco Malfoy, their new Seeker! We've got Miles Bletchley guarding the goalposts, David Yaxley and Max Payne on the beaters, and Adrian Pucey, Marcus Flint, and Harriet Mortlake on the chasers!" The Slytherin team flew onto the pitch, their silver and green robes shining in the sunlight. Draco's eyes met Harry's, and they exchanged a nod, both focused on the game ahead. They had agreed to play their best for their respective teams, without holding back for the sake of their friendship.

Madam Hooch, the referee, blew her whistle and called out, "Captains, shake hands!" Oliver Wood and Marcus Flint approached each other, their hands clasping in a firm handshake. Both captains tried to crush each other's hands, but Oliver's grip held strong against Marcus's attempt.

"Alright, let's get this game started!" Madam Hooch exclaimed, her eyes scanning the pitch. "No foul play, boys! Let's keep it clean!" The crowd erupted into cheers as the whistle blew, signaling the start of the match.

The whistle blew, and the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin began. Gryffindor had possession first, with Angelina Johansson expertly handling the Quaffle. "And there's the start of the match, folks! Gryffindor's got the Quaffle, and Angelina's taking it straight down the pitch!" Lee Jordan's voice echoed through the stadium.

Angelina dodged a Bludger coming her way, thanks to Fred Weasley's timely hit, and passed the Quaffle to Alicia Spinnet. Alicia flew towards the goalposts, with Harriet Mortlake hot on her heels. "Alicia's got the Quaffle, and she's making a move! Oh, nice pass to Katie Bell!"

Katie Bell shot the Quaffle towards the goalposts, but Miles Bletchley, the Slytherin Keeper, was ready. He leaped into the air, his broomstick soaring, and blocked the shot. "Blocked by Bletchley! Slytherin's got the Quaffle now!"

Adrian Pucey gained possession and passed it to Marcus Flint. Flint flew towards the Gryffindor goalposts, with Oliver Wood defending. The game was neck and neck, with both teams' chasers working tirelessly to score.

"Gryffindor's defense is strong, but Slytherin's chasers are relentless!" Lee Jordan exclaimed. "Flint's got the Quaffle, and he's making a move... Oh, nice block by Wood!"

The match continued, with both teams scoring and defending. But ultimately, Gryffindor's teamwork paid off. Angelina Johansson scored a goal, and the crowd erupted in cheers. "And there's the goal! Gryffindor's in the lead, 10-0!"

The Quidditch pitch was abuzz with excitement as Gryffindor faced off against Slytherin. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, cheering and chanting for their favorite team. Lee Jordan's voice echoed through the stadium, "And we're live here at the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch, folks! Gryffindor is taking on Slytherin in what promises to be an epic match! The score is still 10-0 in favor of Gryffindor, but Slytherin's not giving up yet!"

As the match continued, Harry expertly dodged a Bludger heading straight for him. Ginny gasped in the stands, her hands clasped together in anxiety. "Oh no, Harry!" she whispered, her eyes fixed on the pitch. Meanwhile, Draco narrowly avoided a Bludger, nearly falling off his broomstick in the process.

Lee Jordan's commentary filled the air, "And there's Harry Potter, dodging Bludgers like it's his job! He's got the instincts of a true Seeker, folks! Gryffindor's Chasers are working together seamlessly, trying to score another goal."

Angelina Johansson passed the Quaffle to Alicia Spinnet, who shot it towards the goalposts. Oliver Wood, the Gryffindor Keeper, was ready to block it, but the shot was too precise. The Quaffle sailed through the hoop, scoring another goal for Gryffindor. The crowd erupted in cheers as Lee Jordan shouted, "And there's another goal for Gryffindor! The score is now 20-0!"

Slytherin wasn't ready to give up yet. They worked together, their Chasers passing the Quaffle and trying to score. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Adrian Pucey scored Slytherin's first goal. The Slytherin crowd cheered, and Lee Jordan commented, "And Slytherin's finally on the board! But Gryffindor's still in the lead, 20-10. This match is heating up, folks!"

The game continued, with both teams fighting for victory. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, cheering and chanting for their favorite team. The Muskeeteers were all cheering for both Harry and Draco, though some were slightly biased towards their respective houses. Grandma Mrs. Tucker was beaming with pride, while Sirius and Remus were completely absorbed in the match. Narcissa Malfoy was anxiously watching her son Draco, while Lucius Malfoy looked displeased, as usual.

The match would continue, but for now, Gryffindor was in the lead.

The Quidditch pitch was electric as Gryffindor faced off against Slytherin. Lee Jordan's voice boomed through the stadium, "And we're live here at the Hogwarts Quidditch pitch, folks! Gryffindor is taking on Slytherin in what promises to be an epic match! The score is still 20-10 in favor of Gryffindor, but Slytherin's not giving up yet!" As the match continued, Harry expertly navigated his Nimbus 2000, keeping a sharp eye out for the Golden Snitch. Meanwhile, Draco on his Nimbus 2001, was equally determined to catch it for Slytherin. Lee Jordan commented, "And there's Harry Potter, flying like a pro on his trusty Nimbus 2000! But Draco Malfoy's not far behind, looking like a true Slytherin Seeker."

Gryffindor's Chasers worked together seamlessly, passing the Quaffle between them. Angelina Johansson shot the Quaffle towards the goalposts, and Miles Bletchley, the Slytherin Keeper, was ready to block it. However, the shot was too precise, and the Quaffle sailed through the hoop, scoring another goal for Gryffindor. Lee Jordan shouted, "And there's another goal for Gryffindor! The score is now 30-10! Harry's team is really flying high today!"

As the Gryffindor team celebrated, Harry performed a victory summersault on his broomstick, much to the delight of the crowd. A fierce Beater battle ensued between the two teams. Fred and George Weasley, Gryffindor's Beaters, clashed with David Yaxley and Max Payne, Slytherin's Beaters. The Bludgers flew wildly, and Lee Jordan commented, "It's a Beater's battle royale out there! Who's going to come out on top?"

Just then, another Gryffindor Chaser scored, and Harry did another summersault, celebrating the goal. Lee Jordan exclaimed, "And Gryffindor's scored again! The score is now 40-10! What a team effort!"

Slytherin wasn't ready to give up yet. They worked together, their Chasers passing the Quaffle and trying to score. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Harriet Mortlake scored Slytherin's second goal. Lee Jordan commented, "And Slytherin's finally scored another goal! The score is now 40-20. They're not giving up yet, folks!"

The match would continue, but for now, Gryffindor was in the lead. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, cheering and chanting for their favorite team.

As the match continued, Gryffindor's Chasers worked together seamlessly, passing the Quaffle between them. Angelina Johansson shot the Quaffle towards the goalposts, and Miles Bletchley, the Slytherin Keeper, was ready to block it. However, the shot was too precise, and the Quaffle sailed through the hoop, scoring another goal for Gryffindor. Lee Jordan shouted, "And there's another goal for Gryffindor! The score is now 50-20! Harry's team is really flying high today!"

Slytherin wasn't ready to give up yet. They worked together, their Chasers passing the Quaffle and trying to score. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Harriet Mortlake scored Slytherin's third goal. Lee Jordan commented, "And Slytherin's finally scored another goal! The score is now 50-30. They're not giving up yet, folks!"

Just then, Harry swooped in, and to everyone's surprise, he flew towards the goalposts with the Quaffle. The crowd held its breath as he expertly maneuvered his Nimbus 2000 and shot the Quaffle towards the hoop. Miles Bletchley jumped to block it, but Harry's aim was true, and the Quaffle sailed through the hoop, scoring a goal. The crowd erupted in cheers as Lee Jordan exclaimed, "And Harry Potter's got a goal! But wait, isn't he the Seeker? Can Seekers score goals?"

The crowd was in a frenzy, with some players looking confused. Lee Jordan continued, "According to the Rulebook, Seekers are indeed allowed to score goals if they choose to. It's a rare occurrence, but Harry's taken advantage of it! Oliver Wood and Angelina Johansson must have had a plan, and it seems they've been studying the rules. So 60-30 , in favour of Gryffindor."

The Slytherin team was shocked, with some players protesting it as cheating. Madam Hooch, the referee, flew over to Harry and congratulated him on the goal. "Well done, Harry! You've got the rules on your side. The goal stands!"

The distraction was well used by Gryffindor, as they scored another goal. Lee Jordan shouted, "And Gryffindor's scored again! The score is now 70-30! What a turn of events!"

The crowd was on the edge of their seats, cheering and chanting for their favorite team. The non-playing Muskeeteers were sitting together, conflicted about whom to support. Ron, Ginny, and Scorpius were grinning from ear to ear, knowing that Harry's move was perfectly within the rules. Draco's teammates, on the other hand, were looking at him with a mixture of anger and admiration.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker, Sirius, Remus, Narcissa, and Lucius were watching the match from the stands. Narcissa was beaming with pride, while Lucius looked disgusted. "That boy's going to be a brilliant Quidditch player," Sirius said, nodding in approval.

The match was far from over, and the tension was palpable. Would Gryffindor continue to dominate, or would Slytherin make a comeback? The crowd held its collective breath as the game continued.

The match continued with Harry working seamlessly with Gryffindor's Chasers, passing the Quaffle and scoring goals. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "And Harry's helping out the Chasers, folks! He's really got the hang of this Quidditch thing! Alicia Spinnet's got the Quaffle, and she's shooting for the goal... and it's a goal! 80-30, Gryffindor's in the lead!"

Slytherin's Captain, Marcus Flint, called a timeout and instructed Draco to help out with the Chasers. Draco was skeptical, "I don't know, Marcus. We've never practiced this. It's not as easy as it looks."

Marcus snapped, "Just do it, Malfoy! We need all the help we can get!" Draco reluctantly agreed, but it was clear that the Slytherin team was struggling to coordinate. The Chasers, Harriet Mortlake and Adrian Pucey, seemed to be working against each other, with Harriet trying to score while Adrian was still in position to pass. Meanwhile, Marcus Flint was trying to direct them, but his shouts were lost in the noise of the crowd.

Lee Jordan quipped, "And Slytherin's trying to copy Gryffindor's strategy, but it's not quite working out for them, is it? They've got the players, but they can't seem to get the teamwork right!" The Slytherin players were bumping into each other, and their passes were being intercepted by the Gryffindor Beaters.

As the game continued, Katie Bell scored another goal for Gryffindor, and Lee shouted, "90-30! Gryffindor's really flying high today! Slytherin's got to do something drastic if they want to catch up!" The crowd cheered, and the non-playing Muskeeteers sat together, cheering for both Harry and Draco.

Grandma Mrs. Tucker beamed with pride, while Sirius and Remus cheered loudly. Narcissa smiled, but Lucius looked on disapprovingly. The Hogwarts house elves, wearing Potter jerseys, cheered wildly for Harry. Madam Hooch kept a close eye on the game, ensuring fair play.

The Slytherin team struggled to keep up, their lack of coordination and teamwork evident. Draco was trying his best to keep up with Harry, but it was clear that he was not used to working with the Chasers. Lee Jordan's commentary continued to entertain the crowd, "And Draco's trying to keep up with Harry, but it's like comparing apples and oranges, folks! Harry's a natural, and Draco's... well, Draco's doing his best!"

The match was far from over, but Gryffindor's lead seemed insurmountable. Would Slytherin manage to catch up, or would Gryffindor continue to dominate? The crowd held its collective breath as the game continued...

The match continued with Gryffindor's lead, 90-30. Marcus Flint, Slytherin's captain, realized his team's strategy wasn't working and called a timeout. He instructed Draco to focus on finding the Snitch, "Malfoy, forget about helping the Chasers, just find that Snitch!"

Draco nodded, "Finally, something I can do." He began scanning the skies for the elusive Golden Snitch.

Meanwhile, Adrian Pucey, Slytherin's Chaser, dodged a Bludger hurled by George Weasley and managed to score a goal, much to the surprise of the Gryffindor team. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND ADRIAN PUCKEY SCORES! WHAT A MOVE, FOLKS! THAT BLUDGER WAS GOING TO HIT HIM STRAIGHT ON, BUT HE DODGED IT LIKE A PRO!"

Oliver Wood, Gryffindor's Keeper, narrowly missed blocking the goal. Lee Jordan quipped, "Oliver Wood's got some competition, folks! Adrian Pucey's on fire today!"

The crowd cheered, and the non-playing Muskeeteers sat together, cheering for both Harry and Draco. Grandma Mrs. Tucker beamed with pride, while Sirius and Remus cheered loudly. Narcissa smiled, but Lucius looked on disapprovingly.

Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "Draco's on the hunt for the Snitch, folks! Let's see if he can catch it and change the game." The match was far from over, and the crowd held its collective breath as the game continued...

The match continued with Gryffindor's lead, 90-30. Marcus Flint's strategy wasn't working, and Slytherin's chances seemed slim. However, Adrian Pucey seized an opportunity to score a goal, making it 90-40. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND ADRIAN PUCKEY SCORES! WHAT A SHOT, FOLKS! GRYFFINDOR'S GOT TO STAY FOCUSED!"

The crowd cheered as Madam Hooch signaled for the game to continue. Adrian Pucey scored again with a spectacular shot, making it 90-50. Lee Jordan shouted, "ADRIAN PUCKEY'S ON FIRE! THAT WAS A BLOODY AMAZING GOAL! FOR PETE'S SAKE, GRYFFINDOR'S GOT TO TAKE CONTROL!"

Meanwhile, Harry flew towards the Chasers, forming a unique butterfly formation with them. Katie Bell swooped in, dodging a Bludger, and scored a goal, making it 100-50. Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "KATIE BELL WITH A STUNNING GOAL! HARRY POTTER'S STRATEGY IS PAYING OFF! THAT BUTTERFLY FORMATION WAS PURE GENIUS!"

The crowd's energy was palpable, with the non-playing Muskeeteers cheering for both Harry and Draco. Grandma Mrs. Tucker beamed with pride, while Sirius and Remus cheered loudly. Narcissa smiled, but Lucius looked on disapprovingly. The Hogwarts house elves, dressed in Potter jerseys, cheered for Harry as Lee Jordan's commentary kept the audience engaged, "AND THERE'S A BLUDGER HEADED STRAIGHT FOR DRACO! OH, HE DODGED IT JUST IN TIME! THE SEEKERS ARE GETTING RESTLESS, FOLKS! WHO'S GOING TO CATCH THAT SNITCH?"

The match continued with Gryffindor's lead, 100-50. Angelina Johansson swooped in, dodging Bludgers and Slytherin players, before executing a spectacular dive, scoring another goal for Gryffindor. The scoreboard read 110-50. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND ANGELINA JOHANSSON WITH A GOAL THAT'S OUT OF THIS WORLD! WHAT A DIVE, FOLKS! GRYFFINDOR'S TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL!"

As the Slytherin team struggled to keep up, Lucius Malfoy gave a snide comment, "Potter's luck is simply extraordinary." Scorpius Malfoy and others shot him a glare, disagreeing with his biased opinion.

Lee Jordan continued, "HARRIET MORTLAKE'S GOT THE QUAFFLE! SHE'S MAKING HER MOVE... AND SHE SCORES! 120-50, GRYFFINDOR'S STILL IN THE LEAD!"

The crowd cheered as the game continued, with the non-playing Muskeeteers supporting both Harry and Draco. Grandma Mrs. Tucker beamed with pride, while Sirius and Remus cheered loudly. Narcissa smiled, but Lucius looked on disapprovingly.

The match continued with Gryffindor's lead, 120-50. Suddenly, Yaxley tried to cheat by hitting the Gryffindor keeper, Oliver Wood, with his bat. Madam Hooch blew her whistle and shouted, "Penalty to Gryffindor! That's a foul, Yaxley!"

Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND YAXLEY'S GONE AND DONE IT AGAIN! TRYING TO TAKE OUT THE KEEPER WITH A LITTLE BAT-SWING! HOOCH HAS GIVEN GRYFFINDOR A PENALTY! KATIE BELL'S GOT THE QUAFFLE, SHE'S MAKING HER MOVE... AND SHE SCORES! 130-50, GRYFFINDOR'S STILL DOMINATING!"

Katie Bell scored the penalty, and the Gryffindor team cheered. The Slytherin team looked on, frustrated by their own team's tactics. Draco Malfoy shot a glare at Yaxley, who looked sheepish.

The Hogwarts house elves, dressed in Potter jerseys, cheered loudly for Harry. Grandma Mrs. Tucker beamed with pride, while Sirius and Remus cheered on. Narcissa smiled, happy to see her son playing well, while Lucius looked on disapprovingly.

The non-playing Muskeeteers sat together, cheering for both Harry and Draco. Ron Weasley shouted, "Come on, Harry! You got this!" while Hermione Granger cheered, "Go, Gryffindor!"

The game continued, with the Slytherin team struggling to keep up. Lee Jordan's commentary kept the audience engaged, "AND HARRY'S SPOTTED THE SNITCH! NO, WAIT, IT'S JUST A BLUDGER! THE SEEKERS ARE GETTING RESTLESS, FOLKS! WHO'S GOING TO CATCH THAT SNITCH?"

The scoreboard read 130-50, with Gryffindor still in the lead. The match was far from over, and the tension was building.

The match continued with Gryffindor's lead, 130-50. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND THE GRYFFINDOR TEAM IS DOMINATING! HARRY'S SPOTTED THE QUAFFLE, NO WAIT, HE'S JUST KEEPING AN EYE ON THE SNITCH! DRAXLEY'S TRYING TO GET PAST OLIVER WOOD, BUT HE'S NOT HAVING IT!"

At the teachers' stand, McGonagall was on Quidditch mode, analyzing every move. Flitwick was cheering on, while Lockhart boasted about his knowledge of the game. "Of course, I know everything about Quidditch! I've written a book on it, you know. 'Magical Flying Machines' - it's a bestseller!"

Meanwhile, Harriet scored for Slytherin, and the crowd cheered. Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "HARRIET'S SCORED! 130-60 TO GRYFFINDOR! BUT THE GRYFFINDOR TEAM ISN'T LETTING UP! KATIE BELL'S GOT THE QUAFFLE AGAIN, SHE'S MAKING HER MOVE... AND SHE SCORES! 140-60, GRYFFINDOR'S STILL DOMINATING!"

The scoreboard read 140-60, with Gryffindor still in the lead. The Slytherin team looked frustrated, while the Gryffindor team was on a roll. Grandma Mrs. Tucker cheered loudly for Harry, while Sirius and Remus shouted words of encouragement. Narcissa smiled proudly at Draco, but Lucius looked disgusted.

The non-playing Muskeeteers sat together, cheering for both Harry and Draco. "Come on, Harry!" Ron shouted, while Hermione cheered, "Go, Gryffindor!" Dudley and Scorpius high-fived each other, both excited about the game. The Hogwarts house elves, dressed in Potter jerseys, cheered loudly for Harry.

The game continued, with Lee Jordan's commentary keeping the audience engaged. "AND THE SEEKERS ARE GETTING RESTLESS, FOLKS! WHO'S GOING TO CATCH THAT SNITCH? HARRY'S SPOTTED IT, NO WAIT, IT'S JUST A BLUDGER! THE TENSION IS BUILDING, THE CROWD IS ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS!"

The scoreboard read 140-60, and the match was far from over.

The match continued with Gryffindor's lead, 140-60. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND THE GRYFFINDOR TEAM IS STILL DOMINATING! HARRY'S GOT HIS EYES ON THE SNITCH, BUT THE BLUDGERS AREN'T HAVING IT! A BLUDGER'S HEADED STRAIGHT FOR HARRY, OH NO, HE DODGED IT BY A HAIR'S BREADTH! BUT IT'S COMING BACK FOR HIM, AND HE DODGES IT AGAIN! FRED WEASLEY'S GOT IT NOW, DIRECTING IT TO THE OTHER SIDE... BUT IT'S COMING BACK FOR HARRY AGAIN! WHAT'S GOING ON, FOLKS? IS THIS SOME KIND OF BLUDGER CONSPIRACY?"

The crowd gasped in shock as the bludger seemed to be targeting Harry specifically. Flint took advantage of the distraction and scored twice for Slytherin, narrowing the gap to 140-80. Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "FLINT'S SCORED TWICE, 140-80 TO GRYFFINDOR! BUT THE GRYFFINDOR TEAM ISN'T LETTING UP! KATIE BELL'S GOT THE QUAFFLE AGAIN, SHE'S MAKING HER MOVE... AND SHE SCORES! 150-80, GRYFFINDOR'S STILL IN THE LEAD!"

The scoreboard read 150-80, with Gryffindor still dominating the match. The Slytherin team looked frustrated, while the Gryffindor team was on a roll.

Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "AND THE SEEKERS ARE GETTING RESTLESS, FOLKS! HARRY AND DRACO ARE GOING HEAD-TO-HEAD, WHO'S GOING TO CATCH THAT SNITCH? THE TENSION IS BUILDING, THE CROWD IS ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS!"

The match was far from over, and it seemed like the bludgers were indeed targeting Harry. What was going on?

Next Chapter is Brackium Emendo.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  So it looks like Dobby had re entered the story isn't it nice ? I always enjoy writing Quidditch chapters. Next chapter on July 2 , See You then. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 35: Brackium Emendo

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The match continued with Gryffindor's lead, 150-80. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND THE GRYFFINDOR TEAM IS STILL DOMINATING! BUT THAT BLUDGER'S GOT HARRY IN ITS SIGHTS AGAIN! WHAT'S GOING ON, FOLKS? IS IT POSSESSED OR SOMETHING? HARRY'S DODGING IT LIKE A PRO, BUT IT'S NOT GIVING UP! THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS, SLYTHERIN'S TRYING TO TAKE HARRY OUT OF THE GAME!"

Ginny, watching from the sidelines, bit her lip in worry. She had caught sight of the bludger's strange behavior and knew something was off. Draco, despite being the opposing team's seeker, looked equally concerned. He knew he had to focus on the game, but he couldn't help feeling a pang of worry for his friend Harry.

Harry sighed and dodged the bludger once more. "Bloody hell, what's going on with this bludger?" he muttered to himself. The Gryffindor team's focus wavered, worried about their seeker, and Flint took advantage of the distraction. He scored a goal, narrowing the gap to 150-90. Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "FLINT'S SCORED! 150-90 TO GRYFFINDOR! SLYTHERIN'S GETTING BACK IN THE GAME, BUT GRYFFINDOR'S STILL IN THE LEAD!"

Draco's face twisted in frustration. His team was resorting to dirty tactics, and he didn't like it one bit. He glanced at Harry, who was still dodging the rogue bludger. "This isn't Quidditch, it's a bloody ambush," Draco thought to himself.

Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "AND THE GAME'S HEATING UP, FOLKS! WHO'S GOING TO COME OUT ON TOP? WILL IT BE GRYFFINDOR'S NIGHT OR SLYTHERIN'S SHOW? STAY TUNED, IT'S GOING TO BE A WILD RIDE!"

The match was far from over, and the tension was building. Would Harry's team hold on to their lead, or would Slytherin stage a comeback? The crowd held its collective breath, waiting for the next move.

The match continued with the Gryffindor team still in the lead, 150-90. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND THE ROGUE BLUDGER IS BACK, FOLKS! HARRY'S DODGING IT LIKE A PRO, BUT IT'S GETTING A BIT TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT! OH, SCRATCH ON THE SHOULDER, HARRY? YOU OKAY, MATE?"

Gryffindor's distraction allowed Flint to score again, narrowing the gap to 150-100. Lee Jordan shouted, "FLINT'S SCORED AGAIN! 150-100 TO GRYFFINDOR! SLYTHERIN'S GETTING BACK IN THE GAME, BUT GRYFFINDOR'S STILL IN THE LEAD! AND THAT BLUDGER'S GETTING MORE AGGRESSIVE BY THE MINUTE!"

Adrian Pucey looked uneasy, "This isn't right, Flint. We're not playing fair." Draco's eyes narrowed, "I don't like this, Flint. It's not Quidditch." Ginny bit her lip, worried for Harry, while Daisy was on the edge of her seat, panicked.

"Blimey, Madam Hooch! Call off t'match, fer cryin' out loud! That bludger's goin' mental! It's gonna knock Harry off his broom! Wha's goin' on 'ere? Can't let t'kids get 'urt!" Hagrid muttered to himself, his bushy eyebrows furrowed in concern.

Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "AND HAGRID'S GETTING WORRIED, FOLKS! HE'S RIGHT, THOUGH. THAT BLUDGER'S GETTING OUT OF CONTROL! HARRY'S DODGING AGAIN, BUT FOR HOW LONG? SLYTHERIN'S TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE DISTRACTION, FLINT'S GOT THE QUAFFLE... AND HE'S SCORED AGAIN! 150-110 TO GRYFFINDOR!"

The crowd gasped, and Ginny's eyes widened in worry. "Harry, be careful!" she whispered to herself. Daisy looked like she was about to jump out of her seat. Draco's face twisted in frustration, "This isn't Quidditch, Flint. Stop it."

The match continued with the rogue bludger returning, and Harry barely dodged it. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND THAT ROGUE BLUDGER'S BACK WITH A VENGEANCE, FOLKS! HARRY'S DODGING IT BY A HAIR'S BREADTH! THIS IS GETTING DANGEROUS, MADAM HOOCH, PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON IT!"

Meanwhile, George and Fred were busy saving their chasers from the other bludger, which was being continuously thrown by Slytherin's beaters. Lee Jordan shouted, "FRED AND GEORGE TO THE RESCUE! THEY'RE LIKE A WELL-OILED MACHINE, EXCEPT WHEN THEY'RE NOT, AND THEY'RE PULLING OFF SOME SERIOUSLY TIGHT MANEUVERS BACK THERE!"

Flint scored again, and Lee Jordan announced, "FLINT'S SCORED AGAIN! 150-120 TO GRYFFINDOR! SLYTHERIN'S GETTING BACK IN THE GAME, BUT GRYFFINDOR'S STILL IN THE LEAD. AND THAT ROGUE BLUDGER'S STILL WREAKING HAVOC!"

The match continued with the rogue bludger returning, and Harry's eyes locked onto it. He suddenly did a Wronski Feint, diving sharply to one side, then quickly rising up to avoid the bludge. The crowd gasped in shock, and Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND HARRY POTTER'S PULLED OFF A WRONSKI FEINT! THIS IS A MOVE YOU DON'T SEE EVERY DAY, FOLKS! ESPECIALLY NOT FROM A SECOND-YEAR STUDENT! THE BLOODY BLUDGER'S STILL OUT TO GET HIM, BUT HARRY'S ON IT!"

Draco, watching from his broom, couldn't help but feel a mix of concern and admiration for his friend. Ginny, Daisy, and the rest of the Gryffindor team were worried, but Harry just smiled, his eyes fixed on the game.

The score was currently 150-120 in favor of Gryffindor, with Slytherin pushing hard to catch up. Lee Jordan shouted, "FLINT'S SCORED AGAIN! 150-130 TO GRYFFINDOR! SLYTHERIN'S GETTING CLOSER, BUT GRYFFINDOR'S STILL IN THE LEAD! AND THAT ROGUE BLUDGER'S STILL WREAKING HAVOC!"

The Slytherin team, with their Nimbus 2001 brooms, were flying well, but Draco's skills as a seeker were still unmatched. He was determined to catch that snitch and win the match for Slytherin. But for now, he was focused on supporting his friend Harry, as per their deal.

The score updated again as Angelina scored, "160-130 TO GRYFFINDOR! GRYFFINDOR'S PULLING AHEAD, BUT SLYTHERIN'S NOT GIVING UP YET!" Lee Jordan's commentary kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

The match continued with Flint scoring thrice, bringing the score to 160-160, making it a tie. The rogue bludger was still after Harry, and he attempted another feint. This time, it was a masterful move, and the crowd gasped in awe as Harry narrowly avoided the bludger. However, the bludger didn't give up and was still hot on Harry's heels. Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND THAT WAS A CLOSE ONE, FOLKS! HARRY POTTER'S NOT HAVING THE BEST OF LUCK TODAY! BUT HE'S NOT GIVING UP YET! FLINT'S SCORED THREE TIMES, AND NOW IT'S TIED AT 160-160! SLYTHERIN'S FIGHTING HARD TO TAKE THE LEAD!"

Fred shouted to Wood, "Oi, Wood! Call for a timeout! We can't keep playing with that bloody bludger on the loose!" But Harry shouted back, "No way! I've got this! Focus on saving the others, Fred and George! Wood, guard the hoops! Chasers, keep scoring! Don't worry about me!" George muttered under his breath, "WOOD'S FAULT, IF YOU ASK ME... HE'S THE ONE WHO SAID 'CATCH THE SNITCH OR DIE TRYING' BEFORE THE MATCH TO HARRY, AND POOR SOUL SEEMS TO TAKE IF BY HEART..."

Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "AND HARRY'S TOLD HIS TEAMMATES TO IGNORE HIM! HE'S GOING TO TRY AND HANDLE THAT ROGUE BLUDGER ON HIS OWN! THE CROWD IS ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS, FOLKS! ANGELINA'S SCORED AGAIN! 170-160 TO GRYFFINDOR! BUT SLYTHERIN'S NOT GIVING UP YET!"

The match was intense, but the crowd's mood had shifted. Instead of cheering, everyone was worried for Harry's safety. Ginny and Daisy were biting their nails, their faces etched with concern. The non-playing Muskeeteers were tense, their eyes fixed on Harry as he dodged the bludger.

Draco Malfoy seemed distracted as he glanced over at Harry with a look of worry. It was clear that he was concerned for his best friend's well-being. Lee Jordan's commentary captured the tension, "AND THERE GOES DRACO MALFOY... BUT HE'S NOT FOCUSED ON THE SNITCH TODAY! HE'S WORRIED ABOUT HARRY POTTER!!"

The Hogwarts house-elves, usually cheering loudly for Harry, were silent, their faces filled with concern. Grandma Mrs. Tucker was clutching her seat, her eyes fixed on Harry. Sirius and Remus were shouting words of encouragement, but their voices were laced with worry.

The match was far from over, and the outcome was still uncertain. Would Harry catch the snitch, or would Draco regroup and outmaneuver him? The crowd held its breath as the game continued, their hearts heavy with worry for Harry's safety.

The match continued with Harry dodging the bludger again, his eyes fixed on Draco. "Focus on the game, Malfoy!" Harry shouted across the pitch. "We're players first, friends next, remember?"

Draco hesitated, his gaze wavering between Harry and the snitch. How could he focus on catching the snitch when Harry's life was at risk? The bludger seemed determined to crush Harry, and Draco's instincts screamed at him to protect his friend.

Lee Jordan's commentary filled the stadium, "AND HARRY'S SHOUTING AT DRACO TO FOCUS ON THE GAME! BUT WILL DRACO LISTEN? THE CROWD IS ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS, FOLKS! THE SCORE IS 180-160 IN FAVOR OF GRYFFINDOR, WITH GRYFFINDOR'S ANGELINA JOHANSSON SCORING ANOTHER GOAL! 10 POINTS FOR GRYFFINDOR!"

The match intensified, with both teams fighting for every point. Harry dodged the bludger once more, his Nimbus 2000 soaring through the air. "AND HARRY'S GOT THE QUAFFLE! HE'S PASSING IT TO ANGELINA... AND SHE'S SCORING AGAIN! 190-160 TO GRYFFINDOR!" It was deliberate move by Harry to assist the goal so he can assure everyone that he is managing the bludger fine.

The crowd cheered, with the Gryffindor supporters chanting Harry's name. The Slytherin team, however, seemed determined to catch up. Draco's eyes locked onto the snitch, his Nimbus 2001 flying smoothly through the air.

As the game neared its end, the tension mounted. Would Harry catch the snitch, or would Draco outmaneuver him? The crowd held its breath, their hearts pounding with excitement.

Lee Jordan's commentary continued, "AND IT'S GOING TO BE A CLOSE ONE, FOLKS! BOTH SEEKERS ARE FLYING FAST, BUT ONLY ONE CAN CATCH THE SNITCH! WHO WILL IT BE? HARRY POTTER OR DRACO MALFOY?"

The match hung in the balance, with the outcome uncertain. Would Harry's skills and determination be enough to secure the win for Gryffindor, or would Draco's cunning and flying prowess give Slytherin the upper hand? Only time would tell.

The rogue bludger was still hot on Harry's heels, but Draco had spotted the snitch. Yet, he hesitated, his eyes darting between the snitch and Harry. Harry, sensing Draco's uncertainty, shouted across the pitch, "Go get it, Malfoy! Catch the snitch! Don't worry about me!"

Draco's face twisted in anguish, "I don't care about winning, Potter! I won't let that bludger hurt you!" Harry's expression turned stern, "Go to hell of regret or catch the snitch, Draco! Catch it!"

Draco's determination reignited, he dove towards the snitch. But, in that split second, Harry had halted midair to shout encouragement to Draco, and the bludger took advantage of the momentary lapse. It struck Harry's left arm with a sickening crunch, sending him tumbling through the air.

The crowd gasped in horror, their collective breath catching in their throats. Ginny's voice rose above the din, a panicked "No!" echoing through the stadium. Daisy's face contorted in worry, tears welling up in her eyes as she cried out in distress.

Meanwhile, Draco seemed oblivious to Harry's injury, his focus solely on catching the snitch. As Harry struggled to regain control of his broom, he came face-to-face with Draco, their brooms mere inches apart. The snitch darted tantalizingly close, and it was anyone's game.

Despite his obvious pain, Harry's eyes locked onto the snitch, his determination unwavering. His left arm hung limply at his side, the fabric of his Quidditch robe torn and bloody. But Harry's spirit remained unbroken, and he was far from giving up.

Lee Jordan's commentary was a mixture of excitement and concern, "AND HARRY'S TAKEN A BLUDGER HIT! OH GOD, HIS ARM... BUT HE'S STILL IN THE GAME! DRACO'S RIGHT NEXT TO HIM, FOLKS! WHO'S GOING TO CATCH THAT SNITCH?"

The crowd was on the edge of their seats, their hearts pounding in unison as they watched the drama unfold. Would Harry's bravery and skill be enough to overcome the pain and catch the snitch, or would Draco seize the opportunity to win the game for Slytherin? The outcome hung precariously in the balance.

The match continued, with Harry and Draco neck to neck, their brooms flying in perfect sync. The crowd held its collective breath as the two Seekers zoomed towards the snitch. In a flash, Harry's Nimbus 2000 shot forward, and he grasped the snitch in his right hand. Simultaneously, Draco's gaze shifted from the snitch to Harry's left arm, and his eyes widened in horror. "No, Harry!" he shouted, but it was too late.

Lee Jordan's commentary boomed through the stadium, "AND HARRY'S GOT THE SNITCH! OH MY GOD, WHAT A CATCH! BUT DRACO'S REALIZING HARRY'S ARM IS BROKEN! THE CROWD IS GOING WILD, FOLKS! 150 POINTS FOR GRYFFINDOR, MAKING IT 340-160! THE GAME IS OVER, AND GRYFFINDOR WINS!"

As the crowd erupted into cheers and applause, the Musketeers, teachers, Sirius, Remus, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Narcissa forgot about the victory and rushed down to the pitch, their faces etched with worry. "Harry! Oh no, Harry!" Ginny cried out, her voice trembling with concern.

Draco and Harry were still in the air, Harry clutching the snitch in his right hand and wincing in pain. Draco flew closer to him, his face pale with worry. "You're hurt, Harry," he said, his voice low and urgent. "We need to get you down and to Madam Pomfrey, now."

Madam Hooch flew up to them, her face stern with concern. "Everyone, stay back! Let me help him down." She gently guided Harry's broom towards the ground, where a sea of worried faces awaited.

As they reached the ground, Harry's teammates and friends surrounded him, their faces filled with concern. "Harry, your arm!" Oliver Wood exclaimed.

Sirius Black rushed forward, his face etched with worry. "Let's get him to Madam Pomfrey, now!"

Remus Lupin followed closely behind, his eyes scanning Harry's injured arm. "We'll get you fixed up, Harry."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker pushed her way through the crowd, her face trembling with worry. "My dear boy, your arm... Oh, Harry!"

Narcissa Malfoy approached Draco, her eyes filled with concern. "Draco, dear, is Harry...?"

Draco nodded, his face still pale. "He's hurt, Mother. His arm's broken."

Before anyone could react, Gilderoy Lockhart strode forward, a confident smile spreading across his face. "Don't worry, I know exactly what to do," he declared.

Harry's eyes widened in alarm as he shouted, "No, not him!" But Lockhart waved him off, saying, "You must be in panic, Harry. Let me take care of this."

Ginny's voice joined Harry's protest, "No, Professor Lockhart!" she cried out, but Lockhart ignored her.

The rest of the crowd echoed Ginny's concerns, with some shouting "No!" and others looking on in horror. However, Lockhart remained undeterred, pointing his wand at Harry's broken arm and muttering the spell, "Brackium Emendo!"

The hush that fell over the crowd was absolute — a still, breathless moment suspended in time. Every eye was fixed on the small figure of Harry Potter, cradling his arm and grimacing against the pain, as the spell was cast.

A soft crack echoed through the air, followed by a ripple of silvery light from Lockhart’s wand. Harry tensed instinctively, a faint shimmer tracing down his arm. For a brief second, the pain seemed to dull, the break perhaps mending…

But then something felt off.

Horribly off.

A sickening sensation bloomed beneath his skin — not pain, exactly, but a deep wrongness, as if something vital had just… left. Harry’s expression twisted, not in relief, but in dawning horror.

Then his arm gave a grotesque wobble.

Not the normal flex of a mended limb, but a limp, unnatural sag — as if someone had turned his bones to warm pudding. The sleeve of his robe slipped down slightly, revealing a shapeless, boneless arm that dangled uselessly at his side like overcooked spaghetti.

Gasps erupted from the stands.

Harry, too shocked to speak, simply stared at the jelly-like thing attached to his shoulder, his stomach churning. It didn’t hurt anymore. That, somehow, made it worse.

There was no break now.

Because there were no bones left to break.

Only skin, muscle, and the sickening knowledge that his arm was now little more than a sack of flesh.

The crowd gasped in horror, and Madam Pomfrey rushed forward, her face white with shock. "What have you done, Lockhart?" she cried out, her voice trembling with rage and concern.

Harry's face was pale, and he looked like he was about to pass out. Ginny and the others rushed to his side, trying to support him. "Harry, oh no, Harry!" Ginny whispered, her eyes welling up with tears.

Draco's face was twisted in anger and concern, "You idiot, Lockhart," he spat, his eyes blazing with fury.

The scene was chaotic, with everyone trying to figure out what to do next. Lockhart, however, looked taken aback, his confidence wavering for a moment before he tried to regain his composure. "Well, it seems the spell needs a bit more work," he said, trying to downplay the severity of the situation.

Sirius and Remus shouted at Lockhart, their faces twisted in anger and concern. "You reckless fool!" Sirius exclaimed, his voice low and menacing. Remus's eyes blazed with fury as he added, "How could you be so irresponsible, Lockhart?"

Lockhart, realizing he was outnumbered and outmatched, quickly fabricated an excuse. "I need to, uh, attend to some... administrative matters. Yes, that's it," he muttered, before turning and making a hasty retreat.

Madam Pomfrey's face was red with rage as she rushed to Harry's side. "The audacity of that man!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling with anger. "I'll make sure to report this incident to the Headmaster immediately."

Meanwhile, Harry's eyes had rolled back, and he fainted into Ginny's arms. She held him tightly, her face pale with worry. "Harry, no, please wake up!" she whispered, her voice shaking.

The Musketeers, teachers, Sirius, Remus, Grandma, and the Gryffindor Quidditch team surrounded Harry, their faces etched with concern. Oliver Wood, the team captain, looked on helplessly, his eyes wide with worry. "This is all my fault," he muttered. "If only I hadn't pushed him so hard during the match..."

Ginny glared at Lockhart's retreating figure. "That incompetent fool," she spat, her voice low and venomous. "He has no idea what he's doing."

As the crowd continued to murmur in shock and concern, Madam Pomfrey gently took charge. "Let's get Harry to the hospital wing, now. We need to stabilize his arm and figure out how to reverse the damage."

With that, the group carefully lifted Harry and began to make their way to the hospital wing, their faces somber with worry.

As they made their way to the hospital wing, Remus held Sirius back, his grip firm but gentle. "Sirius, calm down, mate," Remus said softly. "Let's focus on Harry's treatment first. We can't let Lockhart's recklessness go unpunished, but we need to prioritize Harry's well-being right now."

Sirius's anger was palpable, his eyes flashing with fury. He wanted to confront Lockhart, to make him pay for his irresponsible actions. But Remus's words sank in, and he took a deep breath, trying to rein in his temper. He knew Remus was right; Harry's health was the priority.

Ginny, meanwhile, was too absorbed in Harry's limp form to think about pursuing Lockhart. She held Harry's hand tightly, her eyes fixed on his pale face. "Please, Harry, wake up," she whispered, her voice trembling.

As they entered the hospital wing, Madam Pomfrey rushed to attend to Harry. "Get out, all of you," she said firmly, her eyes stern. "I need to examine him, and I don't want any distractions."

The group reluctantly dispersed, Sirius still seething with anger, Remus trying to calm him down. Ginny stayed close, her eyes never leaving Harry's face as Madam Pomfrey began her examination.

As the group waited outside the hospital wing, the Quidditch team members headed to the common room, knowing it wasn't prudent to have so many people gathered in one place. Only the 12 Musketeers, except for Harry, remained outside, along with Sirius, Remus, and Grandma Mrs. Tucker.

Sirius leaned against the wall, his eyes fixed on the hospital wing door. "How's he doing in there?" he asked Remus, his voice low.

Remus shook his head. "Madam Pomfrey will let us know when she's done. Let's just hope Harry's okay soon."

Grandma Mrs. Tucker nodded in agreement. "That Lockhart's a menace. I'm surprised he didn't make things worse."

Draco and Scorpius stood nearby, their faces etched with worry. Narcissa had left after giving each of her sons a kiss, knowing they would update her on Harry's condition.

"We should've stopped him," Draco said, his voice tight with frustration. "Lockhart's incompetence is staggering."

Scorpius placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "We'll make sure he pays for this, Draco. Harry's our friend, and we won't let him suffer because of Lockhart's ego."

Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and the others waited anxiously, their faces reflecting their concern for Harry's well-being. They knew Lockhart's actions had put Harry in grave danger, and they were determined to ensure he faced the consequences.

The group's wait continued, each member lost in their thoughts, hoping for news that Harry would be okay.

As McGonagall strode towards the hospital wing, her anger simmered beneath the surface. "How could that incompetent fool do this to Harry?" she muttered to herself. She was Gran Minnie, after all, and Harry was like a nephew to her. She couldn't help but think of Snape's reaction when he'd find out  Lockhart . Severus was scary enough already, but with Harry hurt due to Lockhart's foolishness, he'd be doubly intimidating.

Upon entering the hospital wing, she saw the anxious faces of Harry's friends and family. "How's Harry doing?" McGonagall asked Madam Pomfrey, her voice softening slightly.

"He'll be fine, Professor," Madam Pomfrey replied. "But it will take some time to regrow the bones in his arm."

Ginny held Harry's good hand, her eyes brimming with tears. "You're going to be okay, Harry," she whispered. Ron, Hermione, and the others stood by, their faces etched with worry.

McGonagall's gaze fell upon Snape, who stood tall, his eyes narrowing as he seemed to collect his thoughts. "Severus, I think you'd better find Lockhart," McGonagall said, her voice low. "This...incident...won't go unaddressed."

Snape's eyes flashed with anger, and he nodded curtly. "I'll take care of it," he said, turning to leave the hospital wing. "Lockhart will regret his...interference."

With that, Snape strode out of the hospital wing, determined to find Lockhart and make him face the consequences of his actions.

As Harry slowly regained consciousness, Ginny's face lit up with relief. She carefully hugged him, trying not to jostle his injured arm. The hospital wing was filled with familiar faces - the Muskeeteers, including Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, Susan, Samantha, Luna, Dudley, and Scorpius, all looking worried but relieved to see Harry awake. Daisy, Harry's younger sister, stood beside Ginny, her eyes brimming with tears as she gazed at Harry's injured arm. Sirius, Remus, Grandma Mrs. Tucker, and Gran Minnie were also there, their faces etched with concern.

However, Harry's gaze fell upon his left arm, which looked more like a jelly-filled sleeve than a normal limb. He grimaced in pain and discomfort, his eyes widening in alarm. Madam Pomfrey, or Poppy as Harry's friends called her, stepped forward to explain the situation.

"Healing broken bones would have been easy, but regrowing entire bones of an arm from scratch is a difficult and painful process," she said gently. "You'll need to have Skele-Gro Potion tonight and tomorrow, and your bones should be back to normal by then."

Harry's face contorted in distaste at the mention of the potion. The adults and others in the room exchanged worried glances, but Remus, also known as Moony, chuckled wryly. "Skele-Gro is a nasty-tasting potion, and the regrowing process is extremely painful. With Harry regrowing thirty bones... well, let's just say no one would like to be in his shoes."

The room fell silent, with everyone sympathizing with Harry's plight. Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and she gave him a reassuring smile, trying to lighten the mood. "You'll get through this, Harry," she whispered. "I'll be right here with you."

Ginny's words seemed to calm Harry down, and he managed a weak smile. Daisy stepped forward, gently taking Harry's good hand in hers. "You're going to be okay, big bro," she said softly. The others nodded in agreement, trying to offer what little comfort they could. Even Draco, who often had a sarcastic remark ready, looked concerned, his usual smirk nowhere to be seen.

"I'm telling you, it was jinxed," Ron said, his brow furrowed in concern. "I've never seen a bludger behave like that before."

"I think it was deliberate," Hermione said, her eyes narrowing. "Someone must have cast a spell on it."

"But who?" Neville asked, looking around the room. "And why?"

"Lockhart's incompetence is the real issue here," Gran Minnie said, her voice stern. "His so-called 'healing' spell made things much worse."

"Severus has gone to find him," Madam Pomfrey said. "He'll make sure Lockhart faces the consequences of his actions."

The room fell silent, with everyone lost in their own thoughts about the rogue bludger and Lockhart's mishap. Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and she shook her head slightly. They both knew that this was far from over.

Sirius, Remus, and Grandma Tucker bid their farewells, wishing Harry a speedy recovery before departing the hospital wing. McGonagall gently herded the Muskeeteers towards their respective common rooms, but Ginny lingered behind, wanting to spend a bit more time with Harry.

"I'm staying for a bit longer, Professor," Ginny said, looking up at McGonagall with pleading eyes.

McGonagall nodded understandingly. "Very well, Ginny. But make sure Harry gets plenty of rest. I'll check in on you both later."

Professor McGonagall gave Ginny a final glance, her eyes warm behind the rims of her square spectacles. “He’ll be just fine, Miss Weasley,” she said gently, her hand brushing Ginny’s shoulder in silent reassurance. Then, with her usual swish of tartan robes, she turned and departed the hospital wing, her heels clicking softly against the stone floor.

The echo of her footsteps had barely faded when Madam Pomfrey approached Harry’s bedside, a small vial in hand. The potion inside was a cloudy, steaming concoction that hissed faintly as it swirled.

“Time for your Skele-Gro, Mr. Potter,” she said kindly, though her tone brooked no argument.

Harry eyed the vial with something between dread and despair. “Do I really have to?”

“Yes, dear,” Madam Pomfrey replied with the faintest trace of sympathy. “You want bones in that arm again, don’t you?”

With a resigned groan, Harry took the vial and downed it in one swift gulp. The taste hit immediately, and his face twisted in a grimace that made Ginny wince in reflexive sympathy.

“Merlin, that’s foul,” he muttered, smacking his lips as if trying to erase the flavor from existence.

“I’ve heard worse,” Ginny teased gently, reaching for his uninjured hand and wrapping hers around it. “But I’m here. We’ll get through this.”

Harry’s tense features relaxed slightly, the warmth of Ginny’s hand grounding him in the haze of discomfort. The potion had begun its cruel work, sending stabbing tingles through the void where bone should be. Already, his eyes were starting to lose their focus, lids growing heavier by the second.

Madam Pomfrey, giving them a brief, knowing glance, nodded once and quietly retreated to her office, shutting the door behind her.

“I think she wants to give us a moment,” Ginny said softly, glancing toward the office door. A faint smile curved her lips.

Harry’s own smile, though weak, was genuine. “She’s always been kind,” he mumbled. “Doesn’t even yell at me anymore for getting myself nearly killed.”

“Well, not in front of me at least,” Ginny replied, smirking.

They both laughed—Harry’s more of a wheeze than a chuckle. Ginny’s smile dimmed as she looked down at his bandaged arm. “That match was awful… and Lockhart—he made everything worse. I was so scared.”

Harry winced again, though this time not from pain. “He’s going to be the end of me before Voldemort ever gets the chance,” he muttered, managing a crooked grin.

Ginny giggled, shaking her head. “Don’t say that too loud. He might pop in and try to ‘autograph’ your bandages.”

“You’re not wrong,” Harry murmured. “He’d probably dedicate it ‘To my bravest fan—who I healed with my extraordinary talent.’”

“’And no bones,’” Ginny added.

They laughed again, more softly this time. The edges of Harry’s world began to blur, and his grip on Ginny’s hand loosened just slightly. His words slowed, slurring at the edges.

Ginny gave his hand a light squeeze. “It’s okay,” she whispered. “Rest, Harry. I’ll be right here.”

Harry’s head lolled slightly to the side, his lips moving in some half-spoken thought before his eyes finally slid closed. His breathing evened out, slow and deep.

Leaning forward, Ginny brushed a gentle kiss against his cheek, her voice a whisper no louder than a breeze. “I’ll always be here.”

She settled back into the chair beside him, her fingers never letting go of his, and watched over him with quiet devotion—her expression a blend of love, worry, and fierce loyalty. The flickering candlelight danced on the walls, casting long shadows—but Ginny never moved.

Ginny's gaze never left Harry's face as he slept, her eyes filled with concern. But suddenly, his expression twisted in pain, and Ginny's heart skipped a beat. She knew the Skele-Grow potion was taking effect, and Harry's body was starting to regrow the bones in his arm.

As she watched, Ginny felt an odd sensation wash over her, like a faint hum in the background of her mind. It wasn't quite pain, but it felt like an echo of Harry's discomfort, a gentle tingle that seemed to resonate deep within her. She furrowed her brow, trying to make sense of it. Was she just empathizing with Harry's pain, or was it something more?

Ginny’s eyes never left Harry’s face as he slept, her fingers gently laced with his. The soft candlelight flickered across his features, casting shadows that danced with each breath he took. But then his brow furrowed, his jaw tensed, and his body twitched ever so slightly beneath the hospital blanket. Ginny’s heart skipped a beat.

She knew what it was—the Skele-Gro potion was taking hold. It had begun the grueling process of regrowing the bones in Harry’s arm. Madam Pomfrey had warned them it would be painful, that Harry would feel the knitting of every inch of vanished bone. Ginny had prepared herself to witness it. But what she hadn’t prepared for was the feeling that swept over her.

It started as a hum—gentle, strange, low in the back of her mind. It wasn’t pain exactly, but something close. A ghostly echo of discomfort, like a distant vibration that pulsed through her chest. Her eyes widened as she tried to place it. Was it sympathy? Worry? Or something else?

Her breath hitched.

It was in her fingertips, where they touched Harry’s hand, and in the rhythm of her heart, now beating in quiet harmony with his. It flowed through her—not like an emotion, but like a thread tying their very selves together. The bond.

She leaned closer, eyes narrowing, focusing on that sensation. She felt the flicker of his pain as though it were her own, the restless ache where no wound existed on her body. And suddenly, like puzzle pieces falling into place, she understood.

This wasn’t imagined. This wasn’t metaphor.

This was the magic Bagnod had spoken of.

The bond between them had deepened—grown beyond shared thoughts and emotions. It now brushed the physical. A phantom pain that passed through the tether of their souls. Harry’s pain... and her heart’s response.

Ginny tightened her grip on his hand unconsciously, then gasped softly as the realization hit her in full. “We’re really feeling each other,” she whispered to herself. “This... this is what Bagnod meant.”

She thought of the times she'd understood things in class without trying, the way Harry’s thoughts sometimes bled into hers. She had accepted that as part of their Love-Core Bond. But this—this was different. This was Harry’s pain echoing through her body, dulled by love, soothed by closeness.

Love surged through her, fierce and protective. She leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to Harry’s forehead, letting the warmth of her lips carry everything she couldn’t put into words.

"I’m with you," she whispered. "Always."

The tension in Harry’s face seemed to ease just a little, his jaw slackening, his expression softening as if he, too, felt her nearness. Ginny sat for a moment longer, then gently rose and climbed onto the edge of the bed beside him. She curled beside him carefully, her head nestled near his shoulder, their hands still clasped.

As she lay there, the odd tingling faded—lessening with every second she remained by his side. His breath slowed, deep and even. Her own followed the rhythm. Peace settled between them like a warm quilt.

Ginny drifted into sleep, comforted by the gentle rise and fall of his chest, by the knowledge that her presence was helping him heal. Somewhere in the quiet space between dreaming and waking, she was vaguely aware of the pain receding from both of them. The bond pulsed faintly—a whisper in the dark, anchoring them to each other.

Madam Pomfrey entered quietly some time later, her footsteps hushed as she crossed the hospital wing. She paused mid-step, her eyes widening in surprise.

There, nestled under the covers, lay Harry and Ginny, curled around each other, peaceful as sleeping phoenixes. But what caught her breath wasn’t the sight of the two students snuggled together—it was Harry. His face, which should have been contorted with pain, was relaxed. Almost serene.

Poppy blinked. The Skele-Gro was infamous for its agony. No one slept through it.

"Maybe it’s the power of love," she murmured with a tiny smile.

She stood there a moment longer, watching them, then reached for a soft blanket and gently draped it over the two. She would have sent any other student back to their dormitory. But not tonight. Not with these two.

She returned to her desk but kept a silent vigil as the potion did its work. Her healer’s instincts noted every twitch, every sigh. But through it all, Harry remained calm, his body at ease, protected in ways Poppy Pomfrey could not yet understand.

But she suspected... Ginny Weasley had more magic than even she knew.

In the opulently cluttered confines of Professor Lockhart’s office—where every surface groaned under the weight of framed photographs flashing toothy grins and fluttering autographed portraits—tension crackled like lightning in the air.

Professor Snape stood near the hearth, his black robes casting deep shadows across the polished floor, his expression carved from pure disdain. Arms folded and lips curled ever so slightly, he watched Lockhart with the kind of contempt usually reserved for dunderheaded students who had singed their cauldrons. His voice, when it finally came, was smooth as silk and twice as cold.

"I suggest," he said icily, "that you refrain from any further… experimentation on Mr. Potter."

Lockhart, utterly oblivious to the venom laced in the words, gave a theatrical chuckle. He was seated behind his desk, gleaming teeth on full display, one hand lazily signing a stack of enchanted headshots that winked up at him.

"Oh, come now, Severus," he said with infuriating cheer, twirling his peacock-blue quill. "I was only trying to help. After all, I am the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, am I not?"

Snape’s eyes narrowed into slits, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. “Your ‘help’,” he said, the word dripping sarcasm like acid, “has been nothing short of catastrophic. Removing a child’s bones with a misfired spell is not ‘assistance.’ It’s malpractice.” He took a step forward, the folds of his robe rustling like dark wings. “I will be watching you, Lockhart.”

Lockhart’s quill stilled, his smug grin faltering for the briefest moment.

Snape leaned in slightly, and the temperature in the room seemed to plummet. “Let me be perfectly clear,” he said, his voice now low, almost serpentine. “If you ever so much as attempt to lay a spell on Mr. Potter again, I will ensure that your true credentials—or lack thereof—become the subject of public record.” His eyes glittered like obsidian. “I don’t care how many smiling portraits you plaster on a wall. I see you for what you are. A fraud. A coward. A danger.”

Lockhart blinked rapidly, color draining slightly from his cheeks.

Snape straightened, shoulders squared with the faintest air of finality. “Mr. Potter is under my care now,” he said. “And he will receive proper treatment. You will stay out of it. Do I make myself clear?”

For once, Lockhart had no quip. His smile returned—but it was thinner now, tight and unconvincing. “Crystal,” he murmured.

Snape gave a curt nod, spun on his heel, and swept from the room with all the fury of a brewing storm.

And for the first time since he'd arrived at Hogwarts, Gilderoy Lockhart was left in silence that even his grinning portraits dared not break.

As Snape entered the hospital wing, the sight of Harry and Ginny sleeping side by side brought a hint of warmth to his eyes. Poppy Pomfrey looked up from her seat beside them, a gentle smile on her face. "Ah, Professor Snape," she whispered, "I'm glad you're here. Mr. Potter's... unusual recovery is quite fascinating."

Snape's gaze settled on Harry, his expression softening further. He walked closer to the bedside, his eyes scanning Harry's face, "Yes, Potter's resilience is... remarkable. And it seems Miss Weasley's presence is having a positive effect on his recovery."

Poppy nodded, "Indeed, Professor. I've never seen anything like it. The bond between those two is quite strong, isn't it?" Snape's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded slightly, "Yes, Potter and Miss Weasley... their relationship is one of deep affection. It's no surprise it's having a beneficial impact on his well-being."

Snape's eyes lingered on the pair for a moment longer before he turned to Poppy, his voice low and serious, "Keep a close eye on them, Poppy. I'll be checking in regularly to ensure Potter's recovery is progressing as it should." With that, he nodded and turned to leave, his long strides carrying him out of the hospital wing.

Harry woke up first, gently inhaling the sweet scent of Ginny's hair as it lay sprawled across his chest. He couldn't help but smile, feeling a sense of comfort with her so close. As he assessed his surroundings, he realized his left arm was no longer in a cast, and the pain had subsided.

"How did I...?" Harry whispered to himself, trying to piece together the events of the previous day. He vaguely remembered the match, the rogue bludger, and Lockhart's... "treatment."

His thoughts were interrupted by Ginny's gentle stirrings. She slowly lifted her head, her eyes fluttering open as she gazed up at Harry. A soft smile spread across her face, "Morning," she whispered, her voice husky from sleep.

Harry's heart skipped a beat as he looked into her eyes, "Morning," he replied, his voice low and gentle. "How did you... stay here?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Ginny's smile faltered slightly, "I don't know. I just... woke up and you were hurting, so I stayed."

Harry's eyes softened, "You're always there for me, Ginny."

Their quiet moment was interrupted by the sound of Poppy Pomfrey bustling around the hospital wing, "Ah, good morning, Mr. Potter! Miss Weasley! I see you're both feeling better."

As the morning sun peeked through the hospital wing's windows, Harry couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and frustration. Poppy Pomfrey, still fussing over his chart, looked up and smiled warmly. "Everything looks good, Mr. Potter. You're healing well, but you'll need to stay here till evening today, just to be safe."

Harry nodded, understanding the caution. Being a Sunday, he wouldn't miss any classes, which was a small consolation. Just then, Ginny walked back in, her hair still damp from her quick freshen-up. She gave Harry a radiant smile, and his heart skipped a beat.

Without hesitation, she leaned in and gave him a gentle yet passionate kiss. Harry's breath caught in his throat as he felt his heart soar. Poppy Pomfrey cleared her throat, trying to maintain a stern demeanor, though her eyes betrayed a hint of amusement. "Miss Weasley, please. Mr. Potter needs rest, not... distractions."

Ginny blushed slightly but didn't back away, her hand lingering in Harry's. "Sorry, Madam Pomfrey," she said softly, "I just couldn't help it." Harry's eyes locked onto hers, and he whispered, "You don't have to apologize, Ginny."

With one last squeeze of his hand, Ginny let go and stood up, smiling at Harry. "I'll be back soon, okay? Try to behave for Madam Pomfrey." Harry grinned, feeling his heart still racing from the kiss. "I'll try," he promised, his voice low.

As Ginny left for her dorm, Harry's gaze followed her, his thoughts consumed by the gentle pressure of her lips and the warmth of her touch. Poppy Pomfrey's soft chuckle brought him back to reality. "You're a lucky young man, Mr. Potter," she said with a knowing smile.

Harry's cheeks flushed slightly, but he couldn't help the happiness that filled him. He settled back into his bed, his eyes drifting towards the window, his mind replaying the gentle kiss and the promise of Ginny's return.

When Ginny returned to the hospital wing, she wasn't alone. The entire group of Musketeers had tagged along, their faces lit up with smiles and concern. Draco, ever the jokester, quipped, "Even with a broken arm, Potter, you had to go and catch that snitch, didn't you? Making me look like a bad seeker in the process."

Harry grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, someone's got to be better than you, Malfoy." Draco rolled his eyes good-naturedly, and the group chuckled.

Daisy lingered a bit, her hair momentarily turning black as she hovered around Harry's bedside, her eyes fixed on her brother with worry. After a while, the Musketeers bid Harry farewell, leaving only Ginny by his side.

Later that afternoon, the Gryffindor Quidditch team visited Harry. Oliver Wood, the captain, beamed with pride. "Mate, you're a genius out there! We wouldn't have won without you catching that snitch."

Fred and George Weasley high-fived each other, exclaiming in unison, "Yeah, and what a catch it was!" Angelina, Alicia, and Katie all chimed in with words of praise and encouragement, their faces filled with admiration for their seeker.

As the team left, Ginny leaned in, her voice soft. "You're going to be okay, Harry. You have to be. I need you on that Quidditch pitch, snitching and all." Harry smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest at her words. "I'll be back, Gin. Don't worry."

With a gentle smile, Ginny squeezed his hand, and Harry felt his heart skip a beat. The pain and discomfort of his arm seemed to fade away in her presence.

Next Chapter is Revenge Game On.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Well I think that's it for this chapter. What do you think ?  Don't you think it's time for Lockhart to be gone ? And I mean it was always my intention. So now let's see how it unfolds . Next Chapter on Wednesday, July 16.  Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 36: Revenge Game On !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As they leaned in for a kiss, a hoot echoed through the hospital wing, interrupting the moment. Harry and Ginny exchanged a curious glance, and Harry got up to receive the letter from the Eagle Owl. The owl, unlike Hedwig, seemed unfamiliar, but Harry's gentle nature made it feel at ease as he stroked its feathers and offered water. The owl nuzzled his ear affectionately before taking flight again.

The letter, addressed to both Harry and Ginny, piqued their interest. The seal on the envelope bore the Flamel crest, and Harry's eyes met Ginny's as he carefully broke the seal.

"Looks like it's from Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel," Harry said, his voice filled with curiosity. Ginny's eyes sparkled with excitement. "What do you think they want?"

As Harry unfolded the letter, his brow furrowed slightly, and Ginny leaned in closer, her shoulder brushing against his. Together, they read the message, their faces reflecting their intrigue.

The letter began:

"Dear Harry and Ginny,

We extend our deepest gratitude to you, Harry, for your bravery and ingenuity in saving the Philosopher's Stone last year. Your actions, along with the invaluable assistance of Draco, Hermione, Ron, and Neville, have ensured the safety of our world and the wizarding community at large. We are forever in your debt.

"We apologize for not reaching out sooner, given the tumultuous events that have transpired since May 1992. However, we have been made aware of your recent claim to the lordship of the houses of Potter and Peverall, a responsibility we believe you will carry with honor and distinction.

"As you may know, our age is now limited, despite having enough elixir to last a year or two. We feel the weight of our 678 and 675 years, and it is with this in mind that we request you claim lordship of the Flamel house this summer. It is a responsibility we believe should be passed on to one such as yourself, who has proven worthy of the trust.

"We have also been made aware of the special bond you share, Ginny, with Harry. You are his bondmate, a connection that goes beyond mere love and speaks to a deeper and more powerful union. We recognize this bond, for we share the same kind of connection with each other. It fills us with hope for the future to see such a bond between two young individuals of such great potential.

"We would like to extend an invitation for both of you to visit our Chateau in France the following summer, after the school year ends. We look forward to meeting you in person and discussing matters of great importance.

"With love and hope,

Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel"

Harry folded the letter, his mind racing with questions. Ginny's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she leaned in closer to him.

"What do you think this means?" she whispered.

Harry's expression was thoughtful. "I'm not sure, but it seems like the Flamels know more about us than we thought."

Ginny nodded, her brow furrowed in concern. "And what about  bond they mentioned? How did they know?"

The mystery of the Flamels' letter hung in the air, leaving Harry and Ginny to wonder what lay ahead.

As they sat in the hospital wing, Harry and Ginny decided not to worry about the Flamels' letter and the implications of claiming lordship of the Flamel house. The meeting would be in summer, and they had six months before that. Meeting such elderly and experienced wizards would likely be a good thing, and they could learn from them.

"Let's not think about it too much," Harry said, folding the letter and putting it away. "We have time, and we can figure it out later."

Ginny nodded in agreement. "You're right. Besides, it's not like we have a choice. They're asking us to meet them, and we should go."

Harry smiled, relieved that Ginny was being practical about it. "Exactly. So, let's focus on our training and other things. We can think about this later."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with amusement. "And let's get back to what we were doing before the owl interrupted us."

Harry's face lit up with a smile, and he leaned in closer to Ginny. Just as they were about to continue, Madam Pomfrey cleared her throat, reminding them that they were in a hospital wing.

"Not here, you two," she said with a stern expression, though her eyes twinkled with amusement.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a knowing glance, and they decided to wait until they were in their secret Dreamland that night to continue their romantic interlude.

For now, they chatted about their day, discussing the Quidditch match and Harry's encounter with the rogue bludger. Ginny's eyes widened with concern as she asked about his arm.

"How's your arm feeling?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

Harry smiled, his arm already healed thanks to the Skele-Gro potion. "It's fine now. All good as new."

Ginny's expression softened, and she reached out to gently touch Harry's arm. "I'm glad you're okay. That could have been much worse."

Harry smiled, feeling grateful for Ginny's understanding and support. "I know. Let's just focus on our training and other things for now. We can deal with the Flamels later."

With that, they decided to put the letter aside for now and continue with their day, looking forward to their nighttime meeting in Dreamland. As they sat together, Harry couldn't help but think about the night ahead, and the time they would spend together in their secret world.

"I'm looking forward to tonight," Harry said, his eyes locked on Ginny's.

Ginny's face lit up with a smile, and she leaned in close to Harry. "Me too," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss, the tension between them palpable. This time, they were uninterrupted, and they lost themselves in the moment, savoring the love and connection they shared.

After his discharge that evening, Harry and Ginny headed to the Musketeers room, eager to share their thoughts with their friends. As they settled in, Hermione couldn't help but bring up Lockhart's mishap.

"I'm telling you, he's a complete fraud," Hermione said, her frustration evident. "I finally sensed it today, after what happened to Harry. He's all talk and no substance."

Ginny's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You know, I've been thinking... we should give him a payback. Make him realize he's not as slick as he thinks he is."

The room fell silent as the 12 friends considered Ginny's proposal. A prank war, perhaps? Or exposing Lockhart as a fake to the entire school? The possibilities were endless.

"I'm in," Ron said, grinning. "Let's show him what we're made of."

"I've got a few ideas already," Draco said, a sly smile spreading across his face.

"Let's make it a team effort," Harry suggested. "We'll come up with something that'll really make him squirm."

The room erupted into a chorus of agreement, with each friend offering their thoughts and ideas. As they brainstormed, their plan began to take shape.

"Alright, let's do this," Harry said, his eyes shining with excitement. "We'll show Lockhart what it means to mess with the Musketeers."

With a collective nod, the 12 friends set their plan in motion, determined to bring Lockhart down a peg.

As the night wore on, the 12 Musketeers finalized their plan to take down Lockhart. They decided to enlist the help of Fred and George, who were more than happy to join the mission.

"We're in, Harry!" Fred exclaimed, grinning at George. "Let's show Lockhart what we're made of!"

"Brilliant!" Harry said, smiling. "We'll need all the help we can get to pull this off."

With their plan set in motion, the Musketeers dispersed, returning to their respective common rooms for the night. In the Gryffindor common room, most students had already retired to their dorms, except for a few stragglers. Ginny, Hermione, Ron, and Neville had all headed to bed, but Harry and Scorpius remained, engrossed in a heated game of chess.

"Checkmate in three moves," Scorpius said, his eyes fixed intently on the board.

Harry studied the board, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I'm not going down without a fight, Scorpius."

The two friends continued their game, lost in the world of strategy and wit, as the fire crackled and spat in the background. The night wore on, but Harry and Scorpius were determined to emerge victorious.

Scorpius's eyes sparkled with triumph as he declared, "Checkmate, Harry!" Harry's face lit up with surprise, "Blimey, Scorp, well played! It's not often I lose at chess, especially to anyone other than Ron." Ron was notoriously unbeatable in chess, and Harry's loss to Scorpius was a rare occurrence. Scorpius smirked, clearly pleased with himself. However, his expression soon turned hesitant, and he seemed to want to say something. Harry noticed the change and asked, "Hey, Scorp, what's up?" Given the promise he made to Draco, Harry felt a sense of responsibility towards Scorpius, and their friendship made him more inclined to listen.

Scorpius hesitated, looking around nervously before leaning in closer to Harry. "I don't know if I should be asking you this, Harry, but...I was wondering...about girls," he mumbled, his cheeks flushing slightly. Harry's curiosity was piqued, and he leaned forward, intrigued. "Girls? What about them?" he asked, trying to reassure Scorpius with a friendly tone.

Scorpius looked even more embarrassed, fidgeting with his hands. "I don't know, it's just...I think I might have feelings for someone, but I don't know how to...process it all." Harry's eyes narrowed slightly as he studied Scorpius's expression. He had a feeling that Scorpius might be crushing on someone. "You're not talking to Draco about this because...?" Harry asked, trying to understand the reason behind Scorpius's hesitation.

Scorpius sighed, looking down at his feet. "Honestly, Harry? I don't think Draco would be the best person to talk to about this. Not just because he might judge me, but also because...well, look at him and Hermione." Scorpius rolled his eyes. "He's been pining for her for ages, and what has he done about it? Nothing. He's just as clueless as ever. I don't want to end up like him, stuck in limbo forever."

Harry chuckled. "Fair point, Scorp. Draco can be a bit...hopeless when it comes to romance. But I'm here for you, and you can talk to me about anything." Scorpius's face turned bright red as he hesitated again. Harry decided to take a guess. "Am I right in assuming you've got a crush on someone in particular?" Scorpius nodded slowly, still looking embarrassed. "Yeah...I think so. Her name is Rose West. She's a fellow first-year student...in Hufflepuff."

Harry's face lit up with a warm smile. "Rose West, huh? She's a great girl, Scorp. What makes you think you have feelings for her?" Scorpius took a deep breath and began to talk about Rose, his words tumbling out in a rush. Harry listened attentively, offering words of encouragement and advice. As they talked, Harry realized that Scorpius was genuinely smitten with Rose.

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps outside the common room. Harry glanced at Scorpius and said, "Let's continue this conversation later, okay? Maybe we can sneak out to the secret garden and talk more." Scorpius nodded, looking relieved and grateful for Harry's willingness to listen.

As they parted ways, Harry couldn't help but think about the different personalities within the Musketeers and how each of them had unique strengths and quirks. He made a mental note to check in on everyone later, especially given their plans to take down Lockhart. The New Marauders' plan was already in motion, and Harry knew that with the Twins' expertise in pranks, they would surely make Lockhart's life more interesting.

The next day, November 16, Ginny was still feeling a bit upset as Harry hadn't told her why he wanted to meet Scorpius in the secret garden. However, after some thought, she guessed it was probably alright after all.

In the secret garden, Harry and Scorpius continued their chat from the previous night. Scorpius was still hesitant, afraid of what might happen if Rose didn't feel the same way or if they didn't work out. "What if she doesn't feel the same way, Harry?" Scorpius asked, his voice filled with concern. "Or what if she feels the same way, but we don't work out?"

Harry understood Scorpius's fears and offered words of encouragement. "It's okay to be scared, Scorp," Harry said reassuringly. "But you have to take the risk. Even if Rose doesn't feel the same way or if you two don't work out, it'll be a nice experience. And who knows, it might just be the start of something amazing."

Scorpius looked at Harry with a hint of curiosity. "You and Ginny are different, aren't you?" he asked. Harry smiled, thinking about his relationship with Ginny. "Yeah, I guess we are," he said. "But that's what makes it special. Everyone can't meet their forever love at such a young age like we did, right?"

Scorpius nodded, feeling a bit more hopeful. He realized that Harry was right; taking risks was a part of life, and it might just lead to something wonderful. With newfound determination, Scorpius decided to take Harry's advice and approach Rose.

The New Marauders were electric with anticipation as they sat at the Slytherin table, awaiting the perfect moment to strike. Their plan to take down Lockhart was finally coming together, and they couldn't wait to see the look on his face. Hermione, still a bit embarrassed about her earlier infatuation with the charismatic professor, couldn't help but giggle at the thought of him getting his comeuppance.

As Lockhart strode into the Great Hall, flashing his trademark charming smile, the older girls couldn't help but swoon. But the New Marauders knew better. They had been waiting for this moment for weeks, and they were ready.

The prank, concocted by the Twins with a little help from Harry and Ron, was a complex one. It involved a specially brewed potion that would react with the pumpkin juice Lockhart was known to drink every morning. The potion was designed to affect only Lockhart's hair, causing it to fall out completely.

As Lockhart reached for his pumpkin juice, the room held its collective breath. He lifted the cup to his lips, and the New Marauders held their breath. The moment he took a sip, the potion would take effect.

Lockhart took a sip, and almost instantly, his hair began to fall out in clumps. The Great Hall erupted in a mix of gasps and stifled giggles as Lockhart's perfectly coiffed hair disappeared, leaving him completely bald.

Professor McGonagall, sitting at the staff table, struggled to maintain a straight face. She pressed her lips together, trying to hide a smile, but her eyes sparkled with amusement. Professor Sprout, sitting next to her, wasn't so subtle. She let out a loud guffaw, quickly covering her mouth with her hand.

Snape, still simmering with anger over Lockhart's botched attempt to heal Harry's broken arm, couldn't help but crack a smile. "Well, well, well," he drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "It seems Professor Lockhart has undergone a bit of a... transformation."

Lockhart's face turned bright red as he frantically felt his bald head. "What... what's going on here?" he spluttered. "Who's responsible for this... this... this travesty?"

The New Marauders were having a hard time containing their laughter. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and the rest of the group were all grinning from ear to ear. They were trying to look innocent, but it was clear they were all thrilled with the success of their prank.

Professor Dumbledore, sitting at the head table, chuckled and shook his head. "Ah, Professor Lockhart, it seems you've had a bit of a... hair-raising experience."

The Great Hall erupted in laughter, and even Lockhart couldn't help but crack a smile. "Well, I suppose I shall have to... um... adapt to my new look," he said, trying to salvage his dignity.

The New Marauders were ecstatic. Their prank had been a huge success, and they couldn't wait to see what other chaos they could cause.

The next day, November 17, Lockhart strode into the Great Hall for breakfast, still sporting his new bald look. The New Marauders, seated at the Hufflepuff table, were buzzing with anticipation. Today's prank was going to be even better than the previous one. Hermione and Daisy had concocted a potion that would make Lockhart incredibly itchy, and the Twins had snuck it into his food.

As Lockhart began to eat, the group held their collective breath. At first, nothing seemed to happen. But then, Lockhart started to squirm in his seat. He scratched his head, his neck, and then his arms. "Ah, what's going on?" he exclaimed, his voice rising in discomfort.

The New Marauders struggled to contain their laughter. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were grinning from ear to ear, while Daisy and the Twins were giggling uncontrollably. Lockhart's face turned bright red as he continued to scratch himself, his dignity slowly slipping away.

"Stop it! Stop it, I say!" Lockhart shouted, slapping at his arms and legs. "What's happening to me?"

Professor McGonagall, seated at the staff table, raised an eyebrow. "Professor Lockhart, perhaps you should take a walk outside to... collect yourself."

Lockhart stormed out of the Great Hall, still scratching furiously. The New Marauders erupted into laughter, holding their stomachs in pain. "That was perfect!" Ron exclaimed, wiping tears from his eyes.

The group high-fived each other, thrilled with the success of their prank. But they knew they couldn't let their guard down – Lockhart was not going to take this lying down. The battle between the New Marauders and Lockhart was far from over.

As the Potions class drew to a close, Professor Snape began to demonstrate the final touches to the Calming Draught. The second-year Gryffindors and Slytherins watched intently, taking note of the subtle nuances in the potion's preparation.

"Remember, a steady hand and precise measurements are crucial," Snape cautioned, his eyes scanning the room. "Now, let's proceed with the final step."

With the lesson concluded, Snape's gaze settled on Harry. "Mr. Potter, I would like a word with you," he said, his voice low and even.

Harry gulped, wondering if he had been caught for the prank. As the other students filed out, Harry approached Snape's desk.

"Yes, Professor?" Harry asked, trying to appear nonchalant.

Snape's eyes narrowed. "I am aware of the... unfortunate incident that befell Professor Lockhart today. And I believe I know who might be responsible."

Harry's heart skipped a beat, but he maintained his composure. Snape's expression was unreadable, leaving Harry uncertain about what would follow.

"However, I must admit that I find Professor Lockhart's... antics quite... distasteful," Snape continued, a hint of dryness in his tone. "And I believe it's time someone took him down a peg."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise as Snape leaned forward. "I want in. Whatever plan you and your... associates have concocted, I wish to be a part of it."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise, and he couldn't help but stare at Snape, his mouth slightly agape. "You... want to join us?" Harry repeated, trying to process the unexpected offer.

Snape's expression remained stern, but a hint of dry amusement danced in his eyes. "Yes, Mr. Potter. I believe it's time Professor Lockhart's... inflated ego was deflated. I am willing to provide any assistance I can to facilitate this endeavor."

Harry's face lit up with a mixture of surprise and amusement. "I... I'll have to discuss this with my friends, Professor," Harry said, trying to contain his grin.

Snape nodded, a small, almost imperceptible smile playing on his lips. "Very well, Mr. Potter. But do keep in mind that discretion is paramount. I wouldn't want Professor Lockhart to become... suspicious."

Harry nodded, still looking somewhat bewildered, and backed away from Snape's desk, his mind racing with the implications of Snape's offer. As he left the potions classroom, he couldn't wait to share the news with the rest of the New Marauders.

"Guys, you won't believe what just happened!" Harry exclaimed, barely containing his laughter, as he caught up with his friends in the corridor.

The New Marauders gathered in the secret Musketeer Room, a space only they knew existed. Harry recounted his conversation with Snape, and the group's reactions ranged from stunned silence to incredulous laughter.

"You're kidding, right?" Ron asked, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Snape wants to join us in pranking Lockhart?"

"I swear, it's true!" Harry said, chuckling. "He said he wants to help take Lockhart down a peg."

Hermione's face lit up with excitement. "This is amazing! With Snape's help, we can make Lockhart's downfall even more epic!"

Daisy's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Oh, the possibilities are endless! We can make Lockhart think Snape is on his side, and then—"

"BOOM!" George exclaimed, making an exploding gesture with his hands. "Lockhart's ego will be shattered!"

Fred chuckled. "And Snape's involvement will give us an air of legitimacy. Who would dare question the integrity of the infamous Professor Snape?"

Ginny giggled. "This is going to be so much fun! We have to come up with a plan that's worthy of Snape's... unique teaching style."

Luna's eyes widened with excitement. "I think we should make Lockhart's office decorations float in mid-air!"

Scorpius grinned. "Or maybe we can make him think he's turning into a toad!"

Neville chuckled. "I've got some ideas for potions that might come in handy."

Susan's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Let's make Lockhart's hair grow at an alarming rate!"

Draco smirked. "I'll take care of the logistics. My father's connections might come in handy for acquiring some... unusual materials."

Dudley's eyes sparkled with excitement. "This is going to be epic! I've got some ideas for pranks that'll make Lockhart's head spin!"

Samantha nodded enthusiastically. "We should totally make him think the Fat Friar is haunting him!"

The New Marauders continued to toss around ideas, their laughter and excitement filling the Musketeer Room. With Snape on their side, they were ready to take on Lockhart and make this year one to remember.

The New Marauders had been patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and today was the day. They had been sitting at the Ravenclaw table, watching Lockhart with anticipation, as he took his seat for breakfast. The previous two days had been quiet, with Lockhart growing bald and then itchy, but today was going to be different.

Neville, with a mischievous glint in his eye, had carefully placed sticky gum on Lockhart's chair. Meanwhile, the twins, with Ginny and Luna's help, had mixed a potion that would make Lockhart's armpit and beard hair grow at an alarming rate.

As Lockhart sat down, Neville's plan was set in motion. The professor stuck to the chair, unaware of what was happening. Then, as he reached for his dessert, the potion took effect. Lockhart's blond beard and armpit hair began to grow at an incredible rate.

The New Marauders watched in stifled laughter as Lockhart struggled to free himself, but it was no use. He was stuck, with his long beard and armpit hair flailing wildly. The classes for the day were cancelled, and Lockhart was left to suffer in silence for three hours.

"This is priceless," Ron whispered, holding his sides.

"I know, right?" Ginny replied, giggling. "I've never seen anything like it."

The New Marauders continued to watch, enjoying the spectacle. Snape, who had joined their little group, observed the scene with a hint of amusement.

"It seems Professor Lockhart is having a bit of a rough day," he said dryly.

The group erupted into laughter, and Lockhart's predicament was the talk of the day. The New Marauders had successfully executed their plan, and Lockhart's ego had taken another hit.

That night, Harry received a letter from Sirius, his godfather. As he sat in his dormitory, surrounded by the soft glow of candles, he unfolded the parchment and began to read. Sirius's words danced across the page, filled with pride and amusement at the pranks the New Marauders had been playing on Lockhart.

"I must say, Harry, I'm shocked that Snape is working with you lot," Sirius wrote. "But I'm also impressed. It takes a lot of skill to get him on your side, even if it is for a prank."

Harry's eyes scanned the page, eager to see what else Sirius had to say. And then, he saw it - Sirius's agreement to Harry's request, which was crucial for their final prank.

"I'm happy to help, Harry," Sirius wrote. "Let me know when and where, and I'll be there. I'm looking forward to seeing Lockhart's face when you lot strike."

Harry grinned to himself, feeling a sense of satisfaction. With Sirius on board, their prank was sure to be a success. He folded the letter and tucked it under his pillow, his mind already racing with ideas for Sunday's prank.

The next morning, the Marauders gathered at the Gryffindor table, anticipation buzzing in the air. Though the final prank was scheduled for the next day, they weren't about to let today go to waste. Just as they were settling in, Lockhart stormed in, his usual charm replaced by frustration. His head was completely bald, his skin covered in tiny red bumps making him look like he'd been rolling in a patch of nettles. His beard had grown at an alarming rate, reaching down to his chest, and his armpits sported impressive tufts of hair that threatened to peek out from under his sleeves.

"What's gotten into me?" Lockhart exclaimed, his vanity clearly wounded. "I've tried everything to reverse this...this...affliction!"

Snape, sitting at the staff table, raised an eyebrow. "I did warn you, Professor Lockhart, that the counter potion would take 2 days to prepare. Perhaps you should have heeded my advice and sought my help sooner."

The Marauders exchanged knowing glances, trying to stifle their grins. Harry leaned over to Ron and whispered, "I think Snape's enjoying this a bit too much."

Ron snickered, "Yeah, and Lockhart's not exactly the most pleasant sight right now."

Their eyes met with Ginny's, who was trying to keep a straight face. She mouthed, "It's working perfectly."

The scene was set for another day of chaos, and the Marauders were ready to take full advantage of it.

Harry thought Lockhart really was an idiot for still eating in the Great Hall despite his current state. And well, who was he to complain? As Lockhart gulped down his orange juice, his voice turned very high-pitched. This was the result of a potion spiked by the Twins in his juice, but made by Samantha and Dudley.

"What's happening to me?" Lockhart squeaked, his face reddening with embarrassment. "Why is my voice like this?"

Snape, sitting at the staff table, raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps, Professor Lockhart, you should consider the consequences of your actions. Meddling with potions can have... unpredictable results."

The New Marauders, scattered throughout the Great Hall, struggled to stifle their giggles. Harry, sitting with Ron and Hermione, grinned mischievously. "I think Lockhart's going to have a rough day," he whispered.

Ron chuckled. "Serves him right for being such a prat."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Let's just hope he doesn't figure out who did it."

Meanwhile, Ginny and Luna, sitting nearby, exchanged knowing glances. "I think Draco's next move is going to be brilliant," Ginny whispered.

Luna nodded, her silvery eyes sparkling. "I'm sure it will be. Dracos always so creative with his pranks."

The Great Hall was abuzz with the chatter of students as they enjoyed their lunch. Lockhart, still reeling from the effects of the previous pranks, walked in with a peculiar gait. His bald head glistened with a thin layer of sweat, and his long beard and armpit hair made him look like a peculiar hybrid of a wizard and a wild man. The high-pitched voice he had acquired at breakfast still lingered, and he struggled to maintain a semblance of dignity.

As he sat down at the staff table, Professor McGonagall couldn't help but smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, Professor Lockhart, I see you're still... experimenting with your appearance," she said, her voice laced with subtle humor.

Lockhart's high-pitched voice squeaked out a response, "What's happening to me, Professor McGonagall? First, my hair, then this voice..."

He paused mid-sentence as he took a bite of his lunch. Suddenly, his eyebrows vanished, leaving him looking even more absurd. "And now... my eyebrows are gone!" he squeaked, his voice rising in panic.

The New Marauders, scattered throughout the Great Hall, were having a hard time containing their laughter. Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged knowing glances, their faces red from suppressed giggles.

Draco, sitting nearby, whispered to Scorpius, "I think our little potion experiment is working quite well, don't you?"

Scorpius grinned mischievously. "Definitely. Let's see how long it takes him to figure it out."

Meanwhile, Snape, sitting at the staff table, observed the scene with a keen eye. His gaze met Harry's, and for a moment, they shared a silent understanding. The prank war was far from over, and Snape's involvement was proving to be a valuable asset to the New Marauders.

As the lunch hour drew to a close, Lockhart's frustration grew. "I demand to know who's behind these... these... pranks!" he exclaimed, his voice still squeaking.

The Great Hall remained silent, with students and staff alike enjoying the spectacle. Lockhart's eyes narrowed, and he vowed to uncover the culprits behind the pranks that had been plaguing him.

At dinner, the non-charismatic Lockhart arrived and sat at the teachers' table, completely unaware of the prank that awaited him. The New Marauders, seated at the Hufflepuff table, exchanged anticipated glances. Earlier, Scorpius and Susan had concocted a potion, which the Twins had discreetly spiked into Lockhart's dinner. The effect was supposed to be the falling off of his front charismatic white teeth, and it worked perfectly.

As Lockhart took a bite, his teeth suddenly dropped, and the Great Hall erupted into laughter. Not a single student or teacher could control their giggles, not even McGonagall. Lockhart, now bald, with an itchy body, rough bottom, long beard, armpit hair, high-pitched voice, and no eyebrows, was also toothless.

The hall was filled with laughter and cheers as Lockhart's face turned bright red with embarrassment and anger. "What's going on here?" he squeaked, his high-pitched voice trembling with rage.

The students continued to laugh, and even the teachers were struggling to maintain their composure. McGonagall's eyes twinkled with amusement as she tried to regain order. "Order, please, students!"

Lockhart stood up, his high-pitched toothless voice echoing through the Great Hall. "I demand to know who's behind these pranks! I'll catch the culprit, mark my words!" However, his words fell flat, and the students burst into even more laughter at his absurd appearance and squeaky voice.

As Lockhart took a step forward, Snape, seated at the staff table, wordlessly cast a charm on Lockhart's shoes. The shoelaces tied themselves together, and Lockhart's legs flew out from under him. He fell straight to his face, landing with a thud.

The Great Hall erupted into cheers and applause, with students laughing and clapping. McGonagall's eyes sparkled with amusement as she struggled to maintain a stern expression. "Professor Lockhart, perhaps you should...ah...take a seat," she suggested, trying to hide her smile.

Lockhart's face reddened with rage and humiliation as he struggled to untie his shoelaces. The New Marauders were in hysterics, and even Harry couldn't help but chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. "Well, I think that's a wrap for today's pranks," Ron whispered to Harry, grinning.

As the dinner hour drew to a close, Lockhart finally managed to free himself, his dignity bruised and battered. He stormed out of the Great Hall, muttering threats of revenge. The students, still chuckling, began to disperse, eagerly anticipating the final prank planned for the next day.

The next day, Lockhart was cautious, refusing to eat anything from the Great Hall. However, the New Marauders had anticipated this and had a new plan in store. As the door opened, Casey Anthony, an honest reporter from the Daily Prophet, walked in with her cameraman, much to the surprise of Dumbledore, the teachers, and many students.

The Marauders smirked, knowing that Snape's help had made it easy for Casey to gain permission to visit. Sirius had also played a part, agreeing to arrange for Casey's visit. Casey's cameraman snapped a photo of Lockhart, capturing his current appearance.

Lockhart's bald head gleamed in the light, his toothless mouth a stark contrast to his usual charming smile. His high-pitched voice squeaked in discomfort as he tried to maintain his dignity. The itchy rash on his skin seemed to be spreading, and his long beard and armpit hair added to his disheveled appearance. His eyebrows were nonexistent, and his rough bottom lip jutted out awkwardly.

The Great Hall erupted into whispers and snickers as Casey's camera clicked away, capturing the absurdity of the situation. Lockhart's face turned bright red with embarrassment and anger, his eyes narrowing as he tried to figure out who was behind this final prank.

"Ah, Professor Lockhart, it seems you're having a bit of a... um... hairy day?" Casey quipped, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

The Marauders struggled to contain their laughter, exchanging triumphant glances. This was the perfect finale to their series of pranks, exposing Lockhart's vulnerabilities to the entire school.

Harry and Ginny exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes sparkling with amusement as they watched the scene unfold. The final revenge was going perfectly, with Lockhart's reputation hanging precariously in the balance. The series of pranks had taken a toll on Lockhart's charming appearance, which he had always been so smug about. Now, his reputation was on the chopping block, and the New Marauders were eager to see him fall.

As Casey Anthony, the Daily Prophet reporter, approached Lockhart, he was visibly torn between two conflicting desires. On one hand, he loved being in the spotlight and craved the fame that came with interviews. He thought to himself, "This could be a great opportunity to showcase my charm and wit, and perhaps even boost my reputation as a wizarding celebrity." He imagined the headlines, the admiration of his fans, and the envy of his peers.

On the other hand, he was mortified by his current appearance and dreaded being seen in public like this. His bald head, toothless mouth, and high-pitched voice made him look like a laughingstock. He thought, "If I agree to the interview, I'll have to endure the humiliation of being seen in this state. But if I refuse, I'll miss out on the opportunity to redeem myself and salvage what's left of my reputation."

The New Marauders knew that to gain something, one often had to lose something in return. However, in this case, the damage was already done – the pictures had been taken, and there was no going back. Lockhart's dilemma was palpable as he weighed his options, his eyes darting between Casey Anthony and the New Marauders.

Just then, Snape whispered something in his ear, and Lockhart's expression changed. Snape handed him a small vial, saying, "A counter potion, Professor. It will restore your... former glory." Lockhart's eyes lit up as he downed the potion, and instantly, his bald head sprouted hair, his toothless mouth filled with pearly whites, and his high-pitched voice returned to its normal smooth tone.

With his confidence restored, Lockhart accepted a glass of water from Snape, unaware that it was spiked with a truth serum. The New Marauders exchanged knowing glances, their plan unfolding perfectly. Casey Anthony smiled, ready to begin the interview, unaware of the revelations that were about to unfold. "Professor Lockhart, thank you for agreeing to this interview," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "I'm sure our readers would love to hear about your experiences here at Hogwarts." Lockhart smiled, ready to spin his tale, but little did he know, the truth was about to spill out in ways he never could have imagined.

Casey Anthony pulled out a sheet of questions, carefully crafted by Sirius Black under the guidance of the New Marauders. She knew there was a reason behind Sirius's involvement, and she was ready to expose Lockhart's true nature.

The New Marauders exchanged anticipatory glances, their eyes sparkling with excitement. The question list had been created by them, and they were confident that it would reveal Lockhart's deceit.

"Alright, Professor Lockhart," Casey began, her voice professional yet laced with a hint of curiosity.

As Casey Anthony began the interview, Lockhart's eyes gleamed with anticipation, unaware of the truth serum coursing through his veins. "Alright, Professor Lockhart," Casey said, her voice professional and composed, "let's dive right in. How do you teach, and what's your approach to education?" Lockhart's smile faltered for a moment, and he shifted uncomfortably in his seat before responding, "I teach... horribly."

The room fell silent, with the New Marauders exchanging amused glances. Harry's eyes met Ginny's, and they shared a brief, triumphant smile. Ron's grin stretched from ear to ear, while Hermione's eyes sparkled with satisfaction.

The questions continued, and Lockhart's responses became increasingly incriminating. "Why do you teach horribly?" Casey asked, her pen poised over her notebook, her eyes locked intently on Lockhart. "Because I don't know anything," Lockhart admitted, his voice laced with a hint of desperation. "I'm dumb."

The room erupted in a mixture of shock and stifled laughter. Casey's eyes widened in feigned surprise as she asked, "What about the books you've written about your brave stories and achievements?" Lockhart's face turned a deep shade of red as he replied, "They're all lies. I just wrote them. Some dates are conflicting, and some things are just ridiculous. The parts that are true weren't even achieved by me, but others."

The New Marauders were on the edge of their seats, their plan unfolding perfectly. Sirius Black, sitting in the back, nodded in approval, a small smile playing on his lips. "So, how could you write about others' achievements?" Casey pressed on, her tone unwavering.

Lockhart's response was laced with malice, "I wiped their memories, so they don't know they did all that. I know Memory Charm very well." The room fell silent once more, with the weight of Lockhart's confession hanging in the air. The New Marauders exchanged triumphant glances, knowing they had finally exposed Lockhart's true nature.

Casey Anthony's eyes sparkled with satisfaction as she wrapped up the interview.

As the news spread like wildfire, the Hogwarts staff reacted with a mix of shock and amusement. Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise, his eyebrows shooting up his forehead. "Why, indeed, would you resort to such deception, Professor Lockhart?" he murmured, his voice tinged with disappointment.

Snape's expression, on the other hand, was a picture of smug satisfaction. "I knew it," he muttered to himself. "The man's a charlatan."

The Marauders, scattered throughout the room, couldn't help but smirk at Lockhart's downfall. Harry, Ron, and Hermione exchanged grins, relieved that their plan had worked.

Meanwhile, the rest of the students were outraged. "How could he get away with this for so long?" someone whispered. "He's been lying to us all!" another student exclaimed.

The atmosphere was electric, with some students cheering and others jeering. Lockhart's reputation lay in tatters, his facade finally shattered. The interview was a turning point, and everyone knew that nothing would ever be the same again.

As the commotion died down, Casey's voice rang out, "That's all for today, folks. You won't be seeing Professor Lockhart's... 'heroics' in the same light anymore, I'm sure."

The scene was set for a dramatic showdown, and the students were eager to see what would happen next. The fate of Lockhart, and possibly the entire Hogwarts staff, hung in the balance.

As the aurors emerged from the shadows, Lockhart's eyes widened in horror. "No, no, no...this can't be happening!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking with desperation. The aurors, their faces stern and unyielding, moved swiftly to apprehend Lockhart. "Gilderoy Lockhart, you are under arrest for impersonating a wizard and using dark magic to erase the memories of others," one of them declared.

The aurors had been hidden and listening since the start of the interview, waiting for the perfect moment to intervene. Sirius and Amelia, also among the aurors, watched with satisfied smiles.

Sirius nodded to Amelia, who stepped forward. "I'd like to take a moment to commend the students who played a crucial role in bringing Lockhart to justice," she said, her voice clear and authoritative. "Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Neville Longbottom, Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Draco Malfoy, Scorpius Malfoy, Susan Bones, Samantha Jones, Dudley Dursley, Daisy Potter, Fred Weasley and George Weasley- your teamwork and quick thinking were instrumental in exposing Lockhart's true nature."

She paused, glancing at Snape, who stood nearby, a hint of a smile on his face. "And I'd also like to acknowledge Professor Snape's contribution to this operation. His... unique perspective and expertise were invaluable in bringing Lockhart down."

Amelia also took a moment to thank Casey Anthony, who had conducted the interview that led to Lockhart's downfall. "Thank you, Casey, for your role in exposing Lockhart's deceit," she said with a nod.

The students applauded, and Dumbledore nodded in approval. "Well done, indeed," he said. "Your actions demonstrate the very best of Hogwarts' values: courage, ingenuity, and a commitment to justice."

Harry turned to Ginny and whispered, "You know, I think it's time we celebrated our victory." Ginny's eyes sparkled with mischief. "I have just the thing in mind, Harry," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

However, they didn't need to plan anything as Dumbledore announced, "I think we should prepare a feast to celebrate this occasion. A job well done deserves a grand celebration, don't you think?"

The students cheered, and the professors nodded in agreement. The Great Hall was filled with the sound of chatter and laughter as the students looked forward to the feast.

The feast concluded with a sense of triumph, the students reveling in the downfall of the fraudulent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart. Dumbledore's announcement that the Defense Against the Dark Arts lectures would be cancelled for the term, with a new teacher expected after Christmas, was met with a mixture of relief and anticipation.

The next day, the Daily Prophet was abuzz with the news of Lockhart's exposure. The headline read, "Lockhart's Web of Deceit Unraveled: Aurors Arrest Imposter." The article detailed Lockhart's fraudulent claims and the bravery of those who had brought him to justice.

In the Great Hall, the students were abuzz with excitement, discussing the latest turn of events. Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the New Marauders shared knowing glances, their secret pranking campaign having played a significant role in Lockhart's downfall.

"Well done, everyone," Harry said, grinning at his friends. "I think we can safely say that Lockhart won't be posing for any more portraits anytime soon."

The group erupted into laughter, their joy infectious. Little did they know, this was only the beginning of their adventures as the New Marauders.

Next Chapter is Winter Romance !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.   Well Game over Lockhart !! So see , now Harry and Ginny will be going to France this summer , the chapters are  already written, where their French visit unfolds , it would be quite crucial for Potter CARE too, and they will learn a mind blowing ability of their bond. And for Lockhart I think this was the best I can do to humiliate him before exposing him , and in this way he got conscious imprisonment instead of loosing his memories, however loosing memories was poetic in its own way. Anyways , Snape's involved was the to show how Snape was really pissed with Lockhart especially since the quidditch match. And if someone asks why Dumbledore, didn't knew if Lockhart's blunder fully, I guess it was whenhe was suspended in canon , when he searched for Lockhart's crimes , until then he must just have suspicions like other teachers. Anyways, Next Chapter will be on  Wednesday , July 23.  Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 37: Winter Romance

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The 12 Muskeeteers gathered at the Ravenclaw table for breakfast, laughing and chatting together. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, Luna, Susan, Dudley, Scorpius, Draco, Samantha, and Daisy were all present, enjoying each other's company.

Ginny, in particular, seemed thrilled, having had her D.A.D.A. class cancelled. "I'm so glad we don't have to deal with Lockhart's nonsense anymore," she said, smiling at Harry.

The group discussed their plans for the day. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Draco headed off to their Charms class, while Susan and the other 2nd-year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws went to Potions. Meanwhile, Ginny, Luna, and Samantha enjoyed their free period, having had D.A.D.A. cancelled. Daisy, Dudley, and Scorpius, along with the other 1st-year Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, headed to their Transfiguration class.

As the days flew by, the excitement for Christmas break grew, especially for Harry, Daisy, and Susan, who had been receiving daily letters from Sirius and Amelia regarding the upcoming wedding on December 28.

On December 16, the 12 Muskeeteers gathered in their secret meeting room, laughing and chatting together. Ginny sat on a couch, surrounded by her friends. "I'm sure the new D.A.D.A. teacher will be announced soon," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"I hope it's someone exciting," Luna chimed in, her dreamy voice adding to the atmosphere.

Harry smiled. "I'm sure Dumbledore will find someone great."

The group chatted on, their laughter and banter filling the room. As the fall term drew to a close on December 18, the students looked forward to a well-deserved break. With classes winding up, the Muskeeteers focused on enjoying their last few days before Christmas. The anticipation of the new D.A.D.A. teacher remained, but for now, they were content with the festive atmosphere and the upcoming wedding celebrations.

December 18, 1992, was the last day of the fall term. The 12 Muskeeteers gathered in their secret meeting room after their respective last classes, eager to celebrate the start of their Christmas break. The less studious ones, like Ron, Dudley and Scorpius, were thrilled to have their classes end, while the more studious ones, like Hermione and Harry, were also excited due to the upcoming wedding of Sirius and Amelia on December 28.

"I'm so glad that's over," Ron exclaimed, flopping onto a couch. "Now, let's enjoy the break!"

"I'm excited for the wedding," Hermione said, her eyes shining. "I've never seen a wizarding wedding before."

"Me too," Harry agreed. "It's going to be amazing."

Dudley, who had never seen a wizarding wedding either, grinned. "This is going to be epic!"

Daisy, Ginny, Susan, Draco, Neville, and Luna all shared in the excitement. Soon, the Muskeeteers left for the grounds, where they enjoyed a fabulous snowball fight. Students from all years joined in, laughing and playing together. Dean, Seamus, Lavender, and Parvati were among the Gryffindors having a blast. Susan's Hufflepuff friends, Hannah, Ernie, and Justin, were also there. Draco's Slytherin classmates, Blaise and Daphne, participated in the fun. Meanwhile, Ravenclaws like Padma, Terry, and Anthony joined in, along with first-years like Collin, Demelza, and Ivan.

The snow-covered grounds were soon filled with the sound of laughter and the soft thuds of snowballs hitting their targets. Ron and Scorpius had a friendly rivalry going on, seeing who could hit the most people. Harry and Draco engaged in a fierce snowball battle, with Harry dodging and weaving around Draco's attacks.

Ginny and Hermione worked together, building a snow fort and launching snowballs at their friends. As Harry passed by, Ginny caught his eye and smiled mischievously. She packed a snowball and threw it at him, hitting him right on the chest. Harry grinned, brushing off the snow. "You got me, Gin," he said, his eyes sparkling.

Ginny blushed, looking away. "Just making sure you're on your toes, Potter," she said, trying to sound nonchalant.

Luna and Samantha played a game of "hit the target," using snowballs to knock over snowmen. Scorpius and Neville had a friendly competition to see who could throw the most accurate snowball. Dudley and Draco teamed up to take down Harry and Ron.

As the snowball fight continued, the students had the time of their lives. Snowflakes fell gently around them, adding to the magical atmosphere.

The snowball fight continued, with students laughing and playing together. Fred and George Weasley were in their element, conjuring up snowballs out of thin air and hitting their targets with precision. "Take that, Potter!" Fred shouted, throwing a snowball at Harry. Harry dodged just in time, and the snowball hit Ron instead, who yelped in surprise.

"Revenge!" Ron shouted, packing a snowball and throwing it at the twins. George ducked, but Fred wasn't so lucky. The snowball hit him right on the chest, covering him in snow.

Meanwhile, Angelina, Alicia, and Katie had ganged up on Oliver, Percy, and Penelope. "You can't catch us, Oliver!" Angelina taunted, throwing a snowball that hit Oliver right on the shoulder.

Daisy was having a blast, laughing and throwing snowballs with abandon. She was a bit off, her eyes sparkling with mischief, but no one noticed. She was too busy having fun.

As the snowball fight continued, the students had the time of their lives. Snowflakes fell gently around them, adding to the magical atmosphere. The sound of laughter and shouting filled the air, and the snow-covered grounds were soon filled with the marks of snowballs and the footprints of students having fun.

The game continued, with no signs of slowing down. The students were having too much fun, and the snowball fight showed no signs of ending anytime soon.

Just as the snowball fight was reaching its peak, Professor McGonagall appeared out of nowhere, her eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. The students froze, expecting a stern lecture or detention. But instead, McGonagall raised her wand and cast a charm that made the snow around them transform into a kaleidoscope of colors.

"Ah, I suppose you've all had enough of plain white snowballs," she said with a hint of a smile. "Let's add some color to the mix, shall we?"

The students stared in surprise, unsure of what to make of this uncharacteristic display of playfulness from their normally stern Transfiguration professor. But Harry, Ginny, and the other Muskeeteers exchanged knowing glances, their faces breaking into wide grins.

"Brilliant, Professor McGonagall!" Harry exclaimed, already packing a colorful snowball.

The other students quickly followed suit, laughing and cheering as they threw colorful snowballs at each other. The atmosphere was electric, with McGonagall watching over them with a warm smile.

"Well, I never thought I'd see Professor McGonagall like this," Ron said, his eyes wide with wonder.

"Yeah, she's got a softer side, doesn't she?" Ginny replied, winking at Harry.

The colorful snowball fight continued, with McGonagall occasionally adding her own magic to the mix, creating rainbow-colored snowflakes and swirling patterns in the air. It was a moment that none of the students would ever forget, a rare glimpse into the more playful side of their normally strict professor.

As the group of students shivered their way through the snow-covered grounds, they finally stepped into the warm corridors of Hogwarts, shedding their heavy coats and scarves. The warmth enveloped them like a gentle hug, and they dispersed to their respective destinations, eager to escape the cold. Harry and Ginny, however, slipped away to the secret garden, seeking some much-needed solitude. The past week had been chaotic, with classes becoming increasingly stressful as the Fall term drew to a close.

The secret garden was empty, the house-elves busy with their duties in the kitchen. Ginny shivered, regretting her decision not to wear her scarf. Harry, noticing her discomfort, began to offer her his, but she shot him a warning glance. "Don't even think about being chivalrous, Harry," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Harry chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm not being chivalrous, Ginny. When I lived with the Dursleys, all I had was a ragged blanket, so I've developed more resistance to cold." Ginny raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical, but Harry just smiled and continued walking beside her, their footsteps quiet on the stone path. The garden, usually a haven of peace, was tranquil, the snow-covered plants and trees glistening in the soft light filtering through the windows. Harry and Ginny walked in comfortable silence, enjoying the solitude and each other's company.

They reached a bench and sat down, the cold stone beneath them a stark contrast to the warmth of the corridor they had just left. Ginny shivered, and without a word, Harry pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her to share his body heat. She snuggled into his chest, and Harry kissed her soundly, but their shivering made it a bit awkward. Undeterred, Harry pulled her closer, his lips tracing the curve of her ear.

As they sat there, Harry had an idea. He focused his magic and conjured a gentle blue-bell fire in a glass bottle, using the ancient Greek spell "Κρύσταλλος Φωτιά" (Krystallos Fotia), which he had stumbled upon in a dusty old book in the Hogwarts library. The spell, not taught at Hogwarts, required a precise pronunciation and a delicate touch, but Harry's practice had paid off. The soft, blue flame danced within the bottle, casting a warm glow over the secret garden.

Ginny's eyes widened as she gazed at the bottle, her shivering subsiding as she felt the warmth emanating from it. "Harry, you're amazing," she whispered, her breath tickling his ear. Harry smiled, happy to have brought some comfort to the girl he loved. He wrapped his arms tighter around her, and they sat there, basking in the gentle warmth of the blue-bell fire.

They spent the next hour lost in their own little world, snogging and discussing the upcoming wedding of Sirius and Amelia. "I'm so excited for Uncle Sirius and Amelia," Ginny whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of their beating hearts.

"Me too," Harry replied, his lips tracing the curve of her ear. "I'll be one of the groomsmen, you know. And I'm sure you'll be a wonderful guest, Future Mrs. Potter."

Ginny giggled and snuggled closer to him. "I'll make sure to bring the festive spirit. But first, let's enjoy the quiet moment."

As they sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, the blue-bell fire slowly extinguished, leaving them in a warm, golden glow. By the time the fire went out completely, it was almost sunset, casting a warm orange light over the secret garden.

Some of the house-elves, including Chimey and Blinky, returned to the garden, quietly going about their work. Harry and Ginny reluctantly parted, knowing they had to return to their respective dorms before curfew. "Time to go, my love," Harry whispered, helping Ginny to her feet.

Ginny nodded, and they shared one last, quick kiss before parting ways, their hearts still racing from their snogging session. As they walked back to the castle, they couldn't help but smile at each other, already counting down the minutes until they could meet again in their secret dreamland.

Meanwhile, faraway from Hogwarts and Harry and Ginny, another couple were just as busy snogging at the Bones Manor, Sirius and Amelia. However, they broke apart when the doorbell rang, it was Remus and Tonks.

"I'll get it," Amelia said, smoothing her dress and hurrying to the door.

Sirius followed her, his eyes fixed on Remus and Tonks as they exchanged warm greetings. "Moony, Dora, come on in. We didn't expect you so early."

Remus smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We finished the meeting earlier than expected, and I wanted to go over some details with you, Padfoot."

Tonks nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Besides, I wanted to see how the preparations for the big day are coming along."

Sirius chuckled, wrapping his arm around Amelia's waist. "Everything's going smoothly, thanks to Amelia's meticulous planning."

As they walked into the living room, Amelia gestured to the tea set on the coffee table. "Let's have some tea and discuss whatever it is you wanted to talk about, Remus."

The four of them sat down, sipping their tea and engaging in light conversation before Sirius cleared his throat. "Actually, I called you here for something specific. Let's discuss the details."

The atmosphere in the room shifted, and Remus and Tonks exchanged a curious glance. Whatever Sirius had in mind, it was clear that it was something important.

Sirius leaned forward, his eyes serious as he began to discuss the matter at hand. "As you all know, with Lockhart's... departure, the Defence Against Dark Arts position is currently vacant. And, as a member of the Board of Governors, I think Remus would be the perfect fit for the job."

Remus's eyes widened in protest, and he shook his head vigorously. "No, no, no, Sirius. I'm not qualified. I'm a werewolf, for goodness' sake! I could put the students in danger."

Tonks and Sirius exchanged a knowing glance before Tonks spoke up. "Remus, that's exactly why you'd be perfect for the job. You've experienced the Dark Arts firsthand, and you know how to defend yourself. Plus, you've got a unique perspective on the subject."

Amelia nodded in agreement. "I think Tonks is right, Remus. The Defence Against Dark Arts position has been... less than stellar in recent years. With Lockhart's antics and Quirrell's... shortcomings, the subject has been degraded. We need someone with real-world experience, someone who can teach the students how to truly defend themselves."

Sirius added, "And I'd do it myself, but I've got my wedding to prepare for. I don't want to sacrifice my honeymoon phase just yet. Besides, it's always been your area of expertise, Moony. You're the studious one, not me."

Remus looked unconvinced, but Tonks took his hand, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "Come on, Remus. You'd be amazing. And I'll be right there beside you, supporting you every step of the way."

Remus still looked unconvinced, his doubts evident on his face. Sirius and Amelia shared a knowing glance, and Sirius spoke up, "Don't worry about being a werewolf, Remus. It's just a once-a-month thing, and we'll make sure you're taken care of. You'll go straight to the Shrieking Shack on the night of the full moon, and I'll be there in my Animagus form, just like old times."

Tonks nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with enthusiasm. "I'll join you on full moon nights too, Remus. As a Metamorphmagus, I can transform into an animal to help out."

Remus's expression still showed his reservations, but Sirius could detect a glimmer of hope in his eyes. Sirius knew that teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts was Remus's dream job, and he was determined to ensure that Remus would take the position without worrying about the prejudices that might come with being a werewolf.

Sirius continued, "We'll make sure everything goes smoothly, Remus. You'll be an excellent teacher, and we'll support you every step of the way."

Remus looked at Tonks, who smiled reassuringly. "I'm serious, Remus. I'll be there to help you, and we'll figure things out together."

The tension in Remus's shoulders began to ease, and a small smile crept onto his face. "You really think it can work?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of hope and skepticism.

Sirius grinned. "I know it will work. We'll make it work."

As they discussed the details, Amelia nodded in agreement, her eyes fixed on Remus. "We'll make the necessary arrangements, Remus. You'll be an asset to the school."

The group's enthusiasm was infectious, and Remus's doubts began to fade away, replaced by a growing sense of excitement and anticipation.

Remus's expression turned thoughtful as he considered the proposal. "Okay, I'll do it," he said finally, "but on two conditions." He paused, collecting his thoughts before continuing. "First, all students would need to be notified about my...condition. I don't want any problems later on." Tonks's face furrowed with worry at the prospect of Remus's werewolf status becoming public knowledge, which would likely lead to more prejudice against him.

However, Amelia waved her hand dismissively. "That's already taken care of, Remus. Sirius here has been working his magic on the Board of Governors. We've got the majority on our side now." Remus's eyes narrowed slightly at Sirius, who chuckled and said, "Hey, it's just Marauder style, mate."

Remus shook his head good-naturedly. "I suppose I should've known better than to doubt you, Padfoot." He took a deep breath before laying out his second condition. "The more important one is that I'll need to ask Samantha first. Given the...circumstances, I don't want to make things awkward for her by taking a teaching job at her school without her knowing and approving of it. It's only fair that I ask her if she's okay with it before I accept the job."

The room fell silent as everyone considered Remus's conditions. Tonks reached out and took Remus's hand, her expression softening with understanding and support. "We'll support you, Remus," she said. "Whatever you decide." Sirius nodded in agreement, his eyes fixed on Remus with a warm smile. "We'll make it work, mate. We'll make sure Samantha's okay with it, and we'll get the students informed. You can count on us."

The tender moment between Tonks and Remus was sealed with a soft kiss, leaving Remus blushing and happy. With that affectionate display, Amelia smiled warmly and suggested, "Tonks, why don't we head to my room to discuss the wedding details?" Tonks nodded, and the two women left the men in the hall of the Bones manor.

As the door closed behind them, Sirius turned to Remus with a curious expression. "Now that you might have a decent job, what's your plan, Remus?" he asked, leaning back in his chair. Remus sighed, then chuckled, and began to share his story about the letters he exchanged with Harry.

Remus's eyes sparkled with amusement as he recalled the exchange with Harry. "You see, Sirius, it was just a week ago when I sent Harry a letter, thanking him for the umpteenth time for making me believe in love again and giving Tonks a chance. And in response, Harry sent a letter saying I should stop showing gratitude and if I really wanted to show my appreciation, I should make him the godfather of our firstborn."

Remus chuckled, his face reddening slightly. "I was horrified, to be honest. I mean, that would mean marriage and children. So, I wrote back to Harry saying I couldn't marry and have kids because of my...condition." Sirius's expression turned stern, but Remus raised his hand, forestalling any comments.

"No need, Sirius. Harry already gave me a piece of his mind in his next letter. He said something like, 'Does that mean you're just messing around with Tonks, using her, and then breaking her heart one day?'" Sirius's eyebrows shot up, and he thought maybe Harry had been a bit harsh. But Remus shook his head. "No, that was exactly what I needed. Harry's always been good at cutting through the nonsense and hitting the nail on the head."

Sirius still looked puzzled, unsure how this exchange related to Remus's plans now that he might have a decent job. Remus leaned forward, a serious look on his face. "You see, Sirius, I've been thinking a lot about my future, and Tonks's. And I realized that I've been given a second chance at love, and I don't want to waste it."

Sirius's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What are you getting at, Remus?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation. Remus took a deep breath, a smile spreading across his face. "What I'm trying to say, Sirius, is that I think it's time I asked Tonks to marry me." Sirius's face broke out into a wide grin. "That's bloody brilliant, mate!" he exclaimed, slapping Remus on the back. "I think Tonks will say yes, don't you?" Remus's face turned red, and he looked away, trying to hide his nervousness. "I hope so, Sirius. I really do."

The two friends sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the future. Then Sirius spoke up, "You know, Remus, I think this is the start of a new chapter in your life. One that's full of love, happiness, and possibility." Remus nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "I think you're right, Sirius. And I'm grateful to have friends like you and Harry who've been there for me every step of the way."

With a newfound sense of determination, Remus leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "I think I need some time to plan the perfect proposal, one that Tonks will never forget." Sirius chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Take your time, mate. It's worth it."

Sirius strolled over to the cabinet, his fluid movements exuding confidence as he retrieved a bottle of fire whiskey and two glasses. Remus watched him with a knowing smile, anticipating the toast that was to come. As Sirius poured the amber liquid into the glasses, he raised one in a toast. "To new beginnings, my friend," he said, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "May Tonks say yes." Remus chuckled and clinked his glass against Sirius's. "To love and happiness," he replied, taking a sip of the fiery whiskey.

The warm glow of the fire whiskey spread through their veins as they sat down, their conversation flowing easily. They talked about Harry, and how the young boy had inadvertently brought them both a second chance at love. Sirius shook his head, a laugh rumbling in his chest. "Can't believe it took a 12-year-old to convince us to move on," he said, his eyes twinkling with mirth. Remus nodded in agreement, a smile still playing on his lips. "We'd still be whining about Marlene and Dorcas if it wasn't for Harry," he said, his voice filled with gratitude.

Sirius raised his glass again, his gaze turning thoughtful. "To Harry, the matchmaker," he said, his voice filled with affection for the young boy. Remus chuckled and took another sip of his whiskey, the two friends savoring the moment.

Just as they were about to take another sip, they saw Amelia and Tonks returning from Amelia's room, their faces flushed and happy. Sirius and Remus exchanged a knowing glance, and Sirius said, "I think it's time we gave our last toast for now, to the happy couple-to-be." With that, they raised their glasses in a silent toast, their faces filled with warmth and anticipation. The fire crackled in the background, casting a warm glow over the scene as the two friends savored the moment, lost in their thoughts and hopes for the future.

As the evening drew to a close, Remus and Tonks bid farewell to Sirius and Amelia, embracing them warmly before stepping out into the chilly winter night. The darkness was illuminated only by the soft glow of luminescent street lamps as they made their way to the apparition point just beyond the manor's wards ready to head to tebor respective homes.

"I'm so glad we could spend some time with them," Tonks said, her voice barely above a whisper as she gazed up at Remus.

Remus smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Me too, my love," he replied, his voice low and husky.

Without warning, Tonks reached up and pulled Remus's head down, her lips meeting his in a passionate kiss. Remus's arms wrapped around her, lifting her off the ground as he deepened the kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the magic of their love.

As they finally broke apart for air, Remus grinned mischievously. "I think we've lingered long enough," he whispered, his eyes sparkling with intent.

Tonks's eyes gleamed with understanding, and she wrapped her legs around his waist. Instead of apparating to their separate homes, Remus apparated them to his place, the world around them blurring as they disappeared into the night.

Meanwhile, back at Bones Manor, Sirius was facing a barrage of questions from Amelia. "So, why did you and Remus suddenly feel the need for drinks?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she gazed at Sirius.

Sirius chuckled, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Let's just say Moony has some plans for Christmas," he replied, his voice low and conspiratorial.

Amelia's eyes widened in understanding, and she leaned in closer to Sirius. "Tell me more," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Sirius's grin grew wider. "Let's just say he's planning to make it a Christmas Tonks will never forget," he said, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

Amelia's face softened, a warm smile spreading across her face. "I'm sure she'll love it," she said, her voice filled with affection for her friend.

As the night wore on, the anticipation for Christmas and the upcoming wedding of Sirius and Amelia grew, but for Remus and Tonks, the night held a promise of romance and love that only they knew about.

Sirius's face suddenly fell as he remembered a crucial detail. He slammed his head with his palm, his expression turning comically exasperated. "Blimey, we're such plonkers!" he exclaimed, chuckling.

Amelia's eyes widened in confusion, a smile playing on her lips. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.

Sirius shook his head, laughing. "We convinced Remus to take up the D.A.D.A. professorship, but we completely forgot to ask Tonks if she'd be interested in teaching Dueling," he said, his voice laced with mirth.

Amelia giggled, her eyes sparkling with humor. "Oh dear, we didn't think that one through, did we?" she said, her voice playful.

Sirius nodded, his expression still comically rueful. "Remus is going to have a field day when he finds out. 'You forgot to ask my girlfriend if she wants to teach Dueling?' Yeah, that's gonna go well," he said, chuckling.

Amelia laughed, her shoulders shaking. "Well, I suppose we can always ask her tomorrow. I'm sure she'll be thrilled to know she's been volunteered for the job," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Sirius grinned, feeling a bit more lighthearted about the situation. "Yeah, let's get Remus to break the news to her. I'm sure he'll be delighted to be the bearer of good news," he said, chuckling.

The two of them dissolved into laughter, the tension in the room dissipating as they joked about their oversight.

As the night wore on, Amelia's lips met Sirius's in a passionate kiss. He swept her into his arms and carried her to their bedroom, the soft glow of the candles casting a warm ambiance.

Meanwhile, back at Hogwarts, it was past curfew time, but Albus Dumbledore sat in his office, a warm smile on his face as he read a letter from Sirius. The letter stated that Remus had accepted the offer to become the new D.A.D.A. professor, a position that would bring him closer to the students and allow him to impart his knowledge of Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with delight as he thought about the potential Remus would bring to the role. He leaned back in his chair, his mind already racing with the possibilities. The appointment would be announced after the Christmas break, but for now, it remained a secret known only to a select few.

As Dumbledore finished reading the letter, he folded it neatly and placed it in a drawer, a sense of anticipation building within him. The future of Hogwarts was looking bright, and with Remus on board, the school would be in good hands. Little did he know, Remus had another plan brewing, one that involved a certain Auror and a proposal.

In the Gryffindor boys' dormitory, Harry, Ron, and Neville were chatting and laughing as they stuffed their bags with clothes and books. Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan were nearby, joking around as they packed.

"I'm so glad we're going to have a break," Ron said, tossing a sweater into his trunk. "I've had enough of Quidditch practice for a while."

In the Gryffindor girls' dormitory, Hermione was helping Ginny pack her bags. "Don't forget to pack your warmest socks, Ginny," Hermione said, smiling. Ginny nodded, laughing as she stuffed a pair of bright pink socks into her trunk.

In the Slytherin boys' dormitory, Draco was packing his bags while trying to ignore the taunts of Theodore and Goyle. Blaise Zabini and Vincent Crabbe were also there, watching with interest.

"Hey, Malfoy, what's the point of packing your fancy clothes?" Theodore sneered. "You'll just end up getting them dirty over the holidays."

In the Slytherin girls' dormitory, Daisy was chatting with her friends Elorra Dunn and Astoria Greengrass as they packed their bags.

"I'm so excited for the holidays," Daisy said, grinning. "I'm going to spend some quality time with my family and maybe even learn some new magic tricks."

In the Hufflepuff girls' dormitory, Susan was packing her bags with her friends Hannah Abbott and Lily Moon. "I'm looking forward to a relaxing break," Susan said, smiling.

In the Hufflepuff boys' dormitory, Dudley was chatting with his friends Alan Wytch and Justin Flinch-Fletchley as they packed their bags.

"I'm so excited for the holidays," Dudley said, grinning. "I'm going to spend some quality time with my family and maybe even learn some new magic tricks."

In the Ravenclaw girls' dormitory, Luna and Samantha were sitting on their beds, surrounded by piles of clothes and books. Padma Patil and Sue Li were also there, chatting and laughing as they packed.

"I'm almost done packing," Luna said, smiling dreamily. "I just need to find my favorite hat."

In the Gryffindor boys' dormitory, Scorpius was chatting with his friends Collin Creevy and Nigel Brotch as they packed their bags.

"I'm looking forward to the holidays," Nigel said, grinning. "I'm going to spend some quality time with my family and maybe even learn some new Quidditch moves."

The tension in the Slytherin boys' dormitory escalated as Nott and Goyle continued to taunt Draco. Nott's insults became increasingly personal, and when he called Hermione a "mudblood" and accused Draco of being a traitor for associating with someone like her, Draco's eyes flashed with anger. His face burned with a mix of rage and protectiveness, and he couldn't bear the thought of anyone speaking ill of Hermione.

"How dare you," Draco spat, his voice venomous. "You have no right to speak about her like that."

Nott sneered, egging Draco on. "Oh, so you're defending the little mudblood now? You're really smitten, aren't you?"

Draco's temper snapped, and he lunged at Nott, but Theodore got in the way, and Draco punched him instead. Goyle joined Nott, siding with him against Draco, while Crabbe stood up for Draco, and the two groups clashed. Blaise Zabini quickly intervened, trying to break up the fight before it got out of hand.

"Stop it, all of you!" Blaise shouted, grabbing Draco's arm and holding him back. "This isn't worth it."

The fight slowly died down, with the boys grudgingly backing off. But the tension in the room remained palpable, and it was clear that the animosity between them would not be resolved anytime soon. Draco's chest heaved with anger and frustration, his mind still reeling with the insult to Hermione's name.

When Draco and Crabbe walked into the Slytherin common room, Daisy looked up from her conversation with Elorra Dunn and Astoria Greengrass. Her eyes widened with concern as she saw the nosebleed on Draco's face.

"Hey, what's going on?" Daisy asked, getting up from her seat and hurrying over to Draco. "You look like you've been in a scrap."

Draco's expression was tense, but he managed a small smile. "Just a disagreement with Nott," he said, wincing as he touched his nose.

Daisy frowned, her brow furrowed with worry. "Let me get you some ice," she said, hurrying off to get some from the common room's ice bucket. Crabbe hovered anxiously beside Draco, looking relieved when Daisy returned with the ice.

"Here, hold this against your nose," she instructed, handing Draco a cloth wrapped around some ice. Draco did as she said, and Daisy watched over him with a concerned expression.

"You're always getting into trouble," she said, her voice soft and teasing. Draco shot her a look, but Daisy just smiled and helped him adjust the ice pack. "I'll get you all fixed up."

Soon Daisy and Draco headed to the Great Hall for lunch, joining the Muskeeteers who were all gathered at the Hufflepuff table. The group was lively, with students from various houses chatting and laughing together. Crabbe, Dean, Blaise, Seamus, and others were engaged in animated conversations, while Fred and George were busy pulling off pranks on their friends.

Harry noticed Draco's nosebleed and asked him what had happened. Draco explained the situation with Nott, and Hermione scolded him for picking up fights over her sake.

"You're always doing this, Draco," Hermione said, her voice stern but concerned. "You don't have to defend me like that. I can take care of myself."

Draco shrugged, looking a bit sheepish. "I just can't stand the way he talks about you," he said, his voice low.

Harry watched the exchange with interest, his eyes flicking between Draco and Hermione. He knew that Draco had feelings for Hermione, and it seemed like Hermione was starting to realize it too.

Ron nodded in agreement with Draco, his eyes fixed on Hermione with a look of admiration. It was clear that Ron had feelings for Hermione too, and he was willing to support Draco's defense of her.

Meanwhile, Scorpius was trying to play it cool as he sat beside Rose, his secret crush. He blushed deeply, feeling his heart racing with excitement. But he took a deep breath, remembering the advice Harry had given him about being confident and genuine around the people he cared about.

Scorpius glanced over at Harry, who was watching him with a knowing look. Harry gave him a subtle nod of encouragement, and Scorpius felt a surge of determination. He was going to try his best to get to know Rose better and see where things might go.

As the group continued to chat and laugh, Scorpius found himself relaxing in Rose's presence. He started to engage in conversation with her, asking her about her interests and hobbies. Rose smiled and responded warmly, and Scorpius felt his heart skip a beat. Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something special.

As the group continued to chat and laugh, Ryan West, Rose's brother, looked less than pleased. Ginny noticed his expression and pieced together the situation. She realized that Scorpius had a crush on Rose, and this was what Harry and Scorpius had been discussing the other day.

Ginny's eyes widened slightly as she glanced over at Scorpius, who was trying to play it cool beside Rose. She remembered Harry's refusal to tell her what he and Scorpius had been talking about, and now it all made sense.

Ginny's gaze drifted over to Harry, who was watching Scorpius with a knowing look. She smiled to herself, happy to see her friends happy. She knew that Harry would do everything he could to support Scorpius, and she was grateful for her boyfriend's kind heart.

As the group began to disperse to finish packing for the Christmas break, Scorpius was walking on cloud nine. Rose had just kissed him on the cheek before wishing him a Merry Christmas, and he was still reeling from the shock. He was so red-faced and stunned that he couldn't even reply.

Ryan, on the other hand, didn't look pleased. He shot Scorpius a disapproving glance before turning to leave. Scorpius didn't notice, too caught up in his own happiness.

"Hey, Scorp, congrats, mate!" Harry said with a grin, clapping Scorpius on the back. "Looks like Rose likes you!"

Scorpius's face turned an even deeper shade of red as he smiled, still looking dazed. "Thanks, Harry," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

The next morning, the Muskeeteers, joined by the Twins and Percy, boarded the train to King's Cross for the Christmas holidays. Upon arrival, they were greeted by their parents or guardians, who were all standing together. The students eagerly joined their families, exchanging excited chatter.

Hermione bid farewell to her friends, promising to meet at the wedding, and left with her parents, Juliet and Daniel. Neville followed suit, departing with his grandmother. Scorpius and Draco said their goodbyes before leaving with their mother, who was chatting with Sirius, her cousin. Luna also departed with her father.

Harry kissed Ginny goodbye as she, Ron, the Twins, and Percy left with their mother, Molly. "See you soon, love," Harry said, smiling. Ginny smiled back, "Merry Christmas, Harry." Harry assured Mrs. Weasley that he, Daisy, Dudley, Grandma Tucker, Sirius, Amelia, Susan, and Remus would be at the Burrow for Christmas dinner.

Samantha had a slightly awkward moment as Remus was present, and she still hadn't fully accepted him as her father. She left with Olivia and Pyre, promising to return for the wedding.

It was decided that Harry, Daisy, Dudley, and Grandma Tucker would live at Bones Manor with Amelia, Sirius, and Susan until the wedding. So, they all Flooed to the manor along with Remus. As they arrived, the warm atmosphere of the manor enveloped them, and they began to settle in for the holiday season.

The Bones Manor was bustling with activity as the wedding preparations were underway. After unpacking, Harry, Dudley, and Daisy joined in to help Remus and Tonks with the preparations. They were tasked with decorating the grand hall and setting up the tables for the reception.

Sirius, meanwhile, headed to the Ministry to pick up Amelia for a date, leaving the others to handle the preparations. Grandma Tucker joined the Bones Manor house-elves in the kitchen, where they were busy preparing the wedding feast.

"Alright, kids, let's get to work," Remus said, handing out rolls of fabric and streamers. "We need to make this place look magical."

"I'm on it, Uncle Moony," Daisy said, taking a roll of fabric and starting to decorate the tables.

"I'm not sure I'm good at this," Dudley said, looking at the streamers uncertainly.

"Don't worry, Dud, I'll help you," Harry said, taking a streamer and showing Dudley how to hang it up.

Tonks, meanwhile, was busy arranging the flowers and greenery, chatting with Remus as they worked. "I'm so excited for the wedding," she said, smiling at him.

Remus smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Me too, Tonks. It's going to be a wonderful day."

That night, after dinner, Harry, Daisy, Dudley, and Susan decided to take a walk with Remus around the grounds of Bones Manor. The evening air was crisp, and the stars were beginning to twinkle in the sky. Amelia and Sirius were still out on their date, and Grandma Tucker had retired to her room for the night. Tonks had also headed back to her home, leaving the group to enjoy the peaceful evening.

As they strolled, Remus turned to the group and said, "I've got a secret to share with you all." He looked around conspiratorially, a hint of a smile on his face. "I'm planning to propose to Tonks on the 25th."

The group exchanged excited glances. "That's wonderful, Uncle Moony!" Daisy exclaimed. "We're all so happy for you."

"I knew you guys would be supportive," Remus said, looking relieved. "I've been thinking about this for a while now, and I think it's the perfect time. Tonks is an amazing person, and I love her more than words can say."

Harry grinned. "We'll make sure to keep it a secret until then. When were you thinking of proposing?"

Remus thought for a moment. "I was thinking of taking her on a surprise trip to the lake at sunset. The scenery is beautiful, and it'll be a perfect setting for a proposal."

Remus's eyes sparkled with excitement as he shared his news. "There's something else I want to tell you all. I've been offered the position of the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and I'm considering it."

The group's eyes widened in surprise. "That's amazing, Uncle Moony!" Daisy exclaimed. "You'll be an awesome teacher!"

Remus smiled, looking pleased. "Thank you, kids. But there's a catch. I'll only accept the offer if Samantha agrees. I don't want her to feel awkward or uncomfortable because I'm her teacher and... well, her father."

Harry nodded understandingly. "That makes sense. You'll talk to her tomorrow, right?"

Remus nodded. "Yes, I'll ask her tomorrow and see what she thinks. If she's not comfortable with it, I'll decline the offer. Her feelings are more important to me than any job."

The group fell silent for a moment, considering Remus's words. Then, Dudley spoke up. "We'll support you either way, Remus. You're an amazing person, and we know you'll be an amazing teacher too."

Next morning, after breakfast, Remus found himself standing outside the door of the Jones residence. He took a deep breath, rang the bell, and waited. The door was opened by Olivia, who greeted him warmly. "Remus, come in. What brings you here today?"

Remus asked about Pyre, and Olivia replied that she was out on a date with Charlie. He then asked to speak with Samantha. Olivia called out to Samantha, who came downstairs, her smile vanishing as she saw Remus. Remus's heart sank at her reaction, but he tried to remain composed.

"I wanted to talk to you in private, Samantha," Remus said gently.

Samantha shook her head. "Talk with my mother present, please," she emphasized, her voice firm.

Olivia began to rebuke Samantha, but Remus intervened. "It's alright, Olivia. I understand."

Samantha's eyes flashed with a mix of emotions, but she maintained her composure. Remus took a deep breath and began to explain his plan. "Samantha, I wanted to talk to you about something important. I'm planning to propose to Tonks on Christmas Day, and I wanted to make sure you're okay with it."

Samantha listened intently, her expression unreadable. Though she didn't show it, she was touched that Remus was asking for her opinion. However, she still wanted to wait a bit longer before fully accepting him as her father, so she maintained her cold exterior. After a moment, she nodded. "I'm alright with it."

Remus took a deep breath and continued, "There's something else I wanted to discuss with you, Samantha. I've been offered a position as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts, and I'm considering accepting it." He paused, looking at Samantha with concern. "However, I want to make sure you're alright with it before I make a decision. If you're not comfortable with me teaching at your school, I won't accept the offer."

Samantha's expression was thoughtful, and she seemed to be weighing her options. Remus waited patiently for her response, knowing that her feelings and comfort were paramount.

Samantha nodded slowly, her expression softening slightly. "I'm alright with you teaching, Remus."

Remus's face lit up with a warm smile. "Thank you, Samantha. That means a lot to me."

He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "There's something else I'd like to ask you. I've been thinking of visiting Dorcas's grave, and I was wondering if you'd like to accompany me."

Samantha's eyes widened, and she looked torn. She had only been to the grave once before, and the thought of going again with Remus was both daunting and tempting. After a moment, she nodded. "Yes, I'd like to go."

Remus's smile faltered slightly at her hesitation, but he was relieved that she had agreed. "I'll take you there soon," he promised.

Before leaving, Remus turned to Olivia. "May I take Samantha with me to visit the grave?"

Olivia's face softened. "Of course, Remus. You're her father, after all."

Samantha snorted, rolling her eyes. "Yeah, right," she muttered under her breath.

Remus's smile faltered, and he felt a pang of sadness. He knew he still had a long way to go to win Samantha's trust and affection.

Remus side-along apparated Samantha to the graveyard in Devon. As soon as they arrived, Samantha dropped Remus's hand and coughed slightly, looking a bit discomfited. "I'm not exactly comfortable with apparition," she admitted.

Remus chuckled and smiled reassuringly. "It gets easier with practice," he said.

However, Samantha's response was silence. She stood still, her eyes fixed on the grave in front of them. Remus followed her gaze and saw the headstone with the name "Dorcas" etched on it. He felt a pang of sadness and nostalgia, but he waited patiently for Samantha to break the silence.

Remus kneeled down in front of Dorcas's grave, his eyes fixed on the headstone as if he had forgotten Samantha's presence. He began to speak in a low, emotional tone, "Last time I was here, I came to tell you that I'm moving on with Tonks. Today, I'm here to tell you that I've finally told Samantha the truth about us, about her."

He paused, taking a deep breath as his voice cracked. "I want you to know that I'll never forget you, Dorcas. You'll always have a special place in my heart. I'm so sorry for leaving you, for not knowing about our daughter until years later. I broke my promise to protect you."

Remus's words were punctuated by sobs as he broke down, tears streaming down his face. Samantha watched him, torn between her feelings. She understood that he still blamed himself for what happened to her mother, and a part of her wanted to comfort him. But she remained silent, unsure of what to do.

As Remus continued to cry, Samantha's expression softened slightly, her eyes fixed on the grave and the man kneeling beside it. She saw the pain and guilt etched on his face, and for a moment, she felt a pang of sympathy for him. But she didn't move, didn't speak, as she struggled to process her emotions.

Samantha's thoughts swirled as she watched Remus cry. She was torn, unsure if she was being too hard on him. He was hurting, and it wasn't like he had deliberately abandoned her. He didn't even know about her. But still, the pain lingered.

As she looked at Remus, she saw the anguish on his face, and her heart softened. She made a decision, one that felt both scary and right. She wrapped her arms around him, holding him tightly as she tried to soothe him.

"Dad," she said softly, the word feeling strange but familiar on her lips. It was the first time she had ever called him that, and Remus's body stiffened in surprise.

He looked up at her, his eyes red-rimmed and tear-stained, and for a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, Remus's face crumpled, and he pulled her into a tight hug.

"Dad?" he whispered, his voice shaking. "You called me dad."

Samantha nodded, feeling a lump form in her throat. "I know," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry it's taken me so long."

Remus held her tightly, his tears of sorrow slowly giving way to tears of joy. He had never thought he'd hear Samantha call him dad, and the sound of it was like music to his ears.

Next Chapter is Merry Christmas !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  I had a hard time thinking an appropriate name for this chapter. But then I found a common theme. And ofcourse it is , there was Hinny romance , Sirelia and Remadora too with hints of Scorpius's first crush , and bits of Draco's crush on Hermione and Ron's too. For other Muskeeteers I am not revealing the final ships yet but it is already planned even with the name of their kids , let's see who will get whom. And what do you think of this chapter , Moony proposing Dora!!! Moony getting job !!!! Moony got accepted by Sam !!!Might as well have named chapter Moony getting everything. Anyways  next chapter will be on next Wednesday, July 30. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 38: Merry Christmas

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The wind whispered gently through the graveyard, rustling the dry winter grass and stirring the bare branches overhead. A low hush seemed to settle over the world, as if the earth itself were holding its breath for the two figures standing by Dorcas Meadowes’s grave — a father and daughter finally beginning to bridge a chasm carved by time, war, and unspoken grief.

Remus clung to Samantha as if afraid she might vanish if he let go. He had spent so many years wrapped in guilt and loss that the warmth of her arms felt like redemption itself. The silence between them wasn’t uncomfortable — it was sacred. A stillness filled with understanding, long overdue.

After a long while, Samantha gently pulled back. Her eyes were shimmering, though no tears had yet fallen. She looked at him, not with cold reservation, but with cautious openness. "You don't have to keep apologizing, you know," she said quietly. "You didn’t know. And… you’re here now."

Remus nodded, wiping at his eyes with the sleeve of his cloak. “Thank you,” he whispered. “For giving me this chance. For letting me in.”

“I’m still angry sometimes,” she admitted honestly. “Not just at you. At the world. For what happened to Mum. For everything that kept us apart.”

“You have every right to be,” he said, his voice rough but steady now. “I won’t pretend I can fix everything, or make it all right. But I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to be the father you deserve.”

They stood in silence again, but now it was lighter, a shared weight lifted slightly between them.

Samantha knelt beside him, brushing a few stray leaves off the grave. Her hand hovered near the carved letters of Dorcas’s name.

“I used to come here a lot,” she said. “Especially when I was little. I’d talk to her like she could hear me. I used to ask her why I didn’t have a dad.”

Remus closed his eyes for a moment, the ache in his chest returning — but this time, it was softer, more bittersweet than brutal. “And now?”

Samantha looked at him, a small but genuine smile on her lips. “Now I’ll tell her you’re trying.”

Remus couldn’t hold back the chuckle that escaped him — short and wet with lingering emotion, but real nonetheless. “She’d like that. She always believed in second chances.”

Samantha glanced at him, her voice a little lighter now. “You really loved her, didn’t you?”

“With everything I had,” Remus said without hesitation. “But it wasn’t enough to keep her safe. That… will always be my greatest failure.”

“Stop,” Samantha said, gently but firmly. “You’ve been blaming yourself for too long. She made her choice, and the world was cruel. But I think… she would’ve wanted you to keep living. Loving. And I think she would’ve liked Tonks.”

That surprised him. “You do?”

“She’s a bit mad,” Samantha said, smirking faintly. “But she makes you smile. And I think Mum would want you to smile.”

Remus stared at her, wonder blooming in his chest. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

Samantha rolled her eyes, but her cheeks pinkened. “You’re just biased.”

He smiled, standing slowly and offering her a hand. “Maybe. But I’m still right.”

She took his hand, and together they stood before Dorcas’s grave once more.

“Do you want to say anything to her before we go?” Remus asked gently.

Samantha hesitated, then stepped forward. She cleared her throat and knelt once more.

“Hi, Mum,” she began softly. “It’s me. I… I’m not alone anymore. Dad found me. Or maybe I found him. Doesn’t matter. He’s here. And he loves me. And I think you’d be proud of him.”

She swallowed, then added, “I’ll still visit you. But I think… I think I’m ready to live now.”

She stood up, and Remus slipped an arm around her shoulder. Together, they turned and began walking back toward the path that led out of the graveyard, their footsteps slow but steady.

As they neared the gate, Samantha gave his hand a squeeze. “You’re still planning the proposal for Christmas?”

Remus blinked in surprise. “Yes. Sunset by the lake. I thought… maybe you'd come with me earlier that day. Help me set up?”

Samantha nodded. “I’d like that.”

He beamed at her. “Then it’s a plan.”

They stepped out into the chilly afternoon, the air crisp with the promise of snow. For the first time in years, Remus felt the icy breeze on his face and didn’t feel hollow inside. He felt… whole.

They didn’t speak much as they made their way back, but they didn’t need to. Their bond — fragile but forming — spoke louder than words ever could.

And somewhere, unseen by the world, a light shimmered gently over Dorcas Meadowes’s grave, as if the universe itself acknowledged the healing begun that day.

The crack of Apparition echoed faintly through the chilly evening air, drawing Olivia Jones’s eyes toward the sitting room where the glow of the floo fire flickered warmly. She quickly set aside her book, her instincts sharper than ever since Sam had been withdrawn these past weeks.

As Remus and Samantha stepped in, Olivia’s sharp eyes took in the shift instantly. Something had changed.

Remus’s expression was subdued but undeniably peaceful. There was a trace of quiet wonder behind his tired eyes — the look of a man who had found something he thought lost forever. But it was Samantha who confirmed the change. There was lightness to her steps, a softness in her expression Olivia hadn’t seen in weeks. Her shoulders no longer seemed burdened by the invisible weight of unanswered questions.

"You're back early," Olivia said gently, stepping into the room. "Everything all right?"

Samantha looked up at her, her mouth curling into a genuine smile — tentative, but real. "Yeah. Everything’s… good."

She leaned in to hug Olivia tightly before whispering, “I’m going to my room. I just… need a bit of time to think.”

Olivia stroked her hair as she always had since Samantha was small. "Take your time, sweetheart. I’m here when you're ready."

Samantha nodded, then slipped quietly toward her room, her footsteps soft on the carpeted floor.

As the door clicked shut, Olivia turned to Remus, eyes questioning.

“She forgave me,” he said softly, the emotion in his voice just beneath the surface. “She asked questions. I answered them all — honestly. She cried. I cried. We… we talked about Dorcas. About the past. And… about the future.”

Olivia gave him a look that was at once kind and a little guarded. “And what does she want now?”

Remus gave a small, almost bittersweet smile. “She wants to stay with you. With Pyre. This is her home, and I understand that completely. But she said she might want to visit me. Maybe spend some time during the holidays or over the summer.”

Olivia exhaled slowly, a mix of relief and sadness flickering across her face. “That’s… fair. You’re her father, Remus. You have every right. But she’s our girl too. Philip and I raised her with every bit of love we had.”

Remus’s gaze drifted toward the mantel where a photograph of Philip Jones sat beside one of Dorcas. He walked to it, fingers brushing over the wooden frame.

“I know,” he said softly. “And I’ll always be grateful to both of you. You gave her everything she needed. Philip…” he paused, eyes locked on the picture, “Philip would be proud. He promised Dorcas he would keep Samantha safe. He did.”

Olivia stepped beside him, looking at the same photo. “She has two families now. And it seems, maybe, just maybe… that’s what she needed all along.”

Remus nodded, voice thick. “She called me ‘Dad.’ Just once. Right before we Apparated back. I don’t think she meant to. But… it meant everything.”

Olivia gave his arm a gentle squeeze. “She meant it.”

They stood in silence for a few more moments before Remus cleared his throat and straightened. “I should get back to Bones Manor. The wedding’s in a week, and there’s still too much to help with. Besides,” he added with a half-smile, “Harry and Dudley will be expecting a full report.”

Olivia chuckled lightly. “Tell them she’s okay. Tell them she’s healing. Slowly.”

“I will.” He moved toward the fireplace, grabbing a pinch of floo powder. Then paused. “Thank you, Olivia. For everything.”

“Just be a good father now,” Olivia said, eyes firm but kind. “She’s given you a chance.”

“I won’t waste it,” Remus promised, before stepping into the flames.

“Bones Manor!” he called clearly, and with a flash of green fire, he vanished.

Samantha sat in her room, knees pulled to her chest as she stared out the frosted window. Her reflection in the glass shimmered, hair shifting slightly from soft brown to a streaked chestnut-red as her thoughts raced.

She didn’t know exactly what she felt. Relief? Definitely. Hope? Maybe. A part of her had let go of the old anger — the burning question of why he hadn't come for her. Now, she had answers. Not perfect ones, but enough.

Her fingers curled around the small token Remus had given her before they left the grave. It was a simple thing — a tiny pendant of a silver wolf howling under a crescent moon, no larger than a knut. “Dorcas wore this,” he had said. “She would have  wanted you to have it.”

Sam closed her hand around it tightly.

Maybe things wouldn’t be simple.

But maybe they’d be better.

And for now, that was enough.

The moment the green flames whooshed to life in the Bones Manor drawing room fireplace, four figures practically sprang up from the couches like coiled springs. Remus Lupin stepped out of the Floo, brushing soot off his worn cloak, and was immediately surrounded.

"Uncle Moony!" Daisy exclaimed, throwing her arms around his waist.

Susan gave him a bright, expectant smile. “How did it go?”

“Did she say yes?” Harry asked breathlessly. “I mean… to both things?”

Dudley, quieter than the rest, hovered near the back but his eyes were locked on Remus, an unusual intensity in them. He was trying to appear casual, but his fingers fiddled with the hem of his sleeve.

Remus laughed—more freely than he had in weeks—and dropped his bag gently to the side before straightening up. "Yes," he said softly, "to both things."

The room burst into motion. Daisy whooped with delight and launched into a happy twirl before hugging him again. Harry clapped him on the back, his emerald eyes lit with unrestrained joy. Susan let out a relieved breath and smiled warmly.

But it was Dudley, unusually quiet, who stepped forward next. His grin slowly widened, and his voice was soft but sure. “I knew she would.”

Remus looked at him, something flickering behind his eyes—respect, gratitude, maybe a touch of emotion. "I suspect your words helped more than you realise, Dudley. She didn't say much about it, but I could tell."

Dudley flushed but didn’t look away.

Harry looked between them, his brow furrowed slightly in curiosity, but chose not to ask—he’d learned that some things mattered more when left to be shared in their own time.

“Tell us everything,” Daisy urged, tugging Remus toward the couch.

They all crowded around, Remus seated in the middle like some honoured storyteller.

“Well,” he began, “she let me in, which was a good start. Pyre wasn't there. We spoke for a while—about Dorcas, about the past, about what I should have done sooner. She listened.”

His voice was low, even as the others leaned in.

“I told her that I’ve been offered the DADA post and that I’d only take it if she was comfortable. She said she was. She actually… wants to be in the same castle as me. She even joked about me giving her unfair marks, so I suppose we’re progressing already.”

They laughed softly, the tension melting.

“And then,” Remus continued, his fingers twined, “I told her about Tonks. That I love her. That I want to propose. I asked if that made her feel strange… or hurt.”

He paused. His voice dropped a note.

“She said, and I quote—‘you’re my dad, not a ghost. You deserve to be happy too.’”

The quiet that followed those words was deep and meaningful.

Harry reached out, clasping Remus’s arm. “She’s incredible.”

“She is,” Remus agreed, visibly blinking away some moisture from his eyes.

“She’ll come to live with you?” Susan asked gently.

He nodded. “We’re discussing how. Olivia’s been a good mother to her. So, we’ll work something out. But yes. She wants to spend more time with me. That’s more than I hoped for.”

Dudley, whose eyes hadn’t left Remus this entire time, finally said, “You’re a good dad. That’s why she said yes.”

Remus blinked again. “Thank you, Dudley.”

The clock chimed in the distance, a soft and dignified reminder that the evening was drawing on, but none of them moved. The fire crackled. A warmth—deeper than the flames—lingered in the room.

Harry grinned and leaned back. “This might be the best Christmas ever.”

Daisy leaned on his shoulder, nodding. “And it hasn’t even started yet.”

“You’re both lucky,” Harry said quietly. “You and Tonks. And Sam.”

Remus looked at him, his voice low. “We all are, Harry. Especially me.”

For a few quiet moments, they simply sat there. A new calm settled in the drawing room of Bones Manor—of wounds mending, families forming, and hearts beginning to hope again.

And Christmas had yet to begin.

As soon as Amelia and Sirius stepped through the grand entrance of Bones Manor, both still laughing quietly over some private joke from their date, Daisy ran up to them with a wide, excited smile. The soft evening light from the enchanted chandelier overhead shimmered in her red-tinged hair as she practically bounced on her heels.

Sam said yes!” she blurted out. “She finally accepted Remus! She called him Dad, Sirius! Properly, like for real this time!”

Amelia’s expression softened with warmth, and she gently cupped Daisy’s cheek. “That’s wonderful, sweetheart.”

Sirius blinked in surprise, then whooped and swung Daisy into a quick spin, grinning. “That’s my girl! About time, I say!”

Daisy giggled as he put her down and added quickly, “I already told Grandma too!”

From the sitting room, Grandma Tucker’s voice rang out, firm but pleased. “And I’m very glad to hear it! That poor man’s waited long enough.”

Amelia chuckled and shared a glance with Sirius before the sound of the front door opening again turned all heads. Tonks stumbled in, cheeks pink from the cold and hair a wild mix of lavender and turquoise. She kicked off her boots with a tired sigh.

“Long day?” Sirius asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Ugh, brutal,” she groaned. “Two minor hexings, one prank duel gone wrong, and a wizard who accidentally turned his nose into a flute.”

“Well, we’ve got better news here,” Amelia said warmly as she helped Tonks with her coat. “Sam finally accepted Remus.”

Tonks blinked, then grinned slowly. “She did? That’s—wow. I’m really happy for him. For them both.” Her voice turned gentle. “Bet he’s feeling like a real dad tonight.”

With spirits high and hearts lighter, the household fell naturally into renewed wedding preparations. Amelia led a discussion about seating charts and vow wording. Sirius insisted on adding in a prank clause “just in case,” which Amelia vetoed with a look. Daisy and Tonks debated flower choices, Grandma Tucker chimed in about sensible charms to prevent wardrobe malfunctions, and  the house-elf buzzed around taking notes with enthusiastic squeaks.

Later that night, Harry retreated to the quiet of his guest room. The warm blankets and the flickering fire quickly lulled him into a calm state. As his eyes fluttered shut, a familiar golden glow enveloped him—and he slipped into Dreamland.

Ginny was already there.

She stood near the banks of their shimmering lake, dressed in her usual Dreamland robes—deep red trimmed in soft gold. Her red hair caught the light of the ever-setting sun, casting dancing reflections over the waters.

Harry appeared just behind her and hugged her waist from behind. “Hey, Gin.”

Ginny leaned back against him with a happy sigh. “Hey, love.” She turned in his arms and gave him a lingering kiss. “You’re late.”

“Blame Sirius,” Harry chuckled. “They came back from their date and things got a bit exciting.”

Ginny looked up at him curiously. “Exciting how?”

Harry grinned. “Sam accepted Remus.”

Her eyes widened, and she instantly broke into a bright smile. “Really? That’s amazing! He must be over the moon.”

“He is,” Harry said, tugging her gently toward their usual stone bench by the willow tree. “I wasn’t there for the actual moment. But I could tell Remus had that look all day.”

Ginny giggled and sat with him, pulling her knees up to her chest. “I’m glad. I’ve seen how hard he’s been trying.”

Harry nodded, then added with a mischievous glint in his eye, “Oh, and there’s more. He’s going to be our new DADA professor.”

Ginny’s jaw dropped. “What?! No way!”

“Way,” Harry laughed. “Starting January. It’s all set.”

Ginny shook her head in wonder. “Wow. That’s… actually brilliant. He’ll be amazing.”

“I know,” Harry agreed softly. “He’s already been teaching me bits here and there. And, well… he’s proposing to Tonks on Christmas.”

Ginny squealed and practically tackled him into the grass, laughing with joy. “That’s so romantic! Oh, I hope she says yes!”

“She will,” Harry said confidently, twining his fingers through hers. “They’re perfect for each other.”

They lay there a while, listening to the gentle waves and phoenix song echoing from the distant hills of their realm. Eventually, Ginny sat up and stretched.

“Alright,” she said, cracking her knuckles. “Training time, Lord Potter.”

Harry groaned playfully. “Slave driver.”

She poked his cheek. “You promised.”

With a grin, Harry rose and summoned two glowing dummies from thin air. “Alright then. Second-year spell set, round two.”

Ginny drew her wand, eyes sparkling. “Let’s do this.”

The session that followed was focused but filled with laughter. Harry guided Ginny through proper wrist movements for Everte Statum and corrected her pronunciation on Impedimenta. Though Ginny possessed his memories of the spells, it still took real-world effort to attune her magical core to their flow. Harry patiently stepped through each motion, adjusting her angles and reinforcing the intent behind every incantation.

“Try again,” he said as she fumbled a stunning spell.

Ginny huffed. “You made it look easy.”

“You’ve got the strength,” he reassured her. “You just need to feel the rhythm of it in your core. Let your magic flow—don’t push it.”

She took a breath, steadied herself, and this time her Stupefy struck the dummy square in the chest, knocking it backwards.

Harry whooped and clapped. “That’s my girl!”

Ginny grinned and mock-bowed. “All thanks to my annoyingly perfect tutor.”

They continued for another hour—defensive spells, basic counters, shielding. By the end, both were sweating lightly, and Hinny the phoenix had flown down to perch nearby, humming contentedly.

As they sat again under the Dreamland willow, Ginny leaned her head on Harry’s shoulder. “You know… sometimes I think this place is what keeps me sane.”

Harry wrapped an arm around her and whispered, “It keeps me whole.”

And as Dreamland’s skies shimmered above them, the young couple drifted into quiet contentment—hearts light, minds sharp, and a future of magic and love just waiting to unfold.

Soon it was time for waking up as the dreamland started shaking. Harry and Ginny shared one last kiss under the flowering willow tree, fingers interlaced, reluctant to let go. As the world around them shimmered into mist, they whispered a soft “I love you” in unison, then faded apart.

Harry stirred awake in his room at Bones Manor. It was precisely 5 a.m., just as his body had trained itself over months of discipline. The early winter air seeped through the slightly cracked window, crisp and invigorating. He sat up, stretched, and glanced briefly at the empty perch where Poco now dozed near the wardrobe instead. Hedwig was still out hunting, and Kluer was curled at the foot of the bed in her usual swirling hues of pale blue and lilac, a sure sign of her peaceful slumber.

Moments later, a soft knock on the adjoining door announced Dudley’s arrival. "Morning, Cuz," he said with a grin, already dressed in warm joggers and a hoodie.

"Morning, Duds," Harry replied, smiling back.

The two boys slipped into their routine without a word — stretching, push-ups, a short jog around the enchanted perimeter of the manor grounds (protected from outside view by Amelia’s wards), then a series of yoga asanas and a brief meditation. It was exactly like the mornings they had spent back at Fawcett Manor, comforting and grounding.

Once freshened up, they made their way to the dining room, where the house-elves Twinky and Dimpy had laid out breakfast. Grandma Tucker was already seated, sipping her tea and knitting something in red and gold wool — a mystery project Harry had not dared ask about yet. Daisy was next to her, in a moss-green jumper with sleepy eyes and her usual dramatic bed-hair, pet owl Roxy peering at her from the chair’s armrest.

Amelia had finally begun her long-awaited holiday. She entered the room still in her deep blue dressing gown, hair loosely braided back, but her face was more relaxed than usual — a rare softness around her eyes replacing her usual intensity. Susan followed her, whispering something that made them both chuckle as they joined the table.

"Morning, everyone," Amelia said warmly as she took her place. “Starting today, I’m officially not chasing dark wizards until after the honeymoon.”

That earned a cheer from Dudley and a raised toast of pumpkin juice from Harry. Breakfast was a hearty spread: fried eggs, sausages, toast with various jams, steaming oats, and sliced fruit. The atmosphere was warm and full of chatter — the kind of lively start that could only come from being surrounded by loved ones.

Later that morning, the fireplace in the drawing room flared green one after another as the rest of the Weasleys arrived. Molly was the first to step through, her arms full of enchanted cloth rolls and crockery cases. Arthur followed, pushing a wheeled crate that emitted the occasional puff of glittering smoke. Percy came next, already fussing over a checklist he’d begun the moment he landed, followed by Fred and George who practically bounced in and shouted together, "Tent time!"

Ron tumbled out with an armful of enchanted pegs, while Ginny emerged right after, cheeks flushed and eyes immediately seeking Harry's. He smiled and squeezed her hand in greeting, before they both turned to help Molly who was already directing chaos with natural efficiency.

“Charlie’s right behind us!” Molly said, catching a floating bowl of fairy lights before it knocked into Arthur’s ear.

“Already here,” Charlie announced, stepping out of the flames, carrying Pyre in his arms bridal-style, much to her embarrassed laughter. Her brown curls were bouncing with static from the Floo.

The grounds behind Bones Manor had already been partially cleared and flattened the day before. It was a wide open stretch of soft winter grass lined with hedge walls on two sides. Now, under Molly’s supervision and with the aid of house-elves and underage magic freely allowed under Amelia’s temporary blanket permission, the wedding tent began to rise.

Fred and George transfigured the main tent poles into sleek white pillars with golden trimming. Charlie levitated the tent canvas into place — a magical fabric that shimmered faintly between pearl-white and dusk-gold depending on light. Ginny and Susan laid out the runic circles under the flooring to keep it warm and weatherproof. Harry and Ron worked together anchoring the sides with a mixture of physical effort and wandless charmwork, Harry occasionally showing Ron how to steady his aim with a breath technique.

Percy, ever the perfectionist, supervised the placement of tables inside the large tent, measuring symmetry down to the last inch. “It’s a wedding, not a dueling championship,” Fred muttered, floating chairs into formation behind him.

“Tell that to Amelia,” Percy retorted without looking up, “She said ‘not a single edge crooked,’ her exact words.”

Daisy and Dudley were busy helping Twinky and Dimpy organize the kitchen tent adjacent to the main one. Daisy looked proud of herself when she managed to levitate a stack of silver platters without wobbling, and Dudley gave her an exaggerated bow when she did. Pyre chuckled at the two of them, then gently guided them to sort the mini cauldrons for hot beverages.

Meanwhile, Arthur was gleefully setting up a corner display of magical Muggle-themed contraptions for the guests to amuse themselves with — rubber duckies that quacked tunes, enchanted ViewMasters, and what he proudly called a “Muggle photo booth” charmed to print out moving photographs. Hermione would have been thrilled.

As the hours passed, the work turned festive. Fred started a chorus of wizarding carols, quickly joined by George and Susan. Ginny pulled Harry toward a floating ribbon charm she was threading through the tent’s ceiling, their fingers brushing as they tied together sparkling green and red garlands.

“I still can’t believe they’re getting married in just a week,” Ginny said softly.

“Neither can I,” Harry replied, watching Sirius and Amelia across the grounds — she was mock-chastising him for attempting to carry two crates at once while he was very clearly sneaking glances at her.

Ginny grinned. “They’re ridiculously in love.”

Harry looked at her sideways, a familiar warmth rising in his chest. “They’re not the only ones.”

Ginny’s eyes sparkled. “Nope,” she said, popping the ‘p’ as she floated up briefly and planted a kiss on his cheek.

“Oi, lovebirds!” Ron called, “Less flirting, more floating garlands!”

Harry laughed, giving Ginny a wink before getting back to work.

By late afternoon, the wedding site looked like a scene from a fairy tale. The main tent was complete, warm light already glowing from within. A long glass path had been conjured leading from the Manor door to the tent entrance, scattered with preserved winter roses. Dozens of lanterns floated gently over the grounds, glowing in soft golds, blues, and silvers. Off to the side, a small pavilion was being raised — Sirius’s idea for last-minute duels or impromptu dancing.

“Looks beautiful,” Amelia said, standing beside Sirius with her hands on her hips.

“Not as beautiful as the bride,” Sirius replied with his usual charm, earning a mock groan from the twins and a blush from Amelia.

"Alright, everyone!" Molly called, clapping her hands and ending the day's efforts, “Back inside for cocoa and supper! The rest can wait until tomorrow.”

With content smiles and glowing cheeks, everyone began heading back into the Manor, laughing and talking, dusted with snow and magic. Harry lingered for just a moment with Ginny at the path’s edge, looking back at the tent, hand in hand.

“Going to be quite the wedding,” he murmured.

Ginny leaned her head on his shoulder. “A perfect one,” she whispered.

And with that, they turned and followed the others inside, warm lights and home awaiting them.

This continued for two more days. Preparations were in full swing at Bones Manor, and the arrival of the Weasleys and Pyre marked the final wave of family and guests expected before Christmas. The large estate buzzed with activity as the Musketeers, adults, and house-elves alike fell into a rhythm. Twinky and Dimpy from Fawcett Manor collaborated seamlessly with the two elder house-elves of Bones Manor—Toppsy and Rumble, a no-nonsense, elderly female and a sprightly male elf respectively—who had served the Bones family for generations. Together, the elves coordinated every aspect of the wedding preparation with expert efficiency and the occasional gleeful snapping of fingers.

Everyone worked tirelessly to complete the decorations, finalize the seating plans, and charm the surroundings by the eve of Christmas. The general consensus was clear: nobody wanted to lift a wand for work on Christmas itself. Dudley, munching on gingerbread one evening, even quipped, “Christmas wedding sounds sweet till you realise you’ll have no one willing to tie ribbons on Christmas morning.” The observation earned a laugh from the group—and an approving nod from Grandma Tucker.

On Christmas Eve morning, as promised long ago by Molly, the entire group—including the twelve Musketeers, their families, and close friends—made their way to the Burrow. It was a carefully choreographed affair: Susan stayed behind with Amelia for some final checks at Bones Manor, while Pyre accompanied her mother, Olivia, to the Burrow directly. Hermione arrived with both her parents, Juliet and Dan Granger, visibly nervous but warmed quickly by the home’s chaotic charm. Samantha, upon arrival, broke into a grin and ran straight into Remus’s arms.

“Hi, Papa,” she whispered against his robes.

Remus smiled as if the world had stopped moving. His eyes shimmered with restrained emotion, and he whispered back, “Thank you, cub,” holding her just a little tighter. That single moment reaffirmed for him that her acceptance days ago hadn’t been a dream.

Bill Weasley had arrived the previous day from Egypt and was already wrestling a magically enlarged trunk into a corner with Fred and George, who were both trying to enchant it to sprout arms and help.

Neville stood a little stiffly beside his formidable grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, whose vulture hat tilted dangerously sideways thanks to a gust of enchanted wind that Arthur Weasley accidentally caused while fiddling with a magical snow-blower.

“Charming,” Augusta muttered, adjusting it with sharp fingers. “But at least this house is lively.”

Neville looked around, amazed. “I’ve never seen anything like it. So many people... and magic everywhere.

Luna twirled in a corner with a garland made of shimmering mistletoe and glowing bubbleberries. Her father, Xenophilius, wore an enthusiastic grin and a set of jingling antlers that everyone wisely chose not to ask about.

And then, the Malfoys arrived.

Narcissa stepped out first, elegantly composed and wrapped in a frost-blue cloak lined with fur. She smiled warmly at Molly, who returned it with a slightly surprised nod. Behind her came Draco, looking pleased to be back with his friends, and Scorpius, who practically bounced through the threshold with a wide grin—though he stopped abruptly as he took in the chaos of the Burrow.

“Wow,” he murmured. “It’s like every room is alive.”

Daisy giggled beside him. “It is. You just wait till the kitchen starts singing carols.”

Everyone noticed the absence of Lucius. He had politely declined the invitation, sending a perfectly worded owl via his secretary. Nobody complained.

Still, it marked the first time the Malfoys, the Grangers, and the Longbottoms had stepped inside the Burrow. The moment was quietly monumental. Hermione whispered something to Harry, and he responded with a little smile.

“First Christmas where almost everyone I love is in one place,” he said quietly, fingers brushing Ginny’s.

Ginny leaned her head on his shoulder. “Second for me. Last year, we had Dreamland.”

“Hmm. Fair. But this one has snacks,” he smirked.

Molly, meanwhile, was in her element—directing enchanted spoons and enchanted coats, handing out hot cocoa, and guiding people to sit in an expanded living room that now looked more like a miniature Great Hall. The roaring fire, floating fairy lights, and soft charm-enhanced snowfall outside completed the warm, magical atmosphere. Sirius and Arthur were attempting to light up enchanted lanterns in the shape of snitches. Dudley and Samantha were busy helping the elves hang up more enchanted garlands, while Draco and Ron were roped into stirring a magically massive pudding.

“Careful!” Molly barked. “Don’t stir counter-clockwise or it’ll explode like last year!”

Ron groaned, “That was Seamus! Not me!”

Everyone laughed.

Hermione, seated beside her parents, was helping Juliet levitate marshmallows into mugs. Juliet whispered, “It’s like a dream... I still can’t believe it.”

Dan leaned closer and chuckled. “If this is Harry’s version of Christmas, I vote we make this our annual trip.”

Upstairs, the kids’ dormitory setup was bustling. The Musketeers had split themselves by gender into different rooms, but of course, that didn’t stop them from sneaking down for a late-night fireplace chat with mugs of cocoa, biscuit tins, and shared laughter. Luna brought out a deck of Exploding Snap cards that chirped Christmas carols before detonating in soft bursts of glitter. Even Draco, who usually sniffed at card games, joined in after Scorpius handed him a particularly smug singing queen of spades.

That night, before bed, Harry and Ginny shared a quiet moment near the fireplace.

“Everyone’s here, Gin,” he said softly. “For once... it feels like we’re not just children in a war. We’re a family. A big, strange, magical family.”

Ginny looked up, her hand slipping into his. “And on the night before your godfather’s wedding, no less.”

He grinned. “Yeah. Hope he remembers the ring.”

Ginny snorted. “If not, I’m sure Daisy and Susan have five backups.”

The fire crackled beside them, and upstairs, the sounds of laughter continued. Christmas had begun not just with gifts or food, but with warmth, family, and healing.

And it was only just beginning.

That night in Dreamland, Harry and Ginny didn’t train or duel or test each other’s magical endurance. Instead, they walked hand in hand beneath the shimmering aurora sky, the glowing leaves of their enchanted trees rustling softly in the scented breeze. They were very much in love and deeply pleased, because this night — exactly one year ago — was the birth of their secret realm, their Dreamland. They remembered every moment of that night: the strange shift in magic, the odd sensation in their cores, and the way they had simply appeared here, hearts and minds as one.

Ginny leaned into Harry, her head against his shoulder. “A whole year,” she murmured. “Can you believe it, Harry? A year since this place started. It feels like... it’s always been a part of us.”

“I think it always was,” Harry whispered, gently brushing her hair back. “It was just waiting for us to be ready.”

Hinny, the tiny red-and-green phoenix they had unknowingly created through their bond, soared in circles overhead before perching on a tree branch. She trilled a soft, harmonic note that made Ginny smile.

They didn’t train that night. There was no need to. This was their sanctuary, born from love, nurtured by trust. For this one night, they simply existed together — remembering, grateful, and content.

The next morning, the Burrow woke to chaos — the good kind. Cramped, mismatched sleeping arrangements had left limbs tangled, backs sore, and everyone groaning as they attempted to unfold themselves. There were mattresses in the living room, camp beds in the hallway, and someone — probably Scorpius — had managed to fall asleep halfway under the dining table with a blanket over his head. Even Fred and George had surrendered their room to guests and crashed on armchairs transfigured into makeshift hammocks.

But the moment the scent of Molly Weasley’s cinnamon-sugar biscuits and spiced cocoa wafted through the house, groans turned to chatter and sleepy faces became wide-eyed with excitement.

“It’s Christmas!” Daisy practically sang, hopping barefoot down the stairs in a borrowed red jumper that hung past her knees.

“About time!” Ron said, yawning, while rubbing his eyes and glancing longingly toward the fireplace.

The sitting room was a maze of colorful paper, enchanted fairy lights, a roaring fire, and a haphazardly decorated Christmas tree that leaned slightly to the left. Presents were piled high beneath it, and somehow Fred had already begun sorting them by name.

“Alright, alright — everyone calm down,” Molly said, though she was beaming. “One at a time — youngest to oldest!”

Harry grinned as he sat beside Ginny, wrapping a casual arm around her shoulder. He had three special gifts hidden away in the folds of the enchanted sack he'd brought with him.

The first went to Daisy. He waited until most of the others had opened their presents — sweets, books, enchanted toys, and Weasley jumpers — before quietly drawing her aside.

“I know you’ve got everyone now,” Harry said softly, holding the small, wrapped box toward her, “but I wanted to give you something just from me. It’s your first proper Christmas… and I wanted to make it special.”

Daisy opened it with trembling fingers, revealing a delicate silver locket with an intricate phoenix design on the front. Inside were two tiny moving portraits — one of Harry, smiling softly, and the other of their parents: James and Lily, laughing together, their eyes shimmering with warmth. Daisy stared at it, her eyes misting.

“I… Harry, it’s beautiful,” she whispered. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”

Harry pulled her into a gentle hug. “You’re my sister, Dais. This… this is your home now. Always.”

Next, he made his way to Dudley. His cousin was lingering near the fireplace, nervously petting his rabbit, Fiona. Though Dudley tried to act normal, Harry could tell — this was the first Christmas he’d ever spent away from Vernon and Petunia, and even after everything, that carried weight.

Harry handed him a long, rectangular package.

“Don’t worry, it doesn’t explode,” Harry teased.

Dudley snorted and unwrapped it — revealing a beautifully crafted wand holster made from soft brown leather. Embossed on the strap were runes that translated to strength through growth. It was adjustable, designed to sit either on the arm or across the chest.

“This… this is brilliant,” Dudley said, genuinely touched. “I… I didn’t expect… I mean, thanks, Cuz.”

“You’re becoming a great wizard,” Harry said with quiet pride. “This is just to remind you — you earned your magic. And you’re not alone.”

Then, of course, came Ginny.

They didn’t need many words. Harry simply passed her a flat, square parcel wrapped in rose-gold paper, his thumb brushing over hers for a moment too long.

Inside was a hand-bound book — its cover made from Dreamland wood, soft and shimmering like starlight. On the first page were moving sketches — of their first kiss, their first time holding hands, their first Dreamland walk. The pages following were blank, ready to be filled.

“A memory book,” Ginny whispered. “For us.”

“Our story,” Harry murmured. “From the beginning.”

She leaned in and kissed him softly, uncaring of the noise around them. “I love you.”

“I love you too, Future Lady Potter.”

All around them, laughter and squeals continued — the younger Musketeers showing off magical trinkets, sweets being passed around, and Ginny’s new pygmy puff trying to eat Dudley’s shoelace. Even Fred and George were seen gifting thoughtful things this year, not just pranks — though Scorpius’s quill that refused to write anything but “Rose West is cute” was definitely a Fred original.

But then, a hush slowly fell as Remus cleared his throat.

He was standing awkwardly near the tree, looking more nervous than any had ever seen him. He held a small velvet box in one hand and tried to meet Tonks’s gaze — though she looked completely caught off guard, half-hidden behind a huge, multi-colored jumper that clashed with her bubblegum-pink hair.

“I was… going to do this privately,” Remus began, “but… you’re family, all of you. And she’s become mine, too.”

There was a collective inhale.

“Nymphadora Tonks,” he said, swallowing thickly. “You know what I am. You know what I carry. And still… you stayed. You’ve brought light back into my life, when I’d forgotten what it looked like.”

Tonks blinked rapidly, cheeks flushing.

He bent on one knee and opened the box. A simple, elegant ring with an opal center shimmered within.

“I know I’m a mess. But I love you. Will you marry me?”

There was a long heartbeat — and then Tonks let out a shaky laugh, tears slipping down her cheeks.

“You absolute idiot,” she choked. “Of course I will!”

Cheers erupted instantly. Fred launched a firework. Ginny squealed and hugged Daisy. Harry grinned as Sirius shouted, “About time, Moony!” while pretending to wipe away tears.

It was an emotional moment — one of those rare, golden times where everything just felt right. Amid the losses, the burdens, the battles to come, there was love.

And in that messy, cramped, overly magical house — Christmas joy filled every corner.

That night’s dinner was at Tonks’ childhood home, a warm, slightly chaotic cottage tucked near the edge of Ottery St. Catchpole, where the garden ran wild and the kitchen always smelled like cinnamon and lavender polish. The moment Tonks had floo-called her parents to share the news of Remus’s proposal, Andromeda and Ted had insisted—no arguments—that everyone come over that very evening.

Remus had braced himself for the worst. He had stood by the fireplace rigidly, mentally rehearsing apologies, explanations, and confessions about his age, his condition, and every insecurity that clawed at him. But instead of the wrath of a mother or the scorn of a protective father, he was greeted by Andromeda’s firm hug and Ted’s booming laugh.

“I was wondering what took you so long,” Ted had joked as he clapped Remus on the back.

“And if you ever break her heart,” Andromeda added dryly, “I’ll hex your eyebrows off. Permanently.”

Dinner had been filled with laughter, stories of Tonks’ disastrous teenage metamorphing years, and nostalgic tales from Remus’s Marauder days—mostly told by Sirius, who made sure to embellish with ridiculous flair. The air was thick with happiness, and by the end, Remus looked lighter than he had in years.

Narcissa had excused herself after the meal, returning to Malfoy Manor. “Lucius can sulk if he wants, but he will not stop me from celebrating my niece’s happiness,” she had declared coolly, kissing both Draco and Scorpius on the head before Disapparating with her usual elegance.

Neville’s grandmother, Augusta, also took her leave, though not before ensuring Neville had his essentials packed and reminding him—sternly—to polish his dress robes before the wedding.

“Gran,” Neville muttered in embarrassment, “I already did—twice!”

Hermione’s parents, Dan and Juliet Granger, were among the last to leave. While they technically had a working Floo network installed—just in case—they rarely used it, and tonight, the green flames still made them jump. Ted had helped guide them through with patient reassurance and a touch of humour. Hermione, naturally, stayed behind with her friends. “Like I’d miss this week,” she had said with a grin.

Olivia Jones gave her daughter a gentle kiss on the forehead and hugged Pyre tightly before Disapparating, leaving the sisters to remain at Bones Manor until the festivities were done.

When they all arrived at Bones Manor shortly after, the drawing room was abuzz with warmth and familiarity. The 12 Musketeers, now gathered in full strength, brought their unique energy—some sprawled on couches, some racing upstairs to explore again, a few just content to sink into plush armchairs and talk.

Ron and Hermione claimed a corner, sitting so close their shoulders brushed. Ginny and Harry sat cross-legged on the rug, Kluer curled in Ginny’s lap and Poco hopping around restlessly. Draco and Daisy were arguing over something entirely unimportant and thoroughly amusing to the others—Scorpius and Luna were betting on who would win.

Susan immediately gave a grand tour of the manor to Pyre and Andromeda, both of whom were impressed by the size and magical finery of the old Bones estate. Amelia was glad to see the bustle; for years, the home had been far too quiet.

Remus and Tonks, arm in arm, were pulled into a massive group hug by the Musketeers. Dudley grinned and declared, “About time you proposed, Moony!” Daisy smacked his arm, but laughed.

Sirius, always the dramatic one, stood atop a stool and raised his wand like a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you the future Mister and Mrs. Lupin, soon to be the mushiest couple in the entire British Isles!”

Remus blushed, Tonks rolled her eyes, and Harry threw a cushion at Sirius to shut him up.

Grandma Tucker, watching the scene from beside the fireplace, dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

Later that night, with luggage sent to their respective rooms and house-elves Twinky and Dimpy helping Topssy and Rumble coordinate sleeping arrangements, the household finally began to quiet. The Bones Manor had enough rooms, just barely, to accommodate everyone. The Weasleys took the west wing, Musketeers were scattered across the second floor, and the adults had the grand rooms on the third.

Susan, who would stay at Fawcett Manor once Sirius and Amelia left for their honeymoon, made sure to bunk with Ginny and Hermione for now. “Not missing a single conversation,” she said firmly.

Draco and Scorpius had a shared room, adjacent to Ron and Neville’s. Harry’s room, of course, was suspiciously close to Ginny’s. Not that anyone said anything aloud—though Sirius did give a long, slow wink when he noticed, earning himself a pointed cough from Amelia and a glare from Molly.

That night, in the stillness that followed the chaos, the children slept well, worn out from joy and laughter.

And in a corner of Dreamland, Ginny snuggled into Harry’s side beneath a sky of softly glowing stars, Hinny circling above them lazily. The week ahead would be full of celebration, love, and new beginnings. But for now, there was peace.

And peace, in Harry’s life, had never come so sweetly.

Boxing Day was relaxing, exactly what everyone needed after the flurry of excitement and preparations that had consumed Bones Manor. The sun was soft, skies lightly overcast, and the December air held just enough chill to be refreshing rather than biting. The morning was spent lounging in warmth, with hot chocolate mugs and cozy conversations, but by midday, the 12 Musketeers, the Weasleys, and several others had gathered around the large Floo in the sitting room. With Bones Manor’s grounds overtaken by wedding arrangements—white tents, enchanted lanterns, and floral charms—they all decided to floo to Fawcett Manor for the day.

Fawcett Manor’s private Quidditch pitch, hidden behind a line of wind-cut pines, was ideal. The snow had been magicked off, revealing crisp, flat turf, and protective warming charms made it perfect for a friendly match.

"Alright!" Hermione called out once everyone was assembled and bundled up. "This will be a clean, friendly match, which means no Bludgers to the head, Draco, and no dramatic Wronski Feints, Harry."

"I make no promises," Harry said with a grin as he adjusted his broom. His Nimbus  gleamed, looking smug and ready.

Team Harry had shaped up well: Harry himself as Seeker, of course, with Ginny, Draco, and Pyre as Chasers. Fred and Bill, both tall and powerful flyers, took up Beater duties, while Dudley—determined and surprisingly nimble—stood grinning in front of the goal hoops as Keeper. Neville had been roped in too, laughing nervously but looking excited, flying one of the school Cleansweeps.

On the other side, Team Charlie had some serious flair. Charlie was the Seeker, with Chasers Daisy, Luna, and Susan—each bringing a unique style of flying. Tonks and Remus, both roped in last-minute, joined them as additional Chasers. Scorpius and George were Beaters, an odd but lively pairing, and Ron, flushed but eager, manned the goalposts with mock-seriousness.

“Do we even have enough room for all these Chasers?” Ron asked, half-laughing as he examined the pitch.

“Course we do!” Tonks smirked, her pink hair curling beneath her cap. “The more, the merrier. Let’s just hope you’re a better Keeper than you are at remembering birthdays.”

“Oi!” Ron said, laughing as he mounted his broom. “One time!”

Samantha, dressed in a sky-blue jumper and holding a magical megaphone, stood proudly at the sidelines on a floating platform Harry had conjured just for her. She beamed at everyone and cleared her throat theatrically.

“Welcome to the most chaotic, overpopulated, unbalanced—but definitely entertaining—Quidditch match of the year!” Her voice echoed in playful exaggeration across the pitch. “Referee: Hermione Granger, known enforcer of rules and justice! Players: a wild assortment of Gryffindors, Slytherins, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and one Auror who may or may not cheat! Let the games begin!”

Hermione blew the whistle—twice because the first time no one moved—and the game burst into life.

The Quaffle was immediately snatched by Ginny, who zoomed ahead with the elegance of a professional, passing it swiftly to Draco. He twisted mid-air, dodging Luna’s attempted intercept, and passed to Pyre, who made a daring dash toward Ron.

“Oh-ho! Look at Pyre go!” Samantha yelled. “The healer’s got fire! Ron’s squinting like he’s trying to see through mist—AND IT’S A GOAL!”

Cheers erupted from Team Harry’s side.

Luna, undeterred, picked up the Quaffle and launched into a graceful flight pattern, dancing through the air with dreamy focus. She passed to Daisy, who spun past Fred and aimed—but Dudley blocked it, looking surprised at himself.

“I DID IT!” he shouted in excitement, hovering awkwardly midair. Fred patted him on the back while keeping a watchful eye on George, who was grinning wickedly on the opposite side of the pitch.

The Beaters were in fine form. Bill and Fred played with practiced coordination, batting Bludgers at odd angles to test Remus’s reflexes, while George and Scorpius combined trick shots with dramatic flair. At one point, Scorpius even did a midair flip that earned applause from Hermione herself—despite being technically unnecessary.

Remus, despite his quiet demeanor, was an excellent flyer. He moved with smooth efficiency, passing and defending like he had been born on a broom.

Tonks, of course, flew like a wild spark.

“Tonks is weaving through—blimey, she just did a barrel roll—and she SCORES!” Samantha whooped. “That’s one more for Team Charlie!”

Harry and Charlie danced above the chaos, eyes scanning for the Snitch. They exchanged grins occasionally, both aware that this was far more fun than competitive. Harry dove once, faked Charlie out, then laughed as he pulled out just above the ground. Charlie responded later with a corkscrew dive of his own, causing Ginny to yell, “You’re going to break your neck, you maniac!”

“Love you too!” Charlie called back.

From the sidelines, Grandma Tucker watched from a warm conjured bench, sipping tea with Madam Bones and chuckling softly. “They’re all going to sleep like logs tonight.”

Back on the field, the score had evened out. Ginny scored a pair of goals back-to-back with a determined fire that made even Bill blink. Susan, unrelenting, countered by scoring from near the halfway point after a clever fake from Luna.

Neville had managed to assist a goal and looked like he’d just been knighted. “I did something!” he called down to Hermione proudly.

“You always do,” Hermione smiled warmly, her whistle around her neck.

Then, without warning, Harry saw it—a flicker of gold near the far post.

He leaned forward, his Nimbus instantly obeying, slicing through the air. Samantha’s voice rose in pitch.

“Wait—wait—MORPH'S FOUND THE SNITCH!”

Charlie was only half a second behind him, but Harry’s broom was faster. The Snitch zipped around one of the posts, dove under Luna, and shot upward. Harry stretched, wind burning against his face, eyes narrowed—

His hand closed around it.

“HE’S GOT IT! HARRY POTTER HAS THE SNITCH!”

The pitch erupted into cheers and claps. The game ended in laughter and mid-air hugs. Ginny flew straight into Harry’s arms, beaming as she kissed his cheek.

“That was brilliant,” she whispered.

Charlie shook Harry’s hand with a grin. “I’ll get you next time, Lord Morph.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Harry chuckled.

They all slowly landed, some collapsing into snowbanks, others helping each other down from brooms.

“Same time next year?” Tonks asked as she ruffled Dudley’s hair.

“If not sooner,” Susan said, wrapping an arm around Luna.

Hermione, smiling and flushed, called out, “Okay! Hot cocoa and biscuits inside, now!”

“YES!” everyone shouted in unison.

As the group began their walk back toward the manor, brooms slung over shoulders and chatter loud and happy, the cold air felt a little warmer. The bonds between them, already strong, felt tighter than ever.

This was more than just a holiday game. It was family.

Next Chapter is  Wedding of the Year !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. So well , yeah it was a chaotic , family style Christmas. Remus proposed Tonks , Sam accepted Remus , all good. Brilliant right ? A Happy to go chapter. Also setup for Rose and Scorpius is still going on. Oh you all have no idea that their whole relationship is completely planned in my story and some chapters are already written too. I hope you all will love Rose's character, it's not a major character but I guess a decent side character. And also when I typed this chapter I had no idea that it would be published on Neville's Birthday. So Anyways Happy Birthday Neville Longbottom!! Also since tomorrow is Harry Potter's birthday I will publish next chapter tomorrow itself so yeah, Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 39: Wedding of the Year !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

At evening they returned. Remus, Arthur, Bill, Ted, and Charlie then took Sirius for his bachelor’s party. While others, as Grandma had predicted, slept like logs — much to Molly’s exasperation. She had planned to get the younger ones to help her with wedding tasks in the evening, but seeing their peaceful exhaustion, she let them be. Still, it delayed her schedule by a few hours. That didn’t stop her from grinning ear to ear — she had been over the moon ever since Amelia and Sirius had asked her to plan and organise their wedding. She bustled about with a checklist in one hand and her wand in the other, enchanted ribbons fluttering after her, levitating charmed menus, color-coded candles, and dozens of hand-stitched table runners.

It was quite late when Sirius and the others returned. The five men looked equal parts dishevelled and gleeful. Sirius had grass stains on his knees, and Charlie was hiccupping dragon smoke, while Remus, though trying to appear composed, had a glittering party hat askew over his greying hair.

As they entered the manor, a slipper flew past their heads and hit the wall with a thud. Molly stood with her hands on her hips.

"You lot think you’re seventeen again, do you?" she scolded, marching toward them. "Bachelor party or not, some of us have been up since five preparing bouquets!"

Sirius, entirely unrepentant, swept her into a twirling hug. "That’s why we love you, Mollykins!"

Molly slapped his arm. "Don’t you Mollykins me! You smell like butterbeer and mischief."

Charlie grinned. "Technically it was dragonfire whiskey, Mum."

"That doesn’t help, Charles!" she snapped, before dragging all of them into the kitchen. "Sit. Sober up with tea and biscuits, or you’ll all have hangovers during the ceremony!"

By the time the men were properly scolded and fed, the house had settled into calm. Upstairs, the children remained fast asleep — sprawled across various mattresses enchanted to expand as needed. Harry had an arm protectively around Ginny even in sleep, while Daisy, curled up beside Susan, had subconsciously transformed her hair into soft lavender. Luna had her head tucked beneath a wing of her sleeping owl plushie, and Dudley mumbled something about cupcakes and a castle in his dreams. All twelve Musketeers slept close, comforted by the safety of each other's presence.

The next morning, December 27, dawned cold but sunny. The frost glinted like silver dust on the Bones Manor lawns. Birds chirped cheerfully, as if excited for what was coming. The house was abuzz with activity again — wedding preparations, though technically complete, had a way of multiplying.

Though everything from seating charts to magical lighting had been finalised, there were still last-minute checks — boutonnières needing refreshing, the enchanted arches flickering once or twice, and an entire set of snowflake charms that had to be redone because one of the elves had accidentally made them sing opera.

While the men were mostly kept busy with carrying, fetching, and avoiding Molly’s line of fire, a different energy swirled through the women’s side of things. That afternoon, Tonks, Molly, Andromeda, Olivia Jones, and Pyre conspired to whisk Amelia away for her bachelorette party — or, as Andromeda cheekily put it, "One last night before you handcuff yourself to Sirius Black’s antics."

They didn’t tell her where they were going. Olivia had insisted on secrecy, and when Amelia protested mildly, Pyre laughed and blindfolded her with a magically sparkling sash.

"No questions, Madam Bones," Tonks smirked, her hair a bright bubblegum pink. "You're off-duty now — Head of DMLE or not."

"You’re all insane," Amelia muttered, but a wide smile broke through as she was led toward the Floo.

They arrived at a cozy, charmed private cottage deep within a hidden glen near Ottery St. Catchpole. The inside was decked out in soft lights, gentle jazz, and floating silk petals. A warming charm gave the entire place a summery breeze, and Olivia had arranged for magical spa treatments and champagne that never emptied.

For hours, they laughed, reminisced, and shared quiet tears — Olivia and Amelia recalling their Auror days, Pyre speaking of her parents and the hospital, Tonks transforming into ridiculous impersonations of people they all knew. Even Molly, who began the evening with a notepad of responsibilities tucked under her arm, finally let go and joined in the merriment with unexpected gusto.

Amelia sat in a velvet chair at one point, wrapped in a plush white robe, a flute of sparkling drink in her hand. She looked around at the women around her — all of whom had in some way helped her rebuild her life — and for a rare moment, allowed herself to fully feel the love, the joy, and the anticipation.

"You lot have made me ridiculously happy," she said quietly.

"And you deserve every bit of it," said Andromeda firmly.

"We just wanted to give you one night without plans, pressure, or paperwork," Olivia added. "Tomorrow, you marry the man who has loved you since you hexed him in training —"

"I did not hex him!" Amelia exclaimed, laughing.

"Oh, please," Tonks said with a snort. "He told me himself it was love at first curse."

The cottage rang with laughter again. Outside, the stars began to appear — each one a tiny blessing on the calm before the most magical day of their lives.

Meanwhile, at the Manor, preparations were still going on despite being technically finished. With Molly gone for the afternoon—off to Amelia’s bachelorette celebration along with Tonks, Olivia, and Pyre—Grandma Tucker had taken full charge of the household. And when Kailey Tucker was in charge, things ran on a strict, near-military precision that even Amelia would’ve admired.

The drawing room had already been transformed with enchanted wreaths of white holly, golden snowflakes drifting through the air, and an archway at the entrance shimmering with soft silver light. Yet Grandma Tucker insisted the elves redo the bows on the side pillars—twice. Twinky and Dimpy didn’t protest; they adored the old woman and followed her orders with affectionate enthusiasm.

But it wasn’t all efficiency and ribbons. No, the real comedy unfolded in the late afternoon when Harry and Ginny, trying to sneak off for a moment of stolen peace in the garden, were caught red-handed—by none other than Grandma Tucker herself.

Caught, were you?” she declared, hands on her hips, squinting at the pair as they froze mid-step near the back door. “Where exactly were the two of you off to, hmm?”

Harry looked so sheepish that even Ginny, usually quick with a cheeky retort, faltered.

“We were just going for a—er—walk,” Harry offered lamely, one hand still entwined with Ginny’s.

“A walk? With that look on your face, boy? You’re lucky I haven’t confiscated your wand,” Grandma Tucker huffed, but the twinkle in her sharp hazel eyes betrayed her amusement. “Don’t think being a Lord makes you exempt from my rules. You may command Wizengamot, Mr. Potter, but in this house, I rule.”

The other Musketeers—Ron, Hermione, Neville, Susan, Draco, Luna, Dudley, Daisy, Scorpius, and Samantha—had been lingering around the corridor near the kitchen, and the moment they heard the tone in Grandma Tucker’s voice, they had crowded silently by the archway, eavesdropping with poorly stifled giggles.

“Oh, this is gold,” whispered Ron, eyes wide with glee. “Even Snape’s never scolded him like that.”

“He’s blushing,” Hermione murmured, covering her mouth. “Properly!”

Draco smirked. “This is going in my Pensieve memory. Forever.”

Even Dudley, who adored Grandma Tucker but had never seen her go full general on Harry, snorted. “Cuz got caught,” he whispered gleefully to Samantha.

Ginny, ever the bolder of the two, finally recovered. “We were just taking a break, Grandma,” she said earnestly. “The house is glowing, honestly. Everything’s perfect.”

“Well then you can admire the perfection from the windows,” Grandma Tucker said, crossing her arms. “The wedding’s tomorrow. You’re not running off and catching colds or—” her eyes narrowed playfully “—getting up to mischief and coming back all rumpled.”

Harry turned positively crimson, which sent Susan, Luna, and Hermione into silent hysterics.

“We weren’t—we didn’t—” he stammered, only for Ginny to elbow him lightly.

“Alright, alright. No more sneaking out,” she relented with a sheepish smile. “We promise.”

“Good.” Grandma Tucker turned with military flourish. “Now go and help Twinky move the gift table closer to the fire. I want the elf-wrapped boxes to have that warm glow—not that dim corner they’re currently wasting away in.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Ginny said smartly, dragging Harry along with a mischievous grin.

As they walked away, Ron mock-saluted Harry. “Rest in peace, mate.”

Daisy patted her brother’s shoulder. “Hero of Hogwarts. Scourge of Death Eaters. Slayer of Dark Lords. Felled by a grandma.”

She’s terrifying,” Harry muttered under his breath, rubbing his neck while Ginny laughed openly beside him.

The rest of the Musketeers followed the couple back inside, still chuckling as they scattered to their tasks. Draco and Hermione resumed sorting enchanted floating lanterns into color patterns. Neville was helping Susan polish the grand hall’s display of magically blooming winter roses. Dudley and Samantha had taken over the job of placing magical snowflake charms above the guests' corridor, while Daisy and Luna arranged silver charms shaped like phoenixes around the fireplace.

Despite the banter and occasional chaos, a certain excitement hung thick in the air. After everything they had all been through—from near-deaths, hidden truths, heartbreak, and discovery—there was something profoundly magical in simply being together. Here they were, preparing for a wedding of love and justice, surrounded by warmth and family, laughter echoing through the ancient halls of Bones Manor.

And beneath it all, Harry felt something hum in his chest—like an ember glowing to life. Ginny squeezed his hand.

“Tomorrow,” she whispered.

“Yeah,” Harry whispered back, eyes fixed on her smile. “Tomorrow’s going to be perfect.”

By evening, the atmosphere at Bones Manor shifted once again—this time replaced by a certain elegant warmth as the ladies of the bachelor party arrived. Molly Weasley, Amelia Bones, Olivia Jones, Pyre Jones, Andromeda Tonks, and Nymphadora Tonks stepped out of the Floo in a flurry of sophistication and calm that stood in stark contrast to the loud, chaotic energy the men had brought the previous day.

They were dressed comfortably but stylishly, each carrying charmed bags brimming with essentials—everything from emergency touch-up potions to last-minute décor charms. Molly immediately took charge of the kitchen and the outdoor refreshment arrangements, greeting the elves with her usual grace. Pyre and Olivia inspected the guest tables with calm precision, making soft adjustments to the placements of goblets and tablecloth colors, ensuring nothing clashed with Amelia’s chosen palette of deep violet and silver. Andromeda conjured bouquets of floating, color-shifting flowers around the periphery of the tent that softly pulsed with light, a blend of her own creative magic and Nymphadora’s flair for color coordination.

Tonks, meanwhile, made everyone laugh with her ever-shifting hair—cycling through the colors of the wedding theme—and then some, before settling on an elegant shade of midnight purple with silver tips.

Ginny, Daisy, Susan, Samantha, and even Luna hovered around them, absorbing everything with awe. Ginny whispered, “They’re like a council of wedding goddesses.”

Harry chuckled from a distance, watching from the main manor porch with Ron, Draco, and Neville beside him. “I’m not sure if we’re even needed anymore,” he murmured, amused. Draco raised a brow. “We weren’t yesterday either,” he smirked.

As the ladies finished their work, the tent seemed transformed—not just in appearance, but in energy. A strange quiet reverence settled in once the final inspection was completed. Olivia sealed the protective boundary around the tent with a firm but graceful wave of her wand. The entrance was warded and charmed; it would remain hidden and untouched until the wedding began.

Inside, the central aisle shimmered with floating lights that responded to movement. The seats had been arranged in gentle curves around a rune-inscribed platform where Dumbledore would stand to officiate. Amelia had quietly asked him during breakfast earlier that morning, and he had accepted the honor with a teary smile and an affectionate, “It would be my great privilege, my dear.”

By nightfall, Bones Manor was quiet—almost sacred. The children were ushered to bed early with the promise of a magical morning, though Harry and Ginny still met for a brief moment in Dreamland, walking barefoot under the starlit sky, fingers entwined. Hinny flew above them once before disappearing into the shimmer of their secret realm, her soft trill echoing their silent excitement.

And then, at last, came the final sleep before the celebration.

The following morning, Bones Manor came alive just before dawn. House-elves were already preparing breakfast trays with gentle efficiency.  Topssy, Rumble, Twinky, and Dimpy coordinated like clockwork with a quiet pride on their faces. The early risers among the Musketeers—Harry, Ginny, Daisy, and Susan—were already up, joining the elves to carry food and final scrolls for the seating charms. Even Dudley, though a little groggy, volunteered to help carry extra robes and the ceremonial goblets Dumbledore had lent them from Hogwarts.

Sirius was wide awake, standing in the Manor's side hall where Amelia had insisted he not see her until the ceremony. He was dressed in the first layer of his robes—deep midnight blue with silver embroidery along the cuffs. His eyes, though tired from nerves, sparkled with an excitement he could barely contain. Remus clapped him on the back, already in his formal greys with a matching silver tie. “Not running away, are you?” he teased gently.

“Mate,” Sirius muttered with a grin, “I’ve been waiting twelve years for this day. I’m just trying not to combust before the guests arrive.”

And upstairs, beyond the sealed doors of her bridal suite, Amelia was already awake. Molly and Pyre had helped her into her first layer of attire, her elegant robes shimmering gently in the morning light. Her hair was being done by Olivia, with Tonks and Andromeda fussing over details like enchanted earrings and the exact placement of her wand holster—Amelia Bones was always practical, even on her wedding day.

Outside, the wards pulsed once. The sun was climbing, and they had only a few hours until the first guests would begin to arrive.

Then the Musketeers, the Weasleys, Pyre, Tonks and her parents, Grandma Tucker, and Remus were all ready, dressed and gathered for the momentous day. The sun was bright above Bones Manor, its winter light sparkling off the light dusting of snow that had settled on the grounds overnight. The Manor’s grounds had been transformed — a massive enchanted marquee stood over the grass near the frozen fountain, gently warmed within to keep guests comfortable. Rows of floating candles glowed with soft golden light, and garlands of white roses and evergreen twined through the air as if carried by invisible hands.

Inside the Manor, the bridal party made their final preparations. In Sirius’s room, the groom himself was pacing nervously, tugging at the collar of his elegant, dark navy robes laced with silver embroidery. Harry and Dudley, in matching formal robes of deep forest green with silver trim, stood nearby, both watching him with amusement.

"Padfoot," Harry said with a grin, "you’re wearing holes in the carpet."

Sirius turned, dramatically clutching his chest. "Is it too late to fake a case of dragon pox?"

Remus, dressed in smooth grey robes with deep burgundy accents — perfectly suited to his calm presence — chuckled from the window. "Too late by about twenty years, you dolt. You're lucky she's still saying yes."

Sirius grinned at that, tension fading a little as he reached out and clasped Remus's shoulder. "I know. Merlin, I know."

Dudley gave him a thumbs up. "You’ve got this, Cuz's godfather."

Harry chuckled. “Best man’s advice — don’t faint at the altar. That’s all we ask.”

In response, Sirius threw a cushion at him. "Says the twelve-year-old Lord of Twenty-Four Houses.”

Meanwhile, in Amelia’s suite, the air was thick with excited energy. Susan, Daisy, Tonks, and Amelia were gathered, the latter standing tall in her bridal robes — regal, elegant, but undeniably powerful. Her gown was a shimmering ivory trimmed in midnight blue, accented by ancient family runes woven subtly into the fabric. Her dark hair was swept into a low chignon, with a delicate silver circlet resting above her brow. Her wand rested in a discreet wrist holster, tradition meeting necessity.

Tonks — her hair a soft lavender for the occasion — adjusted Susan’s light lavender dress and declared, “Right, Susan, you're officially more stunning than a Veela. We’ll have to get you a bodyguard.”

Susan rolled her eyes but beamed all the same. “Thanks, Dora.”

Daisy, glowing in her silver-blue bridesmaid robes, adjusted a loose strand behind her ear as she glanced at Amelia. “You’re going to knock his breath away. He won’t even remember how to say ‘I do’.”

Amelia smiled gently. “Let’s hope he remembers just enough for the vows.”

In the tent, the guests had begun to fill the seats in earnest. Professors McGonagall, Flitwick, Sprout, and even a grumbling but present Snape arrived, all in formal robes. Dumbledore entered shortly after, wearing robes of rich plum with embroidered phoenixes, his eyes twinkling as he greeted familiar faces.

Aurors Kingsley Shacklebolt and Alastor Moody were among the earliest to arrive, sharply dressed and vigilantly observing everything. Kingsley wore enchanted black robes with blue trim, while Moody’s magical eye swivelled at rapid pace as he grunted at the refreshments.

“Don’t trust the punch,” he warned McGonagall, who arched an amused brow. “Could be polyjuice. Constant vigilance!”

Fudge stood awkwardly to one side, dressed impeccably but receiving only polite nods and few genuine greetings. His presence was tolerated rather than welcomed, especially after the events of the Wizengamot in October.

The Auror contingent was large — no risks had been taken, given the political status of both bride and groom. Some were posted discreetly along the grounds and perimeter, others mingled in plain sight.

Narcissa Malfoy arrived with grace, her silver-blond hair pinned up and elegant in a pale violet robe, smiling at Daisy as she passed. Nearby, Olivia Jones chatted softly with Augusta Longbottom, both dignified in their manner, both proud grandmothers attending for children they adored. Dan and Juliet Granger arrived next, wide-eyed but delighted, and soon joined by Xenophilius and a beautifully dressed Luna, who wore a crown of winter wildflowers.

Rolf Scamander arrived with his father in tow, both quietly slipping into the second row. The Hogwarts students — Cedric, Cho, even Roger Davis — mingled with the younger crowd. Fred and George, naturally, were already whispering something suspicious to Lee Jordan, who was not commentating today but had still brought a magical microphone just in case.

Among the Musketeers, the energy was a mix of thrill and awe. Ginny stood beside Hermione and Luna, all in coordinated robes of deep red and silver, watching the crowds assemble. Samantha and Scorpius, in their own formal wear, stood with Dudley as he nervously checked over the seating charts for a third time.

The enchanted music — soft harp and flute — floated gently through the space, and just as the clock struck the hour, a subtle magical chime announced that the ceremony would soon begin.

All rose.

And the moment had come.

A hush fell over the enchanted marquee as the soft melody of the harp shifted into a more pronounced, majestic tune. The air shimmered slightly with the subtle touch of magic woven through every inch of the ceremony — protective spells, warming charms, illusion enhancements — all flawlessly crafted by some of the most powerful witches and wizards present.

At the front, Dumbledore stood waiting beneath an arch of floating white lilies and starlight-infused ivy, his eyes gleaming behind his half-moon glasses. To his right stood Remus, calm and composed as ever in his role as Best Man, while to the left stood Dudley and Harry, each adjusting their cuffs and watching the tent’s entrance with growing anticipation.

And then — Sirius Black entered.

A collective breath was drawn. The music swelled gently as the groom walked down the aisle, tall and striking in dark navy robes trimmed with silver and obsidian thread, his long hair tied neatly behind him, a ceremonial Black family pendant pinned to his chest. The trademark grin was there, yes — but softer, more solemn today. His stormy grey eyes held purpose and gravity, focused entirely ahead.

The Musketeers broke into wide smiles, and from the left side of the aisle, Narcissa touched a hand to her chest, a rare look of pride softening her usually composed expression.

"That’s our Padfoot," whispered Remus with a barely concealed smile as Sirius reached the front.

Sirius stepped beside his best friend, turning just once to glance at the guests — and specifically at the children standing as his groomsmen. His eyes found Harry’s, and they shared a brief, silent moment. No words were needed.

Then came a pause.

The music changed again — more serene now, touched with quiet awe.

And at the far end of the aisle, the guests turned as one.

Amelia Bones had arrived.

She stood tall, her head held high, one hand clutching a small bouquet of ice-petaled roses, the other resting gently on the crooked arm of Alastor Moody. Her ivory-blue gown shimmered like frost under morning light, regal without being ostentatious, tailored perfectly to her strong frame. The enchanted circlet on her brow glowed faintly with runic light, marking her heritage and her strength — a Head of the DMLE, a war survivor, and now, a bride.

Moody, in deep emerald formal robes beneath his usual weathered cloak, kept one hand on his wand as his magical eye spun slowly across the crowd. But his real eye — the human one — was fixed only on Amelia, and there was something unmistakably paternal in it.

"I never walked a daughter down the aisle," he muttered to her under his breath, voice rasping. "Today, I get close enough."

Amelia gave him a smile, rare and genuine. "Thank you, Alastor. For all of it."

Together, they began their walk.

There was no rustling, no murmuring — only the music and the soft sound of Amelia's steps as she moved toward the front. Her niece, Susan, sniffled quietly where she stood with Tonks and Daisy, and Harry felt Ginny’s hand squeeze his from behind.

Sirius’s face changed as he watched her approach. All his jokes, nerves, and swagger melted away, leaving something raw and real in its place. Love. Wonder. Gratitude.

When Amelia reached him, she turned to Moody, who offered her hand to Sirius with the formality of an old soldier.

"She’s yours now," Moody said quietly, gaze fixed on Sirius, who nodded with deep respect.

"I’ll protect her with my life," Sirius replied solemnly.

"You’d better," the grizzled Auror growled — and then, surprising everyone, added in a low voice, "or I’ll come back from the grave and hex your bollocks off."

Amelia laughed softly at that, and so did Sirius.

She turned to stand beside him, and they faced Dumbledore together.

The music faded. The candles stilled.

And the ceremony began.

Dumbledore raised his hands slightly, and the ambient light shifted — softer, golden now, as though the very air recognized the sacredness of the moment. A hush, deeper than any spell could conjure, settled across the tent.

"Family, friends, and witnesses," Dumbledore began, his voice warm and strong, "we are gathered here under the stars and within the ancient bounds of magic, to unite Sirius Orion Black and Amelia Hailey Bones in the sacred bonds of wizarding matrimony."

A faint shimmer pulsed around the couple — the traditional dome of intent, conjured by the officiant to sense truth and consent. It glowed faint silver-blue, signaling both were willing and ready.

"In the old ways," Dumbledore continued, “a wizarding union is not simply a bond of affection. It is a merging of magic, of purpose, of fate itself. It is trust, sealed in the deepest parts of our soul. It is joy, woven into magic. It is partnership, made sacred by vow.”

He turned his gaze to Sirius. “Sirius Black, step forward.”

Sirius took one deliberate step ahead, facing Amelia with his hand over his heart.

"Do you, Sirius Orion Black, swear upon your magic and your life, to love Amelia Hailey Bones as your bonded partner — to stand beside her in all light and all shadow, to protect her life as your own, to respect her will, share her burdens, and laugh in her joy, for as long as your magic endures?"

Sirius, voice uncharacteristically clear and reverent, replied,
"I swear it, with my life and magic. I love her, and I will love her through every breath."

A golden thread of light coiled gently from his heart to Amelia’s — the first strand of the Vow Binding.

Then Dumbledore turned to Amelia. “Amelia Bones, step forward.”

She moved without hesitation, meeting Sirius’s eyes as she placed a hand over her own heart.

"Do you, Amelia Hailey Bones, swear upon your magic and your life, to love Sirius Orion Black as your bonded partner — to stand beside him in all light and all shadow, to protect his life as your own, to respect his will, share his burdens, and laugh in his joy, for as long as your magic endures?"

Amelia, voice unwavering, replied,
"I swear it, with my life and magic. I love him, and I will love him always, no matter the storm."

A second golden thread arched from her to Sirius, intertwining with the first. The dome of intent pulsed, then dissolved in a flash of white-gold light, accepted by ancient magic.

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "So it is spoken. So it is sealed."

He extended a hand, and Remus stepped forward, holding a small, open box.

Inside, nestled on deep blue velvet, were two rings — one silver etched with black runes for Sirius, and one a blend of gold and steel adorned with sapphires and protective sigils for Amelia.

"These are not merely symbols," Dumbledore said, "but enchanted anchors. The rings carry protections of fidelity, magical resonance, and shared strength. Woven into them are parts of your magical signatures — your bond now lives through them as well."

Sirius took Amelia’s ring in hand, his fingers trembling slightly. He gently slid it onto her finger.

"With this ring, I bind my soul to yours, Amelia," he murmured, "for all our days, and beyond."

A pulse of blue-gold magic surged as the ring sealed.

Amelia, tears sparkling in her eyes but unfallen, took his ring next and slipped it onto his hand.

"With this ring, I bind my heart to yours, Sirius," she said, her voice filled with quiet strength. "Now and always."

As the second ring sealed, a gentle breeze swept through the tent — though they were indoors — and the candles flared up in unison, reacting to the completed vows.

All around, smiles broke out. Tonks dabbed her eyes with a sleeve. Daisy clutched Susan’s hand tight. Harry felt Ginny’s warmth pressed against his shoulder, and Dudley’s whisper came from his left:
"Wow."

Dumbledore’s voice rang out one last time, filled with ancient power:
"The vows are spoken, the rings exchanged, the bond sealed by intent and magic. Let none undo what love has made whole."

He raised his wand, and the next part of the ceremony — the Binding Flame — shimmered into existence above their joined hands.

The soft, golden glow above Sirius and Amelia shimmered, then transformed — becoming a delicate blue flame that floated just between their clasped hands. This was the Binding Flame, the ancient magic that recognized true union, one older than wands or parchment.

Dumbledore stepped back slightly, allowing the flame to respond freely.

“The flame shall now judge the strength of their magic,” he intoned gently, “and accept their bond… if it is pure.”

The flame began to pulse. At first slow, then brighter, then steady. The edges tinged silver as it danced in place, responding to the harmony of Sirius and Amelia’s joined cores. Gasps fluttered among the guests — a silver-haloed flame was rare, the mark of a powerful, balanced union.

Then, from within the flame, two tendrils spun outward, wrapping around the couple’s wrists like silk strands, weaving a temporary tether of glowing light. The ancient spell was clear — their souls had aligned, and magic itself approved.

Sirius looked at Amelia with such intensity it silenced even the ever-chattering Fred and George. Then, as the magic hovered above them, he took a breath — and spoke again, this time unscripted.

“I lost myself once,” he said, voice quiet, but ringing through the silence. “I lost my friends… my future… the woman I once thought was my forever.” His gaze flickered up to the ceiling for a moment, almost as if addressing the stars. “Marlene… I’ll always carry a part of her.”

A beat passed. Amelia did not flinch — she simply stepped half a breath closer, their joined hands tightening. Sirius smiled at her, eyes filled with something deep and humbled. “But I learned that life gives us second chances. Not replacements — never that. But something just as rare. Something real.”

His voice caught for a moment before he continued. “You, Amelia Bones… you saw me, truly saw me, when I thought all that was left of me was a shadow. You believed in me. And now, I swear I’ll spend the rest of my life earning that belief — laughing with you, fighting beside you, annoying you just enough to keep you sharp.”

Chuckles rippled around the tent — even Moody let out a low snort of amusement. Sirius’s eyes glinted.

“I promise to hold your hand through all storms. To never hide from you — not the wild, not the wounded. To stand at your side, proud and unafraid, until my very last breath.”

Amelia’s lips trembled, but her spine remained proud and straight. She now stepped forward to speak.

“I was never one to believe in fairy tales,” she began, voice low but sure. “Not after the war. Not after what we lost. But you made me believe in something better — not fantasy, not perfection — but real.

She reached up, brushing his cheek gently.

“You’re stubborn. Arrogant. A bit too clever for your own good. But you’re loyal, and kind, and far braver than you give yourself credit for.” She paused, her tone softening. “You were never just the last Black. You were always more than the world let you be.”

“I promise, Sirius, to protect you — not just from the dangers out there, but from the doubts within. I promise to laugh with you, grow with you, and remind you of who you really are, when you forget.”

Tears welled in her eyes now, but still did not fall.

“And I swear — no matter what lies ahead — we face it together.

The blue flame above them flared one final time — not just silver-tipped now, but streaked with bright white, a color of eternal magical resonance. It burst gently — not with heat or smoke, but a wave of warmth that rolled through the entire tent like a soft, invisible tide.

The magical threads around their hands vanished, absorbed into their skin, leaving faint glowing marks for a second before fading — proof of the completed bonding.

Dumbledore smiled. “Magic has heard your hearts. It is done.”

There was a breathless silence.

Then:
“You may kiss,” Dumbledore added with a twinkle.

Sirius didn’t wait for a second invitation.

He pulled Amelia close, his hand cupping her cheek as he leaned down — their lips meeting in a kiss that was soft, reverent… and somehow still carried all the fire Sirius Black was known for. Amelia responded with equal fervor — not dramatic, but true. A sealing of everything they had said and everything they hadn’t needed to.

A cheer exploded through the tent. The crowd leapt to its feet.

“WOOHOO!” yelled Tonks, practically bouncing.
Fred and George conjured a series of silver and sapphire fireworks that lit up the enchanted ceiling.
Harry, arm around Ginny’s waist, clapped with the widest grin he’d worn all winter.
Daisy and Susan hugged each other tightly, both teary-eyed.
Dudley whistled loudly, startling even Kingsley.
Remus simply smiled, quiet and full of emotion.

And above them all, a golden phoenix conjured by Dumbledore soared briefly overhead, letting out a triumphant note of song that echoed through the tent like a blessing from the very stars.

The wedding was not just complete — it was bound in magic, memory, and love.

As the last echo of phoenix song faded and the cheers settled into warm laughter, the magical lights above the tent shifted — now casting a soft, amber glow like a late summer sunset. The enchanted musicians, a quartet of floating instruments led by an elegant harp and violin, began to play a gentle melody — a tune that was at once regal and nostalgic, weaving through the evening air like a lullaby only magic could compose.

Dumbledore gave a little bow and stepped aside, conjuring a polished wooden floor at the center of the tent that glimmered faintly under the floating lanterns. With all eyes on them, Sirius extended his hand to Amelia, and with a roguish wink said, “Shall we, Lady Bones?”

Amelia chuckled softly and placed her hand in his. “Lead the way, Lord Black. And do try not to step on my toes.”

Sirius gave a mock-scandalized gasp as he led her onto the floor. “I’ll have you know, I studied for this. For a full… half an hour. This morning.”

That earned a ripple of laughter around the tent as the two began to move in slow, measured steps — Sirius surprisingly graceful, Amelia confident and calm. Their movements, at first traditional, soon fell into their own rhythm — her head resting lightly on his shoulder, his arm wrapped just a touch tighter around her waist, as if neither quite believed they’d reached this moment.

Guests watched in quiet awe as the couple danced in their own little world, the magical instruments playing on, notes drifting like golden dust. Tonks leaned into Remus’s side, misty-eyed. “He looks happier than I’ve ever seen him.”

“He is,” Remus said softly, watching his best friend with quiet pride. “He finally came home.”

After a few minutes, the music gently shifted into something a little more lively — a wizarding waltz with a brighter tempo — and Dumbledore’s voice rose gently over the strings.

“Honored guests, our couple welcomes you to join them.”

There was a moment’s pause, and then a flood of motion.

Charlie Weasley stepped up first, offering a hand to Pyre, who grinned and took it with an elegant curtsy. “About time, Weasley,” she teased.

“Blame the dragons. They never taught me how to ask pretty girls to dance.”

Remus turned to Tonks, who had already turned her hair a wild rose pink in excitement. “Nymphadora—”

“I will hex you if you call me that, but yes, I’d love to,” she grinned, taking his hand without waiting.

Harry looked down at Ginny, who was already giving him her crooked smile. “We’re dancing,” she declared.

“Yes, ma’am,” Harry replied, mock-obedient, but with eyes only for her. They moved onto the floor with natural ease — Ginny leaning into him, Harry guiding her carefully, protectively, even though she needed no help. In truth, they fit together like two halves of a whole, the music bending around them like it, too, knew they were bonded by something ancient and powerful.

Daisy pulled a reluctant-looking Draco onto the floor. “No excuses, Glace. You owe me three dances for that prank with the exploding cocoa.”

“I wasn’t even involved!” he protested, but followed anyway, smirking. “Fine. But I lead.”

“In your dreams.”

Susan and Neville found each other shyly near the edge of the dance floor. “Would you…?” Neville began.

Susan smiled. “I thought you’d never ask.”

Scorpius, spotting Rose across the tent, awkwardly marched toward her, only to bump into Luna, who twirled herself into the center with a dreamy, contented smile. “This song feels like moonlight,” she murmured. “Perfect for floating.”

“Er, sure,” Scorpius blinked, then shrugged and joined in, spinning Luna with clumsy charm.

Meanwhile, Dudley looked nervously at Samantha, who was staring at the floor.

“I’ve… never danced,” he admitted.

Samantha peeked up. “Neither have I.”

They stood awkwardly for a beat before both moved toward the dance floor at the same time, laughing.

“I guess we’ll learn,” Dudley said.

“Together,” Samantha added, cheeks flushed.

All around, couples began to fill the floor — spinning, swaying, laughing. House-elves twirled through the air with trays of sparkling cider, golden goblets refilling with a flick. Overhead, enchanted lights glimmered in time with the music, and the garden beyond the open tent shimmered under star-like charms.

Sirius and Amelia now stood at the center of it all, still locked together, their eyes only on each other.

“Worth the wait?” Amelia asked, softly.

Sirius pressed a kiss to her temple.

“More than I ever dreamed.”
And so the first dance of their new life continued, not as a fairytale, but something stronger — a tapestry of love, grief, laughter, and magic — woven under the stars and sealed in the heartbeat of those who witnessed it.

The music began to gently fade, giving way to the pleasant hum of conversation and laughter as couples slowly filtered from the dance floor toward the long, elegantly decorated banquet tables. Floating lanterns dimmed just slightly, casting a warmer, golden light, and a soft bell chimed — the universal signal for the Feast to Begin.

With a wave of her wand, McGonagall conjured a shimmering banner across the tent's canopy:

“In Honour of Lord Sirius Orion Black and Madame Amelia Hailey Bones.”

The tables, arranged in a graceful U-shape around a central dais where the newlyweds sat, sparkled with fine goblets, enchanted cutlery, and plates that shimmered with magic — each about to be filled with the best the wizarding world had to offer.

The first courses appeared with a soft pop — a selection of delicacies from both wizarding Britain and the continent: rosemary-roasted pheasant, herb-buttered mushrooms, golden Yorkshire pudding, sizzling roast beef, garlic-drizzled asparagus, spiced treacle root pie, and of course, Molly’s famous shepherd's pie which she had insisted on contributing, despite the protesting caterers.

Harry and Ginny sat side by side with the rest of the Musketeers flanking them. On the other end of the top table sat Remus and Tonks, both still grinning like children at Christmas. Daisy and Dudley were beside them, while Susan and Neville had somehow snuck themselves into prime position next to Amelia.

Once the first course had been enjoyed and goblets refilled, Sirius stood and tapped his spoon to his glass.

"Before dessert ruins us all,” he grinned, “there are some beautiful people with beautiful words to share — and I’m not one of them, thankfully.”

Laughter rippled across the tent.

He turned toward Remus with an exaggerated bow. “Moony, old friend. Try not to cry. That’s my job.”

Remus rolled his eyes affectionately, then rose, adjusting his robes and clearing his throat. The tent quieted immediately.

“Thank you,” he began, voice steady but touched with emotion. “It’s rare in our world to see something truly full circle. But tonight — watching Sirius smile not with that reckless spark he wore as a boy, but with something fuller, more anchored — it reminds me that healing is possible.”

He looked directly at Sirius and Amelia.

“Sirius Black has been through hell. We all know it. But what’s less known is the courage it took to rebuild — to open his heart again, to trust, to choose love. Amelia Bones… you didn’t just accept him. You saw him. And you loved him, madness and all.”

The crowd chuckled warmly.

“I've seen them together in quiet moments, when no one else was looking. And let me say this — what they share isn't just love. It's the kind of bond that anchors a person to life. So to both of you — may your days be full, your nights warm, and your laughter louder than any shadows that dare try to return.”

He lifted his glass. “To Sirius and Amelia.”

"To Sirius and Amelia!" echoed around the tent, glasses raised, eyes glinting with pride and emotion.

As Remus sat, Tonks shot him a wink before standing herself. Her hair had turned a soft rose gold, and her expression was a mixture of mischief and tenderness.

“I had no speech prepared, but since Remus went all noble and heart-tugging on us, I guess someone has to add a little chaos.”

Laughter burst from the crowd again.

“Amelia,” Tonks said, turning toward the bride, “you are one of the fiercest witches I’ve ever met. You’re strength and elegance, fire and reason, and you’ve made Uncle Padfoot… well, let’s face it, actually civilized. Miracles do happen.”

Sirius laughed the loudest at that.

“And Sirius,” she continued, eyes twinkling, “you were always larger than life. Wild. Tragic. Dramatic. And occasionally shirtless at awkward times.”

Sirius raised his glass proudly. “Guilty.”

“But now… now you’re more. Not just alive, but living. You’re a better man, because you let yourself love again.”

Her voice dipped softer. “And I know somewhere out there, Aunt Marlene is smiling too. Because this — this joy, this love — is exactly what she’d have wanted for you.”

Sirius’s hand tightened over Amelia’s under the table.

Tonks beamed, then raised her glass. “To the mad ones who love like fire and rise from ashes like phoenixes. To Amelia and Sirius!”

A chorus of “To Amelia and Sirius!” followed again, some voices hoarse from emotion.

Then Harry rose. Instantly, the tent quieted, reverent.

He looked at Sirius and Amelia with a fond smile.

“Sirius gave me a family when I thought I had none left. He taught me how to laugh again, even when it hurt. And Amelia… you gave him peace. You gave me peace. You both gave Daisy and me — and all of us — a home we didn’t know we could have.”

He glanced down, pausing to steady himself. Ginny squeezed his hand beneath the table.

“I’m not very good with big words… but I know what it means to fight for love. You two did. And because of that — we all get to believe in something better.”

He raised his glass, and his voice was quiet but firm.

“To family, old and new.”

Soft murmurs of “To family” echoed gently this time, heartfelt and close.

Then Susan stood, cheeks flushed but eyes bright.

“I’ve known Aunt Amelia my whole life. And I’ve never seen her glow like this. It’s like… she finally stopped carrying everything alone.”

She turned to Sirius. “Thank you. For loving her, for making her laugh again. For giving her a partner in this crazy world.”

To Amelia: “And thank you for teaching me that love doesn’t make you weaker — it makes you braver.

She raised her goblet. “To courage. And to love.”

A final cheer rang out — glasses clinking, voices warm. The wedding feast continued, but it was no longer just about food. It was about togetherness. Healing. Family.

And somewhere in the heart of it, beneath the flickering tent lights and swirling magic, the new Mr. and Mrs. Black held hands — surrounded not by riches or glory, but by something far rarer: True joy.

The lights dimmed again, this time accompanied by a chorus of sharp pops and twinkles that danced through the air like fireworks being summoned from within the tent itself. A moment later, two identical silhouettes rose onto the central stage from beneath the floor, robes dramatically fluttering with the aid of a very cheeky wind charm.

Fred and George Weasley stood with wands drawn, bows at the ready, and identical grins plastered on their faces — the kind that instantly warned the audience to expect both chaos and brilliance.

“Ladies and Gentlewizards,” Fred began, with a deep theatrical voice.

“We present to you,” George continued, flicking his wand behind his back to conjure a glittering banner that unfurled in the air above them — “The Legendary Love of Padfoot and Panthera!”

The audience burst into amused laughter at the nickname — a newer inside joke among the Musketeers and family, as “Panthera” was Tonks’s affectionate moniker for Amelia, given her composed but fiercely predatory aura.

“And now,” Fred announced, “a dramatic reenactment of a love story that defied odds, outlived legends, and began… with paperwork.”

George added helpfully, “And a whole lot of growling.”

Sirius groaned loudly. “Merlin save us.”

“You brought this on yourself,” Amelia said dryly, though the corners of her lips twitched in amusement.

The twins launched into a wildly exaggerated sketch — Fred playing “Sirius the Wild and Brooding Rogue,” complete with a swirling cloak charmed to ripple with shadows, and George as “Amelia the Unshakable Panther,” striding in stiff Ministry robes and oversized glasses.

“I am the law!” George declared in a dramatic monotone.

“And I am the chaos!” Fred shot back, spinning theatrically with his cloak tangling around his feet.

From the side, Ginny cast a small charm to project illusionary images into the air that mimicked their story: miniature holograms of a young Sirius being dragged into the DMLE by a stony-faced Amelia, followed by a magically amplified voice growling, “This better not be another prank involving Fwoopers, Black!

The tent was in absolute stitches, especially when Fred-as-Sirius dramatically collapsed, clutching his chest, proclaiming: “But I have fallen — not for Azkaban — but for you, fierce Panthera!”

George, trying to maintain a stoic face as Amelia, muttered, “Is he always this dramatic?”

Susan and Harry were cackling the loudest, while Tonks was nearly falling off her chair laughing, her hair flashing between bright violet and electric blue.

Then came the finale — a surprise even to the bride and groom.

The twins conjured a glowing constellation in the air, shaped like a large, luminous dog and a sleek panther circling a glowing heart. Fred's voice dropped slightly in tone, just enough to hint at sincerity.

“In truth,” he said, “beyond the laughter and mischief…”

“…this story is one of second chances, real courage, and finding the person who brings you peace,” George finished, his grin softening.

They both turned to Sirius and Amelia.

“From all of us — thank you. For showing us what love looks like when it’s forged in fire, but held with gentleness.”

As they bowed deeply, the audience erupted into claps and cheers, some rising to their feet. Amelia’s cheeks had gone faintly pink, and even Sirius looked unusually moved, blinking faster than usual.

“I’ll murder them later,” Sirius muttered.

“You’ll have to get in line,” Amelia replied softly, eyes shining with pride.

As the cheers died down, Fred and George hopped off the stage, walking back to their table high-fiving each other.

“That was our most romantic performance ever,” Fred whispered loudly to Ginny.

“Don’t get used to it,” George warned, “we’re back to explosive dungbomb ballets next week.”

Ginny rolled her eyes, laughing. “Honestly, that was brilliant.”

And as the tent slowly refilled with background music and the dessert trays began to appear — laden with treacle tarts, flaming chocolate éclairs, and even a phoenix-feathered wedding cake — it was clear the night still had much more joy to offer.

As the last wave of music mellowed into a slow, dreamy tune, the energy within the great celebration tent settled into a quieter hum. The older guests began exchanging farewells or drifting into the guest wings of Bones Manor, while the younger ones clung to the warmth of dessert and conversation. The stars twinkled clearly through the enchanted glass ceiling, a winter sky blessing the final moments of an unforgettable evening.

Amelia and Sirius had slipped away from the crowd for a brief moment of privacy, leaving their well-wishers and laughter behind. They stood now just beyond the glowing edges of the magical marquee, under a wide arch of fairy lights that led to the quiet garden path. Snow blanketed the hedges, sparkling under floating lanterns, and a gentle charm kept the air around them warm without disturbing the winter beauty.

Sirius took Amelia’s hand as they paused beneath a silver-birch arbor. His thumb grazed her fingers, slowly intertwining. “Merlin,” he murmured, voice thick with emotion, “I married you. That actually happened.”

Amelia tilted her face to him, her usually sharp eyes now liquid with warmth. “It did. And somehow, you didn’t hex yourself into your robes or run off howling at the moon.”

He chuckled softly. “I’ve done mad things, Amy… reckless things, foolish things. But this—us—this is the only thing I’ve ever done that makes me feel like I’m exactly where I belong.”

Her expression softened further, and she brushed a thumb along his jaw. “You’ve always belonged, Sirius. You just didn’t have the right arms around you before.”

He leaned forward, pressing his forehead gently against hers. “I still feel her sometimes,” he said quietly. “Marlene. Not a ghost. Just… her echo, inside me. And I think… I think she’s happy for us.”

“I know she is,” Amelia whispered. “She was your heart once, and I will never ask you to forget her. Because loving someone again—it doesn’t erase the love before. It just… means your soul still believes in hope.”

Sirius exhaled, a breath that trembled slightly, but it was full of peace. He looked at her then, eyes intense but steady. “I don’t just love you, Amelia Bones. I choose you. Every morning, every hour, every breath.”

“And I choose you,” Amelia said softly. “Through storms and laughter, through duty and chaos. I am yours.”

Their kiss was not hurried. It was soft, lingering, full of gratitude and promise — two warriors who had carried too much alone, now finally allowed to rest in each other’s arms.

Behind them, the path to the Manor glowed faintly golden. A pair of trunks had already been sent ahead to Paris, and Topssy and Rumble were bustling discreetly nearby, ready to see them off. The Floo was set, and the French Manor was prepared for their arrival.

“I heard you charmed every window in that Paris house to have a view of the Eiffel Tower,” Amelia teased as they began walking hand-in-hand.

Sirius grinned. “Well, I was planning on ravishing you in front of the view. What’s the point of Paris without scandal?”

She laughed aloud, and the sound was warm enough to melt icicles.

As they reached the drawing room, where the Floo glowed emerald and warm, Amelia paused and turned one last time toward the dark garden. “This was a good beginning.”

Sirius pulled her close again. “And now, mon amour… to the rest of forever.”

With a final glance at their home and the life they were now building, the newlyweds stepped into the green flames—hand in hand—and vanished in a soft whoosh, bound for Paris, and the start of their honeymoon.

Next Chapter is We are Back !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  So finally the legendary wedding of Mr and Mrs Padfoot. So although Amelia had been a major side character always , now her role is expanded even more and her character will be getting time more and more development . Next chapter on next Wednesday. Anyways, A very Happy Birthday to our dearest Harry Potter. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 40: We are Back !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Now that the newlyweds had departed in a swirl of emerald flame, leaving behind soft laughter and a garden dusted in moonlit snow, the remaining guests began to gently wind down the celebration. The magical marquee slowly dimmed its lights to a warm, golden hue, echoing the peaceful hush settling over Bones Estate.

The younger crowd helped the elves clean up, while the adults gathered cloaks and exchanged final hugs and congratulations. Laughter still drifted through the air, but it was mellow now, fond and sleepy.

Near the main fireplace, Harry pulled Ginny into his arms. Their foreheads touched first, eyes closed, breaths mingling in the hush. Then he leaned in and kissed her — slow, sweet, and thorough — his fingers brushing the edge of her hair.

“I’ll see you tonight,” he whispered against her lips.

“In Dreamland,” she murmured, eyes glowing with promise.

Arthur Weasley, already holding Ginny’s small trunk and her cloak bundled under one arm, gave the pair a patient smile. “Come on, sweetheart.”

Ginny gave Harry’s hand one last squeeze, then stepped over to her father, and with a soft crack of side-along Apparition, they vanished from sight.

Harry exhaled, blinking once to clear the quiet ache of parting.

“Cuz, you alright?” Dudley asked as he came up beside him, scarf trailing.

Harry nodded. “Yeah. Just... one of those days that ends too fast.”

Soon after, the remaining group gathered near the wide hearth of the ballroom. Susan, wrapped in her new winter cloak, stood beside Harry, already aware she'd be returning with them — Amelia and Sirius had insisted. Her belongings had been sent earlier in the day.

Daisy, yawning now, leaned into Grandma Tucker, who looked regal as ever in her plum shawl, one arm around Daisy and the other balancing her purse. Dudley munched quietly on a leftover chocolate tart.

Twinky and Dimpy stood ready, holding a small crate of sealed gifts and bags the children had received. Fawcett Manor awaited.

Harry turned to Susan. “Ready for the madhouse?”

She smirked, black eyes soft. “As long as there’s cocoa and no more wedding speeches, I think I’ll survive.”

They flooed one by one: first Dudley and Grandma, then Daisy with Twinky, followed by Susan and Dimpy. Harry stepped in last, gave one long look at the beautiful manor that had just witnessed such joy, and called out, “Fawcett Manor!”

Green flames swirled him away.

---

At the other end, the family room of Fawcett Manor was already gently lit by firelight. The house had been warmed for their return. Daisy immediately claimed the couch and curled up under a conjured quilt. Dudley was already coaxing Fiona out of his travel pouch with a bit of carrot.

Susan stood for a moment, quietly taking in the room — the worn edges of furniture, the odd mix of muggle and magical decor, the warmth that couldn’t be charmed into a place — and smiled.

“I like it here,” she said simply.

“Welcome home,” Grandma Tucker said, giving her a rare, approving nod.

Harry helped Twinky sort their bags, then collapsed into the nearest armchair. “We’ll all sleep well tonight.”

---

Elsewhere, in a quiet part of London, Remus and Samantha walked side by side through Olivia’s garden path toward the Apparition point. The night air was crisp, Samantha’s gloved hand tucked into his.

“You don’t have to pretend,” she said after a pause. “I know this is big for you.”

Remus smiled down at her. “You’re not wrong. But it’s not just big — it’s... something I thought I’d never have. A walk with my daughter after a wedding.”

She squeezed his hand. “Well. Now you do.”

When they reached the garden gate, he turned to her, uncertain. “Are you sure? It’s not too soon?”

She looked up at him, dark eyes honest. “I want to come, Dad. Just for a few days. Olivia’s fine. Pyre said so. I want to see what it’s like.”

Remus's heart stuttered again at that word: Dad.

“Alright,” he said softly. “Let’s go home.”

With a crack, they disappeared into the night.

---

Tonks, after giving everyone a long goodbye and a last wink at Samantha, returned to her parents’ home. She spent the journey replaying Remus's quiet smile in her mind, already counting the hours till she could see him again.

---

Back at Bones Estate, the last lights flickered out as Topssy and Rumble finished their rounds. The garden lay quiet now, touched by snow and memory. The echoes of celebration lingered only in the air, like perfume or a spell fading slowly.

Sirius and Amelia were already halfway across France, laughing together in a Parisian drawing room charmed for privacy and romance.

And back in England, under a roof full of love and peculiar found family, Harry finally sank into bed, dreaming of red hair, soft hands, and a phoenix named Hinny waiting in a realm only two hearts knew.

The warm cheer of the holidays had slowly faded, replaced by the crisp January air as reality crept back in. The past few days had flown by in a blur of laughter, feasts, snowball fights, and quiet moments with loved ones. Fawcett Manor had been a whirlwind of life and noise—Ginny and Ron often dropped by, joining the trio of Harry, Daisy, and Dudley in games, reading sessions, or just long chats by the enchanted fireplace that crackled with green-gold flames. Grandma Tucker always had a steady supply of warm cocoa ready, and the house-elves Twinky and Dimpy bustled about joyfully, as if trying to hold onto the festive spirit a little longer.

New Year’s Eve had been special—hosted at Longbottom Manor. Augusta, in her firm but unexpectedly welcoming way, had opened the estate to a massive gathering. All twelve Musketeers had attended, along with the Weasleys, the Tonks family, Remus Lupin, the Joneses, and several of the Musketeers’ parents or guardians. Luna had arrived wearing a handmade silver crown of mistletoe and stars, humming a tune about invisible time-snails, and Dudley had blushed bright pink when Samantha greeted him with a New Year’s kiss on the cheek. Ginny had pulled Harry into a quiet alcove just before midnight, whispering, “This is our third New Year together, Mr. Potter,” before giving him a soft, lingering kiss that left him smiling well into the new year.

Tonks had announced her acceptance of the position as Dueling Professor at Hogwarts for the following year, her hair flashing electric blue with excitement as she told the Musketeers. “Moody gave his blessing,” she had said proudly. “Said I’ll either turn them into warriors or maniacs. Or both.”

But January 4th—Monday—had come faster than anyone liked.

It was time to return.

Outside King’s Cross, the platform bustled as usual, steam hissing and trunks being dragged about noisily. The Musketeers, however, clustered together with practiced ease, gravitating naturally to the double-sized carriage near the front of the train. The same one they had taken at the start of the term, the one they had dubbed “the Musketeers Carriage.”

Inside, the twelve of them took their usual spots. Scorpius flopped into his seat with a dramatic sigh. “Back to dungeons and deadlines.”

“Back to early mornings and sleepy classes,” Ron muttered, already nibbling on a chocolate bar. He had received a box of Honeydukes’ best from Ginny over the break, a "peace offering" after one of their traditional sibling arguments.

Harry smiled faintly as he settled next to Ginny. "We engraved our names right here," he murmured, running a finger under the edge of the wooden bench beneath them. Sure enough, the names were still there: “Harry,” “Ginny,” “Daisy,” “Ron,” “Draco,” “Hermione,” “Susan,” “Neville,” “Luna,” “Scorpius,” “Dudley,” and “Samantha.” Tiny, neat, and deeply carved into the wood by wand or nail, a silent oath of unity.

Daisy sat between Draco and Luna, plaiting her hair with shimmering red-gold threads gifted to her by one of the house-elves. “Feels like we were just going home,” she said softly.

Hermione, who had already taken out a schedule planner, sighed. “Second term means elective sign-ups. We need to start thinking about that.”

Susan perked up, looking toward Harry and Ginny. “Are Healing and Dueling still on for third-years?”

Harry nodded. “Amelia confirmed it before she left. Dueling will be Tonks’ class; Healing will be taken by Madam Pomfrey with help from visiting Healers.”

“And Sirius and Amelia?” Neville asked. “They still in Greece?”

Ginny shook her head. “Italy now, I think. Last letter said they’d be back in two days. They’re honeymooning across magical Europe.”

“They deserve it,” Draco muttered. “Especially after the year we’ve had.”

As the whistle blew and the Hogwarts Express began to roll forward, the Musketeers leaned into their usual comfort: chatter, shared sweets, a game of enchanted Exploding Chess in one corner, and a dreamy discussion between Luna and Samantha about magical ecosystems in snow biomes.

Ginny leaned into Harry’s shoulder, and he wrapped an arm around her instinctively. “Term two,” she said with a smile. “Ready?”

Harry gave her hand a light squeeze. “With you? Always.”

The Hogwarts Express screeched to a halt at Hogsmeade Station, sending up a fine mist of steam as students bustled out into the chilled dusk air. Snow still lined the platform, though much of it had turned to slush where countless feet trod. Prefects barked orders and called for first years to line up as the rest of the students scattered toward the familiar line of carriages waiting to take them to the castle.

This time, the Silver Musketeers—Ginny, Daisy, Dudley, Samantha, Luna, and Scorpius—were visibly excited. Last time, they’d crossed the Black Lake by boat during their Sorting, wide-eyed and awed. But now, they had earned their place in the carriages, just like the older students.

Ginny beamed at Harry as he helped her climb in. “This feels official,” she said, sliding into the seat beside him.

“It is official,” Harry grinned, pulling the door shut behind them. “You’re not the wide-eyed firsties anymore.”

Dudley, bundled in a thick cloak, gave an enthusiastic thumbs-up from the opposite bench. “These carriages are brilliant! Way better than walking.”

“They move on their own,” Luna chimed in dreamily, her wide silver eyes peeking out from under a woolen hat. “Some say Thestrals pull them… invisible creatures that only those who’ve seen death can see.”

A slight shiver passed through the group, but Harry nodded quietly. He had seen death, too much of it.

Soon enough, the tall towers of Hogwarts rose into view, their snow-topped spires gleaming in the light of hundreds of enchanted torches. The castle looked welcoming, a beacon in the twilight.

The Musketeers disembarked at the main entrance, stamping their boots and brushing off snow before joining the stream of students into the Great Hall. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the twilight sky, stars peeking through drifting clouds, and the four House tables glowed under floating candles.

Once everyone had taken their places—Harry, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, and Neville at the Gryffindor table; Draco and Daisy at the Slytherin one; Susan and Dudley with the Hufflepuffs; and Luna and Samantha among the Ravenclaws—the doors closed with a heavy boom. Silence descended as Professor Dumbledore rose from his golden chair at the staff table.

“Welcome back, all of you, to the second term at Hogwarts,” he began, arms open wide and eyes twinkling. “May your holidays have been restful, and may your minds be ready for another round of magical mayhem—of the educational variety, of course.”

A polite chuckle rippled across the hall.

“Now,” Dumbledore continued, his tone shifting slightly, “we have a matter of importance to share. As you all know, Professor Lockhart is no longer with us—he has graciously been detained for... ah, educational fraud, among other things.”

Several students burst out laughing; even the professors seemed amused, though Snape merely smirked.

“In his stead, we welcome a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher—one already well-known to many of you. A man of great integrity, skill, and compassion: Professor Remus Lupin.”

A warm applause erupted through the hall—especially from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw tables. Harry and Daisy were the first on their feet, followed by Susan, Hermione, Luna, and Samantha. Draco clapped too, though he remained seated, a small smile tugging at his mouth. Dudley looked especially proud.

Only the usual cluster of sour-faced Slytherins—Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, Theodore Nott, and Gregory Goyle—along with a few older Slytherins like Marcus Flint and Cassius Redding, looked unhappy.

Remus stood, his expression reserved but grateful. He looked tired but content, eyes scanning the students who now knew not just his name but his truth. He gave a small bow, then sat down again beside Professor Flitwick.

Dumbledore’s gaze remained steady. “It is Professor Lupin’s wish—and my firm belief—that transparency be maintained. Professor Lupin is a werewolf.”

Gasps fluttered across the hall, a few frightened murmurs, but no screams, no hysteria. That itself was telling.

“Appropriate precautions are, of course, in place,” Dumbledore went on calmly. “During the full moon, Professor Lupin will not be at the school and will be in a highly secure location—far from any students. He is perfectly safe and more than capable the rest of the time. I hope you will all treat him with the same respect and openness that we encourage in this school.”

For a moment, there was silence. Then, clapping resumed—led once more by Harry and his friends. Slowly, many others joined in. Even some Slytherins, like Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis, gave reluctant nods or claps. The hostile few, however, remained motionless.

Harry leaned toward Hermione and whispered, “Well, that went better than I feared.”

“Most people trust Dumbledore,” she whispered back. “And Remus looks… safe. Kind.”

“Because he is,” Harry said softly, eyes flicking to the man he now proudly called his uncle.

The feast began in full glory soon after. Platters of roast beef, mashed potatoes, treacle tart, and warming soups materialized, accompanied by butterbeer and hot chocolate. The hall filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of goblets.

At the Gryffindor table, Ron was busy piling his plate with sausages. “Do you think he’ll be better than Lockhart?” he asked with a mouthful.

“Literally anyone is better than Lockhart,” Ginny muttered, stabbing a boiled potato.

Hermione huffed. “Remus is excellent. I’ve already seen some of the materials he’s prepared—Professor McGonagall let me take a look.”

“He’s also got some practical stuff planned,” Harry added, voice low. “Dueling, shielding, even basic hex reversal. He told me and Daisy over the holidays.”

Ron looked impressed. “Blimey. Real stuff, finally.”

At the Slytherin table, Draco was unusually quiet. Daisy nudged him. “You alright?”

He gave a small nod. “Just… thinking. About how different this term’s going to be.”

“It will be,” she said firmly. “In a good way.”

All around them, the Musketeers exchanged glances, small smiles, and waves across tables. Their circle was united, strong—and now had one more adult in their corner. A teacher who knew the truth, who was one of them.

As the golden plates vanished and students began to rise for their return to the dormitories, Harry looked around the hall, eyes lingering on his friends. For the first time in a long while, he felt that things were beginning anew—stronger, deeper, and more true than before. Winter had returned to Hogwarts, and with it, something even rarer:

Hope.

After the ceremony ended and the Christmas feast was concluded, students from all houses began dispersing toward their respective common rooms. Laughter echoed in the corridors as groups moved in clusters, chattering about gifts, plans, and the snowy adventures ahead.

Harry, holding Ginny’s hand, trailed slightly behind the main group of Gryffindors, their steps unhurried. His emerald eyes caught a glimpse of two younger students who had lingered back. Scorpius Malfoy and Rose West had veered off down a quieter hallway that led toward the long corridor between the library and the Herbology courtyard.

Ginny noticed too. “They’re not heading to Gryffindor Tower,” she murmured, raising an eyebrow.

Harry gave a small smile. “Let them be.”

Around the corner, beneath the arch of a softly glowing lantern, Scorpius turned to face Rose, his usual playful grin unusually hesitant. His strawberry blond hair fell slightly into his eyes, and he pushed it back nervously.

"Hey," he began, voice a little more serious than usual. "Can I—can I say something a bit... not normal?"

Rose tilted her head, her dark curls bouncing slightly as she met his blue eyes. “You always say things that aren’t normal.”

He chuckled, the tension breaking just slightly. “True. But this one’s different.”

Rose stepped a little closer. “Go on then.”

Scorpius took a breath. “I like you. Like, really like you. You make me laugh even when I don’t want to. And I like how you talk about plants like they’re people. And the way you always stand up to people twice your size—even when you're scared.” He glanced down, then back up. “I know we’re only twelve. I’m not saying we’re getting married or anything. I just... I want to try. Us. If you’d want that too.”

For a moment, Rose simply looked at him, surprised—then slowly, her expression softened. “I was wondering when you’d say it,” she said, cheeks pink. “I like you too, Scorpius. You’re brave, even when you pretend not to be. And you’ve been my best friend since September.”

His eyes widened slightly, hopeful. “So...?”

“So yes,” Rose nodded, “let’s try.”

And then, with a spark of sudden boldness, she leaned in and kissed his cheek—then, quickly, brushed her lips to his in the lightest, sweetest kiss of new beginnings.

Scorpius blinked, red spreading across his face, but his smile bloomed instantly. “Wow.”

Rose laughed quietly. “Don’t get used to that, Malfoy.”

“Oh, I already am,” he grinned.

They rejoined the flow of returning students hand-in-hand, fingers lightly intertwined—still shy, still new, but glowing with the lightness of something just starting.

As they passed through the courtyard, the snow falling in soft curtains around them, Rose glanced up at him. “Don’t tell my mum I kissed you. She’ll go mad.”

Scorpius smirked. “Deal. But I’m writing it in my journal.”

“You keep a journal?” she said with a mock gasp.

“Absolutely. How else will I remember the day my girlfriend kissed me for the first time?”

Rose rolled her eyes, but her smile was too wide to hide.

Back in the corridor, Harry and Ginny exchanged a glance, both smiling as they leaned against the wall briefly.

Ginny nudged him gently. “Another Potter-Malfoy alliance?”

Harry chuckled softly. “Seems that way.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “Told you love has no house boundaries.”

“And neither does mischief,” Harry added, grinning. “Especially with those two.”

They stayed a moment longer, then turned and walked hand-in-hand toward the staircases, the castle aglow with the last warmth of celebration and the quiet hush of the falling snow outside.

When Scorpius entered the Gryffindor common room after walking Rose back toward her corridor—she had headed off to the Hufflepuff basement—he paused briefly, taking in the warm flicker of the fire and the quiet rustle of parchment as upper years studied or lounged. The hour was late, most students already retreating to their dormitories, but one figure sat alone in the far corner near the tall window: Harry.

Harry was gazing out at the moonlit grounds, his elbow resting on the windowsill, absently stroking Kluer, who had turned a soft lavender in the dim light. He sensed Scorpius approaching and turned, offering a small smile.

Scorpius grinned sheepishly. “Hey, Harry.”

“Hey, Scorp,” Harry greeted, gesturing for him to sit. “All good?”

Scorpius flopped onto the armchair beside him and nodded. “More than good, actually. I, uh… I just wanted to say thanks.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “For what?”

“For earlier,” Scorpius said sincerely. “When you talked to me about feelings and… and Rose. I didn’t even realise how much I needed that nudge.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “We talked properly tonight. I told her I liked her. And she… well, she likes me too.”

Harry’s smile widened, genuinely pleased. “That’s brilliant.”

Scorpius beamed. “We’re together now. Like… officially.” His cheeks reddened slightly but he didn’t seem to care. “I walked her to her common room and… well, we sort of… kissed.” He gave a little laugh. “It wasn’t like how you and Ginny do it. Not yet, I mean—just a quick one. But it felt… I don’t know, real.”

Harry leaned back, his expression soft. “It is real, Scorpius. Doesn’t matter how new or small it feels. If it means something, then it’s real.”

Scorpius looked down, then up again. “You’re really good at this, you know? The whole… feelings and relationships thing.”

Harry snorted. “Tell that to Ginny. I’ve had my fair share of awkward starts.” He smiled more warmly. “But you’re a good bloke. And she’s a good girl. Rose is… kind. Sharp, too.”

Scorpius nodded enthusiastically. “She’s amazing. She’s funny in this quiet way, you know? And she’s always honest. Doesn’t play games.”

“Sounds like someone’s smitten,” Harry teased lightly.

“I totally am,” Scorpius admitted, grinning. “I just didn’t expect it to feel this nice.”

Harry clapped him lightly on the shoulder. “That’s how it should feel.”

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, broken only by the crackling fire and Kluer’s quiet purring.

Then Scorpius asked curiously, “You and Ginny… when did you know?”

Harry looked out the window again, his voice quiet but certain. “The moment I saw her . It was like… my heart just decided. Everything else came later.”

Scorpius tilted his head. “You’re lucky.”

Harry turned to him, his voice a little firmer. “So are you, Scorp. Don’t doubt that.”

There was a warmth between them then—a shared understanding, not just of young love, but of growing, of finding one’s people in a world that so often demanded masks and legacies.

Scorpius smiled again and rose. “I should get to bed. Big training session tomorrow.”

“Night, Scorp.”

“Night, Harry. And… thanks again.”

As Scorpius disappeared up the spiral staircase toward the second-year dormitory, Harry lingered at the window a moment longer. He glanced down at the grounds, his eyes distant, his hand stilling on Kluer’s fur. Somewhere beyond the stars, he felt Ginny’s magic tug softly at his own.

He smiled faintly.

“See you soon, Gin.”

The next morning, Tuesday, January 5, dawned clear and cold, sunlight flooding the Great Hall through tall arched windows. Icicles clung to the ledges outside, and the enchanted ceiling showed a soft winter sky tinged with pale gold.

As was now a casual tradition, the Musketeers—those already awake and not caught in morning practices—had drifted together toward the Ravenclaw table for breakfast. Their laughter rang lightly across the hall as bowls of porridge and platters of toast floated in. Samantha was explaining something from Magical Numerology, while Luna drew a Crumple-Horned Snorkack in butter on her toast. Daisy was half-listening, mostly watching Dudley across from her, who had a smear of jam on his chin and didn’t know it yet. Ginny leaned slightly into Harry, who sat calmly in the middle of it all, sipping pumpkin juice and scanning the room out of habit.

Then the Hall doors opened, and in walked Rose West—blonde curls tucked under a striped scarf, her Hufflepuff badge shining—and beside her, with hair slightly windswept and a rather unmistakable grin, was Scorpius Malfoy.

Hand in hand.

Harry’s eyes immediately flicked to Ginny’s. She’d seen it too. Her smirk bloomed slowly, almost proud.

But around them, the others were slower to react. Samantha blinked first, then leaned slightly forward. “Wait. Are they holding hands?”

Susan, sitting beside Ron, glanced up. “They are,” she said quietly, eyes widening.

Hermione’s fork paused halfway to her mouth, and Neville gaped, nearly knocking over his goblet. Luna, smiling dreamily, just said, “Oh, they’re glowing.”

But the loudest reaction came from Draco, who had only just entered the Hall with Blaise and Theo in tow. He stopped dead, nearly causing Blaise to walk straight into him. His grey eyes narrowed as he stared at his younger brother walking calmly through the aisles of tables… hand in hand with a Hufflepuff.

More importantly—a Hufflepuff girl.

“Is that… Rose West?” Draco asked, his voice strangled somewhere between disbelief and panic.

Blaise turned lazily, then raised an eyebrow. “Looks like it.”

“They’re holding hands,” Theo added unhelpfully.

“No—no no no—” Draco muttered, storming forward a few steps before catching himself.

Scorpius and Rose had clearly noticed the attention now. Rose flushed a bit, but held her head high. Scorpius, to his credit, gave a small confident nod to the table of Musketeers before pulling out a seat for her at the Hufflepuff end of the Ravenclaw table, near Susan and Luna.

The silence broke into hushed whispers, scattered gasps, and muffled giggles from the students around them.

Ron looked scandalised. “Wait, they’re together? Since when?!”

“Last night,” Harry said simply, popping a grape into his mouth.

Ginny chuckled. “You’re all so slow.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes. “You knew?!

“We might have,” Ginny said airily, poking her eggs.

Daisy grinned. “I like this. They’re cute.”

Draco finally made his way over, expression somewhere between furious and confused. “Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy—”

“Good morning to you too,” Scorpius said calmly, sipping juice.

Draco lowered his voice but hissed, “You could have mentioned you were dating a Hufflepuff!”

Rose raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem, Malfoy?”

Draco faltered. “No—I mean—I didn’t mean it like that. It’s just… surprising.”

Scorpius shrugged. “I like her. She likes me. Thought that was enough.”

Draco opened his mouth, then shut it. After a long pause, he exhaled through his nose and muttered, “Fine. Just… warn me next time.”

“Sure,” Scorpius said with a wink. “Next girlfriend, I’ll send a memo.”

Laughter broke out across the table, and Draco, defeated and slightly pink in the ears, sat down beside Hermione without another word.

Harry leaned over to Ginny. “Think we should tell him Daisy and I already knew?”

Ginny snorted. “Nah. Let him simmer.”

And so breakfast continued—still filled with the usual talk of lessons, practice schedules, and gossip—but now with one more couple seated among them. Scorpius and Rose sat close, quietly chatting as if nothing unusual had happened.

But for the Musketeers—and certainly for Draco Malfoy—it was a very unusual, and rather heartwarming, beginning to the new term.

With that done and breakfast winding down, the Musketeers began to disperse toward their first lessons of the day. The 2nd year Gryffindors and Ravenclaws had History of Magic first thing, a dull way to begin the term unless one had a strong grasp of Professor Binns’ new storytelling approach—something Harry had helped initiate the previous year.

Harry slung his satchel over his shoulder and turned to Ginny, who was finishing her pumpkin juice. She, along with the first-year Gryffindors and Slytherins, had Potions with Snape.

“Good luck, Gin,” he said softly, brushing her hair back.

Ginny gave him a confident smirk. “With Snape? Please. He practically smiles at me now.”

Harry chuckled, leaned down, and kissed her on the cheek. “Still. Try not to melt any cauldrons.”

She grinned. “Only if someone deserves it.”

With that, they parted—Harry walking off with Hermione, Ron, and Neville, while Ginny veered off with Daisy, Demelza, and the Slytherin first-years, including Elorra and Astoria, toward the dungeons.

Ron glanced sideways at Harry. “You’re disgusting, mate.”

“You’re just bitter,” Hermione teased, nudging Ron.

“I am not,” he said quickly, his ears already flushing red.

They reached the History of Magic classroom, where Professor Binns, now far more engaging than before thanks to Harry’s subtle mentoring, floated in front of the class with an animated glint in his translucent eyes. Maps of Goblin Rebellions and illustrations of early magical law reforms hovered beside him.

Neville leaned in to whisper, “I hope today’s about the Wand Regulation Act. That one’s not as boring as it sounds.”

“It would be,” Harry said with a smile, “especially if Binns covers the duel between Beatrix Flume and Grigori Plint.”

As expected, the class was still quiet and calm—if only because Harry’s influence tended to keep even the most disruptive students (Seamus, for example) more focused than usual.

After an hour of reasonably engaging discussion, with a few students even asking questions that Professor Binns answered with something close to enthusiasm, the bell rang, and they filed out.

But their pace picked up quickly, because next was their first Defence Against the Dark Arts class since November—and the first under Professor Lupin.

The Double DADA lesson was held in the large Defence classroom, which Lupin had already transformed subtly. The atmosphere was warm, calm, and focused. The lighting was just dim enough to feel grounded, and several practical props stood stacked in a corner. On the board, in clean handwriting, were the words:

Professor R. J. Lupin – Introduction & Practical Magic

Harry entered first, and Lupin—Uncle Moony, to him—gave him a brief, proud nod. “Mr Potter,” he said formally, though his eyes gleamed. “Take a front seat, if you don’t mind.”

Hermione nudged Harry. “He’s your godfather’s best friend, isn’t he?”

Harry smiled. “One of them.”

Once all the Gryffindors and Ravenclaws were seated—Ron beside Harry, Hermione and Neville to their right, and Terry Boot and Padma Patil across the aisle—Professor Lupin stepped forward.

He looked… different. Better. Though still pale, he stood tall with an aura of quiet strength. His robes were plain but neat, and there was a calm intelligence in his gaze that immediately captured the room.

“Good morning,” he said. His voice was steady, gentle but firm.

“Good morning, Professor,” the class chorused.

“I won’t waste your time with long introductions,” Lupin said, clasping his hands behind his back. “You’ve gone over the basic theory this year. You’ve practiced defensive spells under… unfortunate instruction.”

A few students snorted softly. Lupin didn’t smile, but his eyes twinkled.

“So today, we begin again. My name is Professor Lupin, and I promise you two things: First, you’ll be safe. Second, you’ll learn how to protect yourselves.”

Hermione straightened in her seat, already scribbling notes.

“We’ll start simple,” Lupin continued. “I want to see your wandwork, and get a sense of where each of you are. And yes, there will be practicals every week.”

He gestured, and the desks slid neatly to the sides of the room. A few students gasped at the silent, precise spell.

“Pair up. Basic duelling posture. No curses beyond jinx level, and shield charms only. I want to see instinct, not power.”

Harry paired with Ron immediately. Across the room, Hermione joined Padma, while Neville hesitated before Terry Boot gave him a reassuring smile.

Lupin walked among them, correcting grips, adjusting stances.

“Keep your wand angled,” he murmured to Neville. “No need to point it like a spear.”

“Good balance, Miss Granger,” he said as Hermione disarmed Padma cleanly.

Then he reached Harry and Ron. “Mr Potter. Mr Weasley.”

They nodded, saluted, and began. It wasn’t aggressive—more like a dance. Harry let Ron come forward first, blocked easily, and returned a gentle Disarming Charm that Ron deflected.

“Very good,” Lupin said quietly, but then paused to watch more carefully as Harry shifted his stance. “Harry, try less wand movement—precise, small gestures. You’ll conserve energy.”

Harry did. And instantly, his spells became tighter, more refined. Ron grunted as he was disarmed mid-spin.

“I see you’ve had some extracurricular practice,” Lupin said with amusement.

Harry only smiled. “A bit.”

By the end of the double lesson, most of the class was sweaty, flushed, and invigorated.

“Excellent first session,” Lupin said, re-forming the classroom with a flick. “Next time: Boggarts. Please bring your fears with you.”

The bell rang.

As students filed out, several chatted animatedly about how much better Defence would be now. Terry Boot was already speculating on the next set of spells, and Padma looked impressed as she reviewed her notes.

Hermione turned to Harry. “He’s incredible.”

“He’s brilliant,” Harry agreed. “And he knows what he’s doing.”

“Think he’ll last?” Ron asked as they climbed the staircase.

Harry nodded. “If anyone can… it’s him.”

After the morning buzz surrounding Rose and Scorpius had finally died down—though not without a few lingering glances and excited whispers across the Great Hall—the rest of the day began to flow into rhythm again. Laughter and easy chatter accompanied the clinking of plates as the Musketeers and many others headed down for lunch.

Today, the Hufflepuff table was the destination of choice, and they filled nearly half of it with a lively mix from all four Houses. Luna perched between Neville and Samantha, cheerfully pointing out odd cloud formations through the enchanted ceiling. Draco and Daisy were on opposite ends—though still tossing remarks at each other that made their tablemates laugh. Dudley and Susan sat close, shoulders bumping more than once, though neither said a word about it. Rose and Scorpius sat side by side with hands occasionally brushing, and by now, most had accepted their quiet but confident new status.

The seating didn’t follow House lines anymore, not for them. It hadn’t for a while.

Harry sat at the middle of the long Hufflepuff bench, relaxed but always alert. He laughed with Ron and Neville, teased Hermione when she started reciting Transfiguration theory unprompted, and listened as Ginny recounted a funny mishap from morning Charms.

Their bond—Harry and Ginny’s—remained quiet but ever-present, like a current under the surface. Everyone around them knew, understood, and respected it.

When lunch finally wrapped up, with students trailing off toward classes or lounging in spare moments of freedom, Harry glanced subtly toward Ginny. She was already looking at him.

Without words, they slipped away together—unnoticed by most, but certainly not by their closest friends, who exchanged small knowing smiles.

The two ducked into a quiet, sun-dappled corner near the large arched windows leading toward the Charms corridor. It was a spot they'd used more than once: behind an enchanted suit of armor that sometimes snored in its sleep. The warm light through stained glass painted their faces with red and gold, the silence wrapping around them like the softest invisibility cloak.

Ginny stepped into Harry’s arms like she belonged there—and she did. He held her gently, forehead touching hers. Their fingers wove together, not in urgency, but in comfort. In that moment, time bent.

“I missed this,” Ginny whispered, voice feather-soft.

“I always do,” Harry replied, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand.

Then their lips met in a slow, deep kiss that lingered with all the trust, love, and magic they shared. There was no rush in it, only the steady truth of what they were—of what they had chosen to become since that first summer.

When they parted, Ginny smiled up at him, brushing back the hair that had fallen into his eyes.

“Transfiguration’s in five,” she murmured.

Harry groaned slightly but smirked. “Ravenclaws again.”

She winked. “You’ll still outdo all of them.”

He didn’t answer—he didn’t have to.

They gave each other one final glance, a silent promise in their eyes, then parted ways at the junction. Ginny turned down the corridor toward the Charms classroom where the 1st year Gryffindors had class with the Slytherins today—meaning Daisy and Scorpius would be there too, no doubt bringing some chaos with them.

Harry, meanwhile, adjusted his bag over his shoulder and strode off toward the second-floor Transfiguration classroom, where he’d be paired with Hermione, Ron, Neville, and the Ravenclaws. He didn’t walk fast, but his presence filled the corridor—not with arrogance, but with quiet confidence.

There was a lightness to his step.

He had just kissed the love of his life in golden sunlight.

And now, it was time to turn into an armchair or transfigure a book into a raccoon.

Just another Tuesday at Hogwarts.

Draco sat rigidly on the green-and-silver velvet couch in the Slytherin common room, his head tilted slightly back as Daisy dabbed at his bleeding nose with a cool charm-imbued handkerchief. His normally sharp, aristocratic features were marred by a swollen upper lip and a purpling bruise under his right eye. He scowled but let Daisy work, flinching only when she applied a bit more pressure than necessary.

"You have to stop letting Goyle get to you," Daisy muttered, her brow furrowed with concern. Her long hair, a deep maroon tonight, swayed forward as she leaned in, eyes narrowed on the stubborn trickle of blood. "You know exactly what he's like."

"He called Hermione a—" Draco stopped himself, grinding his teeth. "And mocked Scorpius, again. Said he was weak for dating a ‘half-blood’. Said Luna’s mad and Ron’s just Harry’s loyal dog. Honestly, I think he wants to get hexed."

"And you gave him what he wanted," she replied dryly, her lips twitching. "Again."

Draco huffed and looked away. "I only hit him after he insulted Susan’s parents. Said it’s no wonder she turned out a Hufflepuff. The idiot has no idea what she’s survived."

Daisy’s expression darkened. "If I’d heard that—"

"I know you would’ve drawn your wand faster than I threw a punch." Draco gave a tight smile. "You're more dangerous than me when you're angry."

She smirked. "Don’t forget it, Glace."

Their eyes met in the quiet that followed, broken only by the occasional crackle from the emerald fire. Draco cleared his throat and stood, straightening his robes stiffly. "Thanks. For this," he said, touching the handkerchief she’d placed in his hand.

She waved him off. "Go on. You’ll be late for practice."

"Right," he muttered, reaching for his broom leaning by the common room entrance. "Wish me luck. Playing with Flint and Mortlake again. As if a bloody Dementor wouldn’t be more fun. Adrian’s the only tolerable one, and even he doesn’t talk much."

"Don’t crash into any goalposts," Daisy called after him, earning a slight chuckle as he disappeared through the stone arch.

The pitch was already cast in lengthening shadows when Draco arrived. Cold winter wind whipped around the stands, the kind that stung the eyes and made every breath sharp. Marcus Flint barked something unintelligible as Draco landed near the other Slytherin players, all clad in green with their Nimbus 2001s shining under the dimming light.

Adrian Pucey gave Draco a silent nod as he approached. The two had an unspoken understanding — one of quiet tolerance in a team otherwise filled with bigots and bullies. Adrian kept to himself, didn’t throw slurs around, and once even told Yaxley to shut up when he mocked Scorpius’s House placement.

They mounted their brooms. Flint roared at the beaters to get moving, his voice cracking like a whip. Draco tuned him out. He flew with precision, gliding through the air, thinking of nothing but the wind and the clean rush of speed. The chaos of the common room, the bruises, and the bile of Goyle’s words all faded beneath the sound of whistling air past his ears.

For an hour, they practiced formation dives and speed passes, Draco catching every thrown Quaffle with ease, his turns crisp and reflexes sharp. He couldn’t stand most of his teammates, but up here — up in the cold, free air — it didn’t matter. It was about the game.

Only when they dismounted and Flint began ranting about winning the Cup because Slytherin blood runs thick did Draco’s jaw clench again. Adrian met his gaze across the grass. No words passed between them. Just shared irritation.

"Drinks at the common room in ten!" Flint bellowed. "Only real Slytherins welcome!"

Draco turned on his heel before the words finished echoing. He wasn’t thirsty.

He had better people to see.

Meanwhile, in the Slytherin common room, Astoria Greengrass leaned slightly over the arm of the emerald-green velvet settee, her long hair cascading as she peered at Daisy Potter with a teasing glint in her pale blue eyes.

“So… Draco is your boyfriend, right?” she asked again, drawing out the words slowly, as if she expected Daisy to finally admit it under pressure.

Daisy let out a groan and flopped backwards against the plush cushions. “For the last time, no, he’s not,” she said flatly, fixing Astoria with a withering look. “Just because we talk and train together and I don’t hex him on sight doesn’t mean we’re dating.”

Astoria raised an eyebrow in perfect pureblood elegance. “You blushed when he helped you up during dueling practice.”

“I blushed because I fell face-first and nearly lost a tooth,” Daisy deadpanned. “And if I hear this one more time, I swear I’ll dye my hair puke green and claim I’m dating Theodore Nott just to end this ridiculous theory.”

From the corner, Elorra Dunn giggled quietly while pretending to polish her prefect badge with a corner of her robe. Millicent, however, grunted in amusement. “If that happens, Daisy, please warn me so I can alert the Prophet. They’ll want photos.”

Daisy just rolled her eyes again, reaching for a chocolate frog she had stashed near her books. “Idiots,” she muttered under her breath, though her lips curved slightly at the corners.

Meanwhile, in the quiet sanctuary of the Hogwarts library, Harry and Ginny sat at their usual corner table near the tall enchanted window that overlooked the Black Lake. Soft golden light filtered in, illuminating the open books and parchments they were working on.

Harry had a thick tome on advanced magical theory open before him — "Resonant Magical Signatures and Core Reactions" — though his hand was absentmindedly sketching rune combinations into his notes. He glanced up occasionally, scanning the room as he absorbed information far faster than most adults could manage.

Ginny sat opposite him, bent over a crisp roll of parchment, her neat script trailing off the edge. She was working on Herbology notes, occasionally tucking her hair behind her ear with a frown of concentration. Her fingers glowed faintly with magical energy as she practiced infusing subtle magic into plant preservation techniques — a trick Harry had helped her learn that went well beyond the first-year curriculum.

Madam Pince, gliding silently between the rows of shelves like a cloaked shadow, stopped near them. She wore her usual expression — half stern, half surprisingly fond — as she eyed the two students who were far too quiet and well-behaved for anyone's expectations.

“Lord Potter,” she said softly.

Harry looked up with a warm smile. “Madam Pince. The new binding charm on the Charms Compendium worked perfectly — thank you. The pages stopped sticking halfway through the chapter on cross-house resonation.”

She gave a small, pleased nod, her fingers twitching near her wand. “Few students notice that sort of detail. I’ve logged the repair in the shelf record. Let me know if you find any others needing care.”

“I will,” Harry replied, then added, “Also, that Ravenclaw third-year returned Cursed Objects and You to the wrong section. It’s sitting with the Transfiguration texts.”

Madam Pince’s eyes flashed. “Again?” she hissed, turning in a swish of robes that rivaled Snape’s. “That child is shelving blind! I’ll deal with it.”

As she vanished down an aisle with purpose, Ginny snorted quietly. “You do realise you’ve become her second librarian?”

Harry shrugged, not bothering to hide his grin. “Better than leaving the books at the mercy of chaos. Besides, I like her.”

“She likes you too. She actually smiled at you last week. I thought I hallucinated it,” Ginny replied, eyes twinkling.

They returned to their reading for a few minutes in companionable silence until Ginny asked, “How’s the memory projection stuff coming? You said you wanted to try integrating it into the element control exercises.”

Harry nodded, still scribbling. “Nearly there. I’m close to being able to layer multiple elemental strands into a moving memory form — think of a water construct that can show what I’m seeing or remembering. Not stable yet, but I’ll try again tonight in Dreamland.”

Ginny leaned her chin into her hand and smiled, softly. “You’re incredible, you know that?”

He looked up, matching her smile. “So are you, Future Lady Potter.”

Her ears turned pink, but she didn’t look away.

Just then, a quiet thump sounded nearby as a few books toppled from an upper shelf. Colin Creevey appeared out of nowhere, carrying a pile of photography books and looking sheepish. “Sorry!” he whispered loudly. “Didn’t mean to disturb anyone—just researching for that project Professor Flitwick gave us—”

Ginny waved him off. “You’re fine, Colin.”

Colin beamed. “Thanks! You two are brilliant, by the way.” Then, tripped slightly over his shoelaces, dropped another book, and scurried off before either could reply.

Harry chuckled under his breath. “He means well.”

Ginny smiled. “You inspire everyone, Harry. Even if they forget how to walk in your presence.”

He rolled his eyes playfully, and then leaned closer, voice lowering. “After dinner, you and me — RoR?”

She nodded. “Training or snuggling?”

Harry smirked. “Both.”

Ginny grinned. “Perfect.”

And as the winter sun dipped lower outside the frosted windows, the two of them turned their attention back to the quiet hum of knowledge, magic, and the secret strength of love that tethered their hearts more securely than any spell ever could.

Next Chapter is  Petrification Starts.

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Next Chapter , next Wedn esday .  Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 41: Petrification Starts

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

After that quiet afternoon in the library on January 4th, the days passed swiftly, ushering Hogwarts into a chilled, snow-veiled calm. The start of term resumed without chaos, a rare stretch of peace for the Musketeers. Snow blanketed the grounds, icicles drooped from the towers, and the castle glowed with a kind of silent serenity.

Classes resumed, though the usual excitement still buzzed faintly in the corridors.

Now, Hogwarts turned its attention to sport — the second Quidditch match of the season was nearly here.

On the crisp, bright morning of January 9, the stands around the Quidditch pitch slowly filled with students and staff alike. The temperature was biting, but the excitement warmed them all. It was Hufflepuff vs. Ravenclaw, the second match of the season, and anticipation was high — especially after the drama of the first game back in November.

The first match, Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, had been an unforgettable showdown. It had marked Draco Malfoy’s debut as Slytherin Seeker — a game steeped in tension and misfortune. The rogue Bludger, charmed to target Harry, had nearly cost him the match. Draco had seen it happen — had hesitated in midair, looking ready to forfeit as Harry’s arm was shattered. But Harry, stubborn and bleeding, had roared across the wind, “Play the game, Malfoy! Here, we’re just players!” and moments later, caught the Snitch with a fractured, flailing arm, sealing a 340–160 win for Gryffindor.

Lockhart’s attempt to mend Harry’s injury had resulted in the famous boneless arm incident, leaving Madam Pomfrey furious and Harry in the Hospital Wing overnight. That incident had snowballed into the prank-reveal, as Snape, Fred, and George executed a flawless plan alongside the Musketeers to expose Lockhart as a fraud — resulting in his arrest and eventual removal. Remus Lupin  take over the D.A.D.A. post.

Today, the stakes were different. Hufflepuff, led by the spirited Beatrice Haywood, was eager to prove their strength. Cedric Diggory, their quiet and determined Seeker, had been training harder than ever. Across from them, Ravenclaw, captained by the clever and tactical Virgil Fowler, had Cho Chang flying sharp and fast as their Seeker.

The Musketeers sat huddled together on the Gryffindor side of the stands, a thick pile of blankets shared between them. Though none of them were playing today, their energy filled the air like electricity. Ginny had her arm linked with Harry, both sipping hot cocoa enchanted to stay warm. Ron was animatedly gesturing with a pair of knitted mittens, arguing about strategy with Scorpius, who had started keeping a small Quidditch notebook. Hermione was reading the stats sheet like it was her NEWT syllabus. Luna, wrapped in a star-patterned scarf, had painted a badger and eagle on her cheeks in support of “fairness and intelligence.” Daisy leaned forward, scarf falling loose, eyes fixed on Cedric as he kicked off smoothly — she had a quiet admiration for his flying. Draco, beside her, was remarking coolly, “Chang’s fast, but she gets impatient. Watch her after the ninety-minute mark.”

“House bias much?” Susan Bones teased, nudging Dudley, who had declared he was cheering for Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw — “because they both deserve snacks after flying in this cold.”

Samantha was drawing tiny charmed snowflakes in the air with her wand tip and whispering predictions to Neville, who was more focused on not spilling his drink than betting on who’d win.

The game started with an explosion of speed. Hufflepuff’s chasers — Juniper Hunt, Marilyn Brunt, and Leila Hassan — were fast, coordinated, and unrelenting. They passed and looped like clockwork, scoring quickly. But Ravenclaw retaliated sharply, Virgil Fowler and Sofia Ali making daring moves to close the gap.

The Snitch eluded both Seekers for over an hour. Cho was fast, Cedric relentless. The score kept rising — Hufflepuff 130, Ravenclaw 160 — until a golden flash spiraled near the Ravenclaw posts.

Cedric dove with impeccable control. Cho followed instantly. The stadium held its breath as they zigzagged in tandem, but it was Cedric who stretched further, fingers grazing—

He caught it.

Final score: Hufflepuff wins 280–160.

A cheer erupted, echoing across the cold field. The Musketeers stood, clapping and hooting in support. Harry let out a loud whistle, and Ginny beamed at him. “They earned that one.”

“Cedric’s sharp,” Harry noted approvingly. “Wouldn’t be surprised if we meet them in the final.”

“And then we’ll beat them,” Ron added smugly.

“Overconfidence,” Hermione muttered.

“Confidence,” Ron corrected.

Draco smirked. “Flint’s already planning to double-train us. He will bring blood.”

“Good,” Daisy muttered. “I need more bruises.”

The group laughed, warm even in the frost.

As the players from both houses shook hands, the stadium slowly began to empty. The sky above remained pale grey, but hearts were alight — winter may have been long, but at Hogwarts, the fire of friendship, rivalry, and magic never dimmed.

After the thrilling Hufflepuff vs Ravenclaw match concluded, the air around Hogwarts carried the usual post-Quidditch buzz — cheers, debates, and good-natured grumbling. But away from the chatter and crowded halls, Harry and Ginny had quietly slipped out of the castle. They took a familiar, hidden route through a tapestry and down a narrow staircase that only opened to them, leading toward the elves’ secret garden — the one only the Musketeers and a few trusted elves knew of.

The soft warmth of the greenhouse-like air surrounded them as they stepped in. Lantern-glow mushrooms twinkled along the edges, and magical vines swayed gently, aware of their presence. Wobby had left a small wooden bench under the arching glitter-bud tree just for them, and a warm patch of sweet-scented grass waited nearby.

Harry wrapped his arm around Ginny’s shoulders as they sat. Ginny leaned into him, her head resting against his chest, both of them silent for a moment, listening to the trickling of the miniature brook beside the flowerbed.

“You know,” Ginny murmured, glancing up at him with a teasing smile, “you didn’t even cheer for any team today. Very diplomatic, Lord Potter.”

Harry chuckled, brushing a loose strand of her hair from her cheek. “Didn’t need to. You were beside me — already a win.”

Ginny rolled her eyes, but she was blushing, and he could feel the gentle thrum of their Love-Core Bond glow a little stronger in his chest. “You’re ridiculous,” she said fondly, before pulling him down into a kiss.

They lay back on the grass afterwards, hands intertwined, the garden cocooning them. Harry traced gentle patterns on her palm with his fingers, while Ginny spoke of her plans to sneak in a new Quidditch maneuver during next Gryffindor practice. Their laughter, soft kisses, and quiet joy lingered in the air long after they snuggled under Harry’s cloak, lost in each other and the warmth of the place that felt like a piece of their shared soul.

---

Elsewhere in the castle, in a kitchen that rarely saw students without a food emergency, Scorpius Malfoy stood in front of Rose West with a triumphant grin. “Told you they’d let us in,” he said, holding the portrait door open for her.

Inside, the Hogwarts kitchens bustled with the ever-cheerful energy of the house-elves. A long table in the corner had been cleared — and even decorated — at Scorpius’s polite request. There were tiny floating candles, and two steaming mugs of hot cocoa set beside plates of buttery garlic bread and mini-pies.

Rose blinked, surprised. “You did all this?”

Scorpius gave a sheepish shrug. “Well, I might’ve had some help from Twinky and Dimpy. But the idea? All mine.” He grinned again, that Malfoy charm now distinctly more gentle than haughty.

Rose giggled, her cheeks pink. “This is… actually perfect.”

They sat across from each other, laughing and talking as they dipped into the food. Scorpius animatedly told her about Crabbe’s attempt to enchant his gobstones to follow Pansy around squealing compliments. Rose returned fire with a dramatic retelling of Felix Gibbered’s failed attempt at a serenade spell in Charms class, complete with off-key singing and Flitwick’s delighted applause.

After dessert — a plate of cinnamon-stuffed biscuits — Scorpius leaned forward, elbows on the table, voice quieter now. “I, um… like this. Being here with you.”

Rose’s eyes softened, and she reached across the table to take his hand. “Me too. You’re different, you know? In the best way.”

“Don’t tell Draco,” he muttered, smirking.

“I won’t,” she whispered back, squeezing his hand. “But I might tell Daisy.”

That made them both laugh. Their hands stayed entwined as they walked back through the portrait hole later, the kitchen elves waving fondly behind them. A small step for them as a couple, but one that felt far larger in the quiet halls of Hogwarts.

And as the night deepened, the castle settled into its usual rhythm — friendships growing, bonds deepening, and love quietly blossoming under the stars.

That Sunday, January 10, 1993, began gently.

Morning dawned cold but pleasant, the sun playing hide-and-seek through a gauze of thin clouds. Harry and Ginny had woken early as always, completing their training routine together in the quiet of the still-sleeping castle, before helping the house-elves in the hidden garden and then joining their friends at breakfast. The day passed lazily, with most students enjoying their weekend — some in the library, some huddled in common rooms, others out in the winter-kissed grounds. After dinner, many retired early, eager for a slow end to the peaceful day.

But the peace did not last.

It was just past nine-thirty at night. The corridors of Hogwarts had dimmed into gentle twilight under the flickering glow of enchanted torches. Harry and Ginny were returning hand-in-hand from one of their quiet walks, whispering and smiling softly, when the hush was shattered by a shriek.

It was a student. Then another. Then, murmurs rising in alarm.

Harry quickened his pace, Ginny at his side, her brows furrowed. They turned the corner leading to the first-floor corridor and stopped abruptly.

Mrs. Norris — the ever-watchful, slinking shadow of Hogwarts — was frozen stiff on the stone floor. Her body was rigid, her fur bristled as if caught mid-screech, but her eyes were blank and glassy. A nearby wall bore a chilling message, scrawled in a gruesome, wet-red script that shimmered as if freshly painted:

“The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the Heir, beware.”

Gasps broke out as more students stumbled onto the scene. The corridor began to fill rapidly — murmurs turning into frightened whispers, eyes darting from the message to the petrified cat.

Daisy was among the first Musketeers to arrive, her breath catching at the sight. Her metamorphic hair flickered between pale pink and ashen grey, her eyes wide. She looked terrified. Harry immediately turned and wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

“It’s all right, Daisy,” he murmured, his tone firm but soothing. “We’ll figure it out.”

Filch came barreling through next, his face twisted with panic. “My cat!” he wailed. “She’s dead — she’s dead!”

“No,” Harry said quickly, stepping between Filch and the frozen feline. “She’s not dead. She's petrified. You’ll see — Madam Pomfrey can help. We’ll make sure of it.” His voice was steady, his eyes locked on Filch’s, commanding calm.

Ginny gently tugged Daisy closer, holding her other hand as the girl buried her face briefly into Harry’s shoulder. Draco and Susan arrived next, then Hermione, Ron, and Neville, with Luna, Samantha, Dudley, and Scorpius trailing just behind. The rest of the Musketeers quickly encircled the area, forming an instinctive barrier between the growing crowd and the wall.

Scorpius paled as he looked at the words. "This... this wasn't here when we came back from the library earlier."

“I was just nearby,” Hermione said quietly, her brain already racing. “This must’ve happened in the last fifteen minutes.”

Ginny looked at the crimson letters. “This isn’t regular ink...”

“It’s blood,” Harry said softly.

The crowd parted as Professor McGonagall arrived, robes billowing, face taut. “Out of the way, please! Let me through!”

Snape followed right behind, his eyes sweeping the scene before narrowing on the message and the cat. “Merlin,” he muttered, gaze briefly flicking to Harry, then to Filch. “Someone fetch the Headmaster.”

“I’ve already sent Peeves,” said Luna dreamily, and sure enough, faint cackling echoed in the distance.

Within moments, Dumbledore was there. His face was grave, ancient blue eyes surveying the petrified cat and the message. A deep silence settled.

Dumbledore knelt beside Mrs. Norris and examined her. Then, quietly, he touched two fingers to her stiff side and stood. “She lives,” he announced. “She has been Petrified. She will recover with Mandrake Restorative Draught, once the plants reach maturity.”

Filch sagged with relief, though his eyes glistened with moisture. Harry reached out and squeezed his arm gently.

“She’ll be okay,” he repeated.

Ginny asked softly, “What does that message mean, Headmaster?”

Dumbledore’s expression did not change, but his voice was calm and measured. “It is a grave message,” he said. “But we will investigate. I ask you all — do not panic. There is no cause for chaos. Everyone please return to your common rooms. Heads of Houses will follow shortly.”

Most students obeyed, though whispers trailed behind them like dust. The words had already sunk their claws in.

The Musketeers, however, lingered. Dumbledore didn’t stop them. He merely gave Harry a look — one of silent understanding. Harry gave a tiny nod in return. He would keep watch.

As Snape and McGonagall discussed briefly who had been in which corridors when, Susan moved to stand by Filch, offering him a clean handkerchief. “She’s strong,” she said kindly. “And Madam Pomfrey’s the best.”

“I know what this is,” Daisy whispered suddenly, her eyes distant. “The Chamber of Secrets.”

Everyone turned to look at her. Harry gently touched her shoulder.

“What do you mean, Daisy?”

Daisy shook her head. “I don’t know how I know. It’s just... something in me feels like I’ve heard this before.”

Hermione gasped. “I’ve read about it — barely a line or two, in Hogwarts: A History. The Chamber is supposed to be a myth. Created by Salazar Slytherin. Only his true Heir can open it.”

“So someone opened it now?” said Ron grimly.

Harry’s face was stone.

Ginny reached for his hand. “The real question is... why?”

And as they all stared at the chilling words still glistening on the wall, Harry made a silent vow.

No matter what, he would find the truth. And he would protect them all.

The Chamber of Secrets had been opened. The castle had changed.
And the Musketeers were ready.

The Musketeers Room, tucked behind the second-floor tapestry of Elfrida the Eccentric, flickered with the gentle amber glow of conjured lanterns as the twelve gathered in a tight circle on the thick, enchanted carpet. A warm fire crackled in the hearth, casting dancing shadows across their thoughtful faces, but the usual chatter and playful teasing were absent tonight. The room, usually filled with laughter and energy, now echoed with silence and unspoken tension.

Daisy sat curled up between Draco and Ginny, wrapped in a thick patchwork quilt Fifi had sent over from Potter Manor earlier. Her hazel eyes, rimmed red, kept darting nervously toward the wall as if the message might reappear before them — bold, bloody, and final.

"‘The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir, beware.’" Hermione repeated in a whisper, her arms tightly crossed, her usually sharp eyes troubled.

"It doesn’t make any sense," Neville said quietly, staring into the fire. "Why now? Why this year? And… who would do that to Mrs Norris?"

Harry sat near the hearth, cross-legged, his expression unreadable, but a storm brewed behind those emerald eyes. He didn’t speak for a long moment. His hand rested on Poco, who was nestled on his lap chirping softly, as though trying to soothe his master.

Finally, he said, "I liked Mrs Norris. She was... odd, but kind in her own way. She liked bringing me lost things. And Filch—he’s gruff, but he’s good to the elves. He’s been good to me."

Ron snorted. "Well, you’re the only person in the castle she didn’t hiss at."

"Because she trusted him," Luna said dreamily. "Cats always know who’s safe."

Daisy pulled the quilt tighter. "Why would someone do this? Why that message?" Her voice was small, breaking a little at the end. "They wrote it like… like they were hunting someone."

Ginny rubbed her back gently. "It’s not real," she said firmly. "They’re pretending. They're trying to scare people. But the heir of Slytherin isn’t some monster. He’s Harry."

Everyone looked at him then. Not in fear or suspicion — they never had — but in confusion. Harry gave a faint, humorless smile.

"I am the Heir. But I didn’t open anything. I wouldn’t need to ‘warn enemies’. And I wouldn’t petrify a cat."

"Could someone be… pretending to be you?" Samantha asked. "To stir panic? You are heir to all four founders — and more — but no one except us and a few adults know that, right?"

"Yeah," Susan nodded. "And if someone’s pretending to be a Heir… then they must want people to think it's someone dangerous. That someone’s here with a mission to cleanse Hogwarts."

Draco’s voice was low, thoughtful. "But petrifying? That’s a very specific type of curse. Powerful, but not fatal. Almost like... they’re warning us. Or testing something."

"Or someone," Hermione added, biting her lip. "It could be a test run. To see if they can do it."

"Can we rule out a prank?" Scorpius asked. "A Slytherin one, maybe?"

"No one petrifies a cat as a prank," Dudley said grimly, unusually serious.

Harry finally stood, drawing all eyes. “There’s something bigger going on. This isn’t a joke. And if someone’s invoking the name of Slytherin to do it, then I want to know who and why. Because Slytherin isn’t evil — he wasn’t evil. The founder magic in me... it isn’t evil. This person is twisting it for something dark."

Ginny stood too, stepping beside him. “Then we’ll find out. Together.”

"But we don’t know anything yet," Hermione said, frustrated. "The Chamber itself — it’s in the myths, not in the records. There’s barely anything concrete."

"Then we look where myths become real," Luna said serenely. "The hidden bits. The corners Hogwarts doesn’t talk about."

Samantha nodded slowly. “The ones Harry always finds.”

"Let’s be logical," Hermione said. "If it is the Chamber, and someone opened it, we need to know what it is and where it is. Otherwise, we’re just guessing."

"And we need to figure out how they petrified Mrs Norris," Susan added. "Sprout might know about that. She’s a master at magical plant interactions — maybe she’ll recognize the signs. Could be a creature. Or a curse."

Ron looked at Harry. “You think it could be something from the founders’ time? Something only a true Heir can control?”

Harry was silent for a second. “Maybe. I’ve never heard of the Chamber being real. But if it is… it’s ancient magic. Old, deep, hidden.”

Draco rubbed his chin. “And if someone has access to it now... then it’s not just dangerous. It’s someone who knows what they’re doing.”

Ginny suddenly asked, “Could it be an older student? Maybe even a teacher?”

Everyone looked around uneasily.

Neville said, “But why now? Why this year?”

“Because Harry’s here,” Hermione whispered, eyes wide. “And he is the real Heir. They might be trying to challenge him… or distract him.”

“I don’t care who it is,” Daisy said fiercely, her voice regaining strength. “I’m not going to let them scare me.”

“You’re not alone,” Scorpius said, taking her hand.

Harry nodded, looking around at each of them. “Whatever’s going on — we face it together. We protect each other. No Musketeer walks alone.”

Twelve heads nodded, united in silent oath.

Ginny added, “Let’s start researching. We’ll dig into the Chamber myth, history of Slytherin, anything weird in Hogwarts records. We’ll watch, and we’ll listen. And if anything happens again... we’ll act.”

Draco grinned slightly. “Feels like the start of a secret investigation. Musketeers versus the Chamber.”

Susan leaned forward. “Then let’s divide the work. Hermione, Luna, and Samantha — you’re on history and lore. Me, Dudley, and Neville will ask about magical creatures that petrify. Harry, Ginny, and Draco — you check the castle. Look for symbols, signs, or places that might be tied to Slytherin. Daisy and Scorpius, you two can talk to the elves and see if they’ve noticed anything strange lately. House-elves see more than anyone.”

“Perfect,” Hermione nodded.

“I’ll ask Wobby tomorrow morning,” Daisy added.

Ron raised an eyebrow. “And what if the teachers catch us snooping?”

Harry smirked. “They won’t. Not unless we want them to.”

With the plan laid out and their bond reaffirmed, the room slowly began to relax. Daisy curled up beside Harry now, her fingers entwined in his, her head on his shoulder. Ginny watched them for a moment, smiling softly, before wrapping an arm around Harry too. Around them, the others began to chatter quietly, planning shifts, books to borrow, ideas to try.

But Harry's mind lingered on the message — not just the words, but the intention behind them.

Someone had opened the Chamber. Someone had used his legacy — twisted it.

And Harry James Potter was going to find out exactly who.

Soon they dispersed into their respective common rooms, the mood heavy with uncertainty and tension. Harry kept silent for most of the walk back, his brows furrowed, emerald eyes burning with a quiet storm. Ginny didn’t press him—she knew. So did Daisy, Susan, Draco, and the rest of the Musketeers. They all knew the truth that almost no one else did: Harry James Potter, the boy who lived, was also the true Heir of Slytherin.

And yet, someone was trying to claim that title—or pretend to be it—regardless of whether they knew it was already taken. And they had attacked a cat to prove their point.

Harry was livid. But even more than angry, he was confused. Who was doing this? Why now?

Far away, in a quiet dormitory—unidentified to all but fate itself—a girl sat curled up in bed, her fingers trembling as they clutched a worn-out quill. The faint light of her wand illuminated the pages of a diary she never let anyone see.

Dear Tom,
I didn’t know what was happening, I swear I didn’t. One moment I was walking back from the library, and the next… I saw her. Mrs. Norris. Stiff. Lifeless. Like a horrible statue. I’m so scared. What if it happens again? What if it happens to someone I know? Or me?

Her handwriting grew erratic, ink blots spilling like tears.

I don’t know what’s real anymore. I don’t even remember everything. I feel dizzy. Please… help me understand. I don’t want anyone to get hurt.

The page shimmered faintly as though something beneath the ink responded. But she didn’t notice. She was already drifting to a restless sleep, unaware that the diary was not merely listening—it was watching.

The next morning, Monday, January 11, dawned grey and somber over Hogwarts. A slow drizzle pattered against the castle windows, matching the mood within. The corridor where Mrs. Norris had been found was now clear of her petrified body, but the message scrawled in blood remained:

“The Chamber of Secrets has been opened. Enemies of the heir… beware.”

Filch, who had been inconsolable the night before, looked like a ghost of himself. His eyes were hollow, and he drifted silently through the hallways as though searching for something long lost. Before breakfast, Harry had found him alone in the Entrance Hall, staring blankly at the empty steps.

“I’m sorry about Mrs. Norris,” Harry had said gently, placing a hand on the caretaker’s shoulder. “She’ll be okay. Professor Sprout’s already growing the Mandrakes… and Madam Pomfrey’s the best. We’ll get her back.”

Filch didn’t speak, but his eyes shimmered. He gave Harry a slight nod before turning away.

At breakfast, the Musketeers chose to sit at the Slytherin table. It was a quiet act of defiance against the growing divide, one that hadn’t gone unnoticed by the other students. A few skeptical glances passed their way, but no one dared challenge them—not when Harry Potter led the group with his calm, authoritative presence, and Draco Malfoy sat beside him, loyal and withdrawn.

Daisy sat stiffly between Luna and Ginny, her food untouched. Her hazel eyes had dark circles under them, and the usual sparkle in her shifting hair was dulled to a muted burgundy. She had said nothing since waking, only nodded when addressed. She hadn't cried. She rarely did. But she was visibly shaken.

“She hasn’t slept well,” Ginny murmured to Harry, who gave a short nod.

“I’ll walk her to class,” he replied quietly.

On the other side of the table, Draco looked no better. A letter lay crumpled in his lap, unopened but clearly known. He’d received it that morning via Taurus, who hadn’t even hooted when delivering it—just dropped the scroll and flapped away.

Draco had barely spoken since.

“Another one?” Hermione asked softly, eyes flitting to the untouched parchment.

He nodded without looking up. “Father’s... disappointed.”

Ron frowned. “Disappointed in what? That you haven’t turned into a mini-Death Eater yet?”

“No offense, but your dad’s a right git,” Susan muttered.

“None taken,” Draco said tiredly.

Scorpius, ever the bridge between conflict, reached across the table and touched his brother’s arm. “You don’t have to be him. He doesn’t define you, Draco.”

Draco gave a grateful half-smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “I know. It’s just… tiring.”

“It’s okay to feel that way,” Harry said, quietly but firmly. “You’re not alone in this.”

Across the hall, a hush seemed to hang in the air. The usual morning bustle was dulled, students whispering nervously over their pumpkin juice and toast. Even Peeves had stayed strangely silent all morning.

Professors came and went with guarded expressions, and even Dumbledore didn’t stay long—he exchanged a quiet word with McGonagall and left through a side door. Snape had swept into the Hall, his black robes billowing, and given a slow nod to the Musketeers’ table before moving on without a word.

“Do you think Dumbledore knows who’s behind it?” Neville asked, keeping his voice low.

“He knows something,” Luna said dreamily, “but it’s not everything. Yet.”

“We’ll find out,” Harry said, his eyes narrowing slightly. “We always do.”

Hermione leaned forward. “We have to be careful. Whatever this is, it’s connected to the Chamber—and ancient magic. The kind that might not be recorded in books.”

“Then we’ll go beyond the books,” Ginny said softly, squeezing Harry’s hand beneath the table.

The group fell silent for a moment. Somewhere behind them, Filch shuffled into the Hall with slow, reluctant steps, his mop dragging behind him.

The storm was only beginning.

The Musketeers gathered in their secret room after classes, the warmth and trust of the space immediately relaxing them. The ceiling reflected a calm, twilight sky—charms cast by Luna and Hermione working in harmony. Beanbags and cushions had been conjured in soft clusters, and trays of snacks floated gently within reach, courtesy of Daisy and Dudley.

Daisy herself was curled up beside Harry, her red curls spilling across his lap like a puddle of flame. She had fallen asleep moments after sitting down, exhaustion tugging at her small frame. Harry ran his fingers through her hair absently, his other arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders.

Ginny sat cross-legged beside him, close enough that their arms brushed. Her eyes flicked down to Daisy with a fond smile, then up again to Harry. “She barely slept last night,” she murmured. “Even when we walked the whole Astronomy Tower together at three.”

Harry nodded softly. “She’s trying to hide it, but I can feel it in the bond too—how worried she is.”

Across from them, Draco leaned back against a stack of cushions, his arms folded. “We all are,” he admitted. “And the worst part is—nothing. The books are empty. Every record we’ve checked treats the Chamber like some dramatic bedtime story.”

Hermione looked irritated as she closed another thick tome. “It’s not just empty. It’s censored,” she said. “Everything around that era—Slytherin’s departure, the school’s early conflicts, anything to do with magical blood theory—it’s been smoothed out or framed so selectively it’s almost propaganda.”

“I knew it,” Harry said, his voice steady and low. “I knew history was wrong about him. Salazar Slytherin wasn’t evil. He was powerful, maybe opinionated, but he couldn’t have created something meant to hurt students. That’s not who the founders were.”

Neville nodded from his seat near the fire projection, his brows furrowed. “Then this chamber… if it exists at all… might have been meant for something else. Something good, or maybe just secret. And someone’s twisting it.”

“But who?” asked Susan. “And how? And why now, after all this time?”

“We need to figure out who benefits,” Harry said, eyes darkening slightly. “Someone using fear to create division. And they’re using Slytherin’s name like a weapon.”

Scorpius, curled up in a blanket beside Luna, raised a point. “And the attack—Mrs Norris. Why her? A cat. It doesn’t make sense.”

“Unless…” Hermione said, eyes narrowing. “Unless it was a warning. To frighten, not to kill. ‘Enemies of the heir, beware.’ That’s not just an attack—it’s a message.”

Ron grimaced. “A message with bad grammar. That always means trouble.”

There were a few tired chuckles, but the tension didn’t fade.

Ginny leaned forward. “We have to stop whoever this is before they hurt someone real—someone human.”

“They already have,” Samantha said quietly. “Fear is harm too.”

That made the group fall silent. Even the crackling from the fire charm seemed to hush.

Harry’s emerald eyes shone in the dim light. “We’ll stop them,” he said, voice clear. “This fake heir, whoever they are—they want to divide the school. We’re not letting that happen. The founders built Hogwarts to unite, not tear apart. I don’t care how long this lie has stood. It ends with us.”

Draco tilted his head slightly. “You really think Slytherin’s name was stolen? Rewritten into something dark?”

“I know it,” Harry replied, conviction in every word. “Like Merlin, like so many others. History remembers what it’s told to. We’re going to find the truth.”

“Even if it’s buried under a thousand years of dust?” asked Luna dreamily.

Harry’s mouth quirked into a smile. “Especially then.”

Ginny reached over and took his hand. “Then we do what we always do,” she said. “Dig. Fight. Protect. Together.”

“And watch over the younger ones,” added Ron, nodding to the sleeping Daisy and yawning Dudley. “Whatever’s coming, we don’t let it touch them.”

Neville stood and walked toward the bookshelf. “I’ll check the restricted section again with Gran Minnie’s permission. Maybe there’s something in the founders’ writings.”

“I’ll help,” Hermione said immediately.

“I’ll talk to the elves,” Harry added. “Some of them have been at Hogwarts generations. Maybe they know stories that books don’t.”

“I’ll look through Dad’s old artefact journals,” said Draco. “Some of the original blueprints of the school might still be buried in there.”

“I’ll send a letter to Rolf,” Luna offered. “He has a weird knack for unearthing lost things.”

Susan stood as well. “And I’ll speak with Amelia. Maybe she can dig into Ministry archives—things not open to the public.”

They looked at one another—the twelve Musketeers—and nodded in silent unity.

The war had not yet shown its full face. But the defenders had already drawn their line.

From Harry’s lap, Daisy stirred. Her eyes fluttered open groggily as she whispered, “You’ll catch them, right, Harry?”

Harry smiled down at her. “We will. I promise.”

And to that, none of them had any doubt.

Three days passed since Mrs. Norris had been found petrified, and yet the Musketeers were no closer to discovering how it had happened — or who had done it. The castle's usual hum had dulled under the weight of unease, and even Filch’s threats had quieted, though his glare remained more venomous than ever. Professors had become stricter with curfew, and whispers of “the Heir of Slytherin” floated down corridors like a bad smell.

The Musketeers, however, had kept their bond tighter than ever. Still, even with their combined intellects, their conversations had begun to circle frustratingly.

Remus Lupin — now officially the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor — had uncharacteristically refused to answer any questions on the matter. “Not yet,” he had said gently but firmly when Harry, Ginny, and Susan had cornered him after class. “You’ll know when it’s time. But not yet.”

For Daisy, those words brought no comfort. Her usual brightness had dulled, and her hair — so attuned to her emotions — had faded to a lifeless, dusky rose. She rarely spoke except when spoken to, and often skipped dessert altogether. Draco and Scorpius had tried lifting her mood, but nothing seemed to work. Even Ginny’s fierce hugs and Susan’s whispered reassurances barely made a dent.

That Friday evening, the twelve Musketeers gathered in their secret room — a softly glowing chamber hidden behind a tapestry on the fourth floor, accessible only through a unique sequence of magical pulses Daisy had once discovered. It had become their refuge, a space where house rivalries and dark shadows had no place.

Neville had just finished telling Luna and Samantha about a particularly stubborn Screechsnout they’d encountered in Herbology when Harry’s eyes sharpened with sudden clarity.

“Wait,” he said suddenly, sitting upright. “That message — the one on the wall. ‘The Chamber of Secrets has been opened again.’”

Everyone turned toward him. Ginny looked up from where she sat curled beside him on the conjured crimson couch. “You’ve thought of something, haven’t you?”

Harry nodded, mind racing. “The word again. That’s our lead. It's the only real clue we’ve had since Mrs. Norris was attacked.”

Hermione frowned, already pulling mental references forward. “It implies it was opened once before — officially. Documented or known. Not just legend.”

“Exactly,” Harry said, green eyes blazing. “Which means someone knows how, or at least what happened the last time it was opened. There must be records. Or memories. Or people who were here.”

Susan leaned forward, eyes thoughtful. “McGonagall. Flitwick. Sprout. They’ve all been teaching here for decades.”

“And Dumbledore,” added Draco, voice calm but firm. “He was probably here the last time, maybe even as a teacher.”

“Binns might know something too,” Hermione said, glancing at Ron, who groaned.

Ron muttered, “He’ll put us to sleep with it.”

“Not anymore,” said Samantha, flicking her eyes toward Harry. “Remember? Since Harry started helping him with perspective storytelling, Binns has actually become… interesting.”

“A little dramatic,” Luna said dreamily, “but much better.”

“But if Remus won’t tell us anything,” Daisy’s voice came low, barely above a whisper, “then… what if it really is someone we know?”

That stilled the room.

Draco got up from where he sat beside Daisy and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Dais… no. It’s not one of us.”

“I know that!” she snapped suddenly, hair flaring into crimson before wilting back to dull. She hugged herself. “I know. But I’m scared, alright? I don’t want anyone getting hurt. Again.”

Harry got up and knelt in front of her, placing both hands gently over hers. “We’ll protect everyone, Dais. I promise. But we need to understand what happened last time. Only then can we stop whoever’s doing this now. They’re calling themselves the heir, but I’m the real heir. They’re just a coward hiding behind fear and blood.”

Ginny stood and nodded, voice full of determination. “So we talk to the professors. All of them. One by one if we have to. Someone must remember what happened before.”

“And Binns,” Hermione added. “We start with Binns. Tomorrow.”

“I’ll handle Flitwick,” offered Samantha. “He likes me.”

“Pomona too,” Susan chimed in. “I can get her talking if we’re in the greenhouses.”

“I’ll ask McGonagall,” said Ron, and when eyebrows raised at that, he flushed and muttered, “She’s not that scary.”

“She’s terrifying,” Scorpius muttered. “But fair.”

“I’ll try Dumbledore,” Harry said simply.

Everyone fell silent at that. Draco finally spoke, quiet and even. “You sure that’s smart?”

Harry met his eyes. “We don’t have time for subtlety. If this attacker is bold enough to petrify a cat in public, they’ll try again. Dumbledore might be the only one who knows who was blamed last time — or who it really was.”

“And what if he’s hiding something?” Luna asked, eyes clouded.

Harry looked at her. “Then we’ll find out anyway.”

Ginny gave his hand a tight squeeze.

They sat in silence for a moment before Dudley stood up, voice determined. “Alright, then. Musketeers. Tomorrow. Operation: Old Secrets.”

Ron groaned. “That name is terrible.”

Ginny smirked. “Let’s go with Operation: Real Heir.”

“Operation: Real Heir it is,” said Draco with a sharp nod. “Now let’s bring this fraud down.”

As the meeting ended and the Musketeers dispersed back toward their common rooms under the safety of the Cloak and secret passages, Harry lingered behind a moment with Ginny, his brow still furrowed.

“You’re thinking something else,” she said quietly.

He nodded. “The last time the Chamber opened… someone must have died.”

Ginny’s eyes darkened. “And this time, they’re aiming for more.”

They stood in silence for a long moment.

“Not on our watch,” Harry said softly.

Ginny slipped her hand into his. “Never.”

The next morning began with purpose. A quiet storm of determination buzzed between the Musketeers during breakfast, each member subtly nodding to the others as they quietly confirmed their targets for the day.

Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Susan, Samantha, and Draco all set off to approach their respective professors during free periods or after class. It was a Saturday — lessons were lighter, and the professors would, in theory, be more receptive.

They weren’t.

The first to return disappointed was Ron. He flopped down on the couch in the Musketeers’ Room just after lunch, scowling. “Gran Minnie shut me down before I could finish my sentence.”

“What did she say?” asked Neville.

Ron imitated McGonagall’s clipped brogue. “‘Mr. Weasley, while your concern is admirable, I assure you that the matter is in the hands of the staff. You are students. Kindly remain students.’

“She called you admirable?” asked Draco, arching a brow.

“She called me annoying right after,” Ron muttered.

Hermione arrived shortly after, frustration etched in every line of her face. “Binns was worse. He kept dodging the actual date. I asked about any recorded instances of the Chamber opening — he said, ‘It was always dismissed as legend until recent events,’ and refused to specify when it wasn't legend.”

“Typical,” said Samantha, walking in behind her, shaking her head. “Flitwick smiled and offered me a cup of sweetroot tea. Then said, ‘It’s best not to dwell on fear, Miss Jones. Focus on your charms essays instead.’ He changed the subject ten times.”

Susan sighed as she followed them in. “Sprout got suddenly very busy with a batch of wiggling Bubotubers. She said, ‘No need to muddy your mind, dear, you’re young. These things pass.’ Then she spilled wormwood all over herself and vanished into her shed.”

“Maybe she did it on purpose,” said Dudley, trying to lighten the mood. No one laughed.

Draco came in last, face expressionless. “Dumbledore,” he said shortly. “Was waiting for Harry.”

Everyone turned to the door.

A few seconds later, it opened, and Harry stepped inside — calm, composed, but quiet.

Ginny stood up immediately. “Well?”

He shook his head slowly. “He didn’t tell me anything. Just… looked at me. He said, ‘Sometimes, Lord Potter, answers must be earned — not given. Trust the path, even if the map is hidden.’

“That’s infuriating,” Hermione whispered, shocked.

“He didn’t even deny knowing,” Harry added, pacing slowly to the center of the room. “He just said we’d understand when the time is right.”

Neville frowned. “So they’re all… hiding it?”

“Covering it up,” Daisy said bitterly. She hadn’t even left the room that day. She stared into the flickering fire now, voice flat. “They all know. And they’re just letting it happen again.”

Luna, curled beside Samantha, murmured dreamily, “Sometimes adults think silence is protection.”

“It’s not,” Ginny said quietly, stepping beside Harry.

Samantha balled her fists. “If they won’t help us, we do this on our own.”

Scorpius looked around. “But where do we even start? There’s no date, no name, no records—”

“There might be something,” Hermione said suddenly, her eyes wide. “Something the professors don’t know about. Or forgot.”

They all turned to her.

“What is it?” Harry asked.

Hermione hesitated, then said, “The library. Not just the books everyone uses — I mean the Restricted Section. There could be references Dumbledore never removed, or things even the staff don’t realize are connected.”

“Can we get in?” asked Draco.

Harry’s mouth curled slightly. “I have my Cloak. I have my map. And I’m Lord Potter.”

Ginny grinned. “And we’re the Musketeers.”

Neville straightened. “Tonight?”

“Tonight,” Harry confirmed. “We search the Restricted Section. For anything about the Chamber — and when it was last opened.”

Daisy looked up at last, a shadow of fire returning to her eyes. “Let’s find the truth.”

And this time, no professor would stop them.

That night, the castle was unnaturally still.

Dinner had been quiet, the Musketeers keeping their energy low as they prepared mentally for their midnight infiltration. Hidden messages passed between them — a slight nod from Harry, a quick smile from Ginny, a glance between Susan and Samantha — all of them waiting for the clock to strike twelve.

Harry hadn't seen Hermione since that afternoon, though he assumed she was reading somewhere or catching a rest before their big night. Daisy was still not herself — she had barely eaten a few bites and then silently returned to the Slytherin dorms without a word. Ginny had tried to follow, but Daisy had asked for time.

After dinner, most students had drifted back to their common rooms or lounges, and the great halls began to dim. The Musketeers regrouped briefly in the shadows of the third-floor corridor, each confirming the plan one more time before returning to their towers to wait for the final moment.

Harry stood near the enchanted window in the Gryffindor common room, eyes flicking over the still lake far below the castle, reflecting the rising moonlight. Ginny leaned beside him, arms crossed. "We’ll find something tonight. I feel it," she said quietly.

Harry nodded. “We have to.” He looked around. “Strange, though. Hermione isn’t here.”

“Maybe she’s still prepping,” said Ginny, though her tone carried a touch of unease.

Just then, the portrait hole banged open. Percy Weasley stood in the entrance, looking pale and out of breath, face drawn tight with horror.

"Everyone—inside. Now!" His voice cracked with urgency.

Startled gasps filled the common room. Harry and Ginny were instantly alert, stepping forward.

"What happened?" Harry demanded.

Percy didn’t look at anyone directly. “Three students have been found… petrified.” He swallowed hard. “Near the Black Lake path. Madam Pomfrey and several professors are already there. Dumbledore has closed all common room exits for the night.”

The world tilted. Ginny let out a stunned whisper: “Who?”

Percy didn’t want to say it, but Harry’s voice sliced through the air, calm and commanding. “Percy. Who?”

Percy closed his eyes. “Hermione Granger. Penelope Clearwater. Colin Creevey.”

Ginny’s breath hitched. Harry stood frozen.

For a full second, no one moved.

Then — chaos.

Gasps, cries, panicked shouts. Some students wept. Lavender shrieked. Ron shot up from his seat like he’d been slapped.

“No—Hermione—no!” he cried, staggering forward. Ginny caught him as his knees almost gave out.

“Penelope?” whispered a stunned Percy, eyes wide, not even seeming to register the others anymore. “But… she was studying… she was—”

Harry had already turned, voice tight with fury. “Who found them?”

“Filch,” Percy said weakly. “Just after dinner. He saw Colin’s camera lens reflecting moonlight. He called for help immediately.”

“Where are they now?” Harry asked.

“The Hospital Wing. Pomfrey took them.”

“I’m going,” Harry said at once, turning to the portrait hole.

“You can’t,” Percy said sharply. “All exits are locked. You’ll be caught—”

“I don’t care.”

But Ginny grabbed his arm. “Harry. Wait.” Her voice trembled. “It’s dangerous now. The Chamber’s not just opened. It's active.

Susan, Neville, and Draco had appeared through the side passage a moment ago, out of breath. “We heard,” Susan said grimly. “Is it true?”

Harry nodded, jaw clenched. “Yes.”

Samantha and Luna followed soon after, pale and shaken. “Colin always smiled at me,” Luna whispered. “He used to offer me fizzy toads.”

“Why them?” Draco asked, quiet. “Hermione… she’s a Muggle born. Colin was Muggle-born. Penelope…?”

“Half Blood,” Percy said hoarsely. “Brilliant… top of her year.”

“Then that’s it,” Neville said, eyes wide with dawning horror. “It’s targeting Muggle-borns. Or those close to them.”

Silence followed.

Then Ginny asked the question all of them feared: “What if next time it’s Samantha? Or Luna? Or Susan?”

Samantha said nothing, face pale. Susan just swallowed.

“We have no time,” Harry said quietly. “No choice. We’re going tonight. No waiting. Restricted Section or not — we find the truth now.

“But—” Ron began.

Now,” Harry repeated. “If they’re going to keep hiding it, we’ll drag it out ourselves.”

Ginny squeezed his hand. “We’re with you.”

“All of us,” added Draco.

Even Percy, stunned and still reeling, gave a short nod. “I’ll keep the tower distracted. You have… twenty minutes. Don’t get caught.”

Harry turned, his emerald eyes glowing with a quiet fury. “We won’t.”

He glanced once toward the stairs that led to Hermione’s dorm and whispered, “I promise.”

Then he led the Musketeers out into the night.

They had made it.

It had taken every ounce of cleverness they possessed — slipping under the Cloak, careful use of the secret passage from behind the tapestry near the second-floor girls' lavatory, two well-timed distractions set off by Fred and George — but they had reached the Hospital Wing.

Madam Pomfrey had caught them, of course. She always did.

But when she saw the desperate faces — Draco pale and shaking, Ron nearly breaking down, Ginny holding Daisy who hadn't stopped crying, Neville with clenched fists, Susan barely breathing, Samantha hollow-eyed, and Harry, silent but burning with a terrifying quiet fire — she just sighed and opened the doors wider.

“I’ll pretend I didn’t see anything,” she said softly. “Ten minutes. No longer.”

She turned away, and the Musketeers slipped in, one by one, hearts in their throats.

The Hospital Wing was quiet — unnaturally quiet.

Three beds had been drawn together at the far end of the hall. Curtains parted but untouched. White sheets. Still bodies.

Hermione lay in the center bed.

Her brown eyes were wide open, lips slightly parted as if caught mid-thought. Her bushy hair was fanned out across the pillow, and her right hand clutched a small cracked mirror.

Ron dropped to his knees beside her.

"Hermione..." His voice cracked as he touched her hand, which was ice cold. “No... no, no... please no…”

Ginny stood silently beside him, arms wrapped around Daisy, who was sobbing uncontrollably into her robes. “It’s not your fault, Daisy,” she whispered, over and over. “You didn’t do anything…”

Penelope Clearwater lay to Hermione's right. Her pale face was ashen, mouth agape in shock. Her fingers clutched a thick tome — Advanced Arithmancy: A Comprehensive Guide. Percy stood at her bedside, unmoving, trembling. He didn’t speak. Not even when Susan tried to ask if he was alright.

They had all understood now.

Penelope hadn’t just been a classmate or a Prefect to Percy. She had been his.

Harry watched Percy’s hand drift to hers, watched him whisper something, eyes closed, lips trembling. It didn’t matter what words he spoke. The pain in his face was enough.

And there, to Hermione’s left, was Colin.

Sweet, cheerful, bright-eyed Colin Creevey. The boy who always had a camera around his neck. Who waved to older students even if they didn’t know him. Who had once brought Luna chocolate frogs when she was sad, even though she hadn’t asked. Who had shared Fizzy Fanged Fudge with everyone during Flying lessons in October.

He lay stiff and motionless, camera snapped in half on the floor beside his bed.

Draco walked over slowly and touched the broken lens. He knelt, picked it up gently, and held it in his hand like it might still carry something of Colin's smile. His face was unreadable. But his eyes were filled with unspoken rage.

“Whoever did this,” Draco said, “is going to pay.”

"They will," said Harry quietly. “I swear it.”

The others nodded.

Ron had pressed his forehead to Hermione's, whispering, “You’re the cleverest girl I’ve ever known. You’ll beat this. Just hold on.”

Neville, his voice shaking, said, “She taught me that Stinging Nettles increase magical potency if picked on the full moon. No one else even read that far.”

Ginny stepped forward, gently brushing a strand of Hermione’s hair off her face. “We’ll fix this. Somehow. We’ll find the truth.”

Luna looked around. “They’re not gone. I can still feel their auras.”

Harry turned to her. “You can?”

Luna gave a tiny nod. “Faint… like leaves underwater. But still there. Flickering.”

Ginny looked at Harry. “Dreamland?”

Harry shook his head. “It’s not meant for others. Not yet. But maybe…”

He turned to the three bodies, took a step closer, and closed his eyes. A soft emerald shimmer glowed around him — faint but present. He inhaled deeply.

Aura read… calm your magic… search beneath…

He opened his eyes. “They’re alive,” he whispered. “Trapped… like frozen thoughts. No physical injury. Just… blocked. Their cores are safe. But something ancient has done this.”

Susan glanced over. “So how do we wake them?”

Harry shook his head. “I don’t know. Yet.”

“I’ll get the others out,” Madam Pomfrey said gently, having silently returned. “But you… you stay.” She looked at Harry with something between awe and trust. “Five more minutes.”

The others filed out slowly, reluctantly. Percy remained for a moment longer, but Ginny touched his shoulder gently. “She wouldn’t want you to collapse, Percy.”

He finally followed them.

Now only Harry remained — standing at the center between his friends, his heart aching with guilt, rage, and a growing purpose.

“I'm sorry,” he whispered to all three of them. “I should have stopped this earlier. I should’ve seen the signs.”

He leaned down, kissed Hermione gently on the forehead. “But I swear, Talona… I will bring you back.”

He whispered the same promise to Penelope and Colin, then stepped away.

Outside, Ginny and the others waited.

He stepped out, face pale but firm. “We’re not waiting anymore,” Harry said. “We go full force now. Chamber or not. If they won’t tell us the truth—”

“Then we’ll tear it out,” Draco finished.

Ron looked up, eyes red but burning. “Whatever it takes.”

Daisy whispered, “For Hermione…”

“For all of them,” added Neville.

Susan squared her shoulders. “Then we go tonight.”

Ginny’s hand found Harry’s. “Together.”

And so, just before midnight struck, the Musketeers moved through the castle like shadows. Toward the truth. Toward answers. Toward the ancient darkness hiding in the bowels of Hogwarts.

But one thing had changed.

This was no longer about mysteries or secrets.

This was war.

Next Chapter is  Chamber Wars !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Next Chapter next Wednesday . So as you can see in this universe Chamber is very different, who is the girl writing the diary ? What is going on ? See here this will be fast paced and the arc didn't started late to finish up in June , it will be different very different but at the very same time quite alike , also unlike in canon , here threats won't wait till June , I want to make it a little realistic. Though one things that this will be final arc for second year irrespective of when it finishes, I think 3 or 4 chapters more maybe more , will see. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 42: Chamber Wars !

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Next day, Hogwarts was heavy with silence. Fear hung in the air like a fog, and even the warmest corners of the castle felt chilled. The news of Hermione, Penelope, and Colin being petrified had shattered the illusion of safety that had slowly begun to rebuild since the autumn chaos.

Without Hermione, the Musketeers were incomplete. Her usual sharp questions, the rustle of parchment as she pulled out a reading list mid-conversation, her quiet encouragement when someone struggled-all of it was gone. Her absence wasn't just noticed, it was felt.

Classes continued, but with a hollow mood. In Charms, Professor Flitwick's cheer faltered more than once as he guided the students through midair colour-cycling enchantments. Harry, Ron, and Draco sat beside each other, their books open but largely untouched. Even Draco wasn't making his usual elegant quips; his jaw was tight, expression unreadable.

Lunch that day was subdued. Students from all houses had begun clustering together in familiar, comforting groups, disregarding the house divisions. The Musketeers, minus Hermione, Penelope, and Colin, sat at the Gryffindor table near the far windows. Ginny was next to Harry, her head resting lightly on his shoulder. Daisy sat opposite them, unusually pale and withdrawn. Her fork barely touched her plate.

Harry noticed. He'd noticed at breakfast too. She hadn't cracked a single joke, hadn't talked to anyone beyond one-word replies. Her eyes were glassy, and twice now, he had seen her flinch when someone brushed past too close.

"She looks like she's freezing, and it's warm in here," Ginny whispered.

"I thought maybe she was sick," Harry murmured back. "But Madam Pomfrey checked her last night. No fever, no spell traces, nothing."

"She's scared," Luna said softly, from beside Daisy. "Not just of what happened. Something's clinging to her."

Harry's emerald eyes narrowed slightly. "I'll talk to her later. She's not saying anything. Not even to me."

At the staff table, Professor McGonagall had stopped eating altogether. Her mouth was set in a stern line, and she'd been glancing often at the students-particularly at Harry. Snape, seated beside her, looked unreadable, but Harry could feel his gaze occasionally settle on Daisy with a deepening crease in his brow.

Pomona Sprout hadn't cracked a smile all day.

With Sirius and Amelia still on their honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands-intentionally unreachable-the responsibility of the case, should anything require Ministry involvement, fell to Cornelius Fudge.

That alone made Harry furious. He didn't trust Fudge to run a train schedule, much less protect a school of children. If he botched this, like he did with the goblin warning... Harry swore to himself he would make sure Fudge didn't remain in office for long.

By dinner, the official notice came:
Quidditch Season Postponed Until Further Notice. By Order of the Headmaster.

No one was surprised.

Even Fred and George didn't complain. Angelina sat quietly, her arms crossed, head bowed. Oliver Wood looked like someone had told him Quidditch was being outlawed entirely.

After dinner, the Musketeers regrouped in their private room-twelve of them now seated in silence. The enchanted cushions and crackling fireplace did nothing to warm the mood.

"I keep replaying it in my head," Ron said finally, breaking the stillness. "They weren't together. Hermione and Penelope were friends, yeah-but Colin? He doesn't even know Penelope."

"They were all petrified near the lake," Neville said. "So maybe... maybe that's the link."

"But why would they be near the lake?" asked Susan. "Hermione's careful. She wouldn't go wandering."

"She might if she was investigating something," said Samantha. "Maybe she noticed a pattern. Maybe Penelope did too. They could have been comparing notes."

Harry sat on the edge of a window seat, head bowed, fingers steepled. His voice came low. "If someone or something is targeting students, then they're doing it in secret. I checked the Map earlier-nothing odd showed up during the time of the attacks. Which means either someone is bypassing the castle's normal paths, or..."

"Or it's not human," murmured Draco grimly.

A silence followed.

Luna, sitting cross-legged on a cushion near the fire, lifted her head and said dreamily, "There are things older than Hogwarts that don't walk the same way we do. My mum used to say-sometimes magic sleeps deep and wakes angry."

Ginny stared into the fire. "We need to find out what they were looking into. Hermione must have told someone something."

"We should ask Percy," Scorpius said. "If anyone knows what Penelope was doing, it'll be him."

"Agreed," said Harry. "We'll meet tomorrow after lunch. Divide up what we know."

Ron nodded grimly. "We'll get whoever did this. We're not letting Hermione or the others lie there without answers."

---

That night, Harry lay still in bed until the castle had gone quiet. Then he closed his eyes and slipped into Dreamland-the secret magical realm he shared with Ginny alone. No one else knew it existed. No one ever would.

Tonight, it looked different.

The sky above the dreamscape was laced with muted shades of grey and red, like a warning written in twilight. The warm fields that normally stretched beyond the brook were fogged, distant. Even the ever-singing trees seemed subdued.

Ginny was already there, standing barefoot near the water's edge, her arms crossed tightly. Her hair was loose, falling over her shoulders like a flame against the gloom.

"She didn't come again," she whispered when he approached.

Harry nodded. "She said she was tired."

"She's not sleeping right," Ginny said. "I can feel it during the day. Not here."

They sat together on the stone bench beneath the great silverleaf tree. The phoenix Hinny circled above, slower than usual, her cry low and musical but somber.

"She's scared," Harry said at last. "Not like last term. This is deeper. But whatever's happening to her... I don't think it has anything to do with here."

Ginny was quiet for a moment, then turned toward him, her voice steadier. "That means it's real. And dangerous. We can't afford to wait and see."

"We won't," Harry said. "Tomorrow I'm asking Professor Snape and Gran Minnie for private time. They need to know everything we suspect."

"You think they'll believe it?"

"They'll believe me."

Above them, Hinny let out a clear, strong cry-and the clouds in the dream shifted, light breaking through in green and red arcs, like a promise forged in fire.

The Chamber had opened again.

But this time, it would find a very different Harry Potter waiting.

The next day, tension still lingered over the castle like a storm refusing to pass. The morning classes went by in a daze. Harry barely registered the incantations they were rehearsing in Charms or the steady hum of magical theory in Transfiguration. He was focused entirely on what needed to be done after lunch.

As planned, Ron and Susan approached Percy Weasley in the library's back corner. Percy had taken to spending his free time buried behind thick tomes of law and magical policy, trying-ineffectively-to distract himself from the aching loss. His tie was crooked, his hair uncombed, and his eyes were ringed with shadows.

"Percy?" Ron said gently, keeping his voice low.

Percy glanced up. He didn't respond at first. Susan stepped forward.

"We know it's hard, but we were hoping you could tell us... about Penelope. If she was working on anything. With Hermione maybe?"

Percy gave a slow blink, then leaned back in his chair, lips slightly parted.

"I... I've gone through everything," he said hoarsely. "Her notes. Her bag. Even her robes. She wasn't working on anything with Hermione... not that I know of."

Ron exchanged a glance with Susan.

"She's been reading ahead, of course," Percy continued dully. "She always liked Ancient Runes. And she had just renewed a copy of Legendary Creatures of the British Isles. I thought it was for class."

Susan frowned. "She never mentioned anything unusual to you?"

Percy shook his head.

"Penelope was careful. If she suspected danger, she would have told me. Or at least left a message..."

His voice cracked, and he quickly looked away.

Ron placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Thanks, Perce."

Susan gave a quiet nod of gratitude. "We'll figure it out. She'll be okay. I promise."

As they left the library, Ron muttered, "So much for that theory."

Susan sighed. "Still... that book she borrowed. Could be something."

"We'll check with Madam Pince. Maybe Hermione had it too."

-

That evening, long after dinner had ended and most of the castle had begun retreating to common rooms, Harry made his way toward Professor McGonagall's office. Ginny walked beside him in silence, until the spiral staircase leading to the office rose into view.

"You're sure?" she asked quietly.

"Yes," Harry said. "It's time they knew. They need to know who's not behind this."

Ginny kissed his cheek gently before turning back, trusting him to handle what came next.

McGonagall's office was occupied by three people when Harry entered-Professor McGonagall herself, seated at her desk, Remus beside her, and Professor Snape standing stiffly in the corner, arms crossed. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting deep shadows on the room's stone walls.

"Mr. Potter," McGonagall said, sitting straighter. "We were told you requested a private meeting. Is something wrong?"

Snape's dark eyes were already narrowed, focused sharply on Harry.

"Yes," Harry said plainly, stepping forward. "And you all need to hear this."

He waited for their full attention, then said, with deliberate calm:

"I am the Heir of Slytherin."

The silence was immediate and absolute. Only the fire popped in the background.

McGonagall blinked, her lips parting slightly. "I... beg your pardon?"

Snape's face had gone pale, though his expression remained frozen.

Remus, leaning forward now, stared at Harry intently. "Harry, are you saying-"

"I'm not the one behind the attacks," Harry interrupted. "That's not what I meant."

He paused, then continued in a slow, level voice.

"I'm the true Heir of Slytherin. Just like I'm the Heir of Gryffindor. And Ravenclaw. And Hufflepuff."

McGonagall's chair creaked as she leaned back. "All four Founders?"

Harry nodded. "Yes. I found out over the summer. I've inherited magic from all of them. Their bloodlines run through me, and through my family lines. I didn't tell anyone because... it would cause chaos if people knew. But this-what's happening now-it's someone pretending to be the Heir of Slytherin. And it's not me."

There was a long silence.

Snape's voice, when it came, was low and unreadable. "You expect us to believe this because you say so?"

"I can prove it," Harry replied evenly. He took a step forward, then raised his wand-not to cast, but to draw out a folded parchment from his pocket.

"The Goblins verified it at Gringotts. And I've spoken with an ancient mage. The inheritance is magically bound. I am the Lord of all Four Houses."

Remus exhaled slowly, blinking. "Bloody hell..."

McGonagall whispered, "Sweet Merlin..."

Snape said nothing, but his fingers had tightened visibly where they gripped his robes.

"The attacks," Harry pressed on, "are being carried out by something controlled-or unleashed-by someone else. Whoever's behind this is using the legend of the Heir to frighten people. But I'm telling you, as the actual heir: it's a lie."

McGonagall was now fully focused, no longer shocked-only thoughtful. "Why come forward now?"

"Because the lies are hurting people I love," Harry said. "And I won't let it continue. Hermione, Penelope, Colin-something is moving in this castle. It's old, and it's dangerous. I want your help to stop it."

Remus spoke first, voice still stunned but warmer now. "You have it. Whatever you need."

McGonagall nodded firmly. "Of course, Mr. Potter. Thank you for your honesty."

Snape studied him for a long moment, then gave the faintest incline of his head. "We'll find the truth."

Harry breathed out slowly. "Thank you."

As he turned to go, McGonagall called gently, "Harry?"

He looked back.

"Whatever your bloodlines may be," she said, her voice soft but unshaken, "you're still the boy I knew the day you walked into Gryffindor Tower. That hasn't changed."

Harry smiled. "And I'll always be that boy, Gran Minnie."

He stepped into the corridor, the door clicking softly shut behind him.

Tomorrow, they would begin hunting the lie. The real heir had spoken.

And the battle for Hogwarts was no longer in the shadows.

The Muskeeteers gathered once more in their private chamber-deep within the enchanted corridor only they could enter, a place enchanted for safety, silence, and secrecy. The flickering lanterns cast a golden warmth over the room as they all sat cross-legged on conjured cushions, a steaming pot of cocoa between them. The air felt heavier than usual, the weight of uncertainty settling over their young shoulders.

Daisy had curled up in her usual spot next to Ginny, wrapped in her emerald-green blanket from Fawcett Manor. Her eyes fluttered shut not long into the discussion, her breathing soon steady. No one disturbed her. It had become a gentle ritual of sorts-she found sleep most easily among them, protected and loved.

Ron and Susan had just returned from their meeting with Percy, and everyone leaned in to hear.

"He looked worse than ever," Ron muttered, glancing at the sleeping Daisy, then back at the others. "Hasn't slept in days."

Susan nodded. "He said Penelope wasn't working with Hermione on anything. She was reading ahead in Ancient Runes and had borrowed Legendary Creatures of the British Isles. That's all he knew."

Hermione would've already made five cross-references by now, Ginny thought bitterly.

"But nothing points to her looking into the Chamber or monsters," Ron added. "Percy swears she didn't suspect anything."

Harry sat quietly for a moment before speaking.

"I told Gran Minnie, Snape, and Remus," he said.

Everyone looked at him, stunned by the weight of what that meant. Even Draco, who usually had a smirk ready for every situation, had gone solemn.

Harry exhaled. "I told them the truth. That I'm the real Heir of Slytherin. And that I'm also the Heir of the other Founders."

"What did they say?" Luna asked softly, her silvery gaze steady.

"They were shocked, of course," he said. "But they believed me. Especially after I told them about the goblin confirmations. I made it clear-I'm not behind this. The one doing all this is a fake, using the Heir myth to scare people."

"They'll stand with us?" asked Draco.

"Yes," Harry said firmly. "They're watching the castle closely now. And they trust me."

There was a long silence before Neville nodded slowly. "That's something, at least."

After that, the group fell quiet, each lost in their own thoughts. Eventually, Ginny and Harry rose, gently carried Daisy to the Room of Requirement so she could sleep peacefully. The others slowly trickled out, subdued and thoughtful.

-

They visited the hospital wing again the next day, and the next. Hermione, Penelope, and Colin lay frozen in identical states-eyes wide, limbs stiff, bodies cold but alive. Their beds had been arranged close together, surrounded by protective charms and fresh flowers. Madam Pomfrey had added gentle scents of lavender and eucalyptus to soothe the visiting students.

Scorpius reached out and tucked a loose curl behind Hermione's ear.

"We miss you," he whispered.

Ginny placed her hand over Hermione's. "I'll fix this, I swear."

Daisy, who had woken earlier than usual and insisted on coming, clutched Penelope's hand tightly. "I'm sorry I wasn't fast enough," she murmured. Draco stood behind her, resting a hand gently on her shoulder.

Harry said nothing, just stood at the foot of their beds, his eyes scanning all three, searching for something-anything-his aura magic could pick up. But there was nothing. Just the cold, magical stillness of petrification.

-

Days passed.

The castle settled into an uneasy quiet. No new attacks. No new messages. Even Filch, after his early rage, had gone quiet, spending most of his days wandering the halls with Mrs. Norris's limp body in a magically preserved case around his neck.

The only notable event was on January 17, when Hermione's parents were given special permission to visit Hogwarts. The Muskeeteers were present in the hospital wing when Dan and Juliet Granger arrived-tightly holding hands, eyes wide with horror at seeing their brilliant daughter lying like a marble statue.

Juliet burst into tears.

Dan remained stoic, but his hands trembled as he touched Hermione's cheek. "She wanted to come here so badly. She dreamed of it..."

"She's going to be okay," Harry said gently, stepping forward. "I promise you."

Juliet looked up, her red-rimmed eyes focusing on Harry. "Can you be sure of that?"

"No," he said honestly. "But I won't stop until we bring her back. None of us will."

Dan slowly nodded. "I've heard of you, Harry. And if anyone can do it... I think it's you."

They stayed only a short while longer, speaking quietly to their daughter, before Dumbledore gently led them away to the Headmaster's office.

Ginny squeezed Harry's hand tightly. "You did the right thing."

He only nodded.

-

Still, no leads.

Not from the professors. Not from the Marauder's Maps. Not from aura scans, secret passages, or whispered theories. The castle remained silent. The fear didn't vanish, but without new terror to feed it, the panic cooled into a hard, restless unease.

Classes resumed their rhythm. Dueling club was put on hold. Students moved in cautious groups. Curfew was strictly enforced.

And yet, the Muskeeteers never stopped looking.

Every night, Harry and Ginny met in Dreamland. Sometimes they trained. Sometimes they simply lay under the great willow tree with Hinny circling above them, crimson and green flames trailing like aurora ribbons. On the quietest nights, they dreamed together of what peace might look like.

But even Dreamland felt colder now. The threat was still out there. And soon, it would rise again.

February arrived, bringing with it a fragile lull. The castle, still cloaked in tension, seemed to breathe uneasily under the weight of fear. Yet, since the brutal petrification of Hermione, Penelope, and Colin, there had been no further attacks. For three weeks, the corridors of Hogwarts had remained undisturbed by horror. It was an uneasy peace-like the pause before a storm.

Amelia and Sirius had returned from their honeymoon two weeks ago, their usual radiant joy dimmed by the news awaiting them. Amelia, ever pragmatic, had wasted no time. She had stormed straight to Dumbledore's office upon hearing of the petrifications, demanding full reports and access to any investigative details. The fact that one of the victims had been her niece's best friend only made her more resolute.

"If another attack happens," she had told Harry and Ginny grimly, "I will be getting directly involved. This will not be left to Ministry bumbling-or worse, to Fudge's ineptitude."

Harry nodded solemnly. With Amelia back, at least they had someone competent watching from above. Still, a part of him longed to see Fudge ousted permanently. The man's neglect, especially in the face of the St. Mungo's disaster, still boiled in Harry's blood.

In the wake of the attacks, the castle had grown quieter. Dumbledore imposed stricter curfews: all students were to be in their respective dormitories by 8:30 PM. Classes continued, but many were now conducted under stricter supervision. Even Filch had been assigned Auror oversight, though he spent most of his time muttering bitterly about "bloody creatures" and glaring at passing shadows.

Daisy had withdrawn completely. She attended her classes, sat beside Draco in the common room, and even occasionally joined the Musketeers for meals. But the spark that made her Daisy-fierce, witty, ever-changing-seemed to have dimmed. Her metamorphmagus features stayed largely static now; hair mostly a dull red-brown, eyes muted hazel. It reminded Harry too much of the girl they'd found starving in an alley last summer, trembling and alone.

Ginny reached out to her constantly, pulling her into walks or coaxing small smiles during Musketeer meetings. But even her efforts met with limited success. Sometimes Daisy would respond with a dry joke or a ghost of her old mischief. Most times, she sat silent, hands in her lap, eyes flickering between pain and fear.

Ron wasn't much better. While he pretended to be his usual self-making snide remarks about Snape's hair or faking offense over losing chess to Neville-his heart wasn't in it. He didn't talk about Hermione, not to anyone. But his gaze would linger on her empty seat in class, or flick toward the Hospital Wing doors during meals. Ginny had caught him once near the entrance late one evening, just standing there. He hadn't noticed her. He'd just stared.

Draco, in contrast, had no desire to hide what he felt. He was quieter now, sharper in his observations, and almost always serious. His friendship with Harry and Ron had only grown stronger in this shared ache, though none of them said much aloud. He often sat with Susan or Ginny in the library, going over notes Hermione had made, hoping to find something she'd written that might help. Sometimes, when alone, he'd run a thumb down the edge of a Transfiguration textbook Hermione had once helped him master, jaw clenched, lips thin.

Scorpius and Rose, meanwhile, had barely any time together. Their sweet new relationship-one of bashful smiles and scribbled notes-had been pushed aside by the hunt for answers. Scorpius, loyal and focused, rarely left the Musketeers' side. He spent most of his free hours with Luna and Samantha tracing magical theories, or with Neville and Susan checking magical plant reactions for any signs. Still, whenever he caught Rose's eye across the Great Hall, his expression would soften, and her return glance-equal parts proud and sad-spoke volumes.

And Harry... Harry had heard hissings now and then.

He didn't tell the others yet. Not Ginny, not even the Musketeers. The first time had been faint-just a whisper beneath the walls during a late evening corridor walk. He'd frozen, senses stretching, heart beating faster. The second time was near the library-soft, guttural sounds curling around his ears like smoke. Parseltongue. The serpent's language. The same voice he had heard in the walls the night Mrs. Norris had been attacked.

He was sure of it.

But nothing followed. No attack. No trace. The castle remained still. So he kept silent... for now.

And so Hogwarts waited. A pause drawn tight as bowstring, students moving under the shadow of fear and uncertainty. Something had begun in the dark-but now it hid, biding its time.

And Harry felt it, humming in the stone.

Waiting.

Ginny held Harry close in the softly glowing Room of Requirement, her fingers running gently through his untamed black hair as he rested his head against her shoulder. The faint warmth of conjured cushions, a fire flickering low in the hearth, and soft cherry blossom petals falling from the enchanted ceiling made the air shimmer with quiet intimacy. The bouquet of vibrant red roses and a heart-shaped box of Honeydukes chocolates lay forgotten on a small table, a token of Valentine's Day that had passed in comfortable silence and soft whispers rather than grand displays.

Harry had given her a simple smile that morning and whispered, "Happy Valentine's, my heart," before handing over the bouquet with its gentle earthy scent. Ginny, though briefly surprised at the toned-down gesture compared to last year's elaborate magic and poetry, had only smiled and kissed his cheek. She knew Harry - his quietness today wasn't from indifference.

He had cried once that afternoon, silently, trembling slightly in her embrace as they lay wrapped together on the oversized velvet couch.

"I should have protected her," he whispered into Ginny's collarbone, the weight of guilt for Hermione, for Penelope, for Colin pressing down on him like a leaden cloud. "I promised I would. I felt something before the attack. Hissings in the walls, something familiar. But I ignored it."

Ginny didn't respond immediately. She just kissed his forehead, lips brushing against his scar that still burned sometimes in his dreams.

"You can't carry everything alone, Harry," she said at last, gently but firmly. "And whatever those hissings were - no one else heard them. Not even me. But now we know. We'll be ready."

Harry nodded, slowly sitting up, wiping his cheeks with the sleeve of his jumper. His emerald eyes were shadowed, but beneath the grief was a glint of sharp resolve. "I'll find the answer," he murmured. "Even if Dumbledore's not telling us anything. Even if the others are distracted or blocked - I will protect them all."

Ginny squeezed his hand. "Together."

He smiled faintly. "Always."

The atmosphere at Hogwarts in the days after Valentine's was subdued and uncertain. The grand feasts still appeared on time, the classes ran with their usual pace, and Filch still growled at students tracking mud in the corridors - but something had changed.

Dumbledore was increasingly absent from meals, leaving Professor McGonagall in charge more often than not. The students whispered about it - some speculated he was searching for a cure, others believed he was tracking the heir. The teachers, though composed, had sharp eyes and wand-hands always ready.

Harry noticed subtle signs: Snape moving with tense alertness, staying unusually quiet during meals; Remus spending long hours in the library when not teaching; even Gran Minnie's eyes lingered too long on empty seats and dark corridors.

Despite their collective brilliance and connection, the Musketeers had found no new clues. No one had seen or heard anything more. The portraits were tight-lipped, the ghosts hadn't observed anything out of the ordinary, and not even Filch - bitter over his cat still being in the Hospital Wing - had caught the slightest movement.

Harry, however, couldn't shake the feeling that the answer was right there - breathing within the walls of Hogwarts itself.

And somewhere deep within the castle, in a shadowed dormitory cloaked in heavy silence, a girl - pale, with trembling fingers and a tear-streaked face - stared down at the cursed diary lying on her desk.

Its once pristine cover now seemed sinister, pulsing faintly in the candlelight. The pages whispered to her. Sometimes kind. Sometimes demanding. Always present.

She had tried. Truly, she had.

But something had changed. The voice had grown stronger, her thoughts more clouded. She found herself losing time - whole hours gone with no memory. And when she woke, her shoes were muddy, her robes damp, her hands ink-stained though she remembered no writing.

That night, trembling, she had clutched the diary, whispered an apology to the voice that had once felt like a friend, and hurled it into the roaring fireplace of her common room.

The fire hissed. Crackled. Roared.

For a heartbeat, the flames turned green - sickly and furious.

She screamed and fled the room, the echo of the diary's last whisper clinging to her ears like smoke:

"You'll regret this."

But the diary remained in the fire, burning.

Or so it seemed.

Elsewhere, Harry and Ginny walked the corridors in silence after dinner, hand in hand. The castle felt colder these days. The portraits eyed them warily. Even Peeves had grown subdued.

As they reached the entrance to the Room of Requirement, the wall rippled and melted into an arched doorway at their approach. The room welcomed them - soft cushions, warm blankets, and soft glowing light. Hinny, their phoenix, chirped gently from her perch above the fireplace.

They lay down together, and Ginny rested her head on Harry's chest.

"I feel like something's ending," she whispered.

Harry nodded slowly. "Or beginning."

Draco was barely managing. One of his closest friends, Hermione, was petrified and still lying in the Hospital Wing-frozen, unmoving, with that horrified expression etched on her face. The sight of it haunted him. And then there were the relentless letters from his father.

Every morning, he dreaded the owl post. Lucius Malfoy's crisp handwriting now felt like icy fingers tightening around his throat. Each message was a reminder: of disappointment, of threats masked as fatherly concern, of his "legacy." Again and again, Lucius urged him to distance himself from Harry and the so-called "Musketeers," warning that consorting with "traitors" and "mudbloods" would lead to ruin. That he was shaming the Malfoy name. That the Dark Lord would return-and Draco needed to be on the right side.

But what was the right side?

Draco had grown up believing power and purity were everything. Yet now, after eighteen months in Hogwarts, it was Harry who had given him a choice. A real one. Harry, who was everything Draco's father hated-half-blood, defier of rules, beloved by the commoners-and yet... so immensely powerful, so compassionate, so real. The Musketeers had become family. Even Ron, once his rival, now cracked jokes at his expense with more warmth than malice. And Hermione-gods, she had actually defended him in Potions just days before being attacked.

His world had tilted.

To make things worse, Daisy had grown distant. It wasn't like her. She'd been like a second sister-loud, unpredictable, vulnerable but sharp. They used to spend hours talking in the Slytherin common room, sharing worries and plans for silly pranks. But lately... she just stared into the fire, silent, brittle, refusing even his company.

The other Slytherins didn't help. Pansy, Theo, and Millicent smirked behind his back. Crabbe, bless him, had taken to sitting with Draco in silence when words didn't work.

Tonight, Draco sat in the dimly lit Slytherin common room, watching the green flames lick at the hearth. Daisy sat across from him on the couch, curled up with a book she wasn't really reading. Her hair was dull burgundy tonight-lifeless, barely shifting. She hadn't laughed in a week.

"You okay?" he asked softly.

She didn't look up. "Peachy."

"You're not," he said, his voice firmer. "You haven't been okay since... since the attack. You haven't talked to Harry properly. Or Ginny. Or anyone."

That got her attention. Her eyes lifted, wide and glassy. "And what exactly would you have me say, Draco?" she whispered. "That I'm scared out of my mind? That I feel like I'm cursed? That every time I walk alone, I wonder if I'll be next?"

He fell silent. There was nothing to say to that.

After a long pause, she continued. "I see their faces in my dreams. Hermione... Penelope... even little Colin. I hear the echo of that stupid warning. 'Enemies of the heir, beware.' And I-" Her voice cracked. "I don't know who the enemy is anymore."

Draco reached forward, slowly. "You're not alone, Daisy."

Her lip trembled. She didn't cry. She never cried. But she nodded.

"I know," she murmured. "I just feel like I am."

-

Meanwhile, above in the Gryffindor Tower, Harry sat near the window, cloaked in his invisibility cloak, legs tucked up as he stared out over the snow-covered grounds. It was quiet-too quiet. Even the common room had lost its usual hum. The atmosphere in the castle had changed. Paranoia gripped the halls; groups moved together. No one dared visit the library alone anymore.

Ginny's voice drifted softly beside him, muffled under the cloak as she leaned against his shoulder. "She was holding a mirror," she said.

Harry nodded slowly. "And Penelope had one too. Same type. Defensive reflex? Someone told them how to protect themselves."

"But it didn't work," she whispered.

He swallowed hard, fingers curling unconsciously against the sill. "We're missing something. A pattern. The creature-whatever it is-it's moving in and out without being seen. But it's not random. Hermione was near the lake with Penelope and Colin. Why?"

Ginny tapped her chin, thinking. "Maybe something was hidden there. Or maybe... they were following a trail?"

Harry blinked. That thought had not occurred to him.

"They'd been researching things," he muttered. "Hermione mentioned runes last week. Said something about etchings by the shore she wanted to look into after class."

Ginny looked sharply at him. "Why didn't you tell me that?"

"I thought it was just one of her rabbit holes," he replied, frustrated. "I didn't think it was connected until now."

They were both silent for a long time.

"Let's go to the lake," Ginny said finally. "Not tonight. But soon. Just us."

Harry nodded. "Agreed."

Downstairs, Ron and Neville were arguing gently about whether Flobberworms actually felt pain, while Susan sat in front of the fire, reading silently, her knees drawn up. The group had taken to camping out together most evenings, a subconscious ritual of safety and solidarity.

Scorpius, Luna, and Samantha were perched on one of the couches, discussing magical languages-Scorpius had brought a dusty book on Gobbledegook he'd found in the restricted section (with Madam Pince's permission, of course, since Harry had asked). Luna was fascinated; Samantha seemed more concerned with the sounds than the structure.

Dudley came through the portrait hole a moment later, cheeks pink from the cold. "Snowball war," he announced. "Slytherins versus Hufflepuffs. Ended in a draw."

"You mean you slipped and fell on your bum," Susan called without looking up.

"I meant to do that," Dudley replied smugly.

A few chuckles rang out. It was brief, but it was needed.

-

That night, in Dreamland, Harry and Ginny stood at the banks of a crystalline river. Hinny sang softly from her perch in a tree of gold and emerald, her melody washing through the leaves. The air here was warm and humming with magic. But both of them were quiet.

"She's breaking," Ginny said after a while. "Daisy."

"I know," Harry murmured.

"We have to do something."

"We will." His voice was determined now, eyes gleaming with emerald fire. "But first, we need to figure out who's behind the attacks. We need to protect everyone."

Ginny reached out and took his hand. "We already are."

Still, Harry didn't smile.

Because deep down, he knew... the worst was yet to come.

It was February 25. Thick snow still blanketed the grounds of Hogwarts, but the worst of the bitter cold had begun to ease. Afternoon classes had ended, and the castle had retreated into a tense quiet, the kind that hovered like mist just before a storm. Three attacks had occurred. Hermione, Penelope, and Colin were still lying petrified in the Hospital Wing. No signs. No answers. Just that haunting message scorched into everyone's minds: Enemies of the Heir, beware.

In the hidden Muskeeteers' Room - a warm, well-charmed space sealed with laughter, memories, and the deepest trust - Harry and Ginny sat alone for once, curled on the familiar cushioned bench by the enchanted fireplace. They had come early for the group meeting, hoping to use the time to think, to breathe, to plan.

The fire crackled quietly. Outside, wind whispered against the windowpanes. But inside, Harry's mind was loud - too loud.

Ginny was tracing faint lines of firelight along his palm when he suddenly went still.

"Gin," Harry said softly, voice tight.

She looked up immediately, sensing the shift in his aura. "What is it?"

Harry didn't answer right away. He turned, eyes catching hers. There was fear behind his emerald gaze - not for himself, but something deeper. Something terrifying.

"I've been thinking," he said at last. "About the attacks. About the message. Enemies of the Heir... Everyone assumes the person behind it is pretending to be the Heir of Slytherin."

"Well, yeah," Ginny said slowly. "You are the real Heir, along with the other founders. No one else could be." Her voice was certain. "Whoever's doing this - it's not you. And you would know if it were someone else from the Founders' lines."

"That's just it," he murmured. "I don't know."

Ginny's expression changed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean... what if it's not fake?" he said, voice strained. "What if someone is the Heir? Someone with access to the Chamber, to the creature, to the magic? Someone I wouldn't expect?"

Ginny blinked. "Harry, what are you saying?"

He hesitated - then exhaled slowly.

"Daisy."

Ginny straightened sharply. "What?"

"I know, I know how it sounds," Harry said quickly, holding up his hands. "But think about it. She's been acting so strange. Pulling away from everyone. She's closed off, quiet - even with me. Her hair's been dull nearly every day, and her eyes... her eyes haven't had that light in weeks."

"That's grief," Ginny snapped, instantly defensive. "She's scared. The attacks shook her. She's a first year and people she knows were petrified. Don't turn this into-"

"I'm not blaming her!" Harry interrupted, voice pained. "Merlin, I love her. I'd die for her. You know that."

Ginny quieted. His words landed like a stone on the floor between them.

"I just-" Harry's voice softened. "What if... what if she's not herself? What if something dark is at work? She's my sister. My blood. If I inherited the Founders' legacy... it's not impossible she could carry traces too. Especially if it's linked through our magical bloodlines. And if someone - or something - took control of her..."

His voice broke for a second. "What if she's being possessed, Gin?"

Ginny's heart pounded in her chest. She hated the idea. She hated it. But Harry wasn't speaking from suspicion. He was speaking from fear. Deep, gnawing fear - for Daisy.

"She has been... distant," Ginny admitted slowly. "And more anxious than usual. But she's still Daisy. She hasn't hurt anyone. And even if she was a partial Heir, she wouldn't want to do this."

"She wouldn't," Harry agreed immediately. "Which is why if it's happening... she might not even know."

Ginny's hands clenched in her lap. "This is the same kind of thing Bagnod warned us about. Old magics. Forgotten ones. Even a trace of Founders' blood could make someone vulnerable to manipulation, especially if it's Slytherin's line. If a cursed object or dark spell found her..."

Harry nodded. "It makes sense, doesn't it? The timing. Her changes. She's been losing sleep. She's pulled away from me, from Draco, from even you. She's terrified but won't talk about why. It's like something's eating her from the inside."

Ginny looked haunted. "If it's true... if someone's using her as a puppet..."

"Then we have to stop it," Harry said, determination returning to his voice. "But carefully. Quietly. She can't know yet. Not until we're sure. If I'm wrong, I'll never forgive myself. But if I'm right..."

Ginny nodded slowly. "Then she needs us more than ever."

Silence fell. The fire flickered. Hinny's distant echo rang softly in the back of Harry's mind, a soothing hum only he and Ginny could feel. The Dreamland's magic was quiet today - even it sensed the heaviness of the moment.

Then, the door creaked. Footsteps.

Ron entered first, slouched and sluggish, hands buried deep in his pockets. He gave them a faint nod before collapsing into a nearby armchair without a word. Draco followed a few steps behind, pale and worn, dark circles under his eyes, his usual crisp attire rumpled. He didn't even look up before sinking next to Ron, their usual banter absent.

Finally, Daisy arrived.

She was quiet, too quiet. Her deep red hair had dulled to a muddied rust, her hazel eyes shadowed. She didn't meet anyone's gaze as she walked to the farthest couch and sat cross-legged, arms wrapped around her knees. Roxy the owl wasn't with her. She rarely brought her anymore.

Harry watched her closely, heart heavy.

Ginny reached for his hand and squeezed.

More would arrive soon - Susan, Luna, Neville, the others. But the core of the wound was already here. The Musketeers were hurting. And something dark was looming.

Harry didn't yet know how to save Daisy. But he would. One way or another. He had to.

Because if there was anything worse than the fear in her eyes...

...it was the thought that one day, she might not recognize herself at all.

The meeting that evening had been heavy, almost silent. The usual chatter and plans, laughter and light teasing - all had faded into tense glances and careful words. The Musketeers spoke in turns, trying to make sense of what was happening, how to keep each other safe.

But it was clear: no one had answers.

When the meeting ended, the others trickled out slowly. Ron lingered until Harry gave him a small nod, a silent promise of later. Draco paused too, looking back toward Daisy, but Harry gently shook his head. Draco's jaw tightened. He left.

Now only Daisy remained.

She stood near the door of the Muskeeteers' Room, arms crossed, chin lifted in a defiant angle. Harry walked up slowly, careful not to crowd her.

"Dais," he said quietly.

"I'm fine," she said, too quickly.

Harry didn't speak at first. He looked at her. Really looked. The way her hair had dulled to a pale rust again, the way her eyes seemed almost distant, flicking away every time they met his. The way her shoulders were drawn up like she was bracing for a blow.

"You're not," he said softly. "And I want to help. Just... talk to me."

She tensed. "There's nothing to say."

"Daisy," he tried again, stepping closer. "I need to ask you something. I don't want to, but I have to. I'm scared. For you. And-"

"You think I did it," she snapped suddenly, and her voice cracked on the word I.

Harry froze. "No- I mean, I don't know-"

"You do!" she shouted, her eyes flashing. "That's why you stayed back. Why you're looking at me like I'm some kind of monster!"

"I never thought that!" Harry's voice rose now, not in anger, but desperation. "You're my sister, Daisy! I love you more than anything-"

"Then why are you accusing me?" she yelled. "Why do you think I'm the Heir?"

Harry's voice faltered. "Because you've changed. You're pulling away. You don't laugh like you used to. You've been hiding something-"

"Because I'm scared, Harry!" she shouted, hands trembling. "Because I wake up in the middle of the night wondering if I'm next! Because every time I look around, someone else is hurt, and I don't know how to stop it!"

Her voice broke entirely, and for a moment she looked like the scared little girl he remembered from the summer - the one who used to clutch his sleeve and call him her hero.

"I'm not the Heir," she whispered, shaking. "I swear. I don't know what's happening. I don't know why I feel... weird. But it's not me."

"I believe you," Harry said, stepping forward. "I do. I just- I needed to be sure. You matter more to me than-"

"No." Daisy pulled back, tears sparking in her eyes. "You didn't trust me. Not really."

"Daisy-"

She turned and flung open the door.

"I'm not talking about this again," she said, voice like ice. "Not with you."

And then she was gone, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Harry stood in the silence she left behind, heart pounding, guilt a leaden weight in his chest. Their first real fight - and it felt like something had cracked deep inside him.

Ginny appeared quietly from the shadows of the room, her eyes filled with pain. She didn't say I told you so. She just walked to him and pulled him into a tight embrace.

"She's scared," Ginny murmured. "But she still loves you. Give her time."

Harry's hands clenched at her back.

Time. Yes.

But how much time did they have before the next person was attacked? Before Daisy's secret pain became something irreversible?

He didn't know.

But he wasn't giving up.

Not on her.

Daisy walked through the dim corridor, her boots tapping hollowly against the stone floor. The flickering torchlight played shadows on the walls, but she barely noticed them. Her eyes were full of tears, her mind a storm.

How could he?

Harry - her Harry - her brother, her hero, her anchor.

He thought she might be the Heir of Slytherin.

He didn't trust her.

Her arms were wrapped tightly around herself, and she kept walking blindly, deeper into the quiet parts of the castle. Past the tapestries she and Draco used to prank behind. Past the spot where Dudley had once slipped on Peeves' jelly hex. Past the nook where Luna had gifted her the daisy chain bracelet.

"I'm not the Heir," she whispered fiercely to herself. "I'm not."

But her voice trembled.

Then, softly-so soft it was like silk brushing against the inside of her ear-a voice murmured:

"Isn't he right though, Daisy? Isn't that why you're so scared?"

She froze.

The corridor felt suddenly cold. Too cold.

Her breath hitched.

"No," she whispered. "No-no, no, you're gone. I burned it. I burned you."

The diary.

She had burned it. Thrown it into the common room fireplace two weeks ago, without a word. It had twisted and shrieked as it caught flame, and she'd watched it burn until only ash remained. No one had seen. She hadn't told anyone. She thought... she hoped it had been enough.

But the voice-that voice-was unmistakable.

"No. You're not real," she said louder now, stumbling back against the wall.

"You were never just you," the voice hissed gently. "Why do you think your head has been hurting? Why do you wake up tired? Why do you forget where you've been?"

"I don't!" Daisy screamed, tears streaming down her face. "You're lying!"

Her heart pounded like a drum in her ears. Her metamorphmagus magic sparked, her hair shifting to a wild mess of red and violet, flickering with fear. She turned to run, but her foot slipped on the worn stone.

She stumbled toward an old archway with a cracked stained-glass window - the kind that hadn't been used in decades. She caught herself on the edge, panting, furious, terrified-

And then she saw it.

Not directly.

But through the reflection in the dusty pane of the ancient glass.

Two eyes. Slitted. Yellow.

Watching her.

Her scream never left her throat.

Her body went rigid.

She collapsed like a dropped puppet - still breathing, eyes wide in frozen terror.

The corridor returned to silence.

And the glass behind her shimmered faintly... as if something had slithered away.

The castle was quiet that night, almost unnaturally so.

A heavy stillness hung in the corridors near the east wing, broken only by the occasional flicker of torchlight and the creak of distant floorboards. It was one of the newer paintings-Sir Cedric the Confused-who first raised the alarm, having heard a muffled sob, then a sharp gasp, and finally a thud that never came with movement again.

Minutes later, Professors McGonagall and Flitwick found her.

Daisy Potter.

Petrified.

The news spread like Fiendfyre.

Harry felt it in his bones. A cold, crawling stillness in his chest, even before the knock came at the hidden entrance to the Musketeers' Room. He was sitting beside Ginny on a conjured window seat under the enchanted ceiling that mirrored starlight. Her head rested on his shoulder.

The door burst open.

Professor Lupin stood there, his face pale, lips tight. "Harry," he said hoarsely, "It's Daisy."

The world spun.

They ran through the castle like spirits chased by death.

Ginny was gripping Harry's wrist so hard it should have hurt. Draco, Ron, Susan, and Dudley were close behind, all the Musketeers summoned or alerted the moment the news reached their corners of the school. Hermione and Colin, already petrified. Penelope too. And now-

Now Daisy.

She had been found just past the fourth floor's east wing-a mostly unused corridor near the enchanted glass alcoves. She lay on a stretcher now in the temporary petrification ward, set up beside the Hospital Wing, where the other victims also remained frozen.

Her hands were half-raised in defense, mouth slightly open. Her hazel eyes, wide and glassy, stared at something that only she had seen.

Harry stood like a statue, unable to move.

Ginny trembled beside him.

Dudley sobbed openly. "No, no, no. Not Daisy. She said she was going to her dorm, she promised-she promised."

Susan wrapped her arms around him tightly.

Draco stared, fists clenched, his jaw working furiously to keep composure.

Neville stood silently behind Ron, who looked thunderstruck and pale. Luna's silvery eyes shimmered strangely, as if she were seeing something far away.

Ginny gently pulled Harry closer. "Talk to her, Harry," she whispered, voice catching. "She'd want your voice first."

But Harry couldn't. He knelt beside the cot, his fingers brushing the edge of her sleeve, and whispered, barely audible, "I'm sorry."

There was no response.

No flicker.

No colour.

Professor McGonagall stood nearby, her usually firm hands now folded tightly across her chest. Snape, arms locked behind his back, said nothing, but the tightness in his mouth and the deep line in his brow said more than words could.

Madam Pomfrey moved through the space like a ghost, muttering softly to herself, checking the status of each victim. She glanced at Harry once-eyes pitying-then returned to her work.

"This happened hours after the meeting," said Flitwick quietly to the staff. "She must have gone for a walk... alone."

"She was upset," Ginny murmured, still clinging to Harry's arm. "After the meeting. After... after she and Harry fought."

"It wasn't a fight," Harry whispered.

But it had been.

She'd shouted that she wasn't the Heir, that he had no right to suspect her. Then she had run. He'd tried to go after her, but Gin had pulled him back, saying she needed space. He thought he would speak to her in the morning.

He never got the chance.

Hours later, the Professors had little more to report.

"She was found alone," said McGonagall, addressing the room. "No other signs of magical residue. But her position indicates she may have seen the creature indirectly. Possibly through enchanted glass-reflected, not direct. A known flaw in the creature's petrification effect."

Pomfrey nodded grimly. "Same signs. Eyes wide. Body rigid. Not dead, just... frozen in terror."

"Where exactly was she?" Draco asked suddenly, voice sharp.

Snape answered, "Near the fourth-floor stained glass corridor. There's a wide window there-old, warped by enchantments. It would serve as an accidental mirror."

Harry's fists clenched. "She wasn't supposed to be alone."

"We all go places alone, Potter," McGonagall said softly, though her eyes were glistening.

"No," he said through clenched teeth. "She should've told someone."

Ginny, wiping her eyes, nodded. "She didn't. She just walked away."

But what none of them knew-what even Harry and Ginny didn't suspect-was that Daisy had held a secret.

The diary.

She'd never told anyone. Not Ginny. Not Draco. Not even Harry.

She thought it was just a strange old book she'd stumbled on in September. The pages had written back. The voice had been kind at first. Listening. Comforting.

It had vanished weeks ago. Or so she believed.

She thought she'd destroyed it.

Burned it.

And yet... the voice had spoken again, only moments before her petrification.

A whisper in her ear.

"Isn't he right though?"

And then, terror.

Eyes in the glass.

Yellow. Reptilian. Ancient.

And silence.

But no one knew.

No one saw.

The diary's secret remained hidden, locked away in Daisy's frozen mind.

For now.

That night in Dreamland, Harry and Ginny sat beside the lake, their usual joy nowhere to be found. The air was too still. The sky above had dulled from its usual brilliant stars to a flat, silvery mist.

Hinny circled above, her cry soft and low, the notes sorrowful.

"I can't lose her," Harry whispered. "I can't."

"You won't," Ginny whispered back. "We won't."

He looked into her eyes, the bond between them humming with grief and fire.

"I'm going to find out who did this," he vowed. "Even if I have to tear Hogwarts apart stone by stone."

Ginny took his hand.

They would find the truth.

They would save Daisy.

No matter what it took.

Next Chapter is Who is the New Heir ??

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Well this was it. Some you may have already guessed that Daisy was the one who was possessed. It was always my plan to make her possessed as I wanted the 'sister' plot to be intact. Let's see who is possessed next. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 43: Who is the New Heir ?

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Next morning, the mood at Hogwarts was somber—almost funereal.

The sky outside had taken on a dull grey hue, as though it too mourned the events of the past evening. Snow still clung to the edges of the grounds, crusted and brittle, and the Great Hall was unusually quiet for a Friday morning. The enchanted ceiling reflected a sky heavy with low clouds, the usual chatter of students reduced to low murmurs, clinks of cutlery sounding oddly loud in the silence.

Aurors were everywhere.

Clad in deep navy cloaks, badges gleaming under the torchlight, they patrolled the corridors with sharp eyes and tense movements. Their presence—visible, commanding—made it impossible for anyone to pretend things were normal.

They had arrived at dawn, and by the time most students reached the Great Hall for breakfast, a full sweep of the castle had begun. Dumbledore and McGonagall looked tired, defeated. Flitwick’s smile had vanished entirely. Even Snape, who usually moved through Hogwarts with a calm, composed air, seemed unusually stiff.

Amelia Bones stood at the head table, not seated, her sharp eyes scanning the students below. She had kept her word. The moment her niece had  notified—and now with Daisy Potter added to the list—she had personally ordered full intervention.

Beside her, Sirius Black’s expression was grim, one hand resting on his wand hilt, the other clenched at his side.

But none of it helped the mood at the Gryffindor table.

Harry sat with his head lowered, pushing his food around his plate without eating. His eyes were hollow, rimmed with fatigue. He hadn’t spoken a word since waking. Ginny sat beside him, quiet as well, her hand on his under the table, thumb gently brushing his knuckles.

Ron and Neville exchanged worried glances. Hermione was still in the Hospital Wing—silent, unmoving, her hand cold.

Susan sat with her head down, flanked by Dudley and Luna. The Hufflepuff girl hadn’t smiled since Penelope’s petrification. Dudley kept casting glances at Samantha, who sat with the Ravenclaws, her eyes red from crying the night before.

Draco Malfoy, down at the Slytherin table, looked utterly wrecked. His grey eyes were sunken, his shoulders slouched, and he hadn’t touched his porridge. Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini sat nearby but said nothing. Even Pansy Parkinson looked subdued, her usual sneer replaced with tension.

Crabbe sat still, his eyes darting to Harry, then to the Aurors. He looked like he didn’t know where to be, or what to say.

The Musketeers were broken.

Daisy’s petrification had shattered whatever thin thread of hope they had been clinging to.

No one said it aloud, but all of them felt it—like they had lost something precious. Their fire, their will to fight, even their trust in the idea that the truth would eventually come out. They had tried—they had followed clues, questioned theories, spent hours pouring over history books and speaking to ghosts and watching the castle’s hidden corners. And still, they had failed. Another one of their own had fallen.

Even worse, it had been Daisy.

Sirius had stormed into the school late last night, and Harry barely remembered the conversation. Remus had come too, silent, trembling with guilt, and vanished almost immediately after seeing Daisy in the Hospital Wing. He hadn’t emerged since.

Now he sat in his office, curtains drawn, and Samantha was the only one who dared approach.

In the early hours before breakfast, she had brought him tea—untouched. She hadn’t said anything either, just sat beside him quietly. He was her father, after all. But Daisy had been the first to truly call him “Uncle Moony.” And her absence gnawed at him with old, familiar pain.

The corridor walls whispered with tension. Even Peeves had stopped his antics. The portraits didn’t gossip anymore. The suits of armor stood still.

And then came the inevitable—the Daily Prophet.

Delivered in thick rolls, bound with emerald ribbon, the headline screamed in bold:

“CHAMBER OF SECRETS OPEN AGAIN: FOUR STUDENTS AND ONE STAFF PET PETRIFIED AT HOGWARTS.”

Harry barely looked at the front page. He didn’t need to. The moving picture of Mrs Norris, frozen mid-hiss, was already burned into his memory. The article below listed Hermione Granger, Penelope Clearwater, Colin Creevey, and Daisy Potter by name. There were official quotes from the Ministry. No denials now.

“...We have reason to believe the attacks are the work of a dangerous creature, possibly linked to ancient Hogwarts legend...”
“...Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Amelia Black (née Bones), has personally assumed control of the investigation...”
“...Hogwarts is under Ministry supervision until further notice...”

There was even a small picture of Dumbledore, standing beside Amelia, both looking strained.

The only small mercy was that Daisy’s name was not associated with any suspicion. There was no mention of the diary—no hint that anyone even knew it had existed. The truth about what she had touched, what she had written… died in silence, hidden in her frozen hands.

Harry turned the page and pushed the paper away.

“It’s my fault,” he muttered, too low for most to hear.

Ginny heard.

“No,” she said firmly, again. “It’s not.”

But Harry didn’t respond.

Across the hall, Draco caught Harry’s eye for a brief moment—and quickly looked away. His pale face was a mixture of anger, sorrow, and deep confusion. He hadn’t said anything since the night before. Not even to Crabbe. And now, his two closest people—Hermione, whom he liked, and Daisy, whom he called sister—were both in the Hospital Wing.

The cracks in his shield were visible.

After breakfast, students were escorted to classes in groups. Aurors stood at every hallway corner. Wands were checked randomly. No one was allowed to go anywhere alone—not to the library, not to the lavatory, not even to their common rooms without an escort.

Hogwarts had changed.

And in the middle of it all, Harry sat in Transfiguration class, barely hearing McGonagall’s lecture on inanimate-to-animate transformations. He sat next to Susan, his book closed, his fingers clenched tightly around his quill.

He wanted to scream.

He wanted to punch a wall, or fly until his muscles tore, or throw himself into the Chamber and face the monster with his bare hands.

But he did nothing.

Because what could he do?

Even the Musketeers had fallen quiet.

Even Remus didn’t have answers.

Even the Dreamland—their magical refuge—was quiet and grey and empty of hope.

Only Ginny's grip on his hand reminded him that he hadn't completely drowned yet.

And only the whispered words she said just before the bell rang gave him a sliver of strength:

“We will find who did this. Even if we have to tear the walls apart.”

Harry nodded, eyes dark and stormy.

Because deep down, despite the guilt, despite the hopelessness…

He still believed.

Later that same evening, Harry sat alone in the Gryffindor common room, the warm fire casting flickering shadows across his clenched fists. The portrait hole had long stopped opening—most of the students had gone to bed. Ginny had sensed his fury in Dreamland earlier, but even she hadn’t known he was planning to confront Dumbledore directly.

So when the clock chimed half-past eleven, Harry rose silently, wrapped his invisibility cloak around himself, and walked with quiet purpose to the stone gargoyle that guarded the Headmaster’s office.

“Fizzing Whizzbee,” he said coldly.

The gargoyle sprang aside. The spiral staircase carried him up like a slow pendulum. He didn’t knock. He just opened the door.

Dumbledore looked up from behind his desk, calm and unreadable as ever. Fawkes gave a soft trill from his perch, sensing the storm in Harry before the man even spoke.

“Harry,” Dumbledore greeted gently. “It’s rather late—”

But Harry cut him off sharply. “Don’t. Not now.”

He stepped in fully, letting the door shut behind him. The Invisibility Cloak pooled at his feet like smoke.

“I’ve had enough, Professor,” Harry said, his voice dangerously low. “Enough of secrets. Enough of you deciding what I should and shouldn’t know.”

Dumbledore studied him quietly, folding his hands together. “I see.”

“No, you don’t!” Harry snapped. “You never tell me anything until it’s too late. First year, it was the Stone. I had to find out about it myself. This year? The Chamber? The attacks? You knew something and you kept it from me again.”

“There are things—” Dumbledore began, but Harry slammed his palm on the edge of the desk.

“And don’t you dare say it's for my protection. That excuse stopped working when I was five and Vernon broke my ribs with a frying pan!”

That landed like a curse. Dumbledore flinched.

“I forgave you for not knowing. Everyone blamed you. But I forgave you. And now you’re doing it again.”

The old man’s blue eyes shimmered behind his half-moon glasses. The flame in the lamps dimmed, or perhaps it was just the silence that fell—heavy, tense, and filled with something old and aching.

“You’re right,” Dumbledore said softly. “You’re absolutely right, Harry. I did fail you. And I may be doing it again now.”

“Then tell me everything,” Harry demanded. “No riddles. No metaphors. Truth. What happened the last time the Chamber was opened?”

Dumbledore leaned back, gaze distant. “Fifty years ago… a girl died. A student.”

“Who?” Harry asked sharply.

“Myrtle Warren. You know her as Moaning Myrtle.”

Harry’s eyes widened.

“And someone was blamed,” Dumbledore continued. “Hagrid.”

“What? Hagrid—?” Harry’s mouth went dry.

“I never believed he was responsible,” Dumbledore said, eyes glinting. “But the creature involved—it was a dangerous one. Aragog, a giant Acromantula Hagrid had been raising. It fled into the forest. But the true culprit was never caught.”

“Who was it then?”

Dumbledore’s voice dropped into gravity. “A boy. A brilliant, charming boy. Head Boy. Top of his class. Orphan from the Muggle world.”

Harry’s throat tightened. He knew that description before the name even came.

“Tom Marvolo Riddle,” Dumbledore said.

The room seemed to freeze.

Harry's breath left him in a whisper. “Voldemort.”

“Yes,” Dumbledore nodded. “Before he took that name. Before he became what he is now. But even then, he was dangerous.”

Harry’s fists clenched again, but this time not in anger. It was grief. And fear. “So it is him. He opened the Chamber.”

“Yes,” Dumbledore said. “And it’s happening again. That message on the wall—it’s not idle. Someone has found a way to reopen it. But how... I don’t know.”

Harry stared at him. “But you think I can find out.”

“I hope you can,” Dumbledore admitted. “Because this castle listens to you in ways it never has for anyone else. You’ve united it more in one year than I have in decades. If the answer lies within these walls, you may be the only one who can uncover it.”

Harry turned toward the door, pausing only for a second.

“One more thing,” he said, voice flat. “You better not ever keep something like this from me again. Not when people I love are getting hurt. Not when Daisy is lying frozen because we didn’t know enough.”

“I promise you, Harry,” Dumbledore said solemnly. “No more secrets.”

Harry left without another word.

By the time he reached the common room again, the fire had burned low. But someone was still there.

Ginny sat curled on the couch, her red hair spilling down her shoulder like flame. She looked up the moment he stepped through the portrait hole.

“I felt you,” she whispered.

He sat beside her, letting the silence settle between them for a moment before he told her everything.

“Tom Riddle,” he said quietly. “He’s the one who opened the Chamber. Fifty years ago. And he’s... he’s Voldemort.”

Ginny didn’t speak for a long moment.

Then she reached for his hand. “We’ll stop it.”

Her voice was steady, fierce. “Whoever’s doing it now—however they’re doing it—we’ll figure it out. We always do.”

He nodded slowly, but his eyes flickered to the window, where moonlight glinted coldly on the glass.

But deep down, he wasn’t sure this time.

Because whoever was behind this had struck closer than ever. They had touched Daisy. Had drawn a circle around Harry’s heart and begun to squeeze.

And now the game was personal.

Too personal.

The next morning dawned pale and cold, with a low mist curling over the Hogwarts grounds. Breakfast in the Great Hall felt more somber than usual, the chatter subdued, especially at the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff tables. Only a few days ago, Daisy had joined the growing list of petrified students — and now the Musketeers were incomplete.

Harry sat with Ginny beside him, as always, their fingers intertwined beneath the table. Around them sat Ron, Neville, Luna, Draco, Samantha, Susan, Dudley, and Scorpius. The others were missing — and it hurt. Hermione. Colin. Penelope. Daisy.

“I told you last night,” Harry said, his voice low but steady. “Tom Riddle is Voldemort’s real name. He was the one who opened the Chamber fifty years ago.”

Gasps and stunned silence followed. Ron dropped his fork. Luna blinked slowly. Samantha whispered, “That’s horrifying…”

Draco, across from Harry, looked pale — even paler than usual. His hands trembled slightly as he gripped his pumpkin juice. “It’s true then. All of it. He was a student here... in our castle.”

Harry nodded. “And Dumbledore believes it’s happening again. But he doesn’t know how.”

“He should know,” Draco muttered, almost bitterly. “He’s supposed to be the most powerful wizard alive, right?”

“Draco,” Ginny said softly. “This isn’t about blame.”

But Harry was watching Draco carefully. There were dark circles under his eyes, his robe was slightly wrinkled — and he hadn't touched a bite of his food.

“Mate,” Harry said gently, “You alright?”

“No,” Draco snapped more sharply than he meant, then looked away. “Sorry. It’s just… it’s Hermione. And Daisy. And those damn letters from Father. Every owl makes me sick to my stomach. He keeps calling me weak for not… for not acting like a proper Slytherin.”

His voice cracked.

“Draco,” Susan said, her tone firm, “You’re a proper friend. That’s what you are.”

Draco didn’t answer, just stared down at his plate.

Harry didn’t push him. But the moment breakfast was over, he stood, kissed Ginny on the cheek, and muttered, “Going to see Dumbledore again. There’s something he’s missing.”

“Enter,” came Dumbledore’s tired voice when Harry knocked an hour later.

The Headmaster sat behind his desk, a half-finished cup of tea near his elbow and parchments spread before him. Fawkes let out a mournful note from his perch.

Harry didn’t waste time. “Why haven’t we talked to Myrtle?”

Dumbledore looked up, surprised. “I’ve tried, Harry. Many times. This year alone, I visited her six times, including with Minerva once.”

Harry folded his arms. “And?”

“She refuses. She has… a nature about her. Bitter, dramatic. She doesn’t respond to authority. The moment I mention the Chamber or the past, she vanishes into her u-bend and sulks for days.”

Harry frowned. “But has anyone else tried? Not a teacher. Not someone official.”

Dumbledore paused, then shook his head. “No. I didn’t think—”

Harry exhaled, almost a scoff. “She won’t talk to professors. Of course not. But she might talk to students. Students like us. She lives with us, practically.”

Dumbledore rubbed his temples. “I suppose I underestimated her.”

Harry turned to go.

“I hope you succeed where I did not,” Dumbledore said softly.

Harry didn’t look back. “I hope so too. Because people are getting hurt. And it’s not stopping.”

As he stepped out of the spiral staircase, Harry noted the two Aurors stationed at the corridor intersection — their post ever since the first attack. One was a young witch with cropped chestnut hair; the other a tall, tired-eyed wizard who gave Harry a small nod of recognition.

Sirius and Amelia were absent — back in the Ministry dealing with aftermath and new precautions. But their absence was felt. Especially for Harry, who found himself missing the firm comfort of Sirius’s hand on his shoulder and Amelia’s calm, steady voice.

“Mr. Potter,” the wizard greeted. “All quiet. No new alerts.”

Harry nodded. “Thanks.”

He moved past them, eyes sharp, mind already planning.

That night, he would go see Myrtle.

He wouldn’t go as a student.

He would go as Harry Potter, the boy who had faced Voldemort twice, the boy who had loved and lost and was tired of shadows.

And maybe… just maybe… she would listen.

Meanwhile, beneath the overcast sky, a pair of cloaked figures trudged side by side near the edge of the Black Lake, their breaths misting in the crisp February air.

Dudley Dursley and Samantha Jones had been walking for nearly an hour now. Neither of them spoke much. There wasn’t much to say after the week they’d just endured — Daisy, gone. The hospital wing filling faster than Madam Pomfrey could manage. Even Hogwarts itself felt colder, dimmer, as though it, too, was holding its breath.

Dudley had taken to these walks around the lake with Samantha after classes, needing the air, the silence, and her company. She didn’t fill the space with words, which he appreciated. And she had started to understand something about him that others hadn’t — he wasn’t the boy he used to be. Not anymore.

He watched the water ripple as they passed, then murmured, “She always used to love the snowdrops.”

Samantha looked up. “Daisy?”

He nodded. “Said they reminded her of hope… of stubbornness. Blooming even in the cold.” His voice faltered. “She— she didn’t deserve this.”

“No one does,” Samantha replied, her voice tight. “But especially not her.”

Then, just ahead, something caught her eye. A small leather-bound object lying at the edge of the stone path, half-hidden beneath a patch of frozen ivy.

“What’s that?” she asked, stepping forward.

Dudley followed her gaze. The diary looked old, a bit weather-worn, with a dark stain across the corner and silver-lettered script on the cover:
T.M. Riddle

His heart clenched.

“Riddle,” he whispered. “That’s the name Harry told us. Voldemort’s old name.”

Samantha bent down cautiously but didn’t touch it. “This must be it. The thing Daisy found... maybe it wasn’t just a normal diary. What if it—”

A shadow moved behind them.

They turned in sync, and their breath caught.

A boy stood there, not much older than them, someone they both recognized — or should have. But something about him was wrong. His eyes were colder, sharper, too still. His presence radiated malice, dark and twisted. His usually familiar features now seemed carved from something more cruel.

“Hello,” he said, his voice flat.

Samantha stepped in front of Dudley instinctively, hand gripping her wand. “What’s wrong with you?”

The boy tilted his head. “Wrong? Oh, nothing’s wrong anymore.”

Dudley’s hand went to his own wand, but before either of them could cast a single spell, a shockwave of magic surged outward from the boy’s body — silent, invisible, but devastating.

Their wands flew from their hands, skidding across the frost-laced grass.

“What did you do to her?” Dudley demanded, voice cracking.

The boy smiled thinly. “Which one?”

Samantha grabbed Dudley’s wrist. “Run.

They sprinted — through the thinning mist, along the lake, across the castle edge. The boy did not follow at first, only watched. Then he moved, slow at first, like a cat chasing mice.

Samantha and Dudley didn’t stop until they reached the far side of the castle, heart pounding and lungs heaving. They ducked behind one of the garden arches, the air suddenly warmer.

The secret garden.

A place not even most professors knew about. A place of peace. Safety.

Wobby, the soft-hearted elf, stood near the pond, watering the roots of a sleeping apple tree with a watering can charmed to float beside him.

“Miss Samantha! Mister Dudley!” he cried in surprise. “Why are you here? What’s wrong?”

There’s someone—” Dudley gasped.

But then… they saw it.

Reflected in the still pond, not their own faces.

Two enormous yellow eyes, wide and slitted like a serpent’s, gleaming beneath the surface.

Samantha turned.

Dudley shouted.

And all three of them froze — expressions of horror etched into still, lifeless features.

The diary remained where they had found it.

The boy — whoever he was — had vanished again.

Back in the castle, Harry was on his way to the second-floor girls’ bathroom, with Ginny by his side and Neville jogging to catch up. He was ready to speak to Myrtle at last, determined to finally get answers.

“Let’s hope she listens to you,” Neville muttered. “Or at least doesn’t scream the place down.”

But Harry suddenly stopped.

His chest clenched, his magic prickled.

He looked around.

Something… something was wrong.

Ginny felt it too. “What is it?”

Harry didn’t answer. He didn’t have the words yet.

He didn’t know that two of his closest friends — his family — had just been taken. And worse, that they lay frozen in the one place few would ever think to look.

Not even Harry.

Not yet.

Just as Harry turned the final corridor toward the second-floor girls’ bathroom, ready to speak with Myrtle, Ron came sprinting down the corridor, his face pale, panic etched deep into his freckled features.

Harry!” he shouted, gasping for air. “You need to come—now! It’s Dudley. And Samantha. Wobby too.

Harry stopped in his tracks, the name Dudley hitting him like a Bludger to the chest. “What happened?” His voice was sharp, demanding, frantic.

“They’ve been… petrified,” Ron said quietly, as if saying it too loudly would make it more real. “They were found in the secret garden.”

Ginny froze beside Harry, eyes widening in horror. “The secret garden? But no one even—only we and the Musketeers know how to reach it!”

“We don't know how they were found,” Ron added breathlessly, “but Professor McGonagall said the wards alerted when Wobby stopped moving for too long. Someone followed the signal.”

Harry didn’t wait for another word.

He ran.

The castle blurred around him—arches and staircases, torches flickering uselessly in his peripheral vision. Ginny was at his heels, silent but focused, and Ron kept up as best he could. By the time they burst out into the quiet grove behind the greenhouses, five more figures were already gathered around the familiar arched entrance of the secret garden — Susan, Neville, Luna, Hermione’s empty seat in their circle now echoing painfully in their minds. Scorpius was kneeling with Pomfrey and Flitwick, while Draco stood off to the side, hugging himself, trembling.

The moment Harry saw them—three still, frozen bodies by the pond—he fell to his knees.

Dudley’s expression was caught in mid-shout, mouth open in panic, wandless hand still half-raised. Samantha’s wide eyes glinted with reflected fear, and Wobby’s trembling hands clutched the side of the stone bench as if he’d tried to shield the two children.

Too late.

“No,” Harry whispered, reaching out a trembling hand to touch Dudley’s. “No...

Ginny wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her own voice choking. “We just spoke to them yesterday… they were—Dudley said he’d meet us at lunch today…”

Pomfrey gently ushered him back. “They are alive,” she said, voice soft but strained, “but deeply petrified. This was no ordinary reflection spell—whatever did this was precise, ancient. More refined than the last attacks.”

“They were attacked in the garden,” McGonagall said as she approached, voice barely containing her fury and dread. “A place hidden from most, only accessible through magic most adults can’t navigate. How did it find them here?”

Remus stood frozen a few feet away, grey eyes locked on Samantha’s pale face. “My daughter…” he murmured, as if trying to convince himself she was still there, still his, still breathing. Then his knees gave out, and he sat heavily on the grass. “She… she’s just a child…”

Dumbledore stood farther back, face grim. Even his hands, usually still as stone, fidgeted against the sleeves of his robe. “We stationed Aurors. We’ve increased patrols. Yet this happened again.

Kingsley, now Head Auror, arrived shortly after with two others—Proudfoot and Savage—both stone-faced, wands drawn.

“We’re increasing our circle of defensive wards,” Kingsley said. “But if they were found here, inside the secret garden, then this attacker is moving through Hogwarts with knowledge that no one should have.”

“The attacker must be a student,” Flitwick said with a grim tone, “or someone posing as one.”

“But how?” Susan asked, shaking. “We’re careful. We keep watch. How is this still happening with Aurors and teachers and us watching?”

Draco was hunched near a tree trunk, arms wrapped around his knees, eyes distant. He hadn’t said a word. It was Neville who noticed first — the usually composed Slytherin had tears running silently down his cheeks.

“Draco?” he asked softly.

Draco didn’t look up. “It’s all falling apart,” he whispered. “Hermione’s gone. Now Daisy. Now Dudley and Samantha. My father keeps sending letters telling me this is what comes of siding with Potter, but I don’t care. I just want this to stop. I just want…” His voice broke. “I just want it all to stop.”

Harry wiped his face with the sleeve of his robe. The tears came hot and helpless, running down his cheeks in streams.

“They were right there. Just yesterday, he was talking about planting strawberries with Wobby,” Harry muttered, eyes glued to Dudley’s face. “I should’ve done more. I should’ve… known.

“Harry,” Ginny said fiercely, turning him to face her. “Don’t. Don’t you dare. This isn’t your fault.”

But Harry barely heard her.

His mind was spinning.

It couldn’t be coincidence. It wasn’t coincidence.

Harry stood, brushing off his robe. His voice, when it came, was low and focused, like ice carved from fire. “There’s something we're missing. I asked Dumbledore again about Myrtle. She’s the only one who might have seen something when the Chamber opened the first time.”

“She won’t talk,” Ron muttered. “Professor said she shuts down every time he tries.”

“Then she’ll talk to me,” Harry said. “Because I won’t leave until she does.”

“I’m coming with you,” Ginny said without hesitation.

Neville nodded. “Me too.”

“And me,” said Susan, wiping her nose. “We’re all that’s left. The Musketeers don’t fall apart.”

They turned as one, their circle smaller now than ever before — but stronger, more resolute. Their family had been hurt, and Harry Potter — Lord of all Four Houses, Seeker of Truth, Brother, Friend, Heir — would stop at nothing now.

The Chamber had made its move again.

And this time, Harry was ready to strike back.

The moment the remaining Musketeers entered the second-floor girls’ bathroom, the echo of their footsteps seemed too loud against the tile floor and too sharp in the heavy silence.

Harry pushed open the door slowly, his wand already drawn and glowing softly at the tip. The faint scent of mildew and something metallic—like rust or blood—hung in the air, but it was the stillness that made Ginny clutch his hand tighter.

He stepped further inside.

Nothing.

Just a few cracked mirrors. A low, constant drip from one of the sinks. No crying. No Myrtle.

Ginny’s voice, barely above a whisper, broke the silence. “Where is she?”

Harry turned to Ron. “She’s always here. Every time. I’ve never known her to leave for this long.”

Neville cautiously peered under the stall doors. “She’s not hiding. All the stalls are empty.”

“I don’t like this,” said Susan. “What if the attacker… what if he came here first?”

Ginny shook her head, uneasy. “But why would he attack Myrtle? She’s already—well—dead.”

“Unless she saw something,” Harry murmured, stepping up to her usual haunt—the large cracked mirror above the center sink where she usually wept over her own reflection. “Unless she saw what happened to Dudley and Samantha. Or the diary. Or something worse.”

Ron paled. “You think she could've finally decided to help… and he knew?”

“Or,” said Neville grimly, “she’s hiding. Terrified.”

Harry moved to the sink where the serpent-carved faucet gleamed faintly under his wandlight. He gently tapped the edge of the basin.

“Myrtle?” he called, his voice firm. “It's Harry. We need to talk. It’s important.”

Only the drip-drip-drip of water answered.

He tried again. “People are getting hurt. Myrtle, please. You might know something. You might have seen something.”

Still nothing.

Ginny swallowed. “Could she have gone to another bathroom?”

“She never leaves this one,” Ron said, shaking his head. “She even got furious at Percy once when he walked in here by mistake and tried to apologize. Said it was her territory.”

Harry stared into the basin for a long moment. Then, he leaned down closer, peering into the drain, voice low. “Unless someone forced her to leave.”

The words hung in the air like poison.

Susan looked around, her hand tightening on her wand. “Can ghosts be harmed?”

“Not in the normal sense,” Ginny replied slowly, “but they can be banished. Or bound.”

Neville nodded grimly. “There are runes, rituals. I read it in a book on haunted structures. You can trap spirits to a certain space. You can shove them out with enough power.”

Harry exhaled through his nose. “Then someone powerful enough to petrify Wobby and the others might also know how to deal with a ghost.”

Ron swallowed hard. “So if she’s not here…”

“She might be trapped,” Ginny finished, “or worse.”

The door creaked behind them and all five wands snapped up instantly.

But it was Professor Snape.

He entered slowly, his usual cold demeanor tempered by concern. “I had a feeling I might find you here.”

Harry didn’t lower his wand. “She’s gone. Myrtle. This was our only lead.”

Snape stepped closer, inspecting the sink, the walls, the mirror. “Then the culprit is accelerating. Becoming reckless. Or confident.”

Ginny narrowed her eyes. “Why would they take Myrtle?”

“She might have witnessed something,” Snape said, echoing Harry’s own thought. “Or she might know how the creature travels.”

Neville frowned. “You mean… through the pipes?”

Snape nodded once. “The plumbing connects nearly every section of the castle. Especially the older parts. I’ve had my suspicions for weeks.”

Susan stepped forward. “Sir, what happens if she doesn’t come back?”

Snape’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Then we must assume she has been silenced. And the danger is far greater than even the Headmaster currently believes.”

Harry stared at the sink, fingers twitching near the faucet’s edges.

Something about it was calling to him.

A whisper he couldn't quite catch.

Not yet. He wasn’t ready—not without answers.

He looked up sharply. “If Myrtle’s gone… then we’re out of time.”

Snape met his gaze, and for once, there was no sarcasm or disdain in his expression—only grim agreement.

“You're right,” he said softly. “Whatever is behind this is no longer satisfied with shadows and silence. It wants to be seen. And if it has begun silencing even the dead…”

Harry turned to his friends, to his family—the last Musketeers still standing.

“We're going to find the Chamber,” he said. “And we’re going to end this.”

No one disagreed.

Because now, they had nothing left to lose.

The next morning dawned grey and sullen, as though the sky itself mourned. Rain clung to the windows of the Great Hall, streaking the glass like the tears no one dared to shed openly. A strange quiet sat heavy over the school. Even Peeves had vanished into silence.

Breakfast had turned into ritual rather than nourishment. Plates lay half-filled and untouched. Only the faint clinking of cutlery and low murmurs broke the stillness. Students from every House now sat wherever they could find comfort, regardless of the banners above. The old rivalries had long since crumbled under fear.

At the Gryffindor table, Harry sat flanked by Ron and Ginny, the Daily Prophet spread open in front of him. Its headline screamed across the front page in jet-black ink:

“TERROR RETURNS TO HOGWARTS: THREE MORE PETRIFIED – DARKNESS RISES AGAIN”

A moving photograph showed a blurry, rain-smeared image of the Black Lake at dusk. Just beneath it, the text offered grim news:

"Late yesterday evening, three more victims were discovered petrified near the edge of the Black Lake. First-years Dudley Dursley (Hufflepuff), Samantha Jones (Ravenclaw), and the house-elf Wobby were found unresponsive by patrolling staff. No signs of injury or spell damage were detected. This brings the total number of victims to seven. Sources confirm the Ministry has yet to identify the culprit or the method used. Speculations persist regarding the Heir of Slytherin and the reopening of the Chamber of Secrets."

Harry’s fingers curled against the parchment. The paper crackled.

“No leads,” he muttered. “No explanations. Again.”

Ginny said nothing. She sat beside him with her hands limp in her lap, her eyes hollow and fixed on a point far beyond the hall.

Ron stirred finally. “And Myrtle’s still missing,” he added bleakly. “What’s next? Someone else disappearing before we even understand what’s happening?”

Across from them, Neville sat next to Susan, his hands clenched tightly on the table. He didn’t speak, just stared at the empty seat where Dudley had usually sat, humming some made-up tune about lemon biscuits. Susan’s black eyes, always so composed, now shimmered with something sharp — grief, or anger, or both.

Luna hadn’t said a word all morning. She sat by Ginny, silvery eyes unfocused. Her usual dreamy smile had disappeared. Even her radish earrings were missing.

Scorpius was a silent shell at the end of the table. He didn’t touch his food. Occasionally he blinked and looked toward the entrance, like he half-expected Daisy to walk in with her usual defiance. Rose, sitting nearby, had stopped trying to speak to him. She understood — now was not the time for hearts or hope. Not yet.

Harry's gaze drifted to the Slytherin table. Draco sat in a daze, his face as pale as ash, his toast untouched. He hadn’t said a word in days. Not since Daisy.

He didn’t look up when Flint jeered at him. He didn’t react when Pansy whispered harshly behind his back. There was nothing left in him but a silence too heavy for his narrow frame.

The castle itself seemed to sense the dread. The walls felt colder. The torches burned lower. The portraits whispered at night when they thought no one was listening.

And no one, not even the professors, had answers.

Dumbledore and Amelia Bones sat in grave discussion at the head table. McGonagall was stiff with worry, Flitwick subdued, Sprout unusually pale. Snape remained stoic, but his eyes flicked often toward the Gryffindor table — always toward Harry — as if trying to read something only he could understand.

“Everyone’s guessing again,” Ron said suddenly. “Theories flying around like paper birds. Some still think Daisy was behind it — just pretending to be innocent.”

“She’s not,” Harry said sharply. “She was terrified. And she wasn’t lying when she said she wanted to stop this. She didn’t do it.”

“I know,” Ron said quietly. “I believe you. So do the others. The Musketeers… we never doubted.”

But their silence, too, spoke volumes.

No one had any clue what was going on. No diary had been found. No new evidence had surfaced. Not even a trace of whatever — or whoever — had attacked the latest victims.

And no one knew that Dudley and Samantha had seen something.

Just like no one knew what Daisy had experienced before she fell.

Because the only ones who knew the truth… could no longer speak it.

That night, Hogwarts felt like a ghost of itself.

Empty dorms whispered with the absence of laughter. Common rooms, once lively with chatter and games, now sat still. The House-elves moved in hushed footsteps, mourning Wobby. Peeves hadn’t been seen in over two days.

The professors patrolled the halls, wands drawn. The Aurors stayed posted near the Black Lake and dungeons. The Marauder Map showed no unusual movement — but it never had. Whatever was doing this… it knew how to hide.

Harry sat alone by the Gryffindor fire as the logs popped and crackled, throwing shadows across the walls. He could hear Ron pacing in their dorm upstairs. Ginny had retreated to the girls’ staircase without a word, her silence deeper than grief.

“I should have protected them,” Harry whispered into the fire.

From behind, a quiet voice replied. “You always say that. Even when you’re not to blame.”

It was Neville. He stepped into the room slowly, his face drawn. “But this isn’t your fault, Harry.”

“It feels like it is.”

“We don’t even know what’s happening. No one does.”

“That’s the point,” Harry said bitterly. “Someone does. Someone’s doing this… and we’re no closer to stopping it.”

He stood and crossed to the window. The lake glinted dark in the moonlight, as if daring him to come closer.

“If only we could find Myrtle,” he said suddenly. “She knew something, I can feel it.”

Neville nodded. “But it’s like she’s vanished from the castle.”

“Ghosts don’t just vanish,” Harry muttered. “Unless something made them.”

Neville looked troubled but said nothing.

“Tomorrow,” Harry said quietly, “we start again. We search everything. The pipes. The library. Every old record we can find about the Chamber. If Dumbledore and the Aurors don’t have answers… we’ll make our own.”

Neville nodded. “I’ll tell the others. We’re with you.”

Harry turned back toward the fire, his expression carved from steel.

The attacks weren’t over. But he wasn’t going to wait for another friend to fall.

And somewhere in the unseen shadows beneath the school, something stirred.

Watching. Waiting.

Patient.

The next morning, the skies over Hogwarts remained overcast, a brooding grey that mirrored the mood of the students within. The damp mist clung to the windows as though the castle itself tried to obscure the view of the Black Lake — a place now spoken of only in whispers. The Great Hall buzzed faintly with murmurs of fear and frustration. Only the clatter of cutlery and rustle of parchment broke the stillness.

Harry entered with Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna by his side, settling at the Gryffindor table as students from all Houses again sat intermingled. At this point, House divisions were a faint memory — especially for the Musketeers. Their usual vibrant presence had been dulled by the absence of their fallen.

The Daily Prophet had already arrived, and Neville handed the latest edition to Harry with a grim look.

“Brace yourself,” Neville muttered.

Harry unfolded it, his jaw tightening as he read the bold, sensational headline.

“IS HISTORY REPEATING ITSELF? THE HALF-GIANT’S SECRET PAST AND THE CHAMBER’S TERROR”

The article was by none other than Rita Skeeter.

“In light of recent attacks at Hogwarts, whispers have begun circulating about a potential link to the events of fifty years ago, when the Chamber of Secrets was allegedly opened for the first time. At the center of that incident? None other than Rubeus Hagrid — now Gamekeeper at Hogwarts. Hagrid was expelled during his third year under suspicion of housing a dangerous creature within the school, resulting in the tragic death of a student. Though never formally charged, the details were quietly buried…”

“Minister Cornelius Fudge, in a private interview, confirmed he is ‘keeping an open mind’ and has ‘ordered a review of all security measures, including those involving staff with past accusations.’”

“Director of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, Madam Amelia Bones — newly married to Board of Governors member Sirius Black — issued a public statement yesterday, calling the connection ‘baseless slander’ and promising full support for Hagrid.”

“Still, some are asking: should parents be worried? Is enough being done? Or is Hogwarts once again protecting its own secrets… at the cost of its students?”

Harry slammed the paper onto the table. “This is garbage.”

Ron’s ears had gone red with fury. “They’re going after Hagrid? Of all people?”

Ginny, who had been unusually quiet all morning, looked up sharply. “He wouldn’t hurt anyone. Not now, not fifty years ago.”

Luna blinked, her voice calm but resolute. “The Crinklepox Conspiracy writes better fiction than Rita Skeeter.”

Neville nodded. “And Fudge just let them print this. Doesn’t even try to stop it.”

Harry looked toward the staff table. Hagrid wasn’t there. His seat sat painfully empty. Dumbledore’s face was unreadable, though his hands were clenched tighter than usual. McGonagall looked ready to hex something, and Snape — though seemingly calm — had a fire in his eyes that only Harry and a few others could read.

“There’s no evidence,” Harry said darkly. “None. They just want a scapegoat.”

“And they’re picking on Hagrid because he’s easy,” Ron growled. “Big. Half-giant. Expelled. Same story, all over again.”

Susan, who had arrived quietly behind them, pulled up a chair. Her black eyes gleamed. “Aunt Amelia’s furious. She gave a statement to every paper this morning, but of course this is the one that got front-page.”

“They want panic,” Harry said, his voice low. “And now they’ll have people questioning the staff.”

Ginny frowned. “Do you think... they’ll try to remove him?”

“I don’t know,” Harry replied. “But if they do, they’ll have to go through us first.”

At the Hufflepuff table, Scorpius sat stiffly beside Rose and Alice, his hands still. He’d read the article too. Draco sat across the room, expression blank. He hadn’t looked toward the Gryffindor table all morning, but Harry could feel the awareness — the weight of something they all shared.

Even now, no one had any idea what was happening. The name “Tom Riddle” meant nothing to the professors, to the students, to anyone still able to speak. Myrtle remained missing. There was no sign of the creature, no more clues. The attacks had simply... stopped. For now.

But Harry knew better. He could feel the tension in the air — the charged magic that made the hair on his arms stand. This wasn’t over. It was pausing.

And now Hagrid — kind, loyal, soft-hearted Hagrid — was being dragged into the crossfire for crimes he never committed.

Ron stabbed a sausage with unnecessary force. “Next, they’ll probably try to ban Quidditch for safety.”

Harry gave him a sideways glance. “You really think they’ll stop at that?”

Ginny looked at him, her voice steady. “Whatever comes next, we face it together.”

He nodded, resting a hand briefly over hers.

“I’m not letting anyone else fall. Not Hagrid. Not anyone.”

And deep inside him, behind the carefully composed mask, something ancient stirred — power and anger, coiled like a storm behind emerald eyes.

They didn’t know the enemy.

But the enemy had made a mistake.

They’d made it personal.

That night, long after dinner had ended and the halls of Hogwarts had fallen into silence, the remaining Musketeers moved through the dim corridors under the cover of Harry’s Invisibility Cloak and Marauder’s Map. The weight of recent days hung heavy over each of them. With Dudley, Daisy, Samantha, Hermione, Colin, Penelope, Wobby, and even Mrs. Norris all petrified, the group of twelve had been reduced to eight — and the ache of those absences was carved into every step they took.

The hospital wing lay cloaked in quiet candlelight, shadows flickering along the tall stone walls. Madam Pomfrey had long retired to her quarters, trusting the charm-sealed door and the school’s increased security.

But the door was no barrier to the Musketeers.

Harry slipped the cloak off as they entered. “Lumos Maxima,” he whispered, and the tip of his wand glowed bright enough to softly illuminate the room.

Beds were lined neatly in two rows, and scattered among them lay their friends, frozen in unblinking horror. Hermione and Penelope side by side, each with a mirror clasped in their stiff hands. Colin, small and pale, clutching his camera. Daisy, her bright red hair and colour-shifting eyes frozen in distress. Dudley and Samantha lay at the far end near the windows, their arms outstretched as if they had been reaching for help. Wobby, the brave little house-elf, had been placed on a padded stool. Even Mrs. Norris rested silently in a curtained corner, a silvery bowl of poultice steaming near her head.

Ginny moved to Daisy’s side, kneeling gently beside the bed. “She’s cold,” she whispered, brushing a hand across her friend’s stiff fingers.

Harry stood by Dudley and Samantha. His chest ached — his cousin’s face was slack with surprise, his wand belt askew, as if he’d fallen mid-run. Samantha’s black eyes were wide and glassy, her braid stiff across her shoulder.

“They knew something,” Harry murmured, his eyes narrowing. “They saw something.”

“But they can’t tell us,” Luna said, her voice faint. “They’re trapped inside their heads.”

Susan took a seat beside Colin’s bed, her expression unreadable. “Aunt Amelia said the Mandrake Draught should be ready in a few months... if nothing delays it.”

Neville paced slowly between the beds. “We can’t just wait that long. Whoever did this is still out there.”

Ron, standing between Hermione and Penelope, looked down and muttered, “Hermione would’ve figured this out in days. I miss her nagging already.”

Ginny gave a weak laugh that faded too quickly.

Draco remained silent until he stopped beside Daisy. “She didn’t do this,” he said quietly. “Whatever you told her, Potter... she didn’t do it. She couldn’t.”

“I know that now,” Harry replied, his voice thick with guilt. “I was... I was scared. She was scared. I should’ve protected her.”

“You did,” Scorpius said from where he stood beside Susan. “You always try. But this isn’t something even you can face alone.”

Harry looked around the room, the faces of his frozen friends like a silent accusation.

“I’m not facing it alone,” he said, his voice steady now. “We’re still the Musketeers. All of us. Even them. And we’ll find the truth.”

There was a long silence.

Then, softly, Ginny said, “We should visit Hagrid.”

They all nodded.

The path to Hagrid’s hut was dark and windblown. The trees of the Forbidden Forest rustled ominously, but the warm yellow glow from Hagrid’s window was a small comfort.

Harry knocked once.

No answer.

He knocked again, louder.

“Go ‘way,” came a muffled voice from inside.

“It’s us,” Harry said. “The Musketeers.”

There was a pause, then heavy footsteps. The door creaked open.

Hagrid looked worse than they had ever seen him. His eyes were red-rimmed, and his beard was tangled and uncombed. Fang whimpered behind him.

“I’m not really in the mood for—”

“You don’t get to say no, Hagrid,” Ginny interrupted, pushing gently past him and into the hut. “You’re one of us.”

The others followed.

Hagrid blinked down at them, overcome, and slowly backed into his armchair. “Don’ reckon I deserve that, after—after what they’re sayin’.”

“We read the article,” Susan said, perching on a stool. “It’s rubbish.”

“They’ve printed worse,” Ron added. “Remember what they said about Harry during the trial in October?”

Harry stepped forward. “We’re here for you, Hagrid. But I need you to tell me... what exactly did happen fifty years ago? Please. I need to understand.”

Hagrid looked down at his massive hands. For a moment, it seemed he might stay silent. Then he let out a long breath.

“It was my third year,” he began slowly. “There were attacks, same as now. No one knew who or what. Then... a girl died. In the bathroom, they said. The teachers were desperate. Tom Riddle — he was Head Boy then — told ‘em he’d found the culprit. Said it was me. That I was raising a monster.”

“And were you?” Draco asked quietly.

Hagrid looked pained. “No. I had a pet. A baby Acromantula. Name was Aragog. I’d found him in the forest, was raisin’ him in secret. Foolish, I know. But he wouldn’t hurt no one. Not like that.”

“They expelled you,” Ginny said.

Hagrid nodded. “Dumbledore... he was just Transfiguration professor back then. He tried to defend me. Managed to get me the job as gamekeeper years later. But Riddle — he was a hero after that. Won the award for special services to the school.”

Hagrid looked around at them all. “Yeh lot are braver’n I’ll ever be. I’m sorry about yer friends.”

Harry stepped forward and rested a hand on Hagrid’s massive arm.

“We’ll clear your name, Hagrid. And we’ll stop whoever is doing this. I promise.”

Fang whined and nudged Harry’s leg.

The wind howled outside, and the candles flickered.

The storm wasn’t over.

But neither was the fight.

Next Chapter is  Muskeeteers Broken !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Boy, this was a tense chapter . Two more attacks , now ministry also involved and Myrtle gone. I absolutely loved Harry confronting Dumbledore it made Albus human again and the fact that he was repeating his mistake , maybe this will teach him a lesson. However Musketeers are getting less day by day. And still the question remains - Who is the heir ? Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 44: Muskeeteers Broken !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The castle was sleeping when the eight remaining Musketeers quietly made their way back from Hagrid’s hut, slipping through the stone corridors under Harry’s cloak again. They didn’t speak much — the weight of everything they’d seen and heard hung like a shroud over them. Hagrid’s haunted story, the lifeless faces of their friends, the rising fear none of them wanted to voice — it was too much.

Harry led them up the seventh-floor corridor, heart heavy, until they reached the blank stretch of wall opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy. He walked past it three times, thinking with clarity and purpose:

We need a space to breathe. We need a space where we can talk, grieve, and figure out what to do. We need the Room of Requirement.

A wooden door appeared as expected, and the moment Harry opened it, warmth and candlelight flooded out. Inside, the room had shifted itself into a wide, comforting space that looked like a mix of Gryffindor and Hufflepuff common rooms — cushioned chairs, flickering hearths, cozy rugs, and shelves stacked with cocoa, blankets, and tissues. But the glow couldn't erase the grief they all carried in.

No one sat right away. They just... stood. Lost.

It was Luna who finally whispered, “I wish Myrtle were here.”

“She would have known something,” Susan muttered. “She was the girl who died fifty years ago, wasn’t she?”

“She was,” Harry said softly. “Hagrid said it happened in the bathroom. And Myrtle does haunt the second-floor one.”

“But now she’s missing,” Neville added. “And no one’s seen her since... since Daisy was petrified.”

Ginny sat down cross-legged on the carpet, eyes blank. “Something really dark is happening. And the people who might know anything are all gone. Myrtle, Samantha, Dudley, Daisy... even Wobby.”

There was a long pause.

Then Ron exploded.

“So what do we do, huh?! Just wait? Hope the thing strikes again while we sit around like stunned slugs?”

“It’s not like we want to wait, Ron!” Susan snapped back. “You think we haven’t been thinking the same thing?”

“Fighting won’t help,” Draco said tightly from where he leaned against the bookshelf, arms crossed. “We’ve lost half our friends. Everyone’s terrified. We need a plan, not a screaming match.”

“Easy for you to say,” Neville muttered. “You still have your brother.”

The words landed hard.

Scorpius looked up, startled. “Neville—”

“No, I’m sorry,” Neville cut in, rubbing his forehead. “That wasn’t fair. None of this is fair.”

“Exactly,” Ron growled. “We’ve got Aurors patrolling the halls, teachers nervous, and even Gran Minnie’s starting to look worried — and she never looks worried. They’re all depending on us, like we have answers.”

“We don’t,” Harry said quietly.

The room fell silent.

He sat down beside Ginny, shoulders slumped, looking more tired than any twelve-year-old had the right to.

“We don’t have answers,” he repeated, “because everyone who had them is frozen in time. We’re guessing in the dark. And every guess feels like a mistake waiting to happen.”

Ginny looked at him, eyes glassy but dry. “We promised we’d always stand together. But I feel like we’re all breaking apart.”

“You’re right,” Luna said, sitting down next to them. “We’re all unraveling.”

“I feel like I’m going to scream and never stop,” Susan whispered, knees pulled to her chest.

Neville knelt beside her. “We’re scared. And we’re tired. And I think that’s okay.”

“No,” Harry said, his voice low but firm. “It’s not okay. Because we’re the only ones left who might be able to do something. And we’re wasting that by tearing into each other.”

He looked around at them all. “We can’t change what’s already happened. We can’t undo the petrifications. But we can keep going. Myrtle’s missing. That’s not a coincidence. She’s a ghost — she can’t be petrified. If she’s hiding... something scared her. And I don’t think it’s over yet.”

Ron sank into a beanbag, burying his face in his hands. “I just want Hermione back.”

“I want Dudley back,” Ginny whispered. “I miss Daisy.”

“I want them all back,” Harry said. “And I’m not giving up until we do. But we have to be strong for each other. No more shouting. No more snapping.”

“Even when it’s hard?” Susan asked.

Especially when it’s hard,” Harry replied.

They sat in heavy silence, shoulders touching, breaths slowly syncing in the warm hush of the Room.

Eventually, Luna curled into one of the large armchairs and closed her eyes. Ron stayed silent, chewing his lip. Susan leaned her head on Neville’s shoulder. Scorpius sat beside Draco without a word, the brothers both staring at the fire. Ginny gripped Harry’s hand tightly. He didn’t let go.

The room quieted, but the storm inside them still raged. They didn’t know what tomorrow would bring — but for now, they were together. The broken remains of the Musketeers.

And they would fight on.

The next morning dawned grey and heavy with mist. Rain lashed the tall windows of the Great Hall as breakfast began, thunder rumbling far off like a warning. The hall was quiet, unnaturally so, even for the recent state of things. Conversations were muted, heads were bent low over plates and newspapers.

Harry barely touched his toast. He stared at the copy of the Daily Prophet in front of him, knuckles white on the table.

Ron, who had just opened the paper, sucked in a sharp breath. “Oh no.”

“Let me guess,” Neville muttered from across the table, already looking grim, “they've published another hit piece.”

“They have,” Draco confirmed bitterly, reading over Ron’s shoulder. “And it’s worse this time.”

Ginny leaned closer, voice taut. “What does it say?”

Ron read aloud, tone dripping with disbelief. “‘—And while suspicion continues to swirl around Rubeus Hagrid, caretaker of Hogwarts and former expellee for involvement in the Chamber of Secrets fifty years ago, some voices are now asking whether Headmaster Albus Dumbledore has finally lost his grip on reality. With eight victims already petrified, no culprit in custody, and even a magical creature among the fallen, the Ministry’s confidence in Dumbledore’s leadership is said to be wavering.’”

They’re calling him incompetent?” Susan said in a half-whisper, eyes wide.

“‘Despite Auror presence on school grounds,’” Ron continued bitterly, “‘another incident occurred just this week. Sources inside the Ministry say Minister Fudge is reportedly considering additional intervention should the situation continue to escalate.’”

Harry’s hands clenched into fists. His voice, when it came, was low and shaking with restrained fury. “Intervention? They have Aurors here. All over the place. And yet three more of our friends — Dudley, Samantha, Wobby — were petrified. What more do they want Dumbledore to do? Chain every student to their beds?”

“Harry...” Ginny reached out, brushing her fingers against his.

“No,” he said through gritted teeth. “They’re attacking the wrong people. First Hagrid, now Dumbledore. The only ones who’ve been trying to help are being blamed.”

Scorpius spoke up, unusually solemn. “What happened... it didn’t just get past the teachers. It got past the Aurors. That means we’re dealing with something more dangerous than anyone is ready to admit.”

“And instead of focusing on that, they’re dragging Hagrid and Dumbledore through the mud,” Draco said, disgust curling in his voice. “They want scapegoats. Not truth.”

Luna, her eyes distant but sharp, murmured, “That’s what people do when they’re scared. They find something or someone to blame. Because it’s easier than facing something they don’t understand.”

“They didn’t even mention Myrtle still being missing,” Ginny added. “That’s suspicious enough on its own.”

“They wouldn’t care even if we told them,” Susan muttered. “They’re not interested in ghosts. Just headlines.”

Harry slammed the paper down, unable to bear another second of it. “We can’t rely on the Ministry. Or the Prophet. They’ll just keep distracting everyone with lies. We need to focus on what we know.”

Ron looked up, voice heavy with worry. “But that’s just it. We don’t know anything. Myrtle’s vanished. The victims can’t talk. And —”

Ginny gently picked up the paper, folded it shut, and said with steel in her voice, “They’re going to regret ever doubting Dumbledore. And Hagrid.”

“We’ll prove them wrong,” Harry said firmly. “Not just for them. For Daisy. For Hermione. For all of them.”

Draco leaned forward, locking eyes with him. “Then what’s our next move?”

Harry looked around at the table — at the faces of the friends still standing, all watching him.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “But we’ll figure it out. Together.”

Because that was the only option they had left.

That evening, the castle’s mood had grown heavier still. The corridors of Hogwarts felt colder, more echo-filled than usual, as if the walls themselves held their breath in dread. Classes had passed in a fog for most students — Harry among them. He barely registered Transfiguration or Potions, and even Quidditch practice had been cancelled at Oliver’s discretion. The news had left too many of the players too tense to focus.

After dinner, Harry made his way alone through the dim hallways, his footsteps echoing softly as he approached the Defense Against the Dark Arts office. He hesitated only briefly before knocking twice.

There was no answer.

He knocked again, more firmly this time.

A moment later, the door creaked open by itself — not through magic, but as if someone had simply nudged it weakly. Harry stepped in quietly.

The room was half-lit, fire flickering low in the hearth. A pot of untouched tea sat cooling on the desk. Remus Lupin sat behind it, hunched forward, face resting in one hand, staring unseeingly at a piece of parchment. His usually neat robes looked crumpled, and there were deep shadows under his eyes.

“Uncle Moony?” Harry said softly.

Remus didn’t look up. But he did speak, voice rough and hoarse. “Harry. Sorry. Didn’t hear you come in.”

Harry approached quietly and sat down across from him. He didn’t say anything for a few moments. Just watched the man who had become a constant in his life — his godfather’s best friend, his honorary uncle, and now, newly engaged. But that light that had filled Remus’s eyes over Christmas was completely gone.

“She’s strong,” Harry said gently. “You know that.”

Remus closed his eyes. “Too strong,” he murmured. “Too independent. Just like her mother.”

His voice cracked a little on the last word. “I waited too long. I lost so much time already, and now that I’ve finally gotten her back, finally heard her call me ‘Dad’... she’s gone again.”

Harry’s heart ached at the sight. “Not gone,” he said firmly. “Petrified. She’ll come back. Madam Pomfrey said the Mandrakes are progressing — slowly, but they’re growing. Once they mature—”

“I know,” Remus said, rubbing his eyes. “I know, Harry. It’s just... it feels like the universe is playing some cruel trick. Dorcas died without ever seeing her daughter grow. And I— I let fear and shame keep me away. For eleven years. And now that she gave me a chance...”

He broke off.

The fire popped softly.

Harry leaned forward. “She forgave you, Remus. She accepted you. She was happy.”

Remus finally met his eyes, and Harry saw the storm behind them. “I should have been there for her from the start. I should have protected her.”

“You are,” Harry said quietly. “You’re here now. And when she wakes up — because she will — you’ll still be here. That’s what matters.”

Remus let out a breath. It was shaky, but it was something.

Harry hesitated. “I know what it’s like to blame yourself. I can’t stop thinking about Daisy. I should’ve listened to her more closely. Asked better questions. Now she’s... she’s frozen.”

“You can’t take responsibility for everything, Harry,” Remus said, managing the faintest smile. “That’s Dumbledore’s job.”

Harry snorted, a little. “He’s being blamed now too.”

Remus’s smile faded. “I saw the Prophet.”

“They’re calling him incompetent.”

“They’re scared. Fear makes people stupid.”

“And cruel,” Harry added.

Remus nodded slowly. “We just have to hold the line until the truth comes out.”

Harry looked into the flames for a moment. “We’re trying. But we’ve lost so much already. Hermione, Colin, Penelope... Daisy, Dudley, Samantha, Wobby... even Mrs. Norris. That’s eight lives frozen. We don’t know who’s next.”

Remus’s hand curled into a fist. “Then we figure it out before that happens. Before we lose anyone else.”

There was a long pause.

Then, Harry said quietly, “We’re meeting in the Room of Requirement again tonight. The remaining Musketeers. We don’t know what to do yet, but... we’re not giving up.”

Remus gave him a long look, one that was filled with pride, sorrow, and something else — something old and heavy. “James would be proud of you,” he whispered. “Lily too.”

Harry stood, blinking quickly. “Thanks, Uncle Moony. I’ll let you know if we find anything.”

Remus nodded. “Be careful.”

As Harry stepped out into the corridor, he felt the weight of the school pressing down again. But also, just faintly, the warmth of something else — a bond that grief couldn’t break, a promise that none of them would be left behind.

The Room of Requirement had once again answered to their need, shaping itself into a softly lit sanctuary filled with beanbags, scattered cushions, and a long central table covered in parchment, maps of the castle, and a few chocolate frogs that no one had touched. Eight figures sat in a loose circle, their usual spark dimmed, but their eyes hardened with resolve.

The Musketeers — or what remained of them.

Harry sat at the head of the table, fingers laced, the firelight casting sharp shadows over his face. Beside him were Susan and Luna, both unusually quiet. Opposite, Ron and Draco had a half-eaten bowl of treacle tart between them. Neville leaned forward over a map of the Black Lake's perimeter. Ginny sat close by, her brows drawn tightly in concentration. Scorpius had conjured tiny dancing orbs of light above the table to illuminate specific areas they discussed.

“I think we’re done hoping someone else will solve this,” Harry finally said, breaking the silence. “If we want answers... we find them ourselves.”

No one disagreed.

“We’re eight,” Ginny murmured, her voice steady. “We can split.”

Neville nodded. “Work parallel. Cover more ground.”

Scorpius straightened slightly. “Where do we start?”

Harry turned to the map on the table. “Let’s divide tasks. Ginny, Neville, Scorpius — you’ll take the areas where the victims were found. Trace their paths. Try to find anything left behind. Colin, Penelope, and Hermione were near the Black Lake. Daisy... near the East Wing’s old classroom corridor. Samantha and Dudley — that garden pond. Mrs Norris, near Filch’s office.”

Neville pointed. “I’ll start with the corridor where Colin and the others were found. I remember the stretch. It’s quiet.”

“I’ll take Daisy’s route,” Ginny said at once. Her voice didn’t waver, but Harry saw the flicker in her eyes.

“I’ll check the garden,” Scorpius offered. “Where Wobby found them.”

“Good,” Harry nodded, then looked at Ron and Draco. “You two go look for Myrtle. I know we tried, but we need to search again — and more thoroughly.”

“If she’s hiding,” Ron said, cracking his knuckles, “we’ll find her.”

“Even if I have to stick my head in every toilet on this floor,” Draco muttered grimly, “we’re doing this.”

Harry cracked a brief smile. “You might have to.”

Susan glanced up. “What about us, Harry? What do you want me and Luna to do?”

Harry’s gaze dropped to the scrawled notes on Hagrid’s warning, and the half-scribbled quote he’d copied from a book on magical creatures: “Aragog... deep in the forest... follows Hagrid’s orders...”

“We’re going into the Forbidden Forest,” he said at last.

Susan blinked. “To find the... Acromantula?”

“If there’s any truth to Hagrid’s old story — whatever happened fifty years ago — maybe that creature saw something. Or knows something.” His voice dropped. “We have nothing else.”

Luna, eerily calm, nodded. “I’ll bring moonlight charms. Acromantula like the dark, but they don’t like being surprised.”

“I’m going too,” Harry said firmly. “No arguments.”

Susan didn’t protest, but her grip tightened on her wand.

They finalized the paths, sketched the locations again, and noted safe return points. Ginny even drew out quick-run proximity wards, charms she’d been working on silently for weeks. “If any of us is attacked, these’ll alert the others. But only if we're close enough. Not perfect. But better than nothing.”

“Tomorrow night,” Harry said. “We move.”

They all sat in silence for a long moment. Eight wands lay on the table, lined up like swords in a pact.

Ron cleared his throat. “If we find something—?”

“We regroup,” Harry said. “And we keep going.”

“We save them,” said Ginny, voice raw.

“We stop this,” Draco echoed.

Luna smiled faintly, and it wasn’t her dreamy kind — it was a sharper one, the kind that knew things. “We’re not just Musketeers. We’re a storm waiting to happen.”

They stayed together for another hour, not speaking much, each lost in their own thoughts. Before they left, Ginny slipped her hand into Harry’s, grounding him in that moment, reminding him that whatever darkness lay ahead, they still had each other.

Tomorrow they would risk more than ever. But tonight — they had a plan.

The morning of March 2nd dawned grey and quiet, the kind of sky that seemed to reflect the subdued, heavy weight hanging over Hogwarts. The eight remaining Musketeers split silently after breakfast, wordlessly understanding what needed to be done.

Draco and Ron set off first, heading toward the second-floor girls’ lavatory. The one Myrtle had once haunted — and now, apparently, no longer did.

Draco’s face was pale, tired shadows beneath his grey eyes. His shoulders, usually proud and composed, were hunched forward slightly. Ron didn’t need to ask — he knew Draco was carrying far too much. Hermione’s petrification had shattered something in him, though he would never admit it aloud. On top of that, the venomous Howlers and cruel letters from those still loyal to Lucius were taking a toll. And now, Daisy… Dudley… Samantha.

“She was my friend, Ron,” Draco said suddenly as they moved past a long row of suits of armor. “Hermione. You know that, right? Not just your friend. Mine too.”

“I know,” Ron said quietly, glancing over. “And she knew it too.”

They scoured every hallway adjacent to the lavatory. Every hidden alcove. Ron tried calling out to Myrtle through every drain, even banged on the walls. Draco went through each cubicle again, wand out, casting detection charms in frustration.

“Where are you hiding?” he muttered at one point, half to the wall, half to himself. “We need you, you stupid ghost.”

But there was nothing. No ghost. No clue.

Nothing but silence.

Meanwhile, Ginny, Neville, and Scorpius had fanned out across the castle and grounds, each taking one or two of the petrification sites. They’d rehearsed the plan the night before in the Room of Requirement and kept in constant magical contact through the temporary ward-stones Ginny had charmed.

Ginny started at the fourth-floor corridor where Mrs Norris had been found. The torches were damp from recent cleaning charms, but the corridor itself… still water-logged. She knelt beside the long-stained stretch of stone where the cat had been found and touched the floor with her fingers. Moist.

Why was it always water?

She stood, glanced toward the high windows. A long strip of sunlight spilled through, reflected faintly off the puddles. She frowned.

Over by the wall, she spotted a crack — water leaking slightly from behind the stone, pooling slowly across the hallway.

Neville was near the Black Lake again, retracing every possible step Hermione, Colin, and Penelope might’ve taken. He found nothing unusual at first — just soft muddy ground, a few lost feathers, and a dropped quill that might’ve belonged to anyone. But then he noticed it.

A shimmer.

The water’s edge was unusually still despite the light breeze. And in it… the castle's reflection stood sharp and clear, almost too perfect.

He crouched, staring. He didn’t know what he was looking for until he remembered Ginny’s theory — reflections.

“Reflections…” he murmured, his hand brushing the hilt of his wand.

Near the East Wing, Scorpius walked silently where Daisy had last been seen. The long corridor had wide, tall windows stretching across one side, overlooking the forest canopy. The glass was spotless — not because of magic, but because of how often he’d seen Daisy stare out of it.

He approached the middle window, the one Ginny had marked on the map. The glass caught the morning light and refracted it across the polished floor.

He stepped back slowly. “She must’ve seen it…” he whispered. “Through this.”

The monster — whatever it was — hadn’t attacked from the front.

It had come from a reflection.

His breath caught in his throat.

A few hours later, he met Neville and Ginny near the pond in the hidden garden — the place where Dudley, Samantha, and Wobby had been found.

The pond was still. Peaceful. But not to them.

“Reflections again,” Neville said grimly, eyes narrowing.

Ginny nodded, her voice quiet but firm. “Every single attack. The victim saw the monster — not directly. But through water. Or glass. Or some kind of reflection.”

“Not a coincidence,” Scorpius said. “It can’t be.”

They didn’t know what it meant yet — not completely. But it was something. Something real.

Back inside the castle, Harry, Susan, and Luna couldn’t act yet. Forbidden Forest trips required stealth — and darkness. But that didn’t mean they sat idle.

All afternoon, the three of them poured over books in the library again. Old volumes. Monster Encyclopedias. Historic Bestiaries. Magical reflections. Mirrors. Basilisks. Possessions.

Anything.

But the books told them what they already feared: Basilisk victims die if seen directly. But these… had all been petrified. Saved only by indirect vision.

It fit. But Harry still didn’t understand how or why.

Especially not who.

And as the three of them sat in the far corner of the Restricted Section, silent but determined, Harry's jaw clenched as he stared at the closed cover of Magical Beasts and Their Eyes.

"All this," he murmured. "And still no face. No name."

But one thing was now certain —

They were no longer walking in darkness.

They were chasing reflections.

And the hunt had finally begun.

The Room of Requirement adjusted itself to their moods the moment they stepped in — the torches dimmed, the fire low, the furniture subdued. A large circular table appeared in the middle, with enough seats for the remaining eight Musketeers.

They filed in one by one after dinner, worn and silent. The heaviness in their limbs came not just from the physical exertion of the day, but from the weight of what was at stake.

Ginny was the first to break the silence. She placed a sketch she’d made on the table — a rough outline of the castle, with dots marking each petrification site.

“I think we’ve found something,” she said quietly. “We’ve checked almost every attack site now. Me, Neville, and Scorpius. There’s one thing in common.”

“Reflections,” Neville added, his voice steady.

Scorpius nodded and elaborated. “Every victim saw something through something. Water. Glass. A puddle. A window. The surface of the pond. Even Mrs Norris — the corridor was water-logged. Not a single one saw the creature directly.”

There was a pause. The tension in the room shifted.

Harry leaned forward slowly. “Then that means…”

Susan picked it up from there. “That whatever it is — the creature — its gaze can kill. Or petrify, if seen indirectly.”

Luna, unusually focused and grave, added in a soft voice, “Basilisks. They kill with direct eye contact. But if you see the eyes through a reflection, you’re petrified. That’s what the books say.”

Ginny’s eyes widened, her breath catching. “Then it really is a Basilisk?”

“Possibly,” Harry replied. “But we can’t be sure. There are other creatures that use visual-based attacks too — some Lethifolds, certain cursed spirits, even a rare type of Wyrm from the Alps. But only the Basilisk has this exact signature — fatal if seen directly, petrifying if seen reflected.”

Draco, slouched in his seat with his eyes half-shadowed, exhaled sharply. “And Myrtle? Still missing.”

Ron rubbed the back of his neck and muttered, “We checked every drain, every secret pipe, everything. Nothing. It’s like she vanished.”

“That worries me more than I can explain,” Harry said. “But right now, the Acromantula might be our only chance to confirm this.”

He stood up slowly, resting both palms on the table. “Hagrid told us the Acromantula saw something. Back then. Fifty years ago. If we find it — we might finally know what it was.”

Ginny looked up at him sharply. “You’re sure it’s still alive?”

“Hagrid thought so,” Harry answered. “And if it is — and if it remembers — then we’ll know the truth.”

There was a moment of silence, a kind of reverence at the magnitude of what they were about to do.

“When?” Susan asked.

“Tonight,” Harry replied. “Once everyone’s asleep. The three of us — me, Susan, and Luna — will go to the Forbidden Forest. We’ll take the Cloak and both maps. If we’re lucky, the Acromantula will still be where Hagrid left it.”

“You mean Aragog,” Luna said dreamily. “That’s what Hagrid called him, isn’t it?”

Harry nodded.

“You’ll be careful, right?” Neville asked.

Harry gave him a small, grateful smile. “As careful as we can be.”

“I wish I could come,” Ginny said softly.

“You’re needed here,” Harry said gently, his voice lowering just for her. “If anything happens, someone needs to keep the others safe. And… we still don’t know where Myrtle is. If she reappears, you might be able to reach her.”

Ginny didn’t argue. But she gripped the hilt of her wand tighter, her knuckles white.

Draco shifted in his seat. “If it really is a Basilisk… then it was here. All this time. Under our feet. In our walls.”

“No one believed it could exist,” Susan murmured. “Even in the books, it’s a myth.”

“Well,” said Ron, voice bitter, “so was the Chamber of Secrets. Until it opened again.”

They sat in silence for a moment longer, each of them letting the pieces fit together. It wasn’t over yet — not by a long shot. But for the first time in weeks, they had something that felt like direction.

Harry looked around the room, his eyes passing over every single one of them — friends, family, people he loved more than anything.

“We’ll find the truth,” he said finally. “No matter what it takes.”

And when they left the Room of Requirement that night, their footsteps quiet but firm, it was with purpose.

The hunt would go into the darkness now.
But the darkness was not ready for them.

Just as the clock crept toward midnight and the castle slumbered under a blanket of uneasy silence, Harry, Luna, and Susan waited in their usual spot — a narrow alcove behind a tapestry near the fifth-floor staircase, cloaked in the folds of the Invisibility Cloak. The Marauder’s Map was open on Harry’s lap, eyes scanning every corridor, every step of the patrolling Aurors. They had waited nearly half an hour for a clear window to slip out toward the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

“We’re nearly good,” Harry whispered, watching the map. “If Kingsley turns down to the third corridor, we’re clear for two full minutes.”

Luna nodded calmly. “The stars are aligned. I can feel them.”

Susan shifted slightly. “Let’s hope that Acromantula remembers more than we expect.”

But before Harry could speak again, the castle around them seemed to change. The silence was broken by a shrill, magical chime — not a normal bell, but one the students had learned to dread: the emergency ward alarm. It rang out with a distant, echoing pulse, followed within seconds by the faint, thunderous sound of running feet — Aurors.

Harry stood bolt upright, the map still in his hands, but his thoughts already racing. “Something’s happened.”

The three tore off the cloak and sprinted — not toward the Forest, but to the Hospital Wing. They knew the sound all too well now.

They weren’t the only ones. Ginny came pelting up from the other staircase, still in her night robe, eyes wide. “It’s Neville,” she gasped. “And someone else — I heard from one of the Ravenclaws—Rolf. Rolf Scamander.”

Harry felt his heart stop for a beat.

They burst into the ward just in time to see Madam Pomfrey closing the screens around the beds. Dumbledore was already present, face pale and drawn. Kingsley stood to the side, fists clenched in helpless frustration. Two more stretchers floated in mid-air, carried by a pair of Aurors.

Neville lay stiff, frozen in the posture of a boy who had been kneeling — face twisted in shock. A small, shattered mirror lay near his hand. Rolf Scamander, taller and slighter, had fallen forward, clutching the side of the basin in the boys’ bathroom, eyes wide with the exact same frozen fear.

Both had been facing the water.

Another reflection.

Harry’s fists clenched. He didn’t even notice Ginny grasping his arm tightly. Susan had gone utterly still. Luna, barely blinking, walked to the side and just watched them both, as if trying to memorize every detail of their last expression.

“This has to stop,” Harry muttered, his voice low, shaking. “This has to end.”

But the grief hadn’t even started to settle before Draco arrived, just behind Ron and Scorpius, eyes red and wild. He stopped when he saw Neville — his housemate, his friend, his fellow duellist — and then his gaze fell on Rolf, the gentle, quiet boy who had once given him a sketch of a bowtruckle in exchange for a potion.

“No,” Draco whispered. “No, no, no—”

He turned away, arms wrapped around himself, shoulders shaking. Ron put a hand on his back, unsure how to comfort him. Ginny leaned against the wall, tears running freely now, her voice too choked to speak. Scorpius just sank into the nearest chair, numb.

“We’re seven now,” Susan murmured. “We’re just seven…”

“No,” Luna said quietly. “We’re still twelve. They’re not gone. They’re just… still.”

Harry closed his eyes for a moment and tried to breathe.

“I told him,” he whispered. “Neville. I told him to look around the reflection, not at it. He promised me. He was so careful…”

“They were probably trying to investigate,” Ginny said, her voice trembling. “You told us to keep watching. Maybe they just…”

“...looked too long,” Luna finished for her.

Harry’s anger burned beneath his grief. His mind flicked back to the map, to the plans, to the Acromantula — but tonight was over.

There was no mission anymore. Not for tonight. Not when one of their own was in that bed.

He walked toward Neville, brushed a finger gently over the blanket Pomfrey had tucked in tight. “I’m sorry, mate,” he whispered.

Then he turned to the others. “We have to find it. Tomorrow. We go into the Forest tomorrow, no matter what. I don’t care how tight the patrols are.”

No one disagreed. There was no room left for hesitation.

Even as the grief swallowed them again, the fire had started. The spark of a plan. And this time — it burned hotter than ever.

The morning sun filtered through a heavy shroud of grey clouds, doing little to brighten the mood that had long since fallen over Hogwarts. A slow, choking silence hung in the air, thicker than fog, as news spread like Fiendfyre through the castle corridors.

The unthinkable had happened. Albus Dumbledore — the man who had led the school through war, chaos, and peace — had been suspended.

Harry sat at the Gryffindor table, but no one seemed to care about house boundaries anymore. The remaining Musketeers had clustered together, their usual lively chatter replaced with disbelief and anger. Ron, Ginny, Susan, Draco, Luna, Scorpius, and Harry himself — they were all that remained now. Seven.

Ginny stared at her untouched toast, voice low. “They actually did it... They really suspended him.”

Across from her, Susan’s jaw was clenched. “The Prophet headline this morning — ‘Is Dumbledore Unfit to Lead? The Board Acts in Interest of Safety’. Absolute rubbish.”

“They said he failed to stop the attacks,” Ron muttered bitterly. “They blamed him because Aurors couldn’t do it either. As if that proves anything.”

“They’re scared,” Luna said softly. “Scared people want someone to blame. First Hagrid. Now Dumbledore. Next it will be—”

“—us,” Draco finished darkly. He looked worse than ever. His shoulders were hunched, his eyes hollow with exhaustion. “It’ll be us. Because we’re still trying to fix what no one else will.”

Harry didn’t speak for a long moment. His gaze was locked on the paper in his hands, crumpling slightly beneath his fingers. The headline glared back at him in bold black ink. He finally set it down and looked up. His voice was sharp with disbelief.

“Can’t they see? Aurors were posted. The whole castle is crawling with them. And still—still—Neville and Rolf were attacked. Does that sound like Dumbledore’s fault?”

Scorpius, quiet until now, nodded slowly. “It doesn’t make sense. Who could’ve convinced the Board?”

“Lucius Malfoy,” Draco said with venom. “He’s been pushing for this for years. And with the recent attacks, he finally got the votes.” He looked down at the table. “Father always said he’d make Hogwarts ‘pure’ again.”

Ron scowled. “What’s next, then? Lock us up in the common rooms? Cancel classes? Replace Dumbledore with a Ministry puppet?”

“He’s already been replaced,” Susan said coldly. “The Board’s appointed an interim overseer — Darius Flint. Ex-Slytherin, ex-Unspeakable, and Lucius’ old dueling partner. Amelia told me once he was forced into early retirement after... something shady. No one knows the full story.”

Ginny looked up sharply. “Flint? As in related to Marcus Flint?”

“His uncle,” Draco replied. “Great. That explains why he’s been smirking like a bloody Dementor all morning.”

Harry stood abruptly, shoving the paper aside. “We can’t waste time. Whoever’s behind this is getting stronger. They’re clever — using reflections. That isn’t random.”

Scorpius nodded. “And we still don’t know what creature it is. Basilisk is the best fit, but…”

“But even a Basilisk doesn’t explain the precision,” Luna murmured. “The timing. The way the victims are always alone. Always near water or glass.”

“And Myrtle’s still missing,” Ron added. “If she saw anything...”

“We’re going into the Forest tonight,” Harry said, his voice steady now. “We need to talk to the Acromantula. Hagrid mentioned it saw something — fifty years ago. Maybe it remembers.”

Ginny bit her lip. “And if it doesn’t?”

Harry’s eyes hardened. “Then we keep going. We don’t give up. Not until we’ve found the truth. For Daisy. Dudley. Neville. Samantha. Hermione. For all of them.”

There was a pause, then Susan quietly said, “We’re with you. All of us.”

“Always,” Scorpius added.

Luna smiled faintly. “Every light casts a shadow, but shadows cannot hold the sky.”

Ron snorted. “Thanks, Luna. That was either really deep or complete nonsense.”

Ginny shook her head, a small smile finally flickering. “It’s Luna. It’s both.”

The moment passed, but the bond between them only grew stronger. Seven children sat around that table — but not one of them was truly a child anymore. They had seen too much, lost too much. And now, without Dumbledore, the burden of saving Hogwarts rested even heavier on their shoulders.

That night, they would slip past Auror patrols. They would venture into the shadows of the Forbidden Forest. And with each step, Harry swore silently — this ends soon.

Or it may not end at all.

Just as the castle reeled from the weight of Dumbledore’s suspension, a wave of unexpected resistance rose in his absence. By mid-morning, whispers began flooding the halls — not of fear this time, but of challenge, of defiance.

Harry and the remaining Musketeers had gathered in the Room of Requirement, the one place that still felt like theirs. A fire crackled gently in the hearth; the chairs had arranged themselves into a circle. They were trying to plan their night’s trip into the Forbidden Forest when the door burst open.

Susan had been the last one outside, fetching some food from the kitchens. She rushed in, breathless and wide-eyed. “You’re not going to believe this—Flint’s gone! Cancelled before he even stepped in.”

“What?” Harry stood at once.

“McGonagall—Professor McGonagall—is the new acting headmistress,” Susan said, smiling for the first time in days. “And she didn’t do it alone. Sirius, Amelia, and even Professor Snape went before the Board early this morning. They tore Flint’s appointment apart.”

Ginny leaned forward. “How?”

“Sirius invoked the Ancient Families’ Clause,” Susan explained. “As Lord Black and part of the Board, he cited conflict of interest and Flint’s past conduct — said there were still sealed investigations in the Department of Mysteries from the war. Amelia added Ministry violations, and Snape—well—Snape simply made it clear no staff would cooperate with Flint.”

Draco blinked. “Snape supported this?”

Harry gave a small smile. “He wouldn’t let someone like Flint near us. Not now.”

“Apparently, when the vote was forced again, nearly half the board switched sides. Even some Slytherin families backed out. McGonagall’s been confirmed until Dumbledore is reinstated or someone else is selected.”

There was a stunned silence.

Then Ron whooped. “Gran Minnie to the rescue! I told you she’s unstoppable!”

“She always looked out for us,” Luna said softly, “even when no one else was watching.”

Ginny exhaled. “That means… Hogwarts is still ours. For now.”

Harry nodded, eyes sharp again. “It doesn’t change everything — the attacks are still happening. The Board might come for her next. But we’ve got our strongest ally at the top again.”

“And Sirius and Amelia aren’t leaving Hogwarts either,” Susan added. “They’ll stay on temporary advisor status. Amelia told me she’s not letting Lucius gain more ground.”

“Does this mean Dumbledore can come back?” Scorpius asked hopefully.

“Eventually,” Harry replied. “But we’ll find out who’s doing this before then. We have to.”

He stepped toward the window. The sun had dipped low on the horizon, drenching the sky in crimson and gold. The Forest waited.

“Tonight,” Harry said quietly. “We go.”

And they would. Into the dark heart of the woods. With McGonagall’s quiet resistance backing them, and their own unshakable bond holding them together, the seven Musketeers prepared once again to do what no adult could.

Because someone had to save Hogwarts.
And no one else remained.

The castle was deep in slumber by the time Harry, Susan, and Luna began their journey. It was nearing midnight, and the three cloaked figures moved like shadows through the quiet corridors of Hogwarts. The air was tense, every step deliberate, every whisper a ghost of a sound. They had mapped the patrol routes meticulously, and only with Harry’s magic-sensing aura did they slip through the guarded edges of the school and into the woods beyond.

The Forbidden Forest stood like a wall of living darkness, ancient and silent. Trees older than time swayed in a wind that never touched the clearing. Susan shivered despite her cloak, but said nothing. Luna was unusually quiet too, her silver eyes wide as they followed Harry’s sure footsteps deeper and deeper into the forest.

Eventually, Harry raised a hand, pausing near a tangle of blackthorn and webbed vines. His eyes narrowed. He could feel them—many of them. Watching.

“Don’t move,” Harry whispered, already letting his aura expand around them. The trees seemed to breathe slower as he did. “They’re here.”

It wasn’t long before glistening black shapes moved from the shadows — massive, many-legged, and chittering in low clicks. Acromantulas. And not just a few. They surrounded the trio in a ring of gleaming fangs and gleaming eyes.

“Stay calm,” Harry said again, stepping forward. “We’re not here to fight.”

One of the larger spiders hissed, and a moment later, an even larger one emerged from the rear of the nest — a hulking, grey-furred creature with clouded eyes.

“Aragog,” Susan whispered in awe.

The creature stopped just a few feet before them, raising his heavy body. “Why do you come, child of two-legged blood?

Harry, heart thudding, stepped forward slightly, not drawing his wand. Instead, he used the language he’d learned through Bagnod’s teachings — not Parseltongue, but something older, a primal thread of ancient magic tied to creatures and nature.

“We seek truth,” Harry said clearly. “A monster roams the castle. A killer. Hagrid once sought your help fifty years ago. Now I ask — what do you know?”

Aragog twitched his mandibles, ancient eyes focused. “Hagrid… was kind. He raised me. I told them then, and I say again — I never killed. I never saw the true beast.

Harry narrowed his eyes. “But you know what it is.”

A pause. Then, slowly, Aragog shifted. “I smelt it. Heard whispers. Felt it. A beast that walks the pipes. Eyes that kill. My kind would not speak its name. We feared it. We still do.

“The Basilisk,” Harry murmured.

Aragog’s body stiffened but did not deny it.

Susan clutched his arm. “That’s what we thought. That explains the reflections. No one ever saw it directly.”

Luna stepped forward, looking serenely into Aragog’s ancient face. “And the last time it came… was fifty years ago?”

Aragog nodded. “The deaths began. One girl was lost. The castle feared. Then silence. Until now.

Harry bowed slightly. “Thank you. We won’t stay longer. But your help may save lives.”

With another pulse of aura magic — gentle and respectful — Harry signaled their departure, and the spiders began to part. It had been dangerous. But worth it.

Back inside Hogwarts, Ginny and Scorpius had not been idle.

They’d spent the evening retracing Myrtle’s possible haunts, doubling back around the pipes and alcoves of the second-floor girls’ bathroom and the connecting passages. Myrtle had been hiding — truly hiding, not just sulking in her usual toilet.

It was Ginny who finally cornered her in a side corridor near the old trophy room, a flickering torch casting long shadows across the dusty cabinets.

“Myrtle,” she said gently. “Please. We’re trying to stop the monster. We need you.”

“I… I shouldn’t be talking to you!” Myrtle sobbed, eyes wide behind her thick glasses. “He’ll know! He always knows!”

“He?” Ginny asked.

But Myrtle wailed again and shook her head, almost vanishing through a wall before Scorpius quickly blocked her escape.

“No more games,” he said firmly but not unkindly. “People are dying, Myrtle. And you know something. If you won’t tell us, maybe Harry can make you. He’s the Heir of the Founders. Maybe… he can command a Hogwarts ghost.”

Myrtle blinked rapidly at that, visibly torn.

“Stay here,” Scorpius told Ginny. “I’ll get him. He’ll be back by now — he has to be.”

“Be careful,” Ginny said quietly.

“Always,” Scorpius replied, and took off.

Ginny turned back to Myrtle, who hovered a few inches above the floor, wringing her ghostly hands.

“You don’t understand,” Myrtle whispered, her voice shaking. “It’s not just a monster… it’s him.”

“Who, Myrtle?” Ginny asked again.

But the ghost only shook her head, eyes darting around like she feared the very shadows would bite.

Ginny stood her ground.

Harry would be here soon.
And maybe, just maybe, Myrtle would finally tell the truth.

Scorpius darted down the quiet corridor, his footsteps echoing faintly under the flickering torchlight. He was determined to reach the Room of Requirement as fast as possible, where Harry and the others would be returning by now. His thoughts churned — Myrtle had finally begun to crack, and Harry might just be the key to getting the truth out of her.

He turned a corner and nearly slipped on a wet patch near an old tapestry. His shoulder slammed into the wall as he stumbled. "Blasted leaks," he muttered, steadying himself. As he pushed himself upright, he noticed an old, cracked mirror hanging on the stone wall across from him — its surface foggy with age, faintly warped.

And in it — something moved.

Scorpius froze.

Two glowing yellow eyes, sharp and ancient, flickered in the glass, staring straight into his reflection.

He didn’t even have time to scream.

His mouth parted slightly, and his limbs locked in place. A cold chill surged through his bones. Then stillness.

He collapsed forward like a statue knocked over, his face still frozen in that moment of horror.

Back in the second-floor corridor near Myrtle’s hideout, Ginny paced nervously. She waited for Scorpius to return, but the minutes were slipping by too fast. Myrtle remained where she was, shaking and mumbling to herself. Ginny had tried everything — coaxing, demanding, pleading — even trying to tap into the Love-Core bond she and Harry shared, hoping that it might somehow give her an edge, some sliver of Harry’s ancient power to bind the ghost, or at least force Myrtle to stay.

But it didn’t work. She could feel the bond stir faintly in her core — warmth, strength, a deep connection — but it didn’t respond to her command in this moment. She wasn’t him, and even the bond had limits.

Her worry grew heavier.

“Forget it, Myrtle,” she snapped finally, eyes narrowing. “I’ll find him myself.”

She turned and sprinted off into the dim hallway, her heart hammering. Where was Scorpius?

Just as she rounded the fifth-floor corridor that led to the Room of Requirement, she nearly crashed into three familiar figures.

“Harry!”

Harry caught her by the shoulders, steadying her as Luna and Susan came to a halt beside them. All three looked worn, dusty from the forest, yet alert and sharp.

“Gin? What’s wrong?” Harry asked instantly.

“We found her,” Ginny said breathlessly. “Myrtle. She’s hiding in some side corridor, totally panicked. Scorpius and I cornered her — then he left to fetch you. But…” her voice wavered, “he hasn’t come back. It’s been too long.”

Harry’s expression shifted instantly, the calm focus on his face sharpening into concern. “Where did he go?”

“To the Room, I thought. To get you.”

Luna frowned. “We didn’t see him.”

“He’s not with us,” Susan added quickly. “We came straight from the forest. We didn’t take any detours.”

Ginny’s stomach clenched. “Then where is he?”

Harry’s eyes narrowed, his aura instinctively expanding around them, brushing the edges of the corridor like invisible mist.

“Let’s find him. Now.”

They ran — Ginny leading them back the route Scorpius should’ve taken. Hall by hall, corner by corner, they searched. And then — just as they turned into the junction before the third-floor armor gallery — Harry stopped dead in his tracks.

Susan gasped.

There, sprawled on the floor beneath the cracked mirror… was Scorpius.

Petrified.

His eyes were frozen wide in horror, his mouth slightly open. One hand stretched out, as if he’d tried to shield himself.

Ginny dropped to her knees beside him with a soft cry. “No… no, no—Scorp!”

Luna knelt too, her silvery eyes shimmering as she brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. “He’s cold. It’s been… a while.”

Harry stood still. Not just still — statue-like, fists clenched, shoulders tight, his emerald eyes glowing faintly with restrained fury.

Then he turned toward the mirror — cracked and cloudy, but unmistakably intact.

“Reflections again,” he said grimly. “He didn’t see it directly. He saw it here.”

Susan stood beside him. “That confirms it. The Basilisk. It has to be.”

“And it’s hunting,” Harry said, voice low, cold. “It knows what we’re doing.”

Ginny’s voice was tight with grief. “That’s six of us down now… only six left.”

Ginny stared. “What?”

“Myrtle’s missing again,” he said. “You said she was scared. She knows something. And she's hiding. This wasn't just random anymore. Scorpius was targeted.”

Luna nodded solemnly. “She’s the only ghost ever killed at Hogwarts. If anyone knows the monster’s true identity… it’s her.”

Harry looked around, fire burning in his eyes. “We don’t stop. Not now. I’ll get Myrtle to talk — no matter what it takes.”

And as the four remaining Musketeers gathered around Scorpius’s stiffened form, the unspoken truth rang through each of them:

The monster was still loose.
And now, they were the only ones left.

Next Chapter is  The Final Attack !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Tension increasing isn't it ? Well what can I say the chapter was sad. And next one will be even more sad. Dumbledore suspended again but well Grab Minnie wasn't just going to sit idle. So now musketeers are literally halved. Stay tuned to see the last attack. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 45: The Final Attack !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

They carried Scorpius as gently as they could — Harry holding him under the shoulders, Luna and Susan at his legs, Ginny hovering protectively nearby. The castle corridors were dark, the sconces flickering with low flame, but they didn’t stop. The moment they burst into the Hospital Wing, Madam Pomfrey came rushing forward with a gasp, already conjuring a stretcher midair.

“Oh, Merlin. Another one?” she whispered, her eyes brimming with grief as she guided Scorpius to an empty bed between Samantha and Penelope. "So young... and so many." Her wand flicked and flew, casting diagnostic spells before she sighed, almost brokenly. “Same as the others. Petrified. Eyes frozen open. No sign of magical trauma... just that same cursed stillness.”

Professor McGonagall arrived barely two minutes later, robes billowing behind her like a storm cloud. Her face was pale, tight with anger and fear. Behind her came Professors Flitwick and Sprout, both solemn and tense, and two Aurors — Dawlish and Tonks’s younger cousin, a recent recruit — neither of whom looked pleased.

“What happened?” McGonagall demanded, her eyes locking on Harry.

“He was going to meet us,” Harry said, voice even but simmering. “Ginny and he found Myrtle. He went to find me. We found him by a cracked mirror on the third floor. He must’ve seen the Basilisk through it.”

McGonagall’s jaw tightened. “Merlin’s beard. N students, a cat, and a house-elf. This has gone on far too long.”

“Where’s Amelia?” Susan asked quietly.

“Out on urgent Ministry business with Sirius,” McGonagall replied shortly, her face giving away nothing. “They’ll return by morning. They do not yet know.”

Just then, there was a shout from the corridor.

“Harry!”

Ron came skidding in, panting. Behind him, Draco stumbled in, pale and wide-eyed.

“Scorpius?” Draco whispered.

He caught sight of the hospital bed.

And then… he just broke.

“No…” His voice cracked. He rushed forward but stopped halfway, his knees buckling. “No, no, not him too — not him too—”

“Draco—” Harry started, stepping forward.

But Draco let out a cry — a wounded, shattering sound that startled even the Aurors — and collapsed to the floor, convulsing, clutching his sides.

“Merlin—” Susan gasped.

“Seizure,” Madam Pomfrey snapped, leaping into action. “Clear the way!”

Harry knelt by him immediately, holding his shoulders down gently, keeping him from thrashing. “Draco— it’s okay — I’m here — it’s Harry — just hold on, brother—”

Ginny grabbed Luna, who was trembling, while Ron backed into a chair, white-faced. Susan reached out and steadied herself on the bedpost, tears in her eyes. For a moment, the five remaining Musketeers felt the walls close in on them — their numbers shrinking, hope fraying at the edges.

Draco’s body seized one more time — then stilled.

Madam Pomfrey had already placed a calming charm over him and forced a potion between his lips.

He was unconscious — but breathing.

“It’s mental and emotional strain,” Pomfrey said firmly, her voice a mask of control. “He’s at the breaking point. And I don’t blame him. No child should be asked to bear this.”

Harry stood slowly, shaking slightly, but he set his jaw. “He’s going to be okay,” he said, more to himself than anyone.

Ginny touched his hand. “We’re going to get through this. You’ll see.”

But Harry didn’t answer. He looked around the ward — at Neville, Hermione, Daisy, Dudley, Samantha, Scorpius, and the others — laid out like fallen statues. Too many. Far too many.

Ron stared at the floor. “This is war, isn’t it?” he whispered. “We’re at war and no one even realises it yet.”

Luna nodded. “And only the ones left can end it.”

Harry looked up. His eyes gleamed, not with fear, but with a terrible determination.

“Then we end it.”

Madam Pomfrey had just settled Draco into the bed beside Scorpius, her lips tight and movements brisk, but her worry could not be masked. The Hospital Wing was now crowded with the still forms of petrified students — Hermione, Colin, Penelope, Daisy, Dudley, Samantha, Neville, Rolf, and now Scorpius. The sense of helplessness thickened with each new addition.

Harry stood between the beds, fists clenched at his sides, jaw set. Ginny had looped her arm through his, grounding him, while Susan, Luna, and Ron hovered close. The last of the Musketeers still standing.

McGonagall faced them across the beds, her tartan dressing gown thrown hastily over a thick dark cloak, face pale but composed. “So,” she said grimly, “you believe the creature behind all of this is a Basilisk?”

Harry nodded. “We’re certain now, Professor.”

“It explains everything,” Susan added firmly. “All the victims — they were only petrified because they saw it through a reflection. Water, a camera, a mirror, even a ghost’s perception. If anyone had seen it directly—”

“They’d be dead,” Ron finished darkly.

McGonagall’s eyes closed for a brief moment, as if steadying herself, before she turned sharply. “And this information came from the Forbidden Forest, you say?”

“We found Aragog,” Luna said softly. “The Acromantula colony. They wouldn’t speak directly, but Aragog hinted — spiders fear only one creature.”

“The Basilisk,” Harry said. “It moves through pipes, leaves a trail of water, and is tied to Slytherin. It’s the only explanation that fits everything.”

McGonagall stared at the five students, her expression unreadable. Slowly, she sat on the stool near Draco’s bed and removed her spectacles. “I always thought the legend was a myth. But this… it’s real.”

“It’s real,” Harry said quietly. “And if we don’t find the entrance soon, someone will die.”

McGonagall looked up. “Do you still believe the ghost girl — Myrtle — knows the location?”

“Yes,” Ginny said firmly. “She was the one who died the last time the Chamber was opened. We think the entrance is wherever she died. Scorpius and I tried to get her to talk, but she was scared — panicked.”

“She vanished before we could question her properly,” Harry added. “Scorpius went to find us to try again. That’s when he must’ve seen the Basilisk — in a mirror.”

McGonagall stood, her voice low but firm. “We will search for this ghost. The Aurors will be mobilised immediately.”

“With respect,” Harry said, stepping forward, “we should be the ones to look.”

“Absolutely not,” McGonagall snapped. “You’ve done far too much already — I’ve let too much happen under my watch—”

“You didn’t let this happen,” Ginny interrupted softly. “None of us blame you, Professor. But we’re the ones who figured it out. And we know how to move around safely.”

“She’s right,” Ron muttered. “We have the map, the cloak, and we know what not to look at.”

McGonagall’s eyes met Harry’s. For a long moment, she seemed to weigh her instincts as a professor against the painful trust she had placed in him — and the painful knowledge that they were now fighting a threat more ancient and deadly than anything a child should ever face.

She finally sighed and nodded stiffly. “Use the cloak. Use the map. Be cautious — and no heroics. If you find Myrtle, do not confront the Basilisk. Report back immediately.”

“We promise,” Susan said quietly.

McGonagall’s shoulders sagged slightly. “I’m trusting you. For their sakes.” She glanced at the beds — Hermione, Daisy, Neville, Draco, Scorpius… all fallen.

Once she left with the Aurors, the five remaining Musketeers turned to each other.

Harry drew the map from his robe. “Let’s go.”

They moved swiftly under the Invisibility Cloak, slipping through dark corridors and secret stairwells, avoiding patrolling Aurors with ease. The castle was eerily quiet. Occasionally, a far-off echo — a door creaking, a tapestry swaying — broke the stillness, but there was no sign of Myrtle.

The second-floor girls' bathroom was empty.

They checked behind old portraits, disused lavatories, even the corridor where Rolf and Neville had been found. Harry used his aura sense, Ginny her bond with emotions — but nothing.

“She’s hiding,” Luna whispered. “She’s frightened.”

“She was cornered once,” Ginny muttered. “She must’ve gone deep somewhere — maybe into a wall, or an abandoned room. We’ll never find her unless she wants to be found.”

“She has to show up eventually,” Ron grunted. “She loves moaning. Can’t stay quiet forever.”

“She’s the only one who can tell us where the entrance is,” Harry said quietly. “And time’s running out.”

They all stood still, the weight of it sinking in. The petrified lay silent and cold behind them. The creature still roamed free. And the one ghost who could help — had vanished.

Ginny looked up at him. “We’ll find her. Tomorrow, or the day after. But we will find her.”

Harry nodded slowly, slipping the map back into his robes.

“We have to.”

The atmosphere at Hogwarts grew heavier with each passing day.

Now that the truth about the Basilisk was confirmed, the castle had transformed from a magical sanctuary to a fortress of fear. Aurors patrolled the corridors day and night, paired in strict shifts under the command of senior officers. Protective spells were reinforced across every hallway, mirror shields were charmed on the walls, and several reflective surfaces were either removed or replaced with enchanted parchment that blurred any dangerous reflection.

Amelia Bones had returned the very next morning with Sirius by her side. They were both grim-faced when McGonagall led them into her office and debriefed them thoroughly. The fact that five children—five of the brightest and most prepared Hogwarts had seen—had risked themselves to discover the creature infuriated Amelia. Yet she couldn’t help but also feel pride in her niece and the young ones she now regarded as extended family.

“It is a Basilisk,” McGonagall confirmed solemnly. “And the students’ theory on indirect sightings checks out. Every single victim saw it only through a reflection of some sort. That’s the only reason they’re still alive.”

Amelia immediately ordered a higher security protocol. Now every student was escorted to classes in groups, all nonessential areas were locked down, and each class ended five minutes early to allow safe transition. Students who lingered or strayed faced suspension.

Still, no new attacks had occurred.

For the first time in weeks, the halls were silent—not with peace, but with dread. The castle felt like it was holding its breath.

Meanwhile, in the Hospital Wing, Draco remained unconscious. He hadn’t stirred once since collapsing during his convulsions. Madam Pomfrey had stabilized him with strong sleep potions and calming draughts, and now he lay still, one hand resting beside his younger brother’s. His pale features had lost their usual edge of pride; he looked far too young, far too human.

Harry and Ginny came to see him every evening. Sometimes with Ron, Susan, or Luna. They’d sit in quiet vigil, not speaking much. Occasionally, Madam Pomfrey would update them with, “No change yet,” or “Rest is the best thing for now.” But even her voice had lost its usual comforting tone.

Across the room, the rest of the petrified lay as they had for days — Hermione, Daisy, Neville, Rolf, Penelope, Colin, Samantha, Dudley, Mrs. Norris, and even Wobby the elf. Covered with enchanted blankets to keep their bodies warm and stable, the silent figures reminded everyone of the price already paid.

Madam Sprout had moved quickly. With Professor Snape assisting her, she began the Mandrake restoration process nearly a month early. Though the Mandrakes were still immature, Sprout and Snape had begun accelerating their development through a combination of Herbology techniques and potion infusion. It was delicate work — if rushed, the antidote could be unstable — but the urgency of the situation forced compromise.

“We’re on schedule,” Sprout had told McGonagall, Sirius, and Amelia in a tense meeting outside Greenhouse Three. “Two more weeks. With luck, we’ll have enough matured Mandrakes to begin potion extraction. But we’ll need precision.”

“You’ll have it,” Amelia had promised. “I’m assigning two Potions-certified Aurors to assist you and Severus. No one touches those Mandrakes unless you permit it.”

Elsewhere in the castle, the professors had doubled their efforts. Classes continued, but only the absolute essentials. Most electives were suspended, and even Quidditch was canceled until further notice. The pitch stood empty, battered by wind and rain.

Despite everything, the school remained open. Fudge had pushed for closure, but McGonagall—now interim Headmistress—stood her ground. Backed by Amelia and Sirius, and with the support of several key governors, Hogwarts remained operational under strict supervision.

“Closing the school,” McGonagall had said, “would leave these children unprotected. We have the best witches and wizards here. We will end this. We must.”

That night, the remaining five Musketeers met in the Room of Requirement. The room had formed into a quiet haven — dim lanterns on carved stone walls, armchairs in a circle, soft throw blankets folded nearby. A faint magical warmth hummed in the air.

Harry stood by the fire, staring into the flames.

“We still haven’t found Myrtle,” he said. “And without her, we don’t know where the entrance is.”

“She has to know,” Susan murmured. “She’s the key.”

“She’s hiding,” Luna said softly from the corner. “I can feel it. She’s frightened, and lonely. But watching.”

“Watching us?” Ron asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ginny answered. “Maybe not us specifically. But Hogwarts. Her bathroom. Her past. She’s clinging to something.”

Harry turned to them all. “We’ll keep looking. Room to room if we have to. Myrtle will slip up eventually. And when she does…”

“We’ll end this,” Susan said.

Luna added, “We’ll bring them all back.”

Ron glanced around the circle. “But no one goes alone. Not anywhere. We stick to pairs or groups, cloak and map always in hand.”

“Agreed,” Harry said. “We’ve come this far. We won’t stop now.”

Ginny reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze. “For them,” she whispered.

“For all of them,” he replied.

They sat there for a while longer, letting the silence settle. The storm outside battered the windows, the fire crackled quietly, and above them, Hogwarts slept — uneasy and waiting.

March 8 dawned cold and grey, as if the skies themselves shared in Hogwarts’ burden. A heavy mist clung to the grounds, rolling in from the Forbidden Forest and curling like ghostly fingers against the castle’s ancient stones.

It was full moon night.

And that meant Remus Lupin—though trusted and stabilized with Wolfsbane—was away at the Shrieking Shack. Madam Pomfrey had escorted him the night before, and wards were reinforced tighter than usual. He hadn’t said much while leaving, only gave a nod to Harry and a murmured, “Be careful.” He had hardly spoken at all since Samantha’s petrification. The guilt weighed on him like a boulder, and he had barely eaten in days.

With no Defence Against the Dark Arts class scheduled, the students had a slightly altered routine. Ginny, as always, had risen early. After a quiet breakfast with Harry and Ron, she slipped away with permission to the Hospital Wing — a ritual she never missed now. There, she sat beside Draco’s bed and held his hand in silence. Sometimes she talked, but today she only stared at him.

“Come back, Ice Prince,” she whispered, her fingers tightening slightly. “We need you. Harry needs you.”

Her gaze wandered to the rows of petrified — Daisy with her chest barely rising under the stasis charms, Samantha and Dudley still side by side, Colin’s small frame stilled with his camera beside him. Hermione. Neville. Rolf. Penelope. Even Wobby on the nearby cot, his ears covered and tucked under the sheet, looking heartbreakingly small.

Ginny closed her eyes. “I promise we’ll bring you all back. I swear it.”

Meanwhile, Harry and Ron were walking along the lower corridors of the castle, the Marauder’s Map clutched in Harry’s hand. It had become a daily routine — divided in pairs, they searched for any signs of Myrtle’s presence.

“Nothing,” Ron muttered, scanning the dark corridor ahead. The sconces on the wall flickered as they walked past, casting long shadows.

“She has to be somewhere,” Harry murmured. “She hasn’t gone far. It’s her school as much as ours.”

Ron sighed, rubbing his forehead. “I don’t get it, mate. We’re trying to help her. What’s she so scared of?”

“Maybe she’s scared of herself,” Harry said thoughtfully. “Or maybe of what she remembers.”

They turned a corner near the third floor, eyes sweeping the still corridors, map in hand. A pair of Aurors passed them at that moment — tall, alert, wands drawn but relaxed.

“Evening, Mr. Potter. Mr. Weasley,” said one, a gruff older wizard named Gowan, nodding in greeting.

“Evening,” Harry replied, slipping the map back inside his robe.

“Stay alert. We’re cycling the patrols every half hour now,” Gowan added. “And mirrors have been covered in the east wing. Don’t linger.”

“We won’t,” Ron assured.

As the Aurors passed, Harry glanced up at a nearby portrait — a sleepy-looking wizard with a comically long nose was snoring against his frame. The castle was still. But something in the air felt... tighter.

They resumed their search, quietly discussing where Myrtle might hide. The unused classrooms? The dungeons? Could she have slipped into a ghost-only passage?

Elsewhere in the castle, Susan and Luna moved softly through the Ravenclaw Tower's lower levels. Luna wore a determined expression, her wand gripped in both hands.

“I can feel her, you know,” Luna said softly, not looking at Susan.

“Feel her?” Susan asked, puzzled.

“She’s grieving. Regretful. She’s afraid of something she thinks she caused.”

Susan frowned. “She didn't hurt anyone. She's just... a ghost. But if she knows where the Basilisk is...”

“She does,” Luna said calmly. “She just hasn’t decided to trust herself enough to tell us.”

They reached the base of the spiral staircase, checking again. Empty.

“We’ll find her,” Susan said firmly.

They shared a look, then turned and headed further into the blue-tinged corridors.

The castle remained locked in tense silence. The curfew was absolute. No one walked alone. No door was opened without checking.

No attacks had happened in over four days, but no one relaxed. Everyone knew the Basilisk was still out there.

Hiding.

Waiting.

And Myrtle was still nowhere to be found.

The sun had begun to set, casting long golden streaks across the stone floors of Hogwarts, when finally—after days of tireless searching—Susan and Luna found her.

It happened quite by accident. They had been making another sweep near the unused Arithmancy classroom on the fifth floor, the hall dim and still, lit only by wall torches and a few enchanted lanterns left by patrolling Aurors. Luna had suddenly stopped walking.

“What is it?” Susan asked, glancing at her companion.

Luna tilted her head, eyes half-lidded. “She’s here.”

Susan blinked. “You can feel her?”

Luna didn’t answer. Instead, she walked slowly to a disused mirror covered with an old velvet cloth, its surface muted by dust. Without touching it, she whispered, “You’ve been hiding because you think it’s your fault. But it’s not. You didn’t open the Chamber. You didn’t summon the Basilisk. You’re just scared. But we need your help, Myrtle. You remember what it looked like, don’t you?”

For a moment, nothing.

Then came the softest sound—barely a breath. A cold mist curled out from the edge of the wall as a translucent figure slipped from the shadows. Her wide, tear-brimmed eyes blinked at them. Moaning Myrtle had returned.

“I didn’t mean to run away…” she sniffled, voice watery and guilt-ridden. “I just… I remembered how I died. I saw its eyes again. Reflected. In the toilet water. I saw it…”

Susan stepped forward. “Myrtle, please. We need you. We’re not asking for much. Just… where did it come from? Where were you when it happened?”

Myrtle hesitated, floating uncertainly above the ground. “I died in the girl’s bathroom. Second floor. I heard someone speaking. Strange, hissing words. I opened the door to tell them to shut up—” She shivered, her form flickering. “—and then… I saw it. Giant eyes. Yellow. And then… nothing.”

Luna moved forward, gently resting a hand on the cold sink below. “Can you show us?”

Myrtle glanced down. “The faucet… there’s one with a snake on it. That’s where the voice came from.”

Luna knelt and peered closely. There—almost invisible unless one looked for it—was a tiny snake engraving on one of the taps.

Susan's eyes widened. “So this is it… The entrance.”

Luna turned to Myrtle and smiled softly. “Thank you.”

Meanwhile, in the library, Harry and Ron sat at their usual corner table, a pile of books before them. For once, Madam Pince hadn’t glared at them—perhaps even she understood that Harry Potter’s quiet intensity wasn’t mischief but desperation.

Harry’s fingers moved quickly through the pages of a particularly ancient text, the parchment brittle beneath his fingertips. His eyes suddenly widened.

“I knew it,” he breathed. “Ron, listen to this.”

Ron leaned in, munching on a chocolate frog. “What’s it say?”

Harry read aloud: “‘Salazar Slytherin’s views have long been distorted through time. While he did oppose the immediate admission of Muggleborns, his writings state that it was not due to blood, but because he believed they needed careful magical training first—else their uncontrolled magic could cause harm. He proposed the idea of a preparatory system, not exclusion.’

Ron stared. “So he wasn’t a blood purist? Bloody hell.”

Harry flipped another page. “And here—‘The Chamber of Secrets was never meant as a weapon. According to ancient records in the founding archives, the Chamber was a fortified sanctuary, created in case the school ever came under siege. The Basilisk, bred from controlled magical processes, was charmed to remain asleep unless the school’s defenders awoke it—and then, only to fight invaders or threats to Hogwarts itself.’

Ron sat back, stunned. “That means… the Basilisk isn’t killing because Slytherin wanted it to. It’s being misused.”

Harry nodded slowly. “Someone’s pretending to be the Heir. Twisting everything. Using a creature meant to protect the school to attack its own students.”

“And it listens to Parseltongue…” Ron muttered. “That’s why no one else could open the Chamber.”

Harry’s jaw tightened. “But it also means that it’s not just about blood purity. The attacker’s controlling it for their own reasons. And I doubt the Basilisk is happy about that.”

Ron glanced sideways at him. “You okay, mate?”

Harry looked tired, yes—but also determined. “No. But I will be once this is over.”

The heavy wooden doors of the library creaked open as Susan and Luna arrived, faces flushed and breath slightly ragged from hurrying through the corridors. Harry and Ron turned toward them instantly.

“We found her,” Susan announced without preamble. “Myrtle. She was hiding near the old Arithmancy classroom.”

“She was terrified,” Luna added in her calm, floating voice, though her silvery eyes shimmered with something sharper—urgency. “But she remembered. The voice came from the sink in the second-floor girl’s bathroom. The one with the snake engraving. That’s where the Chamber entrance is.”

Harry felt a shiver run down his spine. “You’re sure?”

“She saw it, Harry,” Susan said. “The voice, the water, the eyes—it’s there. We’ve confirmed it.”

Harry gave a solemn nod. “Then it’s time.” He pulled out a small notebook where he’d scribbled translations and notes from the book he and Ron had uncovered just moments ago. “And I’ve found something too. Slytherin never meant for the Chamber to be a weapon. It was a refuge, a last line of defense. The Basilisk was created to defend Hogwarts, not to purge it. It sleeps until awakened by someone who speaks Parseltongue. The idea that it was meant to kill students is a lie—whoever the Heir is, they’re misusing it.”

Ron added grimly, “They’re using Hogwarts’ own ancient defense as a murder weapon.”

The four exchanged grave looks, then Harry said, “Let’s go tell Ginny first, then McGonagall. We’ll need permission—and maybe backup. It’s time we end this.”

The air in the corridors felt heavier as they walked with purpose toward the hospital wing. Harry’s steps were firm, Ron unusually silent. Susan held Luna’s hand as if needing an anchor, and Luna, ever calm, hummed under her breath—some unknown tune that still somehow felt like hope.

They had just turned the corner toward the hospital wing when a deafening blast tore through the air.

BOOM.

The stone beneath their feet trembled. Dust spilled from the ceiling. Then came the screaming—piercing, panicked, echoing from multiple directions.

Harry didn’t wait for explanations. He broke into a run.

“Susan, Luna—find McGonagall!” he shouted over his shoulder.

“No—we’re all going,” Susan snapped. She and Luna caught up in seconds. Ron was right beside Harry, face pale.

They burst into the hospital wing. The scene awaiting them felt like a nightmare stitched into reality.

The petrified figures of Hermione, Penelope, Colin, Daisy, Samantha, Dudley, Neville, Rolf, Wobby, and Mrs. Norris were still there—silent, unmoving, like wax statues frozen in time. But now, Madam Pomfrey lay sprawled unconscious on the floor, her usually gentle face pale, a trickle of blood at her temple.

Two Aurors—Thaddeus Savage and Amelia’s own trainee, Roselle Vane—stood by the broken doors, wands raised. Their expressions were tight with horror.

And in the far corner, near the ward bed where he had been resting—

Draco was gone.

His blankets lay twisted and thrown aside. The enchanted restraints Pomfrey had used to prevent him from hurting himself had been blasted off. What was worse—worse than all of it—was the chilling sight on the far wall.

Written in blood-red script, oozing and glowing faintly in the torchlight:

“ Their skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever.”

Susan gave a gasp and covered her mouth with both hands.

Luna’s fingers clutched the edge of Harry’s sleeve.

Ron stood frozen, his mouth parted. “No… no, not Ginny—”

Ginny’s gone too,” Savage confirmed, his voice hoarse. “She was here not ten minutes ago, visiting Malfoy.”

“Then the blast—” Luna whispered.

“She fought,” Roselle murmured. “There’s damage to the walls. She tried. But she’s gone.”

It was too much.

The world tilted for a second around Harry. Something cold and electric sparked in his chest and spread down to his fingertips. He barely heard Susan asking Savage what they’d done, or Ron crying out his sister’s name, or even Luna’s fingers tightening around his wrist.

He couldn’t process.

Couldn’t breathe.

Ginny.

His Ginny.

Taken.

“No…” he breathed. “No more.”

Without another word, Harry turned on his heel and ran. He didn’t look at the Aurors, didn’t hear the stunned cries behind him. The corridors blurred as he sprinted down flight after flight of stairs, past startled portraits and trembling students.

He had one destination.

The second-floor bathroom.

The Chamber.

He would go alone if he had to.

But he would end this.

The stone tiles of the corridor echoed as McGonagall stormed forward, her emerald robes billowing behind her like storm clouds. Sirius and Amelia had just arrived, answering her Patronus only moments before. The two Aurors—Savage and Roselle—followed tightly behind with Susan and Luna flanking them, Luna’s wide eyes unblinking, and Susan’s lips set in a grim line.

“He’s going to the bathroom—second floor, Myrtle’s,” McGonagall barked, breath sharp. “That’s where the entrance must be. Hurry!”

Ron, still reeling but focused now with terrifying clarity, bolted ahead of them all, his long legs pounding against the stones as if his fury could break the earth open. “Not Ginny,” he muttered over and over. “Not Draco either. No more. Not again.”

Sirius cursed under his breath. “Of all the nights for Remus to be gone…”

“Focus, Sirius!” Amelia snapped, already flicking her wand for protective spells as they rounded the bend. “Whatever’s in there took Ginny and Draco, and now Harry’s gone straight in.”

But Harry was already far ahead.

He had reached the second-floor girl’s bathroom, and the door slammed open under the force of his magic alone. Myrtle wasn’t there—but that no longer mattered. His hand trembled as he approached the sink Susan and Luna had described. The tiny serpent engraved around the faucet gleamed faintly in the flickering light.

Harry leaned in and hissed, voice low, deep, and distinctly inhuman.

“Open.”

The response was immediate.

The sink shuddered, then began to grind downward, spiraling as if swallowed into the earth. Pipes rearranged themselves with metallic groans, revealing a dark, gaping tunnel into the depths of Hogwarts.

Harry didn’t hesitate.

He leapt.

A second later, Ron burst into the bathroom, wild-eyed. “Harry!”

He caught sight of the tunnel just before it began to grind closed.

With a burst of adrenaline, he shouted, “Wait!” and hurled himself in without thinking. His body barely squeezed past the stone rim before the enchanted sink slid back into place with a low, resonant clunk—sealed.

By the time McGonagall, Sirius, Amelia, Susan, Luna, and the two Aurors arrived, they were too late.

“Harry!” McGonagall’s voice was sharp with command, but there was no answer.

Amelia tried the obvious. “Open!” she shouted at the sink. “Reveal. Serpent. Reveal!” She even tapped it with her wand, to no avail.

“It’s Parseltongue,” Luna said softly. “Only a true Parselmouth can open it.”

Sirius slammed a fist into the wall. “Damn it, he’s gone in alone—with Ron. And we can’t even follow them!”

“Not alone,” Susan whispered. “They have each other. They’ve always had each other.”

McGonagall looked pale, but her voice remained steady. “Aurors, start scanning for any alternative passage. Amelia, can you contact Kingsley or send an urgent relay to St. Mungo’s? I want a Healer team ready outside these walls in case of casualties.”

“And no one is closing this corridor,” Sirius added, teeth clenched. “If he comes back out, we need to be here.”

Luna moved closer to the sink, running a single pale finger along the serpent engraving. “He’ll bring her back,” she said. “He has to. This is Harry Potter. And Ginny is his soul.”

They could do nothing now but wait. Wait and pray that two boys—one a boy of fire, the other a boy of loyalty—could descend into the darkest secret Hogwarts had hidden… and return with the girl they all loved and the truth they all needed.

Below, far beneath the school, Harry Potter and Ron Weasley slid down the endless dark tube toward a destiny buried in shadow.

Harry landed with a rough thud on the cold, damp stone floor deep beneath Hogwarts. The scent of mildew, age, and something ancient filled the cavernous air. He picked himself up quickly, eyes scanning the shadowed corridor stretching out before him. His wand flared with light.

Lumos.

A faint rumble echoed behind him. Before he could react—

WHUMP.

A heavy pair of boots slammed squarely into his back, sending him sprawling forward face-first.

“What the—?!” Harry hissed, spinning around wand first—only to see a mess of red hair and a dazed expression groaning on the floor.

Bloody hell,” Ron groaned, “Could’ve given me a bit more warning before you slid down like that!”

Harry stared for a second, heart still pounding, then laughed despite everything. “You kicked me!”

“Did not! Gravity kicked you!” Ron argued, then looked around as he pushed himself upright. The humour faded quickly from his face. “This place is… something else.”

The tunnel stretched before them—massive, arched, and slick with centuries of condensation. There was something alive in the air, something wrong. And worse than that… Harry could feel the tremor in the stones.

"She's here," he whispered. “Ginny’s here.”

Ron nodded grimly. “And Draco.”

They pressed forward, step by step, into the gloom.

Meanwhile, back in the girls’ bathroom, chaos and urgency had exploded into motion.

Kingsley Shacklebolt had just arrived, cloak still damp from Apparating through the storm outside. His presence immediately brought a wave of sharp, calm authority.

“What do we know?” he asked, stepping beside Amelia and Sirius.

“Basilisk,” Sirius answered flatly. “The real monster. Chamber’s open. Harry went in. Ron followed. No one else can.”

Kingsley frowned. “And the entrance?”

“Parseltongue activated,” Amelia said. “Closed behind them. It’s sealed.”

Snape had arrived moments before—still pale from brewing emergency antidotes and Mandrake restorative draft. His eyes scanned the enchanted sink before flicking briefly to the anxious first-years—Susan clutched Luna’s hand like a lifeline.

“Then we force it open,” McGonagall said. Her wand was already out.

The sink was surrounded now—Professors Flitwick, Sprout, Snape, and even Binns had gathered. Madam Pomfrey had been revived and, after a sharp but brief examination by the Healers from St. Mungo’s, insisted on helping.

“We’ve isolated the location of the slide,” Flitwick said, voice brisk. “The tunnel goes down nearly seventy feet, then angles off into some chamber. We’re working on a direct path.”

“I’ve reinforced the bathroom’s outer structure,” Sprout said. “We can blast through without collapsing the upper floors.”

Snape’s voice was cold. “We’ll need to keep tracking their movement. If the Basilisk is active again, we can’t afford to wait. There’s no guarantee they’ll come back.”

Luna looked up. “They will. Harry has Ginny’s heart. He won’t let hers stop.”

Susan added quietly, “Ron won’t let Ginny go. And neither of them will leave Draco behind.”

Kingsley’s voice was steel. “Then we dig. Aurors, with me. You’re all cleared for Class-A magical excavation. No room for errors. That’s Harry Potter and children down there. Move.”

With a coordinated flourish of wands, the floor to the right of the sink shimmered, cracked, and began to melt away with carefully controlled spells. The air buzzed with raw energy.

And just outside the bathroom, Dumbledore had arrived.

He stood silent in the doorway for a moment, watching as Hogwarts faculty, Aurors, and students worked together in perfect unison. His eyes flicked to McGonagall—her lips tight but her wand firm—and then to Amelia and Sirius.

“I may be suspended,” he said quietly, “but I do not leave my school, or my children, to face monsters alone.”

McGonagall didn’t look up from her wandwork. “Then help dig, Albus. That’s all that matters right now.”

Dumbledore nodded and stepped forward, lifting his wand to add his power to the effort. Magic hummed through the stones as the path to the Chamber of Secrets began to open—not through serpentine tongues, but through sheer determination, fierce love, and a school that would not let its students fall without a fight.

Deep below, unaware of the stir above, Harry and Ron continued forward—toward Ginny, Draco… and the monster that waited.

The air beneath Hogwarts grew colder, damper, and heavier with every step.

Lumos Maxima,” Harry murmured again, as did Ron beside him, their wandlights shining like twin orbs cutting through the ancient gloom.

They were walking through a labyrinth of stone and shadow — an old network of tunnels and giant sewage pipes twisted like roots of a long-dead tree. Some were carved cleanly, others had cracked and sunk over the centuries. Muck and slime clung to the walls. The ground squelched beneath their feet, echoing into the silence.

Ron wrinkled his nose. “This smells worse than anything Fred’s ever brewed. Are we walking through Hogwarts’ bloody bowels?”

Harry gave a short nod, grim. “Some of these tunnels are older than Hogwarts itself. I think they were meant to carry water… or something else.” He paused, glancing at a side path half-choked with collapsed stones and rusted bars. “But this part—this is meant to be confusing. Look.”

Ron followed his gaze. A dozen tunnels split off around them in all directions. “A maze,” he said.

“A trap,” Harry corrected softly. “To keep anyone but the Heir from finding the Chamber.”

They pressed on. The deeper they went, the colder it became. Their breath misted in the air now. The silence was broken only by the drip of water and their own footsteps. Once or twice, a scraping sound echoed through the darkness—but it could have been anything. Pipes shifting. Wind. Rats.

Then they saw the first of the skeletons.

Tiny bones—bird-like, scattered, brittle. Maybe rats, maybe other things. And then more. Something larger. A badger? A fox? It had no flesh left—only torn robes still clinging like rags.

Ron swallowed. “How long has this thing been active?”

Harry didn’t answer. He stepped over the remains, jaw set. “We need to move faster.”

Somewhere far ahead, past the muck and rot and stone, lay the Chamber. And Ginny.

Above, in the wrecked girls’ bathroom, the air pulsed with spells and tension.

The excavation team had made good progress—maybe fifteen feet straight down—but it was slow, agonizing work. The passage beneath was deep, far below even the dungeons. Every foot they cleared risked dislodging the load-bearing magic of the centuries-old floor.

Kingsley’s wand sent a focused spiral of violet energy through the opening, carving another two feet downward. “Structural integrity’s holding,” he called out.

Flitwick—his face shining with sweat—adjusted the enchantments stabilizing the rim of the hole. “Only just.”

Snape, hands stained with potion and dust, had a glimmer of worry in his otherwise impassive eyes. “They’re heading under the lake,” he said.

“Lake?” Sirius looked up. “How do you know?”

“The air,” Snape murmured, pointing to the condensation forming around the exposed tunnel rim. “Smells of algae and stagnant water. That chamber—if it exists—is somewhere beneath the lakebed.”

McGonagall stiffened. “Then Merlin help them. That tunnel could be leagues wide.”

“I told you it would take days if done recklessly,” Flitwick snapped, eyes never leaving his wandwork.

“Then we don’t do it recklessly,” Amelia said, her voice fierce. “We do it right.”

She turned to the team of St. Mungo’s Healers she had summoned. “Prepare medical stabilization spells. When we break through, we’ll need to go in—fast and ready.”

Madam Pomfrey, conscious but pale, leaned over the edge of the opening. “They’ll be exhausted. Cold. Frightened. Worse, if they’re injured.”

“Harry’s never frightened,” Luna said softly from the corner. She and Susan sat close, watching anxiously.

“No,” Susan whispered. “But he’s never been this alone either.”

“Not alone,” said Luna. “Ron’s there.”

Sirius gave a short, tired laugh. “The two of them? Merlin save the Basilisk.”

Dumbledore, silent all this time, finally spoke. His voice was quieter than usual, but it carried. “What they need now isn’t interference. It’s trust. Trust that they know what’s worth fighting for.”

And below the stone and pipes, Harry and Ron pressed on.

They had stopped speaking—too breathless now, too focused. Each new step forward brought them deeper into the dark. The tunnel widened slowly, the pipework turning from rough-cut stone to carved tiles with serpentine motifs.

Then they saw it—faintly glowing ahead. A distant, greenish shimmer.

Ron pointed. “That’s it, isn’t it?”

Harry nodded. His voice was low but unshaking. “It’s starting.”

And somewhere beyond that light, under the lake, beyond the bones and the silence, waited the Chamber of Secrets. And whatever—whoever—they had to face.

The descent had grown steeper, the walls slicker with old slime and moss. Ron and Harry moved in near silence now—one wand ahead, the other scanning the sides. They passed more evidence of time's slow decay—rusted ironwork, collapsed junctions, thick cobwebs—and now, the greenish glow ahead had dulled behind a low fog that hovered along the floor.

Then Harry halted, eyes narrowing. "Ron. Stop."

A few paces ahead, the tunnel floor was no longer visible. Instead, thick, ropey vines seemed to cover the path in a coiled carpet. They writhed subtly, reacting to their presence.

“Devil’s Snare,” Harry muttered. “Of course.”

Ron grimaced. “Didn’t we deal with this last year?”

Harry gave a tight nod. “Yeah. But this one’s grown unchecked. Could be far more aggressive.”

Almost immediately, the vines twitched violently, as if hearing them. Several tendrils began snaking toward them with alarming speed.

Ron yelped and jumped back. “Well, same solution, right? Light and warmth?”

“Exactly.” Harry stepped forward, eyes locked, wand up. “Lumos Solem!

A blast of blinding, golden-white light exploded from his wandtip, washing over the vines like a sunrise piercing fog. The Devil’s Snare recoiled with a hiss-like rustle, shriveling back from the beam. Another tendril lunged, and Ron shouted, “Lumos Solem!” as well, adding his light.

The two of them advanced together, driving the mass of writhing plant matter back until it had pulled into crevices and holes on either side of the tunnel. The way ahead cleared.

“Let’s keep moving before it changes its mind,” Ron said, breathing hard.

Harry didn’t answer, only pressed forward again, jaw clenched tighter than before.

Far above, the effort in the bathroom had finally paid off.

With one last shimmering incantation and a cry of “Descendere!” from Flitwick and Kingsley together, the enchanted rock gave way. A perfect opening aligned with the path of the original slide, braced with magic to prevent collapse.

Amelia, Sirius, and McGonagall wasted no time. They jumped in first, wands drawn, expressions taut. Snape followed, robes flaring behind him, face unreadable. Dumbledore floated gently downward with controlled grace. Kingsley brought up the rear, followed closely by Luna and Susan, who had refused to stay behind.

“We’ll be a mile behind them, maybe more,” McGonagall warned as they slid. “Don’t lose your footing.”

The tunnel was cold and fast, turning and sloping in sharp curves. It finally deposited them in a chamber where the same dank smell and eerie greenish light hovered.

“Forward,” said Amelia. “We catch up now.”

They were in a place Hogwarts had long forgotten. The walls were lined with roots and serpentine carvings. Cracked torches from centuries past lined alcoves, long extinguished. The floor was slick stone, but freshly disturbed mud and footprints—two sets—led clearly forward.

“They came through here minutes ago,” Sirius confirmed, crouching. “No more than ten.”

“They’ve faced at least one defense,” Snape said, pointing at scorch marks along the walls. “Devil’s Snare, and strong enough to require Lumos Solem.

Kingsley’s voice was grim. “This whole place may be trapped. Or worse.”

Dumbledore, unusually silent, extended his senses. “No... Not just traps. This place reacts to fear. It feeds on it.”

Luna tilted her head. “It smells like worry and memories. Like dream shadows.”

Susan glanced nervously at her. “I really hope that’s just Luna being Luna.”

“No,” said Snape quietly. “She’s right. Something ancient is here, watching.”

“Keep your wits,” Amelia said. “And don’t slow down.”

So they advanced, a force of aurors, professors, and two determined first-years, wands ready. But Harry and Ron were far ahead—through another tunnel now, past the Devil’s Snare, into something older still.

Something close.

Something waiting.

And with every step Harry took, the green shimmer grew brighter.

The chill deepened around them.

Harry and Ron had just stepped past the remnants of a rotted archway when the tunnel narrowed to a tight, dripping pipe—not quite a crawlspace, but too snug for comfort. The air was thick with mildew and age, and every footstep sent up wet squelches. Faint hisses echoed unnaturally from far ahead, carried along the moisture-slicked stone.

"This must be under the lake," Harry muttered, his voice low.

"Yeah," Ron said, swallowing. “Smells like it too.”

The pipe walls glistened with slick green moss, the floor treacherously damp. At one point, Ron’s foot slipped, and he grabbed Harry’s shoulder hard to steady himself.

“Careful,” Harry warned. “We don’t know what’s ahead.”

They pressed forward, shoulders brushing slime-covered pipes, wands glowing steadily with Lumos Maxima. The tunnel dipped again, taking them deeper—lower than even the dungeons had ever reached.

Meanwhile, the second group was not faring as smoothly.

The branching pipe system had split like a web, and though they tried to follow the obvious footprints, a junction full of tangled roots and eroded carvings had forced the group to make a decision—and it had been the wrong one.

“I don’t like this,” Susan whispered. “We’ve lost their trail.”

Luna, who had stopped abruptly, crouched. “They turned right back there. We went left.”

Snape hissed in frustration. “Then we retrace. Now.”

“No,” said Kingsley grimly, raising his wand. “Look.”

Around a bend ahead lay something massive and pale—curled like a shed curtain, frayed at the edges. A glint of iridescence caught in the wandlight.

Sirius approached carefully, knelt beside it, and extended a finger to touch it. He immediately pulled back, eyes wide.

“Basilisk skin.”

Even Dumbledore tensed at that.

McGonagall murmured, “Merlin’s beard…”

“It’s recent,” Kingsley confirmed. “Still damp.”

Snape's eyes darted to the walls. “It’s been moving through here. Hunting.”

Then Luna, who’d been eerily quiet, whispered, “Something else is watching us.”

From the darkness ahead, a shape began to slither—not on the ground, but along the ceiling. A ripple of living shadow, like a cloak made of night itself.

“A Lethifold!” Amelia barked. “Shields up!”

The creature dove like a wave of suffocating black silk, silent and hungry. Dumbledore reacted instantly, sweeping his wand in a golden arc: “Expecto Patronum!”

A brilliant, silver phoenix exploded from his wand, shrieking with light. The Lethifold shrieked in turn, its form boiling into smoke as it fled into the cracks of the tunnel.

Everyone was breathing heavily.

“That wasn’t supposed to be down here,” Sirius muttered.

“This place is corrupted,” Snape said flatly. “Centuries sealed and now cracked open.”

McGonagall pulled herself together. “We move. Follow the trail of that skin. It may lead to the Basilisk’s lair—or back to Harry and Ron.”

They pressed on, the narrow corridors forcing them to move single-file, wands drawn, nerves on edge. Luna kept glancing at the ceiling. Susan had her wand gripped so tightly her knuckles were white.

Far ahead, the two boys trudged deeper still—completely unaware of the others now trailing behind, fighting ancient horrors in the dark. Only one thing was clear:

They were getting close.

Next Chapter is  Chamber of Secrets !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  So the final attack is done now. I think many of you must have already guessed the heir before but if not I hope you realised who it is in this chapter. I tried to cover both heirs properly. Daisy was possessed because imagine her condition, she was homeless for years called cursed then suddenly found by Harry and Ginny , but finding out Harry her heir was abused, and then her being sorted in Slytherin, it had a toll on her and the first diary entry made it it easy for her to be possessed. And for Draco , I have been giving hints since the summer how his father is forcing him. The ideals. Riddle used his feelings for Hermione. And final breakdown was Scorpius. Well now they are in chamber so let's see how it unfolds . Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 46: Chamber of Secrets !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

The air was thick with damp, the weight of centuries pressing down as Harry and Ron advanced into the shadowy, subterranean network of tunnels. The space they now entered was wide and ominous, filled with sharp stone daggers—stalactites that loomed like the fangs of some great beast. Every droplet of water that fell from them echoed like a ticking clock.

Ron, limping slightly from the earlier slip, muttered, “Who built this place… a troll with a flair for dramatics?”

Harry didn’t respond. His green eyes were fixed forward, wand casting a brilliant Lumos Maxima, illuminating the cavern in pale, trembling light. The air had shifted—it was colder now, and charged with something ancient, something that made the hairs on their arms stand.

Then the world lurched.

A deep, guttural rumble shook the floor beneath them. Stalactites trembled and the ceiling groaned. Harry and Ron froze.

“RUN!” Harry shouted, grabbing Ron’s arm as the rocks began to collapse behind them.

In a burst of motion, the stone gave way. Just as a slab dropped from above, Ron shoved Harry hard, forcing him toward the shadowy path ahead—the direction they believed the true Chamber might lie.

“No—RON!”

A massive section of ceiling crashed down, separating them.

“RON!” Harry pounded on the fresh wall of rubble. “Ron! Are you alright?!”

“I’m fine,” Ron coughed from the other side, voice muffled. “Bit bruised. Few cuts. Nothing worse than Fred and George’s backyard bludger ambush.”

Harry pressed a hand to the stone. “Stay there. I’ll find the Chamber and come back for you. I promise.”

“You’d better,” Ron grumbled, but his voice cracked slightly. “Save Ginny.”

With a last look at the barrier, Harry turned and disappeared down the looming corridor alone.

Meanwhile, far behind, the others had just broken through into the underground labyrinth. The path, rough and slick, had given way to a cold stream that glistened in their wandlight.

“We’re close,” Dumbledore murmured, wand in hand, eyes scanning the shadows. “This magic… it hasn’t been disturbed in centuries.”

Susan clung tightly to Luna’s hand. Despite everything, Luna looked almost calm, as though the strange, otherworldly place made more sense to her than reality above.

Then the water rippled.

Sirius froze. “Something’s coming.”

From the still waters, a form emerged—massive, amorphous, with flickering skin like a mirage. A Hydraliskus — a rare, serpentine river guardian known to dwell in untouched magical currents — burst from the stream, roaring with a sound like rushing rapids.

“Defensive positions!” barked Amelia.

Sirius darted to one side, launching a stunning spell. McGonagall raised a stone shield to protect the girls, while Kingsley countered with a barrage of forceful hexes. Dumbledore’s eyes narrowed as he sent a spiraling blue-white arc of freezing magic at the creature.

But it was Luna who stepped forward, wand raised high, and whispered, “Aqua Stagnum.

The stream beneath the creature froze, locking its shifting form mid-lunge. Snape, precise and sudden, raised his wand and finished it with a silent Confringo. The creature shattered in a gout of steam and shards of ice.

“Let’s go,” said Sirius, panting.

Snape, now moving at the front, led them down a winding tunnel veined with green mineral veins that glowed faintly in the dark.

As the group turned a corner, their path split again—multiple ancient pipes snaking ahead like the branches of a long-dead tree. They chose a route, but it wasn’t the one Harry and Ron had taken.

Snape’s wand scanned the walls as he slowed his pace. There were carvings now—old, deeply gouged into the rock, and lined with glistening serpentine symbols.

Snape lowered his voice. “These runes… they’re not protective. They’re directional. This path… leads to something ancient.”

He stopped.

Everyone went still.

And from far ahead, echoing up from the depths of stone and time—there came a low, wet hiss.

The group led by Amelia Bones trudged carefully through the damp, twisting tunnel, their wands held high. Every few steps, one of them would pause—listening for movement, watching for enchantments or creatures lurking in the ancient dark. It was Susan who first spotted the flickering light of a wand ahead.

“There!” she cried, voice bouncing off the stone.

Rushing forward, they emerged into the cavern of stalactites—only now, part of it lay in ruin. Dust still swirled in the air. A wide stretch of ceiling had collapsed, the floor heaped with jagged debris.

And amidst it all, slumped against a boulder, was Ron.

“Ron!” McGonagall exclaimed, sprinting with uncharacteristic speed. She dropped to her knees beside him.

“I’m alright,” Ron groaned, voice raspy, eyes fluttering open. “Just some cuts and bruises. Might’ve twisted my ankle.”

Kingsley conjured a glowing blue sphere that scanned him. “Nothing broken. But you’re not walking for a while.”

“I pushed him,” Ron said suddenly, blinking blearily at the adults. “The ceiling was falling. Harry—he’s gone ahead. To the Chamber. Alone.”

The mood shifted. Dumbledore’s face grew grim. Sirius swore under his breath. Luna, unblinking, took a step forward and looked past the wall of rubble with wide, silvery eyes.

“We need to clear this,” Amelia said at once. “Carefully. If we get even one thing wrong, this entire cavern could come down.”

“I’ll manage the spell arrays,” Snape said, already sketching controlled runes in the air to begin controlled removal.

Dumbledore nodded. “We must give Harry time. But not too much. Whatever lies ahead… he must not face it alone for long.”

Far beyond them, Harry moved deeper into the mountain's veins.

He had lost all sense of time.

The air grew colder with every step. The stone beneath his feet changed from moss-stained to smooth and black. No longer random tunnels—this was deliberate architecture. Older than even Hogwarts. Older than any magic he’d ever felt.

And then—something small and fast struck his shoulder.

“Argh!”

A blur of wings—a Doxy, its fangs gleaming and venomous, came at him again, chittering wildly. Harry ducked, spun, and shouted, “Impedimenta!

The creature slammed into the wall with a sickening crunch.

Harry winced but moved forward. The buzzing faded behind him.

At last, he found himself in a narrow corridor of greenish stone, the walls carved with winding serpents and flickering runes. The air shimmered with dormant enchantments.

And then—he saw it.

A massive gate.

Tall as the Great Hall’s ceiling, it bore the etched form of a coiled serpent—its eyes made of emeralds, and its fangs bared in warning. Ancient, thrumming with power, yet silent and unmoving.

Harry stepped closer. His heart thundered. His wand lowered.

And in a hiss that resonated from the depth of his throat, he whispered:
“Open.”

The emerald eyes of the serpent glowed.

Stone ground against stone.

With a rumble like the awakening of a titan, the gate began to part.

Whatever was behind it… was finally about to be revealed.

The debris was relentless. Amelia, Kingsley, Sirius, Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, Susan, Luna—and now Ron, though wounded and limping—were all tirelessly working together to stabilize the cavern and clear the rockfall. They had mapped the safest trajectory, but progress was slow and dangerous. One mistake could bring the mountain down on top of them.

Ron clenched his fists, leaning heavily on a makeshift cane conjured by Snape, watching the rubble with frustration.
“Hurry,” he whispered. “He’s in there. Alone.”

Far ahead, deep beneath the school, the gate of serpents groaned fully open.

Harry stepped through.

The Chamber was vast, cold, and soaked in ancient power. Its towering stone columns were shaped like serpents coiling upward to the high, shadowed ceiling. Between the columns lay pools of stagnant water and patches of slick stone. The air was so thick with age and magic it made his skin tingle.

He limped forward, his body battered and bruised from the long journey, each step echoing eerily. His heart, however, moved faster than his feet.

And then—

He saw them.

Two unmoving forms.

“Ginny,” he gasped, sprinting forward, his breath catching in his throat. She lay sprawled, still and pale, red hair spread like a halo around her face.

Beside her lay Draco, slumped against a pillar. His skin almost as grey as the stone around them. In his lap was clutched a thin, battered diary.

“No…” Harry fell to his knees. “Ginny, please—wake up. I’m here, Gin—open your eyes, love…”

He held her hand, pressed it against his cheek, whispered, “It’s me. It’s Harry. You have to wake up.”

No response.

He turned to Draco, shaking his shoulder. “Draco, wake up, you git—wake up!”

Still nothing.

Then—

A calm, cold voice echoed through the chamber.

“They won’t wake up.”

Harry froze.

He turned.

Standing not ten feet away was a boy. Tall. Pale. Elegant in posture. His face strangely familiar, yet unnaturally smooth. His eyes gleamed with ancient knowing.

“Who are you?” Harry growled, rising slowly, wand clenched tight.

The boy smiled faintly.

“I’m Tom Riddle,” he said. “The true Heir of Slytherin.”

Far behind, the echo of grating rock and whispered spells filled the tunnels. The group—Amelia, Sirius, McGonagall, Snape, Kingsley, Dumbledore, Susan, Luna, and now a limping Ron—were still painstakingly clearing the collapsed passage of shattered stalactites and debris. Every stone moved was laced with risk.

Snape was leading the structural reinforcement spells, murmuring runes under his breath as he reinforced the remaining arch. McGonagall was levitating the heavier slabs, her jaw tight with worry.

Ron was barely able to help, his injuries slowing him—but his concern for Harry kept him close. “Faster,” he muttered. “Please, faster.”

In the Chamber, lit now only by pale green reflections from the stagnant pools, Harry stood facing the boy.

He didn’t hesitate.

“Tom Riddle,” he said, voice sharp and cutting. “So you’re Voldemort.”

Riddle blinked once, slowly, the barest flicker of amusement at the corner of his mouth. “Ah… so you already knew.”

“I knew you were the name he discarded,” Harry said coldly. “I’ve studied. You’re not Slytherin’s heir—you’re a parasite.”

Tom tilted his head, half-impressed. “You know more than most. But not enough.”

Harry glanced at the diary still gripped in Draco’s limp hands. “You’re possessing him,” he said. “That’s why he’s not waking. You’re feeding off him.”

Riddle’s expression didn’t change. “A mere tether. Enough to manifest. But Ginny…” He looked toward her with an eerie reverence. “Her soul is far more… nourishing. She has so much life, so much fire. Soon, I will be fully restored.”

“No,” Harry snapped, stepping protectively in front of Ginny and Draco, wand raised. His voice trembled with rage. “I won’t let that happen.”

Tom’s eyes gleamed, cold and hungry. “Then try to stop me.”

Riddle's smirk twitched as Harry stepped forward, wand firm in hand, his stance proud despite the bruises and grime coating him from head to toe.

“I’m the one with the wand,” Harry said quietly, voice like steel.

But Riddle only chuckled, a low and chilling sound. From Draco’s unmoving fingers, a wand lifted of its own accord and flew into Tom’s waiting grasp.

“You mean this one?” he said silkily. “Draco Malfoy’s wand. You’re not the only one prepared.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed—but he didn’t flinch. He had faced worse and won. He took a single step forward, his green eyes blazing.

“You won’t need a wand, though, will you?” Riddle added, face growing sharp with anticipation. “I am the Heir of Slytherin. I will call the Basilisk, and it will do what it was always meant to—kill those who oppose the blood of Salazar. Especially you… the one who ended me.”

Harry’s expression didn’t waver.

“You’re not the Heir,” he said, voice ringing off the stone walls.

That stopped Riddle cold.

“What did you say?” he hissed.

“I said you’re not the Heir,” Harry repeated louder. “I am. I’m the true Heir of Slytherin… and not just Slytherin. I am heir of all four Founders. Of Merlin himself.”

Riddle’s face contorted—whether in confusion, disbelief, or rage, it wasn’t clear. “Liar.”

But Harry raised his wand slightly, and in that moment, power rippled faintly in the air around him like a current.

“This chamber wasn’t built for murder,” Harry continued, voice fierce. “It was built to protect. A shelter for Hogwarts in times of crisis. The Basilisk was meant to guard Hogwarts. Defend it from invaders, not hunt its own students.”

“Impossible,” Riddle spat. “Slytherin despised Muggleborns.”

“No,” Harry shot back. “That’s just twisted history. Slytherin didn’t hate them—he feared they’d bring magic harm if they weren’t trained. He wanted a system to prepare them first. It was politics that poisoned his legacy—people like you.”

Tom Riddle faltered—just slightly—but it was enough.

“You’re wrong,” he hissed, but his voice lacked the conviction it once held.

Harry stepped in front of Ginny and Draco again, daring Riddle to move.

“No, I’m not. You’re not the heir, Tom. You’re a ghost clinging to lies and shadows. And I’m here to end this.”

Riddle's chuckle echoed off the damp stone walls, low and cold. He tilted his head, eyes gleaming with triumph, as if savouring the moment.

“Charming little speech, Potter,” he said, voice mocking, “but it doesn’t matter. Whatever twisted ideals you believe the Founders held—whatever truth you think you’ve uncovered—none of it will save you.”

He took a step closer, his form unnervingly solid now, the boyish face of Tom Riddle sharp with cruel intent.

“I opened the Chamber fifty years ago,” he said softly, as though recalling a fond memory. “Released the Basilisk. Killed a Mudblood girl and pinned it on a half-giant. I did it all from within the walls of this school, with no one the wiser. And I’ll do it again.”

Harry’s knuckles whitened around his wand. The very air seemed to freeze around them. Tom Riddle had killed someone in this very chamber. Harry felt a knot tighten in his gut—not from fear, but fury. But he couldn’t lose control. Not now.

He needed time—time to think, time to understand if the Basilisk could still be summoned by Riddle’s voice. Because if it could…

So he took a breath, forcing himself to appear calm. “And how exactly did you manage to open the Chamber this time?” he asked with a cheeky smirk, though his voice was tight with tension. “Bit hard to do that from a diary, isn’t it?”

Riddle's smile widened, indulgent and cruel. “Oh, Potter,” he said, his tone almost fond. “Still so naïve, even with all your accolades, your power, your precious little friends. But let me indulge you. After all, it will be the last story you ever hear.”

He stepped around Draco’s motionless form, his fingers brushing against the spine of the diary that still clung to the boy’s hand like a cursed tether.

“Imagine,” he said softly, “a diary not just filled with ink, but a piece of my very soul—a memory preserved like amber. A sentinel, waiting. I left it behind fifty years ago as a failsafe. Something that could carry on my work… in case I failed.”

He turned, eyes now gleaming with malevolent joy. “And last September… it was found. Picked up by a girl. A sweet, quiet little thing. Red hair. Big hazel eyes. The kind of girl everyone likes. She wanted to know more about Hogwarts, about me. So I showed her.”

Harry’s smirk faltered.

“She asked questions,” Riddle continued smoothly. “She wrote her thoughts. Her dreams. Her fears. She poured her soul into me—and I rewarded her by slowly seeping into hers. I told her about the Chamber. About Slytherin’s mission. About how… dirty the blood of this school has become.”

Riddle’s smile darkened into something crueler. “She began to see it. She began to act. First small things… then larger. She wrote messages, opened doors, summoned the Basilisk—”

“Stop,” Harry said, voice tight and trembling.

But Riddle didn’t. “Her name… was Daisy Potter.”

The words hit like a Bludger to the chest.

Harry’s breath caught.

No.

His hand shook, his eyes darting to the floor. His mind screamed at him to deny it. To reject the possibility. But deep inside, he had always feared this—ever since that day when he’d accused her in anguish, when she’d run and—

She had been possessed.

She had been used.

And now she lay petrified. Her face frozen in surprise, her secret buried beneath stone and silence. No one had known. No one could have known.

Riddle’s voice dripped with mock sympathy. “Oh, the poor girl. So strong-willed. She fought me, you know. Harder than most. But in the end… everyone has a breaking point.”

Harry's face twisted in a fury he barely contained. The green of his eyes now flared unnaturally bright in the gloom.

“You’ll pay for that,” he said, each word a dagger.

Riddle raised a brow, amused. “Will I?”

Harry took a step forward. “She was my sister. My only sister.”

Riddle just laughed. “And now she’s nothing more than a cracked puppet discarded on the floor. Like your little redhead there—" he glanced at Ginny's still body, "—and this boy, too. So many of your precious ones, taken from you. And you’re next, Potter.”

Harry’s rage surged, but he forced himself to stillness. He would not give Riddle the satisfaction of watching him lose control. Not now.

Not until the time was right.

Amelia’s group, now joined by Ron, was still painstakingly working through the collapsed stretch of jagged stalactites and fallen stone. The magic used to dislodge even a fraction of the rubble had to be precise, timed, and reinforced, or the entire path could collapse even further, burying them all and possibly dooming the boy ahead. The team worked in near-silence, lit by softly flickering wandlights, tension thick in the air. Susan and Luna remained close behind, holding hands, silently praying. Ron, bruised and aching, refused to rest, shouting directions with the same urgency that fueled his sprint into the slide.

But far ahead of them, deep beneath Hogwarts, in the dark heart of the Chamber of Secrets, the storm had already broken.

Harry stood tall in the stillness of the vast stone chamber, his fists clenched at his sides, his breath a slow burn through flared nostrils. The carved serpents that lined the walls seemed to slither in the torchlight, and the air was humid and tense with ancient magic. Behind him, Draco and Ginny lay unmoving, like statues fallen in battle. And ahead—Tom Riddle stood poised and confident, his voice smooth as silk and soaked in venom.

“She was so happy,” Riddle said, stepping into the center of the chamber, his eyes glittering. “That girl. Daisy. Just a few months ago, homeless, starved, clinging to hope in the darkness. Then, she found a family. A brother she worshipped. A home. Safety.”

Harry's chest tightened. Riddle’s words were laced with poison, but the truth in them twisted like a knife.

Riddle smiled wider. “And then she told me about you, Harry. About how her big brother had defeated Lord Voldemort as a baby. How you stood between him and the Philosopher’s Stone last year and kept him from returning again.” He gave a slow, mocking clap. “It was… enlightening.”

He paused, savoring the moment, and tilted his head. “So imagine my interest. This girl—this child—was the sister of the one who ruined my legacy. Who shattered my future. My future self.

Harry stared back, unmoving, but the fire in his eyes now burned hot with grief and guilt.

Riddle continued, his voice now tinged with admiration and disdain. “At first, I only intended to use her. The girl was strong-willed—stronger than I expected. She tried to fight me. Her mind, despite her trauma, was sharp and resilient. But no mind is unbreakable. I used her dreams, her doubts, her fears. I twisted her love for you—made it a weapon.”

He turned his back on Harry, pacing. “She lied to you, you know. When you confronted her, when you asked if she had anything to do with it. She didn’t want to. I could feel it. She was screaming inside to tell you the truth. But I sealed her lips, so no one would know. Not even you.”

Harry’s jaw was tight enough to ache, but he didn’t interrupt. He needed to know everything—needed every second to form a plan.

“I used her hands to write on the walls,” Riddle said, gesturing dramatically. “‘Enemies of the Heir, beware.’” He chuckled. “It was she who unleashed the Basilisk. She who petrified that ridiculous squib’s cat, Mrs. Norris.”

The torchlight flickered across the floor, reflecting in pools of standing water. Harry could feel the weight of history in the stones beneath him.

“And then,” Riddle said with a cruel glint, “on one glorious night, I orchestrated the fall of three at once—Creevey, Clearwater, and that know-it-all Mudblood, Granger—near the Black Lake. The girl didn’t even know she’d done it. I simply took control when her strength waned. She’d feel ill, dizzy, confused. But I was working.”

Harry’s throat went dry. He remembered Daisy’s fatigue, her silences, her trembling hands and sudden migraines. He had brushed them off as stress—never dreaming she had been carrying this.

Riddle turned sharply now, eyes boring into Harry’s. “But then, she began to suspect. She felt me. She tried to resist, tried to be rid of me. She took the diary, and she burned it—almost burned it.”

His voice curled like smoke.

“But she failed.”

And now, Harry understood. The diary had never been destroyed. Something had gone wrong. Somehow, it had survived. And now it was back, clutched in Draco’s limp hand like a parasite seeking a new host.

Harry’s heart thundered as he stepped forward.

“You used her,” he said, voice hoarse but strong. “You broke her mind. Made her believe she was safe—then used her against everyone she loves.”

Riddle only smiled. “That’s what makes it beautiful.”

Harry’s hand tightened around his wand.

But the duel had not begun.

Not yet.

Riddle’s laugh echoed through the vastness of the Chamber, bouncing off the serpentine carvings and vanishing into the dripping darkness. It was cold and sharp and hollow — the kind of sound that didn’t just fill a space but tainted it. Harry stood his ground, his fists curled at his sides, eyes locked on the figure before him. His heart pounded, but he didn’t flinch.

“Oh, but then,” Riddle said, his voice thick with satisfaction, “the true miracle happened.”

He took a few slow steps, each one a performance.

“That diary… that I… was tossed carelessly into a fireplace. Not even by the girl who’d carried me for so long. It was left, unwanted, ready to be scorched away by green flame. And that’s when he found me.”

He turned, smiling with wicked fondness, as if speaking of a favored son.

“A boy,” Riddle said. “A quiet, bitter boy. Conflicted. Haunted. Who had lost his heart to a girl who didn’t even know... and then lost her to stone.”

Harry’s breath hitched. He knew who.

“Draco Malfoy,” Riddle breathed, “had just seen the one he truly admired — that clever little Granger — fall to the monster. And then, as if that pain wasn’t enough, came the letters. The cruel, disdainful tirades from his father — telling him how he was a disgrace to the family name, a traitor to his bloodline, unfit to be a Malfoy. Oh, they were exquisite, those letters.”

Harry’s knuckles whitened.

“And into that storm walked me,” Riddle continued, his smile darkening. “A diary. A voice. A confidant. A promise of understanding. A path. And he — already cracking from within — began to trust. Began to listen.”

Riddle’s eyes glimmered in the torchlight, full of twisted delight.

“Possessing Draco was far easier than Daisy. The boy wanted to disappear. He wanted someone else to take over. I fed on his grief, his confusion, his self-hatred. And when the moment was right... I took control.”

Harry stared at the pale face of his friend lying unconscious behind Riddle. His jaw tensed.

“The first thing I did for my own safety,” Riddle said, turning his head slightly, “was eliminate the risk of the girl. Daisy. She’d burned the diary once, or tried to. She knew too much. So I made Draco… no, myself… petrify her.”

Harry could barely breathe.

“And then it was easy,” Riddle whispered. “Dudley and Samantha were walking near the lake. Close to a reflection. All it took was a little manipulation. And that house-elf… what was his name?”

“Wobby,” Harry growled.

“Yes, Wobby,” Riddle said with mock admiration. “Loyal little creature. Too loyal for his own good. They all fell. Then Neville and Scamander — they were simply curious. I used Draco’s hands to do it all. I was unstoppable.”

Riddle now walked toward the great serpent carving at the far end of the chamber, his voice growing with power.

“But of course,” he sighed, “the boy began to resist. Even broken, Draco Malfoy was a child raised in power, taught discipline. He began to question the blanks in his memory. The pain in his head. The things he didn’t remember doing.”

He turned back toward Harry.

“So I needed something greater. Something final. I made him… attack his own brother.”

Harry’s heart shattered as the image of Scorpius — pale and motionless — flashed in his mind.

“Oh, he screamed,” Riddle said. “Fought with every part of himself. But I made him do it. And when it was done, he convulsed. His mind and body rebelled. He collapsed. That small delay—ah—how irritating it was. I had to hide, retreat, wait again.”

His voice dropped into a hiss. “But now, it no longer matters. I am here. Alive. And you, Harry Potter, are alone. With no one left to save.”

Harry’s wand was at the ready, his body rigid with fury. But he didn’t speak. Not yet.

Behind him, the unconscious forms of Ginny and Draco lay between the light and the dark — their fates caught in the cruel games of a shadow.

Far above, Amelia Bones and the others still chipped and cleared through collapsed stone, inching ever closer, each blast of silent magic a lifeline through the earth.

But down here, in the heart of Slytherin’s lost sanctuary, time was nearly out.

Riddle’s laughter echoed through the Chamber like the hiss of a knife unsheathed. It was low and rich, filled with malice and morbid glee. He tilted his head slightly, watching Harry with the calm satisfaction of someone who believed the checkmate already made.

“Ah, but imagine,” he said with theatrical delight, “imagine my delight when the boy awoke.”

His voice darkened with twisted amusement. “And she was there. The girl of your dreams. The light in your darkness. Ginevra Weasley—your forever love.” He spat the words like venom wrapped in silk.

“I had to laugh,” Riddle continued. “What a gift. What an opportunity. I hardly had to push. Poor Draco — reeling from the act against his brother, barely able to hold himself together — he was the perfect vessel. So I took control again. Simple, really. Just a whisper, just a shadow…”

He took a slow, measured step toward Harry, whose eyes blazed with fury.

“And then… Imperio.

Harry’s fists clenched.

“Your precious healer tried to interfere,” Riddle said, voice turning almost singsong. “Dear Madam Pomfrey, always watching, always hovering. So I had Draco blast her. And then, I took the girl and the boy, and brought them here.”

He turned, gesturing to the message still faintly glowing above the cold stone floor — "Their skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever."

“After all,” Riddle added, turning back to Harry with a glint in his eye, “I knew you would come. You always do. The famous Harry Potter. The hero.”

Harry said nothing, but his wand was already glowing faintly, magic pulsing through his fingers.

Riddle’s smirk dropped into something far older and colder. “But you see… that’s the end of our little chat. It’s time you die.”

And with that, he turned to the great serpent carving at the far end of the chamber and hissed — a long, slithering, ancient sound.

Ssselethar… awaken… come to me…

The stone beneath Harry trembled. Somewhere deep in the labyrinthine coils of the Chamber, something stirred. A vibration, first barely perceptible, began to thrum through the walls. A scraping. A dragging.

A heartbeat later, it was unmistakable: something massive, powerful, and ancient was coming.

Harry’s breath caught in his throat. This was it.

Riddle, still hissing softly, looked back at him with a cruel smile.

But Harry didn’t waver. His wand did not lower. His eyes did not blink.

He took a step forward and, with his own voice low and calm, began to speak in Parseltongue — clear and strong.

“Ssselethar… guardian of the founders… you were never meant to harm the children of this school… I am your master now. I am the true heir of Slytherin… and of all the founders. I command you not with fear… but with truth.”

There was a silence — a deep, deafening silence.

And then, from the blackness ahead, a single golden eye blinked open.

A hiss, long and slow, slithered forward from the dark.

The Basilisk had heard them both.

Now came the test.

Would the ancient creature obey the corrupted will of a boy long dead, or the soulbound voice of a true heir risen?

Above, Amelia, Sirius, McGonagall, Snape, Ron, Luna, Susan, Kingsley, and the others still worked desperately through the crumbling rocks and broken tunnels, their magic straining to reach Harry in time.

But down below — in the ancient heart of Hogwarts — the moment of truth had arrived.

The Chamber trembled as the great serpentine form surged forward, emerald scales gleaming dimly in the flickering torchlight. The Basilisk had arrived.

Its massive golden eyes, covered by a milky membrane of ancient magic that shielded others from instant death, flicked between the two boys — one alive, one merely memory. For a heartbeat, it hesitated.

I command you!” Riddle snarled, hissing in Parseltongue. “Kill the boy! Tear him apart!

But the serpent did not obey.

It coiled in place, swaying, tasting the air with its long, forked tongue. Its nostrils flared, and it turned instead — slowly, deliberately — toward Harry. And there, in Harry’s presence, it stopped. The old magic — the one buried deep in Salazar Slytherin’s final enchantments — stirred.

For the first time in centuries, the Basilisk bowed its head.

Riddle stepped back, stunned. “No—” he whispered, voice now shaking. “No, this isn’t—this can’t—”

But it was.

With a mighty roar, the Basilisk turned on him.

The memory of Tom Riddle tried to run, wand raised, but he was only a shadow of magic and thought. The Basilisk charged, its fangs snapping through the illusion as it began to tear him apart — piece by burning piece. Riddle screamed, a scream of hatred and fear and disbelief, as his form began to unravel, devoured by the very creature he had corrupted.

While the chamber echoed with the dying screech of the false heir, Harry dropped to his knees between the unmoving forms of Draco and Ginny.

“Draco,” he said urgently, voice cracking. “Draco, wake up, please—”

He shook his friend gently, trying to stir him. Nothing. Draco was limp, shallow in breath, as if the very magic that bound him to this world was fading. The diary, now inert, still clutched tightly in his fingers.

Harry’s hands trembled.

But then he turned to Ginny.

His heart stopped.

She lay so still, her red hair spread around her like a halo, eyes closed, body cold. There was no blood — just silence. But Harry knew — in the pit of his soul — that she wasn’t gone. Not yet.

“Ginny,” he whispered, leaning over her, brushing a hand across her cheek. “Please… come back.”

Nothing.

He shut his eyes, pressing his forehead to hers. He reached inside himself, to the magic that connected them — that bound them beyond words and beyond time. Their Love Core Bond — forged in childhood wonder, deepened in Dreamland, affirmed by every beat of their hearts — pulsed faintly.

Harry opened it.

He poured everything into it — everything. His memories, their laughter, their promises. His pain. His hope. The strength of his magic, the raw truth of his soul. All of it surged into her like wildfire through dry fields. He kissed her gently.

And then—she kissed him back.

It was faint at first. A breath. A spark. But it grew.

Suddenly, a light burst from between them — brilliant, blinding. Gold.

The Chamber trembled again.

From Harry’s chest, a stream of magic erupted — emerald green, bright and pure, pulsing with ancient elemental power. From Ginny’s, another beam — deep red, vibrant and fierce, alive with love and passion.

The lights met, twining in mid-air like ribbons in a dance, and then merged into a single radiant thread — neither green nor red, but a glowing gold, like the rising sun.

The magic swirled around them, a cocoon of power and light. Their bodies trembled — not in pain, but in transformation. Their minds were already one. Their hearts had long since beat as one. Their magic had been intertwined since the beginning.

But now, it went deeper.

Their souls began to merge.

The final barrier — the one thing that had remained separate — dissolved.

Their bond had evolved.

What had once been a Love Core Bond was now something else — something older, stronger, purer. It was a Love Core Soul Bond.

They were one now — in mind, in heart, in magic, and in soul.

Harry didn’t know it yet. Neither did Ginny. To them, in this moment, all that mattered was that she was awake — her eyes open, full of tears, her hand clutching his like a lifeline.

“I’m here,” Harry whispered.

Ginny nodded slowly, lips trembling. “I know.”

Behind them, the last of Riddle’s shadow burned away under the Basilisk’s fury.

Far above, Amelia and her group were still clearing through the collapsed tunnel. Ron, bloodied but alive, stood with wand at the ready, flinching every time the Chamber rumbled.

“Come on, come on,” Sirius muttered, blasting away another stone. “We’re almost there—Harry needs us.

Snape said nothing. His eyes were narrow, focused. His magic crackled through the air with silent precision.

“We’re getting close,” McGonagall said, voice firm.

But below them — in the heart of the castle — two souls had already found each other in the dark.

And something ancient had been awakened.

The Chamber of Secrets, still echoing with magic ancient and raw, trembled under the weight of clashing destinies.

Riddle’s ghost-form, though ravaged, had not yet been undone. The Basilisk, responding to the true heir’s presence — Harry’s — had obeyed instinct and order, attacking the false heir, the one who had corrupted its purpose. But there was a problem.

The Basilisk had struck not the diary, the true anchor of the memory, but the echo — the manifested ghost of Tom Riddle. And that memory, though wounded, still lingered, bound by the cursed pages clutched in Draco’s limp hand.

With a vicious snarl, Riddle reappeared — his translucent form flickering like fire in wind, a ghost made of venom and shadow, his eyes blazing with hatred.

“You think it’s over?” he hissed, voice rippling like a dagger drawn across stone. “I created this place. I commanded this creature! You — all of you — are children playing with legacies you cannot comprehend!”

He raised Draco’s wand, dark magic coiling at his fingertips.

The Basilisk recoiled slightly — hurt from earlier spells Riddle had carved into its skin over the months, etched runes of domination. Though it had rejected Riddle, the ancient creature was still vulnerable, still bound in part to the cursed architecture of the Chamber itself.

And now, Riddle aimed to kill it.

“No!” Harry roared, hurling himself forward between the Basilisk and Riddle. “You don’t get to destroy it! She’s not yours anymore!”

“Harry,” Ginny said, her voice strange, low, certain.

He turned.

She was glowing faintly again, her eyes wide, but there was no fear in them. No confusion. Just understanding. Complete understanding — of the Chamber, of Riddle, of everything. As if their newly forged bond had burned the entire truth straight into her soul.

“We need to save her,” Ginny said simply, looking toward the Basilisk. “She’s still bound. Riddle’s magic — it’s inside her. The runes. We can undo them, together.”

Harry didn’t question how she knew — because he knew too.

Their thoughts flowed in perfect unity, words unspoken, emotions shared.

Together, they turned, facing the great serpent as it hissed in pain and confusion, eyes glowing with trust and sorrow.

They raised their hands — not wands — just hands.

And in one voice, one pulse, one soul, they spoke the first incantation.

Solvat vincla vetusta.

Golden and green magic spiraled from their joined palms, light and nature, soul and truth. The runes carved into the Basilisk’s scales shimmered, then cracked — each one popping with a hiss like extinguished fire.

Riddle screamed.

“NO! I OWN HER!”

He hurled a curse — a whip of black flame streaking toward them.

But Harry turned, stepped in front of Ginny, arm raised. The curse hit — and vanished. His magic devoured it.

The chamber shook again.

“You don’t own anyone!” Harry shouted. “You never did!”

He and Ginny turned back to the Basilisk.

One final incantation — felt, not spoken.

Their merged souls pulsed out in a wave of golden-red-green light that wrapped around the Basilisk like a warm wind. The last rune shattered. The spell of domination — forged by a teenage tyrant in a forgotten age — broke.

The Basilisk let out a deep, rattling cry. A note of freedom. Of release.

It slithered back, curling around itself near the far wall, watching with vast, intelligent eyes.

And then the magic in the room shifted.

Riddle laughed.

It was an ugly sound, splintering through the air like a cracked mirror.

“You think you’ve won? Foolish children,” he rasped, though he was flickering now, unstable. “The soul is still tied. The diary still holds me. As long as that exists—so do I.”

He pointed at Draco, still unconscious, the diary trembling faintly in his hand. A pulse. A thrum. Like a heart preparing for resurrection.

Harry’s heart clenched. Ginny’s breath caught.

“It’s not over,” she whispered.

“No,” Harry said, staring at the diary. “Not yet.”

The great Basilisk let out a final shuddering breath and slumped to the damp stone floor, her massive body curling protectively around the chamber wall, eyes dimmed but aware. She was not dead—just drained. The breaking of centuries-old runes, the soul-searing wave of true magic, and the agony of her own conflicting purpose had taken their toll.

Harry rushed to her side, one hand brushing lightly over her scaled hide.

“She’s alive,” he murmured to Ginny. “But she can’t fight anymore… her power now answers to me, but she’s too weak.”

“She did enough,” Ginny said gently, her hand tightening around Harry’s. “Now it’s our turn.”

Behind them, a crackling noise snapped through the air. The sound of magic preparing to strike.

“Well,” came Riddle’s venom-laced voice, “that was all very touching. The heir and his little girlfriend, saving the beast like some pitiful fable.” He laughed—a cold, echoing chime that bounced off the ancient stone. “But I’m afraid fairy tales won’t save you now.”

Harry turned to face him, jaw set, green eyes burning.

Ginny stepped beside him, chin lifted, heart pounding—not with fear, but purpose.

Riddle stood tall, Draco’s wand spinning lazily between his fingers, his shadowy form somehow more solid now, strengthened by the chamber, by the dark magic seeping through every rune-etched wall.

“You forget, Harry,” Riddle said smoothly. “I’m not some bumbling first-year. I’m you, but better. Wiser. Smarter. Stronger. And I’ve had years to practice—while you’ve been… what? Playing games with house-elves and sneaking kisses in broom closets?”

Harry didn’t answer.

He couldn’t deny it—not entirely.

Riddle wasn’t wrong. In raw power and experience, they were outmatched. Dreamland had trained them, yes, given them insight, discipline, focus. But not this. Not dueling for life and death against the darkest magic Hogwarts had seen in decades.

And Harry’s elemental magic—whatever it was—had only awakened once, back in Hogsmeade during the goblin attack. It hadn’t returned since. He couldn’t count on it. Not now.

Ginny’s grip tightened again.

“He doesn’t know us,” she whispered.

“We’re still standing,” Harry replied.

Riddle rolled his eyes. “Let’s skip the dramatics. Two children, no wand,” he flicked Draco’s mockingly, “no help, and you’re about to die.”

Harry’s mind raced.

The diary.

It was still the key.

As long as the diary lived, so did Riddle. But destroying it wasn’t as simple as tearing a page. That book pulsed with soul fragments, anchored in the darkest corners of magic. Fire might not be enough. Regular magic definitely wasn’t.

His eyes darted to the Basilisk.

Her fangs—one of the only substances known to destroy Horcruxes. But she couldn’t move. And there was no time to pry a fang from her mouth. Even getting close might kill her further.

Then his gaze dropped—just for a second—to Draco.

Still lying on the ground. Still clenching the diary.

There had to be a way.

“We need the fang,” he whispered to Ginny. “A Basilisk fang. It’s the only thing that can destroy a soul-anchored object like that.”

“But we don’t have time,” Ginny said, eyes flicking to Riddle, who was now lazily circling them, drawing the moment out with sadistic glee. “And we can’t hurt her more—”

“No,” Harry said firmly. “We won’t.”

Ginny suddenly froze.

“Wait,” she breathed, eyes widening. “The venom.”

Harry blinked. “What?”

Ginny turned, kneeling beside the Basilisk’s head. She pressed her hand gently to one of the old wounds—one of the etched rune scars that still leaked a faint, shimmering green.

“There’s venom still,” she said. “From the last battle. If I can—”

She pulled off the little silver vial from around her neck, one she’d kept since October after Bagnod had taught her to store ingredients safely. Her hands moved fast, steady. She filled the vial with the faint trickle of venom.

Harry was already kneeling by Draco, careful not to startle him, carefully extracting the diary from his hand. The moment he touched it, the book burned against his skin, like frost and fire all at once.

“Give me the vial,” he said.

Ginny handed it over without a word.

Harry uncorked the flask.

Riddle froze mid-step.

“No—”

But it was too late.

Harry upturned the vial, the Basilisk venom spilling directly onto the diary’s spine.

It didn’t hiss.

It screamed.

A high, soul-ripping sound tore through the chamber as the diary writhed in Harry’s hands. Inky blood spilled from the pages as if the book itself bled. Then, in a final burst of cursed light, the diary exploded—flung from Harry’s hand into the stone wall, where it burned away into ash.

Tom Riddle screamed.

His body convulsed, distorted, as though being unraveled thread by thread. He lunged toward Harry—but his fingers passed through him, now vapor, now nothing.

“No!” he shrieked. “NO! I am Lord Voldemort—!”

And then he was gone.

Snuffed out like a candle in hurricane winds.

The chamber fell silent.

Harry sank to his knees, panting. Ginny collapsed beside him, her hand immediately finding his. They didn’t speak.

They didn’t need to.

Their bond pulsed — not only in heart, magic, and mind… but soul.

Behind them, the Basilisk exhaled a soft, deep breath. Alive. Freed.

It was over.

But far above, through crumbling rock and ancient pathways, Amelia and the others were still battling toward them — unaware of what had just been won. Or what it had cost.

Next Chapter is   Aftermath!!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  So finally the sad chapters are over now. Truth is out. How they were possessed and everything. Sometimes I think that in this story I made Draco , a character I really hate in books one the  character who will get most sympathy, and truthfully I am liking this Draco far better. Now I feel a little sad for the things I planned when I started the story but I guess that will be necessary. I don't think that you will mind the bond between Harry and Ginny , I mean it will be explained soon enough but it was always my plan . And let me tell you , initially I was planning today be the day Harry and Ginny say I Love You for the first time but little old me was so impatient to wait and did it ages ago. Well what do you think of the basilisk. I have plans for her in future. And also for the chamber. But stay tuned to see the aftermath. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 47: Aftermath !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Draco’s eyes snapped open.

His first sensation was of cold stone beneath him and the thick, damp air clinging to his skin. Then came the sharp sting in his temples, as though a vice had just loosened from around his mind. He gasped, bolting upright.

And promptly screamed.

It was not an exaggerated shriek, but a very real, very startled cry that echoed off the chamber walls — because just feet away, lying still but unmistakably massive, was the Basilisk.

A real, living, gigantic Basilisk.

“W-what—WHAT IS THAT?!”

Draco scrambled backward, his palms scraping against the rough floor as he tried to put as much distance between himself and the monster as humanly possible. His wide, grey eyes locked on the serpent’s long emerald-scaled body, the length of which still coiled in slow, heavy breaths beside the shattered remains of Salazar Slytherin’s statue.

“Stay calm,” Harry said quickly, stepping between Draco and the Basilisk. “She won’t harm you.”

She?” Draco looked like he was on the edge of passing out again. “Harry, that’s a bloody Basilisk—what are you—how are you alive?! Why is it not eating you?!”

Harry reached out, gently placing a hand on Draco’s shoulder. “It’s okay. She’s not under Riddle’s control anymore. She’s free.”

“Riddle…” Draco blinked, and then winced, as if even hearing the name gave him a headache. “I… I remember… bits. Shadows. A voice. A cold voice inside my head. I couldn’t move, I—I saw things but I couldn’t stop myself—”

Ginny was already by Draco’s other side, her voice soft and calm. “It wasn’t your fault, Draco. He tricked you. He used you… the same way he used me.”

That stopped him. His frantic breathing stilled.

“You?” he asked, bewildered.

She nodded, meeting his gaze evenly. “The diary. It was never just a book. It held a piece of him—a memory, a shadow of Voldemort from years ago.”

Draco’s expression twisted. “That… thing in my head… was him?”

Harry nodded. “Yes. And he’s gone now. We destroyed the diary.”

Draco let out a long, shuddering breath. He looked over at the burned fragments of the blackened book, still smoldering near the wall, and slowly, his shoulders dropped. He was shaking.

“I made it petrify Scorpius…” His voice cracked. “I—I couldn’t stop it. I heard him scream. And then it made me take Ginny… I couldn’t… I couldn’t stop it, Harry.”

“I know,” Harry said, gripping his shoulder tightly. “We know. And we don’t blame you.”

Ginny added firmly, “None of us do.”

Draco looked like he might cry for a moment, but instead he gave a jerky nod and drew a hand across his eyes. “So he’s really gone?”

“For now,” Harry said. “That piece of him, at least. The rest… that’s for the future.”

A low rumble interrupted them. The Basilisk had stirred, shifting slightly on the stone, letting out a low, pained hiss.

Draco jolted again, but this time he didn’t bolt.

“She’s hurt,” Ginny said quietly, walking slowly toward the massive creature’s head. “She fought him. Protected us.”

Draco stared. “A Basilisk… protected you.”

Harry gave a small smile. “Not all monsters are what we think. She was meant to guard the school. Riddle twisted her.”

“Typical,” Draco muttered, though he still looked dazed.

Ginny crouched beside the Basilisk’s great head, brushing her fingers gently over a broken scale. The creature’s cloudy yellow eyes blinked once, then closed again in pain. Harry joined her, and together they whispered soft words, ancient words taught by Bagnod, words of calm and healing passed through magic itself.

From their joined hands, a gentle green glow pulsed out, washing over the Basilisk like waves of warm water.

The chamber held its breath.

Behind them, Draco finally rose to his feet, slowly—shaken but standing. And though his limbs were trembling, he stood straighter as he looked at the two people in front of him, shining dimly in the gloom with the power of something far older and deeper than he could comprehend.

He understood something had changed between them.

They didn’t look older.

But they felt ancient.

Harry and Ginny were glowing faintly now—not from light, but from something within.

Draco couldn’t name it.

But he’d seen love before.

He’d never seen this.

And for once, he didn’t envy it.

He respected it.

Far above, rocks still fell in occasional clumps as Amelia, Ron, and the others worked furiously to clear the cave-in and reach the final chamber. The sounds of distant spellfire, grunts, and shouted incantations echoed faintly into the chamber where three children, a freed Basilisk, and the shattered remains of a dark soul stood suspended in the aftermath of war.

The worst had passed.

But the story wasn’t over yet.

The wall finally gave way with a great roar of rock and spellfire.

A blast of dust and fragments sprayed into the chamber as the last obstruction collapsed, and Amelia Bones was the first to step through, her wand lit, eyes sweeping sharply across the eerie, low-lit expanse. Behind her came Sirius, Snape, Kingsley, and McGonagall, followed quickly by Ron, Luna, and Susan—filthy, bruised, but determined.

Their eyes widened instantly at the sight before them.

Harry was crouched beside a great, slumped body—a Basilisk—its scaled chest rising and falling faintly. Ginny was at his side, bloodied and pale but whole, her hand still linked with his. Draco stood behind them, clearly shaken, his wand missing, his posture tense and guilty. The air reeked of magic and something older, fouler—the remnants of dark curses long spent.

“Merlin’s bones,” breathed Amelia, her wand snapping up. “Basilisk!”

“Get away from it!” Kingsley shouted.

“Protego Maxima!” barked Snape, raising a protective barrier in front of the group. “It’s not attacking them—”

But it was too late.

Reflexes honed by battle and fear acted before thought could follow. One of the younger Aurors, his nerves ragged from the long journey, raised his wand instinctively and bellowed, “Confringo!

The Blasting Curse rocketed toward the coiled Basilisk—straight toward her unmoving head.

And Harry moved.

He didn’t think. Didn’t shout.

He threw himself in front of the curse.

NO!

The explosion caught him full in the chest. He flew backward, crashing hard into the stone floor, his wand clattering away with a harsh clang.

Ginny screamed, scrambling to him.

“Harry!”

The world stilled.

The Basilisk’s eyes cracked open weakly, a low, guttural growl escaping her throat—not one of pain, but of instinctive rage.

“Cease fire!” roared Amelia, rounding on the Auror. “You IDIOT! You could’ve killed him—”

“I—he—he was next to the monster—!”

“Stand DOWN!” Sirius bellowed, charging forward to Harry’s crumpled form as Ginny knelt beside him, tears streaking down her soot-streaked cheeks. “Harry, kiddo—Merlin—are you—?”

“I’m fine,” Harry wheezed, though the burn on his robes and the bruising across his ribs suggested otherwise. He coughed once, grimaced, and forced himself up on shaking elbows. “Don’t hurt her. She’s not the enemy.”

Snape was already beside them, eyes scanning Harry with fury and concern. “You absolute fool,” he muttered darkly. “Jumping in front of a Blasting Curse—do you enjoy reckless heroism?!”

“He saved her,” Ginny said fiercely, brushing a hand over Harry’s cheek. “She’s not the enemy. She protected us.”

“She’s a Basilisk,” Ron said, stunned, as he stepped fully into the chamber and got his first proper look at the beast.

“Yes,” Harry said, slowly standing, with Ginny supporting him. “And she was twisted by Tom Riddle. Used. Controlled. She was meant to guard this place, not harm it. I spoke to her.”

“You what?” said McGonagall sharply.

“I’m the true Heir of Slytherin,” Harry said plainly, with no flourish, no drama. Just truth.

A stunned silence followed.

Snape blinked.

So did Kingsley.

Even Sirius looked momentarily lost for words.

Amelia stepped forward cautiously, eyeing the Basilisk. “Is she… under your control?”

“No,” Harry said. “She’s under her own. But she listens to me. Because I speak the truth of her master’s intentions. She’s not a weapon.”

“She almost died,” Ginny added, her voice quiet but firm. “Fighting to protect us.”

Draco, pale and visibly trembling, finally spoke.

“Harry… told the truth.” His voice cracked. “It was me. I—I took Ginny. Hurt Pomfrey. Not because I wanted to. I—I was possessed. Like Daisy. Riddle used us.”

There was a collective intake of breath. Susan and Luna exchanged a horrified glance. Ron stared at Draco with wide eyes. Amelia turned toward Snape and Kingsley, her jaw tight.

“Possession through the diary?” she said flatly.

“Most likely,” Snape confirmed grimly. “A Horcrux, or something like it. I felt the taint in the air before we even entered.”

“We’ll get to that,” Kingsley said. “But first—we need to secure this creature and get the children out safely.”

“She’s not going anywhere,” Harry said quietly. “She’s too weak to move. And she won’t hurt anyone… unless I say so.”

The Basilisk gave a faint hiss, low and tired.

“She… trusts him,” Luna whispered from behind. “I can feel it.”

Amelia didn’t argue. Her sharp gaze lingered on the Basilisk, then shifted to Harry—and in that moment, something softened.

“All right. No one casts a spell unless Harry says. Understood?”

The Aurors and professors all nodded, though some did so with visible hesitation.

Harry turned back toward the Basilisk and laid a hand gently on her blood-crusted scales.

“We’ll help you,” he promised. “Rest now. You’ve done enough.”

She closed her massive eyes once more.

The chamber was still.

For now.

The chamber remained heavy with silence, broken only by the faint, pained rasp of breath escaping the enormous, fallen creature that now lay coiled along the cold, cracked floor. The once-feared Basilisk—its scales dulled, wounds bleeding slowly between fissures in its hide—was no longer a monster but a wounded guardian, collapsed beneath the ancient carved serpents of Salazar Slytherin’s legacy.

Harry stepped forward slowly, Ginny still beside him, their hands entwined tightly.

“She’s hurt,” Harry murmured, approaching the serpentine head that lay resting against the stone. “She fought Riddle. For us.”

Ginny knelt beside the creature too, one hand gently resting against the rough scales. “She needs a name,” she whispered. “Not just ‘Basilisk.’ Not anymore.”

Harry gave a small nod.

“Elira,” Ginny said softly. “Elira of Slytherin. That’s who she is.”

The creature gave a faint tremble of her long, body-length frame in response, eyes still closed. It was not a hiss, not a threat. Just… understanding.

Harry reached forward, stroking her gently behind the enormous ridge of her jaw. “You hear that?” he said softly. “Elira. We’ll help you now.”

Behind them, footsteps approached cautiously—Amelia, McGonagall, Sirius, Kingsley, and Snape, followed by a quiet, shaken Draco and the rest of the group. The initial fear had worn down into wary confusion and dawning comprehension. No one lifted their wand.

Harry turned, his emerald eyes calm but firm. “She’s dying. She won’t last unless we do something.”

“She’s a Basilisk,” Kingsley said slowly, eyes narrowed. “Even magical creatures regulation doesn’t account for how to treat something like her. She’s considered… a weapon.”

“She’s not,” Ginny said sharply. “Not anymore.”

Snape stepped forward. “I agree,” he said quietly, his eyes locked not on the Basilisk but on Harry, whose expression bore the intensity of someone older than his years. “She’s not feral. She’s not hostile. But Harry—no potion known in our world has ever been crafted for… this.”

“Then make one,” Harry said, a touch of that magic-tinged authority in his voice now. “Or at least, something that will keep her alive until she can recover. Just something to help her heal.”

Snape turned to Dumbledore, who had just entered the chamber behind the others, his gaze sweeping the scene—the fallen creature, the shattered diary, the exhausted trio of children, and the glowing residual magic that still shimmered faintly between Harry and Ginny like a gossamer tether.

Dumbledore’s face was lined with deep concern, but also understanding.

“Minerva,” he said gently, “summon Poppy. Have her bring what healing supplies she can carry. Fawkes may have had tears powerful enough to close wounds like these, but short of that, we must rely on knowledge… and faith.”

McGonagall nodded and stepped aside to send her Patronus.

Sirius approached Harry, his voice quieter than usual. “You named her?”

“Ginny did,” Harry replied. “She earned it.”

“I’m with you, kid,” Sirius said. “Just… don’t expect me to ever get used to calling a Basilisk by name.”

Harry gave a brief smile, but it faded quickly. “Professor Snape?”

Snape, already kneeling beside the Basilisk’s side, summoned a small leather pouch from his robes and unrolled it to reveal a selection of rare vials and salves. “I will try,” he said, voice clipped but steady. “Dittany won’t work on scale. But a diluted mix of Murtlap Essence and St. Bartholomew’s Extract may—if absorbed—relieve inflammation and delay internal hemorrhaging.”

“She’s also lost a lot of blood,” Ginny said, her fingers brushing the dried crimson along Elira’s lower jaw. “Can we… replace that?”

“Not magically,” Snape said with a shake of his head. “But if she stabilizes, her magical system may regenerate it naturally.”

Kingsley, meanwhile, had sent two Aurors back through the tunnel with instructions to fetch magical medics and any creature experts from the Department of Regulation and Control. Amelia gave the orders firmly and clearly—this was a magical incident, unprecedented, and would be handled discreetly.

As Snape began gently applying what few salves he could, Dumbledore conjured a shallow basin of enchanted water to slowly feed moisture into the Basilisk’s scales. Ginny transfigured her torn sleeve into a soft cloth to dab gently at Elira’s closed eyes.

She didn’t flinch. She merely breathed, slow and weak, but steady.

“She’s going to need time,” Harry said softly.

“And protection,” Dumbledore added. “The world won’t be ready to understand a Basilisk who protects children.”

“She’ll have us,” Harry said. “And Hogwarts.”

No one argued.

From the back, Ron finally broke the silence, his voice soft but laced with awe.

“She’s beautiful, isn’t she?” he said. “I mean—terrifying, sure. But beautiful.”

Ginny smiled faintly.

“She is.”

And Elira, resting in silence, let out one final, soft exhale that echoed through the chamber like a forgotten sigh of an old guardian finally at peace.

Soon Elira stirred.

A faint shiver rippled through her immense emerald-scaled body as she slowly lifted her head. Her brilliant yellow eyes, though no longer deadly unless Harry willed it, still glowed with a haunting intensity. The healers and professors present instinctively stiffened—wands raised, spells half-formed.

Harry, however, simply stepped forward and placed a gentle hand on the Basilisk's snout. “Easy, girl,” he whispered. “You’re safe now.”

Elira let out a deep, rumbling trill—astonishingly close to a cat’s purr, just amplified a hundredfold through her cavernous lungs. Her great eyes softened as she coiled slightly, nudging Harry’s side with an unmistakable affection. The chamber, once a place of shadows and dread, now echoed with a strange warmth.

Gasps erupted behind him.

“She purred,” muttered Ron faintly, eyes wide.

“Merlin’s beard,” Kingsley said, his usual calm shaken. “She’s tame. He’s—he’s tamed a Basilisk.”

“He didn’t just tame her,” whispered Susan in awe, stepping forward beside Luna. “She… trusts him.”

Ginny stood a little apart, her hand resting over her chest where she could still feel the echo of their soul-deep connection thrumming gently beneath her skin. She said nothing—but her eyes glowed with quiet pride. She understood, without words, the bond between Harry and the creature now. It was more than mastery. It was trust—earned, not taken.

Elira slowly lowered herself back to the ground with a thud that sent a ripple through the chamber. She curled neatly in the vast space, tail looping twice around her length. Her eyes slid closed, though her tongue flicked out once toward Harry before she stilled.

“She’ll stay here,” Harry murmured, turning toward the others. “This was her home long before anyone came to misuse her. She wasn’t meant to be a monster—just a guardian, misled by the wrong master.”

“And now?” asked Snape quietly, his eyes unusually soft.

“Now,” Harry said, “she protects Hogwarts again. Just as Salazar meant her to.”

Dumbledore, standing with his hands behind his back, gave a small approving nod. “A remarkable outcome, Harry. Remarkable, indeed.”

Amelia, wand still in hand, glanced from the sleeping serpent to Harry. “So… this is over?”

“Almost,” Ginny replied. “We still need to get out of here.”

Sirius clapped his godson on the shoulder, grinning despite the grime and exhaustion lining his face. “You never do things the easy way, do you, pup?”

“I think that’s your influence, Sirius,” Harry said dryly.

Snape exhaled. “We need to bring the students to the Hospital Wing. Malfoy appears stable, but mentally he’s frayed.”

Draco, still pale, leaned weakly against the wall near the archway. His eyes kept flickering toward the Basilisk and away again, as if uncertain what had truly happened. His fingers clutched at nothing, his wand still missing. Ginny offered him a reassuring hand, and surprisingly, Draco took it without a word.

With coordinated effort, the professors began casting levitation spells and conjuring stretchers. Sirius carried Draco himself, while Amelia helped Ginny steady herself.

Before leaving, Harry turned once more to Elira. He laid a hand just above her eye.

“I’ll come back,” he promised in Parseltongue. “I swear it.”

A slow flick of her tongue was her only answer, but it was enough.

The climb back up through the newly-forged tunnel was slow and cautious. Pomfrey and the waiting healers gasped when they saw the state of the children, particularly Harry and Ginny, whose robes were bloodied, torn, and soaked with cave dust. But their eyes shone with a strange new light—burnished and bound.

Dumbledore halted beside Harry and Ginny before they reached the Hospital Wing. “You’ve done more than we could ever have asked of you,” he said gently. “And yet… I suspect the ripples from this night will echo longer than any of us know.”

Harry glanced at Ginny, and she nodded, already knowing his thoughts. Because of course she did.

“Yes, sir,” Harry said quietly. “They already have.”

And together—with Draco silent, Ginny steady, and Harry aching in every bone—they stepped forward into the light.

By the time the group emerged from the cavernous depths of the Chamber, the soft, early light of dawn was seeping through the high windows of the Entrance Hall. March 9 had begun. The air was cold and sharp, carrying with it the crispness of a fading winter night. They looked like survivors of a war—robes scorched, wands gripped too tightly, dust and blood smudging their faces.

Professor Sprout was the first to rush forward from where she stood near the staircase, wand drawn in case danger followed behind them. But when she saw the group—Harry at the front with Ginny beside him, Draco pale but upright, and Elira nowhere in sight—she let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

“They’re out!” she cried, and a flurry of movement followed.

McGonagall moved forward with a brisk, anxious stride, her tartan robes flapping behind her. Her stern composure cracked as she reached Harry and Ginny, placing a hand on each of their shoulders. “You two…” she whispered, then cleared her throat and straightened. “Well done.”

Madam Pomfrey didn’t speak; she simply began fussing and scanning with diagnostic charms, eyes darting over Harry, Ginny, and Draco. Behind her, Molly Weasley was sobbing quietly, clinging to Arthur, who held her tightly as he watched his daughter with red-rimmed but proud eyes. Narcissa Malfoy, pale as moonlight, brushed past everyone else and dropped to her knees before Draco, cupping his face.

“My darling… look at me.” Her voice trembled. “You’re safe now. You’re here.”

Draco managed a tired nod and leaned against her shoulder. “He saved me, Mother. Harry… and Ginny too.”

Narcissa looked up at Harry. Her voice was steady now, aristocratic but heartfelt. “You have my thanks, Lord Potter. Not just as a mother—but as someone who knows what you risked.”

Harry nodded humbly. “You don’t need to call me that, Mrs. Malfoy.”

“Yes, I do,” Narcissa replied softly, brushing a strand of blond hair back from Draco’s forehead. “You’ve earned it.”

Amelia and Kingsley coordinated the transfer of the injured—Ginny’s hand still clutched the shattered remains of Riddle’s diary, wrapped in one of the spare cloths they’d conjured. It pulsed faintly with the last whispers of dark magic, before fading into silence completely. Beside her, Harry supported Draco with one arm while his other never left Ginny’s.

Remus Lupin had just returned from the Shrieking Shack, looking worn and slightly ragged. His eyes widened as he took in the group, but when he saw Harry, he broke into a weary smile and pulled him into a strong, quiet hug.

“I heard what happened,” he said. “You’ve done more than anyone could’ve asked of you, Harry.”

Harry leaned into the embrace just a second longer before pulling back. “They’re safe. That’s what matters.”

“Indeed,” said Dumbledore, stepping into the scene with calm, steady footsteps. His eyes, bright behind his spectacles, rested on each of them in turn. “You have done what even most seasoned Aurors would hesitate to attempt. Hogwarts owes you more than it can ever repay.”

Sirius stood beside Amelia, his expression unreadable for once. But when Harry caught his eye, Sirius gave a small nod and mouthed, “Proud of you.”

Nearby, Professor Sprout was now reporting with a hopeful tone. “The Mandrake Solution is nearly ready. I expect we’ll be able to revive the petrified by the weekend—perhaps by Friday night, Saturday morning at the latest.”

Cheers and sighs of relief rippled through the gathered adults and staff.

“Good,” McGonagall said, a rare smile breaking across her tired face. “Then we can begin healing properly.”

The procession to the Hospital Wing was solemn but filled with quiet energy. Professors escorted the students. Molly fussed over Ginny while Arthur tried to stop her from wrapping a second scarf around her daughter. Narcissa walked arm in arm with Draco. Remus and Sirius flanked Harry like sentinels.

Madam Pomfrey had cleared out the entire right side of the infirmary for the injured and the newly returned. The other side remained untouched, where the still petrified students—Daisy, Scorpius, Neville, Rolf, Luna, Samantha, Dudley, and others—lay frozen in magical stasis.

As the beds filled, Pomfrey ordered anyone not bleeding to lie flat, hydrate, and stay under observation. Harry and Ginny, ever stubborn, remained side by side at the edge of Draco’s bed. Despite their exhaustion, they held hands quietly, as if neither could believe the other was truly there.

Ginny whispered, “We did it.”

Harry turned to her, and in the soft light filtering in through the tall windows, he whispered back, “We always will.”

Susan and Luna entered last, looking pale but determined. When they saw Harry and Ginny safe, they rushed to them, both pulling them into a group hug. “We found Myrtle,” Luna whispered. “We found the answer. We just… we didn’t expect it to go like that.”

Susan nodded. “You were incredible. Both of you.”

Harry glanced around the ward and saw the familiar forms of his friends—those waiting to be healed, those now recovering, and those who had risked everything. And then his eyes fell on Daisy.

His chest tightened.

He stepped away from the group and knelt beside his sister’s petrified form, brushing a strand of red hair away from her face. “Soon,” he whispered. “You’ll be alright soon.”

Ginny knelt beside him, laying a hand on his shoulder. “She’ll be back. We’ll explain everything. All of it.”

He nodded, slowly, though his heart still ached. “I just want to tell her it wasn’t her fault. That she was tricked. That I was wrong to doubt her.”

“She knows,” Ginny said softly. “She always knew how much you love her.”

The sun continued to rise outside, and within the Hospital Wing, calm settled at last.

For now, the battle was over.

But the war… was still far from done.

By evening, the Hospital Wing had grown quieter. The sunlight filtering through the tall windows bathed the white sheets and potion vials in a mellow orange glow. Madam Pomfrey, bustling as ever, gave strict instructions as she released each of the six students, though her stern expression softened considerably when her eyes rested on Harry.

Ron had offered to walk Luna and Susan back to their common rooms, Susan supporting Draco with one hand under his arm. Though still a bit pale, the Slytherin boy managed a nod of thanks, his silver-grey eyes more solemn than usual. He hadn’t said much since waking, but his hand had lingered in Ginny’s for a long moment before she stood to leave with Harry.

Ginny lingered near the double doors, glancing back toward the beds with quiet thoughtfulness while Harry remained behind.

"You should be resting," Pomfrey chided gently, crossing her arms as she approached Harry. "What you’ve done down there… taming a Basilisk… even hearing that sentence gives me palpitations."

Harry offered her a sheepish smile. "I know, Madam Pomfrey. I just wanted to make sure everyone else was alright before I left."

She gave a resigned sigh but couldn't hide her fondness. "You never change, Mr. Potter. Always thinking of others first." Then she paused, lowering her voice. “Draco’s still shaken. What Riddle did to him… I hope it hasn’t rooted too deep.”

Harry nodded solemnly. "I'll look after him. We all will."

Pomfrey looked at him with quiet pride, then waved a hand dismissively. “Go on then. But if I see you back here from exhaustion, I will hex you into the next bed.”

"I believe you would," Harry chuckled before stepping out of the ward.

Ginny was waiting just outside, arms folded, leaning against the stone wall. Her expression brightened slightly when she saw him.

“She said she’d hex me into a bed if I overdo it,” Harry muttered as they began walking.

“She likes you too much to hex you properly,” Ginny said dryly, slipping her hand into his without hesitation. “She’d probably just give you Dreamless Sleep and a warm blanket.”

Harry grinned at that. Their footsteps echoed softly through the empty corridor. It was just after dinner, and most of the students were still in the Great Hall. The halls of Hogwarts were unusually quiet for once.

They turned a corner toward the old Transfiguration corridor—unused for years now—where an ancient oak door stood ajar. Waiting inside, as expected, was Bagnod.

He stood near a window, arms clasped behind his back, his heavy goblin-forged staff propped beside him. His expression was unreadable, the deep lines on his face cast into shadows by the soft torchlight. Even now, dressed in rich earthy robes woven with golden thread, he looked more like a figure out of legend than a living teacher.

As Harry and Ginny stepped inside, they bowed formally, out of respect rather than obligation.

"Master Bagnod," they said in unison.

Bagnod turned slowly. His sharp eyes swept over them both, lingering longer than usual—especially on Ginny—before he gave a solemn nod.

"Sit," he said, voice deep and ancient. "We have much to speak of."

Harry and Ginny took their places on the padded stone bench near the window. The air in the room seemed to still as Bagnod studied them.

"You have crossed a threshold from which few ever return unchanged."

Harry met his gaze without flinching. "We tamed the Basilisk. Her name is Elira now."

Ginny's hand tightened around Harry’s. "And we destroyed the diary."

Bagnod’s eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "Yes… I felt the reverberations in the old magic. Two auras entwined so deeply they became one. I warned you, and yet… you have gone beyond what I anticipated. Beyond even what I dared hope."

He paused.

"And that is why I came."

Bagnod’s ancient eyes seemed to glint with the weight of aeons as he stepped forward, his gnarled fingers resting lightly atop his staff. The silence between the three of them was dense, sacred—like the hush before a great revelation.

“You have gone far,” he began, his voice slower now, heavy with meaning. “When I first sensed your bond, it was merely the beginning of a rare magical harmony—something ancient, something precious. Your cores aligned. Your hearts followed. Then your minds. You remember when that became the Love Core Bond.”

Harry and Ginny nodded slowly. The moment was etched into them—the awakening of a deeper connection in the Shrieking Shack, the sensation of something shifting, expanding between them.

Bagnod tilted his head. “But now… after what happened in the Chamber, after what you faced together, something beyond the known laws of magic has occurred.”

He raised his hand and pointed between the two of them.

“You are now soul-bound.”

The words settled like stone in the air.

Ginny sat still, her hand in Harry’s suddenly trembling, though her face was calm. Harry’s breath hitched faintly. His emerald eyes, always so expressive, held a storm of emotion—shock, awe, and something deeper: recognition.

“The Love Core Soul Bond,” Bagnod said slowly, reverently, “is the rarest bond in existence. Even the esteemed Mr. and Mrs. Flamel, with their near-millennium together, share only the Love Core Bond. You—” his voice dropped into almost a whisper “—you have gone beyond.”

Harry and Ginny exchanged a look. Both remembered that old, gilded letter they'd received from the Flamels just after Halloween. It had been kind, welcoming, and full of curiosity. The ancient alchemists had offered to meet them in person, to speak about what the two children had formed, what had never been seen in over a thousand years.

Bagnod continued, drawing their attention again. “This has not happened since the time of the Founders. And even then… only once. It was Rowena Ravenclaw and Godric Gryffindor, though history does not record it plainly.”

Ginny blinked. “Then… what does it mean for us? Really?”

Bagnod exhaled, then began ticking points off with the slow patience of one speaking prophecy.

“It means your hearts, minds, magical cores, and now even your souls… are one. In all things except body—you are one.”

He looked at them sharply. “This is not a binding of force, nor a curse. It is a union of complete harmony. This bond was not forced, not arranged. It formed because your love, your magic, your will—chose it. And because of that…”

He paused.

“You are, in all senses save public ceremony, married.”

Harry felt the air leave his lungs. Ginny’s fingers dug softly into his palm, but neither of them pulled away.

“That doesn’t mean,” Bagnod added with a small flicker of something that might have been amusement, “that you must act as husband and wife immediately. You are young. How you live your life from here is your choice. But understand—there is no greater bond. There will never be another for either of you. No magic, no creature, no curse or spell can sever it.”

Ginny swallowed. “But… we’re still underage…”

Bagnod shook his head firmly. “No longer.”

Both sets of young eyes widened.

“Because of this bond, you are no longer considered underage by magical law. The soul is the seat of magical authority. A soulfully bonded pair is recognized, by the deepest laws of magic, as adults. Independent. Unrestricted.”

Harry’s voice came at last, low and hesitant. “You mean… the Trace—?”

“Gone,” Bagnod confirmed. “It lifted the moment your souls sealed in the Chamber. You may perform magic freely. No wand, no permission, no barrier.”

He stepped forward, holding out his palm. “And more: the final feature of the Love Core Soul Bond has now awakened. You may now communicate with each other through a private telepathic channel—your minds and magic are so aligned that words are no longer always needed.”

Ginny’s eyes shone with wonder. “Just us?”

“Just you,” Bagnod affirmed. “It is locked to your essence and cannot be overheard, interrupted, or replicated. Not even by me.”

Harry felt Ginny’s thoughts brush faintly against his, like the warmth of her hand had become a whisper in his mind.

But Bagnod wasn’t finished.

“There is one more change,” he said, now gazing past them—almost as though seeing into something they could not. “Your phoenix.”

Harry stiffened. “Hinny?”

Bagnod nodded. “Born of your shared love and shaped in your Dreamland. She was once bound to that realm alone. But now, with your souls joined, that boundary is gone. She may now appear in the real world—when truly needed.”

Ginny exhaled slowly, her eyes wide. “She’s… real now?”

Bagnod smiled faintly. “She always was. But now she can answer your call.”

Harry closed his eyes, overwhelmed, but his grip on Ginny’s hand didn’t waver.

“I understand it’s a great deal,” Bagnod said gently, finally lowering his staff and walking over to place a hand on Harry’s shoulder. “But I believe in you both. You are strong. Wiser than your years. The world will not understand what you are… but that does not matter. Magic understands. The world will catch up in time.”

There was a long silence as the two children—no, young soulmates—sat together, holding onto each other as the weight of truth settled softly around them.

They were no longer just Harry and Ginny.

They were one.

Bagnod gave a long, satisfied nod as he looked at the two before him. His sharp golden eyes held approval, but he remained silent for a moment, letting the weight of the moment settle.

Then he spoke, voice solemn and ceremonial.
"Lord Potter. Lady Ginevra. I offer my sincerest congratulations. By all ancient magical law, and by the magic older than time itself, your souls are now bonded. You are, in every truth that matters, husband and wife."

Harry and Ginny didn’t speak immediately. Their eyes met, and in that instant, something clicked—quiet and seamless, like a lock sliding into place. No words were spoken aloud.

But in their minds, for the first time, they heard each other perfectly.

“Can you hear me?” Ginny asked, startled, her voice soft inside his thoughts.

Harry blinked and smiled faintly. “Perfectly, Gin. It’s like your voice is part of my own now.”

“It is.” Her mental tone was warm, gently amused. “We’re in each other’s minds. Fully. This is real, isn’t it?”

He gave the slightest nod, never breaking eye contact. “It is. You’re part of me. Forever.”

Ginny’s eyes grew soft. “Then forever, it is.”

Harry turned to Bagnod, his voice steady and respectful.

“We’ve made our decision, Lord Bagnod.”

Ginny spoke next, her tone matching his in formality. “We understand that magically, and by your customs, we are married. And we accept that. But we wish to keep it… private.”

Harry nodded. “We don’t want the wider world to know—not yet. For the world, Ginny remains a Weasley. But—”

He gently reached out and took her hand.

“—she can be entered in Gringotts records, formally, as Lady Ginevra Potter, wife of Lord Harry James Potter. For legal and magical documentation only.”

Bagnod’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “A wise decision, my Lord and Lady. Very well. I shall enter the marriage contract into the deep vault ledgers. It will be magically sealed and viewable only by those granted your express permission.”

He bowed low, tapping his staff twice against the stone. A pulse of golden light shimmered briefly across the floor before vanishing. The oath was taken, the records summoned.

Ginny looked at Harry through their link. “We did it.”

“We did,” he replied, his heart calm and light for the first time in days.

Bagnod rose again, more formal now. “There is one more matter, Lord Potter. With your soul-bond solidified, you are entitled to update your vaults. I suggest transferring Lady Ginevra’s name to Potter vault records and sealing both of your access with signature magic. Your core and hers are now one—it will allow wandless entry if needed.”

Harry gave a nod. “We’ll do that. Not now—but we will.”

Bagnod raised his brows, then chuckled lightly, which was rare for a goblin. “As you wish. All documentation shall reflect her true role.”

He extended his hand toward a silver parchment that had appeared on the desk beside them. It bore the crest of Gringotts and the ancient emblem of the Soulbound House—a heart, encircled by flame and thorn.

“Should either of you need sanctuary, or protection under goblin law, know this bond now gives you such rights. You are considered sacred kin to our nation—especially as the Heir of the Elemental Elves, Lord Potter.”

Ginny bowed slightly. “Thank you, Lord Bagnod. We’re grateful.”

“And one more thing,” Bagnod added, eyes narrowing slightly as though peering deeper than sight. “Your phoenix—Hinny—she is a creature not born of this world. Her existence, tied to both your hearts and now your souls, is something we’ve not seen since the time before goblins settled Britain. She will be a great protector. Use her wisely.”

Harry nodded. “We will. She chose us.”

As the formalities began to wind down, Bagnod gave them a final bow.

“Then it is done. You may return to Hogwarts with peace in your hearts—and strength in your bond. The path ahead will not be easy. But you will never again walk it alone.”

As they turned to leave, their fingers remained laced, but it was the steady stream of warm, quiet thought between their minds that gave them the most comfort.

“No matter what happens, Gin, we’ll face it together.”

“Always,” she answered softly. “Together, in all things.”

And so they left the  private chamber, soulfully married in secret, hearts calm and steady. Neither the goblins outside, nor the wizards in the world, knew the full truth of what had just taken place.

But Harry and Ginny did.

And that was all that mattered.

By the time Harry and Ginny slipped quietly into the Gryffindor common room, the fire was low, casting a flickering golden glow on the red-and-gold tapestry walls. Ron was curled up fast asleep on the couch closest to the hearth, a half-finished pumpkin pastry resting on the floor beside his dangling hand. Clearly, the exhaustion from the day’s events — the descent into the Chamber, the near-death tension, the final confrontation — had caught up with him at last.

Fred and George looked up from a game of Exploding Snap on the rug, and the moment they spotted Harry and Ginny, both grinned broadly. Their usual mischief was tempered with something deeper — awe, maybe pride.

"Oi, the Basilisk Tamers have arrived," Fred said with a theatrical bow.

"Didn't think you'd one-up our second-year stunt with the swamp until at least sixth year," George added with a grin.

Angelina and Katie, perched on the armchairs, clapped softly. Alicia gave Harry a thumbs-up while Lee Jordan, lounging with one leg slung over the other, gave an exaggerated whistle. There were murmurs of approval all around. Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil whispered to each other, eyes wide, and even Dean and Seamus raised their butterbeer bottles in a silent toast from their corner.

"You alright?" Angelina asked, her tone half-concern, half-curiosity.

Harry gave her a tired smile. “We’re alright. It’s... over. Draco’s safe. Daisy will be too — soon.”

"And the snake?" asked Alicia, though she looked as if she already knew the answer.

Ginny’s eyes sparkled. “Tamed. And she’s not a monster. Just... misused.”

Fred blinked. “You tamed a Basilisk?”

George laughed. “Mate, next time someone brags about wrestling a Hungarian Horntail, just cough politely and say, ‘I married the Basilisk Whisperer.’”

Laughter rippled through the room, easing some of the tension that still clung in the air. No one asked too many questions — not yet. Ron must have told them the bulk of the tale, and they seemed content, for now, to let it lie.

Harry gently squeezed Ginny’s hand, and she smiled back at him — a look of quiet understanding passing between them.

“We’re going to turn in,” Harry said softly, already guiding Ginny toward the stairs.

A chorus of goodnights followed them — some warm, others teasing, all fond.

The boys’ dormitory was quiet, lit only by the faint blue of moonlight through the tall window. Trunks were shut, beds turned down, and the curtains hung still as if the room had been waiting just for them. The others must still be downstairs, soaking in the evening’s triumph and trying to make sense of it all.

Harry shut the door behind them, casting a soft locking charm with a flick of his fingers. Ginny sat down on the edge of his bed, her eyes lingering on him. She looked tired, a little pale, but her smile was radiant, alive with something more than just relief.

Harry stepped closer and cupped her face, brushing her fiery hair back behind her ear. Her eyes closed under his touch.

Then he kissed her.

It wasn’t frantic or desperate — not the kind born of fear or adrenaline. It was soft, slow, reverent. The first kiss of husband and wife, though only their souls and the deepest parts of their hearts knew it.

As their lips parted, their foreheads rested together. They didn’t speak aloud.

“You feel it too, don’t you?” Harry’s voice whispered inside her mind, rich with emotion.

“Every part of me does,” Ginny replied, her thoughts warm and shimmering. “It’s different now. Not just our magic, our bond — it’s like... I am you.”

“And I am you,” he answered. “You’re my home.”

They stayed like that for a while, sitting on the bed, fingers intertwined. Harry pulled the curtains closed around them and waved his hand; the space within shimmered into the soothing blue-gold tones of Dreamland — just briefly, a flash, a memory — before returning to the stillness of the dorm.

They lay together, side by side, clothes still on, not seeking anything but comfort. Ginny rested her head on Harry’s chest as his arms wrapped around her.

Neither of them needed sleep just yet. Instead, their thoughts drifted into each other’s.

“Do you think Daisy is okay inside?”

“Her soul’s still bright,” Harry said, eyes closed. “I saw it. She just... needs time. Elira’s venom will help. Pomfrey’s working on the reversal. It’s not far off now.”

Ginny’s fingers traced lazy circles on his shirt. “I hate that she went through all of that alone.”

Harry’s chest tightened. “So do I. I should’ve—”

“Stop.” Ginny’s tone was gentle but firm. “You did everything. You found the Chamber. You stopped Riddle. You saved Draco. You saved Elira. You even forgave the girl who wrote in the diary.”

Harry opened his eyes, blinking into the ceiling. “I didn’t forgive her. I loved her.”

Ginny kissed his chin. “She knows. She always knew.”

For the first time in days, Harry felt something settle in his chest — a stillness, not of emptiness, but of peace. Not everything was fixed, but they had crossed the storm. Together.

Later, as sleep began to blur the edges of their consciousness, Ginny whispered aloud, “We should visit Elira soon. She’ll want to see us.”

Harry nodded. “We will. And we’ll talk to her properly this time — not in a fight.”

They fell asleep holding each other, minds linked, hearts fused, souls as one. And in the depths of the castle, far below the stone and flame and dream, a great serpent slumbered — curled in the shadows of the Chamber, waiting for her new lord and lady to return.

Above, the night held Hogwarts in silence.

But morning would bring new questions, new stories, and the slow unfolding of truth across the school.

And the Musketeers? They would not be idle for long.

Next Chapter is  Depetrification!!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors.  Well we are done with chamber now I guess. And the bond has reached its final stage too something which started at around chapter 4 I guess and now we are in chapter 129 so I take it's quite a feat. I hope you liked the name Elira . And mind that Draco is emotionally vulnerable he just doesn't want to show it outright. Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 48: Depetrification !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

As expected, when they opened their eyes, it wasn’t to the warm light of the Hospital Wing or the quiet hush of the castle. It was Dreamland—but it felt different now. More vivid. The air hummed with life. The lush green grasses swayed in a wind they could feel on their skin, and the stream beside their favourite tree babbled with a melodic clarity that hadn’t existed before. Everything shimmered faintly, alive with an unmistakable pulse of power.

Harry looked around slowly, then turned to Ginny—his Ginny—her red hair haloed with a soft golden glow. He breathed in deeply. “It’s… changed,” he said quietly.

Ginny nodded. “It’s like we’re really here. Not dreaming. Just… here.”

A soft cry echoed through the clearing. From above, a familiar streak of red and green came soaring down. Hinny.

But she looked older now. Majestic. Her wings were broader, her eyes wiser, and she radiated a deep, protective grace. She circled them once before landing softly before the couple, her feathers rippling with subtle power.

“Hinny,” Ginny whispered, stepping forward.

The phoenix inclined her head, then—unlike any time before—spoke aloud, her voice rich and melodic, resonating in both their minds and hearts.

“The bond is now whole. I am complete… because you are. Husband. Wife.”

Harry stiffened, his green eyes widening slightly. Ginny, though stunned, simply reached out and placed her hand in his. Hinny’s voice was calm, certain.

“I am the flame of your love, born of your heart and soul. And now, I am no longer confined to dreams. You may call upon me in your world, and I shall come.”

She lifted her head, eyes gleaming. “No more hiding from what is true. No more doubting what you are.”

Then, with a final trill of contentment, she launched into the air, flames trailing behind her like a comet as she vanished into the morning sky of Dreamland.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Finally, Ginny murmured, “She called us husband and wife.”

Harry exhaled, slowly. “Because we are.” He turned to her, his voice quieter. “Not just magically. I meant it, Ginny. The vows we said. I may be only twelve—but I don’t care. There’s no one else I’d ever want to say them to.”

“I know,” she whispered. Her hand slipped into his again, fingers lacing tightly with his. “Me neither.”

They sat together beneath their tree, the silence not empty but full of thought.

“She knows everything,” Ginny said eventually. “Of course she does. She’s… part of us.”

Harry nodded. “That means… she knows about the Chamber. About Elira. About… the bond.”

Ginny hesitated. “And now that it’s evolved… it’s not just a magical connection. It’s our hearts, minds, cores and now—our souls.”

There was a long pause.

“We should talk about what we tell people,” Harry said. “The bond… it’s ours. No one else needs to know. Not even the Musketeers. Not now. Not ever, unless…” He trailed off.

Ginny nodded firmly. “Agreed. It’s sacred. Just ours.”

Harry’s jaw clenched slightly. “But the Inheritance… I said I was heir to the Founders in front of the Aurors.That can’t be hidden now.”

“No. You were protecting everyone. You had to. And it’s fine—it’s truth. That you’re the heir to Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Slytherin… and all the rest.” She squeezed his hand. “That part we can’t hide anymore.”

Harry’s gaze dropped to the grass. “I hate how it sounds,” he said bitterly. “All those titles. All that power. I didn’t ask for it.”

“But it’s part of you,” Ginny said softly. “And it’s good that it’s you who has it. You’re the best person to carry it.”

He sighed. “So what do we tell people?”

“We keep the bond and Dreamland and Hinny to ourselves,” Ginny said decisively. “Maybe we tell Mum and Dad—just the bond part. Not the soul part. They’d want to know something that serious happened.”

“Not your brothers?”

Ginny smirked. “Not even if they offered me ten thousand Galleons and a lifetime of chocolate frogs. They’d make a mess of it.”

Harry chuckled.

“Definitely Sirius,” Ginny added. “He’d get it. He already treats us like grown-ups.”

Harry nodded. “And Grandma Tucker. She might not understand the magic part, but she’s family.”

They were quiet again, watching the horizon of Dreamland shimmer as the eternal sun slowly began to rise.

“And the rest?” Harry murmured. “About my powers… the Elf blood, the elemental inheritance…”

Ginny’s eyes narrowed slightly. “That, we control. People only know what we let them know. You’ve always been careful. And I’ll always be right beside you.”

Harry kissed the back of her hand.

“We’re different now,” Ginny whispered.

“We’ve always been different,” Harry said, voice low but certain. “But now… we’re unstoppable.”

Dreamland glowed around them.

And they knew—it was no longer just a secret refuge.

It was their home.

They woke in each other’s arms, the world outside the drawn curtains of Harry’s four-poster bed still steeped in darkness. A rare hush filled the dormitory, the kind that only existed just before dawn. Ginny’s head was tucked beneath Harry’s chin, her fingers curled over his chest, rising and falling in rhythm with his breath. For a moment, Harry didn’t move. He simply held her tighter, anchoring himself in the warmth of her presence.

It was their first night as soul-bound—truly, completely. In every way that mattered, they were already married. Though no one at Hogwarts knew of their bond, this morning felt momentous. Forbidden as it might have been to share a bed in Gryffindor Tower, everything had aligned. No one had noticed. No one had stirred. And more importantly, neither of them had wanted to let go.

Ginny stirred gently, eyes fluttering open to meet Harry’s. A smile touched her lips.

“Morning, Mr. Potter,” she whispered sleepily.

Harry smiled back. “Good morning, Lady Potter.”

They lay there for a few seconds longer, minds brushing wordlessly across their private link. It was still new—this telepathic magic tethered to their love-core-soul bond—but it had already become second nature. Their thoughts moved in harmony like twin stars, orbiting the same center.

“We should get up.”
“We should,” Ginny echoed in his mind. “But this is too nice.”

“Dreamland’s jealous.”

Ginny grinned. “Let it be. It got most nights. We earned this one.”

At last, they slipped from the bed, casting light cleaning charms on themselves and whisper-silencing their exit. No one stirred. The dormitory remained still, Dean and Seamus snoring faintly behind their own curtains.

By the time they emerged into the crisp morning air outside the Tower, the castle was as quiet as the grave—an unsettling comparison, given the truth.

They didn’t speak aloud as they made their way to the lake. Their thoughts danced freely in the private space of their bond.

“Six.”

“Six friends, frozen,” Harry replied grimly. “Daisy, Dudley, Sam… Neville, Hermione, Scorpius.”

Ginny’s hand tightened in his. “We’ll bring them back.”

They dove into the Black Lake without a word, cutting through the water as one. Training their minds to communicate during movement had become a habit. This morning, however, there was a different edge. Their strokes were sharper, more aggressive. Grief and guilt had nestled under their ribs.

“What if it had been you?” Harry asked quietly in her mind.

“It wasn’t,” Ginny said firmly. “Because it couldn’t. Because you would never let that happen. And I wouldn’t either.”

Back on the shore, they dressed quickly, the morning chill biting their skin. Hinny landed gracefully nearby with a soft trill, her feathers ruffling in greeting. Ginny stroked the phoenix’s head gently.

“I think she knows,” she whispered.

“She always knows,” Harry murmured.

When they arrived at the hidden garden behind the ancient greenhouse wall, Blinky was already waiting for them, bundled in a blue-and-gold knitted scarf three sizes too long, cheerfully humming as she floated over a row of glowing moon-lemons.

“Master Harry! Miss Ginny!” Blinky chirped, bowing so low her nose touched the soil. “Blinky prepared the early blooming rootlets you requested!”

Ginny knelt beside her, inspecting the delicate vines. “Perfect as always, Blinky. Thank you.”

Harry watched Ginny smile and work, her hands careful with the plants, and felt something settle in his chest—something calm amid the storm they were still in.

Breakfast was somber.

The usual table-hopping of the Musketeers was absent. The gaps in the Great Hall were too large to ignore. Daisy, Dudley, Samantha, Scorpius, Hermione, Neville… all missing. Their usual chatter, bickering, laughter—it echoed in the silence left behind.

Draco sat near the end of the Gryffindor table, beside Luna and Susan. His plate was untouched. He looked pale, his hands clenched in his lap, eyes staring forward as if still trying to convince himself that his younger brother was safe. The guilt hadn’t faded.

When Harry and Ginny entered, Susan gave them a small nod, Luna a soft smile.

Ginny whispered, “He didn’t sleep again.”

Harry nodded. “We’ll stay with him after breakfast.”

Hermione’s absence felt particularly sharp. Ron sat hunched over, not touching his food, occasionally glancing at her empty seat. He didn’t speak until Ginny gently nudged his arm and pushed a toast toward him.

“Eat,” she said gently. “She’ll hex you if you faint.”

Ron blinked and huffed a quiet, almost-soundless chuckle. “You’re right.” Then, more softly, “I miss her.”

“We all do,” Harry said, voice low. “But we’re getting them back. All of them.”

Around the Hall, murmurs were spreading. The tale of the Basilisk had begun to leak—not the whole truth, not about Elira or the bond—but enough. That the Chamber had been opened, that Harry had gone down alone and come back with Ginny and Draco. That the monster was gone. That Dumbledore had returned. That petrified students might be cured.

And yet, the weight remained.

After breakfast, the three of them—Harry, Ginny, and Ron—walked Draco to the Hospital Wing.

The sight hit hard.

The beds were lined in silence, white sheets drawn up to chests, petrified faces frozen in fear or surprise. Madam Pomfrey and Pyre moved quietly between them, checking signs, adjusting potions, whispering reassurances to the unconscious. Amelia was speaking with a team of St. Mungo’s Healers, coordinating the cure’s preparation.

Daisy looked peaceful. Her red hair was fanned around her face like a crown, her eyes wide and still behind closed lids. Dudley’s hands were clutched as if in mid-run. Samantha’s head was tilted, lips parted as though she were about to shout.

Scorpius had a mirror clutched in one hand. Draco stared at him longest.

“Why didn’t I stop him?” he whispered. “Why did I let him go alone?”

Ginny placed a hand gently on his shoulder. “Because you didn’t know. And you weren’t meant to carry this alone.”

“Neither were you,” he muttered back.

Draco turned, facing Harry directly for the first time since the Chamber.

“I never thanked you. For saving him. For saving me.”

“You don’t have to,” Harry said simply. “We’re family. And family protects its own.”

Draco’s eyes stung, but he nodded once. "Just bring them back, Potter."

“We will,” Ginny said. “We’re almost there.”

Outside, the sun had begun to rise properly, washing the castle in gold. The world, it seemed, had started again—but only halfway.

The Musketeers were scattered. The Board still held Lucius’ leash. The cure was being prepared, but it would take time. Trust had been shaken.

But Harry and Ginny walked on, hand in hand, telepathic thoughts flowing gently between them—silent, strong, and unbreakable.

Their souls were one now. Whatever came next, they would face it together.

And they would bring their family home.

By Friday morning, the tension that had gripped the castle for over two months finally began to lift. The dungeons of Hogwarts — transformed temporarily into a secure brewing ward — had borne the fruits of silent toil. Professors Sprout and Snape, flanked by two healers from St. Mungo’s and under the watchful eyes of Madam Pomfrey and Amelia Black, had worked with rare harmony to perfect the Mandrake Restorative Draught.

They were ready.

Whispers buzzed through the Great Hall all morning, and the news spread like Fiendfyre: the cure was complete. But not everyone would be awakened at once. It had to be done carefully. As a safety measure and out of respect, the process would follow the order of petrification.

Mrs Norris was first.

Filch had been waiting outside the Hospital Wing since dawn, his eyes puffy but dry — the man had long since exhausted his tears. When Pomfrey uncorked the vial and gently poured it into the cat’s slack mouth, the room held its breath. A moment passed. Then two. And then—

The kneazle stirred.

“Mrs Norris,” Filch breathed, falling to his knees. “Oh, my girl!”

The furry creature blinked her glowing amber eyes, stretched slowly, and immediately climbed into Filch’s waiting arms. She purred softly, eyes scanning the room before she tucked herself against his chest.

Harry, who had been waiting near the door, smiled and stepped forward. “She’s going to be fine, Mr. Filch,” he said gently. “She was very brave.”

Filch stared at him — his usual sour demeanor cracked — and gave a stiff nod. “She always is.” Then, more awkwardly, “Thank you, Potter. For... well, everything.”

“I thought she might like this,” Harry added, offering a sleek new enchanted cat bowl, gleaming with engraved runes to keep water cool and food warm.

Filch took it with trembling hands, looked at it as if it were solid gold, and muttered, “She’ll love it.”

Then it was time.

The six Musketeers — Harry, Ginny, Ron, Susan, Draco, and Luna — gathered around Hermione’s bed. The room had been cleared for privacy, and Hermione, still pale and unmoving, lay under a light-blue blanket, her arms crossed over her chest, a tiny mirror still clutched in her hand.

Pomfrey administered the draught carefully.

And slowly, the life returned.

Her eyes blinked open, confusion and terror crashing into them at once. She jerked upright with a gasp, breath coming in rapid pants. “Wh-where am I? What—what’s—?”

Ginny was already at her side, grasping her shoulders gently. “It’s okay! Hermione, you’re safe. You’re in the Hospital Wing.”

Ron stood awkwardly near her feet. “You were... you were petrified,” he said, voice thick.

Harry stepped forward, sitting beside her as he took her hand. “You’ve been frozen since January 15. It’s March now.”

Hermione’s eyes went wide. “March?”

Draco moved to stand beside Luna. “A lot happened. You missed... a lot.”

Ginny gently brushed a curl from Hermione’s temple. “But we’re here now. We’ve got you. We’ll tell you everything.”

And they did. Not all at once, and not all the dark details, but enough to piece it together — the Chamber’s opening, the attacks, the diary, Elira, and the final battle below the castle. They carefully avoided any mention of Harry and Ginny’s bond or the Dreamland.

Hermione absorbed it all, growing paler and more still as the weight of what had happened settled on her. But when she heard that Daisy was among the petrified, she whispered, “Harry... she’s going to be okay, right?”

Harry nodded, eyes soft. “She will be. I promise.”

Then, Penelope Clearwater was revived next.

Percy nearly tackled Pomfrey in his haste, his ears burning bright red. The moment her eyes opened, dazed and blinking, he grasped her face in both hands and kissed her right in front of everyone.

“Well,” Ginny muttered, raising an eyebrow. “Not-so-secret, I suppose.”

Luna tilted her head thoughtfully. “He was humming love songs every evening. Not much of a secret.”

Penelope was still blinking, confused and murmuring about stone mirrors, but she smiled faintly when Percy offered her his arm.

“Blimey,” Ron muttered to Harry. “Percy’s got a girlfriend. The world really has changed.”

Collin Creevey came next.

As soon as the draught touched his tongue, he sat up with a comical yelp, nearly knocking over the tray of potions Pomfrey was holding. His eyes darted around, dazed until he spotted his younger brother and Demelza Robbins charging across the room. Nigel launched himself into Collin’s arms, and the Creevey brothers dissolved into a mix of hugs, tears, and half-spoken apologies.

Demelza punched him lightly on the shoulder.

“You absolute buffoon,” she said, wiping her eyes. “Don’t you ever do that again.”

“Wasn’t exactly my idea,” Collin managed with a grin.

But the joy faded slightly as they prepared for the next awakening.

Neville.

Harry stepped forward. He had insisted on being the one to stay at Neville’s side when the moment came. The draught was poured gently, the vial shaking slightly in Pomfrey’s grip.

Neville stirred.

And the first word out of his mouth was, “Gran?”

Harry blinked, then smiled. “No, mate. Just me.”

Neville stared at him for a beat before his eyes welled. “The basilisk... Rolf... we were—”

“I know,” Harry said quietly. “You tried to protect him.”

Neville’s shoulders slumped as the memories returned. “I failed.”

“No,” Harry said firmly, “you didn’t. You were brave. You did everything right. He’s safe. And so are you.”

Neville nodded faintly, silent tears sliding down his cheeks. Ron passed him a handkerchief, saying nothing.

Rolf was next, revived by a gentle hand from Luna, who sat beside him until he awoke, blinking in confusion. “Is this a dream?”

“No,” Luna whispered. “You’re awake. You’re safe.”

Then came Scorpius.

Draco stood silent beside the bed, his hands balled into fists. Ginny laid a hand on his shoulder, grounding him.

Scorpius stirred almost instantly after the draught. He blinked, looked at Draco — and smiled faintly. “You found me.”

“I never stopped looking,” Draco whispered, falling to his knees beside the bed, forehead resting on his brother’s arm.

Scorpius glanced past him and caught Harry’s eye. “Did it work?”

Harry gave a single, slow nod. “Diary’s gone. Riddle’s gone. You’re safe.”

The final  were the most delicate.

Daisy and Dudley.

And Samantha.

Harry hovered at the edge of his sister’s bed as Snape poured the potion carefully. Ginny stood beside Samantha, who looked smaller than usual in the white sheets.

Daisy’s eyes opened slowly, fear etched into every line of her face. She looked around, her gaze locking on Harry.

“Harry?” she whispered. “I... did I...?”

He was already by her side, pulling her close, holding her tight. “You’re okay,” he whispered. “You’re safe. You didn’t do anything wrong.”

Her arms clung to him like a lifeline. “I burned the diary. I swear I did.”

Harry nodded, though his heart sank with uncertainty. He hadn’t told anyone that she might have written in it. Not yet.

“You did what you could,” he said softly. “I’ve got you. That’s all that matters.”

Dudley woke moments later, blinking in confusion until he spotted Samantha.

“Sam?”

She stirred next. And when her eyes met Dudley’s, something like a spark passed between them.

“You saved me,” she said hoarsely.

“You ran faster,” Dudley replied, voice cracking.

Ginny smiled quietly to herself. Finally.

By evening, the Hospital Wing was no longer silent.

Tears and laughter echoed through its chambers. The Musketeers were whole again. Bruised, shaken — but together.

As they gathered in a quiet circle, sprawled on conjured cushions and wrapped in warm cloaks conjured by Professor McGonagall herself, silence fell once more. Not the painful, empty silence of before, but a full, content one.

“Never again,” Hermione said firmly. “We don’t split like that again.”

“Agreed,” said Neville.

Harry looked around at all of them — Scorpius beside Draco, Daisy leaning on Ginny, Dudley close to Samantha, Luna quietly humming as Rolf leaned against her shoulder. Even Ron and Hermione sat just a little closer than usual.

He nodded.

“Together,” he said. “No matter what comes next.”

The Musketeers’ Room was cloaked in warm candlelight, deep underground and sealed with layers of enchantments only the twelve of them could access. It had become their sanctuary — a place untouched by the chaos of the world above. Tonight, it pulsed with relief, love, and a heavy undercurrent of emotion none of them quite knew how to voice.

Everyone was there now. Whole again.

Scorpius had taken the plush armchair closest to the fireplace, a woolen Gryffindor blanket draped around his shoulders, though not from chill — simply comfort. Luna perched beside him, legs tucked beneath her, eyes dreamy but more focused than usual. Neville sat cross-legged on the floor near the herb racks, absently touching a sprig of dittany. Susan leaned against the wall with her arms folded, but her eyes softened as she watched the group. Hermione was beside Ron, fingers gently curled around his wrist as if ensuring he didn’t vanish. Dudley and Samantha sat side by side on the rug, silent, their shoulders brushing as they leaned close.

Draco stood apart for a moment, pale and collected, until his gaze found Scorpius — and something fractured in his chest. In a rare break, he crossed the room and dropped to one knee in front of his brother.

“I’m sorry,” Draco said hoarsely.

Scorpius blinked, startled — then pulled him into a hug without a word.

Across the room, Daisy had curled against Harry, her head buried in his chest as if trying to hide from everything she'd been through. Harry wrapped his arms around her, chin resting on her soft red hair. Ginny sat next to them, one hand lightly stroking Daisy’s back in quiet support.

After a long silence, Harry finally spoke, voice gentle but steady. “We promised to explain everything. What happened… all of it.”

The group shifted. Attentions focused. No one interrupted. Harry and Ginny took turns — clear, careful, never letting slip anything about the bond, the Dreamland, or their soul-deep connection. Just enough truth to stitch together the picture.

Harry explained how they'd suspected the monster was a Basilisk and how its attacks had worked through reflections — water, mirrors, glass. How the diary of Tom Riddle was the real danger, a fragment of a boy who once called himself Voldemort. How Daisy had been manipulated by it without knowing, how it twisted her fear and used her as bait. Ginny explained how Draco had unknowingly picked up the cursed item, and how he, too, became a puppet — not possessed like a mind taken over, but controlled in spells, actions, thoughts. Subtle, cruel.

Samantha’s eyes welled up, and Dudley squeezed her hand tightly. “We saw him,” she said. “That day. It wasn’t him. Not really. He looked like Draco, but... wrong.”

Draco looked haunted. “I remember… pieces. Flashes.” He stared at his hands. “I felt like I was watching myself from far away. And when it ended… I felt empty. Used.”

Ginny gave a firm nod. “That’s what it wanted. To divide us. To hurt all of you through us. But we stopped it. Together.”

Harry continued, “The Basilisk… her name is Elira. She’s not evil — not anymore. The original purpose of the Chamber wasn’t dark. It was twisted over time. Elira was waiting for someone worthy, and she… chose me. She won’t hurt anyone now.”

The silence that followed was thick, not with fear — but awe.

Hermione whispered, “You tamed a Basilisk?”

Harry didn’t look proud — just tired. “It wasn’t about taming. It was about understanding.”

Luna smiled, soft and moonlit. “Of course she listened. You speak in truth-light.”

That earned a few quiet chuckles, even from Susan.

Ginny then shifted to talk about how they'd found Myrtle, how her story finally revealed the Chamber’s entrance. How it had all come down to a desperate race — how Ron had ended up trapped, how the others carved a path through the walls of Hogwarts itself. And finally, how the diary was destroyed with Basilisk venom — not just ending the attacks, but saving Draco in time.

Neville was quiet for a moment, then said softly, “So it’s over?”

Harry looked around the circle of faces — bruised, healing, but strong. “Yes,” he said. “For now.”

Samantha tilted her head. “What about the diary? The magic in it?”

Ginny answered, her voice steady. “It’s gone. Destroyed fully. There’s nothing left of Tom Riddle in this world.”

Susan crossed her arms. “And the professors?”

“They know,” Harry confirmed. “Most of it. We told Dumbledore, Snape, McGonagall, and Amelia. They’re making sure nothing like this can happen again.”

Luna murmured, “The castle is breathing easier.”

Daisy shifted in Harry’s arms then, pulling back to look up at him. Her hazel eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’m sorry, Harry… for fighting with you. For not listening. For everything.”

Harry cupped her cheek. “No. You were scared. And I let you feel alone.” His voice cracked slightly. “I promised I’d protect you. And you still got hurt.”

Daisy blinked, and a tear slipped down. “But you did protect me. You always do.”

He pulled her close again, whispering, “Never again. I’m not losing you.”

Across from them, Draco sat down beside Scorpius now, one hand still resting lightly on his younger brother’s knee.

Scorpius gave him a small smile. “You saved me, you know. Ginny said you held on. You didn’t let him win.”

“I almost didn’t,” Draco admitted, voice raw. “But you were in danger. And I remembered who I am.”

Scorpius nodded. “You’re my brother. And I’m proud of you.”

The room remained quiet for a long time after that, filled only with the occasional crackle from the fireplace and the hush of deep, steady breathing. Each Musketeer had been scarred by what had happened — some in ways that would take time to heal. But they were whole now. Together.

Finally, Ron yawned theatrically. “Well. I vote we sleep right here. No way I’m letting any of you out of my sight.”

Everyone chuckled, and the idea quickly became a plan. House-elves would tidy the mess later. For tonight, mattresses and blankets appeared, conjured by Hermione and Harry. They sprawled out like children at a sleepover, laughter easing the tension. Someone passed around pumpkin pasties from a secret stash. Luna hung a handful of enchanted starlights overhead, and Ginny rested her head on Harry’s chest, heart to heart.

Daisy curled beside them.

And as the last candle flickered low, and the Musketeers dozed off one by one, peace settled like a long-forgotten lullaby.

The battle had been won. The scars would remain.

But so would they — twelve hearts bound by more than fate.

A family.

The morning sun filtered gently through the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall, casting a soft golden hue over the rows of buzzing students. The long tables were alive with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of cutlery on plates—life had fully returned to Hogwarts. The petrified victims were back, each surrounded by concerned and cheerful friends, retelling their last memories before the world had turned to stone.

Samantha, freshly recovered, was finishing her second helping of pumpkin toast when the doors of the Great Hall slammed open with a dramatic bang. Heads turned as Remus Lupin strode in, still in travel-worn robes, his eyes frantically scanning the room.

“Where is she—where is my Sam?” his voice trembled, unusually loud.

Samantha blinked, barely managing to stand before she was swept up in his arms.

“I’m fine, Professor—Dad—I’m really okay,” she murmured, her voice muffled against his chest.

Remus held her tighter. “I missed the Mandrake draft… I was delayed in Scotland on emergency business, I didn’t know they'd do it last night—oh, Merlin, Sam…” He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, brushing her hair back gently. “I should’ve been here.”

“You’re here now,” she smiled, hugging him again. “Besides, you’re the best dad ever. I waited. And Dudley and Luna kept sitting by me every evening.”

From nearby, Dudley gave a proud thumbs-up with a grin, while Luna twirled a spoon between her fingers, nodding serenely. “You hummed in your sleep,” she said cheerfully.

Laughter broke out around the Ravenclaw end of the table—but it was nothing compared to the scene that suddenly exploded at Gryffindor’s end.

A sharp crack rang out as Rose West stormed up to Scorpius Malfoy and delivered a resounding slap across his cheek. The entire table froze.

“You IDIOT!” she yelled. “You got petrified and didn’t even think to tell me?!”

“I—what?” Scorpius gawked, completely confused, holding his cheek in stunned silence.

Before he could say anything else, Rose grabbed the front of his robes, pulled him close, and kissed him fiercely. Wolf whistles and applause erupted down the table. Ginny raised an eyebrow at Harry, who shrugged, amused.

But just as Scorpius looked dazedly pleased with himself, slap! — she hit him again, this time on the opposite cheek.

“You could’ve written after they revived you last night! Do I mean nothing to you?!”

“I didn’t have a quill! I barely had my legs working!”

Another kiss silenced him.

The Hall exploded in laughter now, even Professors Flitwick and Sprout smiling at the far table, while McGonagall tried and failed to hide her smirk behind a teacup.

From the Slytherin table, Draco whispered to Daisy, “Now that’s a girl with bite.”

Daisy smirked. “She’s a West. They invented dramatic entrances.”

Ginny, sitting beside Harry, leaned against him lightly. “Should we have a public scene too? Maybe I should slap you for being too perfect.”

Harry gave her a lopsided smile, his voice low. “If you slap me, I’ll have to kiss you. Then McGonagall might faint.”

Ginny grinned, a flash of challenge in her eyes. “Tempting…”

From across the table, Ron, stuffing a sausage into his mouth, mumbled, “Oi! None of that Hinny mush this early. We’re still traumatised, thanks.”

“Hinny mush?” Hermione looked up, half-laughing.

“That’s their couple name now,” Neville said, nodding solemnly. “We’ve voted. It’s canon.”

“I second that,” Susan added.

“I third,” said Luna dreamily. “Hinny, the eternal flame.”

The banter continued over breakfast, light and healing. Hogwarts hadn’t just survived darkness—it had come back stronger.

Near the staff table, Sirius and Amelia sat side by side, exchanging quiet words. Sirius looked unusually serious, his eyes flicking between Harry, Ginny, and the others.

“They’re growing up too fast,” he muttered.

Amelia nodded, her hand resting gently on his. “And yet, they’re still children when they laugh.”

From behind them, Snape approached and murmured, “For once, I must agree.”

Sirius gave him a sideways glance. “Blimey. The world has changed.”

Snape ignored him. His dark eyes lingered on Harry for a long moment, then on Daisy—now deep in conversation with Samantha and Dudley.

“Let them have their peace. They earned it.”

Amelia looked toward the students. “We all did.”

Just then, the doors to the Great Hall opened again—this time more gently—and Hagrid walked in, his face red with emotion, and his beard slightly tangled.

“Was takin’ care o’ the Mandrakes’ roots an’ jus’ got word—yer all back!”

He lumbered forward, wiping his eyes on a massive handkerchief as he looked at the seated Musketeers.

“Yeh gave me quite a fright, yeh lot. I was real worried 'bout yeh.”

Neville stood and hugged him first. “You’re the best, Hagrid. We missed you too.”

Then Dudley, then Luna, then Susan joined in. The hug pile grew fast.

Samantha tugged Harry’s sleeve. “I have a crazy idea.”

“Oh no,” Harry said, mock-fearful.

“We should throw a Musketeers Re-Depetrification Party.”

“A what?”

“A celebration,” Susan grinned. “Games. Butterbeer. Wobby’s dessert table.”

“Midnight. Common Room secret tunnel?” said Daisy, eyes gleaming.

“I’ll handle the music,” said Draco, polishing his prefect badge with exaggerated flourish. “And don’t worry—I’ll make sure it’s legally loud.”

“And I’ll bring the sparklers!” piped Luna.

Harry just laughed. “All right. Let’s make it happen.”

Ginny leaned in, whispering, “You know what this feels like?”

He turned to her.

“Like the first sunrise after a storm,” she said, her eyes warm and full of light.

Harry smiled, brushing a curl behind her ear. “Then let’s never forget it.”

And beneath the enchanted sky, the world of Hogwarts was, once more, aglow with life, laughter—and love.

That evening, the Great Hall was still buzzing with the afterglow of laughter and joy. Students sat in a mix of houses as usual, the Musketeers dominating the central tables with their usual presence — cheerful, unified, and loud. Daisy and Draco were in the middle of a playful debate over Honeydukes flavours, while Ginny and Hermione were comparing their Herbology essays, occasionally elbowing Harry between them. Susan had braided Luna’s hair with tiny flower charms she’d conjured herself, while Neville proudly showed off Trevor’s new golden ribbon collar, courtesy of Dudley. All was well.

The golden plates filled and refilled with steaming roast chicken, buttery potatoes, and fresh pumpkin bread. The enchanted ceiling glowed with the mellow lavender of twilight, flecked with starlight. And then, the chattering lowered into expectant murmurs as the Head Table rose to full height, and Dumbledore stood, his sky-blue robes shimmering faintly, half-moon spectacles glinting in the candlelight.

He raised a hand and smiled.

"Good evening, students, staff… and heroes," he began warmly, his eyes twinkling as they rested briefly on the Musketeers. “As most of you know, I had been… absent for a short while. But I am happy to announce that, as of today, I am officially reinstated as your Headmaster. I thank Professor McGonagall for her steadfast leadership in my absence.”

A wave of applause rose — especially from the Gryffindor table, where McGonagall nodded ever so slightly, lips twitching into a smile despite herself.

Dumbledore continued, “Now, on to something I know many of you have been worried about — exams.” That drew groans and scattered snorts across the hall. Dumbledore’s smile widened.

“While the Chamber of Secrets incident has been resolved — thanks to extraordinary bravery by several of our students — the school year has been, shall we say, interrupted. Many of you, even those not directly affected, have endured stress, danger, and fear over these last two months. And though we did not lose our beloved school to darkness… we came close.”

His tone softened.

“Therefore, after discussions with all staff, I am pleased to inform you that final exams for this academic year are hereby cancelled for all students below O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. levels.”

The Great Hall exploded in gasps, then jubilant cheers. Fred and George leapt up together with twin yells of “Wicked!” and slapped high-fives down the table. Scorpius looked momentarily shocked, then glanced at Rose, who smirked and shrugged. Even Hermione’s eyebrows jumped — though she still looked slightly conflicted.

Dumbledore raised his hand again for silence.

“However,” he said, his voice now kindly firm, “classes will continue until June as usual. There will be lessons, assignments, and project work — not as a punishment, but because learning is a gift we must never take for granted.”

He glanced toward the upper years.

“O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. level students will, of course, continue to prepare for their scheduled examinations. I know you will rise to the challenge.”

Percy Weasley looked deeply satisfied at that, while Penelope Clearwater gave him a smug nod. Oliver Wood seemed to breathe a sigh of relief — perhaps already planning to focus more on Quidditch strategies than revision.

Dumbledore’s expression grew solemn.

“Hogwarts has weathered yet another storm. And it has done so because of courage, friendship, and unity across houses. I am proud of all of you. But I must say, some among you…” His gaze lingered on the twelve Musketeers. “...have redefined what it means to stand for each other. You have reminded us that bravery is not the absence of fear, but the will to act despite it.”

Harry looked down at his plate, cheeks flushing faintly. Ginny slipped her hand into his under the table. No one else noticed — and that’s how they liked it.

“Let us eat, then,” Dumbledore concluded, twinkling once more, “for the future is bright, and there are still puddings to be had.”

The Hall burst into cheers again, and moments later the dessert platters appeared — treacle tart, chocolate gateaux, fruit crumbles, and iced lemon biscuits among them.

Fred promptly threw a chocolate frog at George’s head. Neville declared loudly that this was the best day ever. Hermione finally sighed and muttered, “Well, I suppose I can start that Charms essay next week instead.”

Across the table, Scorpius leaned toward Rose and murmured, “You slapped me twice and kissed me twice. Should I be scared or flattered?”

Rose narrowed her eyes playfully. “Both.”

Draco snorted into his pumpkin juice while Luna dreamily sketched what appeared to be a Nargle with a graduation cap.

In a far, far quieter place, in the silence of two joined minds, Ginny whispered telepathically, “We did it, Harry. They’re all safe.”

Harry’s answer came instantly, full of warmth, wonder, and the bond only they shared: “We did. And we’ll always keep them safe.”

The plates glimmered in golden candlelight. For once, there was no mystery, no threat, no shadow lurking behind the smiles.

Hogwarts — for now — was truly home.

The next few days passed in a warm, quiet blur. Spring sunlight filtered through the castle’s many windows, casting golden patterns across polished floors and ancient stone. The mood throughout Hogwarts was lighter, freer — though the memory of the Chamber's horrors hadn’t faded, it no longer clung to the air like a stormcloud. There was laughter again, not the nervous kind from before, but true, carefree bursts echoing through corridors and classrooms alike.

Classes resumed fully, and though exams had been cancelled for most, every professor took their lessons seriously. McGonagall had immediately returned to her brisk, no-nonsense instruction, though even she now smiled more often than she used to. Professor Sprout guided her students into the greenhouses with renewed energy, often chuckling at Neville’s increasingly confident answers. Flitwick’s charms lessons brimmed with animated excitement — literally — as desks danced and quills performed ballets mid-air. Even Snape, though still sharp-tongued and precise, had a strange patience to his teaching these days, especially toward the Musketeers. And it hadn’t gone unnoticed how he praised Harry’s essays more than once in front of the entire class.

But without a doubt, the biggest transformation came in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom.

Remus Lupin was a revelation. Calm, confident, and quietly humorous, he quickly won over the students of all houses. He taught not just spells but understanding — of danger, of choice, of control. His lessons were practical, engaging, and occasionally peppered with tales from his youth that had even Fred and George hanging on every word. He never shouted. He never needed to.

"Professor Lupin's cool," Neville whispered to Harry one morning after class. "It’s like… he actually believes in us."

Harry grinned. "That’s because he does."

The Musketeers in particular took to Remus instantly, though few knew of the personal bonds behind their easy rapport. He didn’t treat Harry or Daisy or Samantha any differently than the rest — but his eyes often lingered with unspoken warmth. Once, after class, he’d smiled softly and said to the group, “You’re all growing faster than Hogwarts can keep up.”

They had laughed, but later that night, Harry thought about it as Ginny curled into his side in Dreamland. We really are, he murmured through their link. Too fast maybe.
Ginny only smiled, pressing a kiss to his cheek. Not fast. Right.

As days passed, a new topic began dominating the corridors — elective selection. Forms had been sent from the Deputy Headmistress’s office to all second years, and soon questions about Ancient Runes versus Arithmancy, Divination versus Care of Magical Creatures flooded the conversations during meals and study hours.

“Divination sounds like nonsense,” Hermione announced at breakfast, frowning over her form. “Honestly, crystal balls? Tea leaves? Why not just guess your fate from toast crumbs?”

Ron, beside her, shrugged. “Still better than numbers. Arithmancy sounds like a fancy way to torture us with maths.”

“You’ll both end up taking everything,” Draco drawled from across the table, smirking. “Because that’s what Golden Musketeers do.”

Harry chuckled, sipping pumpkin juice. “We’ll see.”

On Saturday morning, the call came. All second years — regardless of house — were to assemble in the Great Hall for a special session regarding third-year electives. Classes were off for the day, and the silver Musketeers had taken the morning off to help in the secret garden with the elves, while the older ones made their way together to the Hall.

The Great Hall had been rearranged, with benches and chairs lined across the center rather than at house tables. The ceiling above showed a brilliant blue sky, clouds lazily drifting. At the head stood Professor McGonagall, parchments in hand, looking as stern and composed as ever, though her tartan cloak swung smartly as she moved. Behind her stood Professors Vector, Babbling, Kettleburn, and Trelawney — all in a row.

Golden Musketeers slipped in together and found seats near the front. Harry sat between Hermione and Ron, with Draco and Susan just behind. The other second years filed in soon after, chatting softly.

“Bet you Trelawney's going to talk about doom,” muttered Neville.
Hermione snorted. “That’s her whole personality.”
Susan leaned over to Harry and whispered, “Wanna guess who’s going to fall asleep first?”
Harry grinned. “Seamus, no doubt.”

The hall slowly quieted as McGonagall stepped forward. The students straightened, attention sharpening. They knew this was more than just another lecture. This was the first step toward shaping their next year — and in many cases, their future.

“Good morning,” McGonagall said, voice crisp. “You are all aware that, next year, you will begin your third year at Hogwarts. Along with your current core subjects, you will have the opportunity to select elective subjects — at least two, though more are permitted if you feel up to the task.”

She paused, sweeping her gaze across the students.

“These electives are a vital part of your magical education. They will introduce you to disciplines you have not yet encountered, some of which may influence your career paths.”

She lifted the stack of parchments. “We will go over each subject briefly. Afterward, you will receive these forms to select your choices. You may discuss them with your Heads of House, your guardians, or any professors you trust. Final submissions are due by the end of this month.”

A hush settled over the hall.

McGonagall turned slightly. “Now, each professor will speak about their respective subject. Please pay attention. There will not be a quiz — but there will be consequences for foolish decisions.”

A few nervous chuckles rippled through the crowd.

Hermione leaned in toward Harry, whispering, “I want to take everything.”

Harry smiled. “Of course you do.”

Ginny’s voice came gently in his mind from somewhere far across the castle, Don’t forget to listen carefully. I want your thoughts on which two I should take.

You’ll get them, Harry replied instantly, smiling to himself.

Next Chapter is Electives !!!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. Well now they are back again and school is getting normal again. And let's see the new electives in next chapter.   Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

Chapter 49: Electives !!

Chapter Text

Disclaimer: I only own the plot , if any text from original source is used then they would belong to one and only J.K. Rowling. Hope You Like it.

Hey Before you start reading chapter there is a thing I needed your opinions on. Pls do check it out, it's in Author's Notes. !!

Before the professors could begin their presentations, Professor McGonagall held up a hand, signaling for silence once more.

“Before we begin,” she said, her voice firm and clear, “let me name the electives available to you.”

There was a small rustle of excitement among the students as they leaned forward. Everyone already knew the basic list, but this was official now — and there was anticipation in the air for the new additions everyone had been whispering about since autumn.

“Up to this academic year,” McGonagall continued, “Hogwarts has offered five electives beginning in third year. These are: Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, and Muggle Studies.”

She gave a slight pause, letting her words settle.

“However,” she added, eyes narrowing slightly behind her square spectacles, “as you may have read in The Daily Prophet, and as most of you were no doubt aware due to the unfortunate events of October tenth last year — a Wizengamot ruling passed during the disciplinary trial for the  Minister for Magic approved two new electives to be added to the Hogwarts curriculum beginning next year.”

Excitement bloomed through the Great Hall now. Harry saw Lavender Brown bouncing slightly in her seat, and even Blaise Zabini looked mildly intrigued. Susan Bones gave Harry a little smirk from the next row, clearly remembering how Harry had been central to that entire ruling.

“These new electives,” McGonagall continued smoothly, “are: Healing & Magical Medicine, and Dueling & Magical Combat. They are entirely optional, as with all electives, but carry weight for future career paths and advanced certifications, particularly in Auror training, Cursebreaking, and Medi-wizardry.”

She stepped back, giving the floor to the first speaker.

“Professor Kettleburn, if you please.”

The elderly man hobbled forward with his usual enthusiasm, his wooden prosthetic leg thumping softly on the polished stone floor. His wiry grey hair looked more unkempt than usual, and he gave the students a beaming, gap-toothed grin.

“Care of Magical Creatures,” he began, “is not just about feeding Hippogriffs or dodging Nifflers, though both are quite fun, I must admit.” A few students laughed nervously.

“It’s about understanding the diversity of magical life, the ecosystem of magical beings — and how vital they are to our world. Whether you go into magical creature law, beast management, research, or even wandlore, a foundation in this subject can prove essential.”

He paused, eyes twinkling beneath bushy eyebrows.

“Plus, it’s rarely boring. Occasionally dangerous, but always educational.”

More laughter, especially from the Gryffindor section. Ron leaned over to Harry and whispered, “Didn’t he lose half a finger to a Puffskein once?”

Harry grinned. “It was a baby manticore, actually.”

Kettleburn raised a hand theatrically, still smiling. “Now — I must admit — I may not be your professor next year. My knees aren’t quite what they were, and I’ve been offered a rather exciting project with the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.”

A few students looked disappointed, but he chuckled.

“Whether or not I stay, the class will continue. Possibly even with someone younger and sprightlier than me. But I assure you — the magic of magical creatures will always be worth your time.”

He gave a slight, stiff bow, then turned back toward the professors' row.

McGonagall stepped forward again, nodding with polite gratitude. “Thank you, Professor Kettleburn.”

The hall fell into quiet once more, and all eyes now shifted to the next professor preparing to speak.

As Professor Kettleburn stepped away from the center of the hall, the tables buzzed with low murmurs and crackles of parchment. House-elves had neatly passed around thin, folded brochures — each bearing the Hogwarts crest and titled in bold curling font: Care of Magical Creatures: Course Overview and Career Pathways. The students bent over them eagerly, some with curiosity, some with mild concern.

The brochure was warm and surprisingly vivid. It described encounters with Hippogriffs, Thestrals, Mooncalves, Nifflers, Bowtruckles, and even hinted at special permission visits to dragon preserves. There were photos — animated sketches of creatures snuffling around or flapping tiny wings — and a career list on the back from Magizoology to Magical Transportation.

While others pored over their papers, Harry sat back slightly in his seat, eyes a little unfocused. To the average observer, it looked like he was simply thinking — but anyone watching more closely, like Susan or Draco, might’ve noticed the faint flicker of attention behind his emerald eyes, the way his lips twitched now and then without sound.

In truth, he wasn’t alone in his head.

"So what do you think, Gin?" he asked silently across the link, his thoughts flowing effortlessly to where Ginny rested on the Gryffindor common room couch.

The redhead was curled up in her favorite armchair, Kluer stretched across her lap purring rhythmically, fur slowly shifting from soft blue to leafy green — calm and comforted. The fire crackled nearby, and she had her own copy of the brochure beside her, even though she wouldn’t need it for another year.

"It sounds amazing," Ginny responded without hesitation, her voice soft in his mind, laced with a quiet thrill. "Especially the bit about Bowtruckles and forest preservation. Elves like Wobby would love that sort of lesson."

Harry smiled faintly. "I thought you’d like that. I’ll definitely take it — whether or not Kettleburn stays."

"Me too next year. But for now, you’ll tell me everything anyway," she added warmly, and he felt her squeeze his heart the way only she could — the bond echoing with layered joy, safety, and affection. "We're already in every class together… even if I'm not there physically."

"Always," he replied silently.

Meanwhile, back in the real world, Hermione Granger was attempting to spark a conversation just across from him. She leaned in, her eyes bright with ideas.

“Well,” she began, clutching the Care brochure in one hand and flipping to the back, “I think this one’s incredibly useful. Not only is it practical, but it also overlaps with Herbology, Transfiguration, and even some Defense theory. What do you think, Harry?”

Harry blinked and gently returned to the present. “Yeah — I was just thinking the same. Some of the careers seem brilliant.”

“Exactly!” she said, clearly pleased. “I mean, even if someone doesn't want to work with dragons, understanding creature law is essential. Don’t you think, Neville?”

Neville nodded slowly. “My gran says Magizoologists are rare. And rare means good job opportunities.”

Susan, across from Hermione, tapped her quill against her parchment thoughtfully. “I wonder if we’ll actually get to see a live Hippogriff. My aunt says you need a license to keep them.”

Draco snorted lightly. “My father always says they’re ill-tempered, but I met one last summer at a gala. She was dignified… and smarter than half the people there.”

Hermione raised an eyebrow. “You mean a gala with magical creatures?”

“No — with nobles and Ministry snobs,” Draco replied dryly. “The Hippogriff was just a guest. Honestly better company.”

That got a quiet chuckle out of Ron, who leaned closer to Harry and whispered, “Ten Galleons says Malfoy ends up liking this class more than anyone.”

“Wouldn’t take that bet,” Harry murmured back, smirking.

Around them, the other second-years were chatting animatedly in their house groups. Terry Boot was scribbling pros and cons on a self-drawn chart. Hannah Abbott and Justin Finch-Fletchley were discussing how it might tie into healing. Blaise Zabini, Tracey Davis, and Daphne Greengrass were exchanging sarcastic commentary while eyeing Kettleburn's retreating back.

At the front, the professors were quietly switching places again.

No one had yet mentioned how many electives one could take — a question clearly lingering in everyone’s minds. Most were assuming two, maybe three. But with the addition of Healing and Dueling, the choice was harder than ever.

As the murmur died down again, McGonagall cleared her throat sharply.

“Next,” she said, “Professor Trelawney will speak to you about Divination.”

Several students braced themselves.

Professor Trelawney emerged from the shadows of the side archway as though she had been waiting for a dramatic entrance — swathed in layers of lacy shawls and flowing silks in muted purples and deep greens. Her thick glasses magnified her already wide eyes, making her expression perpetually startled. A few second-years exchanged weary glances even before she opened her mouth.

“Greetings, children,” she said in her mistiest voice, clutching a dangling silver chain that held a moonstone pendant over her heart. “I sense… great uncertainty in this hall today. Uncertainty about your paths… your destinies… your futures…”

She glided toward the platform as if carried on a breeze only she could feel. McGonagall, now seated off to the side with her ever-pronounced tight expression, pinched the bridge of her nose discreetly.

Trelawney raised both hands dramatically.

“Divination,” she intoned, “is not merely a subject… it is an art. It is the perception of the invisible… the ability to read the currents of fate… to peer beyond the veil…”

Ron whispered under his breath, “And into the bin.”

That earned him a silent elbow from Hermione, though she was clearly trying not to roll her eyes. Even Draco, otherwise respectful to professors, was unsuccessfully hiding a smirk behind his fingers.

“Those of you,” Trelawney continued, eyes scanning the hall as though reading invisible auras, “gifted with the Inner Eye will find this class transformative. We shall explore the mysteries of crystal balls, tea leaves, fire gazing, dream interpretation, numerology, and, of course… astrology.”

Harry leaned slightly back again in his seat, tuning out most of the airy monologue. He heard Ginny snort softly in his mind from the common room.

"No offense to her, but if I want to understand my dreams, I’ll just ask you."

"Fair." He tried not to laugh out loud. "Also, we’ve both seen more in one shared dreamwalk than this class will cover in three years."

"Exactly. And we don’t need tea leaves when Kluer literally changes colours with moods."

Back in the hall, Trelawney finished her reverie-like explanation and bowed slightly — though no one had really clapped.

“Thank you, Sybill,” McGonagall said briskly, standing again. “Students, as before, you will now be handed brochures for Divination and may take a few minutes to read them and discuss.”

Small folded pamphlets fluttered onto the tables, carried by a coordinated stream of floating trays, delivered by unseen elf-magic. They had ornate borders and stars etched into them, but the inside was filled mostly with vague phrases and stylized art: clouds forming faces, hands holding eyes, and elaborate zodiac wheels.

As students opened them, the reactions varied.

“Complete rubbish,” Hermione whispered to Harry, who raised a brow.

“She mentioned dream interpretation. Sounds familiar,” he said softly, shooting her a teasing look.

“I meant academically,” Hermione muttered.

Draco leaned toward them. “My mother took it in her time. Said it was entertaining but not remotely useful. Then again, she did use her crystal ball to try and pick stock investments.”

Neville frowned. “It says here that Divination ‘is a study best suited for those with inherent talent’… so, if you’re not born with it, you’re basically wasting your time?”

“Pretty much,” Ron muttered. “I’ll be skipping this unless I feel like learning to be ‘doomed’ every second lesson.”

Susan pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Aunt Amelia once said prophecy and Divination are dangerously close… makes me wonder how much of it’s real and how much is dramatic flair.”

“It’s real for Seers,” Harry said quietly, glancing at the brochure. “But those are rare. Even Dumbledore said it’s one of the most imprecise branches of magic.”

Hermione nodded eagerly. “Exactly. There’s no way to test or quantify it.”

Across the hall, some students looked intrigued — Padma Patil and Lisa Turpin were earnestly flipping through the pamphlets, while Millicent Bulstrode looked genuinely interested. Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass, on the other hand, were discussing it with dry amusement, and Ernie Macmillan was dramatically reading his “fated path” aloud to make his table laugh.

Soon enough, McGonagall called, “Enough for now. Next elective explanation will begin shortly. Prepare yourselves.”

The hall settled again, brochures tucked away or abandoned on the table as a new figure approached the front — Professor Septima Vector, sharp-eyed and precise, with ink-stained fingers and a no-nonsense air.

Professor Septima Vector stepped up to the dais with a crisp nod to McGonagall and a firm gaze at the gathered second-years. She was a tall witch with angular features, her jet-black hair tied into a severe bun, robes neatly pressed, and spectacles perched low on her nose — the kind of figure who inspired silence without needing to ask for it.

“Good morning,” she began in a clear, unwavering tone. “I am Professor Vector, and I teach Arithmancy — the magical study of numbers, numerical patterns, and their predictive properties within the structure of magic.”

The entire hall seemed to straighten just a little. Her voice held neither the theatrical mistiness of Trelawney nor the gruff affability of Kettleburn. It was sharp, concise, and confident.

“Arithmancy is not fortune-telling,” she continued firmly, likely in deliberate contrast to Trelawney’s speech. “It is a precise and logical discipline. You will study the magical properties of numbers, equations that govern spell interactions, magical structure analysis, and probability matrices in magical systems.”

Hermione visibly perked up, sitting straighter, a glow of excitement already dawning on her face. Ron slumped further.

“Arithmancy is essential,” Vector went on, “for anyone considering a career in Spell Creation, Curse-Breaking, Magical Research, Magical Engineering, Banking, Magical Architecture, or Advanced Magical Theory. Gringotts, the Department of Mysteries, and many top magical firms require strong Arithmancy skills.”

“Sounds like the Ancient Runes of numbers,” Draco muttered under his breath.

“Precisely,” Harry murmured, eyes never leaving Professor Vector. He’d always been fond of logical patterns and had already read the basics of Arithmancy in one of the advanced books from the Potter Library at Fawcett Manor.

“I will not lie,” Vector added, pacing slowly, her heels clicking sharply, “this subject is rigorous. It requires both mathematical aptitude and magical focus. You will be expected to work consistently, understand abstract theory, and apply formulae accurately.”

Some groans could be heard from the Hufflepuff and Gryffindor sides, but not from Harry. He was already mentally going through the symbols and Pythagorean charts he’d memorized, his mind linking the content to spell theory, wand movements, and even ancient sigils he and Ginny had studied with Bagnod.

Through their link, Ginny’s curious hum came through. “It sounds like a Hermione-favourite, but I’m guessing you like it too?”

“A lot,” Harry responded silently. “It’s not just numbers. It's patterns in magic. It explains why certain spells act stronger in one place and not another, or why some charms align better to certain cores.”

“You’re already thinking about combining it with Elemental Magic, aren’t you?”

“Naturally.”

Ginny’s warm laughter echoed through his mind like sunlight through leaves.

Meanwhile, Hermione was now scribbling notes despite there being no instruction to do so. Neville looked a bit overwhelmed, and Ron seemed to be scanning the hall for any means of escape. Susan, beside them, was frowning thoughtfully, likely weighing the practical value of the subject.

Professor Vector concluded, “If you are analytical, patient, and interested in the underlying laws of magic — this is your subject. But I caution you: it is not for the half-hearted.”

She stepped back. As with the previous presentations, brochures for Arithmancy appeared on trays and glided down the aisles. Harry immediately picked his up, opening it with practiced hands, eyes scanning the syllabus, which included terms like “Runic Matrices,” “Spell Deviation Calculus,” and “Numerical Core Mapping.”

“This,” he whispered to himself, “is definitely going on my list.”

Hermione was already halfway through hers, nodding. “Oh, it’s beautiful. Look here — they actually include practical workshops in the second term.”

Ron groaned audibly. “Please, no. We’re wizards, not accountants.”

Draco smirked. “I’m guessing you won’t be taking this, then.”

“Not even if the fate of the world depended on it,” Ron muttered.

Susan tilted her head. “I might consider it… Aunt Amelia once said Arithmancy helped her understand magical law structure more deeply.”

Neville was turning the brochure upside down. “Are these actual equations?”

“Yes,” Hermione answered brightly.

“Oh.”

A few rows back, Padma and Terry Boot were having a detailed conversation about Arithmantic logic, while Tracey Davis looked like she was trying not to fall asleep.

As the hum of discussions rose again, McGonagall stood and raised a hand, signaling quiet.

“Next elective will be explained shortly,” she said. “Prepare yourselves.”

And the students sat back as rustling ceased, preparing for what came next.

The room hushed once again as the next professor was called forward.

Professor Charity Burbage slowly rose from the Gryffindor table and made her way to the front. Her steps were light but measured, and there was a fragile dignity in the way she held herself — as though every movement was made with quiet effort. Her sandy-brown hair was drawn into a loose bun, and there were deep shadows beneath her eyes, signs of a wound far more emotional than physical.

Most of the staff, and certainly the Musketeers, knew of what had happened the previous year — how Quirinus Quirrell, the man she had once trusted… loved… had turned out to be a vessel for Voldemort. Charity had been manipulated, broken, and even briefly cursed into lashing out at her colleagues, and at Draco. Though healed and forgiven, the scars remained beneath her pale skin.

She stood before the crowd, her voice soft but unwavering.

“I’m Professor Burbage,” she began, her hands clasped in front of her. “I teach Muggle Studies — a subject devoted to understanding the lives, innovations, culture, and achievements of the non-magical population.”

A pause. She seemed to be weighing her next words with care.

“Muggles… are not ‘lesser’ beings. They are simply different. And yet, they breathe, bleed, hope, and suffer just as we do. They have built cities, crossed oceans, cured diseases, and sent machines to the stars — all without magic. That, in itself, is its own kind of wonder.”

A few murmurs rippled through the hall — some of interest, others of indifference.

Her eyes swept the crowd, and there was no mistaking the deep conviction behind them.

“Those of you from wizarding families may think the subject unimportant, unnecessary even. But ignorance is a seed from which fear and hatred grow. Voldemort’s rise was fed by that same ignorance — the belief that magic equals superiority. If we want to prevent history from repeating itself, we must understand both worlds.”

There was a shift in the atmosphere — a heavy silence now. Even the more talkative second-years were listening.

She inhaled slowly, and her voice dropped a little, more personal now. “I won’t pretend I don’t have a bias. I… I believed in someone who turned out to be a monster. I was used. And because of that, I lost my way for a time.” Her gaze flickered toward Draco — who gave a single, stiff nod in acknowledgement, not unkind. “But I’m here to do my part. I believe knowledge is our first line of defence.”

Then, with more strength, she added, “The subject is optional. And I must stress — Muggle-borns and even Half-Bloods who have lived in the Muggle world may not find it as useful. This subject is primarily for those with little to no understanding of Muggle life. It teaches you how Muggles travel, communicate, work, learn… and most importantly, how not to offend them or risk violating the International Statute of Secrecy.”

Several purebloods were already murmuring among themselves — some surprised by how practical it sounded.

After a brief pause, she gave a small, almost shy smile and added, “We also include cultural studies, so you’ll learn about Muggle music, books, holidays, and food.”

That got a few interested grins from Seamus and Susan.

As Professor Burbage stepped down, brochures for Muggle Studies appeared, fluttering to each table. Students flipped through pages showing televisions, automobiles, mobile phones, and bits of Muggle trivia like “How to Use a Microwave” and “What Electricity Is.”

Harry glanced at it politely but with zero interest. His mind had already wandered back to his earlier musings about Arithmantic runes. He had grown up in the Muggle world and, in fact, had once been called a “child prodigy” by one of the rare kind teachers in primary school. By the time he was eight, he’d understood basic electronics, was solving GCSE-level problems, and could recite facts about ancient civilizations. Even now, his memory stored libraries’ worth of Muggle knowledge — not just learned, but deeply understood.

“This is... not for me,” he thought privately.

From the link in his mind, Ginny hummed in amusement. “You could probably teach the class, love. You rewired a toaster to launch projectiles once.”

“That was war with Dudley,” he replied dryly. “And technically, it was a catapult.”

Ginny chuckled in his mind. “Still counts. I’ll sit this one out too when it comes.”

At their table, Hermione flipped through the pamphlet with mild interest, though it was clear she already knew everything in it. “It’s important,” she muttered to Susan and Neville. “But I don’t think I’ll take it. I was raised in the Muggle world — I could write half this book.”

Susan nodded, still reading. “Useful for some, but yeah, I’d rather take something I can’t already learn at home.”

Ron glanced at a picture of a microwave and said, “Wait — they cook food with lightning?”

“Electricity,” Hermione corrected.

“That’s what I said!”

Draco rolled his eyes and turned back to Arithmancy’s crisp chart. “I don’t care how Muggles do their laundry.”

The hall began to murmur again, students discussing the pros and cons.

And up front, Professor Burbage had returned to her seat, face pale but proud. A quiet strength radiated from her — one born of surviving betrayal, of standing again when broken.

McGonagall rose once more.

“The next elective shall now be introduced.”

Next, Professor Bathsheda Babbling was called to speak. A tall, angular woman with sharp cheekbones and keen eyes behind thin, gold-rimmed glasses, she walked to the center of the Great Hall with the same precise, confident stride that marked her entire presence. Her deep green robes shimmered subtly with runic embroidery, and the moment she faced the gathering of second years, a quiet kind of focus settled over them.

“Good morning,” she began in a crisp voice that carried cleanly through the room. “I am Professor Babbling, and I teach Ancient Runes.”

There was a flicker of recognition in Harry’s mind as Ginny, lounging with Kluer back in the Gryffindor common room, murmured through their link, “You’ll like this one.”

And she wasn’t wrong.

Professor Babbling continued, “Runes are the written language of magic itself. Long before wands were common, long before structured spellcasting, witches and wizards carved intent into stone, wood, and bone using runes. Even today, many of our most enduring enchantments and protections are based on runic structure.”

She waved her wand, and glowing symbols appeared midair — ᚠ, ᚨ, ᛞ, ᚾ, ᛃ — floating in formation, pulsing with gentle light.

“Some of you may already know,” she said, “that each rune holds multiple layers of meaning — phonetic, magical, symbolic. Learning Runes requires discipline. You will not be waving your wand and watching things explode.” A small smile played on her lips. “But you may find yourself able to read tombs, decode ancient scrolls, disarm traps, and even craft subtle enchantments far beyond basic spells.”

The room stirred with interest. Even those who had previously slouched now straightened a little.

Professor Babbling continued, “This subject is especially valuable if you are interested in careers such as Curse-Breaking, Magical Archaeology, Spell Research, or Ancient Law. Those of you with family ties to enchanted heirlooms may even find this personally useful — knowing what your great-grandmother’s mirror actually does is often wiser than using it to do your hair.”

That earned a chuckle across the hall.

She added, more seriously now, “But this course is not easy. You will be expected to learn the phonetic Futhark, the Arithmanic runic scale, and symbolic transformations. It involves translation, logic, and often a good deal of patience.”

Hermione, naturally, looked enraptured. She was scribbling furiously into a notebook already, her other hand flipping the brochure open.

Harry, meanwhile, had leaned forward slightly, brows drawn together in a rare mix of focus and curiosity. Runes weren’t just a new language — they were a window into the foundations of magic itself. His bond with Ginny hummed slightly in agreement as she whispered across their link, “You’re glowing again, love. You always do when something challenges you.”

“It's more than that,” Harry sent back. “I feel like… this is something I’ve always wanted to understand, even before Hogwarts. Symbols, patterns, hidden meanings… it’s like puzzle-solving in the language of the universe.”

She sent him a warm pulse of affection, and for a moment, he could feel her fingers trailing gently along Kluer’s fur in the common room. “Then we’ll learn it together later, in Dreamland.”

As the shimmering runes slowly faded above, Professor Babbling bowed her head slightly and said, “If you have questions, my door is always open. This subject demands effort… but offers clarity.”

With that, she stepped back, and shimmering brochures floated to each house table, opening themselves in front of students with neat diagrams, translated examples, and an elegant chart of career paths.

Draco was already flipping through the pages with interest. “Curse-Breaking,” he muttered. “Bill’s a Curse-Breaker, right?”

Harry nodded. “Yeah. In Egypt. He uses runes a lot.”

Neville squinted at a particularly complex example. “Looks hard.”

“It is,” said Hermione at once, “but it’s amazing. Some of the oldest spells in history were recorded in runes. This one,” she pointed, “means protection — but if you change the orientation and add an accent line, it becomes ‘imprison’.”

Ron, on the other hand, groaned. “I dunno if I want more translation work. I get enough of that from trying to understand Hermione’s handwriting.”

Susan chuckled. “I might give it a try. It’s got this old magic feel — and you never know when something ancient might come back to haunt you.”

Harry remained silent, still reading. There was a calm in his eyes, the kind that always appeared when his mind was mapping out something intricate, layered, and hidden beneath the surface.

As the second years spoke softly among themselves, comparing thoughts and first impressions, Professor Babbling returned to her seat beside Professor Vector, giving the transfiguration mistress a brief, approving nod.

Professor McGonagall stood once again, her tone crisp. “We shall now proceed to the next elective.”

Sirius Black stepped forward with a casual air that belied the formal tone of the earlier professors. His deep grey eyes twinkled mischievously as he looked over the gathering of second-years, most of whom immediately perked up. The Musketeers  sat a little straighter, their faces lighting up with fond familiarity. Harry gave a subtle grin, his mind flicking with amusement to Ginny, who sent across their link, “Here comes your godfather with his usual charm.”

Draped in elegant black robes with silver detailing, Sirius exuded both elegance and easy confidence. He smiled broadly at the crowd and spoke in his effortlessly smooth voice.

“Right then, future third years,” he began, “I’ve been given the honour to present the two electives that were approved in the wake of last October’s trial. And as many of you already know,” he added with a wink, “I was more than a little responsible for helping push them through.”

That earned a few laughs — and a few quiet claps, notably from the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw tables.

Sirius continued, now more formal, “The first of these new subjects is Dueling and Magical Combat — or simply, Dueling.”

He paced slowly across the front of the dais, hands behind his back like a general surveying his troops. “This subject will focus on training young witches and wizards in the practical aspects of self-defense, spell strategy, reflexes, shielding, disarming, and eventually, in advanced stages, non-lethal disabling techniques.”

A few of the second-years — particularly Seamus Finnigan and Blaise Zabini — leaned forward in excitement.

“It will be an intense class. Not everyone will excel at it immediately — but everyone will benefit from it. You will not be expected to fight for your lives,” Sirius said, a faint glimmer of steel in his eyes, “but you will learn to protect yourselves, others, and stand firm under magical pressure.”

He paused, letting his words settle, before continuing with a subtle smile. “As for the professor? Well… the decision is technically not public yet. But I can tell you this: they’re an active Auror, certified in both standard and elite-level dueling. They’re experienced, tough, and you’d better not think you’ll be winning your first few mock duels.”

Draco raised a brow. “An Auror? That narrows it down.”

Ron smirked. “If it’s who I think it is, we’re going to get bruised a lot.”

Harry chuckled silently. “You know who it is?” Ginny asked in his mind.

“I’ve got a feeling. Let’s just say… they’re good with pink hair and punches.”

Ginny giggled across their link. “Oh, Dora is going to love this.”

As the whispers and buzz of speculation spread across the hall, Hermione scribbled down some notes, muttering, “Finally, a subject that focuses on actual self-defense. We should’ve had this from the start.”

Neville looked a little nervous, but Susan patted his arm supportively. “Don’t worry, we’ll all practice together. Besides, half the Musketeers already spar in the RoR.”

Sirius continued, “There will be both practical and theoretical sections to the subject. Theoretical parts will include tactical combat scenarios, spell layering, wand posture theory, and duel ethics. Practical will cover one-on-one, team-based, and simulated battle drills.”

He stopped pacing and faced them again.

“Note: You will need to pass a basic reflex and control test before advancing to the higher levels of the course. This isn’t for showboating. This is about building skill, awareness, and trust in your own abilities.”

Many nodded seriously now. The excitement hadn't waned, but there was an undercurrent of respect building.

Then, Sirius clapped his hands lightly. “You’ll find the subject brochure arriving shortly, but we’ll first move to the final new elective — and this one,” he added with a more personal note, “might just help you save lives.”

Sirius’s tone shifted subtly as he introduced the final subject. His usually easygoing air gave way to something more solemn — not somber, but reverent. He looked around at the rows of young witches and wizards before him, his voice gaining a quiet gravity that made the Great Hall hush instinctively.

“The second of the new electives,” he began, “is Healing and Magical Medicine — though most will simply call it Healing.”

He clasped his hands behind his back, eyes sweeping across the students.

“This subject,” he said, “is not for the faint of heart.”

He paused, letting the words settle before continuing. “Healing is a subject that delves into the depths of wizarding anatomy, physiology, magical chemistry, curse theory, and ultimately, the art of putting broken people back together — not just with a flick of a wand, but with skill, knowledge, and care.”

He began to pace again, this time slower, more deliberate.

“You will study the systems of the magical body — circulatory, magical core flow, neurological responses. You’ll examine the interplay of potions with bodily magic, how Herbology affects healing, how Charms and Transfiguration must be applied with precision. You will be required to understand the effects of Dark curses, poisons, and magical trauma. There will be case studies, mock scenarios, and in time, internships under trained Healers.”

Some of the students paled slightly at the intensity, while others, like Hermione and Susan, leaned forward with fascination. Harry’s emerald eyes narrowed slightly — not in hesitation, but in thoughtful focus. He already knew how dangerous the world was. And the idea of healing rather than just defending... resonated.

Ginny’s voice floated gently in his mind, “I think this is the most beautiful one yet.”

“I agree,” Harry replied silently, “But this isn’t going to be easy. They’re practically asking us to master five fields just to qualify.”

“Which means you’ll definitely do it,” she teased warmly, “You’ve already helped Pomfrey heal people before Christmas. Remember what Bagnod said — your core adapts to whatever you set your will to.”

Sirius’s voice pulled him back.

“Make no mistake,” he said clearly, “this will likely be the most difficult subject ever offered to Hogwarts students. You’ll need a strong grip on Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, Herbology, and at least a basic grasp of Dark magic theory. This course will demand discipline, compassion, and an unwavering sense of purpose.”

Ron groaned quietly beside Harry. “That sounds like five subjects in one.”

Hermione elbowed him sharply. “That’s why it’s important.”

Susan looked contemplative. “I think Aunt Amelia would want me to take this.”

Neville seemed torn, but murmured, “It’d be good to know... in case something like the Chamber ever happens again.”

Meanwhile, Draco simply folded his arms and muttered to himself, “Not sure I have the patience for all that organ talk...”

Sirius’s voice turned gentler as he added, “For those of you thinking of a future as a Healer, Mediwitch, Curse-Break Healer, Mind Healer, or even Auror field medic — this subject may one day save your life or someone else’s.

The quiet awe in the hall was palpable. No claps, no mutters — just silence and thought.

A moment later, the magical brochures for the Healing elective fluttered out from above, parchment gliding gracefully into each student's lap. Harry’s hands closed over his copy as he flipped through the precise diagrams — magical organs, potion-to-blood interaction charts, lists of rare herbs, theory of curse propagation across magical nerves.

He didn't even notice that Hermione was now trying to ask him something again. His mind was already half a page deep.

He didn’t say it aloud — but Ginny heard him anyway:

“This one might be the most important of all.”

After the murmurs and rustling of Healing brochures began to settle, Professor McGonagall stepped forward once again, her emerald robes billowing slightly as she took her place at the front of the dais.

The murmuring died almost instantly. Her presence, as always, commanded immediate respect.

She looked around at the gathered second-years — a wide mix of eager, anxious, and curious expressions looking back at her. With a small nod of approval, she spoke crisply, “Now that all seven electives have been introduced, I will explain the structure and choices you are expected to make.”

A few students straightened up in their seats. Ron whispered to Neville, “This is the part where she says we can’t do Healing and Magical Creatures and Dueling and still have a life.”

McGonagall, sharp-eared as ever, gave Ron a brief glance but continued, “As you are aware, your core curriculum consists of seven subjects: Transfiguration, Charms, Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Astronomy, and History of Magic. These will continue until your fifth year, culminating in your O.W.L. examinations.

She let that hang for a moment before continuing.

“In addition to these, it is mandatory that each of you selects a minimum of two electives, to be studied from third year until O.W.L.s. This minimum has not changed.”

There was a general wave of nods across the students. That much they knew.

“However,” she said, her voice becoming sharper, “there is a change in the maximum number of electives one may choose.”

Several heads turned. Hermione, who had been clutching her quill mid-scribble, looked up, intrigued.

“In previous years, the limit was three electives,” McGonagall continued. “This was due to overlaps in the timetable that could not be reconciled. But as you may have read in the Prophet or heard from your families, following the October 10th reforms —” here she gave a pointed look toward Harry and Susan, “— the Board of Governors has instituted a flexible scheduling system for elective subjects beginning next year.”

At that, several students murmured, and Hermione’s eyes lit up.

McGonagall raised one hand, and silence returned. “Therefore, there is no longer a hard maximum. A student may, if they so wish, take all seven electives. Your schedules will be magically customized and staggered as needed.”

Even Harry blinked at that. He knew the Board had discussed it — he had attended that meeting in December with Sirius — but to hear it publicly confirmed was something else.

“However,” McGonagall added, her tone taking on its familiar stern edge, “this does not mean we encourage reckless ambition. The coursework for some of these electives, particularly Healing, Arithmancy, and Ancient Runes, is extremely demanding.”

She looked directly at Hermione, then at Harry.

“It is the unanimous opinion of the staff that no more than five electives should be taken unless the student has demonstrated exceptional academic stamina and magical maturity. We will be evaluating each of you on that front before approving final schedules.”

Harry remained impassive, but inwardly he heard Ginny giggle through their telepathic bond, “They’re talking about you, you know.”

“And probably Hermione,” he replied back dryly.

“Still. You’re the only person here who could actually do all seven if you wanted.”

“Tempting,” he mused silently, eyeing the Healing brochure again.

McGonagall pressed on, “You will receive your Elective Selection Form this evening. You are not required to fill it out immediately. You have until the first week of June to submit your final selections.”

Ron looked immensely relieved at that. “Good,” he muttered, “I’ll need all that time to think.

Neville nodded beside him. “And I still have no idea what ‘Magichemistry’ means…”

McGonagall gave a final, clipped nod. “Speak to your Heads of House, elective teachers, or older students if you wish guidance. Think not only of what interests you — but also what will serve your goals.”

With that, she stepped back.

There was a beat of silence — then, slowly, murmurs began spreading again as the second-years processed the enormity of what had just been handed to them.

The future — in all its complex, elective-filled glory — had just been placed at their feet.

That evening, the Musketeers’ Room buzzed with energy as the twelve closest friends in Hogwarts gathered under the warm golden glow of enchanted lamps. Plush cushions, beanbags, and conjured seats formed a large circle around a low table piled with snacks — courtesy of Twinky and Dimpy — and a stack of elective brochures. The enchanted parchment boards displayed flickering subject titles, updated magically by Hogwarts with course highlights.

The Golden Musketeers — Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Draco, and Susan — were especially animated. They sat nearer to the table, brochures opened and notes scattered, voices overlapping in bursts of opinion and questions. The Silver Musketeers — Ginny, Daisy, Luna, Dudley, Samantha, and Scorpius — though technically not required to pick electives this year, sat close by, clearly invested.

Ginny sat cross-legged beside Harry, sipping hot cocoa and occasionally exchanging quick glances with him. Though she wasn’t technically part of the discussion, having not attended the session officially, she had heard every word through their telepathic link earlier — a quiet comfort they shared amidst the lively group. She now had to pretend to hear things for the first time, adding thoughtful hums and furrowed brows when appropriate.

Ron leaned forward, waving the Care of Magical Creatures brochure. “I dunno about you lot, but this one seems solid. Dragons, hippogriffs, unicorns—”

“Blasted Scroots,” muttered Draco darkly. “You know Kettleburn would somehow sneak them in before he retires.”

Hermione rolled her eyes. “We don’t even know what those are yet. But yes, magical creatures are valuable knowledge. I’m considering it.”

Harry, seated beside Ginny, nodded. “Kettleburn was honest though. Practical, career-aligned. Good if we’re aiming for magical fieldwork.”

Susan tapped the Healing brochure. “This one’s… terrifying,” she admitted, though her eyes gleamed with challenge. “But imagine being able to treat a cursed wound or reverse poison. Very few even get formal training before apprenticeship.”

“I’m going for it,” Harry said calmly, setting the Healing leaflet down. “It’s hard, yeah, but important. We’ve all seen how necessary healers are.”

Ginny gave a soft smile, not saying anything, but he heard her clearly in his mind: “I knew you would.”

“We’ll study together, bond or not,” he replied silently.

Hermione raised a hand. “You’re already taking Arithmancy and Ancient Runes, right?”

Harry nodded. “Most likely.”

Ron looked scandalized. “Mate, that’s three. Add Healing — four. You’re mad.”

“I’m not taking Divination,” Harry said flatly, and the entire room snorted.

“Absolutely not,” Draco muttered. “That woman gives me headaches.”

“She kept whispering about ‘shadows with glasses’ today,” Susan added, shivering.

Neville held up the Magical Creatures brochure. “I’m doing this for sure. I think I’ll add Muggle Studies too. Grandma said it's important to understand their world.”

Across the room, Dudley gave him a grin. “I’ll help you with the muggle bits next year.”

Luna floated a flower she’d Transfigured into a butterfly and murmured dreamily, “Muggles are fascinating. They make entire machines that act like goblins.”

Ginny chuckled. “You mean computers.”

“I think so.”

Samantha nudged Daisy. “You’re awfully quiet.”

Daisy blinked. “Just thinking. It’s cool hearing what you all want to take. Even though we’ve got a year to go.”

“Still,” Scorpius said brightly, “we can study with them. I’m definitely getting that Healing textbook early.”

Hermione pointed at the board again. “Okay. So far, we’ve got…”

She took out her parchment and began listing.

“Harry — likely Arithmancy, Runes, Healing, Creatures, maybe Dueling.”

Draco raised an eyebrow. “You’re taking five?”

“I might,” Harry said simply.

Ron groaned. “I’ll stick to three. Creatures, Dueling, and probably Muggle Studies. Dad will love it.”

Susan added, “Healing, Creatures, maybe Runes.”

Neville: “Creatures and Muggle Studies.”

Hermione: “Arithmancy, Runes, Creatures, Healing. Possibly Dueling too.”

Draco, arms crossed: “Dueling, Runes, Arithmancy, Healing.” He glanced at Harry, “You’re not the only one pushing limits.”

Harry smirked. “I’ll race you.”

Ginny stifled a laugh and said out loud, “I’d pick Dueling and Healing. And probably Runes. But hey, I’ve got a year.”

“Still, we’ll start together anyway,” Harry told her silently. “Dreamland lessons count double.”

“Triple if you're teaching shirtless.”

He coughed. She sipped cocoa innocently.

Ron didn’t notice. “I still don’t get why they even offer Divination. Can’t we just… not?”

Samantha shrugged. “Maybe it’s useful to someone.”

“Yeah,” Daisy muttered, “someone with a Crumple-Horned Snorkack in their trunk.”

“Hey,” Luna said, smiling, “they’re very real.”

As the laughter spread, the tension about electives eased a little. They were still only twelve and thirteen — young, but growing, and every choice they made now felt big.

But as Harry looked around at the people he trusted most, hearing their voices, their plans, and their hopes — he knew one thing for sure.

They were ready.

Ready for what came next.

Next Chapter is Easter Revelations !!

A/n: I hope You like it. Please ignore grammatical and spelling errors. I thought a session for electives must happen so here we are.

Now I know it is a bit premature to ask but still. As you know I am already way ahead in story writing I wanted to know your opinion on :

Q. When Harry and Ginny will consumate their relationship physically ? Keeping in mind that due to bond their bodies are 2 years more aged than their real age and minds even more so !

a. Third year
b. Fourth year
c. Fifth year
d. Sixth year
e. Seventh year

Thanks for reading. § Hinny Forever § Please Review!!!

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