This is the first chapter to the sequel obviously. I'm working on another story at the same time also. This story is complete except the editing. I'd like to thank my beta, lbdomingo, and the others I have looking over my stories early.

I'd also like to thank Britney Spears for being attractive and AMD for making awesome processors. I'd like to kill Gates for Windows XP. Grrrr… anyway, this one is dedicated to the first person who put me on their favorite authors list, 'Cho Chang from Harry Potter'. They don't seem to be an authorized user anymore, but I hope she's still reading. I'd also like to dedicate this one to Cricket, RIP. And also Ruskbyte, for sucking me into the world of fanfic when I should be doing my other work.

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Harry was in his library in the cottage. He had converted the attic, with Arthur's help, into an office and a library. His books from the school and half of the restricted section were on the walls. No one but Harry could enter the room. The twins had made the mistake of trying to get at the books while Harry was flying with Ron and had been paralyzed for six hours. The family still made fun of them about it.

Ginny stood at the door waiting for Harry to come down for dinner. She looked at the watch he had bought her for having the fourth highest GPA and called his name again. "Harry, mum is gonna kill us if we're late for dinner again."

She turned around and Harry was grinning at her. She jumped and he pulled her to him. "Love, remember? I told you I would fly over."

She grimaced and then nodded as he kissed her nose and took her hand. The two walked into the kitchen and sat down waiting for Ron to appear. He had flooed over to Hermione's to pick her up with his father.

"Hurry up Hermione. I'm starving."

"You're always hungry. Its not like your mum hasn't made enough food for an army, just let me let Crookshanks go."

The twins were preparing to tease Ron and Hermione as soon as they came in and Harry was waiting to enjoy it.

Fawkes was near his destination and hoped slightly that the Weasley's could spare a snack. He didn't have time to hunt since he had to return right away. He smelled a familiar scent in the air and trilled. His brother was near. He could ask him for a snack. He wouldn't have to mime it out.

Harry felt something approaching the Burrow and took his wand out of his sleeve. It felt familiar and welcome but he wasn't sure. Then he heard the trilling and relaxed.

Fawkes dropped the letter in front of Mrs. Weasley and flew to Harry. They heard him trill and Harry smiled softly. "Good to see you too."

Fawkes trilled again. *Can you spare a snack?*

"Sure, what would you like?"

Harry pointed at the table and Fawkes eyed the roast beef. Harry waved his hand and a knife sliced some off the end and landed on a plate. The plate floated up to Harry and he held up a slice for Fawkes.

Fawkes finished his snack and flew off after asking Harry to thank Mrs. Weasley. Harry did as he asked and the rest of them sat down for their meal. Mrs. Weasley was reading the letter and then handed it to Harry.

Molly and Harry,

I've taken the liberty of obtaining the students' and Harry's supplies. If you would make a list of their sizes and any implementia they may need please send it to me and I will have the material waiting here at the castle for them. Arthur has been sent the bill as he requested and enclosed is Harry's bill. Please have a nice day. -Albus Dumbledore

Harry nodded and handed it back. He was watching the twins as they started in on Ron and Hermione.

"Boys, knock it off. There will not be a trip to Diagon Alley this year."

Everyone except Harry looked at her stunned.

"All of your supplies are waiting for you at the castle. Anything you need that isn't on your list will be put in a letter and sent to the headmaster to be provided."

"Why?" Ron asked.

"Because who your father is and who your sister is engaged to. It's just too dangerous now. So make lists of anything you might need," she glared at the twins. "And I'll send it off tomorrow. Oh Hermione, do you have everything you need?"

Hermione nodded and looked down at her meal then Harry. He was sitting with his eyes closed. She nudged Ron and he looked where she was. The hairs on Harry's arms were standing up until he stood and spoke. "I'm going to go and strengthen the wards and place a few new ones."

Harry walked out of the house and they saw him casting and recasting wards on the house. The floo was no longer usable for incoming. All of the children had portkeys to bring them home and the only place you could apparate to was the orchard which was guarded by golems that recognized the family and the Marauders along with certain Hogwart's staff members.

Anyone else had to apparate a mile away or be met in the orchard. It was paranoia driven but Arthur and Harry had both agreed it was for the best.

Ginny walked out carrying two mugs of tea. She had put honey and lemon in one for Harry and fixed her own how she liked it. She stood beside him waiting for him to finish and he smiled as he received the mug.

"Why did you place more wards?" she asked.

"Seemed like a good idea. Besides, I noticed the anti-apparition ward was somewhat weakened. Probably from the storm last week."

He set the mug down and took hers from her hand setting it down also. He pulled her to him and kissed her. She smiled when his lips left hers and ran a finger up his shoulder blade.

"Want to go in?" she asked nodding at the cottage.

He grinned, "Love to."

When the two walked in Harry noticed Hedwig sitting impatiently on the coffee table. She had a package tied to her leg. Harry frowned at that. Usually Hedwig could carry anything without dropping it.

Hedwig hooted impatiently while he untied the package and looked at the sender. Sirius had sent it. He slit it open and powder flew out onto him. His hair turned silver and he started tap dancing. Sirius' voice boomed out from the package, "Have at thee, knave. The war has only begun."

Ginny was giggling madly and the twins, Ron, and Hermione had come running to see what the shouting had been about. They all burst into laughter when they saw Harry.

Harry looked down at his feet and concentrated on the magic in the room. Once he had it mapped, he made the spell affect the others instead of himself and watched the five of them burst into dance. He grinned and sat down to enjoy the performance.

Ginny was the first to stop dancing and she collapsed into Harry's arms. She grinned and said, "You look quite distinguished with silver hair."

He kissed her and they watched the others. They all did quite well. Especially Ron's finale. Who knew he was that flexible, Harry thought.

They all sat down and were laughing about it when Arthur came through the door.

"There are some ministry people coming over tonight Harry. You best hide soon."

Harry nodded and kissed Ginny then turned into a snake. Ginny picked him up and he wrapped himself around her arm.

They walked out of the cottage and into the Burrow. Ginny sat down in front of the fire with Harry on her arm and he began flicking her arm with his tongue in patterns. She was giggling from the sensations.

Ginny had fallen asleep and Harry had slipped off her arm and onto Arthur's. He wanted to be there for the meeting. While he was making himself comfortable on Arthur's arm Hermione and Ron helped Ginny up the stairs and into her old room where Hermione was staying.

"Minister, there have been fifteen more disappearances this summer so far. Four were ministry personnel and three of those were Aurors. Voldemort is known to be back and seems more vicious than ever. Here are the suggestions my department have put together. We've also brought Mad-Eye and a few others out of retirement," Aries Cole told Mr. Weasley.

The two Aurors behind him handed over some files and stepped outside to wait when Aries asked them.

"How's Harry doing?" he asked.

Arthur patted his arm slightly and replied, "He's fine. Just missing his fiancée."

Aries nodded and they shared some small talk before he left.

Harry watched them apparate away in the orchard and then changed back. "Mad-Eye Moody, eh? I'd like to meet him. The impostor was a pretty good teacher and I've heard stories from Aurors about him."

Arthur nodded absentmindedly while reading the files. As they entered the house, Harry walked up the stairs to wake Ginny and go back to their place. He wanted to sleep with her in his arms tonight.

Ginny awoke to Harry's kisses. She smiled and sat up. "Let's go back to our place."

She nodded and stood up. The two walked back to their place and crawled into bed. Both were tired and fell asleep soundly until Harry was awoken in the morning by a hissing noise. He looked around and found that a hole was in the window. It was windy and air was being pushed through the hole.

Harry rolled out of bed as quietly as he could and looked around. Nothing seemed out of place. How did the hole get there? He thought. He walked around the room quietly searching. Then he closed his eyes and concentrated. Still nothing. He traced three runes in the air and connected them with a fourth. The rooms' walls flashed blue and he found a small spot with charcoal powder clinging to it.

Ginny awoke when she saw the blue flash and saw Harry standing near the wall studying it closely. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing Gin. You can go back to bed. I'll be there in a sec."

Harry picked up his wand and prodded the powder. Then he grinned. It was an egg sac from an Ashwinder. It had flown through the window and been crushed against the wall. He'd have to hunt the snake that laid the eggs in the morning and take it back with him. It'd be useful for fresh eggs for potions.

Harry repaired the hole in the window and cast an unbreakable charm on it. He set his wand down, crawled into bed, and stroked Ginny's thigh with his hand. She was still awake and turned to kiss him. His hand slid up and found her center. She gasped slightly as his fingers explored. The two of them spent the night pleasuring each other until the storm broke.

Harry awoke in the morning with Ginny's arms entwined in his. He smiled and kissed her shoulder until she awoke. She looked at him sleepily then grinned with the memory of only a few hours ago. She turned her head back to kiss Harry and whispered, "Again love?"

He smiled and shook his head. "There's an Ashwinder around the garden somewhere I think. I need to find it and cage it if so. I hope that I can keep it alive and give it to Sirius or Snape. Whoever's in charge of potions."

She nodded and they both rose. Ginny used the shower first while Harry listened to the news on the WWN and read the paper that had been delivered earlier. The attacks from Voldemort had been increasing and muggles were being attacked again.

Harry's eyes flashed slightly. He was annoyed he couldn't be out there fighting but he knew at the moment he wasn't ready. The future he had seen was still… possible he knew. He wadded up the paper then realized someone else might want to look at it and cast a spell to uncrumple it.

Ginny stepped out of the bathroom and kissed his cheek as he walked past her to the shower. As he stepped past her, she pinched his butt and he jumped. She grinned and ran to the bedroom with him following. He had her pinned to the bed and was covering her with kisses when Hermione and Ron were calling them to breakfast. Harry got up and ran to the shower.

Ginny walked out of the bedroom and said, "Harry's gonna be a bit. He's gotta shower."

The three walked to the Burrow and sat down in the kitchen. As they began eating, they saw Harry stalking through the garden with a pot filled with blue flames.

"Why doesn't Harry come in, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked Ginny.

"Oh, he thought there might be an Ashwinder in the garden somewhere. He wants to find it and capture it if possible. Sirius can use it in potions for a surplus of eggs," Ginny replied.

Hermione started rattling off the uses of Ashwinder eggs and Ron grimaced.

"'Mione, it's summer. Who cares?" Ron said.

Hermione looked affronted and Ginny giggled when she slapped him on the arm.

After they had finished and Ron had cleared the table the three were sitting in the living room playing exploding snap. As soon as Harry was done, they were supposed to go up to the paddock for Ron to try to change. So far, Hermione and Harry had forms that were useful for spying. They all hoped Ron's would be useful also.

Harry walked into the room as the cards in Hermione's hands exploded igniting her hair. He laughed and waved his hand; her hair was put out and repaired.

"Did you find it?" Ron asked.

Harry nodded and held up the pot. In the side was a window and a snake could be seen in the fire.

"I'm not sure how long he'll live in captivity though," Harry replied.

The Ron put away the cards and they followed Harry out to the trees.

"Remember, concentrate on the form. Don't let the animal mind take over."

Hermione was babbling warnings to Ron.

Ron was ready and stood in the middle of the clearing. There was a pop and he was gone. Where he had been, a Kneazle stood that looked suspiciously like Crookshanks. Harry and the others began laughing and Harry formed a mirror in front of Ron. When Ron saw what he was, he popped back and began cursing.

"I look like a bloody friend of Crookshanks. Five to one he'll try to kill me as a Kneazle."

Harry laughed and said, "Well at least you'll be useful as a spy."

Harry left them to prepare a letter for Dumbledore in the code that had been quantified by Harry and Hermione at the end of last term for the members of Dumbledore's inner circle to use.

He sent the letter off to Albus and grinned. Hermione's form was strong enough to carry Ron's and Harry's forms were strong enough to carry all of them while flying.

Harry looked down and saw his parents' wands in their stand. He stepped over and ran his hands along them. They both emitted sparks and he smiled softly. Underneath the two wands were the sword Hermione and Ron had gotten him for his birthday. The hilt was gold and silver and the sheath was scarlet lacquered. He slipped his hand onto the hilt and picked up the weapon. He drew the sword out partway and looked at the gleaming blade. Its edge glowed with an ethereal light and he drew it out all the way. Hermione had had it charmed to glow white when it was drawn and glow black when danger was near.

Harry was performing a sword form in the room when Ginny walked in. she smiled at the sweat and the play of his muscles. As she watched, her eyes started to glaze over as her cheeks flushed. She watched the sweat roll down his body as his moves became faster and faster. As he completed the forms, the sword looked literally like a sweeping beam of light around him. The blade swept in and out and then disappeared at his side into the sheath. A lit candle appeared in front of him in the air. The blade swept out and the candle was in two. Both sides still lit. The sword was re-sheathed and the two candle halves became two whole candles. The sword flicked out again and swept through the air rapidly. Both of the candles were in quarters lying on the floor.

Harry wiped off the blade and looked over at Ginny. He noticed the glazed look in her eyes and grinned.

"I need a shower, care to join me?"

Harry grinned wickedly as she blushed and nodded happily.

Harry scrubbed some parts of Ginny better than others.

"At least some of me will be clean," she giggled.

Harry was beginning to work his way down her body when he heard trilling. At first, he thought Fawkes was here. Then he realized it was coming from his library. He kissed Ginny and grabbed a towel. He ran up the stairs to find that his dark art books were all over the place. Harry narrowed his eyes and flicked his hand. His wand flew from downstairs into his hand. He traced a rune with his wand and pushed it towards the ground. He did it again only pushing it to the ceiling this time. Then he drew four more at the cardinal points.

Someone had broken his wards on the room. No one in the household had the ability. Only three people he knew of could do it. Himself, Voldemort and the old man from the forest. Three were instantly ruled out. The old man was dead. Voldemort would've attacked and he didn't need to.

Therefore, who had done it, he wondered. Possibly the ones who had given the old man the abilities? Why would they destroy his office? they were just as tied to the destruction of Voldemort as Harry was. They wouldn't actively help Harry but they weren't going to get in his way.

Harry recast the wards and added some new ones. He decided not to tell the others what had happened but to tell them that entry to his library was now suicidal.

Harry waved his wand and a set of his robes flew up stairs to him. He put them on and walked downstairs thoughtfully. It was nearly time for dinner and he was hungry after his workout. Ginny was sitting on the couch knitting. Harry did a double take.

"You knit?"

She grinned and replied, "Who do you think made your sweater your first year?"

Harry's eyes widened and he smiled. "I guess I should thank you for it later then. What are you making now?"

"Socks for the headmaster. Can you enchant them for me when I'm done? I want them to sing love songs every time he goes near someone he's attracted to."

Harry couldn't stop laughing. He knew the headmaster would love the gift. He might not like the side effect but Harry was interested in who they would sing to. He nodded and sat down beside her to watch. The speed at which she did the knots and stitches was amazing.

Mrs. Weasley had come to drop off their laundry and was watching her daughter knit while Harry tried his hand at it with an old skein that Ginny had. She chuckled when she saw Harry tie his fingers together and Harry turned and saw her. He blushed and nudged Ginny.

"Dinner will be ready soon," Molly said as she sat down the basket of clean clothes. "Nice knots Harry."

Ginny giggled and Harry scowled.

Harry untied his fingers and set aside the yarn and needles. He'd stick to conjuring or buying what ever he needed.

The two of them walked over to the Burrow and went into the kitchen.

Harry sat down and looked over the muggle newspapers he had delivered. The deaths of the people had been explained away as gas leaks and random terror attacks. Harry grimaced and threw the papers in the fireplace.

"I should be out there fighting," Harry ground out.

Ginny looked at him then started in on him. "No you shouldn't. You yourself said you don't know how to stop You-Know-Who yet. You should be right here with us, your family. If you run off I'll come after you."

He looked down and back up at her. "I'm sorry Gin. I just feel so helpless right now."

She leaned over and grabbed his hand. She held it close to her as he leaned into her.

The others came in to sit at the table and Mrs. Weasley joined them. Tulsey served the meal and blushed when everyone thanked her. She burst out in tears of happiness when Harry offered to let her sit with them.

She shook her head and popped back into the kitchen. Ginny giggled and said, "Do you always make the girls cry?"

Harry raised an eyebrow and pinched her. Her eyes flashed and she pinched him back. He took her arm and kissed it where he pinched while the twins and Ron gagged.

Molly chided the twins and Ron then chided Harry and Ginny for overt displays at dinner.

Then she asked the big question. "When are you two going to get married?"

Ginny looked at Harry while he hemmed and hawed.

Ginny grimaced and whispered in Harry's ear, "Is it that tough to answer?"

"We haven't discussed it much other than after we're both done with school. I'd like to push it up a bit though," he whispered back.

Ginny nodded and then asked softly, "To when?"

He grinned and replied, "With the way you tease me, as soon as possible."

Ginny smiled and thought about it. She replied to her mum, "Soon I think."

Harry looked at her then nodded.

Molly smiled and said, "Then we need to start planning. There's dresses to design, temples to rent, flowers to pick, cakes to choose, robes to design and so much more." she started talking rapidly about all the different ideas she had for Harry and Ginny.

Hermione and Ron were looking stunned back and forth from Molly to the two.

"Are you sure you're ready?" Hermione asked.

Ginny nodded and so did Harry.

Ron grimaced. "You might be the first to wed Ginny. Percy and Penelope are broken up."

Molly was up and rummaging through a box and brought out some books on weddings. Then she reached into it again and again. Every time she reached in, she brought out more and more binders and books.

Harry was looking at the four-foot tall stack of books and leaned over to Ginny, "Want to elope?"

She looked askance at him then looked back at the pile of books. "It might be for the best actually."

Molly turned around. "What might be for the best?"

Harry quickly replied, "Nothing."

Molly stared down at him.

Harry broke, "I made a joke about eloping."

Molly began in on Harry. Twenty minutes later the rest had escaped but Harry and Ginny were still being tongue lashed.

Arthur walked in the door to see the two being scolded. "What's going on?"

"They said they were going to elope," Molly replied.

Harry tried to say that's not how it was but Molly started in again.

Ginny finally got her mum to stop. "Mum, if you don't stop we will elope. Harry was just making a joke. Don't worry. I want to plan a wedding just as much as you do."

Harry and Ginny finally made their escape. Arthur had been grinning the whole time.

Ginny went back to the cottage to finish her homework and Harry went to talk to Arthur. He had to tell him about the break in.

"Arthur?"

"Yes Harry?"

"Let's step outside," Harry said.

Arthur nodded and followed him out.

As they were walking towards the shed, Harry told him about the mess in the library and the shattered wards. Harry told him that he knew of only three people that could get past. Arthur was worried and said he would send over some Aurors to strengthen the wards on the house tomorrow. Harry nodded and they went their separate ways. Arthur went to the shed to fool around with his muggle artifacts and Harry went to fool around with Arthur's daughter.

Harry was watching Ginny do her homework and decided to distract her a bit. He crept up behind her and kissed her neck. She sighed and whimpered when he nibbled on her earlobe. He let her hair down from the clip it was in and ran his hand through it.

"Harry, if I don't finish this essay, Professor Potter is gonna make me sleep with him."

Harry laughed. "That slimy git. Maybe you should just marry him right now."

Her eyes opened and she nodded.

He was somewhat taken aback. "You mean it? Now?"

"We could have a small ceremony now and have a big one once I finish school."

"If you're sure we can talk to your mum about it tomorrow," he told her. "She might be disappointed though."

She smiled softly and said, "I want to."

Harry sat down. "It'll make you even more of a target. We'll have to make sure you're protected as well as possible."

She nodded. "Whatever you think is best."

Harry snorted. "I don't know much about protection charms. I just know too much about black arts."

He waved his hand and three books flew down the stairs. Two were new but the third looked as old as the castle was.

Harry opened one of the newer ones and Ginny picked up the other one. Both flipped through the books and placed pieces of parchment on likely looking spells. Ginny finished first and opened the older book. Or she tried to. When her hand got near it, it pushed her hand away. She remembered what happened to Hermione and didn't try to push it. Harry looked up and realized that she couldn't open it. He waved his hand and the book flipped open in front of her. She hesitatingly placed her hand near it and she touched the page.

Harry found a likely spell and marked it. He had finished looking through the book and set it down. He had marked three spells in all and was trying to decide where a portkey should send Ginny in case of trouble. The ministry would probably be the best idea but he wasn't sure who could be trusted there other than Aries and Arthur.

Ginny was looking at one spell in the book. "Harry, what does 'amore fac ut gaudeam' mean? It looks like this spell is about love."

Harry looked at the book then told her, "It means 'Love Makes My Day'." He grinned and said, "It's a spell for when you lose your virginity. It's so when you make love for the first time, if the person is your true love, it won't hurt."

Her eyes widened then she smiled, "Wanna try it?"

He looked at her. "Soon love."

She snuggled up next to him as he looked through the text. She was running the fingers over the scars on his arm. "How come your scars didn't heal?"

"When I was a dragon and changed back something happened. I don't know why but I think when I'm in my forms I can't be healed properly when I change back and have to heal like an animal would. It's ok. They don't bother me. In addition, most of the students see it and realize how dangerous it is to make me mad. Especially after they saw the dream."

He was tense when he mentioned it. That moment hadn't been one of his best. All the students in the common room had been affected and Madame Pomfrey had had a run on dreamless sleep potion for a while.

Ginny kissed the scars and rubbed his arm while he read. She fell asleep and he set aside the book. He almost carried her to the bed and decided to sleep there. He summoned a blanket to him and wrapped it around them. He kissed her forehead and took her hand. He fell asleep with her on his mind as he always did.