Sacrifices, Harry Potter Year 5

38. The Second War Begins

Lilly's POV
I was sitting on the end of Hermione's bed next to Neville. She was reading the Daily Prophet and I was half listening, thankfully, no word had gotten out. I plan on only telling my friends and members of the Order. Ron tossed everyone a couple chocolate frogs and it was delicious.
Hermione wanted to know what was happening and Ginny said Professor Flitwick got rid of Fred and George's swamp, but left a small piece of it as a memorial. Everything has settled down, now that Dumbledore was back. Flitch was very miserable because Umbridge was sacked, he really liked her... Ron made clip-clopping noises and Umbridge bolted awake.
We giggled and it was said that Firenze and Trelawney are staying to teach given that Firenze was bannished.
Everyone started talking about the prophecy and Harry quickly left to Hagrid's. I saw he got stopped by Malfoy and then Snape. Snape wanted to take away Points and then do something further, but Professor McGonagall was back and she added 300 points to Gryffindor!
I tried to stand up, but I almost fell. Neville scooped me up bridal style and placed me on my bed. I asked, "Do you ever think we'll have a normal year at Hogwarts?" He shook his head solemnly and I said, "Me niether. Then again, what's life without a few dragons?"
He smiled and said, "I wrote to Gran and she wrote back to me saying you can stay with us as long as you want." I smiled taking his hand saying, "As long as both of you are okay with it."
He pecked my lips saying, "I have no problem with it, I expect you to be coming home with me on the train?" I nodded. Neville asked, "How is your job going to work?"
I frowned, "The Ministry is changing, I'll have quite the job on my hands. I have to go to all the trials and testify. It's going to be a crazy summer, especially once we get a new Minister for Magic."
He nodded and kissed my lips saying, "You'll be brilliant." I smiled.
Hermione, Ron, and I were fully healed three days before term. Umbridge was chased out by Peeves the day before term ended and stole Professor McGonagall's walking stick bashing Umbridge on the top of her head with it.
Neville and I spent all of our time together. We mostly stayed outside under a tree near the Black Lake, sitting in silence, but it was comfortable silence. We would always catch each other's eyes and smile. Stress was over, for now...

It was the end of term feast and I was finally able to split myself into two for the first time since the battle at the Ministry. One of me sat at the table between Hagrid and Professor McGonagall and one of me sat next to Neville with our hands intertwined.
Harry talked to Nearly Headless Nick and lost a bit more hope of Sirius coming back, but Luna gave him hope saying that nothing ever is really gone. She wasn't wrong.

We were leaving the train and Ron spotted Cho. She was dating Michael Corner and Harry was happy for her. Ron was happy Ginny wasn't dating him, but then revealed she was dating Dean Thomas. I laughed at Ron's reaction. As we crossed into the Muggle world, Harry found a little surprise for him. Moody, Lupin, Tonks, and the Weasley's were there. They were going to have a little chat with his aunt and uncle. I would be talking to them as well.
Mr. Weasley said, "Good afternoon, you might remember me, my name's Arthur Weasley."
I said, "We thought we'd just have a few words with you about Harry." Moody growled, "Yeah about how he's treated when he's at your place." Vernon looked mad. "I am not aware that it is any of your business what goes on in my house-"
"I expect what you're not aware of would fill several books, Dursley," growled Moody.
Tonks interjected, "Anyway, that's not the point. The point is, if we find out you've been horrible to Harry-"
"- and make no mistake, we'll hear about it, " added Lupin pleasently.
I said, "Yes, even if you won't let Harry use the telephone."
Moody said, "Yeah, if we get any hint that Potter's been mistreated in any way, you'll have us to answer to."
Vernon was furious and shouted, "Are you threatening me, sir?"
Moody smiled saying, "Yes, I am."
"And do I look like the kind of man who can be intimidated?"
Moody pushed back his bowler revealing his magical eye, saying, "Well, yes, I'd have to say you do, Dursley."
Moody turned to Harry saying, "So, Potter... give us a shout if you need us. If we don't hear from you for three days in a row, we'll send someone along..." Moody grasped Harry's shoulder saying, "Bye, then, Potter." Lupin said quietly, "Take care, Harry, keep in touch."
Mrs. Weasley hugged him saying, "Harry, we'll have you away as soon as we can."
Ron shook Harry's hand saying, "We'll see you soon, mate."
Hermione said, "Really soon, Harry, we promise."
I hugged him saying, "I'm a mind read away."
He nodded and I could feel the happiness he felt. I smiled nodding and he left. I hugged everyone good bye telling them I'll talk to them soon.

Neville took my hand asking, "Ready to go?" I nodded saying, "Definitely." I layed my head on his shoulder as we walked to his awaiting Gran.

Thanks for reading!
Before Things Change, Harry Potter Year 6 is to start August 3, 2015, Monday! Yay!!
                                                    -Lilly :)