First off I would like to give you a great big apology for not reviewing this story in about forever.  But I suppose better late than never...

I'm impressed with the way you handled the battle scene between the four teenagers and the Death Eaters.  It's good that you had the kids struggling to overcome their opponants - and in the end still need an adult to help them through.  Far more realistic than super!foursome.

This part:

Dumbledore sighed. "If you die, it is entirely possible that someone else will arise with enough power to defeat Voldemort, in fifty to a hundred years perhaps. By then he could have the entire world within his grip - and it would be much easier for him to destroy anyone he thought would have the capability of bringing about his downfall."

Harry's jaw dropped. "W-why? Why didn't you tell me this before?"

Dumbledore sighed again, heavier this time. "I thought I had."

...brings up so many interesting points.  The first being, of course, whether or not anyone else would be able to defeat Voldemort (which I think you got right - in Canon, I don't think anyone but Harry will be able to defeat Voldemort).  It makes me ache for Harry, though, knowing what he'll have to face.

I am especially intrigued by Dumbledore's heavy sigh.  It shows how weary he is, and I think - more importantly - it shows the difficulties he and Harry have had communicating (throughout OotP and beyond). 

Dumbledore's thoughts on fate were interesting as well.  It brings to mind how wrong Voldemort had it when he tried to tempt fate all those years ago, and I'm glad DD and Harry aren't making the same mistake. 

A very enjoyable read, Joe, as are all of your chapters!

Jen

"Counter-offer," said Mulciber. "Scurry back inside or I'll peel the flesh from your bones, pluck your eyeballs for potions ingredients, and mount your skinless heads on my wall to look at whenever I need arousing."

Dumbledore looked at Harry for a long moment before saying, "Did you tell them that you are the only one who can defeat Lord Voldemort?"

"I - I told them that either I would kill Voldemort, or he would kill me. That's what it says, doesn't it?" Harry demanded.

Dumbledore nodded. "I understand that you weren't trying to withhold anything from them, Harry. But sometimes wording can be important, and judging from the expressions on the faces of your friends, I think that you didn't make the point clear enough."

"But the prophecy didn't say I was the only one who could stop Voldemort, did it? I mean, if I don't, there's got to be someone."

"I'm...I'm family?" Harry asked, surprised that Ron would label him as such.

Ron threw him a look. "Yes, you prat. Where have you been for the past...I dunno, six years?"

"You think my Mum is?" asked Ron,
pointedly.

Fred and George are good at keeping secrets - but not from me.

"We're under the Fidelius Charm, right? So even though the door's open, they can't see us. If that had changed, they'd be inside now, yeah?"

"I might make you the same offer," said Ginny, behind him. She and Hermione stepped to his left and right, wands raised at the ready.

"Counter-offer," said Mulciber. "Scurry back inside or I'll peel the flesh from your bones, pluck your eyeballs for potions ingredients, and mount your skinless heads on my wall to look at whenever I need
arousing."

There was a bang like a gun and he was thrown from the stairs. Flint let go of Harry and looked up to see Mrs Weasley pointing her wand at him. "Stupefy!"

Ron was with him, but Ginny was alone in her room - it apparently wasn't enough to confine them to a room, they all had to be confined to their own rooms.

Harry wasn't sure what he should be feeling about the whole thing. He was sad the Ames had died, certainly, but he had barely known them. He was relieved that no one he loved had been killed, and also felt guilty for not thinking more of the Ames, who had risked their lives for him on more than one
occasion.

Ron threw him a look. "Yes, you prat. Where have you been for the past...I dunno, six
years?"

Harry was about to acknowledge Dumbledore as well, but Ginny wasn't having any of it. "Are you saying you wouldn't have, if you were in our position?"

Harry stepped to her and pulled her into his embrace. Not knowing what words to say, doubting any words would be adequate, he said nothing. He held her as though to shelter her from an unseen storm, though
his logical mind told him she could stand on her own. He reckoned Hogwarts would do them all some good, if for no other reason than its being big enough that they'd have space to wander in and fewer reminders of the deaths so recently inflicted on the Order.

"Oi," said Ron. "Fleur's dating Bill. That makes her family. Not as much as you, but still, she's someone we all care about. I don't blame you for a minute for charging down there when you did."

"I'm...I'm family?" Harry asked, surprised that Ron would label him as such.

Ron threw him a look. "Yes, you prat. Where have you been for the past...I dunno, six years?"

Harry was able to smile at that. "Thanks, mate."

"The decision at which I've arrived is this: We will protect you as best we can, prepare you to the best of our abilities, and provide a relatively safe environment to do these things. As it stands, the happier you are during this time, the greater your chances may be of defeating Lord Voldemort. I should never have brought you back to this house."