Good Things Come In Small Packages
A/N: Hey everyone! Wow this is the beginning of the sequel! I can't believe I'm actually doing this, but the first one was just way too much fun to let go! My mom thinks I'm insane and tells me so every chance she gets. "Get a life," seems to be her favorite phrase these days. Well ever since I discovered fanfics…Anyway! I am SO happy that you decided to come along for the ride of the sequel, I am very excited about this one, although I doubt it will be smooth sailing. I have a rough idea of what I won't to happen, but it sort of feels like a stab in the dark. But I hope you like it at any rate! I hope my writing improves this time through, because I am going to try really hard not to be lazy, but life can make you tired. ? Anyway thanx to all of you! Now read on and unfold the secrets hidden in this new installment of the "'Mione Weasley-Needs-to-Get-a-Life Series" ?
Disclaimer: How about I tell you I'm J.K. Rowling, you pay me to read my creations, and we leave it that, eh? I didn't think so…
Summary: Four years after graduating from Hogwarts Harry continues to live his life. Voldemort has been defeated, his career is in full swing, and he is happily married. Perfect or is something horrible lurking around the corner? R/Her and H/G. Sequel to 'Things Aren't Always What They Seem'.
WARNING: Contains spoilers from all 5 books! Read at your own risk!
Chapter 1: An Interesting Job Offer
Harry sat at his kitchen table, looking out at the rising sun. He was sitting in a bathrobe and slippers, not quite wanting to get ready to do anything constructive. It seemed too nice of a morning to have to worry about going to work. The sun was rising in hues of pink and orange. (A/N: Sunrises and sunsets are the only good things in the color orange!) The air was crisp and cool with a hint of a breeze and the birds were singing at the top of their lungs from outside the Potters' home.
Harry normally wouldn't have gotten up this early, but was now happy that he had. He had been awakened by sunlight shining through the window that morning. Ginny had apparently left is open when she had gone to bed the night before.
He and Ginny had gotten married shortly after Harry had finished his training at the Auror Academy. They had had a nice long engagement due to schooling, but now that they were married Harry couldn't have been happier. He had loved Ginny ever since his 7th year at Hogwarts, which was roughly four years ago. He figured it was about time.
Harry refilled his coffee mug with his wand and sighed. It was times like these that really got him to thinking. It was so silent that his thoughts seemed to ring in his ears as if forcing themselves to be voiced aloud. But Harry continued to sit in the sun streaked kitchen in utter silence.
He didn't move until he heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs. He turned his head to see Ginny already dressed in soft pink robes of her own creation. Ginny had gone off to work in fashion designing and was currently stationed as a designer at Madame Malkins Robe Shop.
"Well aren't you the early riser this morning," she said kissing the top of Harry's head. She walked over to the kitchen and started to take breakfast ingredients from the cupboards.
"Sun woke me up," Harry said taking a sip of his coffee.
"Oh I'm sorry about that," Ginny said as she broke two eggs into a frying pan. "I left it open last night because I fancied a breeze. It was so hot."
Harry shrugged and continued to look out the window. The sun was almost up and the pink's and orange's had almost vanished from the sky.
Ginny plopped a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of Harry and busied herself with cleaning the kitchen. Suddenly she stopped and turned to look at Harry. Her brown eyes surveyed him in curiosity. "Don't you have to go work this morning?" she asked.
Harry nodded and began wolfing down his scrambled eggs at top speed. He finished the last of his coffee and dropped the dishes in the sink.
"Delicious, honey," he said giving Ginny a kiss on the cheek. He then hurried up stairs to get ready for work.
After deciding to wear a pair of bottle green robes, (A/N: Have you ever noticed that there are always three kinds of green in these books? Bottle green, emerald green, and acid green.) he tried desperately to run a comb through his unruly hair. When he had made no progress in three minutes he abandoned it, and bounded back down stairs. He had to be at his office in five minutes.
"Bye Gin," he said giving her a quick hug. "I won't be home for lunch today. Kingsley's starting me on some new project." Kingsley had been promoted to head Auror soon Harry had graduated.
"Alright," Ginny said. She was seated at the kitchen table eating a chocolate frog.
Harry almost grabbed some floo powder out of the jar they kept by the fireplace, but stopped. He turned around just in time to see Ginny pop the last bit of the frog into her mouth.
"Aren't you going to eat some real breakfast?" Harry asked slowly.
"Actually I'm not feeling all that well," Ginny said.
For a second Harry panicked. Ginny had never been sick before and he wasn't quite sure what to do.
"Are you ok?" he asked rushing over to her.
"Yes, Harry, I'm fine! It's probably just a little stomach virus or something. Now hurry up and get to work; you're going to be late."
Harry reluctantly left Ginny's side and took a pinch of floo powder from the pot. He was just about to throw it into the flames, when he turned back to Ginny.
"But if you don't feel well…why did you just eat a chocolate frog?" he asked utterly perplexed.
Ginny thought for a moment and then shrugged. "I guess it just sounded good. Now get to work. I'll be fine. Madame Malkin is doing excellent at the shop; I'll just call in sick today. Bye!"
Harry cast one last worried look at Ginny and thrust the floo powder into the rising flames.
"Ministry of Magic!" he shouted and within seconds he was spinning rapidly, dropping to the ashes in a grate at the Ministry of Magic moments later.
"Stand much, Potter?"
Harry looked up at the sound of the voice only to see the smiling face of Oliver Wood. He stood up, dusted off his robes, and stepped into the dazzling hall. He grinned back at Oliver.
"Not this morning, I'm afraid," he said walking along with Oliver to the lift.
"Why so clumsy?" Oliver asked. He and Harry were the only ones in the lift, although many paper airplane memos were gliding around near the ceiling.
"I guess I'm just preoccupied," Harry said shrugging. "Long day ahead of me, you know?"
Oliver nodded in agreement. "Yes, being the head of Magical Games and Sports isn't exactly a picnic in the park." Oliver had been given the job when he had retired from flying. "By the way that friend of yours, Weasley, is doing wonders for the Chudley Cannons. Their scores have already improved exceptionally."
Harry grinned. After the trio had graduated from Hogwarts Ron had tried out to be on the team. There were some days when Harry was jealous of Ron's position on a professional Quidditch team, but it had been his choice to pack up the Firebolt. He guessed flying had just been too close to Ron's heart for him to let it go.
"Yeah he has got talent," Harry said.
"I'm not surprised," Oliver continued. "He's a Weasley. Flying runs in their family, you know."
Harry nodded just as the female voice filled the lift.
"Level Seven, Department of Magical Games and Sports, incorporating the British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters, Official Gobstones Club, and Ludicrous Patents Office."
"See you around, Harry," Oliver said as he exited the lift.
Harry grinned as the doors closed and waited for his level. He let his mind wander as he stood. The subject of Ron had got him thinking.
After school Ron had done exceptionally well for himself, being on the Chudley Cannons and all. He lived in an upscale house near the Potters' and often visited on occasion. He and Hermione were still seeing each other, although nothing had come up to presume that they would be getting married anytime soon.
"It's ridiculous really," Ginny would say whenever her brother was brought up. "You'd think that they would've gotten married by now. Honestly, sometimes I just want to hex them!"
Harry chuckled to himself as the lift stopped again, this time at his level.
"Level Two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters, and Wizengamot Administration Services," the female voice said as he stepped out into the crowded hall.
"Harry! About time you showed up!"
Harry turned to see Kingsley Shacklebolt walking briskly towards him. He grasped Harry by the arm and pulled him into a door marked "Head Auror".
"Sorry I'm late, Kingsley. Ginny was feeling ill this morning and I got kind of worried. I got out of the house rather late," he explained.
"Oh that's too bad," Kingsley said kindly. "Send her my sympathy. On the brighter side, I have some great news. " He threw the Daily Prophet onto the desk in front of him. The picture was of two large men blinking stupidly. The Headline said, "Cronies Captured".
"Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle…" Harry said recognizing the ugly mugs at once.
"Exactly," Kingsley said. "They've been captured and sent to Azkaban for being suspected Death Eaters."
Harry grinned. "Terrific! Do we have any new leads on Malfoy?" Even though Voldemort had been defeated four years ago the dark side (A/N: of the force…lol!) lived on. Many faithful Death Eaters remained and now their children joined them too. They couldn't do much, since their leader had been destroyed so they were usually more of a nuisance than a threat.
Kingsley shook his head. "I'm afraid not. As far as we know he's still innocent. The higher Ministry Officials see nothing suspicious about his behavior that might lead to the need of a search warrant."
Harry grimaced. Draco Malfoy was as a good a Death Eater as his father had been, and still a sneaky little slime ball. He was too smart to show any Death Eater activity in public, and remained to keep a steady hand through it all. Harry, of course, had his suspicions along with many other Aurors, but still no dirt could be found on Malfoy, except that his dad was tried for being a Death Eater and found innocent. The Ministry had never been able to prove that Lucius Malfoy was indeed a Death Eater, because he could not be given a trial after his death. Therefore it was decided that he was to remain innocent, since they didn't have the chance to prove him guilty. So because of his background, Draco was also presumed to be innocent by much of the wizarding world.
Harry shoved the newspaper back at Kingsley. "Well that is good news at any rate."
"Yes," Kingsley said folding the newspaper. With a flick of his wand it was placed in a large filing cabinet across the room. "Now Harry there is something I would like to discuss with you."
Harry looked up into Kingsley's face, rather concerned. "Yes sir?"
"About your new assignment," Kingsley started.
Harry felt his heart begin to come back to its normal pace.
Kingsley stood up and began to pace around the room. "Harry, there is no use in denying that you are one of the best Aurors in the business."
Harry was taken aback. "Well I-"
"Your defense grades were superb, your knowledge on the Dark Arts is useful, and your experiences are more than this job requires."
Harry thought about this for a moment and decided not to argue. He nodded slightly.
"That is why," Kingsley continued. "I have decided that you are going to be a Trainer."
Harry stared blankly at Kingsley. "But Kingsley I've only been an Auror for a two years! Surely there is someone more worthy of this job than me!"
Kingsley shook his head. "It has been decided, Potter. You are going to train one of our newest Aurors. She's just come from the Academy and I want her to be trained by one the best."
Harry sighed. He had never thought that he would have to go back to teaching defense. That was something he had done in his 5th year, but now that he was out on his own, the thought had never occurred to him that he might have to do something like that again.
"Alright," Harry said. "Who is she?"
Kingsley opened his mouth to answer but there was a knock on the door.
"Oh that might be her now," Kingsley said standing up to open the door.
Harry's jaw dropped as a tall, blonde woman walked into the room. She was no older than Ginny and had faded blue eyes that seemed to make her look rather shocked. But it was the look in her eyes that gave her away completely.
"Luna?" Harry asked in amazement.
Luna smiled and her eyes focused on Harry. "Hello Harry," she said cheerfully.
"You know each other?" Kingsley asked in bewilderment.
"Luna and I were old school mates. She's a close friend of Ginny and I," Harry explained standing up to give Luna a hug.
"I haven't seen Harry since my graduation!" Luna said smiling her far off smile. "I went off to the Academy soon after and Ginny and I kept in touch by owl, but Harry always seemed to be busy."
Harry grinned. It was true. He had been busy. His new job had just been setting into place and what with his wedding he hadn't much spare time.
"Well," Kingsley said somewhat taken aback. "Then I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do," he said sitting back down at his desk.
"Don't you want us to get started?" Harry asked referring to his new job.
"Well," Kingsley explained. "I was planning on letting you two get to know each other anyway, so you can use this time to catch up today."
Harry turned to Luna and she smiled. "We can go to my office."
Luna nodded and followed Harry down the hall to a small cubicle that said 'Potter' on the wall.
"So," Harry said conjuring up a chair for Luna to sit in. "How have you been?"
"Oh I'm not complaining," Luna said smiling. "What about you and Ginny? I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the wedding, but I couldn't get time off school and-"
Harry waved his hand as if to dismiss the matter. "No hard feelings. We understand."
Luna smiled gratefully.
"Anyway," Harry said, returning to her previous asked question. "Ginny and I have been alright. Although she was complaining that she wasn't feeling all that well this morning."
"Hmmm…" Luna said. "Was she eating anything odd?"
Harry thought back. "Yeah, actually she was eating a chocolate frog, for breakfast."
"Sounds like she's suffering from Ickititis," Luna said conjuring up a cup of coffee.
Harry raised an eyebrow at her, although he couldn't get rid of the nervous feeling in his stomach. "And what's that?"
"A very common wizarding disease," Luna said taking a sip from her mug. "The first signs of it are weird cravings and then she'll get a nasty stomach virus. Pretty soon she'll have to get herself magically altered. But nothing fatal…usually."
Harry stared at her in shock. He tried to calm himself down. There was nothing wrong with Ginny. She's probably just getting the stomach flu. (A/N: Ack! Stomach flu!)
Harry nodded at her, trying to squash the horrible feeling rising up inside of him.
"Er…how was the Academy?" Harry asked in a desperate attempt to change the subject.
"Oh excellent," Luna said, the former topic forgotten. "The Professors were wonderful and I learned things that should be very useful to my career. But enough talk about me. I want to hear what's going on with you. How's Ron doing?"
Harry smirked at her bringing up Ron. He had a feeling that Luna had always had some what of a crush on Ron, but ever since he and Hermione and started going out she had given up hope.
"He's alright," Harry said leaning back in his chair. "He plays for the Cannons now, you know. So he's pretty busy. Visits me and Ginny every once in a while. Superb Keeper."
"Yes he always did do well at school," Luna said, her eyes going rather dreamy again. "That is after his 5th year."
Harry nodded. "He's doing brilliantly. Life treats him well, I suspect."
Luna nodded. "Then he is still seeing," she seemed to struggle with the name. "Hermione?"
Harry tried effortlessly to keep a straight face. "Yeah, he is, although he hasn't purposed to her yet. Ginny and I are thinking about giving them a nudge in the right direction."
Luna's eyes flared although her face remained very passive.
"Well I don't think that will be necessary," she said examining a fingernail on her right hand. "I mean to say; maybe she just isn't the one. No use pushing them into something they aren't ready for."
Harry laughed aloud. "Luna! Do you really mean that? Hermione and Ron have been destined for each other since 1st year!"
Luna looked rather hurt. "Well I'm just looking out for the well being of the both of them."
Harry nodded and held in his laughter this time. "I'm sure you are."
For the next few hours Luna and Harry caught up on everything there was to catch up on. They talked about her time at the Academy, the spells used, Harry and Ginny, although the topic steered far away from any talk about Ron and Hermione.
Pretty soon it was time for Harry to be heading home. He straightened up in his chair and smiled.
"Well Luna, it sure has been fun chatting with you," he said truthfully. "I only wish that Ginny—Hey! Why don't you come over for supper? I'm sure Ginny would love to see you."
"Oh I wouldn't want to be rude," Luna said. "Besides if she's getting sick I wouldn't want to be exposed to her. Ickititis is very contagious."
Harry nodded. "Well perhaps it is for the best." He stood up to accompany Luna to the front of the lift.
"I'll tell Ginny you said hi," Harry said grinning at her.
"Oh thank you. And be sure to mention that she should see a Healer as soon as possible about her illness. If she's not careful it could get exceptionally worse."
Harry nodded as a lump formed in his throat. He said goodbye to Luna and headed back to his office to pick up his things.
When he entered the office he was surprised to see Hedwig sitting on top of his desk. She had a letter tied to her leg. Upon seeing Harry she hooted happily and flew over to his shoulder.
"What do you have there?" Harry asked her. He pulled open the note which was written in Ginny's neat handwriting.
Dear Harry,
I need to talk to you. It's nothing that can't wait, but I would appreciate it if you didn't work late today. I'll see you when you get home.
Love,
Ginny
Harry could feel his body caving in. Something was wrong with Ginny. He grasped his wand off his desk.
"Go home, Hedwig," Harry said hastily, and without another moments hesitation he Disapparated.
A/N: Whoo! My first chapter is finally up! And if you don't know what's wrong with Ginny than I'm not going to tell you! You'll just have to wait until I get my next chapter up! If you don't review I am going to turn into Miss Non-Personality! For those of you don't know, that is a really bad thing! Oh yeah I almost forgot the POLL for this week is: WHICH COUPLE DO YOU THINK WILL GET TOGETHER FIRST? RON/HERMIONE OR HARRY/GINNY? If you aren't an H/G shipper than you don't have to answer, but that's this weeks question! Until next time!
WAIT! One more thing before you review and forget about me for a week! And it's IMPORTANT! Next week the chances of me updating are very slim. I have three concerts, One Monday, one Wednesday, and one Thursday. I have to go to my little brother's Chorus Concert on Tuesday, so the chances of me getting a chance to write my next chapter are going to be extremely small! And then on Saturday the 20th I am going to Texas for Christmas. I won't be back for a week, and my grandparents have limited Internet service there so the chances of me updating there are kind of small as well. BUT that doesn't mean I won't. If I go insane this weekend and start writing like a mad woman then I'll get Chapter 2 up as soon as possible, but I won't have time next week that's for sure. I will be writing in my fanfic notebook so stay tuned and check up on me even though I may not update. But I'll try my hardest! Thanx you guys rock so much! Luv y'all!
Your Faithful Writer,
'Mione Weasley
A/N: Hey everyone! Wow this is the beginning of the sequel! I can't believe I'm actually doing this, but the first one was just way too much fun to let go! My mom thinks I'm insane and tells me so every chance she gets. "Get a life," seems to be her favorite phrase these days. Well ever since I discovered fanfics…Anyway! I am SO happy that you decided to come along for the ride of the sequel, I am very excited about this one, although I doubt it will be smooth sailing. I have a rough idea of what I won't to happen, but it sort of feels like a stab in the dark. But I hope you like it at any rate! I hope my writing improves this time through, because I am going to try really hard not to be lazy, but life can make you tired. ? Anyway thanx to all of you! Now read on and unfold the secrets hidden in this new installment of the "'Mione Weasley-Needs-to-Get-a-Life Series" ?
Disclaimer: How about I tell you I'm J.K. Rowling, you pay me to read my creations, and we leave it that, eh? I didn't think so…
Summary: Four years after graduating from Hogwarts Harry continues to live his life. Voldemort has been defeated, his career is in full swing, and he is happily married. Perfect or is something horrible lurking around the corner? R/Her and H/G. Sequel to 'Things Aren't Always What They Seem'.
WARNING: Contains spoilers from all 5 books! Read at your own risk!
Chapter 1: An Interesting Job Offer
Harry sat at his kitchen table, looking out at the rising sun. He was sitting in a bathrobe and slippers, not quite wanting to get ready to do anything constructive. It seemed too nice of a morning to have to worry about going to work. The sun was rising in hues of pink and orange. (A/N: Sunrises and sunsets are the only good things in the color orange!) The air was crisp and cool with a hint of a breeze and the birds were singing at the top of their lungs from outside the Potters' home.
Harry normally wouldn't have gotten up this early, but was now happy that he had. He had been awakened by sunlight shining through the window that morning. Ginny had apparently left is open when she had gone to bed the night before.
He and Ginny had gotten married shortly after Harry had finished his training at the Auror Academy. They had had a nice long engagement due to schooling, but now that they were married Harry couldn't have been happier. He had loved Ginny ever since his 7th year at Hogwarts, which was roughly four years ago. He figured it was about time.
Harry refilled his coffee mug with his wand and sighed. It was times like these that really got him to thinking. It was so silent that his thoughts seemed to ring in his ears as if forcing themselves to be voiced aloud. But Harry continued to sit in the sun streaked kitchen in utter silence.
He didn't move until he heard soft footsteps coming down the stairs. He turned his head to see Ginny already dressed in soft pink robes of her own creation. Ginny had gone off to work in fashion designing and was currently stationed as a designer at Madame Malkins Robe Shop.
"Well aren't you the early riser this morning," she said kissing the top of Harry's head. She walked over to the kitchen and started to take breakfast ingredients from the cupboards.
"Sun woke me up," Harry said taking a sip of his coffee.
"Oh I'm sorry about that," Ginny said as she broke two eggs into a frying pan. "I left it open last night because I fancied a breeze. It was so hot."
Harry shrugged and continued to look out the window. The sun was almost up and the pink's and orange's had almost vanished from the sky.
Ginny plopped a plate of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of Harry and busied herself with cleaning the kitchen. Suddenly she stopped and turned to look at Harry. Her brown eyes surveyed him in curiosity. "Don't you have to go work this morning?" she asked.
Harry nodded and began wolfing down his scrambled eggs at top speed. He finished the last of his coffee and dropped the dishes in the sink.
"Delicious, honey," he said giving Ginny a kiss on the cheek. He then hurried up stairs to get ready for work.
After deciding to wear a pair of bottle green robes, (A/N: Have you ever noticed that there are always three kinds of green in these books? Bottle green, emerald green, and acid green.) he tried desperately to run a comb through his unruly hair. When he had made no progress in three minutes he abandoned it, and bounded back down stairs. He had to be at his office in five minutes.
"Bye Gin," he said giving her a quick hug. "I won't be home for lunch today. Kingsley's starting me on some new project." Kingsley had been promoted to head Auror soon Harry had graduated.
"Alright," Ginny said. She was seated at the kitchen table eating a chocolate frog.
Harry almost grabbed some floo powder out of the jar they kept by the fireplace, but stopped. He turned around just in time to see Ginny pop the last bit of the frog into her mouth.
"Aren't you going to eat some real breakfast?" Harry asked slowly.
"Actually I'm not feeling all that well," Ginny said.
For a second Harry panicked. Ginny had never been sick before and he wasn't quite sure what to do.
"Are you ok?" he asked rushing over to her.
"Yes, Harry, I'm fine! It's probably just a little stomach virus or something. Now hurry up and get to work; you're going to be late."
Harry reluctantly left Ginny's side and took a pinch of floo powder from the pot. He was just about to throw it into the flames, when he turned back to Ginny.
"But if you don't feel well…why did you just eat a chocolate frog?" he asked utterly perplexed.
Ginny thought for a moment and then shrugged. "I guess it just sounded good. Now get to work. I'll be fine. Madame Malkin is doing excellent at the shop; I'll just call in sick today. Bye!"
Harry cast one last worried look at Ginny and thrust the floo powder into the rising flames.
"Ministry of Magic!" he shouted and within seconds he was spinning rapidly, dropping to the ashes in a grate at the Ministry of Magic moments later.
"Stand much, Potter?"
Harry looked up at the sound of the voice only to see the smiling face of Oliver Wood. He stood up, dusted off his robes, and stepped into the dazzling hall. He grinned back at Oliver.
"Not this morning, I'm afraid," he said walking along with Oliver to the lift.
"Why so clumsy?" Oliver asked. He and Harry were the only ones in the lift, although many paper airplane memos were gliding around near the ceiling.
"I guess I'm just preoccupied," Harry said shrugging. "Long day ahead of me, you know?"
Oliver nodded in agreement. "Yes, being the head of Magical Games and Sports isn't exactly a picnic in the park." Oliver had been given the job when he had retired from flying. "By the way that friend of yours, Weasley, is doing wonders for the Chudley Cannons. Their scores have already improved exceptionally."
Harry grinned. After the trio had graduated from Hogwarts Ron had tried out to be on the team. There were some days when Harry was jealous of Ron's position on a professional Quidditch team, but it had been his choice to pack up the Firebolt. He guessed flying had just been too close to Ron's heart for him to let it go.
"Yeah he has got talent," Harry said.
"I'm not surprised," Oliver continued. "He's a Weasley. Flying runs in their family, you know."
Harry nodded just as the female voice filled the lift.
"Level Seven, Department of Magical Games and Sports, incorporating the British and Irish Quidditch League Headquarters, Official Gobstones Club, and Ludicrous Patents Office."
"See you around, Harry," Oliver said as he exited the lift.
Harry grinned as the doors closed and waited for his level. He let his mind wander as he stood. The subject of Ron had got him thinking.
After school Ron had done exceptionally well for himself, being on the Chudley Cannons and all. He lived in an upscale house near the Potters' and often visited on occasion. He and Hermione were still seeing each other, although nothing had come up to presume that they would be getting married anytime soon.
"It's ridiculous really," Ginny would say whenever her brother was brought up. "You'd think that they would've gotten married by now. Honestly, sometimes I just want to hex them!"
Harry chuckled to himself as the lift stopped again, this time at his level.
"Level Two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters, and Wizengamot Administration Services," the female voice said as he stepped out into the crowded hall.
"Harry! About time you showed up!"
Harry turned to see Kingsley Shacklebolt walking briskly towards him. He grasped Harry by the arm and pulled him into a door marked "Head Auror".
"Sorry I'm late, Kingsley. Ginny was feeling ill this morning and I got kind of worried. I got out of the house rather late," he explained.
"Oh that's too bad," Kingsley said kindly. "Send her my sympathy. On the brighter side, I have some great news. " He threw the Daily Prophet onto the desk in front of him. The picture was of two large men blinking stupidly. The Headline said, "Cronies Captured".
"Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle…" Harry said recognizing the ugly mugs at once.
"Exactly," Kingsley said. "They've been captured and sent to Azkaban for being suspected Death Eaters."
Harry grinned. "Terrific! Do we have any new leads on Malfoy?" Even though Voldemort had been defeated four years ago the dark side (A/N: of the force…lol!) lived on. Many faithful Death Eaters remained and now their children joined them too. They couldn't do much, since their leader had been destroyed so they were usually more of a nuisance than a threat.
Kingsley shook his head. "I'm afraid not. As far as we know he's still innocent. The higher Ministry Officials see nothing suspicious about his behavior that might lead to the need of a search warrant."
Harry grimaced. Draco Malfoy was as a good a Death Eater as his father had been, and still a sneaky little slime ball. He was too smart to show any Death Eater activity in public, and remained to keep a steady hand through it all. Harry, of course, had his suspicions along with many other Aurors, but still no dirt could be found on Malfoy, except that his dad was tried for being a Death Eater and found innocent. The Ministry had never been able to prove that Lucius Malfoy was indeed a Death Eater, because he could not be given a trial after his death. Therefore it was decided that he was to remain innocent, since they didn't have the chance to prove him guilty. So because of his background, Draco was also presumed to be innocent by much of the wizarding world.
Harry shoved the newspaper back at Kingsley. "Well that is good news at any rate."
"Yes," Kingsley said folding the newspaper. With a flick of his wand it was placed in a large filing cabinet across the room. "Now Harry there is something I would like to discuss with you."
Harry looked up into Kingsley's face, rather concerned. "Yes sir?"
"About your new assignment," Kingsley started.
Harry felt his heart begin to come back to its normal pace.
Kingsley stood up and began to pace around the room. "Harry, there is no use in denying that you are one of the best Aurors in the business."
Harry was taken aback. "Well I-"
"Your defense grades were superb, your knowledge on the Dark Arts is useful, and your experiences are more than this job requires."
Harry thought about this for a moment and decided not to argue. He nodded slightly.
"That is why," Kingsley continued. "I have decided that you are going to be a Trainer."
Harry stared blankly at Kingsley. "But Kingsley I've only been an Auror for a two years! Surely there is someone more worthy of this job than me!"
Kingsley shook his head. "It has been decided, Potter. You are going to train one of our newest Aurors. She's just come from the Academy and I want her to be trained by one the best."
Harry sighed. He had never thought that he would have to go back to teaching defense. That was something he had done in his 5th year, but now that he was out on his own, the thought had never occurred to him that he might have to do something like that again.
"Alright," Harry said. "Who is she?"
Kingsley opened his mouth to answer but there was a knock on the door.
"Oh that might be her now," Kingsley said standing up to open the door.
Harry's jaw dropped as a tall, blonde woman walked into the room. She was no older than Ginny and had faded blue eyes that seemed to make her look rather shocked. But it was the look in her eyes that gave her away completely.
"Luna?" Harry asked in amazement.
Luna smiled and her eyes focused on Harry. "Hello Harry," she said cheerfully.
"You know each other?" Kingsley asked in bewilderment.
"Luna and I were old school mates. She's a close friend of Ginny and I," Harry explained standing up to give Luna a hug.
"I haven't seen Harry since my graduation!" Luna said smiling her far off smile. "I went off to the Academy soon after and Ginny and I kept in touch by owl, but Harry always seemed to be busy."
Harry grinned. It was true. He had been busy. His new job had just been setting into place and what with his wedding he hadn't much spare time.
"Well," Kingsley said somewhat taken aback. "Then I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do," he said sitting back down at his desk.
"Don't you want us to get started?" Harry asked referring to his new job.
"Well," Kingsley explained. "I was planning on letting you two get to know each other anyway, so you can use this time to catch up today."
Harry turned to Luna and she smiled. "We can go to my office."
Luna nodded and followed Harry down the hall to a small cubicle that said 'Potter' on the wall.
"So," Harry said conjuring up a chair for Luna to sit in. "How have you been?"
"Oh I'm not complaining," Luna said smiling. "What about you and Ginny? I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the wedding, but I couldn't get time off school and-"
Harry waved his hand as if to dismiss the matter. "No hard feelings. We understand."
Luna smiled gratefully.
"Anyway," Harry said, returning to her previous asked question. "Ginny and I have been alright. Although she was complaining that she wasn't feeling all that well this morning."
"Hmmm…" Luna said. "Was she eating anything odd?"
Harry thought back. "Yeah, actually she was eating a chocolate frog, for breakfast."
"Sounds like she's suffering from Ickititis," Luna said conjuring up a cup of coffee.
Harry raised an eyebrow at her, although he couldn't get rid of the nervous feeling in his stomach. "And what's that?"
"A very common wizarding disease," Luna said taking a sip from her mug. "The first signs of it are weird cravings and then she'll get a nasty stomach virus. Pretty soon she'll have to get herself magically altered. But nothing fatal…usually."
Harry stared at her in shock. He tried to calm himself down. There was nothing wrong with Ginny. She's probably just getting the stomach flu. (A/N: Ack! Stomach flu!)
Harry nodded at her, trying to squash the horrible feeling rising up inside of him.
"Er…how was the Academy?" Harry asked in a desperate attempt to change the subject.
"Oh excellent," Luna said, the former topic forgotten. "The Professors were wonderful and I learned things that should be very useful to my career. But enough talk about me. I want to hear what's going on with you. How's Ron doing?"
Harry smirked at her bringing up Ron. He had a feeling that Luna had always had some what of a crush on Ron, but ever since he and Hermione and started going out she had given up hope.
"He's alright," Harry said leaning back in his chair. "He plays for the Cannons now, you know. So he's pretty busy. Visits me and Ginny every once in a while. Superb Keeper."
"Yes he always did do well at school," Luna said, her eyes going rather dreamy again. "That is after his 5th year."
Harry nodded. "He's doing brilliantly. Life treats him well, I suspect."
Luna nodded. "Then he is still seeing," she seemed to struggle with the name. "Hermione?"
Harry tried effortlessly to keep a straight face. "Yeah, he is, although he hasn't purposed to her yet. Ginny and I are thinking about giving them a nudge in the right direction."
Luna's eyes flared although her face remained very passive.
"Well I don't think that will be necessary," she said examining a fingernail on her right hand. "I mean to say; maybe she just isn't the one. No use pushing them into something they aren't ready for."
Harry laughed aloud. "Luna! Do you really mean that? Hermione and Ron have been destined for each other since 1st year!"
Luna looked rather hurt. "Well I'm just looking out for the well being of the both of them."
Harry nodded and held in his laughter this time. "I'm sure you are."
For the next few hours Luna and Harry caught up on everything there was to catch up on. They talked about her time at the Academy, the spells used, Harry and Ginny, although the topic steered far away from any talk about Ron and Hermione.
Pretty soon it was time for Harry to be heading home. He straightened up in his chair and smiled.
"Well Luna, it sure has been fun chatting with you," he said truthfully. "I only wish that Ginny—Hey! Why don't you come over for supper? I'm sure Ginny would love to see you."
"Oh I wouldn't want to be rude," Luna said. "Besides if she's getting sick I wouldn't want to be exposed to her. Ickititis is very contagious."
Harry nodded. "Well perhaps it is for the best." He stood up to accompany Luna to the front of the lift.
"I'll tell Ginny you said hi," Harry said grinning at her.
"Oh thank you. And be sure to mention that she should see a Healer as soon as possible about her illness. If she's not careful it could get exceptionally worse."
Harry nodded as a lump formed in his throat. He said goodbye to Luna and headed back to his office to pick up his things.
When he entered the office he was surprised to see Hedwig sitting on top of his desk. She had a letter tied to her leg. Upon seeing Harry she hooted happily and flew over to his shoulder.
"What do you have there?" Harry asked her. He pulled open the note which was written in Ginny's neat handwriting.
Dear Harry,
I need to talk to you. It's nothing that can't wait, but I would appreciate it if you didn't work late today. I'll see you when you get home.
Love,
Ginny
Harry could feel his body caving in. Something was wrong with Ginny. He grasped his wand off his desk.
"Go home, Hedwig," Harry said hastily, and without another moments hesitation he Disapparated.
A/N: Whoo! My first chapter is finally up! And if you don't know what's wrong with Ginny than I'm not going to tell you! You'll just have to wait until I get my next chapter up! If you don't review I am going to turn into Miss Non-Personality! For those of you don't know, that is a really bad thing! Oh yeah I almost forgot the POLL for this week is: WHICH COUPLE DO YOU THINK WILL GET TOGETHER FIRST? RON/HERMIONE OR HARRY/GINNY? If you aren't an H/G shipper than you don't have to answer, but that's this weeks question! Until next time!
WAIT! One more thing before you review and forget about me for a week! And it's IMPORTANT! Next week the chances of me updating are very slim. I have three concerts, One Monday, one Wednesday, and one Thursday. I have to go to my little brother's Chorus Concert on Tuesday, so the chances of me getting a chance to write my next chapter are going to be extremely small! And then on Saturday the 20th I am going to Texas for Christmas. I won't be back for a week, and my grandparents have limited Internet service there so the chances of me updating there are kind of small as well. BUT that doesn't mean I won't. If I go insane this weekend and start writing like a mad woman then I'll get Chapter 2 up as soon as possible, but I won't have time next week that's for sure. I will be writing in my fanfic notebook so stay tuned and check up on me even though I may not update. But I'll try my hardest! Thanx you guys rock so much! Luv y'all!
Your Faithful Writer,
'Mione Weasley