Danger Lurks…In A Broom Cupboard
By vedette
Recovering
***
Harry Potter zoomed across the Quidditch field on his Firebolt lost in thought. It was early in the morning, and the sky was swept with the shades of pinks and purples of sunrise, not that Harry noticed. The reason he was out flying so early was to be alone. Flying was the only activity he could do without replaying the whole scene from the third task. Well, almost always. Why did I have to go convince Cedric to take the Cup with me? If I hadn't he wouldn't be…Harry couldn't even think the word without practically breaking down. He remembered every last detail, from Cedric's death to Cho Chang's face, with tears streaming down it. He hadn't given much thought to Cho now, it just wouldn't be right since it was because of him her boyfriend was dead. The gossip would kill him, and for some reason, he seemed to be over her. Harry spiraled lower and lower as he thought about that fatal day… Harry was just grateful that when he flew so fast his tears were wiped from his face before they truly made themselves known.
***
Ginny Weasly watched in amazement at the aerobatic stunts Harry was pulling off on his broomstick. Hogwarts was half abandoned and she was prepared for another incredibly boring day. Normally she'd be in class, for her fourth year, but this year, only about a third of the students showed up on the Hogwarts train. After the horrifying event that happened here, parents were reluctant to let their children go to back to Hogwarts, not realizing the safest place was near Dumbledore. Not a single Slytherin came, not that they were scared, probably just to give a bad name to Dumbledore. Ginny was lonely. Since there weren't enough students, teachers allowed them to go to Hogsmead, if they were old enough (in their fifth year) or with someone older. She couldn't go with Ron, he was off somewhere with Hermione in a broom cupboard doing something she'd rather not talk about. She'd learned at an early age, not to hang around the twins for too long or else your size and shape are often altered. Instead she ended up bringing a book and reading under a tree near the Quidditch pitch in the early morning. It was no coincidence that it was the same time Harry was out flying; Ginny had basically memorized his whole schedule. She stopped collecting pictures of him and gave up all appearances of her old childish crush, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't get him out of her mind. Ginny figured there was no hope in Harry ever seeing her as someone other than Ron's little sister, so she stopped embarrassing herself by sending valentine and get-well cards when they probably weren't appreciated. She just wished there was something she could do for him. Ginny had watched him fly with frustration and anger. Wasn't this a department for friends? Ron and Hermione would be no help; they were too busy staring at each other to notice their friend so upset. She sighed as she watched Harry zip around with his robes loosely flapping around him. Why couldn't she just get over him?
***
Harry, not being Seeker for nothing, spotted a redhead hiding under a birch tree. He thought that yesterday, but figured it was a figment of his imagination. What's Ron doing hiding, he wondered. It has to be Ron, who else has hair like that? All of a sudden Harry grinned with a plan forming in his head. It had been so long since he'd had some fun with Ron. Harry figured this was a good time to, and to find out whether a Firebolt can hold two people comfortably or not. Sweeping low towards the birch, Harry whipped out his wand and yelled, "Accio!" He had become quite a perfectionist at that particular spell. Soon there were two people on the Firebolt. Harry grinned at his success but changed it to a look of horror, nearly falling off the broom (that wouldn't be good). He hadn't summoned Ron. It was Ginny who was sitting on his broom in front of him.
***
Ginny hidden under the branches of the tree, was staring up at Harry's forlorn face, when she detected a sudden change. He suddenly had a smile swept across his face and then he changed his direction entirely and headed towards Ginny. She stopped breathing sometime around then. She saw him with his wand out and then felt a weird sensation as she was pulled up onto Harry's broomstick. Wow, this is how fast Harry goes. I should fly more, thought Ginny delightedly. Harry was grinning ear to ear and then replaced that look to one of shock when he saw who she was. Ginny felt miserable. He's probably angry for me spying on him, she figured. Harry quickly landed the broom and gave a worried look.
"I'm so sorry Ginny. I thought you were Ron," Harry said hurriedly as if he was worried Ginny was going to yell at him. Ginny felt her insides turn as his green eyes were focused on hers.
"Don't worry. Actually it was kind of fun getting swept off my feet by the great Harry Potter." Ginny gulped. That didn't quite come out the way she meant. Luckily Harry didn't seem to notice anything wrong.
"It was kind of fun, wasn't it? D'wanna try again?" Ginny nodded, with no words being able to come to her. Maybe this wouldn't be such a boring day after all.
***
Professor Dumbledore smiled fondly as he watched the two try crazy stunts on the broom together out of his office window. Ginny wasn't the only one watching Harry on his broomstick. He knew someone would have to get Harry out of guilt and depression and it seemed like that someone was Ginny. That was good. Now he didn't have to plant a hint to Harry's two friends, Ron and Hermione, who seemed busy enough already. Dumbledore chuckled. Oh, to be young and carefree. Well maybe not the carefree part. Dumbledore glanced at the sky. Several clouds were on the horizon. He just hoped it wouldn't snow, that would ruin the plan he had…
***
Ginny shivered. It was getting a bit cool out and they had been flying for quite some time. Harry noticed her shivers.
"Are you getting cold? Maybe we should head in now. Besides it looks like it's going to rain." Ginny nodded regretfully. She was having so much fun too, but Harry was probably right, now would be a good time to return inside. What a gentleman, even noticing when she got cold.
"Thanks for the ride, bye" she said with a wave and headed off.
"Hey wait a second. Are you trying to lose me, or something? We're going the same direction." Harry noticed Ginny shivering again. "Maybe we could get some hot chocolate and get warmed up in the Gryffindor common room." Ginny could swear she could hear her heart beat faster. She never considered the possibility of Harry wanting to hang around with her after they finished flying. Plus he was offering her hot chocolate? This couldn't be happening. Ginny quickly agreed before Harry could take back his offer. She wondered if they could light the fire in the fireplace…
***
Hermione and Ron were sitting all alone in a classroom. "What a summer!" thought Hermione. Ron had finally told her why he was so upset about all the guys she showed an inkling of like for, especially Vikor Krum and Lockhart (mind you, I'd be upset if I had him for a teacher too), and the summer went uphill after that. She had a feeling that Harry's summer wasn't all that great though. Hermione stared out the window. Say, wasn't that Harry there, along with Ginny? She wondered what had happened, had Harry finally noticed her or had Ginny finally got the courage to speak to him. Whatever had happened, Hermione was happy it did. Ginny had become quite good friends with her. After all, she had to have some girl companions to talk to, and someone a little more sensible than the silly girls in her dorm, Pavarti, Lavender and the rest. Ron shifted positions and murmured almost in half sleep.
"Something out there, Hermione?"
"As a matter of fact, there is. Your sister… and Harry," she replied. Ron bolted upright from his lying-down position.
"My sister and Harry! What are they doing together? What does Harry think he's doing?"
"Relax," Hermione said calmly, pushing Ron back down, "For your first question, all they're doing is talking and laughing. As for your second question, Harry probably is just making friends. If you haven't noticed, we haven't exactly done much with him lately (at this Hermione blushed) and there aren't many people around besides us." Ron mumbled something that Hermione didn't catch and they fell out of that discussion.
***
Halfway to the castle, what had been threatening all morning finally became a reality. It began to rain. Hard. The Firebolt had already been sent away (Harry also sent Ginny's book ahead of them), so Ginny and Harry had to run as fast as they could to Hogwarts, where it was warm and dry. Ginny was getting drenched until all of a sudden the rain stopped. No, that wasn't right. Harry smiled at her confusion.
"I've got a rain repellant charm up my sleeve." Ginny still frowned. If that was true, why was he still getting soaked? As if Harry could read her mind he continued, "I've only mastered it on one person at a time," he said with regret, "Well, at least we're at the castle now. Lets just hope that no one catches us dripping wet on the floor" As they were walking down the passageway, a cat appeared and meowed. Ginny froze. Mrs. Norris whisked away.
"Great, we'd better run for it," said Ginny nervously, getting ready to bolt.
"No wait. Hide in here." Harry gestured towards a closet. Ginny nodded, then looked at there tracks. That wouldn't work. Unless… Ginny flicked out her wand, muttered some words and waved it over their tracks. All the mud disappeared. Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Ginny quickly joined Harry in the closet. She had no idea closets were so small. "Funny," she thought, "Here I am with Harry in a broom cupboard. Who would have expected it?" As Ginny's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, she noticed something very strange. There was nothing in the closet, not even brooms. There were some fancy symbols etched into the wall, covered in layers of dust. She dusted them, trying to see them better. Harry peered at the wall, and then opened the door.
"What are you staring at Ginny?"
"These symbols here, can't you see them?"
"I don't see anything."
As hard as he tried, Harry couldn't see anything. Ginny felt her spine tingle. Why couldn't Harry see them, yet she could? Her brother once said, "Hearing things that no one else can hear, isn't a good sign, even in the wizarding world." Would the same apply to sight?
***
Ginny and Harry headed to the Gryffindor tower and said the password to the Fat Lady and each headed up to their separate rooms to change. As Ginny entered her room, she realized how much she missed having a roommate. All of hers hadn't come to Hogwarts yet. Ginny changed into the nicest robes she had that weren't reserved for special occasions and brushed her hair a bit, trying to neaten herself up as fast as possible. When she got back to the Gryffindor common room, Harry was already there.
"I'm beginning to think Ron was right on how long girls take to get ready," Harry greeted with a tinge of a smile. (Ginny started to protest, but Harry stopped her) "Now let's head off to the house-elves and get some hot chocolate, like I said. And the best thing is, we don't have to worry about running into a teacher, they're all gone preparing for the upcoming evil (at this Harry bit his bottom lip worriedly) or trying to convince parents that their children are safest under Dumbledore's care. But just in case…" With this Harry got a mischievous look and pulled out a piece of parchment from under his robes. Ginny was confused. How could that old thing help them sneak around the school? Harry saw her confused and apologized "Sorry, I forgot you didn't know about this handy little map of mine. It's one of my top-most secrets (Ginny wondered what his other secrets were) so don't tell anyone. Only Ron, Hermione, the twins and a few privileged teachers know about this." Ginny put on a solemn look and pretended to salute.
"Now let's go explore!"
***
Harry wondered why he ended telling Ginny about the Marauder's Map. You can't just go around telling people your secrets, he told himself sternly, next thing you know you'll be telling about the Invisibility Cloak. But Ginny's different, he argued. Oh dear, now I'm arguing with myself. Harry decided to concentrate on something else. He started concentrating on Ginny, but that made him nervous somehow. He realized how close they were and how close they had been on his broom. Instead Harry looked at the map, pointed a direction and they were off, sneaking around Hogwart's corridors. Finally they reached the silver fruit bowl painting and Harry reached over and tickled the pear.
"So that's how Fred and George get to all the food for parties," acknowledged Ginny thoughtfully. She stored the information in her mind; it would be useful if she ever wanted to play a trick on the twins. Ginny stepped into the kitchen as Harry held the way open. Almost immediately they were swarmed by little bodies.
"Where's Dobby?" Harry questioned. They all motioned towards a coach.
"Hebbo Harwy Pobber," sniffled Dobby, "Dobby is not feeling well today."
"I didn't know house elves could get sick," said Ginny amusedly. The two got their hot chocolate, along with marshmallows and some biscuits. They headed back to the Gryffindor common room, to be greeted by Ron and Hermione.
"Ginny I had this great idea. I was wondering if you would like to be roommates with me instead of with whoever you're with," Hermione inquired. When Ginny opened her mouth to agree, Hermione started to babble on again. "Oh you don't have to if you don't want to and don't feel under pressure. It's just that I'm lonely and I'd rather be with you and the Prefects have much better bedrooms and…"
"You're a Prefect!" interrupted all three, Harry, Ron and Ginny, together.
"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Hermione pulled out a shiny new badge from her robes with the distinctive word "Prefect" on it. "Anyways so what do you say, Ginny? Don't worry I already asked Professor McGonagall and she okayed it and there are two beds and…" Ron whispered to Ginny, "Say something or she'll go on forever!" Ginny. Ginny saw the logic in this, (after all who knows Hermione best?), and quickly agreed to the suggestion. The two bounded up the stairs towards their rooms and started talking about where all Ginny's stuff should go. That's when Harry felt his scar faintly twinge…
By vedette
Recovering
***
Harry Potter zoomed across the Quidditch field on his Firebolt lost in thought. It was early in the morning, and the sky was swept with the shades of pinks and purples of sunrise, not that Harry noticed. The reason he was out flying so early was to be alone. Flying was the only activity he could do without replaying the whole scene from the third task. Well, almost always. Why did I have to go convince Cedric to take the Cup with me? If I hadn't he wouldn't be…Harry couldn't even think the word without practically breaking down. He remembered every last detail, from Cedric's death to Cho Chang's face, with tears streaming down it. He hadn't given much thought to Cho now, it just wouldn't be right since it was because of him her boyfriend was dead. The gossip would kill him, and for some reason, he seemed to be over her. Harry spiraled lower and lower as he thought about that fatal day… Harry was just grateful that when he flew so fast his tears were wiped from his face before they truly made themselves known.
***
Ginny Weasly watched in amazement at the aerobatic stunts Harry was pulling off on his broomstick. Hogwarts was half abandoned and she was prepared for another incredibly boring day. Normally she'd be in class, for her fourth year, but this year, only about a third of the students showed up on the Hogwarts train. After the horrifying event that happened here, parents were reluctant to let their children go to back to Hogwarts, not realizing the safest place was near Dumbledore. Not a single Slytherin came, not that they were scared, probably just to give a bad name to Dumbledore. Ginny was lonely. Since there weren't enough students, teachers allowed them to go to Hogsmead, if they were old enough (in their fifth year) or with someone older. She couldn't go with Ron, he was off somewhere with Hermione in a broom cupboard doing something she'd rather not talk about. She'd learned at an early age, not to hang around the twins for too long or else your size and shape are often altered. Instead she ended up bringing a book and reading under a tree near the Quidditch pitch in the early morning. It was no coincidence that it was the same time Harry was out flying; Ginny had basically memorized his whole schedule. She stopped collecting pictures of him and gave up all appearances of her old childish crush, but no matter how hard she tried she couldn't get him out of her mind. Ginny figured there was no hope in Harry ever seeing her as someone other than Ron's little sister, so she stopped embarrassing herself by sending valentine and get-well cards when they probably weren't appreciated. She just wished there was something she could do for him. Ginny had watched him fly with frustration and anger. Wasn't this a department for friends? Ron and Hermione would be no help; they were too busy staring at each other to notice their friend so upset. She sighed as she watched Harry zip around with his robes loosely flapping around him. Why couldn't she just get over him?
***
Harry, not being Seeker for nothing, spotted a redhead hiding under a birch tree. He thought that yesterday, but figured it was a figment of his imagination. What's Ron doing hiding, he wondered. It has to be Ron, who else has hair like that? All of a sudden Harry grinned with a plan forming in his head. It had been so long since he'd had some fun with Ron. Harry figured this was a good time to, and to find out whether a Firebolt can hold two people comfortably or not. Sweeping low towards the birch, Harry whipped out his wand and yelled, "Accio!" He had become quite a perfectionist at that particular spell. Soon there were two people on the Firebolt. Harry grinned at his success but changed it to a look of horror, nearly falling off the broom (that wouldn't be good). He hadn't summoned Ron. It was Ginny who was sitting on his broom in front of him.
***
Ginny hidden under the branches of the tree, was staring up at Harry's forlorn face, when she detected a sudden change. He suddenly had a smile swept across his face and then he changed his direction entirely and headed towards Ginny. She stopped breathing sometime around then. She saw him with his wand out and then felt a weird sensation as she was pulled up onto Harry's broomstick. Wow, this is how fast Harry goes. I should fly more, thought Ginny delightedly. Harry was grinning ear to ear and then replaced that look to one of shock when he saw who she was. Ginny felt miserable. He's probably angry for me spying on him, she figured. Harry quickly landed the broom and gave a worried look.
"I'm so sorry Ginny. I thought you were Ron," Harry said hurriedly as if he was worried Ginny was going to yell at him. Ginny felt her insides turn as his green eyes were focused on hers.
"Don't worry. Actually it was kind of fun getting swept off my feet by the great Harry Potter." Ginny gulped. That didn't quite come out the way she meant. Luckily Harry didn't seem to notice anything wrong.
"It was kind of fun, wasn't it? D'wanna try again?" Ginny nodded, with no words being able to come to her. Maybe this wouldn't be such a boring day after all.
***
Professor Dumbledore smiled fondly as he watched the two try crazy stunts on the broom together out of his office window. Ginny wasn't the only one watching Harry on his broomstick. He knew someone would have to get Harry out of guilt and depression and it seemed like that someone was Ginny. That was good. Now he didn't have to plant a hint to Harry's two friends, Ron and Hermione, who seemed busy enough already. Dumbledore chuckled. Oh, to be young and carefree. Well maybe not the carefree part. Dumbledore glanced at the sky. Several clouds were on the horizon. He just hoped it wouldn't snow, that would ruin the plan he had…
***
Ginny shivered. It was getting a bit cool out and they had been flying for quite some time. Harry noticed her shivers.
"Are you getting cold? Maybe we should head in now. Besides it looks like it's going to rain." Ginny nodded regretfully. She was having so much fun too, but Harry was probably right, now would be a good time to return inside. What a gentleman, even noticing when she got cold.
"Thanks for the ride, bye" she said with a wave and headed off.
"Hey wait a second. Are you trying to lose me, or something? We're going the same direction." Harry noticed Ginny shivering again. "Maybe we could get some hot chocolate and get warmed up in the Gryffindor common room." Ginny could swear she could hear her heart beat faster. She never considered the possibility of Harry wanting to hang around with her after they finished flying. Plus he was offering her hot chocolate? This couldn't be happening. Ginny quickly agreed before Harry could take back his offer. She wondered if they could light the fire in the fireplace…
***
Hermione and Ron were sitting all alone in a classroom. "What a summer!" thought Hermione. Ron had finally told her why he was so upset about all the guys she showed an inkling of like for, especially Vikor Krum and Lockhart (mind you, I'd be upset if I had him for a teacher too), and the summer went uphill after that. She had a feeling that Harry's summer wasn't all that great though. Hermione stared out the window. Say, wasn't that Harry there, along with Ginny? She wondered what had happened, had Harry finally noticed her or had Ginny finally got the courage to speak to him. Whatever had happened, Hermione was happy it did. Ginny had become quite good friends with her. After all, she had to have some girl companions to talk to, and someone a little more sensible than the silly girls in her dorm, Pavarti, Lavender and the rest. Ron shifted positions and murmured almost in half sleep.
"Something out there, Hermione?"
"As a matter of fact, there is. Your sister… and Harry," she replied. Ron bolted upright from his lying-down position.
"My sister and Harry! What are they doing together? What does Harry think he's doing?"
"Relax," Hermione said calmly, pushing Ron back down, "For your first question, all they're doing is talking and laughing. As for your second question, Harry probably is just making friends. If you haven't noticed, we haven't exactly done much with him lately (at this Hermione blushed) and there aren't many people around besides us." Ron mumbled something that Hermione didn't catch and they fell out of that discussion.
***
Halfway to the castle, what had been threatening all morning finally became a reality. It began to rain. Hard. The Firebolt had already been sent away (Harry also sent Ginny's book ahead of them), so Ginny and Harry had to run as fast as they could to Hogwarts, where it was warm and dry. Ginny was getting drenched until all of a sudden the rain stopped. No, that wasn't right. Harry smiled at her confusion.
"I've got a rain repellant charm up my sleeve." Ginny still frowned. If that was true, why was he still getting soaked? As if Harry could read her mind he continued, "I've only mastered it on one person at a time," he said with regret, "Well, at least we're at the castle now. Lets just hope that no one catches us dripping wet on the floor" As they were walking down the passageway, a cat appeared and meowed. Ginny froze. Mrs. Norris whisked away.
"Great, we'd better run for it," said Ginny nervously, getting ready to bolt.
"No wait. Hide in here." Harry gestured towards a closet. Ginny nodded, then looked at there tracks. That wouldn't work. Unless… Ginny flicked out her wand, muttered some words and waved it over their tracks. All the mud disappeared. Footsteps echoed in the hallway. Ginny quickly joined Harry in the closet. She had no idea closets were so small. "Funny," she thought, "Here I am with Harry in a broom cupboard. Who would have expected it?" As Ginny's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting, she noticed something very strange. There was nothing in the closet, not even brooms. There were some fancy symbols etched into the wall, covered in layers of dust. She dusted them, trying to see them better. Harry peered at the wall, and then opened the door.
"What are you staring at Ginny?"
"These symbols here, can't you see them?"
"I don't see anything."
As hard as he tried, Harry couldn't see anything. Ginny felt her spine tingle. Why couldn't Harry see them, yet she could? Her brother once said, "Hearing things that no one else can hear, isn't a good sign, even in the wizarding world." Would the same apply to sight?
***
Ginny and Harry headed to the Gryffindor tower and said the password to the Fat Lady and each headed up to their separate rooms to change. As Ginny entered her room, she realized how much she missed having a roommate. All of hers hadn't come to Hogwarts yet. Ginny changed into the nicest robes she had that weren't reserved for special occasions and brushed her hair a bit, trying to neaten herself up as fast as possible. When she got back to the Gryffindor common room, Harry was already there.
"I'm beginning to think Ron was right on how long girls take to get ready," Harry greeted with a tinge of a smile. (Ginny started to protest, but Harry stopped her) "Now let's head off to the house-elves and get some hot chocolate, like I said. And the best thing is, we don't have to worry about running into a teacher, they're all gone preparing for the upcoming evil (at this Harry bit his bottom lip worriedly) or trying to convince parents that their children are safest under Dumbledore's care. But just in case…" With this Harry got a mischievous look and pulled out a piece of parchment from under his robes. Ginny was confused. How could that old thing help them sneak around the school? Harry saw her confused and apologized "Sorry, I forgot you didn't know about this handy little map of mine. It's one of my top-most secrets (Ginny wondered what his other secrets were) so don't tell anyone. Only Ron, Hermione, the twins and a few privileged teachers know about this." Ginny put on a solemn look and pretended to salute.
"Now let's go explore!"
***
Harry wondered why he ended telling Ginny about the Marauder's Map. You can't just go around telling people your secrets, he told himself sternly, next thing you know you'll be telling about the Invisibility Cloak. But Ginny's different, he argued. Oh dear, now I'm arguing with myself. Harry decided to concentrate on something else. He started concentrating on Ginny, but that made him nervous somehow. He realized how close they were and how close they had been on his broom. Instead Harry looked at the map, pointed a direction and they were off, sneaking around Hogwart's corridors. Finally they reached the silver fruit bowl painting and Harry reached over and tickled the pear.
"So that's how Fred and George get to all the food for parties," acknowledged Ginny thoughtfully. She stored the information in her mind; it would be useful if she ever wanted to play a trick on the twins. Ginny stepped into the kitchen as Harry held the way open. Almost immediately they were swarmed by little bodies.
"Where's Dobby?" Harry questioned. They all motioned towards a coach.
"Hebbo Harwy Pobber," sniffled Dobby, "Dobby is not feeling well today."
"I didn't know house elves could get sick," said Ginny amusedly. The two got their hot chocolate, along with marshmallows and some biscuits. They headed back to the Gryffindor common room, to be greeted by Ron and Hermione.
"Ginny I had this great idea. I was wondering if you would like to be roommates with me instead of with whoever you're with," Hermione inquired. When Ginny opened her mouth to agree, Hermione started to babble on again. "Oh you don't have to if you don't want to and don't feel under pressure. It's just that I'm lonely and I'd rather be with you and the Prefects have much better bedrooms and…"
"You're a Prefect!" interrupted all three, Harry, Ron and Ginny, together.
"Oh, didn't I tell you?" Hermione pulled out a shiny new badge from her robes with the distinctive word "Prefect" on it. "Anyways so what do you say, Ginny? Don't worry I already asked Professor McGonagall and she okayed it and there are two beds and…" Ron whispered to Ginny, "Say something or she'll go on forever!" Ginny. Ginny saw the logic in this, (after all who knows Hermione best?), and quickly agreed to the suggestion. The two bounded up the stairs towards their rooms and started talking about where all Ginny's stuff should go. That's when Harry felt his scar faintly twinge…
