Professor Ginevra Weasley
Disclaimer: Get this pesky thing out of the way. I am in no way related nor do I own Harry Potter characters. I am however the proud owner of the plot :)
Ok so yet another Ginny/ Harry fic from me... this one more ambitious and with a much larger scope.
Things you should know:
This takes place 11 years after the end of the Second Wizarding War
Harry and Ginny did not date in sixth year or after the war but the "crush" days of course still exist :P
Enjoy :)
Thank you to Héla and to all the lovely people who reviewed or placed this story on Alert.
HPHP
Ginny sat at her large mahogany desk writing a letter to her brother Charlie. Once she had finished, she heaved a sigh of relief and called on her personal owl, Jinx, to deliver the letter. With all the preparations that needed to be made for the new school year, she had barely had anytime to communicate with any of her family members, least of all Charlie, who was always travelling to review Dragon camps.
With a light stroke to Jinx's beautiful grey feathers, the owl was off. Ginny kept looking out the window staring as her owl became a speck in the distance. She hadn't had a moment of quiet contemplation in months and she felt somewhat odd having one now, especially since all she could really think about were the butterflies in her stomach.
It was a truth universally acknowledged (Hermione had once told her) that Ginny's crush on Harry Potter was now a thing of the past. And Ginny knew that was the honest truth. Over the years, her feelings for Harry had grown into something much deeper. She would not go so far as to call it romantic love, but love for a friend she definitely felt, a fond affection she was afraid she had to admit, and a general desire to see him happy was probably the bane of her existence.
When Harry had left England nine years ago everyone understood why he needed to do it. With the constant attention he received and the sometimes over-indulgent admirers, he needed to realise what he really wanted all over again. While he was away, however, he never failed to keep in touch with the Weasley family and a few other well-chosen friends.
One of the chosen few was of course Ginny. At first the letters were a continuation of the simple topics all friends seemed to revel in, the same light-hearted fun that made Harry seek Ginny out after the tragedy of the war had passed. But somehow, somewhere along the way (and this is where Ginny always got confused) the letters matured into something much more. Deeper thoughts were revealed. Ginny liked to think it was because, sometimes, it's far easier to talk to someone who isn't around every day and so has a fresher take on things.
Whatever the reason, Ginny looked forward to Harry's letters much more than she deemed it healthy to admit and it was because of all these thoughts that she felt as if aforementioned butterflies had drunk one of George and Ron's Firebolt-Simulation Potions.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of someone on the staircase leading to the office and she quickly made her way over to her desk, trying to look busy instead of a teenager contemplating the woes of life. A knock could be heard from the door and slowly but surely, it opened revealing the taller, yet otherwise exactly remembered image of Harry Potter. Ginny couldn't help herself and made her way over with a smile plastered on her face and enveloped Harry in a hug. It was a hug between friends that hadn't seen each other in too long but the butterflies had effectively taken another dose of that potion.
Harry stepped back and had a large grin on his face. He couldn't believe his eyes. He had actually seen Ginny a few months ago but she looked so confident and well-adapted here in the Headmaster's office that she could inspire even the most down in his luck man.
"Gwenog Jones?" Harry began, referring to the password he had just used, his grin never faltering.
"Yes well I'll always be a Holyhead Harpy at heart." Ginny smirked back, making her way back to her desk and gesturing towards the other chair.
Harry took a seat. For some reason unbeknownst to him he had noticed how her robes seemed to move so elegantly around her while she walked.
"Explain to me again why you didn't sign the record-breaking contract with them."
Ginny blushed. "Oh you know. Hogwarts was in shambles back then. Everything needed to be rebuilt and I spent the summer helping out. Next thing I knew I couldn't bear the idea of leaving the place." At this, she surreptitiously gave a loving look around the room and made a kind of swishing gesture with her hand. "And the rest is history I guess. Don't worry Potter I can still beat you at Quidditch anytime."
Harry smirked and Ginny realised she had rarely ever seen Harry do that. She decided he should do it more often.
"I wouldn't know about that. Youngest Seeker in a century remember." Harry leaned back in his chair, arms folded with a mock air of arrogance.
Ginny mimicked his exact posture and quickly quipped, "Youngest Headmistress in history. Beat that."
Harry quickly leaned forward, a look of admiration evident on his face, "Wow. Really? Congratulations. I haven't formally had a chance to say that. What with getting in only a few weeks ago and settling in."
"Yes well, I'm glad you owled. A couple of owls and Weasley gatherings here and there aren't enough for the whole family to stop missing you, you know?"
Harry diverted his eyes, "Yes, Molly reminds me about that every other month."
Ginny chuckled at her mother's insistence at unofficially adopting the first raven-haired boy in the Weasley lineage. "Can you honestly blame her?"
Harry smiled fondly, "No but Gin," and his voice seemed to lower to a whisper as he leaned closer, "you know I missed you all too. I really just needed to get away."
Ginny indulged his whispering, "Yes but nine years. Was there really the need to get away for nine whole years?"
"You'd be surprised what kind of domino effect leaving your home can have," Harry replied, leaning back once again.
"Tales of adventure. Harry Potter hasn't changed one bit it seems."
"Well I wouldn't say adventure. Although there was this one year where I dealt with the fierce end of a herd of Erumpents... and I've got the scars to prove it.
Ginny cringed at the thought of the magical beasts that were known to explode on contact. "Well, if all goes according to plan, you've got an entire year to update me on how that happened."
"Definitely. I'll pop by and I'll probably end up learning all the Holyhead players by the end of the year. Must be the first time a Harpy's been used as a password?"
"Actually no." Ginny replied. "One of the Headmasters in the 1800s, Professor Boris Unkrin, was madly in love with one of the Holyhead Harpies. I'm sure he can regale you with a few stories next time you have a bit of time." And to further emphasise her point, Ginny pointed toward a portrait behind Harry situated a little above the door.
The headmaster seen in the portrait was a chubby man with very large glasses but a thin white moustache. He spoke in a thick Scottish accent. "Quite right, Ginevra. Dorita Hunfridge, a fantastic Quidditch Keeper and a fine bird if I do say so myself. Ah me... if only Headmasters had a bit more free time to pursue," he paused and gave a slight cough with the hint of a smile, "extracurricular activities, Dorry might have married me."
To Harry's left, another voice could be heard, this time a haughty deep one, "Dorry, as he so eloquently puts it, was 20 years his junior."
Harry quickly turned around at the recognisable voice he hadn't heard in years, "Hello Phineus."
Phineus Black, the most unpopular Headmaster Hogwarts has ever known, characteristically huffed at Harry, puffing his chest in a very proud manner, "Mr. Potter," only giving a minimal nod of acknowledgement. "Weasley," he said, turning to Ginny, "if you'll pardon my completely required interruption, this is supposed to be a job interview for a highly prestigious position at Hogwarts. If you and Mr. Potter would like to catch up and reminisce about the good times, might I suggest The Three Broomsticks."
"I see he hasn't changed a bit," Harry mumbled.
Ginny rolled her eyes and mumbled back, "He's a portrait. How can he?"
Harry chuckled inconspicuously but then began to look around the portraits, "Wait, where are Dumbledore and Snape?"
"Oh they're over at their portraits at the Ministry. Some Auror business. They'll be back later if you want to catch up."
"So… this isn't Dumbledore's way of making sure you become confident in your Headmasterly duties?" Harry offered with a kind smirk.
Ginny averted her eyes nervously, "Why would you think that?"
"Hermione told me you were a bit nervous." Harry began with a comforting smile, "She also told me Dumbledore insists that all you're lacking is a bit of self-confidence."
Ginny sighed.
"Clearly Hermione is spending way too much time chatting it up with portraits instead of doing her job."
Harry leaned towards her again, seemingly unsure of what he was about to say, "I'll be honest Gin, when I first heard about you running Hogwarts, I was surprised. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. You were always great with helping others in the DA, and you've got a bright head on your shoulders. Why NOT you?" He ended with a tone that clearly showed he thought it the most obvious decision in the world.
Ginny didn't know what to say to Harry's words. She merely stared at him and what with them both leaning over the desk, she felt something change in the atmosphere.
"Yes well if the not-yet-officially-employed Professor will care to desist from boosting the Headmistress' morale, maybe we can see if you are actually qualified to teach?" Phineus' deep timbre rang out surprisingly high.
Ginny groaned and gritted out, "Phineus, I swear, if you weren't related to Sirius, I'd have you relocated."
The Professor was obviously insulted, "Very well, I know when I'm not wanted. Conduct the interview yourself. See if I care if you hire the Giant Squid as the new Defence teacher. I'll be in my Grimmauld Place portrait."
"Erm incidentally, that's where I'll be living on my days off," Harry said.
Phineus looked from Harry's almost apologetic look to Ginny's smug grin, back to Harry, "Must all my places of sanctuary be taken away from me?" And with that he promptly disappeared in a huff.
Harry and Ginny stared at the portrait where the disagreeable Headmaster had been. Ginny turned to look at Harry who had a contemplative look on his face.
"What's wrong?" Ginny asked.
"Nothing, it's just you mentioned Sirius."
Ginny remembered that Sirius was never an easy subject for Harry, "Oh I'm sorry."
"No it's just... I guess I never realised that you two may have been close." Harry quickly replied.
Ginny hesitated at first, "Well, he was never my godfather …but he did help me out with one or two things that summer when we were all hiding out in his house."
Harry smiled at her, noting that at twenty-eight, Ginny still held a refreshing sense of innocence. "Alright then, Professor. Shall we have a job interview then? Do you want me to come in again so you can act all intimidating while I stutter out my job qualifications." Harry stood up pointing towards the door.
Ginny glared at him playfully, relieved that she could hold off that conversation for a bit longer. "Harry, I already know that no matter how many people applied for the job, you're more qualified than any of them. I distinctly remember McGonagall considering begging you to take the job at one point."
"Now that's thought for the imagination. But Ginny, how do you know I'm fully qualified? A lot of time has passed since the War."
Ginny gave him a look that clearly showed she thought he was being ridiculous.
Harry sighed, "Right. Well, how do you know I can communicate with students?"
"DA."
"But..."
"Oh Merlin, I'd forgotten what self-deprecating Harry was like." Ginny observed flippantly as she began to rummage through a pile of CVs on her desk. "Maybe I should consider someone else."
Harry laughed at her obvious teasing, "Alright alright, no self-deprecation I promise. Geez, Gin, give a bloke some leeway before you bruise his ego."
Ginny smiled proudly, "Nope. You could always count on me to call you out when you were being a prat. We may be older, supposedly wiser and I may be sitting in this clutter-infested office, but you can still count on me for that."
"Good, I can sleep tonight." Harry deadpanned but somehow the cryptic smile he held made Ginny's insides ache all over again.
"Prat."
"Goody two shoes," Harry retorted back.
"Hey, where did that come from?" Ginny asked confused.
"You're Headmistress. I bet you follow the rules to the last comma now... just like Hermione." Harry folded his arms, still standing up, challenging her with his smirk.
"First of all, nobody can be like Hermione. And secondly, because of the fact that I am now Headmistress, I can bend, break and otherwise mutilate any rule in any manner I please."
Harry laughed, "Ginny Weasley, Headmistress by day. Wild child by night."
"Who says it has to be at night?" Ginny quirked her eyebrows suggestively.
"Alright alright. I'll never question your rule-breaking ways ever again. I should have known better." Harry held up his arms in defeat.
Ginny nodded solemnly. "You really should have." She stood up and declared, "Well Professor Potter." She tried to keep a serious face but a hint of a smile appeared. "We'll go over details at a later time but for now, on behalf of all the staff, I'd like to welcome you to Hogwarts once again." She held out her hand very formally for him to shake. Nothing was formal, however, about the teasing smile on her face.
"That's it?" Harry asked. "Wow. That was the easiest job interview I ever had. You're not doing this because of my fame are you?" Harry asked jokingly though Ginny couldn't help but note the tone of seriousness at the end of his question. She decided to assure him the best way she knew how.
"No of course not. I'm doing it entirely because of your dazzling good looks and charm." She stated confidently.
"Oh, well , that's alright then." Harry seemed unfazed, which was actually not what Ginny had expected. "That's what I was going for anyway." He gave her a subtle wink and turned to leave. "I'll see you tomorrow Gin."
"Bye." Her voice didn't come out as strong as she would have liked it to.
As soon as the door was safely closed, Ginny slumped into her chair with her head in her hands. "The new Professor is Harry bleeding Potter and I just flirted with him," she groaned out.
"Well at least it went well," Dumbledore's calm voice could be heard from behind her. She didn't have to turn around to know that that blasted twinkle in his eye was making a comeback.
"Yes. Any better," Snape drawled out, " and Potter would have proposed."
Ginny couldn't help but slap her head at the feeling of humiliation.
HPHP
The first of September had arrived far too quickly but Ginny was still on tenterhooks to officially begin the scholastic year. She had even spent her birthday going over each detail. Not surprisingly, Harry had been a great help, staying true to his word and visiting, offering to help out. Unfortunately, Harry's attempts at help often involved him getting into long conversations with the portraits in her office. He had always been fascinated by the talking portraits and they in turn where equally in awe at being able to speak to the great Harry Potter. Ginny's personal favourites (although she would never admit this) were without a doubt whenever Severus was around to jibe and criticise Harry. Severus never relinquished his former image of distaste for Harry but Harry now talked to Severus as some kind of long-lost friend, taking insults in his stride and, in an unbelievable turn of events, even risked teasing Severus on some occasions!
It was a pity she never got any work done while Harry was there but Ginny wouldn't trade seeing the relaxed look on his face while in her office for the world.
The students of Hogwarts had all filed in and taken their seats. First years had been sorted and it was time for the customary speech before the meal began. Ginny looked over at Neville, her Deputy Headmaster and he gave her an encouraging wink. Ginny rose and immediately all heads turned towards her. She gave a slight cough and gathered her wits before casting a Sonorus charm.
"Good evening everyone. First of all, to our older students, welcome to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. To our first years…console yourself in the knowledge that I feel the exact same way you do all over again."
She smirked slightly as the students all chuckled. George did tell her to start off with a joke.
"Yes… Excited, joyful," she paused here, "and even a little nervous is what I believe all students feel on their first day of the school year. And so I, also, share in these feelings with you today, as I begin one of the most intimidating but also wonderful adventures of my life.
She paused. The entire Hall was silent, waiting for her next words. Ginny raised her finger and pointed at the wall next to the door of the Great Hall.
Everyone's head inevitably turned to face it.
"Not many people know this but I built that wall after Hogwarts had sustained damage in the Second Wizarding War and… in between two particular slabs, and only I will ever know which, my initials are carved.
"It was a small tradition the people undertaking the re-building chose to take up. We all chose one slab, and only one slab, and carved our initials in it. Invisible to the naked eye but, regardless, we would be a part of Hogwart's history forever.
"This does not mean that my first act as Headmistress is to condone vandalism." She paused and smirked as the students chuckled. "In fact, as I grew up and lived within these walls almost every day, I realised I didn't need to etch my name to be a part of Hogwarts' history. As I had etched my name into Hogwarts, so Hogwarts etches its way into all our hearts. Being inside these walls was gratifying enough. Hogwarts' history is made by its memories and its magic, both literal and metaphorical. We, together, all participate in this. I, as the new Headmistress am no less a part of Hogwarts' history than the First Years who have not even entered their dormitories yet. For Hogwarts is a place where potential is increased and investigated and where the smallest child, as I once was, may grow up, experience all the emotions that a human ever could and stand before you, as I do today. Nevertheless, I still have much to learn. Truly, we all never cease to be First Years.
She paused again, letting the words sink in.
"I am very honoured to be your new Headmistress and I promise to do my best as your educator and even, at times, your friend. I promise to approach my tenure as Headmistress with the same motivation I had when I was building that wall. And most of all, I very much look forward to us all being a part of Hogwarts' history."
She paused slightly and the Great Hall remained silent for a beat. Her eyes widened nervously. Perhaps her speech had come off wrongly.
No sooner had she finished her thought, when applause that shook the Great Hall erupted. Students stood up and cheered and so did the beaming Professors. She looked across the Hall and spotted old Filch wiping his eye quickly for some reason but then clapping also.
Ginny gratefully smiled. She spotted Harry and looked over at him. He was staring at her, clapping slowly. The look in his eyes was complex. He seemed to be reminiscing, probably on the Great Battle itself which had taken place in the Hall, but his look also showed he was solemnly proud of her. She nodded and smiled at him in gratitude.
After a few minutes, the noise died down and everyone slowly sat back down. Voices could be heard chattering and Ginny re-cast the Sonorus charm.
"Now on to practical matters, shall we?" She smiled down at a random First Year girl whose name she didn't know yet. The little girl blushed and bowed her head. Yes, the small ones grow up very quickly, Ginny thought but quickly shook her head and looked out across the Hall to continue.
"The Forbidden Forest is strictly out of bounds, more so than ever this year. This is a truly remarkable year. It is what we refer to as the Year of the Unicorn. You see, every two hundred years, Unicorn magic performs a truly outstanding feat. Each unicorn calls out to its fellows far and wide across a whole piece of land. The few remaining and, I must say, glorious creatures will travel to one location. Experts in the Department for Magical Creatures at the Ministry suspect our very own Forbidden Forest to be the meeting ground for unicorns in the United Kingdom. Some of the scholars have said it is because of the concentration of magic that radiates from Hogwarts, others because of the safety that has been evident ever since the end of the War. Regardless, the Forbidden Forest is now highly protected ground for the rest of the year.
"Now I could have chosen to simply not divulge this information, only having to deal with the more adventurous of you finding out. However, I feel that would be a great hindrance and injustice on your magical education. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity and we have taken measures so that all of you may experience and observe some extraordinary things in your Care of Magical Creatures lessons. Professor Hagrid is quite understandably very excited in sharing this knowledge with you." Ginny motioned towards Hagrid who beamed with happiness.
"However, I cannot stress enough that all students stay within Hogwarts grounds, especially at night. It would be a great misdeed if something happened to you or these spectacular creatures. I also mentioned you, because the other creatures within the Forest feel it is their obligation to protect the unicorns while they are here and vulnerable. I'd hate to see any one of you at the receiving end of a Centaur's hoof."
All the listeners seemed to quiet down, muted by the prospect.
"That being said, there is a further announcement that I am very pleased to make." She paused for dramatic effect, knowing how well-received this news would be.
"I would like you all to welcome former Hogwarts student, Professor Harry Potter, who will be taking over lessons for Defence Against The Dark Arts."
The unicorns were quickly forgotten as the excited mumbling quickly began once again and the Hall once again ringed with applause. Harry stood up in grateful acknowledgement, a furious blush visible on his cheeks as Ginny beamed.
"Oh good, I was afraid my first administrative decision would be met with disappointment." Ginny calmly observed. Filch made an expressive cough over at one end of the Hall. Ginny looked up and mumbled hurriedly, "Oh yes. Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that Weasley's Wizarding Weezes products are banned." Her voice resumed its normal pitch as she continued, "That's all. Enjoy the feast."
As Ginny sat down, Harry leaned over, "Wow I didn't know all that about the unicorns. Is that ban on not trespassing also on teachers?"
Ginny smirked. Harry was always a student of magic first, hero second. She smirked while beginning to lay the potatoes on her plate, "You know all you have to do is ask and I could get you involved in the Protection team."
Harry looked slightly surprised but then asked in a serious tone, "Ginny, can I please be involved in the Protection team?"
"Sure Harry." Ginny calmly replied laying on the vegetables. "Your stag Patronus might come in handy." She added a wink at the irony.
"Just like that? I'm in."
"Well I am leading it." Ginny explained.
"You?"
"Luna and I wrote a paper about Unicorns a few years back to be published in the Quibbler. Turns out we did such a good job it was acknowledged by the International Association for the Protection and Breeding of Rare Magical Creatures. So when this cropped up..."
"They called you and Luna." Harry continued, finally understanding fully.
"Exactly."
"Wow."
"What?" Ginny asked.
"You really have been busy these last couple of years. Seems like Hermione isn't the only with a thirst for knowledge."
Ginny blushed at the semi-compliment. "I enjoy it."
"And then reap the once in a lifetime benefits." Harry avoided looking at her as he made his tongue-in-cheek comment.
Ginny punched him playfully. "Oh you're one to talk."
She looked up and caught Neville and Hagrid staring at them, Neville looking dumbfounded but Hagrid wearing what could be confused as a smug grin. She suddenly became aware that the students might be watching but everyone seemed to be caught up in conversations. She almost missed what Harry said.
Harry was laughing and softly remarking, "You've changed Gin."
Ginny did a double-take as she wasn't entirely sure what had prompted him to say that, "What do you mean?"
"I don't know," Harry paused momentarily, looking up, "This whole revered member of society thing suits you."
"Are you saying I wasn't one before?" Ginny wasn't sure if she should feel insulted.
"Hmm, feared for your Bat Bogey hex maybe, but not so sure about revered," Harry teased.
Ginny laughed. "I'd watch it Potter. I can still throw the best one you've ever seen and this time I've got a Get Out of Detention Free card."
And with one final shared laugh, they quietly enjoyed their meal, both lost in thoughts that were surprisingly very similar.
HPHP
A/N: According to J.K. Rowling's Comic Relief book 'Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them' (written as under the pen name of Newt Scamander to benefit charities – I recommend this highly interesting book and 'Quidditch Through The Ages' – they're truly a joy to an avid Harry Potter fan) an 'Erumpent' is a creature that can be easily mistaken for a rhino. Its horns cause its opponent to explode and the fluid found in its horns is often used in Exploding potions. They are mainly found in Africa but are, however, very rare as male Erumpents, "as males frequently explode each other during the mating season" !
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