Life With Harry and Ginny
Chapter 2
Episode 3-4
This chapter picks from where it left off last time.
Hermione picked up the paper Seamus dropped on the table. "It says here that he was spotted in Hogsmeade."
It wasn't hard to miss the worry in Ginny's voice when she said, "You don't think he would come here do you?"
Ron rolled his eye's. "Ginny don't be daft What reason could he possibly have to come here? Don't forget Dumbledore has Dementors all over the castle grounds. Sirius Black wouldn't risk coming here. He just escaped Azkaban he would have to be the thickest person in England to come here."
"Dementors haven't stopped him before. He already slipped past them once. What makes you think he couldn't do it again?", Seamus said.
"Good point, but we have something Azkaban doesn't have.", Hermione said as if she was stating the obvious.
"Um Hermione, Ginny began. Do you mind explaining for those of us who aren't seeing the obviousness in this?"
Hermione sighed in exasperation. "Dumbledore! He's the most powerful wizard to date. There is no way he's getting inside the castle. He'd have to get past Dumbledore first."
"I hope you're right but past experience's say otherwise.", Harry said
Wanting to change the subject after seeing Harry's worried face Ginny said the first thing she could think of. "What class do you have first Harry?"
Harry gave her a nod as if to say thank you. "DADA. I hope this new teacher is better than that idiot we had last year."
"I don't think anyone can be as thick or as daft as he was. I mean the guy was completely mental.", Ron replied.
Everyone laughed in agreement. Realizing the time Hermione told everyone they had better go before they are late for class.
Harry waited for everyone to leave before he turned to Ginny and said, "I'll see you after class okay? Be safe."
"I will be safe if you will? Ginny said giving him a smile that was reserved only for him.
"Okay. I'll see after class.", he said with a smirk that Ginny found completely adorable.
I am so in love with him she thought to herself as Harry walked away. I wish he would see as more than friends. Hopefully, he will but only time will tell.
Harry was nervous walking into DADA. Last two teacher's for this class had made less and less excited about this subject. He always felt like he could do well in this class if he had a decent teacher. At that moment the new professor walked in.
"Good morning everyone. My name is Professor Lupin. You can all put your books away you won't need them today."
That statement didn't make Harry feel any better about his new teacher.
"You will need your wands for today's lesson. We will be learning Bogarts today.", Professor Lupin continued. "Bogarts like enclosed dark spaces. Wardrobes, under beds, cupboards, dressers…and so on. You get the idea?"
At everyone's nod of confirmation, he continued. "Can any tell me what a Bogart does?"
Hermione raised her hand so fast it seemed like it should be thrown out of its socket."Yes, Hermione.", said Professor Lupin.
It's a shapeshifter. "It takes the shape of whatever you're scared of most."
"Excellent Hermione! 10 points to Gryffindor. Now class this spell used if you ever come across one. Repeat after me. Riddikulus."
"Riddikulus", Everyone repeated.
"Good. Now for the spell to work you need to think of something funny before saying the incantation. Everyone line up with your wands at the ready. Neville your fist. I want you to think of your grandma's clothes. Only her clothes."
Neville start's to list his grandmother's clothes out loud. Professor Lupin stopped him mid-sentence. "You don't need to say it out loud. Just think of them in your mind."
The Bogart appears as soon as Lupin open's the door. It appears as Snape. Neville points his wand R..R..Riddikulus he shouted. Everyone laughed when they saw the Bogarts version of Snape in Neville's Grandmothers clothes.
Lupin clapped his hands. "Well done Neville."
One by one the student's had their turn against the Bogart. When Harry's turn comes Professor Lupin was nervous. He had an idea about what his fear would be and if he was right he might have to step in. His thought was confirmed when the Bogart turned into a Dementor. Before Harry could react Lupin jumped in front of Harry turning the Bogart into a deflating balloon when a moon appeared in front of him. "Alright everyone that's it for today. Your homework is 12 inches on Bogarts and what your fear would be. Please add what funny thought you would use to defeat it. Class dismissed." Harry gave him a questioning look but the Professor said nothing in return.
While walking out of the class Ron said, "I hope I never run into one of those things outside this classroom."
"Did you see what Professor Lupin's fear was? I mean who would be scared of the moon of all things? A bit odd don't you think?" Hermione said looking at Harry and Ron.
"I was thinking the same thing. Fear of the moon does seem a bit odd even for the magical world.", Harry replied.
"It does seem silly doesn't it.", Hermione said laughing.
The three were so caught up in their conversation none of them noticed Ginny walking toward them. "Hey what up.", she shouted trying to get their attention.
"Hi Gin, Harry said smiling at her. How was your first class?"
"It was good. We are learning about the Lumos Charm. How did DADA go? Do you like the new Professor?"
"It went better then I thought it would. He taught us about Bogarts today. It was a really intersection class. I wasn't sure about him at first but if his lesson continuo like this I think he definitely has a shot at being better then the last two.", He said in excitement.
Ginny had never heard of a Bogart before. "What's a Bogart?", she asked.
I wonder if she knows how adorable she looks beautiful when she's confused. Harry thought before answering her question. "I'll explain it later Gin we have to get to our next class." He smiled at her so she wouldn't think he was blowing her off.
"Okay. I can't wait. I'll catch up with you later I have DADA next and I don't want to be late."
"Okay see you later Ginny.", he said before walking off with Ron and Hermione.
Ron may be thick sometimes but even he could see something was going on with those two. He had to know if he was right. "Harry do like my sister?"
Harry looked at Ron as if that was a dumb question. "Of course I do. We are friends we understand each other."
"No, I mean as in more than friends.", Ron corrected.
"I like her but not in that way Ron. We are just friends. Besides she only in her second year. Even if I did like her she's way too young to date right now so I don't think that's something you have to worry about until next year."
Ron breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Don't get me wrong mate I don't mind you being friends but you two dating would be weirder then you being friends."
"Are you sure You're okay with us being friends? Cause I'll be honest you seemed kind put out by it." Harry said doubtfully to his friend.
"It will just take me some time to get used to it is all.", he said trying sound reassuring. Ron really was having a hard time with it but after what Ginny went through last year he didn't feel right denying her a friendship with Harry just because he disliked their friendship.
Harry knew his friend better then Ron gave him credit for. He knew Ron was lying but was happy Ron was at least trying to be okay with it. Even if he wasn't okay with his and Ginny's relationship he wouldn't stop being friends with her. She was becoming just as important to as Ron and Hermione were. "Glad to hear it mate."
The three friends were tired from the long of classes not to mention the pile of homework that was given to them. They were eating dinner when Ginny walked in and sat next to them. Hello everyone. How was your day?", she asked after sitting down.
"Fantastic"
"Boring"
"Good"
Were the response she got all at once.
"How was your day Ginny?", Hermione asked looking up from her dinner.
"It was okay. I like the new DADA teacher. Definitely an improvement from Lockhart."
"That's an understatement. That thick headed mental fool almost got you killed.", Harry said without thinking. Even thinking about it was making Harry angry. If Ron and I hadn't gone looking for her she would have died. Harry didn't like the thought of Ginny not being here at all. His anger must have shown on his face because Ginny put her hand on his to get his attention and said, "I am okay Harry. Thanks to You and Ron I am here alive and breathing. Don't get yourself worked up over by worrying about it what could have happened."
Harry was amazed at the calming effect Ginny had on him. "Thanks, Gin you always know what to say to calm me down."
She smiled at him. "It's what I do."
Unbeknownst to them, the twins were listening. "This time next year I bet they get together.", George said to his twin.
"Haha, I'll take that bet. I don't think it will happen until later on during fourth year or early fifth year. Harry's a bit dense. Ginny clearly likes him. It's obvious to everyone except him.", Fred replied.
"Deal. The winner has to walk around the school with a pink face all day.", said George evilly. He knew Harry would take a bit to catch on but he didn't think it would take him as long as Fred thought. He was giving Harry the benefit of the doubt.
"I hope Harry figures it out before it's too late. I mean Ginny like him and will probably wait for him but I don't think she will wait forever for either.", Fred said as an afterthought.
"Well, all we can do is wait to find out. You know Mum's rule. No dating of any sort till 3rd year.", George replied.
"Mmmm indeed we will.", Fred said thoughtfully.
The twins went back to watching the 4 friends.
Ron was annoyed. Looking at Harry and Ginny he could tell that there was more going on between them then what was being said. At least Ginny can't date till next year so I don't have to worry about that yet, he thought.
Hermione didn't miss the annoyed look on Ron's face as he watches Harry and Ginny interact. She knew Ron well enough to know that he was about to say something that would only start a fight. She had to get Ron out of there quickly. "Well, I am done. I think I'll head back to the common room. Ron do you want to come? I'll help you get your homework started."
"Sure that sounds good. I think I ate too much anyway. My stomach hurts.", he said standing up and walk's out with Hermione in tow.
Ginny knew Ron was upset. "What's got his wand in a not?", she asked looking at Harry.
Harry rolled his eye's while watching his two best mate's walk out. "He's got it stuck in his head that we like each other as more than friends. I told him we were just friends. We understand each other and can relate to what the other is going through. I told him that help each other and are really great friends but he doesn't seem to believe me."
The thought of Harry only thinking of them as friends made Ginny sad. Well, at least I know where I stand with Harry now. I wish he could see how great we could be together."What did he have to say to that?"
"He said he was alright with us being friends but it would take him some time to get used to it. Even if I did like you as more then a friend your Mum wouldn't let you date until next year anyway. So right now it shouldn't be a problem for him."
That gave Ginny some hope for the future. Does that mean if I was old enough he would date me? That thought brought a smile to her face.
"What are smiling about?"
"Ron and his weird thinking. I was also thinking about the fun I could have annoying about this." It wasn't a complete lie but it was the first thing that popped into her head. She knew telling what she was really thinking would scare him off.
What a minute…she thinks dating me would be weird? Get it together Potter he told himself. Ginny can't date now anyway so that doesn't matter. Why should he care anyway Ginny was his friend nothing more. He needed to change the subject before this conversation got weird. "So I had a weird dream last night."
"Let me guess. The green light and your Mum screaming again?" Harry and been having the same dream ever since his attack on the train.
"You…How did you know?", He asked shocked that she was able to guess so accurately.
"It was just a hunch based on the fact that You have been having the same dream since the attack on the train. It helps that we sent letters to each other this summer and the late night chats help me know that once you start having a dream it usually repeats several times.
"This might sound rude because you almost died but there are days I am glad you were taken to the chamber because if you hadn't we wouldn't be as close as we are and now that I know as a person the thought of us not being friends scares me."
"Our friendship is probably the only positive thing that came out of that experience and for that, I am glad as well." Hearing Harry as that about their friendship made her grin. "I think we would close, She continued. Maybe not in as soon it happened and maybe not the same way, but I think eventually we would have become friends. Once I got over my inability to talk to you.",she adds with a smile.
"That's a better way to look at it", he said returning her smile. He noticed time the time and realized it was almost curfew. "It's almost curfew we should head for the common room before we get in trouble. I don't fancy getting detention this soon into the year."
"Me either." Harry and she walked out of the great hall walking at a faster than normal to try and make it back in time. "So have you thought about why you keep having this dream?"
"Of course. To be honest, every time I wake up it's like I just finished living my worst nightmare. Watching Your Mum get killed isn't exactly something I want to relive even if I am only remembering bits and pieces of it."
Ginny could only imagine what that would be like. She would be wreck reliving something like that. "I am sorry Harry. I wish I could take away some of that pain. That would be a horrible experience to relive every night."
"Your sweet to want to but I wouldn't let even if you could. I wouldn't wish this on anyone especially you. How are you doing with your dreams?"
Ginny hated thinking about her dreams but if Harry was going confined to her then she knew she had to tell him. "Honestly…I dream about the chamber and the chicken blood. I dream about all the students I hurt. It's reliving it makes it hard to move past it. It's not as bad it used to be. Thanks to you.", she added with a smile.
"I feel the same way about you. Being able to talk to someone who actually understands make it tolerable to deal with."
By the time they reach the common room both of them are tired. They say goodnight and head for their beds each hoping to get a dream free night of sleep.
As the weeks went by Harry and Ginny grow closer as friends. Harry tried his best to spend time with Hermione and Ron so they didn't feel neglected. Harry was happy he and Ginny were growing closer but he didn't want to lose his relationships with Ron and Hermione in the process. Most nights the group spent their time doing homework or talking. Harry and Ginny still had their late night discussions on occasion talking about everything and nothing each enjoying the closeness they felt. Before they knew it was time for the first Hogsmeade trip. Harry felt that Ginny couldn't go but he promised he would bring her back some candy. Harry met his friends by the main doors excited about the trip. When Flitch asked for the permission slips Harry remembered his uncle hadn't signed his permission slip. He hoped McGonagall would let him go anyway understanding the situation. When he didn't hand his permission over he tried explaining that his Uncle hadn't signed it because of the fight they got in after he blows up his uncle's sister. "Couldn't you sign it for me?"
"I am sorry but only a parent or Guardian can sign it. Maybe next year, she said trying to not look at his puppy dogs eyes. She felt sorry for him and wished she could do more to help but school rules simply wouldn't allow it. "Why don't you going spend some time with I have seen you spend a lot of time with her lately. I am sure would enjoy the company seeing as how she can't go either", she before walking away.
Ron and Hermione had been waiting for him while he talked with Professor McGonagall. "It's okay guys. I guess I'll wait here till you get back. Ginny can't go so I'll go find her and kill some time while you're gone.", he said trying to hide his disappointment.
Both of them nod but were unable to hide their disappointment. They both wanted Harry to come but they couldn't do anything about it so they said goodbye and left.
Harry knew he should go find Ginny like he said but he was mad he couldn't go just because of his relatives. Out of anger Harry went and got his cloak and tried to sneak to Hogsmeade but he didn't get far before Fred and George grabbed him. They dragged him to a hidden staircase so they couldn't be seen by anyone walking by. He struggled to get out their grip. "Let me go. I am trying to get Hogsmead.", he said not understanding why the twins of all people were trying to stop him.
"We know." , they said at the same time. Figuring it was safe enough they took off his cloak.
"Then I don't understand why you're trying to stop me. I thought you two of all people would understand."
Fred and George hand Harry the map.
"What's this rubbish", Harry said
"Would you like to do the honors Fred", George said looking at his twin.
"Yes I would", replied Fred.
Fred points his wand at the map and says, "I solemnly swore I am up to no good." Harry looks at the map shocked to see moving footprints with Dumbledores name next to it. "Is that.
"Dumbledore", George said before Harry could complete his sentence.
"In his office pacing", Fred continued
"He does that a lot", George finished.
Harry still didn't understand how this was supposed to help him. "How does this help me exactly?"
"Through the secret passageway of course", they said speaking at the same time.
Harry always found it odd that they could speak at the same time or could finish each other sentences. Fred and George pointed to the map showing Harry how to find the different secret passageways. Telling him which would take to Hogsmead.
"Thanks. This is brilliant. Not that I am complaining but why are you giving this to me. With all the pranks you do around school it would seem more helpful to you."
"It has come in handy but we have decided your needs are far greater than ours," Fred started.
"And we have memorized everything on the map anyway so it's not going slow us down by not having it," George finished.
"Oh, more thing Harry." When your done point your wand at it and say mischief managed otherwise anyone can read it," they tell him.
Harry wastes no time taking the secret passageway hurrying as fast as can to Honeydukes hoping we will still have time to find Ron and Hermione without getting caught. On his way out he grabs a lollypop. When he walks out of the store he doesn't notice Hermione and Ron behind him. It doesn't take long for them to see the footprint in the snow being made by someone they can't see. It only takes them a few seconds to know it's Harry under his cloak. They walk toward him and whisper "Harry" when they get close enough.
"Sssshhh I don't want to get caught. Let's go somewhere where I won't be seen."
The three friends walked together head toward the shirking shack. Ron and Hermione tried to cover Harry's tracks as best as they could.
"How did you get out the Castle without anyone noticing?" They may not be able to see you but they would have your footprints", Hermione clarified.
"Fred and George helped me."
Ron should have known the twins would be involved. "No surprise there. Look, Ron said pointing toward the Three Broom Sticks. Isn't that the Minister of Magic? What's he doing here?"
"I don't know but going to find out. I bet it has something to do the Sirius Black. Wait here I'll be back", Harry said not waiting for an answer. He ran to the door getting in before it closed all the way. He followed the Minister up the stairs and into a room. He was surprised to see McGonagall in the room with a few other people.
"Okay, we should be safe to talk here. Go ahead, Professor. Tell them what they need to know", the Minister said.
"13 years ago when James and Lilly Potter found out they were marked for death they went into hiding. Few knew where they were but one of the people who did was Sirius Black. He was best friends with the Potters for years. He betrayed them and told You-Know-Who where they were. Black also killed one of the Potters friends by the name of Peter Pettigrew. All they found was a finger of him."
"Yes, we know this. That's nothing new", the Minister said sounding annoyed.
"Yes but what you didn't know was Sirius Black was and remains to this day Harry's godfather and I believe he is coming to finish what he started years ago. I think he's going to try and kill Harry Potter."
After hearing this Harry walked of the room not caring if he got caught. He was too angry to care. Once he got down the stairs and out the door he started walking toward the shack.
Hermione noticed the footprints and quickly pointed them out to Ron. "Come on let's hurry and catch up", Ron said as him and Hermione ran to catch up with Harry.
They followed Harry's footprints to a big rock where they assumed he was sitting. When they got closer they could him crying. Hermione pulled off the cloak before asking him what happened. Harry finally lost it and screamed, "He killed them!"
"What are you talking about Harry?", Hermione said baffled as what he was talking about.
"Sirius Black killed my parents. He was their friend. They trusted him and he betrayed them", Harry said shouting. "In the meeting they said he coming to look for me and finish what he started 13 years ago. I hope he finds me because when he does I am going to kill him."
Wanting to comfort her friend in some way Hermione hugged Harry. He wasn't usually big on being touched but she figured he needed at least that right now and she didn't think would care at the moment. "I am sorry Harry." She hears laughing and quickly pulls Harry's cloak over him. "Quit it's Malfoy."
"Oh look it's Mudblood and Weaselbee," Malfoy said sneering at them.
"Shove off Malfoy", Ron replied not want to deal with Malfoy's and his band of loons.
"Boys I think it's time we teach Weaselbee how to respect his superiors", He said adjusting his coat.
"I hope you don't mean you", Hermione said nearly laughing at thought of Malfoy being anyone's superior.
"No one was talking to you Mudblood."
Harry uses the distraction to sneak behind a tree and starts throwing snowballs at Malfoy and his goons. Being the coward he is Malfoy started running away with his friends as Harry kept throwing snowballs at them. When they are sure Malfoy is gone Harry takes off his cloak and they all start laughing.