Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Harry Potter characters.
Chapter Two: A Gift from the Heart
Ginny Weasley's room was a whirlwind of activity. Objects from every nook and cranny flew through the air with each irate flick of her wand. She knew the "family" would go and run to Harry Potter's ceremony, so she seized the opportunity to return and gather her things, thus avoiding another confrontation with her naive family.
Merlin! Was the whole world Harrry Potter fans? She thought snidely as she kicked the lid of her trunk closed and shrank it down to miniature size with a quick shrinking charm.
Though she'd rather be leaving on more friendly terms, it really didn't matter as she was planning on moving out of the Burrow in a couple of weeks anyway. She had made plans to live with some of the friends that she'd made on the Harpies team.
Ominous thunder echoed across Otter St. Catchpole, as she left her childhood room without a back ward glance.
Ginny was descending the stairs to the Burrow's living room when a shockwave of energy rippled through the house, causing her to stumble over the last few stairs and tumble across the living room floor. She slid to a painful rest against the door to the Burrow's kitchen. Ginny struggled to her feet cursing under her breath just as another shockwave ripped through the house. This time she was at least able to steady herself by clutching the door jam with all her might as the house pitched and bucked beneath her feet..
After the last shockwave subsided, Ginny lurched to the front door and clawed it open before entering the front yard with her wand held shakily before her. To be honest, she'd given half a thought to just flooing away to safety, but her parents and family deserved better from her despite their recent differences. So here she was, standing in the Burrow's front yard with her wand trained on a lone, dark cloaked figure.
The wizard's cloak was hooded and he wore the hood up, masking his features. The fact that it was a wizard was evident by the broad shoulders and powerful build of the kneeling man.
The man was down on one knee and he held a gleaming silver sword by the pommel and the tip of the blade was implanted in the yard of the Burrow. Waves of golden hued energy pulsed down the man's arms and into the sword which appeared to conduct the power down into the yard where it subsequently rippled outward through the house and surrounding yard.
She could feel the energy pulsing beneath her feet as she cautiously advanced on the kneeling figure with her wand at the ready. When she was close enough not to miss, she could faintly hear the wizard chanting something under his breath.
That voice? His voice was so familiar. Like something from one of her dreams…
She leveled her wand on the kneeling figure and commanded.
"Stop whatever it is you're doing this instant."
Absently she chided herself for just how much that sounded like something her mother would have said.
To her utter shock the figure continued chanting, totally disregarding her warning.
Fine, can't say I didn't warn you. She thought angrily as she shot out a stunning curse at the man.
To her total disbelief, a concentrated wind blew the red streak of light off course and it flew off harmlessly into the countryside dissipating as it went.
"What ..?" Ginny fired off another curse, and another, and another,... and so on. Each of her intended spells seemed to just slide off and deflect around the man. She found herself growing more and more furious. In her frustration she was to the point of firing off more and more high powered and deadly spells, ones that could readily kill if they connected with her target.
The tip of Ginny's wand began to glow from the amount of power she was channeling through it. She bit down angrily on her growing exhaustion, but finally, she succumbed and fell panting to her knees in the front yard as the wizard continued chanting unabated. After a few minutes, the wizard finished his chant and rose smoothly to his feet. He seemed oblivious to Ginny's recent attack on his person, and even more so to the crumpled form that was sprawled in the lawn not five meters away.
He pulled his gleaming blade from the earth and drew its razor edge across his palm. He held his lacerated hand out in front of him and let a several drops of his blood fall upon the earth.
The effects of this action were profound to say the least:
Thunder ripped through a cloudless sky and a crimson wave of energy enveloped the Burrow.
Ginny twisted around for a better view as the crimson waves pulsed as they passed beneath her. She sat with wide, frightened eyes, staring transfixed at the Burrow as it now pulsed with a crimson glow, infused with the energy that the mage was channeling into it.
The Burrow, for all intents and purposes, looked and sounded as if,.. as if it were a giant heart? The rhythmic beating stilled after a few extended moments. The crimson glow that had surrounded the house faded and within moments everything returned to normal.
Hearing movement behind her, Ginny turned around in time to see the cloaked figure return his sword to the scabbard at his waist, with one swift, unfaltering motion. He handled his blade with a practiced ease. It was as if the sword were merely an extension of himself.
As if seeing her for the first time, the figure seemed to contemplate her for a moment before he stalked forward and proffered a hand of assistance. Ginny only scrabbled back in fear. The figure stopped his advance and cocked his hooded head to the side as if amused by her reaction. After a brief pause the form took a halting step back before reaching up with both hands to draw his hood back. Ginny's mouth fell open with a frightened gasp that seemed to almost wound the man.
Piercing, emerald-fire eyes stared down into first frightened, but rapidly hardening, chocolate brown eyes. Eyes he'd once considered the most beautiful in the entire world, even when they were angry, like now. A slight quirk of a smile caught the edge of the young wizard's mouth as he considered her obvious ire.
"Still a bit tetchy aren't you, Ginny?" Harry snorted.
"Youuu!" Ginny hissed angrily. "I might of known it was you. Seems I can't turn around in this house without someone blathering on about the great Harry Potter this, or the 'boy who lived' that. I suppose next it'll be children's bedtime stories about the invincible 'magical knight'." she scathed
The venom in her words was not lost on him, though he gave no outward appearance of her having caused him any displeasure.
"Are you planning on having children to read the stories to, then?" he asked innocently, but mischief was dancing in his eyes .
"No. Not that it's any concern of yours, Harry Bloody Potter. Why are you here and what did you do to my parent's house? Shouldn't you be out slaying a dragon or some such, Sir Harry?" she finished snidely. Her sarcasm only served to augment his humor.
"Dragons, you say? Why no, milady," he preened, (actually preened ), and bowed formally before her. "I am sent on a quest to seek out the fairest maid in all the land. I was told that a woman with auburn hair,.. hair like that of a crimson sunset, dwelled in this land. She was said to be endowed with beauty that is truly unsurpassed."
As he spoke, Ginny began to blush and absently ran a hand back through her hair and drew it over her shoulder in a proud display. The smile that etched her features disappeared in a heartbeat when he asked,
"Is there perhaps someone about that merits such flattery, a,.. er.. sister perhaps?"
Ginny's eyes flashed fire. She didn't know what made her angrier; his having her on, or her own stupidity in succumbing to his pretended flatery.
"Why don't you take your little toy sword and sod off, Potter? That is, after you've taken off whatever hex you put on my parent's home first."
"Hex? Milady, wounds me." Harry fawned clutching his hands dramatically to his heart.
"As if" Ginny drawled. "Just undo whatever you did and leave already." she directed impatiently
"Hmm, as to that,.. I'm afraid my answer is- no." Harry denied flatly.
"I have placed a blood bond over your parent's home. The spell is connected to my own life force. As long as I still live, then any who dwell within these walls will be safe from harm. No force on earth can penetrate the ward that I've placed over the Burrow."
"Right" Ginny sniggered with obvious skepticism.
Harry quirked an amused eyebrow at her obvious disbelief and offered her a challenge.
"If you can so much as make a scratch on the surface of that house, I'll not only pay for any and all damages, but I'll give you a hundred galleons to boot?"
"And if I don't?" Ginny asked, rising to the bait.
"Then you wear an advertisement, of my own choosing, on your jersey for one of your matches during the quidditch season. The advertisement will be for a charitable cause, of course." he quickly amended seeing her pinched expression of reluctance.
"Done! Oh Potter, you must love to throw away money? This'll be the easiest money I've ever made."
Ginny grabbed her wand and aimed it at the Burrow's front window shouting,
"Reducto!"
The curse flew with deadly intent only to bounce harmlessly off the window without so much as rattling the pane.
Ginny turned surprised eyes toward Harry, who merely shrugged innocently stating, "Try putting a little oomph into it."
Ginny growled under breath and threw several more curses at the house. Each failed hex was followed by another, even more powerful, attempt until finally with a frustrated growl she threw down her wand and blatantly swore out her frustration toward the skies overhead.
Before she even had a chance to catch her breath, Harry was winding her up with a grin growing on his face.
"That's the best you can do? I think the rumors of your not insubstantial magical prowess are somewhat exaggerated. Ah well, at least I won our bet. I'll be in contact with you regarding payment of said debt."
"Stuff it, you. " Ginny snapped back angrily.
Harry's face immediately sobered. "Am I to understand that you are reneging on our bet?" his voice held a hard , challenging edge to it.
Ginny glowered at him, but bit out a reluctant. "No"
"A women of your word,… at least this time." he left off significantly.
Before an indignant, Ginny, could ask to what he was referring, a voice from behind interrupted them.
"Ginny, What's going on, is that... Harry?"
Mrs. Weasley's trepidation turned instantly to blissful surprise.
She reached out to him, but he seemed to blur for a moment before solidifying again to the right and just behind Molly, her arms caught only empty air. Undaunted, she turned on her heal for another try, and likewise, missed again.
Her lip quivered sadly, her eyes pleading, but Harry pretended to pay no notice as his raptor gaze swept over the rest of the Weasley family gathered in front of the Burrow, along with Hermione, Tonks , Remus, McGonnagal and Madam Pomfrey.
Before them stood a tall, broad shouldered young man with sandy brown hair and piercing green eyes. He wore a crisp black uniform beneath a night dark, maroon cape. A gleaming silver sword lay sheathed in its scabbard at his left hip. Well polished black dragon hide boots on his feet completed the ensemble. To say that he cut an imposing figure was to say the least. The man radiated confidence and power.
"A bit of a dirty trick you played by telling us the wrong time for the ceremony, Harry." Tonks bit out irately.
"Did I give you the wrong time?" he feigned innocence. "I could have sworn I said eight o'clock?" he finished with a smirk.
"You misled us on purpose and you know it." Hermione harrumphed.
Harry ignored the confrontation she sought; instead he stepped forward and took a hand each from Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagal. A warm smile washed over his features as he said to them.
"It seems your faith in me was well founded. I'm free now, free of Voldemort for good."
"Thank God." McGonagal breathed.
In a rare display of emotion she brought his hand to her lips and kissed the back of it softly, reverently. As she did so, Pomfrey took advantage of the distraction and passed her wand over Harry's left side, doing a quick diagnostic. Her eyes glowed as she read the obviously pleasing results of her scan.
"Satisfied?" Harry said as he rolled his eyes.
"Oh, don't be so cheeky." she chided in return. "Even you have to admit that it's probably the first time I've ever seen you in one piece."
"Agreed." he offered readily, smiling broadly down at them. He kissed each of their hands in affection and gratitude before whispering, "Send Fawkes if you have need of me, and... a card would be nice once in awhile." he added with a cheeky wink to McGonagal, recalling her past complaints of no post or even so much as a card at Christmas.
Harry turned toward Ron, but found himself engulfed in a fierce hug by someone with thick long brown hair. She smelled of honey and spice. A scent he remembered well from his school days.
"Do you hate me for what I did? Please don't hate me, Harry." she whimpered. Hot tears fell on his neck.
"I don't hate you, Hermione, but, I am a bit angry just now." he confirmed softly.
"I-I'm s-sorry." she sobbed openly.
"I know you are." he acknowledged dispassionately.
"Can you forgive me?" She asked hopefully.
"In time, yes." He felt her stiffen in his arms, at his hesitation.
"W-Will we ever s-see you again?" she stammered pulling back and searching his eyes hopefully with her own moist brown ones.
He quirked a half smile and answered mysteriously. "Probably sooner than you think,… and when you least expect it."
Her brows knit in puzzlement and he seized the opportunity to plant a soft kiss on her forehead to reassure her.
"Take care of each other, Ron." he called over his shoulder as he stepped away just before the rest of them could gather too closely around his person.
"Y-You're not leaving? Not without a proper goodbye?" Mrs. Weasley blurt out desperately.
Harry paused and his stance softened ever so slightly before he turned around and hurriedly addressed not just her, but all of them at once.
"I've already been to Grimauld Place before I came here. Ginny can fill you in as to the reason for my impromptu visits both there and here.
Eyes turned briefly in question to Ginny before his voice continued. "I have not come to say goodbye, only farewell. Until next we meet..."
Harry Pulled his sword from its scabbard and thunder exploded from a cloudless sky. The thunder faded in the distance and was immediately followed by the trilling of Phoenix song. The music surrounded and coursed thru the gathering, filling them with a sense of awe and wonder. The music soothed and healed their wants and worries, whilst strengthening their spirits
Harry plunged the tip of his sword into the earth, silencing the blade. He dropped down on one knee and put his forehead to the pommel of the sword that he held in a white knuckled grip. His eyes were closed in deep concentration. Behind his kneeled form, the Burrow began to glow a crimson red and pulse rhythmically. His voice rang out over the pounding rhythm of the house:
"With sword in hand I make my vow,
Till my final breath,... I shall protect you all!"
A flash of lightning blinded the group and when their vision finally cleared, Harry was gone.
Thunder sounded distantly, fading away to the west. Everyone looked momentarily stunned. Bill, the eldest Weasley brother, was the first to come to his senses and speak as well as ask what was to be the initial question of many.
"Sweet Merlin, Harry just pledged his protection to this family,... as a knight ! Ginny, what happened before we arrived? Harry said something about 'filling us in on the details'?"
All eyes of those assembled turned questioningly on the youngest Weasley.
Ginny waved her hand airily as if it the matter was of no significance and said,
"He put some sort of ward over the Burrow and apparently Grimauld Place too. He claims that it makes them impervious, that no one inside can be harmed while the ward exists. He was being 'oh so dramatic', about it. I did try a few, er,. minor hexes and I have to admit that they didn't seem to have much effect."
Bill cocked an eyebrow as he considered her words before pulling his own wand out and shooting a burning hex at the house.
"Incendio!" he bellowed. A streak of orange flame shot at the house and,. rebounded back at the gathered family and friends.
"Everybody hit the deck! " Charlie yelled in warning.
Some people dodged out of the way, others, including Professor McGonagal, unceremoniously threw themselves into the dirt of the worn approach.
The hex sizzled overhead as it passed and exploded against an old oak behind them. The tree erupted in flames. Both, Charlie and Percy's quick thinking in summoning aquamenti charms, saved the tree from sure destruction.
"Whew" Ron whistled between his teeth, awe struck.
"I'll say" Bill added with obvious admiration. If I didn't know better I'd say that was some type of blood ward that Harry put over the Burrow."
"Blood ward? Hmm, no , that's not right? Potter called it a blood bond, I think?" Ginny answered.
"A BLOOD BOND!" McGonagal shrieked. "Surely not, he couldn't possibly know how to..? Tell me that he didn't actually draw his blood when he cast the spell?" McGonagal begged in alarm.
"H-He did, actually." Ginny confirmed. "He was chanting something and then he cut his hand with his sword and let some of his blood fall upon the ground. When the first drop of his blood hit the ground, the Burrow began to glow red like the color of blood and it,.. it..."
"It began to beat as if it were a giant, living heart." McGonagal finished for her. Her face was drawn and ashen as she muttered under her breath.
Will he never learn… bless him."
"Good God!" Bill Weasley breathed out in shock, his eyes wide in sudden comprehension.
"What is it, Bill. What did Harry do?" Mrs. Weasley asked with growing concern. The looks on Bill's and McGonagal's faces had them all worried.
"Harry put a type of blood ward on the Burrow, and apparently Grimauld Place as well. It's old, old magic from the time of the druids. I think he placed a blood bond on our house, to be exact. It's a type of ward that is tied to Harry's own life force. As long as he lives, the protection over our house remains intact. It's rumored that no one can be harmed within the protection of a blood bond, not even by an Advera Kedavra."
"Do you mean that nothing and no one can harm us as long as we're in the house?" Mrs. Weasley asked in awe. She stared wide eyed at her well worn home as if it had suddenly become a thing of priceless value and beauty.
"Nothing" Bill confirmed.
"Awe, go on." Fred chided. "No one's that powerful."
"Not even, Harry." His twin agreed.
"I know something that'll knock the shutters off the old girl." Fred quipped as he drew his wand.
"Don't you dare!" Hermione shrieked in sudden alarm, slapping Fred's wand from his hand.
"Hey- oww! What are you playing at?" Fred snarled as he rubbed his smarting hand.
"You could have hurt him, you git." Hermione chastised.
"What are you going on about? " George asked puzzled by her actions.
"Yeah, you want to explain it to the rest of us who have only genius level I.Q's?" Fred spat irritably as he pocketed his wand.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't you see; the house is connected to Harry's life force. What we do to the house, we do to him."
"That's not right." Ginny spoke up disagreeing. "As an example, he let me fire all kinds of curses at the house before and it didn't hurt him at all."
"It may not have hurt him, but he could still feel it, though I'm not sure that it didn't cause him some pain. He was probably just being too noble to complain about it. If it truly is a blood bond then not only is the house protected by his life force, but he can also feel when it's being attacked. He'll know if we're in danger."
"Are you kidding me? Ron blurted out incredulously.
"No"
"But that's,.. that's mental." Ginny stammered out.
"Non. It iz magnifique." Silent up till now, Fleur added her obvious admiration for Harry's work. "He az given us a wonderful gift; a piece of himself. Not only will it guard and protect us, but it will warn him if we are in ze danger."
"Exactly" Hermione chimed in agreement.
As she was the closest to the house, Mrs. Weasley reached out a tentative hand and placed her palm upon the Burrow's door. She pulled her hand back with a gasp of surprise. A small grin appeared on her face as she reached back out and gently placed her palm back against the door.
Molly Weasley's eyes were closed and her face displayed a mix of emotions that was startling to behold. The last of which was a longing sort of joy as she breathed out.
"It feels so warm and welcoming. It feels like,.. it feels like when he let me hold him in my arms." Molly began sniffling gently.
Hermione strode forward, pulling Ron along with her. She reached out a trembling hand toward one of the shutters, but still held firmly to Ron's hand with her other. The moment her hand touched the house, Ron's eyes went wide in surprise as he blurted out.
"I feel it. I feel him!"
"Yes" Hermione whispered reverently.
The rest of the gathering took up the experiment and touched the house.
"Merlin, can you lot feel how strong he is? He's got the heart of a dragon." Charlie exclaimed in wonder.
There were murmurs of agreement from the rest of the family.
"Cheeky blighter" Fred spat irritably.
"I'll say." George agreed.
"What?" Ron asked.
Fred's face flamed red. "Every time I touch the bloody thing, I feel like I'm standing in a room full of professors..."
"Completely starkers!" His twin finished the thought blushing violently.
"Is Umbridge there?" Ron sniggered and the rest of the group erupted in laughter .
The twins retreated embarrassedly from the house.
Arthur sighed contently next to his wife, his own hand upon the door next to hers.
"W-What do you feel, Arthur?" She asked in a small voice.
"Proud, Molly. I feel proud." he replied humbly.
"You all have been given a tremendous gift. I envy you." Professor McGonagal began. "Though he cannot be with you, at least not the way that you'd like him to be, and no doubt he returns the sentiment as evidenced by this wondrous gift. Harry has found a way to leave some small part of him with you. In so doing, not only will you be able to feel some of what he feels for you, but he is also protecting and watching over you. This house will be your sanctuary if you are threatened in any way. I have no doubt that if you are in danger, he will know it, and he will come. Merlin help whomsoever is threatening you when he does. You have been given a priceless gift; a gift that comes from the very heart of someone who cherishes you. With that in mind, I ask you to consider returning the favor. In times of great joy, sorrow and even strife, take it upon yourselves to touch this home and share some of what you feel with Harry. In so doing, you will help him to feel connected to you. He will remain a small part of your family. He will be able to share and prosper in your joys, but also, I think you will find his great depth of love a comfort for you in times of sorrow. I do not think he had this in mind when he gave you this gift, only your protection was his primary intention, but, so much the better for all of you." she finished smiling brightly.
"You are blessed." Poppy added reverently as she eyed the house with something akin to adoration.
"Indeed." McGongal agreed with her friend. "Do keep in touch. Come Poppy, we have students waiting." McGonagal called out as she and Madam Pomfrey apparated away with a double " Pop - Pop".
Remus and Dora Lupin had not as yet approached the house. Remus had a small wistful smile on his face as he looked to his wife and said. "Let's go home Dora."
"Yeah" she agreed, then gave him a knowing wink and added. "I'd kind of like to get the feel of the place myself." The couple gave a hurried 'goodbye' before apparating away.
Ginny Weasley stared blankly at her childhood home, her mind a whirl of emotion. She had half hoped that her parents and siblings would have asked her to stay, but now she wanted nothing so much as to get as far away from the Burrow as she could. Part of her wanted so much, but another, larger part, wanted nothing to do with anything connected to Harry Potter. The man frightened her, in more ways than one.
She told herself that she didn't know why, but on some level she really did, though she'd never consciously admit it to herself. The whole thought of him was more than she could bear right now.
"Ginny?" A voice interrupted her darkening thoughts.
"Yes, Mum." She responded.
"Wouldn't you like to come over and give the house a touch?" her mother prompted hopefully.
"No, er.. I already did that before you lot arrived." she lied too easily, fooling no one.
"Ginny.."
"I've really got to go, Mum. I'll owl you soon." she threw out hurriedly, apparating away before anyone could pry further.
Molly Weasley stared sadly at the spot her daughter had just vacated. A strong hand slid into her grasp and the voice of the man she loved comforted her. "Don't worry, Molly dear. Ginny will eventually tire of running from him or...?" he left off smirking.
"Or what, Arthur?"
"Or, she'll make the mistake of taking the fight to Harry. If that happens, when that happens, I think Ginny will find herself biting off more than she can chew. That boy has grown up physically, mentally and emotionally and every other good way I can think of. He's like what you'd expect Dumbledore to have been like when he was in his prime. I look forward to that day."
"Why?" She frowned.
"Because when the dust settles and Ginny comes back to herself, he will come back as well. Our seventh son will return to us." Arthur Weasley finished and placed an affectionate kiss on his wife's forehead.