A/N: My fellow readers, I want to thank the wonderful people who have favorited, followed, and reviewed the story up to this point. Yes, I apologize if the story is going a bit fast but I'm trying to reach the time after the Second War. Do keep in mind that this story might have "tweaks" as I go along the way. You will also notice that you might find some similarities as seen in "A New Beginning." If you haven't read it and if you choose not to, that's fine. I just thought that those who have read the other story might like finding those similarities here. Anyhow, on another note, my updates won't be as frequent because today is my last day of sick leave and I go back to work tomorrow. Thank you again for your patience and I hope you like the chapter. Now on to Chapter 3...
Disclaimer: No, I don't own the marvelous world of Harry Potter and its characters. This wonderful and brilliant world belongs to none other than JK Rowling.
Chapter 3: Hogwarts 6th Year (P3)
It was the last quidditch game at Hogwarts and Gryffindor was playing against Ravenclaw. It was going to be a tough battle since the two houses were pretty close to winning the Quidditch Cup.
Naturally most of Hogwarts was cheering for Gryffindor since Harry was famous and he was the captain as well. The chasers had been after the quaffle for the better part of the morning. Gryffindor was in the lead with 110-90. Harry knew that he needed to find that cheeky snitch in order to win the match and the cup.
Harry continued to fly around the pitch. Personally he wouldn't have minded looking at Ginny fly around but he already did enough of that during their workouts. Right now the cup depended on him. Suddenly he heard a cheer and noticed that Ginny had put the quaffle through one of the hoops again. He smiled at her for a second and then went of flying to look for the snitch.
"Ginny Weasley puts the quaffle through the hoop and that brings Gryffindor do the lead with 120-90" announced Robert Jordan, Lee Jordan's younger brother. He was a 6th year Gryffindor and he was doing a very good job.
A few minutes later Harry went speeding off to get the snitch because he had seen it. His heart began to beat real fast with nervousness. He could feel that it was going to jump out of his chest any minute from the fast pumping. Suddenly, when he least expected it, he caught the snitch.
"And once more Harry Potter has caught the snitch. Gryffindor wins 270-90. The winner of the Quidditch cup will be announced tonight. Have a nice afternoon everyone."
The stands with other students were cheering loudly for the Gryffindor team. Everyone was looking forward to the anticipation of who had won the Quidditch cup. Madam Hooch had put the quidditch supplies away while everyone left.
Back at the Gryffindor Tower, there was no time for Harry and Ginny to be alone. They were all too happy. As usual, Lavender had taken a hold of Ron and began to snog him away. Harry and Ginny couldn't help but smile at each other.
Things intensified further when Lavender said, "I love you Won-Won. You are my hero" and she went back to snogging him senseless in front of the entire common room as some catwhistled at them.
Hermione on the other hand looked somewhat upset and she suddenly ran out of the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry and Ginny saw her. Harry and Ginny shared a look. Ginny nodded and walked out of the common room.
Ginny walked down a couple corridors until she heard someone cry. She came to a sobbing Hermione who had sat next to a window and was crying into her knees.
"Hermione? What's wrong?" asked Ginny as she went to sit next to her.
Hermione only shook her head and said, "Oh Ginny, I don't even know where to begin."
Ginny put her arm around her shoulders and said, "If it helps, why don't you go ahead and tell me what's troubling you?"
Hermione put her head up, wiped her tears and looked out the window. She then said, "Ginny, do you remember back during your first year when you liked Harry?"
Ginny nodded, "Yeah I sure do. I always blushed when he caught me looking at him" and Ginny giggled a bit.
"I don't know what it is" began Hermione, "but I think I now have fallen for Ron and now he hasn't noticed it yet. This is the second time that I see Ron snog Lavender after a quidditch match. For Merlin's sake, even Harry already knows that I like Ron!"
Ginny chuckled as she shook her head, "That sounds like Ron alright. He is so thick-headed and taken away by Lavender that he hasn't noticed that you are fond of him. Try to give him some time like I did with Harry. In the mean time, I'm here for you."
Hermione turned away from the window and smiled with tears on her eyes at Ginny and lay her head on her shoulder. "I suppose that's all I can do... give it time."
Later that night around one in the morning the music was still booming and suddenly Professor McGonagall walked in through the portrait hole. Her mouth hung open in shock at how hard the Gryffindor students could party. She slowly spun around to see a couple of students snogging, others drinking pumpkin juice like it was firewhiskey while a few students were dancing on the tables to muggle music that had been conjured off the walls. The tapestries and windows were trembling from the loud music.
"My Merlin!" uttered McGonagall under her breath and she put her hand on her chest.
Finally the students noticed that McGonagall was in the common room. The music was suddenly turned off and the students froze where they were at. The only ones who didn't seem to notice was a couple who were still snogging away in a corner near the fireplace almost hidden under the tapestry. The boy had just raised the girl's leg around his hip. He was beginning to caress the girl's outer thigh when McGonagall called out in a thunderous voice, "Mr. Weasley, Ms. Brown! That is quite enough!" There were a few giggles from other fellow Gryffindors and McGonagall quickly turned around with a stern look to find the culprits and the giggles stopped immediately. Ron and Lavender sheepishly walked out of their "hiding place" and stood side by side.
McGonagall was fuming with fury. "It may not be a school night but all of you have deeply disappointed me with your behavior tonight. You know that curfew on weekends to be in your dormitories is 11:00pm it is now 1 in the morning! All of you! Off to your dormitories immediately before I take points away from this house!" All students got up and left the common room in a big mess and disarray as they quickly ran off to their dormitories.
At that moment, Ginny and Hermione walked in through the portrait hole. McGonagall was even more displeased to find out that there were students out in the corridors past curfew.
"And you young ladies. What is the meaning of this? What are you doing out in the corridors at 1 in the morning?! I certainly didn't expect this from one of Hogwarts' top students!" said McGonagall. It looked like steam was going to come out of her ears at any moment.
Ginny was going to speak but Hermione put her hand on Ginny's shoulder and turned around to respond to McGonagall, "Please professor. I wasn't feeling very well and Ginny went to help me. We didn't realize that it was this late or we would have come sooner."
McGonagall's face didn't soften at all, "Very well, but next time do it in your dormitories or it will be detention for the two of you next time. Is that clear ladies?"
"Yes Professor" they said in unison.
"Well what are you waiting for? Off to your dormitories ladies!" called out McGonagall. The two girls quickly walked up the stairs and went to their dormitory.
The following morning the whole school soon found out why most of the Gryffindors weren't at breakfast. They had partied so late into the night that they overslept. Dumbledore looked over at McGonagall as if to ask where was the rest of Gryffindor House. McGonagall squirmed a bit and said, "Albus, it appears that the students lost track of time at their little party last night."
Dumbledore gave her a small grin, "Ah I see. I remember in my young days when we used to stay up late and celebrate our successes. It appears that they celebrate a little differently nowadays don't they Minerva?"
McGonagall took a sip of her coffee, "That appears to be the way of it Albus. Would you believe it that one of them had managed to conjure music off of the walls? I'm surprised that none of the windows broke at all!"
Dumbledores's eyes went slightly wide, it was odd for Dumbledore to react like that. Except for the occasional small smile. "That much of a celebration I see. Times have definitely changed Minerva." Albus then took a bite of his toast.
Minerva swallowed her coffee and said, "They sure have Albus, they sure have" and sighed before continuing with her breakfast.
It was already April and everyone was studying real hard for their end of term examinations. Ever since the last quidditch match, Harry and Ginny didn't have any alone time except when they were studying. Sometimes they would look at each other and giggle before going back to study. As it turned out Gryffindor had won the quidditch cup and as a consequence for not following rules when they won the match, McGonagall had strictly forbidden a celebration party much to the house's dismay.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Dean, Seamus, Neville, Luna and Ginny were busy studying in the library.
Suddenly Harry put his hand on Ginny's and then lifted it to kiss it, causing Ginny to giggle. They distracted the group and a much bitter Hermione snapped at them, "Oh go study somewhere else if you're going to do that." Hermione sighed in frustration, "Never mind I'll leave."
She roughly put her things inside her school bag and stomped out of the library. Ron then looked at Harry and Ginny, "Now you've gone and done it. Now who are we going to ask questions if we get stuck?"
Ginny had just about had enough of Ron's complaints about Hermione, "Oh shut it Ron!" She then got her things and Harry's and pulled Harry by the hand and out of the library they went.
Just outside the library, Harry pulled Ginny into his arms and he said, "I know just the place to study."
Ginny grinned playfully, "Oh and just where is that Potter?"
Harry gave her a mischievous grin and said, "Oh you'll find out soon enough Weasley."
Just then the two of them ran into Snape. His piercing and searching eyes penetrated that of Harry and Ginny's.
"Well, well, where are the two of you off to Mr. Potter, Ms. Weasley?" asked Snape as he crossed he arms across his chest. It was clear that the two of them weren't going to get away that easily from Snape.
"We were just going to find another place in the castle to study Professor. We need a change of scenery" replied Ginny with an emotionless face.
"Is that so Ms. Weasley. It appears that the two walked out of that library in a hurry. Now why is that I wonder?" asked Snape now with a deep questioning look in his eyes.
"Ron was becoming a nuissance Professor" this time answered Harry.
"I'm surprised to hear our celebrity to talk about his best friend that way" commented Snape.
"Well, you see, I think it's all the studying and stuff Professor" said Harry.
"Very well, you just mind yourselves or you'll be put in detention and take points away from Gryffindor" said Snape with a brush of his black robes as he left.
Harry and Ginny just looked at each other and sighed in relief. Harry then took them to the Room of Requirement.
"Harry! This looks just like the Gryffindor Common Room!" and she turned around to smile at Harry.
"I thought we could use some time alone" said Harry and then he put their books and his school bag down as did Ginny.
Harry then walked up to Ginny and gently pulled her into his arms. He put one of her long red coppery hairs over her shoulder and then looked into her warm brown eyes. They were glazed with a need. A need which Harry still could not understand. He knew however that he had learned to love Ginny. He loved her too much to lose her. To lose her would cause him to have a deep wounded heart which he knew would never heal. He would do anything to also keep his beloved Ginny safe from Voldemort. But how would he do that? He gently leaned down to kiss Ginny.
Ginny didn't know what had happened. One minute they were trying to not get in trouble by Snape and the next they were in the Room of Requirement snogging away. She could feel that odd tingling sensation along with butterflies in her stomach as Harry kissed her. Suddenly an entire new sensation was building up in the pit of her stomach. It was a new sensation that she had never felt before. It was some type of longing. A longing to be even closer to Harry. She gently moved up closer to Harry as she put her arms around his neck and started to play with the hairs at the nape of his neck, causing him to shiver. Ginny again felt something stiff hit her thigh but she was not sure what it was and she was afraid of looking down. She soon became lost in her world of longing and discovered that she was on the couch underneath Harry as they continued to snog away. She didn't know what impulsed her to do it but she raised her knee and Harry fell comfortably on top of her. Harry's tongue brushed up against her lips and she allowed him to enter her mouth and their tongues began to dance about as they let all their deep desires escape into their kiss. Harry's hands then lingered up her leg until it found her thigh, then up her side and then to the side of her breast. She arched her back as Harry's hand continued to brush up the side of her breast. This was short lived as Harry's hands made their way down to Ginny's belly. There Harry untucked Ginny's blouse and slowly snuck his fingers up and he could feel her soft skin. Ginny squirmed and moaned into their open-mouth kisses at the feel of Harry's warm fingers on her.
Ginny's hands were not still either, she had done circles all over Harry's back until she also untucked his dress shirt from underneath his trousers. She let her hands feel for the first time Harry's muscles at the small of his back. As she brushed her fingertips on him, she heard him softly groan. Just then Harry's stomach growled and the two of them pulled back, looked at each other and soon they were laughing away.
"Sorry Gin, you wouldn't mind terribly if we went to supper do you?" said Harry with a sheepish grin.
Ginny giggled, "It seems that my brother is slowly becoming a bad influence on you huh Potter?"
"Hmm, I'll leave for you to guess that one Weasley" and he snickered and Ginny slapped his chest with both her hands.
"Get off Potter" she said playfully, "You are just terrible!"
When they walked out of the Room of Requirement, they headed to the Gryffindor common room to leave their things. They went to dinner hand in hand and all they did was look at each other. When dinner was over Dumbledore walked up to Harry.
"Mr. Potter, I was wondering if I could have a word with you this evening" asked the white long-bearded headmaster.
"Yes Professor Dumbledore. I'll be there in your office as soon as I'm done with supper" answered Harry.
When he and Ginny were done with supper, they walked hand in hand to Dumbledore's office. When they arrived to the phoenix staircase, Harry and Ginny stood there looking at each other.
"Harry, I hope you are not in trouble" said Ginny and she stiffled her giggle.
Harry shook his head and chuckled, "Oh the things I put up with you Ginny Weasley. No, you heard Professor Dumbledore. He told me he needed to talk to me."
Ginny then walked up closer and wrapped her arms around Harry, "Look Harry, whatever it is, please be careful alright?"
Harry took her in closer into his arms and nuzzled her lips for a while before kissing them passionately and then looking back at Ginny, "Gin, I'll be okay. You go to bed. We have classes again tomorrow. Alright?"
Ginny nodded her head, "Alright. I love you"
Harry smiled, "I love you too." Harry then gently pulled away from their hug, said the password and Ginny stood there as she watched Harry walk up the phoenix stairway before she walked away.
Later on, Ginny was sitting in the couch in the Gryffindor Common Room doing her homework. She was just about finishing up her potions homework when she heard Harry walk in through the portrait hole.
She turned around, saw Harry and smiled. "Hey you."
Harry smiled back, "Hey, why aren't you in bed Ginny? We have classes tomorrow?"
Ginny got up from the couch and took Harry into her arms, "I was finishing my potions homework and I didn't want to go to bed without getting my good night kiss Potter."
Harry smiled, took Ginny into his arms and gently kissed her. Their burning desire led them to open mouth kisses that led to a longing for more. Harry's hand untucked Ginny's uniform blouse and soon found the soft supple skin of her stomach. Ginny shuddered as Harry's fingertips caressed her back. Ginny's hand on the other hand were stroking Harry's strong muscled chest. Her hands moved down lower to his abs and there she continued to stroke him, causing him to grunt quietly into their kiss.
Ginny then pulled away with a placid smile and said, "Mmm, that was a very nice good night kiss Harry."
Harry gave Ginny a soft kiss on her neck which made her shudder and whispered into her ear, "I'm happy you liked it."
Ginny then leaned her head on his shoulder and they pulled each other closer in their arms and she then asked, "What did Professor Dumbledore say?"
Harry was hesistant and he didn't know how to tell Ginny that he was going to go on a dangerous mission with the school's headmaster. He thought he should tell her a partial lie and then later tell her the entire truth. For the most part, he didn't want to worry her.
"He just needs me to help him run an errand for the Order is all. You know with him trusting me and all" said Harry, hoping Ginny would believe him.
Ginny pulled back her head and looked into Harry's deep green eyes. There was something else in them but she couldn't quite tell what it was. She knew that when the time was right, he would tell her everything. For now she wished to respect whatever he had with Dumbledore
"Alright, but I want you to behave alright?" asked Ginny playfully.
"Yes Ginny, I promise I'll be good" he responded with a playful moan.
Then they gave each other one last kiss before heading to their dormitories.
The following afternoon, after supper, Harry walked up to the Astronomy tower. He was that Snape and Dumbledore were deep in discussion. At the next moment, he ran into Snape and then he made his way to Dumbledore. In no way would he be prepared for the outing that was before them. All Harry could do was depend on his 6th magic experience.
When Dumbledore and Harry got back from getting Slytherin's locket, Dumbledore made him promise to not tell anyone of what they did or where they were. Just as Harry was about to find Snape, he heard Draco, and three more death eaters up on the Astronomy tower. Harry was hiding below and couldn't believe his own eyes when Snape just stood there in front of Dumbledore killing him with the killing curse. Harry saw as Dumbledore got thrown off the tower by the force of the killing curse. Harry felt his heart race two thousand beats per minute. A part of him wanted to jump out and avenge Dumbledore's death but he knew that he couldn't confront Snape and the other three death eaters. Harry could do nothing but do what Dumbldore's last words had commanded him to do so Harry just stay hidden until the death eaters left the tower. Harry then felt his blood boil and went to confront Snape. Only to have him blown away by Snape. Then Snape uttered the words that he had trouble finding their true meaning.
"I'm the Half-Blood Prince" said Snape and then he walked away.
Harry saw the death eater sign in the sky and he made his way back to Hogwarts, remembering that Dumbledore had only gotten thrown of the Astronomy tower. Suddenly he began to feel a rush of emotions. He didn't know whether to cry, scream, or run but when he got there, there on the ground lay a dead Dumbledore. Then the mere shock and reality, that his only advisor and and friend had died. The only one who had been there to guide him. The man who had guided his footsteps ever since he was dropped on the door of 4 Privet Dr. The shock and horror finally hit Harry as he for the first time in a long time of his life began to sob. Sobs that he couldn't control anymore. The loss already for him had become too much. First his parents, then Sirius and now Dumbledore. He couldn't believe it. He put his hand on Dumbledore's chest and sure enough, he was dead. no longer lived the magnificent wizard of their wizarding world.
As Harry sobbed, for the first time he felt a pair of small hands come around him and comfort him, he noticed the wildflower scent. It was none other than Ginny. There she stood, wishing that she could take his pain away. In the mean time, all she could do was just hold Harry and let him cry himself out.
"It's okay Harry. I know how much Dumbledore meant to you. Shh.. shhh... there, there now..." said Ginny with a soothing voice.
Harry then pulled his hand away from Dumbledore and let himself be engulfed by Ginny's warm hug. "Oh Ginny, how could this have happened to him? Why... didn't I... see this coming?" he said in between sobs.
"These things happen Harry."
"Dumbledore told me to hide and I had promised him. I should have come out of my hiding place and confronted those death eaters" continued to say Harry between sobs.
"Harry, they were death eaters and you were just a 6th year student at Hogwarts. There wasn't much that you could do. You could have lost your life if you had confronted them" replied Ginny.
"He died finding one of the horcruxes. By Merlin, I will avenge his death by finding the rest. Even if I have to do it alone."
"It's too soon think something like that Harry. Give yourself some time" said Ginny as she started to gently stroke Harry's back with her hand to try to soothe him again.
"No Gin, that's what I'm going to do, I'm going to find the rest of the horcruxes and finish that blasted Voldemort for good! I couldn't save him but I can at least help our wizarding world."
A couple of days later after Dumbledore's funeral Harry went to sit by the black lake under a tree and he leaned his back and head against it. He really needed to get away from it all so he could think and learn to finally accept Dumbledore's death. Harry for the first time in a long time felt lost without Dumbledore. Harry got up and walked to the edge of the lake. He looked at the locket and opened it. His anger fumed at what he and Dumbledore had done to get the locket. His blood was boiling and he couldn't believe what he was holding in his hand. Suddenly, he felt a soft and gentle hand lace with his.
"Harry? What is that in your hand?" she said as she looked at it.
"It's a locket. It's a replica of the real horcrux" said Harry as he turned his gaze from Ginny and then back to the lake. Harry then turned to Ginny, "I love you Ginny. I love you with all my heart."
Ginny arched an eyebrow, "I love you too Harry but, What's all this about Harry?."
Harry then took Ginny firmly into his arms and snogged her senseless before Ginny could say anything else, letting the sensations and urges carry them into a blissful kiss.
That afternoon, it was official that all end of year exams would be canceled as well as the classes at Hogwarts. All students would be going home early.
The next morning before getting back on the Hogwarts express, an owl landed for Ron and Ginny while they were eating breakfast in the Great Hall. They looked at each other with questioning eyes. Ron shrugged his shoulders and opened the letter.
My Dearest Ron and Ginny,
I'm sorry that I won't be at King's Cross when the Hogwarts Express arrives. With the chaos of Dumbledore's death and all, your brothers Percy, George and Fred will be picking you up and bringing you home. You will be happy to also know that Bill and Fleur are getting married! So, I will be rather busy this Summer helping her and Mrs. Delacoeur make the wedding arrangements. I look forward to seeing you two and Harry of course despite the circumstances.
With love,
Mum.
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny sat in the compartment of the Hogwarts Express. The four of them were speechless. Harry was holding hands with Ginny. He had longed again after a few difficult days to be alone with Ginny but there hadn't been time for that.
Harry then got up, took Ginny's hand and turned to Ron and Hermione, "Ginny and I are going to go for a small walk in the corridor. We'll be back in a bit." Ron and Hermione nodded in acknowledgement and they turned back around to look out the window.
Harry and Ginny kept walking down the corridor until they came to an empty compartment. Harry opened it for Ginny and he followed her in. He waved his wand and lowered the blinds. He locked the door and then put a silencing charm.
"Gin, this has been such a hard time. I want to thank you for being there for me when D- Dumbledore died" said Harry, finding it difficult to say the name.
Ginny sat up close to Harry, took his face in her hands and said, "Harry, I love you and I had to be there for you. I only wish I could have taken the pain away from you."
Harry gave her a sad smile, "Gin, you already did enough for me by being there for me."
He then took Ginny close in his arms and started to kiss her passionately. Once more their tongues began to play with each other as their hands began to roam all over their backs.
Ginny had wanted to take away the pain that she could still see in Harry's eyes. She moved in closer by straddling his lap and held him closer. She suddenly gasped as she felt something stiff below the apex of her legs. She brushed herself up closer and upon doing this, she felt a pleasurable tingling sensation between her legs. She didn't know what it was but she began to rub herself against Harry's stiffness, causing the two of them to moan. Harry's hands untucked Ginny's blouse and jumper and they lingered up to the sides of her ribcage. There he caressed and stroked them. Ginny whimpered at his touch as she also snaked her fingers below Harry's shirt and began to stroke Harry's back. Ginny's hands soon came around to Harry's stomach and there she stroked him endlessly. Harry was also feeling the strange yet wonderful feeling on his stiffness as Ginny rubbed herself on him. There she stood, continuing to rub herself on him until he stopped her before they reached a point of no return.
"Oh Gin, I want to do this more than ever but I think we should wait" said Harry between pants.
Ginny nodded, "You're right. I don't think that neither of us is ready for this either. Why don't we head back to the compartment before Ron comes looking for us."
Ginny got off Harry and they adjusted their robes and uniforms. They walked out of the compartment hand in hand and then made their way back to where Ron and Hermione were. They were in a discussion about finding the locket.
"This so called RAB person for sure must have had the locket. We need to find out who it is. When we find out then we can get the locket and then destroy it" said Ron.
Hermione sighed in frustration, "Yes, we have to destroy it but how will we destroy it? There must be a specific spell that can destroy it."
Ron and Hermione then turned to look at Harry and Ginny walk into the compartment and sit down.
"This is Voldemort we are talking about so there must definitely be a specific spell to destroy it" said Harry. "That's what I have been thinking but first we have to find the real locket. I think that I we need to see who we know who has those initials."
Ron and Hermione looked at each other and shook their heads before Hermione said, "But we don't know anyone with those initials."
Ginny then finally spoke, "I suppose you will use the Summertime to think about it."
When Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny arrived at Kings Cross, there was Percy, Fred and George to pick them up. Harry went home with the Dursleys and Hermione went home with her parents.
"Really Harry do you really want to go back with the Dursleys." said Fred.
I'm sure mum wouldn't mind if you stayed at the Burrow said George immediately after Fred.
At that moment Harry saw his uncle Vernon yell at him, "Well, come on boy! Don't make me wait for you all day!"
"I suppose I better go" said Harry. He then turned to Ginny and said, "I'll send you an owl as soon as possible" and she nodded with a smile.
Hermione then left with her parents to go home.
Things at the beginning of that Summer were growing worse by the day. The attack weren't just anymore in the wizarding world but muggles were also being attacked. Nonetheless, the Dursleys found out about the danger and decided to leave 4 Privet Drive for a safer location. Harry stood there looking out the window and watched as the last of his family members left him to fend for himself. It was then that thoughts about the horcrux hunt started to drift through Harry's mind. Several people that he had loved and appreciated, had lost their lives. Starting with his parents. Then Sirius died and only just towards the end of his 6th school year, Dumbledore had died. Harry then noticed that this was a search and mission that he was going to have to do by himself. He didn't want to end up losing Ron, Hermione and much less his beloved Ginny.
He would have to find a way to go on his own but before he did that, he needed to talk to Ginny.
