Part One: The Resistance of the Soul Bond
Book: The Executor of Azkaban
Chapter: Setting a Record
"Quickly now, quickly, the train's leaving in," Molly checked her wrist frantically, before remembering she had never worn a watch. She instead glanced up at the station clock pinned up in-between platforms nine and ten. "In seven minutes!"
Are you guys always this late to everything?
Only when you're involved Harry.
Ha ha, very funny…
With a frantic push on the back from Molly, Harry sped his trolley into the solid wall of platform nine and three quarters. He still closed his eyes as he braced himself for an impact he knew would not occur. It wasn't that he didn't have faith, it's just that it was all a little scary.
Scaredy cat.
One day, I'll take you to a theme park, and then we'll see who the scardey cat is.
Bring it on.
The Weasleys and Harry quickly pushed their trolleys to the edge of the train, and the older boys began quickly unloading the luggage into overhead compartments with a well-practiced ease. Molly began hastily walking around; smothering her children in motherly hugs, and forcing corned beef sandwiches into their hesitant hands. Arthur, however, grabbed Harry by the shoulder and dragged him behind a nearby pillar in the station.
"Harry, there's something you need to know," Arthur said seriously, glancing around him nervously, as if afraid someone would overhear his conversation. "Molly must not find out I told you this," he said in a tense voice.
"It's alright Mr. Weasley," said Harry, "I already know about Sirius Black.
Arthur stared at him with a look of confusion and shock.
"Right, well, what I was actually going to say was that if you see my Ford Anglia, you try and send it home for me, but yeah, Sirius Black, you be careful around him," Arthur finished rather lamely.
He really loved that car, didn't he?
You have no idea how long he spent moping in the garage when it disappeared into the Forbidden Forest.
That bad?
That bad. Mum had to get a- What's that?
"Now, I understand that she probably won't listen to you," Arthur explained quickly, his hand sifting through one of his pockets.
"Who, Ginny?" Harry asked, confused, trying to balance two conversations.
"Ginny? Good lord, no. I mean the Ford Anglia!" Arthur exclaimed.
Harry, what is this?
"Now, see this key ring here? Press this button when you see the car, and it should domesticate it again. I haven't actually been able to test it out though, so be carefully when you do," Mr. Weasley said sheepishly. "Can you do that for me Harry?"
It's writing. Or, well, graffiti. Harry, are you listening?
"Uh, yeah, I'll do my best Mr. Weasley," Harry said distractedly, grabbing the key ring, moments before the Hogwarts Express whistled loudly, and begun chugging into action.
"Excellent, off you go then Harry!" Arthur said happily, "and remember, not a word to Molly!"
"Not a word of what, Arthur?" Molly said in a sugary voice with barely contained anger.
"Nothing dear," Arthur said, trying to placate his furious wife, but it was an hopeless attempt, and he yelped in pain when Molly dragged him by his ear out of the station.
Harry jumped onboard the Hogwarts Express before he could have been dragged into the marital argument. He wasn't a moment too soon either, as the train had really picked up speed by the time he had launched himself onwards.
Harry, what does this mean?
What does what mean?
Bad Vibrations. It's what is written on the wall.
…Ginny, are you on the Hogwarts Express?
Ginny stared up at the expansive brick wall that framed the edges of the magical train station. Glistening, black ink melted slowly down the bricks, but the words that were spelt were still easily legible.
Bad Vibrations.
Each letter was written in a thick, bolded, ominous font that made Ginny shiver as she stared at it. She felt dizzy as the blood rushed from her head. She lost hearing in her ears, and only a ceaseless ringing could be heard. She didn't hear the train as it whistled for the final time, and slowly chugged away. She simply remained transfixed at the message on the wall.
Bad Vibrations.
Harry, what does this mean?
What does what mean?
Bad Vibrations. It's what is written on the wall.
Harry seemed irritatingly unconcerned through the chord however. It appeared he was more worried about something else.
…Ginny, are you on the Hogwarts Express?
Ginny whipped her body around to face the train. The train that was no longer there. Metallic tracks littered the empty station. She turned to find her parents, but found they had already disappeared.
She had missed the Hogwarts Express.
Harry! I'm not on the train!
Yeah, I figured that much out.
Panic pulsed through their chord, but Ginny felt a tinge of amusement from Harry.
Something funny?
Well, the same thing happened to Ron and I last year. It looks like you'll be carrying on our tradition.
Unfortunately, we're currently out of cars to fly into the Whomping Willow.
Right…
Ginny glanced around the station, which was completely empty by now. All the magicals had apparated away as soon as the train was gone, and all the Muggles had quickly made their exit, not feeling comfortable in such a magical location.
Harry, what am I going to do! I don't want to be expelled! After what happened last year they're sure to expel me.
No they're not. Dumbledore would never do that..
But Snape would.
Then it's a good thing that he's not Headmaster.
They both shivered.
What am I going to do though Harry?
I dunno, sorry, I'm trying to find Ron and Hermione right now.
Harry!
There was no legible response.
Harry!
Harry wasn't very good at hiding things through the chord. It was blatantly obvious when he was trying. He would always start singing strange, Muggle, ritual music.
Bananas, in Pyjamas, they're running-
Can you please stop that?
Are coming down in pairs.
Ginny huffed angrily. She didn't know what she had been expecting from Harry.
"Obviously not this," a voice said cheekily from in front of her. She only half bit back a squeal when Harry's floating face appeared mere feet from her. He chuckled at her, the rumbling action causing the rest of the cloak to slide off his body, revealing the Nimbus 2000 he was riding.
"What do you think you're doing?" Ginny demanded, but she couldn't help but smile at him. Harry smiled back, before clearing his throat.
"Congratulations! You're the lucky 1000th passenger of the Hogwarts Express. In celebration, you have won a free scenic view trip to Hogwarts with none other than the famous Harry Potter," Harry said dramatically, much like the spokesman he had heard on the television before. Ginny simply stared at him.
You're an idiot.
Just hurry up and get on the back of the broom.
Harry eyed Ginny, who seemed to be contemplating whether to ride on the broom or not. He was having trouble hearing her thoughts, as they were being shot off too fast, and also because the two had promised each other not to purposely try and eavesdrop on one another. It was pretty hard not to though when the voice was resounding within your mind.
Finally, Ginny smiled at him and clambered onto the back of the broom. Harry retrieved the invisibility cloak and wrapped it over the two of them, ensuring that even the broom was covered. He didn't want any bird watchers catching another picture of Harry and a Weasley on a floating contraption.
Ready?
All set.
"Broom broom, off we go," Harry joked.
That was a terrible pun.
Was it really that bad?
I will honestly jump off the broom if I hear another one like that.
…I'm so sorry…
Leaning forwards, slightly more than normal to account for the extra weight-
Hey!
The Nimbus 2000 took off, demonstrating its prowess as one of the top market brooms by quickly reaching an exhilaration speed. The invisibly cloak slipped off Harry's shoulders.
Ginny!
Ginny's hands around Harry's waist suddenly snapped forwards, gripped the cloak in her tiny fists, and then wrapped her arms tightly around Harry's middle.
Got it!
Uhh, you're squishing me.
Oops, sorry.
Ginny loosened her grip around Harry's waist, suddenly realizing just how close she was to him. She felt the blush rush to her cheeks, and groaned when she realized that Harry could sense her emotions through the chord.
Fortunately Harry was blushing as well.
That didn't stop Ginny from burying her head into the back of his shoulders in embarrassment.
"So what do we do now?" Ginny shouted after several minutes had passed, and her heart had calmed down. Harry couldn't hear her over the roaring wind, but he could hear the thoughts in her mind.
We either ride all the way to Hogwarts, or land on the Hogwarts Express and sneak in.
I'm not riding all the way to Hogwarts like this!
Then we're in agreement, we're breaking into the Hogwarts Express.
You make that sound easy.
I'm Harry Potter, trust me when I say this won't be easy.
The Hogwarts Express could be seen ahead, puttering along at a speed pitiful compared to a state of the art racing broom. Harry and Ginny swooped down until they were soaring beside the crimson train. They spied the many cabins, each laden with students from various age groups and houses.
There no empty cabins however. Harry spotted Ron and Hermione, chatting together in a cabin with a sleeping, man in ragged robes, but both he and Ginny agreed they didn't want to notify them of their current situation. They swooped up and down the train several times, desperately searching for an entrance, but there was none. Harry did have fun swooping in between the carriages however, enjoying the exhilaration and possible danger of such an action.
Do it again, this time with a spiral!
Your wish is my command. Just hold tight onto the cloak.
Ginny squeezed her arms around his middle, holding the cloak firmly in her fists. Harry pulled up into the sky, and after pivoting on the point of the broom, shot back at the train. Harry laughed, while Ginny squealed in elation, as he pumped his right foot back, and the broom began spiraling erratically.
Have you ever done a spiral dive before?
Nope.
Ginny's joyful squeal changed to a legitimate scream of horror as they whooshed in between the carriages of a train, the broom ceaselessly spiraling. Harry let his instincts take over, and with slight variances of his body balance, he controlled the spiral dive perfectly between carriages, over and over again. Ginny was laughing again by this point, making Harry smile in accomplishment.
You prat, you said you've never done that before.
I havn't.
…You mean that was all natural?
Yep.
Wow.
I do believe I have left the voice in my head speechless. Ah, sweet serenity, how I have missed you-
Shut up.
-And there she is again.
The two had completely forgotten about their attempts to break into the train as Ginny continued to order Harry to attempt more and more risqué maneuvers. Having been to several Quidditch games with her family, she had seen some of the more professional moves being used, and Harry was all too eager to experiment.
Now do the Hurricane Extraordinaire!
What?
Actually, don't do that one. You have to jump off the broom for that.
I could do that!
Not with me on the back.
…I bet I could still do it…
If you drop me, there's going to be hell to pay.
Fine, what's another move?
The Reverse Boom Burst.
Sounds cool.
So, you have to start at a minimal speed. Accelerate as harshly as possible forwards, and then immediately accelerate backwards.
Following her instructions, and her vague hazy memories she tried to describe, Harry launched himself forwards, his stomach jolting, before whipping himself backwards. A frightening crack resounded in the air around them as Harry found the broomstick rocketing backwards, completely out of control and spinning wildly. Relying on instinct, he rolled his right ankle backwards, leant down on his right shoulder, and pulled up slightly with his left hand, making sure to not apply any pressure with his thumb.
How do you know all that?
Instincts.
The broom straightened up in a manner of seconds, but Harry still found himself speeding backwards, the train slowly rolling along out of side. Harry's ears still hurt from the sudden cracking that had resulted when he had thrown the broom backwards.
What was with that noise? It was like a whip cracking.
That's why they call it the Reverse Boom Burst.
…Should we catch back up the train now?
Let's do it.
Dragging his right leg outwards, letting it drift in the wind, Harry swung the broom around in a sharp pivot, causing Ginny to scream and once more tighten her grip around him, something that was becoming more and more natural to him.
Don't get too used to it. Once we're off the broom I'm not holding you like this again.
Who said I wanted you to?
Why you… Fine then, I don't care.
Fine. I don't care either.
The two huffed in indignation, mirroring one another perfectly. Their silent treatment with one another didn't last long however, as their various thoughts and observances about the landscape around them eventually restarted their conversation. In the distance Harry saw an eagle soaring gracefully in the sky.
I spy with my little eye, something beginning with E.
Eagle.
How'd you know?
…Harry, I can hear your thoughts.
…oh, right. Let me try again then.
What? Do you not understand? We can hear each others thoughts!
I know. I'll just pick an object without thinking about it.
Seriously?
I spy with my little eye, something beginning with C.
Clouds?
…I don't know, I haven't thought about what the word is yet…
This is hopeless.
Once more.
No.
Please!
…fine.
I spy with my little eye, something beginning with D.
I don't know… Harry, what's that?
What's what?
That.
Oh, that.
Yeah, that. what's that?
I'm not too sure, but it's getting kind of cold, don't you think?
Kind of gloomy as well, look at the sky.
I'm starting to feel a little funny actually.
Dementors!
Nope, that's not the word I'm thinking of.
What? No I meant that's what those things are.
Oh, really? That's a relief, because I haven't actually thought of what my word is yet.
Can you stop playing your stupid game and fly away?
On it.
Despite his joking, Harry realized just how much of a threat these Dementors must pose. If the shadowy, cloaked creatures were causing the darkness, coldness, and general gloomy atmosphere, they must have been wicked monsters.
Fortunately, the Dementors didn't seem interested in the two flyers. Harry thought it may have been because they were still under the invisible cloak, but whatever the reason, the Dementors quickly swarmed the Hogwarts Express. Harry and Ginny watched the creatures seep into the train like a dark fog.
We have to help them.
Help them how, Harry? You don't even know how to fend off a Dementor.
So what if I don't know, I just can't sit here and do nothing!
That's exactly what you should do! It's not your responsibility to go after saving people whenever they're in trouble. Just leave it to an adult.
And what if I'd left you to the adults?
…
Feeling like he had won the argument, Harry veered the Nimbus 2000 in the direction of the train and shot towards it. A blinding, silvery light lit up the middle of the train however, and moments later the Dementors fled the train, wailing in a frustration and pain. Dozens of the Dementors shot outwards directly at Harry and Ginny, and he was forced to roll the broom to the side to avoid them.
He wasn't quite fast enough however, as one of the Dementors suddenly stopped and twisted their hooded head directly at Harry and Ginny, despite the two still being firmly wrapped within the invisibility cloak. With uncanny nimbleness, the Dementor whipped out a cloaked hand, and gnarled fingers grazed the edge of the cloak.
Harry shivered as he heard manical laughter from all around him. He heard a woman screaming inside his head.
Please, not Harry. Anything but Harry, please don't hurt him.
Ginny?
Move aside, foolish girl.
No, not Harry!
Harry!
Not Harry!
Harry, the train!
Flung back into conciousness by Ginny's frantic voice, Harry's eyes widened at the scarlet train exterior just meters away from them. He yanked the broom upwards with as much force as possible, causing maximum decelration. The broom was pointed directly up at the sky, and Ginny was forced to squeeze Harry's middle hard to hold on.
Despite the brooms deceleration, they still hit the train, but with Harry's feet first. Pushing off with as much force as possible, Harry not only prevented the impact, but caused the broom to shoot upwards, away from the train and the Dementors.
What… what was that? I heard you screaming?
I was only screaming at you to miss the bloody train. I don't know what the rest was.
Knock knock, is there someone else in here with us?
Do you know who the woman sounded like?
No… but she sounded so familiar.
Harry finally pulled out of his rapid ascension when they must have been about a thousand feet above the ground. However, a group of Dementors followed immediately, bringing with them the dark atmosphere, and the sudden lack of happiness within Harry. Leaning forwards, Harry shot away on the Nimbus, but the Dementors were surprisingly agile, and able to keep up with the broom.
Nobody will ever love you Ginny.
No. Keep out of my head.
You're a foolish girl. Harry Potter would never love someone like you.
Please… no…
Ginny! Ginny, are you alright?
Ginny! You are mine now. Mine forever.
Ginny, come back to me.
Ginny, come with me.
Dementors suddenly swept upwards in front of Harry, blocking off his path, while Dementors flanked him on either side. The ghastly creaturs closed in, intent on trapping him. Harry didn't know what they would do when they caught him, but he didn't plan on finding out.
Yanking the broom backwards with as much force as possible, Harry caused a cracking sound wave to erupt within the sky as his broom shot backwards. The surprised Dementors struggled to turn around and keep up with Harry as he successfully completed a Reverse Boom Burst.
Ginny, are you all right?
Get out of my head!
Ginny, it's me, Harry.
Oh… Harry. It was- It was terrible.
I know. Don't worry, I'm getting us out of here.
Although Harry could not see Hogwart's castle, he could see the familiar mountains that hid the magnificent castle, and he knew he wasn't terribly far away. They would be safe in Hogwarts. They just had to get there. The Dementors floated in-between Harry and his destination, taunting him with their silent stares.
Harry shot downwards into a dive, intent on passing them underneath. He would have made it, but as he neared them, the woman in his head stared screaming, and he felt his broom being dragged towards the dark creatures. Only the tightening of Ginny's arms around his middle kept him conscious of his goal.
Soaring between two Dementors, Harry winced as their gnarled hands shot outwards, scraping the edges of the cloak. Ginny shuddered, and Harry felt her grip loosening.
Hold on Ginny, don't give up on me yet.
Please… Hurry…
Harry swept to the side, dragging his left foot against the air to pivot around another Dementor that came sweeping in from the side. Immediately, Harry drove his right foot down, pivoting in the opposite direction, and faking out several of his pursuers. He was then forced to pull the broom straight upwards, as a stream of Dementors soared directly in front of him.
Harry felt Ginny's grip weakening even further. The invisibility cloak shuddered in the wind, and the next moment it was torn out of her hands and sent fluttering in the cold, dark wind. Harry would have cared more about the cloak if Ginny hadn't then slipped off the broom, her arms limp at her side as she lost the last of her strength.
"Ginny," Harry roared. Not even thinking about the consequences, Harry lifted one foot onto the stick of the broom, and pushed off in Ginny's direction. The broom began spinning violently from his kick off, which caused the wild Nimbus 2000 to begin spiraling downwards to the ground as if caught in a hurricane.
Harry tucked his arms into his side and snapped his feet together, desperately trying to gain speed towards Ginny. The ground was quickly moving closer towards them, and although a thousand feet sounded like a long way a way, it wasn't far when they were falling.
Ginny, I'm coming!
Help… please…
Harry finally reached Ginny, her limp body spinning out of control as she plummeted towards the ground. He glimpsed his broomstick whoosing past him in a circle as it continued to spin like a hurricane. Ginny's red hair was waving wildly as her body whipped around. Harry allowed himself to fall until he was beneath her, and then he pulled out his arms and legs, creating as much wind resistance as possible. He felt Ginny slam into his back, a strange feeling when one was falling uncontrollably. Moments later the Nimbus 2000 whooshed past again.
Ginny, grab onto me.
They were now far away enough from the Dementors that she had enough strength to obey, and Harry felt her arms once again wrap themselves around his waist. The ground was quickly coming to meet them, but Harry confidently held out his right hand, and an instant later the familiar wooden handle of his Nimbus 2000 slammed into his grip.
Harry winced as he felt bones in his hand crack from the impact, but he grasped the broom tightly nonetheless and pulled it beneath him. Ginny, still clinging to his waist from behind, slipped onto the broom smoothly straight after him, and not a moment too soon Harry pulled the broom upwards, slowing their dive to the ground. Their feet skimmed the roof of the train, and for the second time that day, Harry pushed off the train, and launched himself back into flight, desperately speeding towards the safety of Hogwarts.
Harry, I don't believe it! That was the Hurricane Extraordinaire!
See, I told you I could do it and still catch you.
I… I guess you could. Thank you Harry.
Warm affection flooded their chord, causing Harry to blush in embarrassment. Ginny's heartfelt emotions were a comforting remedy to the darkness of the Dementors that trailed behind, but were slowly disappearing as Harry reached the maximum speed on the Nimbus.
No need to thank me. I'd do it all over again if I had to.
Oh, we're doing that again Harry.
What? You mean with the Dementors-
No, I mean the Hurricane Extraordinaire! That was brilliant! You're really going to have to teach me that one.
Harry chuckled, his mood elated even more as Hogwarts castle came into view. Mysterious, twinkling lights flickering in the various windows of the seven-story castle, welcoming the various magical students inside.
I'm back.
We're back.
Harry pulled the broom into a gentle landing on the Hogwarts grounds, admiring the view the whole while. Moonlight and starlight glistened on the surface of the inky black lake, in which Harry could see the faint silhouettes of the first years and Hagrid on rowing boats, slowly creeping their way towards the castle.
Similarly, Harry and Ginny crept towards the entrance doors, wary of being caught by Snape. Harry wasn't sure how Snape would handle Harry not taking the train a second time.
A loud, barking caused Harry and Ginny to spin around, eyeing the area for the source of the noise.
Do you see anything Harry?
Nope, did we imagine it?
I don't think so. We both heard it.
Again, a single bark that sounded like it came from mere meters from Ginny's feet echoed around them. Harry and Ginny stared at the spot where the bark came from, and they could have sworn they heard a soft panting. Harry edged closer, his wand drawn, and a tickling hex on the tip of his tongue, when the bark came from behind him. Startled he whipped around, to see a headless, great shaggy black dog.
Harry stared at the dog, and he could have sworn it stared back at him.
"Woof," the headless dog went, and Harry jumped backwards. The dog rolled onto it's back, wagging its tail in amusement, and the rest of Harry's invisibility cloak slipped off the hound. The dog had a goofy, mischievous twinkle in its eyes as its tongue flopped out of its jaw, dangling loosely on the crisp grass.
Harry struggled to calm his beating heart, while Ginny struggled to contain her laughter.
Ginny. Don't laugh.
But! But the dog. It scared you.
It was Headless! That's not normal.
The dog was eyeing the two of them, still upside down, legs sticking up in their, and its tail started wagging rapidly, rapping the solid earth, as Harry and Ginny started laughing.
The dog, with slow, steady and deliberate movements, rolled over, picked up the invisibility cloak in its jaws, and dragged it over to Harry. Harry grabbed it, and tried to take it from the dog, but the hound growled playfully, and tugged back at it, thinking it was a game of tug of war.
"Hey, stop it," Harry ordered, "That's my dad's cloak, let it go." The dog stopped pulling, and looked up at Harry with curious eyes.
"It's all I have left from my dad, please don't tear it," Harry pleaded. The dog lowered its head, almost shamefully, and let go of the precious cloak, slinking backwards into the shadows.
"Thank you," Harry said gratefully to the strange dog.
He seems rather… intelligent, doesn't it?
The dog was chasing its tail, and when it finally caught it, it bit down too hard. He was now curled up on the ground, whimpering in pain. Ginny snorted.
Not really.
You know what I mean.
You're right, he's not a normal dog.
Threatening growling erupted from the dog's jaws, as it's lips unfurled to reveal a line of jagged, canine teeth. Harry stepped in front of Ginny protectively before he realized the dog wasn't growling at them. The silhouette of a cloaked, tall man with a gigantic bladed weapon hanging off his back marched towards them.
It… It's Death!
Don't be stupid Ginny, death isn't a person.
Haven't you ever read the Tales of Beedle the Bard?
Nah, I was a normal kid and just watched Bananas in Pajamas.
…I'm pretty sure you're the weird one here.
As Harry and Ginny continued to bicker, the large man finally reached them, and the soft moonlight was enough to illuminate his features. Spiky black hair, a rugged beard, and a single tooth missing from his perfect smile reminded Harry of who this was.
"Macnair?"
"The one and only. Now, what the axe are you two doing out here? Surely you should be with the others on the carriages by now," Despite his intimidating demeanor, he spoke casually, as if they were old drinking friends. Despite that, Ginny couldn't help but hide behind Harry. The man's axe was undoubtedly scary.
"Well, uh, about that," Harry began, trying to explain without incriminating them. "We had a little trouble on the way over." Harry was certain his lame excuse wouldn't hold, but Macnair suddenly smiled, his missing tooth standing out.
"Don't tell me you're the reason why my Dementors were going crazy?" Macnair asked, sounding relieved that he knew the reason. When Harry meekly nodded Macnair laughed, a rough but cheerful sound. The black dog at Harry's feet growled at the man, but he just continued to laugh.
"Good boy," Macnair chuckled, unconsciously running his hands to the axe on his back. "Is he your pet, Potter?"
"Umm," Harry stammered. The black dog looked up at him with its twinkling onyx eyes. "Yeah, he is."
"He's a good dog. What's his name?"
"Uh."
Prince.
"Prince," Harry said, repeating Ginny instanteously. The black dog froze, and looked up at Harry with horrified eyes, before the dog slowly shrugged its shoulders, and sat down on its haunches, raising its head in a noble manner.
"He's a smart dog," Macnair noted.
"Yeah, that's what you'd think," Harry muttered dryly.
"Potter! Weasley!" A drawling voice called out, and the two children in question groaned.
"Come inside immediately," Snape drawled, his beetle black eyes glinting furiously.
"Ah, why it's Severus, how have you been?" Macnair said casually, treating the Potions teacher like an old aquaintance.
"What are you doing here?" Snape drawled, marching along until he was in between Macnair and the two children. "I don't recall anyone in any dire need of an executioner."
"Other than yourself," Macnair threatened, but in a cheery, casual voice.
"Potter! Weasley! Into the great hall now. I promise you will have detention for every week of the year for this stunt of yours." Ginny groaned, but Harry didn't seem too bothered.
Don't worry, Dumbledore will revoke the punishment. He always does.
Are you sure? This is me we're talking about. I should have been expelled last year.
And you weren't, because Dumbledore said so. He's a great man, he'll help us, don't worry.
"Potter, now!" Prince growled at Snape, baring his vicious teeth. "And take your mutt with you."
"To answer your question, Severus, I'm here because Sirius Black got too close to young Potter in Diagon Alley. They thought Hogwarts would need a little more protection than just the Dementors."
"And they would let you of all people near Potter. Dumbledore would never allow it," Severus replied fiercely.
"Why, I'm hurt Severus. Dumbledore let's you near the boy, why not me? We're both the same side of that rusty coin, aren't we?"
"We're nothing alike, Walden," Snape spat.
"Ah, I thought you'd say that," Macnair replied, smirking and running a hand through his spiky hair. "Potter, Weasley, I'm sure I'll see you around."
"Potter, Weasley, I thought I told you to leave," Snape said tensely. It was only then that Harry noticed that Snape had his wand in hand, and that the man's body was tense, as if anticipating a fight.
"Right. Sorry sir," Harry replied, and quickly fled, Ginny and Prince hot at his heels.
They arrived at the Great Hall at the same moment the students from the carriages started flooding their way in. The two slipped into the crowd as discreetly as possible, and then settled down at the Gryffindor table, looking desperately at the table devoid of food in front of them.
Breakfast was a long time ago.
That was a good breakfast…
It was just Leaky Cauldron food. It's always really greasy.
Yeah, but it was still better than anything the Dursleys gave me.
…You're coming to stay with us next summer.
"Harry!" Hermione cried, launching herself over the table, crashing into the surprised, bespectacled boy, and pushing him to the ground. "You're alright. I thought… I thought…"
"Blimey mate, don't scare us like that," Ron said disapprovingly, eyeing his friend. "If Hedwig hadn't been so calm, we would have alerted the teachers that you were missing."
"We thought that Sirius had caught you!" Hermione snuffled, trying to hold back her tears. Ron didn't seem too happy either, although he looked more irritated.
I didn't even think about them.
Really, aren't they all you ever think about though?
Well, I was with you the whole day.
A warm feeling of pleasure flushed through the chord.
"I'm really sorry Hermione, I didn't think about Sirius at all." Harry said, beginning his apology.
"Of course you didn't think," Ron grumbled, sitting down beside Ginny. "You never think."
"Look who's talking," Harry replied, smiling.
"Fair point," Ron agreed, before looking at the table, "Where's the food?"
"Honestly Ron. We lost Harry for a whole train ride, finally found him, and all you care about it food?" Hermione said in disbelief. Ron just stared at her confused.
"But I'm hungry."
"I'm fine Hermione, and I promise I won't do anything like that again," Harry said, trying to calm her down. It seemed to work, because she finally stood up, and settled down on the bench. Harry quickly picked himself up and sat down beside her.
"Fine, but you're telling me what you were doing the whole train ride," Hermione demanded.
"I will, but after the sorting. It's a bit of a long story."
"Oh, hey there Ginny," Ron said, suddenly noticing his sister's presence. "Had a good train ride?"
…He's the worst big brother in the world.
"Quiet, everyone. We shall now commence the sorting!" McGonagall called out, and the Great Hall quieted immediately.
The sorting was a long and arduous process. Harry, Ron and Ginny all sat with their arms clutched around their growling stomachs, all of them receiving disapproving glares from Hermione. Finally, Dumbledore stood up to partake some final words of wisdom before the feast began.
"Ah, let's see here. The Forbidden Forest is forbidden, the Great lake is great, the Whomping Willow will whomp anyone that gets near it, and the List of Banned Objects are still all banned."
"And finally!" Dumbledore announced, "I would like to congratulate Mr. Potter on missing the Hogwarts Express for the second year in a row and flying to Hogwarts." Harry groaned, as Ron and Hermione stared at him with open mouths.
"For setting a new school record, I present Gryffindor with twenty house points."
I told you he was awesome.
But… but, we should be in trouble!
Yeah, but he's Dumbledore.
Snape looked absolutely appalled.
Alright, so the reviews were pretty extreme. You guys either hated my Ginny, or loved her. I don't really know what to say, except to explain things from my point of view. Ginny dislikes Harry at the beginning because she is still getting over Tom being in her head, just like Harry is now. However, as you can see, that is quickly wearing off. Secondly, as to why Ginny seems much... angrier? crueler? than in most stories? Well, that is because, it is my belief that any girl that grows up in a household with six older brothers will end up being a little angrier than your average girl. Not because she means it, but because sometimes, thats the only way to deal with boys.
WHen J.K. Rowling describes Ginny as having a temper, I'm pretty sure she didn't mean a cute little temper tantrum thing, but something that is actually a little difficult to deal with. Ginny isn't a perfect character, she's no Mary Sue, but she is one of my favourite characters :P
Anyway, that's my rant done. Hopefully this chapter amuses you all.
Cheers
-Council