CHAPTER SIX
Monday morning Harry and Ginny were sitting at their house table having breakfast and looking over their timetable. They hadn't had a chance to look at it last night as they had been to busy watching the new phoenix. As they were both taking the same lessons they had decided to just use Ginny's copy and keep Harry's in their room as a spare.
Ginevra Lily Black
5th year timetable
Please note all students are expected to arrive on time to their classes. Lateness will not be tolerated.
Meals will be served at the same time everyday:
Breakfast 06.00 – 08.00
Lunch 12.00 – 13.00
Dinner 17.00 – 19.00
Monday
09.00 – 10.00 Transfiguration
10.30 – 11.30 Charms
13.30 – 14.30 Ancient Runes
15.00 – 16.00 Herbology
Tuesday
09.00 – 10.00 Potions
10.30 – 11.30 Arithmancy
13.30 – 14.30 DADA
15.00 – 16.00 Ancient Runes
Wednesday
09.00 – 11.00 Charms
13.30 – 14.30 Arithmancy
15.00 – 16.30 Herbology
Thursday
09.00 – 11.00 Transfiguration
13.30 – 15.30 DADA
Friday
09.00 – 11.30 Potions
13.30 – 15.30 COMC
Please make sure you have the relevant books and equipment for each class.
Professor Severus Snape
Head of Slytherin House
Potions Master
"Oh good we have transfiguration and charms today. They are my favourite subjects." Ginny said.
"Who teaches them?" Harry asked.
"Professor McGonagall teaches Transfiguration, she's the head of Griffindor. She's strict but she's fair. She doesn't tolerate anyone messing around in her class. Professor Flitwick teaches charms. He's my favourite professor, he's classes are normally fun and he doesn't favour one house over another. He's the head of Ravenclaw." Ginny said.
"I suppose we better get going then. We have to pick up our books for the day and we don't want to be late to class." Said Harry.
As they were about to leave their head of house walked up to them. "Mr Potter. Your detentions will start next Monday. Please report to my classroom at seven in the evening each night." Snape said.
"Yes Professor" Harry replied.
Professor Snape gave a curt nod before turning to leave. "Come on let's go" Said Harry.
The two teens followed by Rama left the great hall and made their way back to their room. They collected their bags and books that would be needed for the day. Then they made their way to their first class of the term. As they walked through the school, they were given a wide berth by the rest of the students making their way to classes thanks to Rama. Harry had to chuckle to himself about that.
Once they arrived at the transfiguration classroom, they stood to the side away from the rest of the students that were waiting to enter. Ginny was talking about the new phoenix. Harry had to smile, she hadn't stopped talking about it all morning. They hadn't been waiting long when Professor McGonagall opened the door and told the students to enter.
"Mr Potter. What is that wolf doing here? You don't think I am going to allow it to enter my classroom." McGonagall asked.
"No ma'am. Rama will wait outside the door until the class is finished." Harry replied.
"Could he have not stayed in your room? Must he follow you to your classes?"
"He's a little over protective Professor. He wouldn't have stayed in my room even if I had asked him to. He won't cause any trouble. The headmaster is aware of the situation." Harry said.
"Very well. In you come." McGonagall sighed ushering them into the classroom.
They found seats together at the front of the class and took out their transfiguration books, note books, quills and ink, and got ready for the lesson to start.
"Now this year we will be working on Vanishment. Vanishment is the art of causing things to vanish, to make things go into non-being. Vanishment is moderately difficult and is considered one of the hardest transfigurations to be tested on in one's O.W.L's. The difficulty of the Vanishment to be performed positively depends on the complexity of the organism to be Vanished. For example, invertebrates are easier to Vanish than vertebrates." Said McGonagall.
"Only one incantation is needed to Vanish any object which is Evanesco with the intent of the caster alone directing it, unlike conjurations which can require a variety of complicated incantations." She continued.
"Now I would like you all to open your books to chapter one and read through to chapter three. Then I would like you to write an essay on the theory of vanishing items, and the reasons why the complexity of the organism can effect the difficulty of performing the spell. What you don't finish in class you will finish for homework. The essay is to be at least two foot long. You may begin." She finished.
The rest of the lesson was spent reading, taking notes and starting the essay. The only sounds to be heard was that of pages turning and quills scratching. When the bell rang at the end of class there was a collective sigh of relief. The students packed away their things and got ready to head to their next lesson.
"I want those essays handed in at the beginning of your next lesson." Called McGonagall as the students left her classroom.
As Harry and Ginny left they collected Rama and made their way to charms. As they walked they chatted about what they had learned in transfiguration. Ginny grilled Harry on how much he already knew about vanishing objects. When he admitted that he knew how to vanish items, as he had done so with the furniture in their room on their first night at school, Ginny told him that he would be helping her write her essay.
"I thought with the memories you have you wouldn't need any help with your essays." Harry said.
"The memories I have mean I know how to do a spell, they don't help me write a two foot essay." Ginny replied.
Harry just laughed at her, putting his arm around her shoulder and together they carried on making their way to the charms classroom.
Once they got to the classroom, they again left Rama outside before entering the room. They again found seats at the front of the class and waited for Professor Flitwick to start the lesson.
"Good morning class. This term we are going to be working on the Silencing Charm "Silencio". This is a charm that renders the victim temporarily mute, working on both beasts and beings. It is immensely difficult to perform. For todays lesson I would like you to read the relevent chapters in your charms book and then write a two foot essay on ways to use the charm and the difficulty of the charm based on the beast or being you are trying to silence. What you don't finish in class you are to finish for homework, which is to be handed in at the beginning of your next lesson when we begin practising the spell." Flitwick said.
Again the rest of the lesson was spent reading and taking notes before making a start on their essays. Professor Flitwick made rounds around the class answering students questions. When the class ended everyone collected their belongings and left making their way to lunch, with Harry and Ginny collecting Rama on the way.
The last two lessons of the day after lunch was much the same as the first two lessons. They were told what subject they would be covering that term, told to read the relevent chapters in their books, take notes and write an essay that was to be handed in at the beginning of their next lesson, if it hadn't been finished during the class.
By the time the two teens made their way into the great hall for dinner they had four essays that needed to be finished. One of which was due the next afternoon. They ate their meal discussing their ancient runes essay that would need to be handed in the next day. Once they had finished they left the hall and made their way back to their room. Ginny was eager to see the phoenix's so was practically jogging down the corridors.
Chuckling to himself over her enthusiasm Harry caught up with her grabbing her round the waist and spinning her around. "Let me go, please let me go." Ginny begged, trembling.
Harry put her down immediately and turned her to face him. He could see tears running down her face. "What's wrong?" He asked confused.
"Please don't grab me from behind. You scared me." Ginny said. Silent tears still falling down her cheeks.
"Shit Ginny. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I wasn't thinking I was just messing around. I'm sorry." Harry said. Distraught that he had acted without thinking. Of course it would scare her being grabbed from behind. What had he been thinking.
"It's OK. You just scared me. I'm fine really. Don't worry about it. Come on I want to get to our room." Ginny said as she continued to walk towards the entrance to the Slytherin tower.
"It's not OK. I wasn't thinking. I'm really sorry." Harry replied, as he continued to walk with her.
"Really Harry, don't worry about it. I'm fine. Honest." Assured Ginny.
When they got to their room Ginny went straight to the nest holding the three phoenix's. Rama went to lay in what was becoming his spot on the rug in front of the fire. While Harry grabbed some pyjama bottoms and went to the bathroom shutting and locking the door. Sitting on the edge of the bath as he turned the water on. He couldn't stop thinking about how stupid he had been to grab Ginny. And how awful he felt because of her reaction.
He could understand her reaction, but it saddened him to think that she had reacted that way with him. He thought that surely she must have know that he would never of hurt her. Yet he had made her cry whilst messing around. It made his stomach tighten and his heart ache that he had scared her enough to make her cry.
Turning the water off he undressed and got into the bath. Thoughts still swirling around his head about Ginny.
In the bedroom Ginny had got her homework out and was sitting at her desk attempting to do her ancient runes essay. She had noticed that Harry had gone into the bathroom without a word. She had heard the water running then being turned off. She guessed he must have been having a bath. But she was confused about why he hadn't said anything.
She hoped that she hadn't upset him. She hadn't ment to react the way she had. It was almost reflex. She had seen the look on Harry's face, as he realized what he had done that had made her react the way she had. She couldn't believe she had reacted that way with Harry, she knew he would never hurt her. But she hadn't expected to be grabbed and flashbacks of being grabbed last year had flown through her mind.
She threw her quill onto the table there was no point trying to do her homework at the moment. She couldn't think straight. She needed to talk to Harry. So instead she went over to her bed picking up Sal and laying down. She closed her eyes and thought about what she wanted to say to Harry when he came out, while petting the snake that was now wrapped around her wrist and hand.
Harry came out of the bathroom an hour later. Hair still damp and dressed in only his pyjama bottoms. He picked up his school bag on the way to his desk and got out his homework, ink and quills. He had just sat down at the desk with his head in his hands, thinking he had to at least get his ancient runes essay done tonight. When he felt a small hand on his shoulder. "Harry?" Ginny said, causing him to look up.
"Hi." Harry replied.
"I'm really sorry for the way I reacted earlier. I didn't mean to react like that. I just wasn't expecting it and I panicked." Ginny explained.
"Ginny, don't apologise. It was my fault. I should have thought. I wasn't thinking, I didn't mean to scare you. I defiantly didn't mean to make you cry. I would never hurt you Gin. I don't know what I was thinking. I'm so sorry." Harry said.
"You called me Gin."
"What?" Harry asked.
"You called me Gin. You've never called me that before." Ginny said.
"Oh. Do you mind being called that?" He asked
"Not by you." She replied.
"Will you forgive me for being a thoughtless git?" Harry asked.
Ginny giggled. "Of course I forgive you. You prat. I know you didn't mean it. Like I said, I didn't mean to react the way I did." She finished sitting on his lap, putting her arms around his shoulders and burying her face in his neck.
Harry put his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him, kissing the top of her head. Secretly enjoying the feel of her hands on his bare skin. He loved holding her close and the fact that she fit so perfectly into his arms.
They sat like this for a couple of minuets when Harry could feel something tickling his ear. As he turned his head he came eye to eye with Sal. "Oh its you." He said.
"Whats who?" Ask Ginny.
"I could feel something tickling my ear and when I looked round I saw Sal. I didn't realize you was holding him." Harry replied.
"Oh." Ginny giggled. "Does he taste nice Sal?"
'No.' Sal replied. Causing them both to laugh.
"Come on let's get as much of these essays done as we can." Harry said as Ginny got up from his lap.
"You know it would have been easier if our desks were closer. That way we could do our homework together." Ginny said.
"I can move them together if you want?"
"Could you please?" Asked Ginny.
"Sure."
Harry then waved his hand towards Ginny's desk and rearranged his own so that the two desks where now back to back. So that both teens could sit at their desk facing each other.
"Much better." Declared Ginny taking a seat at her desk.
Over the next two and a half hours they managed to get their ancient runes, charms and half their herbology essays finished. Before they decided to call it a night. Ginny went to get showered and ready for bed, while Harry picked up Aurea letting her wrap herself around him, before he went to sit in front of the fire and talk to his parents portrait.
Once Ginny had finished her shower and both teens were in their beds. Harry turned to face Ginny's bed. "Ginny I think we should start your training next week."
"What training?" She asked.
"Well I can help you during class and with homework to make sure you are ready for your O.W.L's. Next weekend when I ask Tilly to bring the portrait of my aunts and uncles, I'll also ask her to bring my book on occlumency. Which you can read in the evenings and get started on the basics. At the weekends we can work on your real training. Learning to duel, dodging exercises, physical training to help with endurance during a duel. That sort of thing." Harry said.
"I need to know all that?" She asked.
"It would be a good idea. I'm a big target for the death eaters and now that we are friends and your Sirius' daughter, you could be a targeted to get to me. So i want you to be able to defend yourself." He replied.
"OK Harry." Ginny said.
"Good. Well that's that sorted. I just have to work out where we will train. I'll think of something." Harry said.
"OK. Let me know what you come up with. Night Harry."
"Night Gin."
Smiling at the use of her new nickname Ginny turned over in her bed. Sal laying on her pillow. While Harry also turned over Aurea laying at his feet. Rama was still laying in front of the fire and the Phoenix's where in their nest. Hedwig was out hunting. The room was silent as the occupants fell asleep.
The next morning during breakfast the owl post arrived, bringing with them a letter from the twins for Ginny.
Dear Gin-Gin
We had dinner at the Burrow on Sunday. Mum & Dad confirmed that you had been disowned from the family and their reasons for doing so. It seems Mum had already been asking Dad to have you disowned since just after the incident with the chamber. But he had told her he didn't want to disown you. Apparently his mind was changed after receiving a letter from Ron early hours Saturday morning. After reading it Dad went straight to the Ministry to have the papers signed and he and Mum flooed over to the headmaster's office with a note and your copy of the signed form.
We were given Ron's letter to read and we must say that some of the things he had written were disturbing. However you know us, we don't judge till we have all the facts. So if you let us know when your first Hogsmeade visit is we will meet you in the Three Broomsticks for lunch and a chat.
Your Handsome Brothers ALWAYS
Gred & Forge
"I can only imagine what Ron put in that letter." Ginny said shaking her head. "When is the first Hogsmeade visit?"
"Um, middle of next month I believe." Said Harry.
"OK. Would it be alright to borrow Hedwig later to send them a reply?" Ginny asked.
"Of course. It's nice to see they are not judging you. And they are giving you a chance to tell your side of the story." He noted.
"They always were the ones that made an effort to talk to me. I don't think they believe I'm dark just because I was sorted into Slytherin." She said.
"What about your other brother? What do they think?" Harry asked.
"Well you know what Ron thinks of me. Percy and I have never been close but when I got sorted into Slytherin he refused to even look at me. He encourages my mum with her beliefs that I'm dark. I use to be really close to Bill but he stopped paying attention to me after I was sorted. And after the Chamber thing he won't even talk to me anymore. I think the way he changed towards me hurt the most as I had always been closest to him. Charlie is sort of indifferent, we were never really close and not much has changed really. He isn't mean to me and he doesn't make nasty comments. But he won't make conversation with me either and if I try to talk to him he pretends he can't hear me." Ginny said.
"I just don't understand how family can treat each other like that." Said Harry.
"Yes well. I have a new family now. I'm not going to dwell on the past any more. I'm going to enjoy the present and look forward to the future. Do you know for the first time in four years I'm excited about Christmas? And not for the presents, I'm looking forward to being able to go home for Christmas." Ginny said smiling at the thought.
Harry put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his side for a hug. "Your going to love Christmas with our family." He said.
The rest of the week seemed to fly by in a whirlwind of classes and homework. Ginny had relied to the twins letter, confirming she and Harry would meet them for lunch on their first Hogsmeade visit. Before they knew it Friday evening had arrived, classes had finished for the week and everyone was gathered in the great hall for dinner. They had been told that the headmaster had an announcement to make and everyone was expected to attend.
As everyone was finishing their pudding, the headmaster stood from his seat gaining the attention of every student in the hall. "Good evening. I have two announcements to make this evening. The first is that there will be no quidditch this year."
Holding his hands up to stop the complaints from half the school the headmaster continued. "This is due to my second announcement. Two years ago we were hoping to host a Magical Tournament. unfortunately we were unable to put things in to place at that time. However I am pleased to announce that this year Hogwarts will indeed be hosting the Triwizard Tournament." There was a wave of whispering that swept thought the hall.
Dumbledore once more raised his hands for attention. "As I was saying. We have the honour of hosting this very exciting event. The Triwizard Tournament has not been held in over a century. The Triwizard Tournament, which will start at the end of October on Halloween, calls for a single champion from each of the three largest wizarding schools in Europe. These three students will compete in a series of three trials for the prize of one thousand Galleons. The other two schools that will be involved in the tournament are Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrung Institute. They will be arriving on October 30th. Though the tournament wasn't in play in the past due to the vast number of student deaths. Myself, Mr Crouch from the Department of International Co-operation and Mr Bagman from the Department of Games and Sports at the British Ministry of Magic, have decided to reinstate the tournament under the terms that nobody under the age of sixteen will be able to submit their name for consideration. I must warn any of you that do consider entering not to do it lightly. If you are chosen it is a magical binding contract. There will be no going back."
Dumbledore looked around the hall many of the students whispering to their friends nearby. "Now I think its time for you to retire to your common rooms. Good night."
"This is not good." Said Harry, as he and Ginny got up and followed Rama out of the hall.
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"Well ever since I arrived here I've wondered why the headmaster was so insistent that I came here this year. I'm just hoping that this tournament has nothing to do with it." Harry replied.
"Your not going to enter are you?" Ginny asked.
"Merlin no! I can assure you I have no desire to be in that tournament." Said Harry as the reached the entrance hall.
"Suppose you'll be entering Potter." Came a voice behind them.
They turned to see Ron and Hermione walking towards them. "No." Harry simply replied.
"Why ever not?" Asked Hermione. "I mean your Harry Potter. Surly if anyone has a chance of winning its you. Don't you think you owe it to the school to enter? Don't you want Hogwarts to win?"
"I don't owe the school anything." Harry replied. "And I really don't care who wins."
"But you have the best chance of winning. I mean, I've read all about you and the things you can do." Hermione said.
"I wouldn't believe everything you read." Said Harry.
"Are you saying that the information is incorrect?" Asked Hermione.
"I'm saying that I have never given an interview, I have never performed magic in public and other than my family nobody has ever been to my home. So how would anybody know what I am capable of doing?" Harry replied.
"It's probably for the best that he doesn't enter Hermione. I mean he has this reputation for being the boy who lived. Like you said there are all those books and newspaper articles written about him. They all say how wonderful and talented he is. He wouldn't want to enter this tournament and show the wizarding world just how untalented he really is. I mean how talented can he be if he couldn't even join the school in the correct year?" Said Ron.
"But..." Hermione started.
"Your absolutely right Ron. Well, it was nice talking to you but I have homework to do." Said Harry as he put his arm around Ginny, turned and walked towards the Slytherin tower, looking over his shoulder he called "Come on Rama."