Chapter 7 – warding off the Ward
As the colour slowly returned to her face and the whirling sensation subsided, Ginny's tattered thoughts began to reassert themselves. She cringed internally as the full weight of Professor Flitwick's words came crashing down on her. Mrs Ginevra Molly Potter.
A wave of mortification flooded her as she considered what others would say. Her friends, her family – her brothers especially. And what about the wider world? She could imagine what the likes of Rita Skeeter and the Daily Prophet would make of it. She groaned softly as she imagined the headlines.
Potter's pal becomes his gal.
Shotgun shock as Potter pops the question.
She took a sudden intake of breath as she considered that last one. They wouldn't think that they had married for that had they? That she was-
Her mind shied away from the word pregnant. They hadn't even – well, they had barely spent any time together since last year at school. She wasn't even Of Age yet. Surely they wouldn't – would they?
She could remember all too well the stories printed about Harry during the Tri-Wizard Tournament. The likes of Rita Skeeter had a rather tenuous grip on truth, and certainly didn't let it get in the way of a good story.
Her agitated thought ground to a halt as she suddenly remembered the one person she had not been thinking about – Harry. A wave of shame washed over her as she reviewed her selfish worries. It's not just you now, Ginny, she told herself furiously.
Struggling to open her eyes, Ginny blinked blearily, trying to focus on the ceiling of Professor McGonagall's office. As it swam into focus, she frowned slightly. Strange, she didn't recall the ceiling being so high. And since when was it arched like that?
Turning her head slightly to look around, her vision was suddenly filled with a pair of large, bright green eyes peering out behind round glasses. As she looked on, the worried expression in them relaxed slightly.
"Harry?" Ginny heard with surprise that her voice sounded weak and shaky.
Pulling herself together, she tried again.
"Where are we?"
Harry's eyes clouded over slightly. Sitting up quickly – too quickly – Ginny moaned as a fresh wave of dizziness washed over her. Harry's hand was instantly round her shoulders, gently supporting her.
After a few seconds, the dizziness subsided and Ginny took a good look around her. She was sat up on a bed in the Hospital Wing of Hogwarts.
Puzzled, she turned to Harry. "How long was I out? Did you carry me-"
She was interrupted by a loud slam as the doors to the Ward crashed open and Professor McGonagall, followed closely by a worried-looking Mr and Mrs Weasley, strode through. They were out of breath and had clearly just arrived.
Bustling after them came the familiar form of Madame Pomfrey. Her usual prim demeanour was not quite intact today – wisps of hair escaped the tight bun in which it was normally kept and she wore a harried expression.
Ignoring Ginny's protesting words, the stern Matron pushed Ginny back down onto the bed and began to briskly check her over. As Ginny grudgingly gave way to her ministrations, she could see the adults looking at Harry with strange expressions. To her astonishment, Harry had a guilty, confused expression on her face.
Sitting quickly up again, ignoring Madame Pomfrey's disapproving sniff, Ginny demanded angrily, "Why are you looking at my husband in that way?"
Harry's face burned dark red and Ginny's also caught fire as she realised what she had said.
Madame Pomfrey punctured the awkward silence. "She's perfectly fine Minvera. Just a sudden shock, I expect. Bed rest for a few hours is all that is required. Now, if you don't mind…"
Without waiting for a reply, the busy Matron bustled off through the doors to the next Ward.
As the slamming doors echoed around the otherwise empty room, Ginny turned her attention back to the others.
"Well, does anyone care to tell me what exactly is going on?"
Professor McGonagall stepped forward, her eyes lingering on Harry.
"Miss Wea – Ginny – the reason that we have only just arrived here is that Harry somehow managed to Apperate both of you directly to the Hospital Wing."
Ginny felt confused. "So what? He's been able to Apperate for ages."
The Professor sighed. "Ginny, it is impossible to Apperate within the grounds of Hogwarts without first lifting the powerful wards protecting the castle."
"Oh," said Ginny, "I didn't know that".
Professor McGonagall shot Ginny a filthy glance. "Honestly, does no-one ever read Hogwarts: A History?" she muttered.
Shaking off her irritation, the elderly Professor continued. "As the knowledge of how to lift the wards was lost when Professor Dumbledore died-" Her voice shook slightly on the last word. She paused, looking directly at Harry with what Ginny took to be an accusing expression. "I am at a loss as to explain how Harry did it."
Ginny felt her temperature rising at the implication. "Just what are you trying to suggest?" she began hotly.
Harry's quiet voice interrupted her. "Minerva, I too am at a loss to explain it." Ginny smiled at his authoritative tone and deliberate use of McGonagall's first name. That's my man, she thought proudly.
Looking at Ginny, he spoke directly to her. "When you – fell," he began. Ginny's face warmed with embarrassment. Harry squeezed her hand before continuing. "I caught you – and then, here we were," he explained simply.
As if anticipating further questions, Harry turned to the others.
"All I remember is feeling an overwhelming urge to get Ginny help – and my mind must have done the rest."
Professor McGonagall frowned. "But that doesn't explain it Harry. It is simply not possible to Apperate inside Hogwarts without lifting the wards," she declared firmly.
Mr Weasley spoke up in Harry's defence. "Just like it is impossible to destroy Dementors with a Patronus, Minvera?"
"Dementors?" snapped McGonagall. "What are you talking about Arthur?"
There was a tense silence, broken by the doors slamming open as a red-faced Professor Flitwick arrived, panting.
"Sorry – I'm – late. Have – I missed – anything?"
The others turned and stared at him silently.
Harry sighed. "You'd better sit down – all of you," he stated bluntly. "This may take some time."
Once Harry had explained the battle with the Dementors, listened patiently to the Professors' violent exclamations and agreed to write a full report for the Ministry, the conversation began to turn back to the extraordinary magic he and Ginny now seemed capable of.
Professor McGonagall was pacing past Ginny's bed, clearly agitated.
"I had noticed earlier – in the Great Hall – when you Summoned the food Ginny. Then later, in my office, you Transfigured the chairs. Both times, without saying a word or even using your wand!"
Ginny shot Harry an uncertain look. "Did I?" Harry shrugged helplessly. "Dunno Gin, didn't notice." He shifted in his seat, uneasy. Ginny watched as his expression darkened, his eyes becoming dull and lifeless.
"Harry?" she inquired, her voice sharp with worry.
"Professor," Harry began carefully, not looking up. "Is it possible that – well that during my battle with Voldemort – that something may have been transferred-"
Ginny looked at Harry narrowly. Judging from his hunched shoulders, this was a question of vital importance to him – and yet she couldn't understand why he would assume that. There's so much we don't know about each other, she thought, unaware that she was echoing Harry's earlier thoughts. Her hand strayed to her neck, feeling the now-familiar roughness of the curse scar that disfigured her smooth skin. So much.
Pushing aside dark memories with an effort, she forced herself to concentrate on the conversation at hand.
Professor McGonagall frowned. "I'm not sure, Harry," she began tentatively, aware of the tension in the young wizard's voice. "I'm by no means an expert in the Dark Arts."
Ginny tensed as Harry slumped further into his seat. For a moment, she felt as if she could almost hear his despairing thoughts. Never be free – not fit to be with her – unclean…
Reaching quickly over, she shook his shoulder slightly. "Harry – snap out of it." Harry's head shot up, and the tentative connection she felt, or imagined, broke as his eyes focused on hers.
"You are fit to be with me," Ginny stated fiercely. "You are a good man, Harry Potter. You. Are. Not. Unclean." Her voice was stern as she hammered out the last words.
Harry blinked, his jaw falling open. "How did you know-" he began.
Ginny shrugged lightly. "Dunno Harry, just did," she said teasingly, mimicking his earlier words.
Harry shook his head wonderingly, then turned back to the Professors. Ginny followed his gaze, and found the others looking back in confusion. Clearly they were unaware of what had just passed between them. Come to think of it, she wasn't too sure herself.
After a brief silence, Mr Weasley spoke up. "Harry, when did you first notice these new abilities? Was it yesterday, during your battle with Voldemort? This morning?"
Ginny watched as Harry considered, holding her breath.
"No," he said musingly. "No, it wasn't then. I felt the same this morning." He looked at Ginny. "When the Dementors first attacked, we were losing, right?" he asked.
Ginny shuddered, remembering the awful high-pitched screaming coming from Harry as he lay convulsing on the ground.
"That's right," she replied in a whisper. The others leaned closer to hear. "Harry's first Patronus couldn't repel them all. I couldn't even cast mine. I crawled over to him as they began to swarm around him. I held his hand. I told him-"
Her voice cracked and she fell silent. She stared at Harry as they both remembered her final words in that terrible moment.
I love you Harry Potter. Now get up and let's finish this – together.
"Ah," said Mr Weasley kindly. "A Declaration, I believe?"
Ginny nodded silently.
Behind the Weasleys, the two Professors were huddled deep in a whispered conversation. Straining her ears, Ginny picked out urgent scraps of it.
"Powerful Bond"
"Desperate circumstances"
"Estonia, wasn't it?"
Clearing her throat significantly, she glared at them. "Anything you want to share, Professors?" Her voice was sugary soft, but cracked like a whip. The two teachers fell silent.
"We can't be sure – we need to do some further research-" piped up Flitwick.
"However," continued McGonagall smoothly. "It seems clear to me that these new powers dated from the time of your first Declaration. Therefore I think that it is much more likely to be related to this powerful bond that exists between the both of you, then it is to any Dark magic."
Ginny saw Harry sit back in his chair, exhaling explosively as he visibly relaxed. He looked up at her, grinning ruefully at her expression. "Sorry Gin," he whispered. "Jumped to the wrong conclusion, I guess."
"Hmm," Ginny replied. "One for later?" she enquired.
Harry met the challenge in her eyes. "One for later," he agreed.
"No secrets, right?" she pressed. Harry nodded, but Ginny noticed his eyes flickering towards her neck.
Mrs Weasley's voice interrupted their private moment. "I think that we can pick up this later, don't you agree Minvera?" Her voice was protective as she looked at the serious faces of the young couple. "I think that Ginny and Harry have had quite enough to deal with today."
Ginny quickly jumped in. "Yes we have, and I can't keep taking up valuable bed space, can I?"
Professor McGonagall nodded, although she looked as if she wished to continue the conversation further. "Go directly to the Gryffindor common room though. Poppy was quite clear – you need rest. Both of you."
Ginny held out a hand to Harry. "Give a girl a helping hand?" she enquired lightly.
Harry's eyes sparkled. "Always," he replied, lifting her effortlessly to her feet.
Hmm, Ginny thought, as her hands roamed over his back, feeling the taut muscles in his shoulders. Someone's all grown up now, isn't he?
And then she blushed at the direction of her thoughts.
The journey back to the common room was a long and laborious one. Getting out of the Hospital Wing took forever, as injured witches and wizards insisted on getting out of bed to shake Harry's hand, pat his back and generally show their appreciation.
Madame Pomfrey finally Banished the patients all back to their beds with a flick of her wand and practically ordered them out of the ward.
"It's not my fault they all want to make a big deal out of nothing, is it?" grumbled Harry.
Ginny sighed. When was he ever going to get it, she thought.
By the time they had escaped the Hospital Wing, Ginny was starting to droop. She still felt weak from her faint, although she denied it fiercely when asked. "Do I look like a helpless maiden, Potter?"
Wisely, Harry kept silent, much to the amusement of Mr and Mrs Weasley.
As their progress slowed, Professor McGonagall suggested that Harry try Apperating them back to the common room. She made it sound as if it were the sensible option, but there was a calculating glint in her eye that made Ginny suspect otherwise.
Harry stopped, shrugged, and held Ginny's hand, concentrating. The atmosphere suddenly grew electric. Ginny gasped as the tiny hairs on her arms stood up. A low humming filled the corridor and she closed her eyes.
Silence descended. Opening her eyes, Ginny said eagerly, "Well?"
The two Professors and the Weasleys looked back at her.
"Oh," she sighed, disappointed. Harry looked rather dejected. "I thought I had it for a moment," he muttered.
"Never mind, Harry!" said Ginny bracingly. She threw herself into his arms, ignoring the mutters from her mother. "You can always carry me there."
Harry smile lit up the dark corridor.
By the time they reached the common room, the afternoon had turned to evening and both Harry and Ginny were dead on their feet. Harry, in particular, hadn't eaten all day, while Ginny had only managed a few bites of toast at breakfast. They slumped into a sofa in the deserted common room. Harry wondered exhaustedly where Ron and Hermione had got to, then decided he perhaps didn't want to know.
Mrs Weasley took one look at them, and ordered them to bed. Too tired to protest, Harry set off for the stairs to his dormitory, Ginny following behind.
"Ginny Weasley – stop right there!" Mrs Weasley's voice was sharp and stern. "Where do you think you are going, young lady?"
Ginny looked puzzled for a moment. To tell the truth, she had given no thought to her actions, thinking only of crawling into bed with Harry and falling asleep as quickly as possible.
"Sorry, mum?" she mumbled confusedly.
"I should think you are, Ginevra Molly Weasley!" Mrs Weasley's face was swelling with outrage. Harry was uncomfortably reminded of the Engorgement Charm he had placed on Aunt Marge and had to look away to stifle a grin.
"Heading for the boy's dormitory? Need I remind you that you are still underage?"
Ginny's eyes flared with a sudden heat. "And need I remind you that I am still married?" she hissed.
Mrs Weasley's mouth fell open, clearly at a loss for words. Behind Ginny's back, Harry was making muffled choking sounds as he stuffed a fist into his mouth in a desperate attempt to smother his laughter.
Mr Weasley's mouth twitched, but then hurriedly straightened as his wife turned on him with a furious expression. "Arthur, aren't you going to say something?" she demanded.
Staring at her outraged mother, Ginny's temper – on edge all day – finally snapped. Balling her fists on her hips in a very passable impression of her mother, her anger exploded over her parents.
"Will you both grow up? Harry and I are tired, we want to sleep, and we just found out today that we are married. If you seriously think that all we can think of is that, then you are very much mistaken – and frankly, I'm very disappointed with both of you."
Harry's face exploded with embarrassment at Ginny's words. Hardly daring to look up, he decided that he had better intervene as Mrs Weasley wound up to deliver a returning broadside. Silently hoping that the ground would open and swallow him up, he managed to squeak out, "Mrs Weasley-" before stopping.
Mrs Weasley, caught before she could speak, halted, glaring at Ginny. Harry looked at the small figure next to him while he considered what to say. Ginny's face was hot with anger, but Harry frowned as he noted the tears gathered in her eyes and the deep-seated resentment in her expression.
He knew that, as the youngest, Ginny was often treated as a child. While it was true that, at sixteen, she was not yet Of Age, she would be in a few month's time, not long after he turned eighteen.
During the battle, Harry had sided with Mrs Weasley about Ginny's age, not because he felt she couldn't cope, but out of his burning desire to keep her safe. After the events of today, he was forced to reconsider his actions.
If she had not been there to help him, he would have died at the hands of the Dementors – he had no doubt about that. Coupled with that was the fact that she was now his wife. She had pledged to stand by his side no matter what, and he had done the same. He sensed that if he sided with Mrs Weasley again, it would be a betrayal of those vows – and he could not live with that.
Taking her small hand in his, he stood to his full height and faced the Weasleys.
"Molly, Arthur," he began, his tone steady and calm. "Your concerns do you much justice, and I respect you for the care and concern you have always shown for Ginny. But she's right. Ginny is now my wife, and we are going to need some time to figure that out – alone. There is still a lot we need to deal with – a lot to talk about, and we cannot do that if we have to fight with you for the time, space and trust we need."
He paused, not sure how well he was doing. The silent pressure of Ginny's hand in his spurred him on. "I'm well aware that Ginny is not Of Age, and you know I will honour that. More importantly though, you should consider the very little time we have spent together. This Marriage Charm business has taken us all by surprise, and we need to take some time to come to terms with that."
He took a deep breath in, looking directly into Mr and Mrs Weasley's startled, silent faces. "When the time comes for Ginny and I to move forwards with our relationship, that is a decision we will take together, and I respectfully ask for you to leave that to us."
Mrs Weasley's face was shining with tears, and Mr Weasley was looking at Harry with an air of unmistakable paternal pride.
"Now, if you don't mind," finished Harry wearily. "We're knackered, and we're going to bed." Turning around, Harry led a wide-eyed and silent Ginny up the long, curved flight of stairs to his blissfully dark dormitory.
