Chapter 7

When her consciousness returned, Ginny's senses were filled with excruciating pain. She gasped out in pain.

"And what do you expect, young lady, if you faint in my presence, and then simple diagnostic spells reveal traces of Acromantula venom still dripping in your bloodstream!" a matronly voice protested. "But do not fear, the venom is gone and the pain will fade away the longer you stay awake."

Ginny turned to the speaker and couldn't help but smile. A matronly looking middle aged woman with golden hair looked at her with narrowed eyes. She recognized that expression only too well. Here was Madam Pomfrey's original version.

"Lady Helga?" she recalled from earlier. "It is true, then. We are with the Founders."

"Indeed you are, though people haven't started calling us that yet!" the woman exclaimed. "And you are going to stay in that bed until the potion's effects are completed. I know your face, young lady," she wriggled her finger in protest. "It is the face that plots to escape my clutches the instant my back is turned." She huffed in a pretense of annoyance.

Grinning, Ginny asked, "Where is Harry?"

"Your friend is fine," she said. "He is currently with his mother, though he showed little inclination to leave your side, at first." Sighing, she said, "But his wounds are such that cannot be healed by me."

"I know," Ginny said quietly.

"Ginny!"

She smiled when Harry came running to her bedside. His face had a broad and happy smile that lifted her spirits. For the first time since they had met, she saw him truly happy. Behind him, walked Lilith.

"You are up," Harry said, giving her a quick hug.

"Harry," Ginny began. She looked at the beautiful Lilith Ravenclaw and said, "Ma'am… how?"

Lilith laughed gently and kissed Ginny's forehead. "Call me Lilith, and do not worry how, child. You will not understand if I tried to explain the mechanics but someday you will."

Soon after, Ginny felt drowsy again and Helga made Harry go away.

--

"Mum, why did you leave us?" Harry asked curiously. He was sitting with Lilith on a three-seat swing in the open courtyard of the castle.

The woman sighed and putting her arm around her son, brought her closer. "Believe me, son, that the only thing harder I've ever done than leave you and your brother behind was to continually look at you through the mirror and see how you suffered, and yet be able to do nothing." She lowered her face and kissed her son's head. "I do not know if I can ever forgive myself."

In response, Harry snuggled against her and said sorrowfully, "Please don't be sad." Then, he raised his head suddenly and said, "You saw? Did you see me save Ginny?"

Lilith laughed lightly despite becoming pale. She patted Harry's head. "My son, I am so proud of you." And then the two of them enjoyed each other's company in silence.

The next day, Harry and Ginny found themselves in the presence of the regal Rowena Ravenclaw. Ginny had finally been released from Lady Helga's care, and they began exploring the castle. It was much different from how it would become a thousand years in the future. It was more of a fortress than a school, solemn and less lively but magnificent and graceful.

As they wandered around in the castle, Lady Rowena waved at them. Her long hair held back with an elegant diadem, she smiled at the two children and beckoned them to follow her, leading them to her study. Lilith was sitting behind several thick rolls of parchment and Salazar was looking at the skies through the window.

"The clouds are grey with ominous tidings," Salazar said mystically, turning around. His eyes were rolled up and his robes billowed without any wind. "War brews, the Danes arrive with their bone-clad mages. Between the Danish and the Church, Hogwarts will remain the last bastion of hope for the withering Celtic druids. Sweyn Forkbeard has sent his father to exile and his sight falls on these shores. It is most unfortunate… for King Aethelred is unready."

"Stop it, Salazar," Rowena scolded lightly. "You are scaring the children." She turned to Ginny, who was firmly latching on to Harry's hand, and said, "Do not let that charlatan bother you."

"Well, pardon me for being a conduit between the ethereal and mortal realms," said Salazar with a dignified huff. "And delivering a fair warning for the terrible days that await us. Now if you will excuse me, I will prepare my lesson plans while you tell these children what I expect of them."

"What?" Ginny breathed out as she watched Salazar gracefully slide out of the study. She clutched Harry's hand in awe and whispered, "The Founders wish to teach us?"

Smiling widely, Rowena said, "We haven't founded anything as yet, child, but it is most certainly a matter of time before the school is established. Do call me Lady Rowena until you feel familiar enough to drop the title."

"Yes, Lady Rowena," both chorused instantly, looking at her eagerly.

She beckoned for both children to take a seat. Harry promptly grabbed Ginny's hand and took the seat next to Lilith.

Laughing in her dainty manner, Lilith touched both children's cheek and said, "There is a reason why you have been brought to us, children, and we will reveal that to you when you are older. No, Harry, do not look at me like that. I know what you have been through, and I am telling you, you are not yet ready to know. Until you are, the five of us will teach you much of what we know."

The two youngsters looked in awe and nodded gratefully.

Rowena took over from her daughter and said, "In that case, children, from tomorrow onwards, you will begin your day with Godric. He will train you physically and with weapons. When he has made you weary and sweaty, you will come to us here, and we will read all kinds of things. After lunch, Helga will take you. She… has several specialties but I will let her talk about them in her own… unique manner. Finally, Salazar will teach you much about Mind Magic and Runes."

Lilith spoke then. "The Mirror of Erised works in a manner much more profound than what you believe. To those with strong will and sufficient knowledge of arcane magic, it shows you your heart's every desire. It shows you what you wish to see, that which has been, that which is, and that which might be. I have seen much of what you both have suffered, and I know trust will not come easily to you. But I want you to try." She looked sadly at Harry. "Please son, try and trust all of us."

"I don't know what to say," Harry said after a few seconds of silence, overwhelmed by their kindness. He turned to Ginny, who was feeling much the same. Seeing a drop of tear running along her cheek, he instinctively, wiped it with his finger.

"Lady Rowena, Lilith… we never expected anyone to… care," she whispered quietly, smiling weakly at Harry. "How can we repay you for this kindness?"

"Don't be foolish, child," Rowena said good-naturedly, hiding her sorrow at the children's reactions. "It is our duty as adults to look after you, and to make amends for your ordeals." Then she smiled at them and said, "Run along now, children. Your wings need stretching, and your hearts uplifting. Later, the imps will show you to your room, Ginny, you need not stay in Helga's ward anymore."

--

Harry and Ginny walked around the lake. It was a pleasant day, cool but sunny. A gentle breeze blew around as the two walked, hand in hand.

"It's so different," Ginny finally said. "So similar, and yet so different."

Harry nodded. He gazed at the grounds, wild and untamed, and stopped. Turning to Ginny, he asked simply, "Do you not miss your family? Do you regret coming?"

With a sad smile, Ginny said, "How could I let you go alone, Harry?"

Shaking his head, Harry asked, "Is it because I saved your life? I don't want you to feel indebted to me."

Ginny froze and turned to Harry in disbelief. "Is that what you've been thinking all along? That I came because of a debt? Turning to Harry in tears, she slapped him. "Was it a lie when you said you…" Then turning around, she ran away from him.

Harry looked at her in a daze, and without any hesitation, followed after her. He was faster, and reaching her, he grabbed Ginny's waist. "Don't," he begged. "Don't leave me."

Hearing his desperation, Ginny faltered and turned around, only to be seized in a hug. She blinked, when Harry's head fell on her shoulder. He was shaking with fear and she held him tightly.

"Don't leave me," he repeated again. "I was wrong to say what I did. It wasn't a lie… I think it wasn't. But I don't know… I've never really known what it is like to love someone…"

Ginny stroked his back sadly. His words and voice was full of misery. "Nobody truly knows, Harry," she whispered. "Do not worry, I don't expect anything from you in return."

Harry pulled himself up and smiled warmly. "I know, Gin." Leaning forward, he kissed her cheek, making her shiver.