Chapter Seven

Two weeks had passed since Harry had accepted Ginny's apology and he, Ginny, and Hermione could often be found in the library looking up spells which could be useful in the first task. He still had no idea what that task would be, so their list was quite long. Ron had yet to speak to Harry, but Harry decided it wasn't going to bother him. Besides, he'd gotten to spend more time with Ginny and whatever happened between him and Ron, he'd always be grateful for that. He liked the walks around the grounds he and Ginny took when they needed to just get away from everything. They'd talk about Quidditch, how much they missed it. Harry would tell her about Muggle movies or television. Sometimes they'd just sit and relax and not talk at all. Those times amazed Harry. He couldn't believe he could be so comfortable just sitting in silence. He never thought he'd be comfortable around her at all, but found she was really easy to talk to.

It was during one of these moments, on a Saturday afternoon, sitting by the lake, leaning against a boulder, Harry found himself telling her about the dreams he'd had since coming to school, for she knew of the ones occurring during the summer.

"They're always different. I mean, the same two people, one being Voldemort, are in it, but I can never tell who the second person is. They discuss the tournament and using someone for something. I just haven't figured out what or who they're referring to."

"Have you told anyone, well, besides me, obviously? Dumbledore would probably want to know and so would Snuffles."

Harry sighed, "I haven't told anyone. I guess I probably should mention it to Dumbledore. It's just that, since I can't tell who the other person is, then what's the point? As for Snuffles, he's already come back because I wrote him about the World Cup. I don't want him doing anything reckless after learning of this."

"Harry, he loves you. He'd want you to turn to him when you needed him. Besides," Ginny gave him a little shoulder shove. "Do you honestly think Dumbledore hasn't been in touch with him?"

Harry gave a half-hearted laugh. "Yeah, hadn't really thought of that."

"That's what I'm here for; to be your voice of reason when Hermione's not around," she teased.

"No, you're nothing like Hermione. You actually listen. You don't give unwanted advice, either." Harry looked at Ginny and finished. "You give me a nudge in the right direction, but only after letting me try to figure things out on my own. You don't know how much I appreciate that."

"That's what friends are for, Harry. Hey, let's go down to the kitchen and get a snack. Fred and George showed me how to get there."

"Sure."

They made their way to the portrait entrance to the kitchen and after Ginny tickled the pear, a door appeared. They stepped through the door and were immediately besieged by house-elves. One house-elf in particular, launched himself at Harry's knees.

"Harry Potter, sir! Dobby is so glad to be seeing Harry Potter. Dobby has been wanting to visit, but Harry Potter has come to visit Dobby instead. How can Dobby serve Harry Potter, sir?"

"Dobby! You work here, then? That's great!" Harry pried Dobby's arms from his legs and said, "Dobby, this is Ginny Weasley. She's a very good friend." Then he turned to Ginny. "Ginny, this is Dobby. He's the one who caused all that trouble for me, whose bludger broke my arm."

"Hi, Dobby. It's nice to meet you. We were just feeling a little hungry and decided to see if there was something left for a snack."

The house-elves immediately sprang into action. One came back holding a platter of pastries. Another held a platter of crackers and cheese. Still another held a bowl of fruit and Dobby carried a pitcher of pumpkin juice and two glasses.

Harry and Ginny passed the time eating and chatting with Dobby and a few of the other elves. Then they said their good-byes.

"I'm going to find Hermione and see if she needs any help. Would you like to come along, Harry?"

"I think I'll write that letter and talk to Professor Dumbledore, after all. I'll meet you back in the common room."

They parted ways and Ginny went looking for Hermione. She wasn't in the library, but in the common room, instead. Ginny sat down at the small table across from Hermione and looked at the books scattered across its surface.

"Need any help? How's the list coming?"

"It's going fine and yeah, sure, I could use some help." Then Hermione grinned, knowingly, and asked, "Have fun walking with Harry?"

Ginny blushed. "Yes, I did. All we did was talk, nothing else, so don't even ask." She grabbed the nearest book, parchment, and quill and began making a list of useful spells.

Harry finished his letter to Sirius, sent a school owl with it, and promised Hedwig she'd have a job soon. Then he made his way to Dumbledore's office. After three tries, he managed to guess the password and climbed the spiral staircase leading to the Headmaster's door.

"Harry, what can I do for you?"

"Well, Professor," Harry hesitated, gathering his thoughts. "I've been having some dreams, sir, dreams that involve Voldemort. In the dreams, Voldemort and one other person, a man, discuss the tournament and in this last one, Voldemort mentioned capturing someone. Do you think they're real, sir?"

"I'm not sure what to think. Can you identify the other man?"

"No, sir. He's always cloaked and his voice is low and slightly distorted."

"Well, rest assured, Harry, we are doing everything we can to keep you and the others safe. I wouldn't worry too much about them. They are probably just your subconscious trying to deal with everything that's been going on. Don't hesitate, though, to let me know of any more dreams or if they change."

"Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

Harry left Dumbledore's office and made his way back to the common room. He was so preoccupied with his mysterious dreams and his conversation with Dumbledore, he didn't notice Professors Snape and Lupin having a heated conversation until he was just a few feet away and couldn't help but overhear. Harry's presence had not gone unnoticed, however.

"Seriously, Lupin, do you honestly believe Potter has a chance in this tournament?" sneered Snape. "He'll be seeing the most dangerous creatures the Ministry has classified in the first task. Class 4 X and class 5 X are way beyond anything Potter could handle. I know for a fact two of the creatures are Runespoors and the Living Shroud. He'll be lucky to get away in one piece if he draws either of those." The look on Snape's face said he hoped Harry wouldn't be so lucky as to get away in one piece.

"Now, Snape, since you haven't taught Defense Against the Dark Arts, I can excuse your ignorance regarding Harry's abilities. I have complete faith he'll do well, and could possibly even win."

Snape's demeanor became even colder and more bitter at the comment regarding the Defense Against the Dark Arts position. "Well, don't say I didn't warn you, when they're carrying him out." Snape looked at Harry and yelled, "Potter! Do you not have anything more interesting to do than to eavesdrop on a private conversation? Twenty points from Gryffindor!" Then he turned and stormed off.

"Professor, I–," Harry stammered.

"Don't worry, Harry. I'm sure you hadn't meant to overhear our conversation. And I think I'll give Gryffindor twenty points for you ignoring the remarks that were made against you."

"Thank you, sir. What are Runespoors and the Living Shroud? I've never heard of them."

"That's because they are very dangerous creatures and wouldn't have been discussed until seventh year. That, unfortunately is all I can tell you. However, you might find that a certain friend of yours could help you with that." With a smile, Lupin too, walked a way, leaving Harry to ponder exactly what he'd gotten thrust into.

When he reached the common room, he noticed it was mostly empty except for Hermione sitting in an armchair and Ginny on the sofa, both in front of the fire. Harry walked over to them and plopped himself down on the sofa on Ginny's left.

"Where is everyone?" he asked the girls.

"They went down to dinner. We were waiting for you," Hermione said, as if it should have been obvious.

"I don't much feel like eating. You two can go ahead."

"What's the matter, Harry?" asked Ginny softly.

Harry groaned, leaned over and rested his head on Ginny's shoulder. "I'm so dead."

Ginny stared at Hermione, surprised at Harry's action. Hermione stared at Harry, for the same reason. Ginny swallowed, clear her throat softly and said, "Why do you say that?" It came out sounding a bit breathless.

"I overheard Snape and Lupin talking on my way here. Snape mentioned the first task was going to have class 4 X and 5 X creatures involved." He still hadn't moved his head. "Those are seventh year creatures. The spells involved are likely to be really advanced." Then he remembered what Lupin had said to him and he lifted his head to look at Hermione. "Do you know anything about Runespoors or the Living Shroud? Those two I specifically heard Snape mention."

"Well, I believe Runespoors are giant, venomous, three-headed serpents, so that should be easy for you. Just speak to it. I'm not sure about the Living Shroud. It sounds vaguely familiar. I'll have to look it up." Then Hermione looked excited. "Harry, this is great news! Now, we have a starting point to look for spells. If there's going to be dangerous creatures, then we need to look at the Ministry's list of restricted creatures, then we can find spells to defeat them! Simple!"

"Great," said Harry with mock cheer and laid his head back on Ginny's shoulder.

"Harry, you know Hermione and I will spend every available moment we have helping you practice those spells, don't you? We're not giving up and neither should you." Harry just sighed, so Ginny said the one thing she knew would get his temper up. "Harry Potter! I've never known you to be a quitter!"

Harry jerked his head and looked at Ginny with narrowed eyes. "I'm not a quitter. I haven't quit yet. I'll prove Snape and everyone else wrong. I can do this."

"That's right, you can do this, Harry. I have faith in you."

"Thanks, Ginny." A smile sneaked its way across his face. "I think I needed to hear that."

"Anytime, Harry." Ginny answered with a smile of her own.

Hermione watched them, then shook her head, grinning. "Well, I'm going down to dinner. I'll see you later."

The remainder of the weekend passed with Hermione looking up all the dangerous creatures she could find and spells to control them. Harry let her have at it. He needed to get caught up with homework. Monday classes went well as could be expected for Harry, but Ginny seemed to have a tougher time.

Lunchtime saw Harry and Hermione at the Gryffindor table half-way through eating when Ginny slammed an armful of books down on the table next to Harry and a nearly empty bag on top. Harry had to scramble to keep the tower of books from toppling to the floor.

"What happened, Ginny?" he asked, eying the leaning tower.

"My bag ripped. AGAIN. It's already happened once today. Thankfully I was just outside the classroom the first time, so I wasn't late. I thought I repaired it well enough, but apparently I didn't."

"Here," Harry began shoving dishes of food towards her. "Grab something to eat before it disappears and I'll fix your bag. That is, if, you, uh, want me to."

"Thanks, Harry. That would help a lot."

While Ginny began loading her plate, Harry repaired her bag and filled it with the books, parchment, quills, and ink. Hermione, Ginny, and Harry discussed what they could of the spells for the first task, then went on to class.

Dinner saw a repeat performance with Ginny's bag.

"I fixed it. I swear I did, Ginny." Harry said desperately.

"I know you did, but as you can see, it's not anymore. This is getting ridiculous. I'm going to have to do something. I'm barely making it to class now."

"We'll think of something. Let's go find an empty classroom and start working with Harry after dinner," answered Hermione confidently.

Ginny continued to have trouble with her bag remaining in one piece for two days, until Hermione placed an unbreakable charm onto it. Ginny was quite glad to have that experience over with. Her happiness was short-lived however.

Hermione looked up when Ginny was walking up to the lunch table, one day about mid-week, and her eyes widened. Ginny's robes, from mid-thigh down, were in tatters. They looked as if a hippogriff had shredded them.

"What happened to you?" Hermione pointed towards her robes.

"I wish I knew, Hermione. One minute they were fine, the next, they're in pieces."
Ginny shrugged. "And yes, before you ask, I've already repaired them, twice." She propped her elbows on the table, lowered her head into her hands, and groaned. "What am I going to do? I can't go around like this all the time."

"Hermione, maybe you should teach Ginny that unbreakable charm you did on her bag," suggested Harry.

"Oh, that would be brilliant, Hermione, would you?"

"Absolutely." After Ginny repaired her robes again, Hermione instructed her on how to do the unbreakable charm. "There, that should do it."

At dinner that night, Ginny entered the Great Hall looking, for all the world, like she had just been having a dragon dung fight.

Hermione spotted her, rolled her eyes and said, "Don't you think you should clean up first?"

"Why? I'm not that muddy. Besides, I've seen Harry and Ron come to the table looking worse after Quidditch practice."

Harry clenched his jaw reflexively at the mention of Ron, who was still not talking to any of them. To steer the conversation away from unhappy thoughts, Harry asked, "So what happened?"

"I tripped on my way back from Herbology. This has to have been the worst week I've had in a long time. Such rotten luck. First, my bag won't stay mended, then my robes won't, now I'm tripping whenever there's a nice bit of dirt to fall into."

"Sounds to me like someone's playing some pranks. No one has that bad of luck."

Harry looked at Hermione and an eyebrow disappeared beneath his fringe.

"Okay, so no one but Harry has that bad of luck. Think about it. That's a lot of coincidences in just one week's time."

"Maybe. I don't know. I just wish it would stop."

After dinner, the trio, again, disappeared to an empty classroom to work on spells. Harry had been working on the Summoning Charm and was finally getting it to work properly. Next, they worked on stunning, with Ginny and Hermione taking turns being stunned.

"Ok, you three," a voice said sternly, causing the three students to gasp and jump, "you all need to get back to your common room. It's almost curfew."

"Ok, Professor McGonagall." The three were apprehensive. Harry wasn't supposed to be getting help and here they were, practicing spells.

"Um, Professor McGonagall," asked Hermione, "We're not in trouble, are we? I know Harry's not supposed to be getting any help, but–"

"Don't worry, Ms. Granger. The Headmaster only promised Harry wouldn't be getting help from the staff." There was a bit of a twinkle in her eye when she said, "Besides, all I see is a couple of fourth years teaching some spells to a third year. No harm in that, is there? You might want to rethink your places of practice, though. Ask Dobby, he could find a place for you, I'm sure."

Saturday came before they were able to talk to Dobby regarding a practice room for them and Harry decided he wanted a break from it all and decided on no practice that day.

"I just to need to relax. Just one day, Hermione, that's all I'm asking."

"Fine, but that first task is coming up soon, I'm sure of it. You have to be ready."

"And I will be, with you forcing me to practice everything until it's second nature." Harry said this with a smile so Hermione would know he was teasing. "I'm going for a walk. Would you two like to come?"

"Not me, I've got homework I've been neglecting."

Ginny rolled her eyes. Hermione wouldn't know how to take a break even if instructions were written in one of those books. "I don't have any homework, so I'll go. I could use some fresh air."

They wandered around the grounds after stopping by the Owlery so Ginny could write a letter to her parents and sent it with Hedwig.

"I haven't heard anything from Snuffles. I'm starting to get worried."

"Don't, Harry. If he'd been caught, we'd know about it. The Ministry loves to announce the capture of wizards, even if the wizard in question is really innocent, you know that."

"I suppose."

They found themselves, once again, by the lake, but partially hidden in some trees. At the sound of some familiar voices, they stopped just far away enough not to be able to hear what was said but close enough to hear the tone of voices and to see who was talking. It was Malfoy and his two bully friends. It sounded as though they were taunting an unseen creature or person. Then something entirely unexpected happened. A great tentacle lifted from the water, came down hard at a slight angle, and splashed the trio, soaking them thoroughly.

As the bullies stood there and spluttered, Harry and Ginny, having witnessed the giant squid's retaliation, started snickering, which turned to full out laughter after Malfoy and his cronies stomped off towards the castle. Harry wrapped his right arm around a tree to hold himself on his feet, he was laughing so hard. Ginny had wrapped her left arm around the same tree and was doubled over with laughter. Finally, after what seemed like hours, but likely only a few minutes, they managed to get grips on themselves. Ginny straightened up and wiped the tears from her eyes with her free hand.

"Oh, Merlin, that was brilliant. I'm so glad I was here to witness it."

Harry had been attempting to clear his own eyes with his free hand and looked over at her. The dappled sun played in her loose hair, making it shine in some places like the most brilliant rubies ever seen, as if it glowed from within. Her pale skin, too, seemed to glow. It was her eyes, though, that captured his attention. They were the color of warm honey and were full of laughter.

Okay, this is it. I'm going to do it. Before he could talk himself out of it, Harry leaned forward and brushed her lips with his. He felt her whole body tense and pulled back slightly, waiting for her reaction. After a brief moment, she smiled and closed the distance between them. It was all the encouragement Harry needed. Lips met again more firmly, yet gently. As if in mutual agreement, the kiss deepened slightly, mouths opening, closing and sliding against the other.

Oh, God, I can't believe I did it. She's kissing me back! That was Harry's last thought before becoming caught up in the kisses. He felt warmth spread from the point of contact, all the way through him, down to his toes. Touch and taste were the only senses working properly. Her lips were soft as butter under his and tasted like Honeyduke's finest chocolate.

He kissed me! He is kissing me! Those older girls are mental! You don't need someone's tongue in your mouth to have a great kiss! That was Ginny's last thought before all coherent thought was blown from her mind. She couldn't think, but she could certainly feel. She felt the sun gently shining on them. She felt joy bubbling inside, and knew it could burst out of her at any moment. She felt his mouth dancing with hers and reveled in its gentleness.

Harry had no idea how long they had been standing there trading kisses, a minute, an hour, a full sunlit day, when an amused voice brought them both back to reality and they sprang apart, almost guiltily.

"Well, it's about time, Harry. I didn't think you were ever going to do it and watching the two of you refusing to acknowledge your feelings for each other was making me bonkers, let me tell you," teased Hermione with a Cheshire Cat grin.

Harry and Ginny still stood as they were, with one arm around the tree, only their free hands, at some point, during the kiss, had come to rest on the tree, one on top of the other. Faces were flushed, though from the kisses or from being caught, Hermione couldn't have said. Since neither seemed able to speak, Hermione continued.

"I came looking for you to tell you I found the Living Shroud in one of the library books, but I see you've had something else on your mind."

"I, uh, we, uh, um–," tried Harry, using free hand to run it through his hair. He cleared his throat and tried again. "Actually, we were walking around and came upon Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle teasing the Giant Squid."

"Oh, Hermione, it was hilarious," crowed Ginny. "You should have seen it. The giant squid got fed up with their antics and splashed all three of them. Harry and I saw it and started laughing, and then…" By that time, her voice trailed off.

"Wow. I wish I had been here." She looked at the other two and then took it back. "Then again, if I had been, none of this," she waved her hand between them, "would likely have happened, so I'm glad to be of help by not being here. Besides, I passed them on the way here, and they got told off by McGonagall for teasing the Giant Squid in the first place."

"Oi, Hermione! Who are you talking--? Oh, it's you." Ron could now see exactly who it was Hermione was talking to. He glanced at Hermione, Harry and settled on Ginny. Suddenly his temper was flaring.

"I should have known you'd side with him," he said, derisively. "You always did like him, but I thought family meant something to you. I thought you understood family was supposed be above everything or everyone else. You're supposed to support your family. You're no better than he is. You're–," Whatever Ron was going to say came out strangled for Harry had grabbed the front of Ron's shirt and slammed him up against a nearby tree, arm lodged against Ron's throat, before anyone could react.

"Ron! Harry! Stop it, now!" Hermione cried hoarsely. Ginny was stunned speechless at her brother's words and Harry's reaction to them.

Harry's eyes burned with emerald fire as they looked into Ron's slightly alarmed blue ones. Harry's voice, when he spoke, was calm, which made it sound more ominous. "Don't you ever let me hear you talk that way to or about Ginny again. She is your sister. She deserves your respect along with any other member of your family. Until you can apologize, and mean it, stay away from her. You've already hurt her with what you've said, I don't want you hurting her more with your presence."

Harry let Ron go and stepped back. He was surprised to find himself trembling. He didn't know what had come over him. Hearing Ron's words, the contempt in his voice, the painful gasp at his side, it all combined into raw fury and he had reacted. The two former friends silently contemplated the other, then Ron walked away without saying another word.

Harry watched him go, rubbed a hand down his face, took a deep breath, turned to look at the other two. "I'm sorry, Ginny, I--,"

"Harry, don't apologize for that prat of a brother of mine. You know," Ginny said with a rueful expression, "that's the second time you've defended me against someone. Thank you."

Harry had been deeply worried that Ginny would take what Ron had said to heart and not want anything to do with him anymore. He smiled slightly, should have known better.

"I think we've had enough talk of distressing things for one day. I'll leave you two to do whatever it is you want to do and we'll get started on those specific spells tomorrow. Is that okay with you, Harry?"

Harry only nodded, half hearing what she was saying. He was too busy drowning in a certain redhead's beautiful brown eyes. He barely heard Hermione's footsteps fade away. He closed the gap between himself and Ginny, wrapped his arms loosely around her waist, and commenced kissing her again.

Ginny's arms snaked up around his neck, one hand clasping the wrist of the opposite arm. This time she didn't hold anything back. She gave just as much as she received.

When they finally parted, Harry rested his forehead against hers and whispered, "I've wanted to do that since you apologized for reacting so badly to my name coming out of the Goblet."

Just as softly, Ginny responded, "So why didn't you?"

Harry shrugged and confessed, "Scared, I guess. I was scared to put our friendship at risk after having just gotten it back, then I was afraid you had gotten over me."

"So what changed, then?"

"Not sure, really. I just felt compelled to do it, so I did."

"Glad you did."

"Me too. Look, Gin, can we keep this between us, just for a while? You've seen those articles Skeeter's been writing about me, and while I don't mind them too terribly much, I don't want you to be dragged through it all. Do you understand?"

"You know I don't care what anyone says about me, but okay, just between us and Hermione, for now."

Harry nodded his thanks and was about to kiss her again when he heard the distinct sound of a stomach rumbling. They both chuckled and turned towards the castle, holding hands until they were in sight of other students.

All during lunch, they took little opportunities to brush hands, fingers, arms. To the casual observer, it appeared to be nothing. Cho Chang was anything but a casual observer. She watched as Harry turned his attention to something the Weasley girl said and the smile that spread across his face was brighter than any he'd had in the past. He appeared more relaxed than he'd been before. I'm just not working hard enough. I'll have to step it up if I'm going to make him see her for what she is; therefore, see me for the first time.

Harry had been enjoying lunch, laughing with Hermione and Ginny over silly things, but then he remembered why Hermione had gone looking for him earlier.

"Hermione, we need to talk about that thing you wanted to discuss before."

"As soon as we're done," agreed Hermione.

The trio left the table and entered the first empty classroom they found.

"Okay, Harry, the Lethifold, also known as the Living Shroud, is like a black cloak that comes out at night and attacks its victims by suffocating them."

"Nice," said Harry, sarcastically.

"If it comes out at night, how can one see it? How do you defend against it?" worried Ginny.

"Well, apparently, the only thing that repels it is a Patronus. It's similar to a dementor in that you feel really cold when one is near. You shouldn't have any problem with that creature, either."

"Yeah, let's just hope I draw either the Runespoor or this Living Shroud. Anything else, and I'm doomed." Harry joked.

Ginny wrapped an arm around his waist and said as sternly as possible, "No, you're not. You've got help, remember?"

"Sorry, bad time for humor or just bad humor, I guess. So, what else is on that list, Hermione?" Harry draped his right arm over Ginny's shoulders as he asked.

Hermione, momentarily distracted by the display of affection that was so un-Harry-like, she had to be asked twice about the list.

"Sorry. There's the Nundu, Occamy, ashwinder, chimera, graphorns, boomslangs, and that's just a few. Any of these could be used for the first task. If we just had a better practice room--,"

"Dobby!"

"What?"

"Remember? McGonagall said to ask Dobby, that he could find us a place. How do we get him to come to us?"

"Like this," Hermione said, then raising her voice, she called out. "Dobby, can you come here, please?"

With a pop, Dobby appeared before them. "What can Dobby be doing for Harry Potter and his Granger and Wheazy?"

"Dobby," Harry explained, "I need somewhere to practice spellwork, where I won't be seen by students or the staff. I don't want it known that Ginny and Hermione are helping me. Do you know of anyplace like that?"

"Of course, Harry Potter, sir. Come with Dobby."

They followed Dobby out the door of the classroom they were currently occupying, Harry and Ginny distancing themselves from each other, once again. The little group climbed several flights of stairs and reached the seventh floor. Just across from a tapestry of Barnabas the Smarmy, Dobby stopped.

"Harry Potter must walk by this spot three times and be thinking of exactly what it is he is wanting, and it will be here for you. House elves know it as the Come and Go Room. It will give the seeker whatever the seeker be needing. Dobby needs go now. Bye, Harry Potter, sir." Dobby disappeared.

"Let's try it." Harry walked past the stretch of blank wall three times, picturing in his mind what it was he wanted. A small gasp told him it had worked. He looked up to see an ornate wooden door appeared with a tarnished brass handle. Harry opened the door to a room of medium size with cushions stacked against one wall, books on advanced charms on bookshelves against another wall.

"Harry!" exclaimed Ginny in awe. "It's perfect!"

"Well, let's get started then. I've got the hang of Accio and Stupefy. What's next?"

"Here's an easy one." Hermione conjured bluebell flames in the fireplace, which had suddenly appeared. "The Flame-Freezing Charm. It basically changes the heat of the fire to just a nice warm breeze. Once you master that we'll move on to something else."

They took a break for dinner and for regular homework. Hermione said she'd make a schedule for them as to when they could meet in the Come and Go Room to further help Harry practice. They still didn't know exactly when the first task was coming, but it had to be soon. Harry had no idea just how soon it would be.