The Ties That Bind

Chapter 6: Getting Back to Normal?

Molly did what she always did when faced with a stressful situation. She made a pot of tea, she found it comforting and soothing, something to fall back upon. She'd learned it from her mother, who had done the same thing.

The tea ready, she brought it over to the table where Arthur waited. She poured the two cups for them and sat down. Her emotions were conflicting. She was so concerned with all that was happening with Ginny but she was also very upset with the way Arthur had chastised her in front of Ginny, Harry and Professor McGonagall.

Arthur knew that Molly was seething underneath but he knew that if he had let her speak she would have regretted it later. "Molly dear," he began, "I know you're upset but I knew that what you were going to do would not have helped the situation at all."

Molly glared at her husband for a moment but relented under his calm returning gaze. "You're right Arthur, it's just that I can't help feel like I failed Ginny somehow. I mean she won't even be sixteen until August."

Arthur smiled ruefully "I know dear but we can't change it. My friend from the Department of Mysteries, Adolfus told me what he knew about Bonds when I asked him to get me information on them. He said one of the only things he knew for sure was that once bonded any attempt to break the bond will cause severe damage and if the bond was broken the two participants would die."

Startled, "Why didn't you tell me that?" Molly demanded.

"I didn't know that we would be having the meeting when we did and I was hoping to get more information before we talked about it," Arthur said in a conciliatory manner. "I mean I only had a little to add and why go poking a dragon til you need to?"

Molly sighed, she knew Arthur was making a lot of sense. "I know dear, it's just Ginny is our only daughter and I always thought we'd throw a huge wedding for her."

Arthur patted her hand. "Just because she is legally married in the eyes of the Ministry doesn't mean we can't still have a ceremony and a reception for her. I suggest you talk to her, you may find her very receptive to the idea."

Molly looked at Arthur and nodded her head. "You're right dear, I'll owl Ginny and see what she'd like to do. I just need to accept what has happened and support Ginny and Harry." Sipping her tea she sighed again. "It was just a shock learning that they were married that way. It's like they eloped or something. Though I could tell they were just as shocked as us if not more so."

Arthur chuckled, "Did you see the look on their faces when they heard? Talk about the Hippogriff in the headlights look!"

Molly laughed with Arthur. "I know, in some ways I feel sorry for them and in some ways I think they're lucky. I mean think of all the insecurities and doubts that they'll never have to go through. All the fumbled relationships that they are avoiding. I just wish they were a little older, ya know?"

"I know dear. I remember being fifteen and worrying about dating and all that. I guess that's good that they will miss all the misery that goes along with it."

Molly got a glint in her eyes. "Are you going back to work this afternoon or would you like to help me upstairs a bit."

Arthur stared hard at his wife and noticed the playful tone of her voice.

As he hesitated Molly wagged her eyebrows at him and gave him that smile that melted his heart. "I guess I'll be helping you this afternoon."

They both stood and went up the stairs hand in hand to their bedroom where they spent an enjoyable afternoon acting like teenagers themselves. They didn't get seven children by being bashful around each other.

XX

Ron hurried up to his dorm wanting to get his herbology book before heading down to lunch. It would be much easier now than running all the way back up here and then back after lunch. Grabbing his book and stuffing it into his bag he started to go back to the Common Room to meet Hermione. Stopping suddenly he turned back to look at the room. Something was different, he couldn't quite place it a first, but he kept looking around.

Then it hit him! Harry's trunk and all his stuff was missing. Everything was gone off his nightstand and his wardrobe stood open and barren. "What the bloody hell," he whispered under his breath. Running down to meet Hermione, his mind racing. What had happened? Did Harry get expelled? Ron couldn't make any sense of it.

Pacing frantically he waited for Hermione to come down from her dorm. As soon as she appeared Ron raced up to her and grabbed her arm. "All Harry's stuff is missing Hermione! What do you think happened to it?"

Hermione got a very puzzled look on her face. "I don't know Ron. I can't think of any reason for it to just disappear, unless. . ."

"Unless what?"

Hermione turned to head back up the stairs to the girl's dorms. "Wait right here, I want to check something."

Ron waited impatiently for Hermione's return. In just a few minutes Hermione returned still looking puzzled. "Well Ginny's stuff is missing too. So I suspect that where ever they are they are together."

A panicked Ron asked "You don't think they've been expelled do you?"

Hermione shrugged her shoulders. "I really don't know Ron, I can's believe that they would be but I just don't know. If we see Professor McGonagall we can try asking her. "

Ron and Hermione left the Gryffindor Common Room not knowing that Harry and Ginny were less that twenty feet away sleeping soundly in their new sitting room.

XX

Healer Nathan Weaver made his way up to the Hospital Wing. It was unusual to be called to a school as his specialty was severe spell damage, he rarely saw anything extreme outside of St. Mungo's. Though the report he read intrigued him. All standard treatments had been spectacularly ineffective.

He finally arrived and entered the ward spotting Madam Pomfrey in her office. He knocked on the door frame and introduced himself. The matron grabbed a chart from her desk and led him to the screened off bed at the end of the ward.

"I'm so glad you could come out here to Hogwarts. Getting the patient to St. Mungo's would have been difficult to manage easily," Madam Pomfrey said. They stepped behind the screen and Healer Weaver got his first look at the patient. The most noticeable feature was her pure white hair.

"Healer Weaver, Miss Vane. Miss Vane this is the healer I told you about earlier. Hopefully he will be able to help restore the use of your arm and hand."

Nathan could see tears begin to form in the young patient's eyes. "What's you first name dear," he asked softly.

Stifling a sniffle "Romilda," she answered just above a whisper.

"Well Romilda, why don't you tell me what you can feel and to where. OK?"

Romilda pointed to a spot just at the top of her shoulder. "From here down I just feel a slight tingling, kind of like your arm is asleep."

"Can you move it at all?" the healer asked.

Romilda sniffled again, the tears threatening to spill once more. "No, nothing at all."

Healer Weaver smiled encouragingly at Romilda. "OK let's see what we can figure out." He pulled out his wand and began muttering spells as he move his wand up and down over her arm and hand. Right up near her shoulder he slowed and concentrated on one particular spot.

"Madam Pomfrey could I have your assistance please?" he asked.

"What can I do to help?" the matron replied.

"Please hold Romilda's arm up and out so I may get to the underside."

The matron grabbed Romilda's arm near her elbow and lifted her arm up.

"A little higher please. Yes that's it." Making eye contact with Romilda he smiled ruefully. "This may be a little uncomfortable," he said as he brandished his wand.

A deep blue beam shot out and hit her arm near her armpit. Romilda felt something deep in her arm, kind of like something untwisting and tearing a little. Almost immediately she felt warmth running down her arm toward her hand. It increased in intensity till it burned a bit. Not a searing pain but quite uncomfortable just the same.

Taking hold of Romilda's wrist Healer Weaver said "Try moving your fingers for me."

Romilda tried but nothing happened at first.

"Keep trying Romilda," he said.

Suddenly Romilda felt her fingers twitch. They weren't moving all over yet but she could feel them and they were moving some. The effort was making her perspire quite a bit.

"OK, relax for a minute. What were her other injuries again?"

Madam Pomfrey answered "She injured her left leg and ankle and her hair has been damaged. We had to cut it quite short due to the physical damage and well, as you can see it is now white. It was a deep brown before."

"Ah yes, lets look at the leg first."

Romilda exposed her leg from under the covers and blushed a bit when the healer pulled her gown up pretty far on her thigh. He paid her no mind and got right to work. Using his wand again her began casting the diagnostic spells. He frowned slightly and proceeded down to her ankle. Running his wand back up he cast another spell and Romilda felt a small tug in the area of her hip.

"That's the best I can do for you leg, though the damage isn't as severe and I think you'll get most if not all the function back in it." He then cast spells up near her head. He frowned deeper there. "I can tell you it is growing normally but whatever happened has changed the color permanently. Nothing I tried made the slightest difference. I'm sorry."

He turned his attention back to her arm and hand. "Please try moving your fingers again."

Romilda concentrated hard and noticed she had more movement than the last attempt.

"Now try lifting your arm please."

Romilda concentrated real hard and was able to lift her arm off the bed six to eight inches before she had to let it drop back with a thump.

"Very good Romilda," said Nathan as he reached into his bag and dug out several vials of potions. Taking one he made Romilda swallow the vile tasting liquid. He laughed at the face she made. "I know, they taste horrible don't they?"

Romilda could only nod her head in agreement as she struggled to keep the contents of her stomach in place.

Turning to Madam Pomfrey he handed her the remaining vials of the potion. "Give her these one in the morning and one in the evening. She should continue to improve over the next several days. Hopefully she'll get most of the use of her arm back in the next few hours with continued healing for the next several days."

He stood and got ready to leave. "Her leg is doing fine but will heal slowly over the next few days, I'm fairly confident that it will fully heal. Her arm is another story, we'll just have to wait and see. My guess is that she'll get most of the use back but may have some minor lingering damage limiting some fine motor control. How much is really just a waiting game."

Madam Pomfrey was making notations in Romilda's chart as Healer Weaver kept talking.

Healer Weaver turned and took one last look at Romilda laying in the bed. He shook his head slightly, "As for her hair, I am at a loss as to what caused the damage. I've never seen anything like it. Unfortunately I don't believe that it will ever return to it's natural color." Patting Romilda on her good arm he said "Good luck my dear, you should be feeling much better in several hours."

"Thank you Healer Weaver for all your help. My arm is feeling much better and I can feel it getting better and better," Romilda replied.

Madam Pomfrey and Healer Weaver left Romilda and headed back towards the matron's office. Nathan turned to Madam Pomfrey and looked thoughtful for a moment. "It's good you didn't wait any longer to call for assistance, the blockage on her nerve running into the arm would have caused much more severe and permanent damage, in a few more days I may not have been able to do much of anything at all."

"Why was it so resistant to the normal treatments?" Madam Pomfrey asked.

Nathan shook his head. "I'm not really sure. I've only seen this type of thing five or six times. There is some kind of nodule that forms on the major nerve of the limb and it blocks the transmission of the impulses. It is different than any other type of damage that I've seen ever seen. It takes some very delicate and arcane spells to counteract it. I'm lucky that my old mentor taught them to me."

"We're lucky you were available to come and help Miss Vane," the matron said. "I'm glad to hear that her leg will fully heal and hopefully her arm and hand will too."

Healer Weaver saddened slightly. "I believe that she will regain 90 to 95 percent usage but I truly doubt she'll get 100 percent. There is some damage to some of the finer nerve endings that will prevent full recovery. Please keep me informed on her condition."

With that the healer bid good bye to Madam Pomfrey and left.

XX

Harry and Ginny awoke with a start. Looking around they noticed a house-elf had arrived with their lunch, a tray of sandwiches, some crisps and a pitcher of pumpkin juice. After placing the tray on the table by the couch the elf bowed to Harry and Ginny. "Is Master and Mistress wanting anything else?"

Harry glanced at Ginny before answering. "Not at the moment, but we will also be taking dinner here. Professor McGonagall said to inform whomever delivered lunch."

"Very good, I will be pleased to bring you dinner when it is time. If you need anything just call my name, Donder and I be here to serve you." The elf then bowed again and disappeared with a small crack.

Ginny reached for a sandwich and took a bite. Harry, you'd better not tell Hermione that we have a house-elf waiting on us.

Harry took a big bite of his sandwich too. Yeah I know, she'll be spouting that SPEW stuff at us. This is kind of convenient being able to talk and eat at the same time.

Between bites Ginny laughed. "I know. It will be a great time if we want to say anything when we don't want anyone to know we are talking. They'd never think we'd be doing it then."

Harry and Ginny finished their lunch and decided to go for a another walk. They exited out the door that went into the hall so they could find out where it was from the outside. Once the door had closed behind them they looked at the painting on the wall. There were two magnificent Griffins facing one another with Hogwarts in the background between them.

Looking up and down the corridor neither one recognized where they were. At the end to their left as they looked at the painting there was a large window looking out towards the Quidditch Pitch. Turning to the right they walked a short distance and came to another hallway. Off to the left they saw the picture of the Fat Lady that guarded the entrance to the Common Room. They took a couple steps toward the Fat Lady and looked back to where they had come from. All they could see was a blank looking wall.

Startled they turned back and found they could make out the faint outline of a doorway if they looked real close. Stepping through they were back looking at the picture of the Griffins.

"Guess that's why we never noticed the Griffins before," said Ginny. "You'd never know that hall was there if you didn't know before hand."

Harry and Ginny headed back to the Astronomy Tower. It was usually deserted during the day and was a nice quiet spot to be together undisturbed and enjoy the beautiful weather. Harry sat with his back against the wall of the structure covering the stairs and Ginny sat between his legs leaning back onto his chest. Harry had his arms around Ginny and they had the fingers of one of their hands intertwined.

Harry had his eyes closed just enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face and the comforting feeling of Ginny in his arms. Ginny's head was tucked up under Harry's chin and he could smell the heady fragrance of Ginny's hair.

Harry?

Yes love?

Are you truly happy that we're together?

Yes Gin. I truly am. Can't you feel how happy I am? There is nowhere I'd rather be than with you Ginny.

I know, it's just that this is so new and I'm not sure sometimes what are your thoughts and feelings and what are mine. It's just good to hear it from you. OK?

Yes Gin, it's fine. I know what your going through. I feel the same way.

Harry gave Ginny a squeezing hug and kissed the top of her head. They lazed the afternoon away just enjoying the view, the weather and each other.

XX

Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall and sat down at their usual spots at the Gryffindor table for lunch. Ron right away started to grab food and stuff his mouth with his usual vigor. Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head. "Obviously the disappearance of Harry and Ginny hasn't bothered you too much."

"Whah Erminone?" Ron mumbled with his mouth full of food.

"Really Ron, can't you at least swallow before speaking?" she said with disdain.

Ron swallowed the huge mouthful almost choking "What Hermione?"

"You can't be concerned too much with their disappearance."

"What, I'm hungry. Can't do anything if I pass out from lack of food."

Before Hermione could reply they were interrupted. "I'd like to see you both in my office before you go to your next class," said Professor McGonagall.

Hermione looked at the Professor, "I can come right now. Do you need to see us together?"

The Professor looked from Hermione to Ron for a moment. "It is not necessary for you to see me together Miss Granger. If Mr. Weasley wishes to finish his lunch I can see him after wards."

Hermione rose and accompanied the Professor from the hall. When they reached her office the Professor had her sit down. Before the Professor could begin Hermione quickly asked "Professor does this have anything to do with the fact that Harry's and Ginny's things are missing from the dorms?"

Minerva smiled at Hermione, something that Hermione had rarely seen. "In a way yes it does Miss Granger." Seeing the look of concern on Hermione's face she continued "They have been moved into alternate quarters due to the circumstances of their bond. I wanted to ask for your help with their schooling. As of right now they can not be separated so they can not attend classes. I will be having their instructors get their work to them and would like you to help keep them current with their studies."

"I'd be more than willing to help them keep up with their studies Professor."

"Good Miss Granger, as soon as I get things all worked out with the other Professors I'll be in contact with you about the schedule and access to Mr Potter and Miss Weasley's quarters. I have informed them that their current housing arrangements are contingent upon their maintaining their grades to a suitable level. I trust you'll help them with that qualification."

Hermione nodded in agreement and felt very good about herself for being give such an important role.

Minerva continued "Mr Weasley will also be granted access on a social basis and I would like you to help monitor his behavior. Will you be willing to help in that capacity?"

Hermione hesitated for a moment. "What would that all entail?"

"Well I need to make sure that his social interaction will not interfere with their schooling and grades and Mr Weasley has been known to have a bit of a temper when it comes to his sister's boyfriends. I'm hoping you'll be able to help protect Harry and Ginny's privacy and their current status."

Hermione sighed and said "I will do anything to help Harry and Ginny, including helping to protect them from Ron if necessary."

"Good Miss Granger, I'll meet you this evening in the Gryffindor Common Room and show you how to access their quarters and explain everything to them too."

Hermione was glad she knew now that Harry and Ginny were OK and the fact there personal stuff had disappeared wasn't cause for alarm. Though she was a bit concerned with Ron's reaction to the new rooming arrangements.

XX

Harry was lazily enjoying the warm afternoon and holding Ginny in his arms when a shadow crossed over his face and he heard the fluttering of wings. Opening his eyes he saw an owl circling down and landing next to them. Ginny shifted her hand to Harry's neck so that he could untie the letter from the owl.

The letter addressed to him bore the seal of Gringott's.

Who's it from Harry. Ginny asked

Gringott's.

What do they want?

Harry opened the letter and read it.

They want to meet with us to discuss something concerning financial matters is all it says. They indicate it's very important and we should make arrangements to do it soon.

Ginny was a little perplexed, she couldn't fathom what Gringott's could possibly want. Her family never had much money so she hadn't had much contact with the Wizards Bank.

Harry sighed, when would all the turmoil in his life ever cease. "Guess we'll need to see McGonagall about getting to Gringott's." Harry put the letter in his pocket and took Ginny's hand again. Ginny rose and helped Harry up.

Come on Harry, lets go back in and see if we can find Hermione. We haven't seen her for a while and I'd like to check with her how Ron is taking all this."

Harry smiled at Ginny and pulled her into a kiss. He ran his free hand up through her hair, relishing the silky feel as it slid between fingers. As they broke apart he marveled at the sun shining through her hair giving it a fiery look that shimmered and glowed that hypnotized Harry. It framed her face with a halo of flaming brilliance.

Ginny noticed Harry's stare and blushed deeply. "What are you looking at?"

Harry thought hard for a moment. "Ginny I want to try something. Close your eyes please."

"Why Harry?"

"Please just try it."

"OK."

Ginny closed her eyes and concentrated on feeling Harry holding her.

Harry stared at the sun in Ginny's hair and tried concentrated on sending the image to Ginny.

Suddenly Ginny gasped. Harry, I can see myself! Is that what you're seeing?

Yes Gin, see how beautiful the sun is shining through your hair?

Ginny blushed at seeing herself through Harry's eyes. She didn't think that she looked the same as if she was looking in a mirror. She was seeing herself filtered through Harry and his love for her. That's amazing Harry. How did you know you could do that?

I don't know Gin. I just felt that with what we've been sharing that maybe it'd work.

Harry kissed Ginny one more time which she returned harder that he started. Both their hearts were racing when they finally broke apart. Smiling at one another the descended into the castle and made their way back to their room.

When Harry and Ginny returned to their room Harry led Ginny into the bedroom. "I think we should change into shorts so we can interlock our legs to keep our hands free. That way we can get stuff done and still remain in contact. How does that sound to you?"

Ginny smiled "That sounds good to me."

Ginny and Harry both changed into tee shirts and shorts, neither getting embarrassed. They were getting used to seeing each other nude and partially nude, plus their Bond seemed to be making them used to one another. They also decided in their quarters they would go barefoot somehow subconsciously trying to maximize the area of exposed skin.

They returned to the sitting area and both grabbed books to read. Harry propped himself on the couch sitting sideways and Ginny curled up between his legs and resting her head once more tucked into Harry's shoulder. They passed the remainder of the afternoon enjoying the closeness of their Bond-mate and the quiet solitude of their private sitting area.

Just after 5pm Donder appeared with their dinner. He set the table in the corner with the plates and silverware and produced from somewhere a beautiful candelabra holding four candles. It looked like a very romantic dinner for two.

Harry led Ginny over to the table and they sat across from one another, touching their feet and legs together so they could eat with both hands. They enjoyed a marvelous dinner of roast beef, roasted potatoes with mixed vegetables and wonderful fresh baked bread. Even by Hogwarts standards it was an excellent meal. They spoke little but their eyes kept darting to each others, the smiles danced in their eyes as much as on their lips.

Harry could feel the tension growing between him and Ginny. Ginny felt the same toward Harry. Their feelings of desire grew and grew. Ginny felt hot even clad only in a tee shirt and shorts. Harry could feel his heart racing wanting to do nothing more that take Ginny into the bedroom and explore more of her beautiful body.

Harry's eyes drifted shut for a moment and he suddenly saw himself through Ginny's eyes and he could feel her growing desire for him.

Suddenly the mood was broken by the portrait that hung by the door to the Common Room. "The Headmistress approaches with Miss Granger," it said.

Donder appeared and began to clear away the dinner dishes. "I can be bringing snacks later if Master and Mistress wishes."

Ginny smiled at the eager elf. "That would be wonderful Donder. I was wondering, could you get us Butterbeer?"

Donder smiled, "Oh yes Mistress! Donder not knowing you would like some. Donder will make sure it is available with your evening meals."

"Thank you Donder," she said with a smirk.

Harry just stared at her for a moment. "Brilliant Ginny, I'd never thought of asking for any."

Just then the portrait door opened admitting the Professor and Hermione. The Professor raised an eyebrow at Harry and Ginny's attire but said nothing. "Mr Potter, Miss Weasley, I have brought Miss Granger here so that I can explain how we are going to handle you schooling for the time being."

Ginny suddenly got a unhappy look on her face. "Excuse me Professor, since I know that Hermione is aware of the Bond I wold like to be known by my true name."

Both the Professor and Hermione looked shocked by Ginny's statement but for different reasons. Hermione because she didn't know what Ginny was referring to and the Professor because she hadn't planned on reveling the ramifications of the Bond so soon.

The Professor cleared her throat and continued "Very well Mrs Potter."

On hearing that Hermione's jaw dropped open and her eyes almost popped out of her head. "Excuse me, what was that Professor?" she asked in disbelief.

"Miss Granger, I'm sure you heard me quite clear. I said Mrs Potter. Their Bond has in effect married them. This information is not for general knowledge outside of this room. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR!" she said raising her voice for emphasis.

All three agreed though it seemed Ginny did so reluctantly. She seemed to have no problem with being referred to by her married name.

"If that is all I'll take my leave now," the Professor said as she turned to leave.

"Excuse me Professor," Harry said.

"What is it Mr Potter?" the Professor said turning back to Harry.

"I received an owl today from Gringott's requesting Ginny's and my presence for some kind meeting to discuss some financial matters. They indicated that it should be fairly soon."

"That shouldn't be a problem Mr. Potter. Would this Saturday morning be satisfactory?"

"Yes Professor, that would be great."

The Professor nodded to Harry, turned and left through the Portrait hole.

A/N: First off sorry I didn't get to the rescue mentioned in the last chapters notes, things went in a different direction for now. It will probably still take place but later on. Quick quiz, The house-elf Donder, can anyone tell me where I got the name? (No I didn't make it up.) And does anyone know what it means?