Part One: The Resistance of the Soul Bond
Book: The Executioner of Azkaban
Chapter: I'm So Sorry
Good luck Harry.
I don't think you've ever wished me luck before.
Not for your sake. The Weasleys combined have two galleons down on this game. Make sure you win, or else.
Or else what?
"You okay Harry?" Wood asked him nervously, "You looking a little pale all of a sudden."
"It's nothing," Harry lied, "just nerves, y'know?" Wood nodded understandingly.
"Just remember Potter, you're on a Firebolt, the fasted racing broom available. Make sure you win, or else." Wood had a determined look in his face that didn't make Harry feel very comfortable.
"Or else what?"
Harry left the changing room five minutes later, broom trailing behind him miserably.
"You alright Harry?" Fred asked.
"You're looking a little pale," George added.
"Actually, a lot of pale."
"I'm fine guys," Harry lied, "Just nervous."
"Just like your first game again?"
"Don't worry about it all."
"Just make sure you win."
"Or else."
Harry glanced between the twins nervously, aware that the two had money riding on this game.
"Or else what?"
When Madame Hooch blew the whistle, announcing the start of the game between Gryffindor and Slytherin, Harry's legs were shaking so much he barely managed to push himself off the pitch. He flew two quick laps around the pitch, trying to regain his composure. Fortunately, the freedom of flying quickly vanquished the threats still echoing within his mind.
"And it appears that Potter is beginning to scour the field for the snitch and- Is that a Firebolt?" Lee's voice echoed across the pitch, and for a moment, silence reigned.
"It is! Potter is riding a Firebolt, the world's fastest racing broom in existence. He better make sure he wins this game, or else."
"For Merlin's sake, enough with the threats!" Harry growled against the wind. The only benefit of Lee's commentary was that Malfoy was looking pretty pale himself. His previous broom advantage over Harry was not lost. Malfoy would have to win on skill along, something Harry wasn't going to allow.
The match proceeded quickly and brutally for the rest of the players, but the two seekers anxiously spent the fifteen minutes searching for even a glint of gold. Harry could hear his friends commenting on the game, Ron in particular. Their words echoed within Ginny's mind, and their comments were then delivered to Harry through the chord, with minute, unconscious changes made by Ginny's mind.
Once upon a time, it may have been distracting to have those voices within his head, but Harry was now particularly talented at zoning them out. The only word he listened attentively for was-
Hmm, someone thinks that they saw the golden snitch by the Gryffindor goal post.
Ginny wasn't talking to Harry, or purposely directing such thoughts at him. Rather, someone in the stands with her had pointed at the Gryffindor stands, and loudly announced that he saw the snitch. Ginny's mind had analyzed the man's statement, and it was that analysis that was sent to Harry.
Usually he would have ignored such thoughts, as he had trained himself to do, but the keyword had been mentioned.
Golden Snitch. Golden Snitch. Golden Snitch.
Hmm, who was it that said that? Ron's looking at… Oh! It's Macnair. What's he doing here? How strange…
Golden Snitch. Golden Snitch. Golden Snitch.
He's looking at me funnily. I wonder why, it's not like I've done anything weird. Have I done something weird? Quickly, fix your hair up, maybe that's what is wrong.
Golden Snitch. Golden Snitch. Golden Sni- Hey, there's no snitch here!
There's no snitch at the Gryffindor goalpost?
No, nothing at all. You sure that Macnair saw something.
Dunno, he won't stop staring at me.
Creepy.
Tell me about it. Oh, wait, now he's looking at you.
"What are you playing at, Potter?" Malfoy shouted angrily. He had struggled to follow Harry when he had shot off towards the goalposts. When Harry had arrived and suddenly stopped, Malfoy had struggled to avoid the tall metal rings.
Macnair just made some sort of comment to me. Very interesting, is what he said. What's interesting?
Ginny, you don't think he's realized-
No Harry, it's impossible-
But why else would he lie about seeing the snitch? He obviously saw me suddenly shoot off towards the Gryffindor goalposts for no reason.
…Except it wasn't for no reason. You heard it from me.
And you heard it from Macnair.
Who is watching both of us.
Creep.
Harry swung the broom around and went back to his searching of the field, high above the other players. Harry wasn't really paying attention to the game anymore though. He was too busy trying to figure out what Macnair was up to.
"And Malfoy has seen the snitch!" Lee's voice rang out across the pitch, snapping Harry back into consciousness.
It's behind you.
Thanks. Reverse Boom Burst?
Reverse Boom Burst!
Harry drove the Firebolt to maximum acceleration in front of him for just one moment. The next moment he had pushed his legs outwards and reversed as fast as possible. The snapping of the broom caused a whip like crack to resound outwards, and the next moment Harry was flying backwards at full speed.
He had misjudged the Firebolt's top speed however.
The wind resistance buffeted against Harry's back, and suddenly he found himself flying out of control. He was spinning and spiraling rapidly backwards, the broom tucked firmly beneath his legs but no longer obeying his movements.
He shot right past Malfoy, barely missing the Slytherin with his boots as he continued to spin around. It was sheer luck that when Harry rolled over one last time the snitch was mere centimeters from the tip of his broom. Time seemed to slow down as Harry let go of one hand from the polished broomstick handle, and with slow and precise movements, he snatched the snitch right out of the air. The next moment time sped back up, and Harry felt himself tumbling and spinning and orbiting at weird angles around his Firebolt.
Congratulations Harry, you just made me twenty-two sickles.
The next moment the crowd roared happily, the game having been decided. Malfoy looked absolutely furious, along with the rest of the Slytherins. They would have said something about the superior broomstick being unfair, but considering they all rode Nimbus 2001's, even they saw the hypocrisy in that statement.
"We won three galleons!" the twins shouted.
"Harry! Harry! Harry!" Angelina, Katie and Alicia chanted, smothering him in countless hugs.
"We won the cup," Oliver Wood shouted, clapping Harry on the back once he landed.
Harry had completely forgotten. They had been playing for the Quidditch cup.
Harry was rather disappointed when the older girls had finally stopped hugging him and ran off to get changed in preparation for the after-party. Fred and George were using their winnings to buy more than enough Butterbeer from Hogsmeade, and from their discreet mutterings, a few other illicit substances.
Stupid girls, wouldn't stop hugging him…
We won! I can't believe we won!
Shut up Harry! I'm not happy with you!
Harry just laughed, hopped on his Firebolt and flew up to the stands. Ginny was the only one left there, the rest having quickly retreated to the Gryffindor common room for the celebration. Truthfully, Ginny didn't look very happy. She had a rather violent glint in her chocolate eyes, but once she saw Harry her eyes softened.
"Want a ride with the man of the match?" Harry asked her, smiling roguishly.
"Better not let Wood hear you say that," She replied, but nonetheless crept towards the edge of the stand. Harry sat on his broomstick within arms reach of her, but she couldn't help but glance down at the ground, far, far beneath her. Students trailed out of the stands like small insects.
What, don't you trust me?
Then it was Ginny's turn to grin. Her chocolate eyes widened slightly, as they always did when she was planning something mischievous, as did the shine in her eyes. As her lips stretched outwards, the freckles on her cheeks clumped together, causing a strange, spotted blush to appear at each end of her smile. Her bright, lively hair sprawled around her face, some of it resting over her shoulders and against her chest, but most of it falling down her back.
Despite having the connection with Ginny for almost a year, Harry had never seen this particular face of hers. Not because she hadn't made it, but because he never bothered to look at her. Why would he have to, when he could just talk to her through the chord.
Her devious, mischievous face was wonderful.
"Think fast Harry!" Ginny then shouted, before suddenly putting one foot on the banister of the stands and launching herself through the air. Her arms and legs flailed widely as she yelled cheerfully, her ginger hair flying around her in all directions, and then gravity took hold of her and she started plummeting towards the ground. Then she started squealing ecstatically.
Harry was already diving down after her though. She had only fallen a quarter of the way before he deftly positioned the broomstick perfectly under her. She hit his chest with a soft thump, no harder than as if she had sat down on an armchair. Her fiery hair blew out behind her as the wind pushed her against Harry. Harry sat up straighter on the broom so that Ginny's head leant against his chest, and so that her hair was no longer in his eyes.
"What the bloody hell was that for?" Harry shouted, his eyes wide and his heart thumping out of control.
"Just proving to you that I trust you," she said smugly. Her heart was also beating rapidly, the adrenaline from her fall pumping through her body, making everything seem amazing. Harry groaned, before suddenly bursting out into laughter, causing her to follow along.
"Ginny, that was the most amazing, and beautiful thing I've ever seen," Harry said honestly. Ginny was quiet as she leant backwards into Harry's chest and let him fly her around the pitch.
It's a good thing my heart's already going crazy…
Why is that?
Nothing Harry. Just pay attention to the flying.
They flew together until dusk had finally settled, and all of the students had finally evacuated the pitch. The cold air settled around them as well, but Ginny felt warm against Harry, with him arms wrapped around either side of her, gripping the front of the broom to keep them flying.
Think we should go in soon?
I dunno, we are missing the celebration.
You I was pretty spectacular during the match.
And they can't start the party until you, the MVP arrives, right?
Mhmm… But on the other hand, this is pretty nice.
Ginny snuggled against Harry a little more, and he brought his arms a little closer together, bringing Ginny a little closer towards him.
You're right. It is pretty nice.
It wasn't until the full moon had finally peaked its radiating head out from the horizon, and a long, lone wolf howled at the sky that Harry and Ginny finally realized that they were being watched.
Who is it?
It's Macnair.
I knew it.
Then why'd you ask?
Harry quickly brought the Firebolt to the ground, in the centre of the pitch. He suddenly didn't like the way Macnair was watching them. Ginny agreed with him completely.
"But you don't think he actually knows about it, do you?" Ginny asked anxiously. Harry could tell exactly what 'it' meant through the chord.
"Just because no one else knows about our chord, doesn't mean he doesn't," Harry muttered.
Do you have my cloak?
Of course, we were planning on using it later to study.
Good, put it on.
Why?
We're going to confront him.
To be exact, Harry was going to confront Macnair. He would walk over, and blatantly ask what Macnair was doing. Harry didn't know what would happen, and he didn't want Ginny to get involved in the process. Harry would be on the Firebolt as he talked to Macnair, and would be able to speed away at a moments notice. Ginny would be even safer under the cloak though.
Harry didn't purposefully communication any of this to Ginny, but nonetheless, she could feel his exact intentions.
You're a prat Harry. I'm not going to just leave you alone if Macnair goes crazy.
Just stay under the cloak, all right?
Fine, but one strange move and I'm hexing him so badly he won't be able to teach next year.
Ah, the infamous cursed Defence Against the Dark Art's position, is it?
Don't try and hold me back Harry!
Ginny disappeared under his invisibility cloak, but he could still hear her soft giggling.
Together, Harry floating on his broom, Ginny under the cloak, they made their way out of the Quidditch pitch. The moment they left they could see Macnair standing alone on the grounds. They could feel his gaze settling upon them.
"Ah, Potter, what are you doing out here," Macnair said cheerfully, smiling at them. It was too dark to see properly, but Harry could still imagine that single tooth missing from the man's otherwise perfect smile.
"Just heading back to the common room," Harry replied. He let his feet touch the ground, but the Firebolt remained between his legs, humming with explosive energy.
"I see. That red-head wouldn't happen to be with you, would she?" Macnair asked casually, but Harry felt himself stiffen under Macnair's gaze.
"No, she's not with me," Harry lied.
"Not physically then eh? What about mentally then? Do you mind telling her to come over then, I have some news for the two of you," Macnair said, ever so calmly, as if he were announcing the status of the weather.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Harry lied again.
"Then tell me, why did you fly towards the Gryffindor goalposts so suddenly that game," Mancair quizzed, his voice cheerful again. "And how come Ginny, I know that that you're listening girl, knew about the Dementors attacking you in Hogsmeade before I even knew? How come you passed out Ginny, with Dementor based symptoms, but there were no Dementors around us?"
Macnair talked about Ginny as if he were directly talking to her, even though Harry was the only in sight. Harry could feel Ginny's unease; an ominous hum throughout the chord.
"What do you want with us?" Harry asked angrily.
"Ah, so you're both listening now, are you?" Macnair said happily, "Excellent. I've had my doubts about the two of you for a while now, but it seems I was finally right."
"Again, what do you want with us?"
"I just want to help. Axe knows, I've helped a couple like you two before."
"Help? Help how?" Harry asked suspiciously.
"Why, another soul bonded couple like you two. I removed the soul bond for them. It's quite a simple process really. All it takes is a little slice, just cut the bond in half, and it disappears."
"Really?"
"I swear on my axe," Mancair said honestly, drawing the weapon out from behind him. Harry leapt backwards, eyeing the weapon warily. He could feel that Ginny had drawn her wand, and had it pointed at Macnair.
Do you think he could really help us?
…Maybe Harry.
You don't sound very enthusiastic.
Well, I just don't trust him that much.
Why not, he saved our lives once with the Dementors.
He used to be a Death Eater Harry.
You heard his story. It's not really his fault. He can't help…
Can't help murdering people? Yeah, that's not his fault at all!
Ginny, don't get angry at me, I'm just thinking-
Angry? Angry! I'm not angry Harry James Potter, but if you don't get a hold of yourself soon then I will be!
"Listen, I can tell you're scared. Probably a little unsure. That's fine. You two just think about it, and if you decide that you're sick of that silly bond between you, you come find me. Deal?"
Well Ginny?
I don't like it.
We don't have to say yes. We can think about it and say no.
…
We've been looking for something exactly like this! A way to remove this soul bond! Don't you want to take it?
…Fine, see if I care.
"Deal," Harry agreed. Macnair held out his hand, but Harry refused it, still wary of the axe in the man's other hand.
"Well, you know where to find me and my axe if you're interested," Macnair said happily, and marched off into the darkness.
Harry and Ginny made their way to the castle, Harry excited, Ginny grumpy, when then encountered Hagrid. He was patrolling the grounds, looking around frantically and seeming quite nervous.
"All right there, Hagrid?" Harry asked.
"Er, not really," Hagrid admitted, glancing around him. "Yeh haven't seen Meepy around 'ave yeh?"
"Meepy?"
"Yeh remember 'im righ'? From our firs' lesson of the year," Hagrid explained.
"Oh, right, that sheep. No, I haven't," Harry admitted.
"Tha's no good," Hagrid muttered. "Actually, tha's probably a good thing. Wouldn't wan' yeh getting hurt by him after all."
"I'll leave you to it then?"
"Yeah, leave me to it Harry. Yeh should go and celebrate the game with yer house. Yeh did a thumpin' good job out there Harry."
"Thanks Hagrid," Harry said before they parted ways. Harry had completely forgotten about the Quidditch cup. It all seemed a little insignificant now. Ginny was still hidden under the cloak beside Harry, but he could hear her angry little footsteps as she stamped away. Once they were indoors she pulled off the cloak, threw it at Harry and stormed off.
Keep it together. Keep it together, don't cry, don't do it.
What's her problem?
Don't listen to him. Keep it together, you can do it.
Ginny entered the common room before Harry did, and even though she went straight to her dorm, Harry could sense that the celebration party was in full swing. When he climbed past the fat lady a minute later his assumptions were confirmed. Music played loudly through some cardboard boxes that Percy had charmed to amplify the wizarding wireless. Students gathered around a long table full of a large array of snacks and sweets, courtesy of Fred and George. The twins also had three crates of Butterbeer that they were carefully rationing out.
Ron and Hermione greeted Harry and congratulated him. Ron wouldn't stop talking about the game, while Hermione quickly disappeared over to her desk to study as soon as she had said her congratulations. Once the common room realized that Harry was there, they all raised their glasses of Butterbeer for him, while Fred and George picked him up and carried him around on their shoulders.
"We got Potter! We got Potter!" They chanted, lifting him above the various fans who wanted to congratulate Harry, but the twins wouldn't let them. Angelina, Katie and Alicia all wanted to get a photo with Harry, and they got Colin to take several photos. Fred and George somehow managed to appear in the background of all of them. The girls complained that they had ruined the photos, but the twins proclaimed that their comedic presence only enhanced the quality.
"Especially," Fred said loudly, "This one."
George held the photo up so all could see. Fred had chicken feathers sprouting all across his body, clinging to his robes. George was levitating Oliver Wood upside down, who in response was emptying his Butterbeer bottle over George. Katie and Alicia were hugging each other, while Angelina was kissing Harry on the cheek. Harry's ears were blisteringly red in the photo, but he couldn't help but keep a large smile on his face. All around the girls and Harry was a downpour of chicken feathers, courtesy of Fred.
The photo was enlarged several times, duplicated with a neat charm, and hung around the room. Below each picture were several, flashing bright words.
The Best Quidditch Team Ever!
It was a spectacular night. One of the most enjoyable nights Harry could remember in his life, but the whole time his mind was distracted.
Bloody idiot. Doesn't understand anything at all. It's because he's a boy. I hate boys. They're so stupid.
For the most part, Harry ignored her. It wasn't easy though, and as the night drew on, and more and more people departed for their beds, he begun to feel guilty. He sat alone on the sofa in front of the fire, waiting. He wasn't sure what he was waiting for, but eventually he was the last person in the large, empty common room.
Ginny was still awake.
Harry, can we talk now?
Sure, you can come down to the common room. It's empty now.
I know. You just thought about it.
Right.
Moments later Ginny peeked her head around the banister of the girl's staircase. She scanned the room for anyone else, as if she didn't believe it was empty until she saw it with her own eyes.
I can't help it you know. Just because I hear your thoughts doesn't mean they have to be true.
I suppose you're right.
Harry patted the space beside him on the sofa, but Ginny refused the spot, instead choosing to drag an armchair in front of the sofa, so that she was directly facing Harry. She sunk into it and Harry looked at her properly. Her eyes were red, and her cheeks looked raw. It seemed that she'd been crying.
Very observant.
"Listen Ginny, I don't quite understand why you're so…"
"Angry? Miserable? An emotional wreck?" Harry nodded his head at each term.
"You weren't meant to agree with me, you know," Ginny reprimanded lightly.
"Why not?" Harry asked, a little confused.
"It's just what guys are meant to do."
They were silent as they stared at each other. Harry was highly aware of Ginny's thoughts as she stared at him. She thought that his green eyes were brilliantly more fascinating than any emerald could ever be. She loved his messy hair, that wasn't quite black, but raven. She loved how it was messy, because it meant every time she saw it, it was different. She was jealous of his eyelashes, which were more impressive than her own.
And he doesn't even look after them!
Harry was overly conscious of all of her thoughts, and in response, Ginny was highly aware that her gazing was making Harry nervous, but she found that she couldn't draw her eyes away. Not right now.
"What's up Ginny?" Harry finally asked. "What's on your mind?"
She fidgeted with front of her shirt as she suddenly avoided his eyes. It didn't help much to hide her thoughts though. Realizing that, she turned back to stare at Harry. She looked into those wonderful green eyes, as Harry stared into her warm, chocolate eyes, which were staring into his green eyes, which were staring into her brown eyes…
The cycle would have continued forever, until the colours blended together, as their thoughts merged with each other, distorting what actually was, with what was happening between them.
"Harry, do you think you can let me speak for two minutes without interrupting," Ginny asked carefully.
"Er, sure," Harry agreed.
"And you won't run away either. You'll just... listen to me? For two minutes?"
What is going on?
Please!
"Alright, I promise," Harry said seriously. He then watched curiously as Ginny pulled a small notebook out from behind her back. It was white, and had lots of little flowers over the cover. Ginny held it protectively towards her, but carefully opened it up and began reading.
"Dear Diary, Harry was an idiot today. He taunted my entire family with thing little white and flowery diary. I hadn't laughed that hard since before I started Hogwarts. Thank you Harry, not just for this diary, but for making me smile. I think I still love you."
"Wait, Ginny, you don't have to-"
I was promised two minutes, was I not?
…Right. Continue.
"Dear Diary, today I missed the Hogwarts Express. Harry came to save me though. I spent six whole hours riding on the back of a broomstick with him. Dementors attacked halfway through, and I was terrified, but Harry saved me. I fell of a broom, and he caught and saved me. Thank you for saving my life Harry. I think I still love you."
"It was nothing," Harry muttered, embarrassed.
"Dear Diary, Harry shared one of his most important treasures with me today; his fathers invisibility cloak. I feel like we finally trust each other, just a little. He even made doing homework in the library fun. Thank you for helping me do all my homework Harry, even when I fell asleep and you finished it off for me. I think I still love you."
"Ginny-"
"Dear Diary, Harry called me a sleeping beauty this morning. I'm writing this as Oliver is drilling him with a new technique. I know that Harry didn't really mean that compliment, but it's the first compliment he's ever given me. You made me feel really beautiful today Harry. I think I still love you."
Sleeping Beauty is actually a Muggle-
"Dear Diary, Harry gave me my first hug. Dementors were attacking him, so of course it was me that passed out through the bloody chord. But when I woke up, he was there for me. I'm pretty sure I cried non-stop, which is really embarrassing, but he just hugged me. Thank you for being there for me Harry. I think I still love you."
"It's been two minutes Ginny-"
"Dear Diary, Harry bought me a Christmas present. Not only that, but he confounded himself so I wouldn't even know that he bought it. He looked as surprised as I was by the present. It was really cute. I can't believe you put so much effort into a simple present for me Harry. I think I still love you."
"Ginny, I get it, you can stop now-"
"Dear Diary, Harry and I attacked Malfoy and his gang today. Sure, it probably wasn't the nicest thing to do, but it was Malfoy. I felt really amazing though, not because I was hexing someone, but because Harry and I were working together. He said we were a really good team, and I was really happy he thought so. I never want to be split up from you Harry. I think I still love you."
Ginny slowly closed the diary. Her face was flaming red, worse than a tomato. The flush spread all the way to the tips of her ears, and crept down her neck. Despite that, she continued to stare at Harry with her honest, brown eyes.
"Everything I just read," she said softly, "was everything I never wanted you to hear. It was everything I kept a secret from you, despite the chord between us. I spent every day purposely not thinking about my diary, so you wouldn't know about any of it."
"Then… why did you tell me?" Harry asked, confused. "We could have removed the soul bond tonight, and be free from each other. You could have kept your secrets forever. Why tell me now?"
"Because I want you to know," Ginny replied, her voice powerful, "I want you to know that I don't mind if I can't keep any secrets from you. I don't care if you know my deepest wishes and thoughts. I don't care how intrusive our chord is."
"Ginny, what are you trying to say?"
"I don't want to give up what we have. I don't want to give on you, or the chord that binds us together," Ginny admitted.
"Harry James Potter, I think I still love you, and I don't want to lose you."
Harry stared at her in shock. He could tell that she meant it, even if the chord hadn't connected them. Her face was scrunched up in honesty, and pure emotion bled out of her words.
"I-" Harry stammered, trying to say something comprehendible, "I- I've gotta go," He shouted, picking himself up off the sofa. He ran out of the common room, pushing the fat lady out of the way and running as far away as he could.
"What the hell!" Harry shouted angrily. His voice echoed throughout the cold, torch lit corridors. The full moon peaked out of one of the windows, and the silence of the night reminded Harry that he was out after curfew.
I'm so sorry Harry.
I thought you wanted to get rid of it! I thought that was why we were researching about the soul bond!
At first I wanted to get rid of it, but now…
Now you don't want to.
I'm so sorry…
Harry stormed through the castle, furious at Ginny, furious at himself, furious at the soul bond, furious at the world in general. He found himself at the entrance hall, and pushed the large, wooden doors open a fraction and slid himself through so that he was outside.
I'm so sorry Harry.
Just leave me alone!
The cold wind whipped at Harry's exposed flesh on his arms, but he ignored it. It wasn't enough to distract him from the tumultuous thoughts in his mind. He didn't know what to do. What was he supposed to do?
I'm so sorry…
Harry could still feel Ginny's presence in his mind, even though she tried to draw herself as far away as possible. She was walking aimlessly around the common room. Now she was sitting down at the desk Hermione had been studying at. There were books piled up that refused to interest Ginny. Notes were strewn around the table in neat handwriting, but the notes themselves made no sense to Ginny. There was a newspaper clipping tucked inside a History of Magic textbook. She was pulling it out, reading it because she didn't know what else to do.
"What the Axe are you doing out here at this time of night?" A voice called, and Harry knew it was Macnair before he even turned around. "Don't tell me you've already made up your mind?"
Had he? Had Harry already made up his mind? He knew what he wanted to do. He knew that it was exactly what Ginny didn't want to do. Did he care though?
"Yeah, I've made up my mind," Harry replied. Slow tears were forming in Ginny's eyes as she struggled to read the newspaper clipping. The paper was yellow in age, and crumpled noisily in Ginny's hands as her body shook.
On September 5th, 1982, Thomas and George Walter were murdered within their household… what is Hermione doing with this?
"So, what so you want to do, laddie?" Macnair said cheerfully. He didn't care any more that Harry was out late.
She's put little notes down the side of it… Bad Vibrations? Was she trying to help Harry find the meaning of those words even with all the homework she was going?
"I want to get rid of the soul bond," Harry said clearly, no hesitation in his voice.
"Are you sure laddie? Where's the red head?" Macnair asked, but he drew his axe nonetheless.
It was a horrible massacre. Aurors stated that blood spattered the room. In large, blood seeping letters, the words 'Bad Vibrations' marked the walls of the house… Hermione's circled that sentence…
"…She's fine, can you do it just with me here?" Harry asked.
"… I guess I can. Just sit down for me laddie."
"Sit down where? On the ground?"
"Hmm, here," Macnair pulled out his wand, and with a flick, a rough, wooden chair appeared. Harry sat down upon it, staring up at Macnair.
Aurors investigated the scene for many hours, but were unable to find any leads unto the culprit. Thomas and George Walter lived a very secluded life. After having announced that the two were soul bonded, they practically went into hiding to avoid reporters.
"Now, just close your eyes for me," Macnair ordered, and Harry closed his eyes. Did he want to do this? He could tell that Ginny was trying to distract herself with some article she had found, but even so, he could still tell that she was crying. She didn't want this to happen.
Harry's eyes were now closed, and he images were flashing through his mind. He was laughing with her on a broomstick as she taught him new flying techniques. The two of them were angry with everyone, because it was her certain day of the month. The two laughing later on in the library, hidden beneath the cloak, the smell of her perfume a constant and familiar presence.
Aurors only found one piece of evidence within the building… I'm so sorry Harry…
Harry remembered Ginny, with her brilliant fiery hair and her passionate, gleaming eyes as she launched herself off of the Quidditch stands. The drop was over a hundred feet, and if she hit the ground she would have died instantly. There was no fear in her eyes though, no fear in her voice. Just joyful, ecstatic laughter, and trust within her warm, chocolate eyes. There was no doubt in her mind that Harry wouldn't catch her. Harry obviously had no choice either. He couldn't just let her fall. He couldn't live without her after all.
Although unable to continue the investigation, Aurors found a single tooth at the scene of the crime.
Harry couldn't live without her. He couldn't live without Ginny. He didn't know if he loved her, but he couldn't live without her. He pulled open his eyes, and stared upwards at Macnair. The man looked like he always did. Tall and forbidding, a threatening axe held in his hands, but offset by the cheerful smile he always wore. Other than the single missing tooth, it was a perfect smile.
"No, wait, stop, I don't want to do this," Harry shouted at Macnair suddenly. He wasn't sure what he wanted exactly, but whatever it was, he wanted it with Ginny.
…Aurors found a single tooth at the scene of the crime… A single tooth…
Macnair just continued to smile, one tooth missing, as he raised the axe above his head. The steel glinted in the moonlight, illuminating Harry's demise.
I'm so sorry Ginny.
And then the axe fell.
...And then a herd of angry readers attacked Council for leaving such an ending.
Reviews make a happy ending :)
Cheers
-Council
