The Ties That Bind

Chapter 8: Of Love and Snakes

Harry and Ginny left the Great Hall after breakfast. Not needing to attend classes yet they decided to take a stroll. Heading off hand in hand as usual they made their way toward the Astronomy Tower to enjoy the morning sun.

Elsewhere in the castle Romilda Vane was getting her final check up before she would be released from the Hospital Wing. She had recovered a lot of the use of her hand and arm, though they were still very weak. Her left leg still bothered her some and it was causing her quite a bit of pain.

For now her right arm would remain in a sling and she would need to use a cane to assist in walking for a couple of weeks. With her stark white hair and having to use a cane Romilda thought she looked like a little old lady. She hobbled out and headed back towards the Gryffindor Common Room.

As she rounded a corner she was almost knocked down by several students that were running down the hall.

"Well what do we have here?" came a sneer.

Romilda paled as she looked at the three who were surrounding her, forcing her back against the wall. Three Slytherins blocked her way, Harper, Davies and Bletchley.

"Nice look Vane!" sneered Davies. "Guess we need a new nickname for her guys. I suggest Snowball!"

The other Slytherins laughed at Romilda's discomfort.

"Excuse me, I need to get back to class," she said as she tried to slip past the three.

"Not so fast gimp," Harper said as he snatched her cane away from her.

Romilda almost fell as she lost the support of the cane. She really regretted that she didn't have use of her right arm at the moment because she didn't have access to her wand. She began to get very afraid, wishing someone would come along to interrupt.

Bletchley bumped into her from behind pushing her into Harper who leered at her, "Trying to get friendly Vane? We can probably accommodate you if you ask nicely."

"N-no, I-I really need to g-get back to class," Romilda said almost in tears now and the three Slytherins were pressing in closer.

Davies grabbed the front of Romilda's robes, "Why don't we go into an empty classroom and have a little fun?"

"No Please," Romilda whimpered.

Davies pushed her up against the wall and started to forcefully kiss her while Bletchley whispered in her ear, "Scream and you'll regret it!"

Romilda struggled as Davies hands roamed roughly over her body. She heard the other Slytherins laughing at her struggles. She felt dirty and defiled and wished the floor would just open up and swallow her. Romilda was openly crying now and scared beyond belief.

Harper reached out and grabbed Romilda's shirt and pulled sharply. Romilda heard the tearing of cloth and felt a cool breeze across the skin on her chest."

"Oops," Harper laughed. The two other Slytherins laughed along with him.

Romilda tried to get away from the groping hands but her injured leg gave way and she fell to the floor. As she lay there someone kicked her in the side, not real hard but hard enough to cause her pain.

"Come on Snowy, Get up! Come quietly and maybe you'll even enjoy yourself," Harper taunted.

Romilda felt something hook her skirt and pulled it up exposing her knickers. "Please just leave me alone," she whimpered.

"Not likely," she heard.

"Diffindo!" and she felt her knickers drop away from her body. Sobbing uncontrollably she tried feebly to cover herself. Her right arm still in the sling hampered her efforts.

XX

Harry and Ginny rounded the corner and saw several students clustered down the hall. They heard something tear and laughter. Suddenly they saw the white hair of Romilda try to get away from the three others who were wearing Slytherin robes. She fell to the ground and they saw one of the Slytherin's kick her in the ribs.

Harry saw red, his anger boiling out of him like a volcano.

Wands Ginny, Now!

Ginny was on Harry's right so she had his right hand in his left.

Harry, will you be OK left handed?

Don't worry about me, we need to help Romilda.

Ginny glanced at Harry not feeling particularly charitable towards her but she wouldn't let the Slytherins get away with attacking a fellow Gryffindor. Ginny could feel the anger and magical energy build in Harry, not realizing that it was building just as much in her.

Ready Gin, Expulso when I say!

"Diffindo!" Harry and Ginny heard.

The three Slytherins noticed the duo coming down the hall and they stepped forward trying to block the view of Romilda laying on the floor.

"Well what have we here?" Harper said arrogantly.

"Step away from Romilda," Harry demanded.

The three Slytherins drew there wands and pointed them at Harry and Ginny.

Harper suddenly said "Stupefy"and aimed at Ginny.

"Protego!" shouted Harry and the stunning spell ricocheted off and hit the wall harmlessly.

Now! Harry yelled in their minds

Harry and Ginny both shouted "Expulso!" and the spells shot out of their wands, combining into one large beam of light and hit the Slytherins. They flew back like bowling pins hit by a ball, striking the far wall and falling in a heap.

Harry and Ginny strode forward to Romilda.

Harper tried to rise feebly, but Davies and Bletchley were out cold. Harper pointed his wand at Harry who looked at him with contempt. He raised his wand but spoke no spell, his rage spilled out and a brilliant white beam shot out hitting the tip of Harper's wand which shattered into a million little pieces.

"Incarcerous" Harry yelled out and bound the Slytherins together.

Ginny bent down and pulled Harry's pant leg up so she could place her leg in contact with his.

Romilda had pulled herself into a fetal position and was sobbing softly.

Ginny pulled her into her arms, "Shhh, Shhh, Romilda, it's OK. You're safe now."

Romilda rolled over and buried her head into Ginny and clung to her tightly. She started crying hysterically.

Ginny stroked her hair and tried her best to calm her. "Your safe now," Ginny kept repeating. Tears started to form in her eyes. She had never liked Romilda and even thought she hated her at one point but seeing her like this, her clothes ripped and her body exposed Ginny felt nothing but sympathy for her.

"Harry we need to get her some help." Ginny said. "How can we get her help, I'm not going to leave her here alone and I don't think she'll be able to walk any time soon, she's close to hysteria."

Harry thought hard, "Well I've never done it before but I can try. Expecto Patronum." Harry's Stag shot out of his wand and looked at him expectedly. "Hurry, get Madam Pomfrey."

The Stag nodded to Harry and bolted away. Harry bent down next to Ginny, being careful to keep their legs in contact. "Is she OK?" he asked softly.

Ginny looked at Harry. "I pretty sure we got here in time and she's just shaken up but if we were a little later I shudder to think what might have happened.

Hurried footsteps were heard coming up the hall. Madam Pomfrey came around the corner and took in the scene around her. She looked at the state of Romilda's clothing and her knickers laying on the floor. She looked back at the Slytherins with a cold hardness in her eyes. Quickly she sent off her Patronus to summon Professor McGonagall.

Showing remarkable strength she picked Romilda up. "Remain here for the Headmistress and tell her what these scum have done. I'm taking Miss Vane up to the Hospital Wing." Romilda clung to the matron just as tightly as she had to Ginny, still sobbing but more subdued than previously. The Matron quickly disappeared with Romilda.

Harry and Ginny sat down against the wall and held hands again.

"You OK Harry?"

Harry sighed noticeably. "I don't know Ginny. I got so angry when I saw those damn Slytherins I really wanted to hurt them bad."

"I know Harry, I felt it too and not just your emotions through the bond. They were going to rape her. As much as I dislike Romilda for what she did, no woman deserves to be treated like that."

"Ginny, the way you comforted her was exceptional given our past history with her. I'm really proud of you."

Ginny blushed at Harry's words, "Well even with our past, she is a fellow Gryffindor and a woman who was assaulted. How couldn't I?"

Harry and Ginny heard footsteps coming rapidly towards them. They stood and waited by the Slytherins who were finally coming around. They glared at Harry and Ginny demanding to be released. Professor McGonagall came striding into the corridor.

"Potter, Weasley, Madam Pomfrey tells me you saved Miss Vane from being assaulted. I can not thank you enough for all of Hogwarts, the students, staff and Governors. If these three had succeeded the blot on Hogwarts would have been immense."

Harper looked at Harry with pure hatred, "Professor, I protest. We're innocent, these two attacked us and they attacked Vane and made it look like us!"

Professor McGonagall looked at Harper like he was insane. "Really Mr Harper, and what about Miss Vanes testimony, did you forget about that?"

Harper's face went blank. "Ah well, Um, He modified her memory. Yeah that has to be it."

Professor McGonagall shook her head, "Is that the best you can do Mr. Harper? Really, I doubt any sixth year is capable of implanting memories. Maybe a really advance one could Obliviate someone. Something that even most seventh years would have problems with. May haps I'll have to get the Veritaserum and see who is telling the truth."

"You can't do that!" Harper yelled.

"If you have nothing to hide why would you object?" the Professor asked.

Harper paled and started sputtering incoherently.

The Professor nodded and turned to Harry and Ginny. "Thank you again, I'll wait here for the Aurors. Where will you two be if they need to talk to you?"

"We were headed for the Astronomy Tower Professor. We'll be there till lunch time. Then we'll be heading down to the Great Hall."

The Professor smiled at them "Harry, you'll probably be getting another Special Award for Services to the School, along with one for you Ginny. You both deserve it. You stopped a vicious attack and helped someone I know you've had problems with in the past. I'm very proud of you as Gryffindors and as Hogwart students. You exemplify the best qualities of both."

XX

Harry and Ginny finally made their way up to the Astronomy Tower and sat down on the stone floor that had been warmed by the sun. Harry leaned his back against the wall with his legs drawn up, leaving Ginny space to sit between them and lean against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and took one of her hands in his, caressing it with his thumb. His other hand he ran through her shimmering fragrant hair, relishing it''s comforting feel and aroma.

He closed his eyes and leaned back with his face full to the sun's rays. He'd always enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his face, but the added warmth of Ginny in his arms and the gentle calming feeling coming through their Bond felt like home to him.

Harry gave her a squeeze and felt her appreciation in return.

"Harry, did you notice what happened when we cast the Expulso spell?"

"You mean the way the two spells combined and blasted the damn Snakes thirty feet down the corridor?"

"Yeah! That."

Harry chuckled. "No."

"Harry! Did you notice or not? Or are you looking at my memory of what happened?"

"Ginny, you need to concentrate on the memory. Trust yourself and the Bond. I know you know the answer."

Ginny sighed and concentrated. "Okay. I can see your memory of the spell and you did notice. Prat!"

"What's up Ginny? This is so unlike you; you seemed so confident before. It feels like you're struggling a bit. Is anything wrong?"

"No, nothing's wrong."

"Then just try to relax and allow the Bond to guide you. You're safe, I promise."

Ginny turned her body perpendicular to Harry's and rested her head against his chest. " I know, Harry. I guess some of this is just being a silly fifteen-year-old girl with all the insecurities that go with it. It's worse when I get upset, and the incident with Romilda really shook me up."

"I'm not surprised. Hell, I'm a bloke and I'm shook up about that too. And you're not silly, Ginny; you're one of the most level-headed, mature girls I've ever met. Honestly, even at fifteen you're more young woman than girl."

"Thanks Harry, I guess it's that I feel your emotions clearer than your thoughts. It's a bit daunting, really."

"Ginny, please close your eyes."

"Okay..."

"Now let go of the fear and just relax. Feel my emotions and just let yourself drift over and follow them."

Harry began to gently stroke Ginny's hair, sending his sense of calm back to her through the Bond, showing her that it was nothing to be afraid of.

"Are you sure you're okay with this Bond, Harry? It doesn't leave us much privacy."

"Ginny look into my mind! I have no secrets from you now and I never will."

Ginny looked through the Bond and found Harry's total acceptance of her and their very special union. She felt his love course through and over her like a tidal wave. It felt to her like someone had opened up the spigot full on, bathing her in its cleansing stream.

"Oh!" she gasped. "That's much better, Harry. I'm not sure what just happened, but I can now feel everything so much better and clearer...and I'm not afraid."

"You never need to doubt us, Ginny, because our love will sustain us. Our love is what drove Riddle's filth out of me and freed both of us from his influence forever. Our Bond is about our love and it's our love that binds us together. Without that love, we have nothing. You are the love of my life, Gin, and even without the Bond, I would love you forever. I want no one but you, Ginny, so stop being so thick-headed like Ron, because if that's a Weasley trait, it's one that doesn't suit you."

Ginny laughed at Harry's comparison between her and Ron. She tried to act upset, but Harry saw right through it thanks to the Bond. With that signature blazing look in her eyes, Ginny reached up and kissed Harry quite passionately, and Ginny's sense of the rightness within the Bond returned with a vengeance.

Ginny snuggled into Harry's chest tighter and buried her face in his robes, inhaling deeply, relishing Harry's intoxicating scent. She once again felt enveloped in safety and security in his arms and in the Bond. Ginny's sense of contentment echoed Harry's and they spent the remainder of the morning in silence-just feeling their Bond and the contentment it brought them.

XX

Minerva McGonagall went storming up the hall towards the Hospital wing. Once she reached the doors she stopped and took a huge breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm herself.

Dealing with the Slytherins had left her boiling mad. Once the Aurors had shown up they had questioned the three one by one, never leaving the students alone. Each had given a different story about what had happened and in the end acted like true Slytherins and had each implicated one another. They were all obviously lying and trying to protect themselves. Thank Godric the Aurors had taken them away.

Only once before had anything this terrible taken place at Hogwarts, when the Chamber of Secrets had been opened and a student had died. At least this time no one had died when this despicable act that had been committed. And this time it was direct student on student violence. It was no wonder that Minerva was madder than she had ever been before in her life.

Well their expulsion from Hogwarts was the least of their worries. Minerva knew that since the rape had not been completed the charges and penalties would not be as severe as if they had actually raped Miss Vane.

Getting control of her anger she entered the Hospital Wing to check for herself Miss Vane's condition. She looked for Poppy in her office and when she didn't see her she started checking around knowing that she was here somewhere with Romilda.

Coming back out of the office she heard voices coming from the private care room next to the office, the very one Harry and Ginny had occupied not two days ago.

Minerva stepped inside the door and halted, watching Poppy tend to the frighten young woman lying in the bed. The normally stern reserved matron was tenderly running her hand through Romilda's hair and softly talking to her. Even though she couldn't hear the actual words she could hear the soothing tones that were being spoken.

Romilda was turned on her side and was curled into a small ball obviously still in great distress. It broke Minerva's heart to see her in such a state. Poppy finally noticed her standing there and after a final soft word to Romilda came over to talk to her.

"She's had a terrible shock Minnie, I think she'll eventually be OK, there is only minor physical damage but the psychological damage will be harder to assess. I've held off giving her the Dreamless Sleeping Potion for now but will probably need to if she is going to sleep at all tonight. I gave her a mild Calming Draught earlier but it seems to be wearing off now. I hesitated to give her anything stronger in case the Aurors wanted to talk to her."

"They decided that they don't need to talk to her yet, the three perpetrators started to turn on each other in true Slytherin fashion. My concern right now is for Miss Vane. She will need a lot of support in the coming days. Is it in her best interest to remain here at the school where the attack occurred?"

Poppy Pomfrey shook her head. "I don't know Minnie, this is out of the realm of standard healing. She may need special counselling to get over this incident."

Minerva shook her head, "Thank Godric the Potters arrived when they did."

Poppy looked at Minerva in shock. "Excuse me Minnie, did you say the Potters?"

Minerva McGonagall shook her head, "Damn it all!"

Poppy was doubly shocked, Minerva McGonagall, swearing! This was unheard of.

"Poppy, please come with me," Minerva said softly.

The two women went back to Poppy's office and sat down. "Age and weariness must be catching up with me. Poppy that information is not for general distribution. The fact is, one of the consequences of their Bond is that Ginny and Harry are in effect legally married."

"But Minnie, married?" Pomfrey asked. "I thought married students were not allowed at Hogwarts."

"Yes, usually they are not. But the Potters are a special case, they did not run off and get married, they didn't even know until I told them the other day. It is a manifestation of their Bond, they had no say in the matter. I feel it's more of accommodating students with a special need than anything else. And for the time being Ginny is to be referred to as Miss Weasley, though she seems quite put out with me for doing so."

"Aren't you setting a precedent with accommodating them?" asked Poppy.

Minerva chuckled, "Yeah and it's fine by me, any Bonded pair will get special treatment. Since the pair that bonded before Harry and Ginny was several hundred years ago and they didn't bond until they were in their twenties, no problem. I'm pretty sure the last recorded pair that Bonded while still of school age was at least a couple thousand years ago."

Poppy laughed along with Minerva, "Well be sure to document the exemption well so that future Headmasters and Mistresses know of the precedent that you are setting."

Poppy turned serious again. "I want you to know how impressed I am with Mrs. Pot.., I mean Miss Weasley. Even though she has reason to dislike Miss Vane she was holding her and comforting her when I arrived. She is showing a maturity well past her fifteen years. Do you think that is another symptom of the Bond?"

Minerva shook her head, "I don't know Poppy, it could be but it's hard to say if it's the Bond, her being married and assuming a more mature attitude because of it or if it's just Miss Weasley's natural state."

XX

The Gryffindor Common Room was full of angry students, the information of the attack on one of their own by three Slytherins had them bent on revenge. The only thing keeping them from storming the Slytherin Common Room was the fact that the three responsible were no longer at the school.

Hermione was beside herself with worry, as a prefect she was responsible for trying to keep everyone from making a huge mistake but was having a difficult time due to the rumours surrounding the attack.

"Please everyone, just remain calm. I'm sure that Professor McGonagall has handled everything. From what I heard the Aurors have taken the ones responsible away. Attacking or harming any of the other Slytherins will only make matters worse," she said trying to be heard over the grumbling crowd.

She really wished that Percy was at still Hogwarts as he lived for incidents like this where he could throw his pompous attitude around and boss everyone in sight. It just wasn't her way, while she believed in the rules she no longer felt compelled to make everyone, especially the older students, from toeing the line.

Someone in the back of the room yelled out, "Yeah well those damn Snakes are always doing stuff and getting away with it! How do we know that the one's responsible won't just be let go and returned home?"

Hermione sighed, "We have to trust the Ministry of Magic to uphold the law. We can't turn vigilante and take the law into our own hands. We'll be just as bad as the Slytherins if someone does something."

Slowly the crowd thinned as most went off towards the Great Hall for dinner. When almost everyone was gone Hermione sat down in a chair by the fire and breathed a sigh of relief. She wondered where Ron had gotten to as she hadn't seen him during the "gathering" just a few moments ago. She felt drained from dealing with all the angry Gryffindor's. This sure wasn't what she though she'd have to do when she heard she had been made a prefect.

She heard the portrait hole open and noticed Harry and Ginny enter the common room. She gave them a wave and was a little surprised to see them come over towards her.

"Hey Hermione, what's up?" said Ginny. "You look really tired, is anything wrong?"

Hermione shook her head sadly. "You have no idea, you two."

Harry looked at Hermione with a concerned gaze. "You going down to dinner?" he asked.

Hermione slumped deeper in her seat. "I should but I really don't feel up to it. Dealing with all the crap today due to circumstances have left me drained."

Harry rested a hand on Hermione's shoulder, "If you give me your word not to raise a fuss, you can join Ginny and me for dinner in our suite."

Hermione gave Harry a piercing look, "What do you have up your sleeve, Harry?" she asked.

"Sorry Hermione, can't tell you. Either promise to behave or go hungry if you're not going to the Great Hall," Harry replied with a bit of a grin.

Hermione's hunger reared it's head and she decided since she didn't know what Harry was talking about and she knew if Ginny was involved it couldn't be that terrible, "OK you two, dinner for three it will be and you have my word I won't raise a fuss."

Ginny smiled at her, "Good, then come on Hermione, lets go eat."

They made their way over to the portrait of Gryffindor and Harry gave the password. Once they entered Harry smiled at Hermione and spoke loudly, "Donder!"

Within seconds Hermione was surprised by a sharp crack and a house-elf appearing. "Master Harry is calling Donder? How is we be helping him?"

Shock passed over Hermione's face and Ginny knew she wanted to say something but Ginny was very surprised when Hermione showed great restraint and held her tongue.

Harry addressed Donder, "We would like dinner for three this evening Donder and for beverages we'd appreciate it if you could make it butterbeer."

Donder bowed low to Harry, Ginny and Hermione. "I is being back in ten minutes with dinner, if is OK with Master Harry."

"That's fine Donder, it will give Ginny and me time to change," Harry said.

With another crack Donder disappeared.

Ginny looked at Hermione with a smile, "Please make yourself at home, Harry and I will be right back."

Harry and Ginny went into their bedroom and changed into their chosen "home" attire of shorts and tees. They went in and washed up quickly and returned to the sitting area. They sat on the couch near Hermione who had picked one of the overstuffed chairs.

Harry smiled at Hermione who was looking at him with mixed emotions running across her face. "OK Hermione, I hate to see you suffer so. If you can do it civilly and before Donder returns I'll let you comment if you wish."

Hermione sighed resignedly, "I know that you know what I think of using the house-elves Harry and I am a bit surprised at you asking me to be part of this, but really thank you for inviting me to dinner. I've come to realize not all house-elves are abused and even though I think their lot in life needs improving I know that it's going to take time for changes to take place."

Ginny chuckled at Hermione, "I'm glad you're taking that attitude, it will make having you here easier as we plan on having Donder serve us dinner and snacks on occasion. It'd be awkward if you had a problem with that all the time."

Suddenly Donder reappeared with dinner and set the table for three. Harry and Ginny decided to sit together tonight and entwined their legs once they sat down. Hermione was surprised when they let go of their hands but Ginny quickly explained the arrangement they had come up with so they could have their hands free.

Even Hermione had to admit that the evening's meal was better than she had experienced in the Great Hall and the butterbeer was the icing on the cake. After their splendid repast they settled in by the fire and spent some time just being friends passing the evening together.

AN: Had a little trouble getting this chapter done, a big thanks to ghostchicken for her invaluable help in getting this chapter finished to the standard that I am accustomed too. She has become a good friend and I feel blessed she has entered my life and I have FanFiction to thank for that.