A/N: Word of warning, this chapter is mostly filler and fluff, but this first section and the next to last are important for things to come.
Chapter 10: The Trouble with Secrets
Harry and Ginny sat in Dumbledore's office with Snape, waiting for the headmaster to return from his personal library. Harry sat between Snape and Ginny, scowling and glaring at the so-called professor the whole time. As Harry saw things, Snape could ridicule and belittle him all he wanted, he was used to it. But when the greasy git started doing that to Ginny, that's where Harry drew the line. He was not happy with the man, and he didn't care if Snape knew it or not. As Dumbledore reentered his office he frowned at the three occupants. This was not going to be pleasant, no matter what the issue was, and Dumbledore knew Harry's trust in him was starting to wane. This would make it more so, he was afraid.
"Headmaster, I want these two ingrates expelled!" Snape said before Dumbledore could even ask what the situation was.
"Now, Severus, what seems to be the problem?" Dumbledore asked tiredly.
"The problem, Headmaster, is the fact Mr. Potter cracked three cauldrons because he has no control over his emotions, just like his father!" Snape spat. Dumbledore raised an eyebrow. He knew there was more to it. He looked at Harry and Ginny who were seething at the Potions Master's words.
"Explain, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said with a sigh.
"He made three rude and untrue comments about Ginny in class, and I have had enough of him belittling students and being a greasy haired git of a bully to everyone that is not Slytherin!" Harry said. Dumbledore sighed and frowned as his eyes flicked to Snape for a few seconds.
"Ms. Weasley, explain."
"He called me an underaged know-it-all, pretending to get good enough grades to pass even first year," Ginny spat. "And that was just the start!" Dumbledore sighed again, knowing this was going to get worse. And with him being on probation, one letter to someone on or close to the Governors, everything could blow up in his face. He had made too many mistakes.
"Anything else you would like to add?" Dumbledore asked Harry and Ginny.
"Yes!" Ginny growled. "He said that it was a wonder a poor Weasley like me could attract the attention of any boy, much less Harry. And given that, I had to be made of the same ilk as Black!"
"I see," Dumbledore frowned more at Snape. "Mr. Potter, was this little tirade by Professor Snape the reason you lost control of your temper?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said without hesitation.
"I see," Dumbledore said his frown growing as he looked again at Snape, who was looking paler than usual. "You may go, Mr. Potter, Ms. Weasley. You will not receive any detentions or loss of points for this incident. I caution you, however, to try and remain calm from now on."
"Thank you, sir," they said as they wasted no time leaving the office.
"So that's it? They skate out of trouble and I am put in…"
"Enough, Severus," Dumbledore said with a raised voice. Snape sat back looking surprised. "Harry is not James. Leave them alone, you are playing with more fire than you know. If Sirius Black so chose, he would have a seat on the Board of Governors, and you, my friend, acting like that, would be out of a job. Not to mention, Ms. Weasley's father is the Head of the DMLE now. Amelia Bones won't tolerate such behavior, from anyone. I also advise against angering Mr. Potter. That small demonstration in your class is nothing of what he is singularly capable of."
"But, Albus…" Snape started.
"For your own good, Severus, stop while you are ahead," Dumbledore said sternly. "It would not do you any good to continue."
"You act like they are more than simpering, love sick teenagers," Snape said shrewdly.
"I cannot confirm or deny that. It is not in my hands to discuss it with you," Dumbledore said evasively. "Now, drop this feud, stop antagonizing the boy, and or Ms. Weasley, or I cannot protect you from anything that follows."
"Yes, Headmaster," Snape ground out.
Harry sat in his dorm room late at night two weeks before Valentine's Day. He wanted to do something extra special for Ginny this year for her being his rock and keeping him grounded. If it was not for her, Harry would be brooding over the fact the Aurors had still not caught Pettigrew, Malfoy, and Nott. He would have probably hurt Snape seriously, more than once, for just being rude. Snape had backed off, but he was still being a git. Then inspiration struck Harry.
"Dobby," he called quietly.
"Yes, Harry sir" Dobby whispered with a wide smile on his face. Harry rarely called Dobby, but when he did, Dobby always came through with great "service", as Dobby called it.
"Dobby, I need a candlelit dinner for two, just me and Ginny. Somewhere here in the castle no one will be able to interrupt us," Harry told his elf.
"Dobby knows just the place, Harry sir!" Dobby smiled broadly. "We elves call it the Come and Go Room, but wizards and witches call it the Room of Requirement. It be on the seventh floor. Dobby will get Harry sir all the details."
"Brilliant!" Harry said. "We have about two weeks to set this up so it's perfect."
"Lover's Day dinner for Ms. Ginny?" Dobby asked.
"Yes," Harry confirmed.
"May Dobby enlist help of a couple of elves from the kitchens, Harry sir? To make it extra special for Harry sir's Ms. Ginny," Dobby asked.
"Of course, Dobby. That would be great! I would like dinner, maybe some light music, and oh, maybe a sunset background," Harry said.
"Dobby will have it ready. Dobby will get you the details by tomorrow."
"Oh, and Dobby, not a word to anyone but me and those elves you get to help. Bring me the details here," Harry said indicating his bed.
"Yes, sir. Dobby understands," Dobby nodded.
"Good. Off you go," Harry smiled. Dobby bowed and disappeared.
Harry and Ron entered their dorm room after returning from Hogsmeade to drop off their sweets and other items they had bought that day with the girls and Neville. They had each split off to have time alone with the girls, Ron reluctantly. He had grumped the whole day about it. Harry started gathering his shower things as Ron and Neville were about to leave.
"Aren't you coming to dinner?" Ron asked looking confused.
"Nope. Ginny and I have plans," Harry said as he walked for the shower.
"Plans? You just spent the whole day in Hogsmeade together," Ron frowned.
"Let it go, Ron," Harry warned.
"Come on, Ron. We need to meet Hermione and Luna in the Common Room," Neville said pulling Ron out of the dorm. Harry gave Neville a grateful nod as they went out the door.
After a quick shower and changing into a pair of slacks and a nice button-down shirt, Harry went down to wait for Ginny. He didn't have to wait long. Ginny came down the stairs in an elegant black evening gown he had purchased for her that afternoon. She had tried to argue about it, but when he told her they had plans and she would want to dress nicely for it she had relented out of sheer curiosity. Harry had only told her that they were dining alone but not where.
Ginny smiled as she saw Harry. He hugged her, then placed a kiss on her cheek. "You look fabulous," he whispered in her ear, making her shiver. He pulled back, offering his arm. "Shall we?"
"Lead on, my handsome man," Ginny smiled, taking his arm.
Harry led her up to the seventh floor between a tapestry and a blank wall. He told her to wait for a moment, then started pacing and muttering. Ginny looked at Harry confused until a door appeared on the blank wall. She was astonished, but Harry only smiled and offered his arm again. He opened the door for her and she stepped into an impossible room.
The door led to a balcony where a small table set for two was waiting. The balcony overlooked the ocean at sunset. There were white marble Greek style pillars around with hanging plants and flowers on top of them. Ginny looked at Harry with her mouth agape. She wanted to ask questions but could not form the words. Harry smiled and led her over to the table.
After sitting down, Ginny recovered enough to speak. "Harry, where are we?"
"It's called the Room of Requirement. And tonight, I required a room for a romantic candlelit dinner for two. Just us, no one else," Harry said taking her hand. "Well, us and our waiter for the evening, Dobby." The little house elf popped in with menus in his hands, and a small towel draped over his arm. Ginny smiled that wonderful, happy smile that made her eyes sparkle, and Harry knew this was the best idea he had ever had.
After they were done eating and chatting, music began playing out of nowhere. Harry offered his hand, standing. "May I have this dance?"
"But of course," Ginny replied.
They danced for what seemed like hours, holding each other close. They looked in each other's eyes, smiled, and kissed gently repeatedly, not talked, just enjoying each other. After about two hours Harry looked at Ginny again but this time he had a nervous smile.
"What is it, love?" Ginny asked, kindly.
"I want to tell you something, but I don't want you to freak out or tell me you're not ready to hear this," Harry said nervously.
"Just say it, love," Ginny encouraged him.
"I've known for a while now, but just now felt it the right time to say it," Harry stated cryptically. "You are my everything. You give me strength, purpose, meaning in my life." He looked at Ginny. She had tears welling in her eyes. "I could not have gotten through the last couple of years without you." He paused to take a deep breath. "What I'm trying to say is, Ginevra Molly Weasley, I. Love. You."
"Oh, Harry!" Ginny said, kissing him deeply and passionately. When she finally pulled back they were panting for air. She swallowed hard, before looking him in the eye. "I love you, too, Harry James Potter!" Harry smiled, pulling her into another searing kiss.
"Where are they?" Ron fumed. Hermione sighed as she shook her head. Neville and Luna exchanged a look as Ron resumed pacing. It was three minutes until curfew and Harry and Ginny had not been seen since before dinner. Just as the clock struck curfew, the two walked in the portrait hole. "Where have you been? And just were you doing to my sister, Potter?"
"Let me handle him this time, Gin?" Harry asked. Ginny nodded. Harry let Ginny go, and walked up to Ron to stand just three inches from the red head's face.
"Well?" Ron asked, still angry.
"Where we were is our business. What we were or were not doing is also our business, not yours! You may be my best mate. You may be Ginny's brother. But you have no right demanding details of our date! Next time, keep your temper in check. Because next time one of us or both of us will hex you, while holding hands. Am. I. Clear?" Harry asked menacingly.
"But you had two dates today!" Ron huffed.
"And?" Ginny shot at Ron. "What I do or don't do with my soul-mate is my business, Ron! Stop being an over-protective git!"
"Not another word," Harry said icily. He pointedly held out his hand for Ginny. She came over and took it. Then sent Ron one last warning glare and went over to the corner. Harry glared at Ron as he deliberately pulled Ginny onto his lap. She snuggled into Harry, then looked up at him. Harry purposely kissed Ginny quite passionately. Ron growled.
Hermione swatted him on the back of the head. "Enough, Ronald! You are her brother, not her keeper! She is her own person! And they are soul-mates! Get over it, already!" she shouted at him. Hermione's tirade had left the Common Room in silence. Ron looked at her dumbfounded. Luna was fighting a smile at how ridiculous Ron looked with his mouth moving but nothing coming out. Fred and George stood up and broke the silence by clapping. The rest of the Common Room quickly joined in. Ron looked around, seeing he had no support for his opinion, he turned on his heel and went to his dorm.
The day of the Gryffindor verses Hufflepuff match dawned clear but cold. Wood had been practice crazy since the Slytherin match. Hufflepuff may have been in last place but they were no push-overs this term. Their captain Cedric Diggory was a good Seeker. They had good Chasers, but their Beaters and Keeper were mediocre at best. Still they had managed to beat Slytherin, but it was close. The reason they were in last place was they were obliterated by Ravenclaw by three hundred points.
Harry looked over at Diggory as they flew close. Diggory smiled.
"How are you, Potter?" he asked with a smile.
"Not bad, Diggory. Yourself?" Harry asked in return.
"Can't complain. I love flying and well…here we are," Diggory chuckled. Harry was about to respond when he caught sight of the Snitch directly below them.
"Well, good match. See you around," Harry said as he pointed his broom straight down. Cedric Diggory cursed like he had never cursed before and tried to follow Harry.
The wind was whipping Harry's hair straight back. He was flying very fast, and the ground was approaching rapidly. About two feet from the Snitch, Harry reached out and grabbed the little golden ball. He pulled hard on the front of his broom trying to avoid a hard landing and a trip to the hospital wing. Harry managed to pull up just in time to skim his toes across the grass. He slowed and raised his arm with the Snitch firmly in his grip. The stands were going wild with their cheers.
"Spiffy catch there, Harry," Fred said slapping his back.
"Bloody brilliant, more like," George said as he joined Fred slapping Harry's back.
"Thanks, guys," Harry smiled. Suddenly, his smile slid off his face. "Oh, no!"
"What is it, Harry?" George asked confused.
"Something wrong?" Fred asked concerned.
Harry gulped. "Ginny," Harry said weakly. The twins looked over Harry's shoulder and paled. They glanced at each other and nodded.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER!" Ginny yelled. The twins gulped and remounted their brooms.
"Uh…We'll catch up with you later, Harry," Fred said.
"We…uh…need to shower," George said as they both flew off.
Harry turned and gulped again as he saw the angry vestige of his soul-mate stalking furiously toward him. He swallowed the large lump in his throat as she got closer. Without warning she slapped his chest hard.
"DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT TO ME AGAIN!" Ginny yelled angrily at him. Suddenly, she burst into tears, hugging him tightly. "You scared me to death just then," she sobbed into his chest. Harry wrapped his arms tightly around her, holding her closer.
"I'm sorry," Harry said, stroking her hair. He felt her fear overtake the thrill he had given himself with that dive. "I was so caught up in the moment I didn't think."
"Just try to give me a little warning next time," Ginny said with a stern look.
"I'll try to, love," Harry said. He glanced around, something was missing. "Where's the others?"
Ginny snickered. "Ron and Hermione are bickering over Cedric being 'cute' as Hermione put it." Harry chuckled. "Neville and Luna are watching them so they don't kill each other."
Harry and Ginny walked back to the Gryffindor stands. They stopped beside Neville and Luna and watched with an almost morbid fascination as Ron and Hermione bickered.
"All I said was he was 'cute', you dunderhead! It's not like I want to date him," huffed Hermione. "For that matter, why would you care? It's not like we're soul-mates or you're my boyfriend!"
"I care 'cause I'm your friend! He's too old for you to be looking at that way, Hermione!" Ron fumed.
"Too old?! He's only three years ahead of us in school, Ron! And it is because of where his birthday falls! And as far as that goes, Ronald, he is only a year and a half older then I am!" Hermione said looking scandalized.
"This is getting ridiculous," Neville said quietly.
"Without a doubt," frowned Luna.
"Broom cupboard or let them kill each other in public," Harry said as if weighing their options.
"I'd be afraid of the mess they would leave in the broom cupboard. Filch would go spare," Ginny said with a straight face.
They all looked at her for a moment, before they burst into laughter. Ron and Hermione stopped shouting at each other when they heard the laughter and looked at their four friends.
"Did we miss something?" Ron asked confused. Hermione grunted as she shook her head and started walking back to the castle.
April brought the Quidditch Cup Final. Gryffindor, who was undefeated, again, against Ravenclaw, whose only loss was to Gryffindor. Ravenclaw, after destroying Hufflepuff, they had run over Slytherin, beating them by one hundred and fifty points. Harry sat on his broom looking over the field. He watched the action a little, but was always on the lookout for the Snitch.
"Hiya, Harry," Cho said as she flew up to him.
"Cho," Harry said as he continued to look for the Snitch, and pointedly not looking at her. He could feel Ginny take on a jealous anger, and he was not going to have that directed at him.
"You know there's a Hogsmeade visit coming up?" Cho asked in a hopeful tone.
"So?" Harry sighed. He didn't like where this was going.
"I would like to go with you," Cho said as if it were obvious. Harry chuckled.
"So, that's what this is about," Harry looked up and shook his head. He then saw the Snitch over her shoulder on the other side of the pitch. "Sorry, I only like redheads. And if you haven't noticed, I have one already."
Harry shot passed her. Cho looked confused for a moment, then realized he was after the Snitch. Cho growled in anger and frustration. Harry was half way to the Snitch and she had no chance of catching it or Harry on his Firebolt.
For the next week it was dangerous for anyone to cross paths with Cho Chang. In a fit of rage, she had yelled at a poor second year who had bumped into her. After that most people just turned around or took the long way to class to avoid her.
Harry tossed that morning's paper away in frustrated disgust. He hadn't had time to read it that morning, but now that he was taking a break from studying for the end of term exams, he had borrowed Hermione's copy. Ginny had gone up to her dorm to drop her books off and use the loo, so he had read the paper while he waited. He almost wished he hadn't.
Malfoy had been seen in Milan two days ago, but the Italian Aurors hadn't responded in time to catch him. He had gotten away again, and left no trail, or clue, as to where he had been or was going. Harry growled and pulled his hair. It was the end of May, and the three escapees had been on the run and able to evade capture for almost nine months now. Harry's faith in adults to get the job done was waning very quickly.
"Not good news?" Ginny asked as she sat down next to him and started rubbing his back.
"No," Harry grumped. "Someone saw Malfoy in Milan, but the Italian Aurors didn't get there in time to catch the arsehole."
"Bet that's why Draco was so jumpy today," Ginny chuckled. Harry turned and frowned at her. "Harry, love, listen to me. With Sirius around there hasn't been any other messages on the walls, or any sightings anywhere near here. They will make a mistake, eventually, and get caught. Just have patience."
"I'm trying, love, I really am," Harry said as he slumped back on the sofa. Ginny crawled into his lap a moment later. "Gin, how can you be so calm?"
"Because you're worried enough for both of us," Ginny said placing a soft kiss on his lips. "Now, I know something that will take your mind off of them for a little while," she smiled mischievously.
"Oh, what's that?" Harry asked lightly.
"This," Ginny answered before kissing him soundly. They stayed like that for a long while, no one in the Common Room caring what they were doing.
Ron and Hermione entered the Common Room returning from the library. Ron walked in and immediately was angry. "OI! What the bloody hell are you doing with my sister?"
"Stuff it, Ron," Ginny said looking over her shoulder at him. "Do we need to have this discussion again?" she asked coldly. Not long after the words were out of her mouth then a thud was heard.
"Ow! Will you stop that, Hermione?" asked Ron heatedly as he rubbed the back of his head.
"No! I will not! Not until you grow up and leave them alone about this!" Hermione said with anger raising in her voice. Ron huffed and stormed up to the dorm. "Oh, that boy!" Hermione growled as she sat down next to Harry and Ginny.
"Hi, 'Mione," Harry slurred a bit with glazed eyes. Hermione snickered at the goofy look on Harry's face.
"What?" Ginny said. "I was distracting him from that," she said as she motioned to the paper.
"Oh. And here I thought you were just snogging to snog," Hermione chuckled.
"Well," Ginny blushed. "That too."
"I have no arguments," Harry said, stroking Ginny's hair.
"You never do," Hermione said as she hid a laugh behind her hand. Harry feigned offense, while Ginny buried her head in his chest to hide her blush.
The end of term was upon them. No matter how many time Sirius or the Weasleys assured Harry and Ginny they were still worried they wouldn't get to see each other much over the summer holidays. It was with heavy hearts that they went to breakfast the last day of term.
Harry and Ginny entered the Great Hall as the morning post owls swooped in from above. They settled across from Ron and Hermione, and next to Neville and Luna. Hedwig landed in front of Harry and Ginny. Ginny took the paper from her, as Harry fed her some bacon.
Ginny gasped at the same time as most of the other students in the Great Hall. Harry looked up at her and she handed him the paper with a shaky hand. Harry looked at the front page and froze. There were two pictures on the front page. The top picture was of Sirius, Remus, Wormtail (who was standing close to the edge) and his parents shortly after they had left Hogwarts. The bottom picture was a shock, even for him.
It was a picture of Remus as a werewolf, Sirius in Padfoot form on the left, his dad standing majestically in his Prongs form on the right, and just visible, in the bottom right corner, was Wormtail. Harry's eyes widened as he saw the picture was accredited to Lily Evans Potter. He glanced at Ginny. She was pale and looked worried.
Harry looked back at the paper and saw the title. He was horrified.
"Oh, no," he breathed. He chanced a look at Remus, but Remus was just sitting at the head table looking smug. This confused Harry.
"Read it," Remus mouthed at him.
Harry still looked confused. He glanced at Snape, who had an equally smug look. But judging from Remus' expression, Snape was in for a shock. Snape looked like he was waiting for an explosion of outrage and disgust. Harry glanced around the Great Hall. It was deathly quiet. Harry looked at Remus one last time. Remus just nodded to the paper in front of Harry. Harry took a deep breath bracing himself for the worst.
The Wolf is Out of the Bag
(Former DADA Professor comes out as a werewolf!)
Astonishing as it sounds, there have not been any werewolf attacks anywhere near Hogwarts this year! More surprising is the fact that a werewolf has been teaching this year at Hogwarts! Even more incredible is that the scores on all test scores on all seven years have been the highest they have been in some twenty years. Yes, readers, a werewolf has been teaching defense all year long!
It came as a complete and utter surprise yesterday morning that my office was paid a visit by one of this paper's majority shareholders and his best friend. This occurred almost the same time as one of our reporters received word that a werewolf had been teaching at Hogwarts this year.
Our majority shareholder, none other than Lord Sirius Black, came into my office and told me he was giving me an exclusive interview, as long as I was the one to write this article. I agreed, and Lord Black's best friend came into my office. We had just sat down, and I was about to inquire what the interview would be about, when one of my reporters came storming in saying a werewolf had been teaching at Hogwarts all year. To this, Lord Black's friend said, "Yes, I have." I reacted as most everyone would, until Lord Black admonished me, and set my record straight on just what it was to be a werewolf, to be friends with a werewolf, to have gone to school with a werewolf, and told me in no uncertain terms that he would not tolerate that behavior any longer. I apologized and the interview began in earnest.
The werewolf in question, Remus John Lupin, who spent the last school year teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts, is a very well-mannered and humble man. I would have never guessed he was a werewolf by looking at him. Yes, he had ragged clothes. Yes, he was greying slightly. Yes, he had some visible scars. But this wizard looked and acted like any other wizard who has had a hard luck life. So, my first question to him was, how he became a werewolf?
"I was five years old when the werewolf Fenrir Greyback came to my family's home just before the full moon. He told my father he required some of our livestock to eat the night of the full moon or he would attack us. My father was a stubborn man, but he was also rather proud. It had been a bad year and all we had was a goat and two chickens. My father told Greyback to leave, and if he did come back he would defend our farm. Greyback had left, but not before grabbing me. He took me to the cave he was staying in and when the full moon rose, he dragged me back to my family, and bit me in front of them."
I can honestly say, in all my years of reporting and editing the paper, very few things have ever horrified me and brought tears to my eyes. But this wizard's story did. I asked him about his school years, and he smiled, looked at Lord Black, and continued his story.
"Professor Dumbledore made certain accommodations for me for my schooling. I am not at liberty to say what they are, in case more with my condition go to school. I did, however, meet my best friends my first day on the Express. James Potter, Sirius Black, Lily Evans (who later married James), a few others, and at the time, Peter Pettigrew. Lily and I were very close friends, because of our common intellect. James, Sirius, and Peter were my dorm mates, and we all liked a good laugh. We were pranksters, I admit it, but rarely were they malicious. In third year, James and Sirius came to me and told me they had figured it out. I thought they were going to turn their backs on me. But no, they did something that brought us closer. They became Animagi, to keep me company and take care of me during and after the full moon."
I was amazed! Lord Black just nodded proudly and handed me his registration paper for his Animagus form. I aske them why they were coming forward? Lord Black's smile sent shivers down my spine.
"I have introduced legislation to give werewolves more rights. The Wizengamot is still working on details, but it is going well. I have also started a foundation to fund research for a cure, make safe zones for the night of the full moon, hired and funded several hundred potioneers to make the Wolfsbane Potion for any werewolf that wish to take it. It will be available, free of charge, next month."
For those who do not know, the Wolfsbane Potion renders the venom of a werewolf inert. It also allows the werewolf to retain his mind. Another thing that Lord Black and Mr. Lupin told me about this potion, it was first developed and improved on by none other than Lily Evans Potter.
"Lily approached me in our seventh year, saying she had been working of something since our third year. When I asked, she said she had figured it out then, and not said a word, just started her research. The night we tested it, she took this picture." He handed me the lower above photograph. "Lily stayed with us that night, and nothing happened to her. I was even in my right mind enough to let her pet me."
To say I was flabbergasted, is an understatement. They told me, that the potion has even been improved upon since then. I asked Mr. Lupin why he was leaving Hogwarts, if he was safe?
"I have been offered a lead researcher position on a project I have been doing besides teaching this year. And no, I am not at liberty to say what that research is. I would like to thank my colleague Severus Snape for brewing my potion this year. And I have nothing but praise for my students. I did have some stand outs in each year, some more than one. In fact, I had six such stand outs in my third-year classes this year."
With that we closed the interview. I admit, my feelings have changed about werewolves. If Lord Black's legislation calls for a public vote, I find my self in support of it. I ask my readers this: How many Remus Lupins are there out in the werewolf communities we normal wizards have forced them into? How many are good people that have been given a bad reputation because of others, such as Fenrir Greyback? I say, good luck to you both Lord Black and Mr. Lupin.
Harry sat dumbfounded. He had expected a smear, but this was anything but. Ginny looked at Harry, having read it with him. Her face mirrored his. They looked at Remus who was smiling. Their attention was drawn to Snape as he shouted. He snatched a paper from one of the Slytherins and turned a fetching shade of green, before tossing the paper back, and storming out of the Great Hall.
Later that afternoon the train pulled into the station at Kings Cross. Harry and Ginny were slow about disembarking the train as they didn't really want to say goodbye. They sat in their compartment just holding each other. Reluctantly, they were the last ones to climb off the train. Molly frowned as they walked slowly toward them. Sirius just had a smirk on his face.
"Well, come on, then," Molly said impatiently. Harry and Ginny walked just a little faster.
"You two lollygaggers finished saying your goodbyes, yet?" Sirius joked. Harry and Ginny both frowned at him. "Oh, buck up, pup! Grimmauld Place is far from done. So, I bought us a house in the country."
"Oh," Harry said. "Where is it?"
"Ottery Saint Catchpole," grinned Sirius.
"You could have told us," Ginny frowned at Sirius.
"Where's the fun in that?" Sirius asked cheekily.
"Um, Sirius, that's not a smart thing to do…" Fred warned.
"You really don't want to be on Ginny's bad side…" George stated.
"It's not pretty," Ron chimed in, earning him a glare from Ginny. "Just saying," he said in surrender.
"Not working," Harry frowned at Ron.
"You're still on my bad side, Ronald," Ginny snapped.
"What did you do, Ron?" asked Sirius.
"He dumped water on them the last time he walked into the Common Room and caught them kissing," Fred stated.
"Bat-bogeys and exploding boils is not pretty," George stated. Sirius gulped.
"Sorry, thought I'd surprise you two," Sirius said.
"Very welcome surprise," Harry said, not taking his eyes from Ron. Ginny had a thoughtful look on her face.
Ron paled and started backing away. "Spiders are wonderful to find in your bed, right, Harry?"
"Too right, Gin," Harry grinned evilly. Ron backed further away. He tripped over his trunk, crashing to the ground. Everyone laughed.
"Come along, now," Molly huffed. "Dinner won't make itself. And, Ronald, leave Harry and your sister alone."
Ron sat sputtering as everyone else started for the floos.