Chapter X – In Sirius Danger

Weather on Saturday for the match was perfect. Harry had several days practice on the Firebolt and outclassed the Ravenclaw Seeker, Cho Chang. He spotted the snitch and headed toward it when he saw three Dementors right in his path.

He pulled his wand, which he brought with him just in case the Dementors showed up again. Keeping his eyes on the snitch, he shouted, "Expecto Patronum." His stag, bright even in the sunshine, bolted in front of him. He didn't see what happened to the Dementors; because he was watching the snitch fighting in his fingers.

After landing and celebrating with the team; he heard Lupin say, "Nice Patronus Harry."

He answered, "The Dementors didn't affect me at all."

Lupin said, "Take a good look and you'll see why."

The Dementors turned out to be Malfoy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Flint in black robes. The Slytherins had tried to prevent Harry from getting the snitch and the Patronus bowled them over. McGonagall gave them a week's detention for cheating.

After a party that ran till after midnight, McGonagall showed up and ordered everyone to bed. Harry and Ginny were still awake talking about the match when Ron screamed.

Ginny said, "Well if he's going to start having nightmares; he can beg Hermione to come sleep with him, but I don't think she'll care."

Dean said, "Harry, I thought you were over nightmares since Ginny is with you."

Harry pulled the curtains open and said, "That wasn't me. Ron, are you alright?"

Then Ron yelled, "Sirius Black, he tried to kill me. He had a huge knife."

Harry said, "Ron, you're dreaming."

Ron was still yelling, "No, look at my curtains; he slashed them and ran down the stairs."

Ron's curtains were slashed and they all went out to the stairs to look down into the common room. Soon others joined them.

"What's all the noise about?" George said.

"Are we starting the party back up?" Fred said.

Percy said, "No, someone had a nightmare; everyone back to bed."

McGonagall came in through the portal and said, "I know you are all excited about our victory; but this is ridiculous. All of you back to bed."

Ron stepped forward and said, "Professor, Sirius Black was in our room; he slashed my curtains."

She said, "You were dreaming Mr. Weasley."

Harry said, "His curtains are slashed Professor."

She said, "How could Black get in without the password."

Ron pointed to the portal and said, "Ask him."

McGonagall went out and asked Sir Cadogan, "Did you let a man in a few minutes ago."

He answered, "Certainly Professor."

She asked, "What about the password?"

Sir Cadogan said, "He had it; he had all the passwords for the week written down on a paper."

McGonagall sent her Patronus to Dumbledore telling what happened. Then she came back in and said, "Who was so foolish to write down the passwords?"

Neville raised his hand.

Everyone was sitting in the common room waiting for the search for Black to finish. Most of the Gryffindors were talking about how Black could get in and out of the castle with apparent ease. However a substantial number were talking about Harry Potter who was sitting on a chair near the fireplace wearing only pajama bottoms; and Ginny Weasley who was sitting squeezed into the same chair as Harry wearing only the matching pajama tops.

Ron and Hermione had pulled chairs close; and the four were talking about the attack.

Harry had his arm around Ginny's shoulders; and her head was leaning on his shoulder.

On a near by divan, Amanda Harding whispered, "She came down from the boy's dorm with him; and look how they're dressed."

Mary Smithson whispered back, "They're always together, doing homework, eating, and I guess sleeping together."

All the girls in the group giggled.

One of Ginny's roommates, Mary Carstairs, leaned in from her chair and said, "Don't gossip about Ginny and Harry."

Theresa Wellman said, "Why not? She's just a second year who took advantage of her brother being best friends with Harry and wormed her way into his bed."

Amanda said, "If one of us were sleeping with a boy; we'd be the talk of the entire school; not to mention in big trouble with old McGonagall."

Ginny's roommate said, "If you had gone through what Ginny and Harry had; the school would go easy on you to."

Amanda said, "You're talking about that Slytherin's monster thing last year. They said the monster took her into the Chamber of Secrets. That's rubbish; the monster petrified people and she was never petrified."

Mary Smithson said, "My cousin is a seventh year Ravenclaw, and he told me the monster was a Basilisk and if you look at it you die. She's not dead either; so Amanda's right; that whole story is rubbish. She's just trying to get in with the famous Harry Potter."

Mary Carstairs said, "You all listen to people who don't know anything. I'm one of Ginny's roommates and we heard the real story. There was no monster, Basilisk or any other type. Ginny was captured by 'You Know Who' himself because he knew Harry fancied her and would come to save her.

Well, Harry and her brother Ron did go after her and Harry fought 'You Know Who' to save her. She fancied him for years and her parents even let Harry sleep with her at her house in the summer."

Amanda said, "Please, a twelve year old fighting 'You Know Who'; I don't believe any of the nonsense they say about him."

Mary Carstairs said, "It's true; and two years ago Harry fought him over the Philosopher's Stone to. You third and fourth years have to remember that."

Theresa said, "My auntie is a secretary in the ministry's Underage Use Magic office and she said Harry was caught doing magic last summer; but not charged because he was using the magic to fight 'You Know Who'. The minister himself arranged for Harry to be protected by Aurors at the Leaky Cauldron for most of the summer."

Amanda said, "I did see Harry all alone in Diagon Alley when we went to get my school things. Maybe it is true."

Mary Carstairs said, "I told you it is. All my roommates heard Ginny talking with Hermione Granger about stuff plenty of times. We couldn't hear every word; but we heard enough to get the right story; look, they're over there talking now with Harry and Ginny's brother. So lay off her and Harry, they had a hard enough time already."

Mary Smithson said, "I thought I might like it if Harry fancied me; but not any more. I wouldn't care if he were Merlin; I don't think I'd want to have 'You Know Who' after me."

Amanda said, "And Sirius Black to; he's the one that was here tonight, and I'm sure he wasn't after Ron, he was after Harry."

Theresa said, "Ginny must really love him if she stays after all of that."

Mary Carstairs said, "She must be very brave."

Mary Smithson added, "Or very stupid; no boy is worth putting yourself in that kind of danger."

Mary Carstairs said, "We think Harry is teaching her some kind of advanced magic so she can defend herself. They sneak out almost every night and come back an hour or two later exhausted; and their hair is wet like they showered."

Amanda said, "Their sneaking out to snog; or do something else even better. That's why they're exhausted and had to shower."

Therese said, "Don't be stupid; they sleep together; they don't have to sneak anywhere to do it. They must be doing advanced magic; I saw them go in a classroom with Lupin one night."

Mary Carstairs said, "Whatever their doing; they were lucky Black went to Ron Weasley's bed by mistake or he might have killed Harry and Ginny."

That was what Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione were discussing. If Black just went to the wrong bed; why didn't he kill Ron and then go after Harry.

Black was not found and things returned to normal after a few days.

The last Hogsmeade weekend of the term was approaching and Harry and Ginny were discussing what they planned to do.

Harry said, "I don't know Ginny; we almost got caught last time. And Lupin told us to use the map and cloak for protection; not to get into trouble."

Ginny said, "We won't get into trouble. You said yourself; Black won't come into town with all those people around. You also said only McGonagall and Dumbledore know you don't have a permission slip; if another teacher sees us they won't even pay attention thinking we're just like all the other students in town."

When Hermione heard they were thinking of going to town again she started nagging them endlessly not to go; she even threatened to tell McGonagall. That irritated Ron more than it did Harry or Ginny; they both knew Hermione wouldn't actually turn them in. Ron however was still not talking to her and took what she said as another reason to be angry with her.

That day, Ron said, "I'll see you two in town." and he left with Fred and George.

Harry and Ginny went through the secret passage and met Ron in Honeydukes. They walked about buying candy, joke items, and other things. They stopped at the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer; then decided to go see the Shrieking Shack, the most haunted building in all Great Britain.

As they came up one side of the hill where the shack was they hear voices on the other side; Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle.

Malfoy knew Harry didn't have a permission slip and would surely report them. Harry threw the cloak over him and Ginny; Ron was too tall now and all their feet showed if he tried to fit under the cloak with them. Harry said, "Ron, let's turn around before they see you and start trouble."

But it was too late; Malfoy spotted Ron and yelled, "Well if it isn't the red headed Weasel; what are you doing here? Looking for a new house to replace that shack you live in; even the Shrieking Shack would be a move up for your family."

Ron made fists and began to move toward Malfoy when Harry stopped him. "We'll take care of him from under the cloak." Harry whispered.

The melting snow had left mud puddles about and Harry picked up a handful. Splat, he hit Malfoy in the right ear with the mud.

"Who did that?" Malfoy yelled looking at Crabbe and Goyle.

They both held out their clean hands to show Malfoy it wasn't them.

Squish another load of mud hit Malfoy in the back of his head and slid down into the collar of his jacket.

Ron said, "I guess the ghosts in the shack don't always stay inside."

Malfoy stepped toward Ron as the only visible source the mud could have come from; but he was pushed from behind and fell face first into the puddle.

Ron said, "Those ghosts must not like you."

Malfoy said, "Crabbe, Goyle, get him."

Crabbe was too scared and backed away from Ron; Goyle took two steps and stopped. From under the cloak, Ginny pointed her wand and whispered, "Scabiocium."

He began yelling and scratching at his clothes. Large puss filled pocks had formed all over him and he began running toward Hogwarts. Crabbe followed and when Malfoy managed to get to his feet he to ran.

Ron was laughing and Harry uncovered them so he and Ginny could join Ron in celebrating. After a minute Ron asked, "Harry, what did you do to Goyle?"

Harry shook his head and said, "Not me, it was Ginny."

She said, "It's one of Tom Riddle's spells. Goyle will be covered with oozing sores for a week; and there's no cure. Madam Pomfrey, not even St. Mungos, will be able to do anything for him. I was trying to hit Malfoy with it; but just as I cast it, Goyle stepped right in front of him."

Harry said, "It's getting late; we better get back to the castle. Ron, you to, Malfoy and Goyle are bound to tell Madam you were the only one here, probably Snape to. Madam won't check; but Snape will blame you, so when he questions you, you know nothing, and you saw nobody but the three of them."

Harry knew if Snape couldn't pin anything on Ron; he would try to blame Harry somehow; so Harry and Ginny ran through the secret passage so they would be in Gryffindor tower before Snape came looking for Ron.

Harry hid the map, cloak, and everything they bought at the end of the passage. Just in case Snape was around and tried to blame him, he didn't want anything on them to show they had been in town.

They were only fifty feet from the Fat Lady's portrait when Snape yelled, "Potter, Weasley where are you coming from?"

They stopped and Harry said, "We've been running sir."

"Running?" Snape asked. "Running where; back from Hogsmeade possibly?

Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Goyle were attacked near the Shrieking Shack. The only person they saw was your brother Miss Weasley.

I've already questioned him and he claims to know nothing; which after having him in class for two and a half years I can believe about him. I thought perhaps you and Mr. Potter were also there hiding nearby."

Harry said, "No Professor, I don't have a permission slip so I couldn't go to Hogsmeade; and Ginny is second year, she can't go to town either."

Snape said, "Turn out your pockets; both of you."

Harry had only apiece of Drooble's that looked to be weeks old; and Ginny had only a sour ball in one pocket and a tissue in another.

Snape was angry; he didn't want to let them off just because he had no proof so he asked, "Where were you running and why?"

Harry said, "Around the seventh floor hall Professor, it's the only floor without a wall or staircase to get in the way; it's still to wet and cold to run outside. Perhaps in a few weeks we'll be able to get out."

Snape said, "You haven't explained why you were running; perhaps Miss Weasley could tell me why second and third year students would be running on a Saturday afternoon when most students are relaxing."

Ginny said, "Certainly Professor, we run almost every day to increase our stamina so we can make our Patronus stronger and sustain it longer. We also lift weights almost every day for the same reason."

Snape said, "I heard about Mr. Potter's Patronus in the match with Ravenclaw. Are you telling me Miss Weasley that you, a second year, can also cast a Patronus?"

Instead of answering, Ginny pulled her wand, pointed down the hall, and without saying a word produced her dazzling Hind which ran down the dim corridor, turned and ran back, disappearing just as it seemed it would run into Snape.

Snape looked at her and said, "Miss Weasley, you are second year correct?"

Ginny said, "Yes Professor."

Snape said, "Am I correct that you just produced a Patronus non-verbally."

Ginny said, "Yes sir."

Snape asked, "How long have you been doing non-verbal spells?"

Ginny answered, "Harry and I both did it for the first time about two weeks ago; though we've been trying for months sir."

Snape asked, "And why are you practicing magic that isn't normally done until sixth year?"

Ginny said, "Sir, we thought it might be useful if we were to run into Voldemort again."

Snape became angry and shouted, "You will not say that name; and should you meet the Dark Lord again, I doubt any magic you or Potter can do will save you."

She said, "Well sir, we intend to try our best anyway. May we return to our dorm now Professor; we generally shower after working out."

Snape looked dour but turned and left without another word.

It was the end of May; Sirius Black had not been seen since the events in Gryffindor tower.

Nearly five months of exercise and practice had made Harry and Ginny stronger in mind and body. Both were now doing nonverbal magic regularly at practice sessions; but agreed not to use it openly, or tell anyone because it would be a great tactical advantage if they were forced into a duel.

The last Quidditch match of the year against Slytherin on Saturday would determine the championship. If Slytherin won, they would be the champions. If Gryffindor won, all the teams would have a two win and one loss record; and the championship would come down to the point spread.

Because of the big loss to Hufflepuff in the match when Harry was attacked by the Dementors, Gryffindor had to beat Slytherin by more than one hundred and ninety points. That meant the one hundred and fifty points for catching the snitch would most likely determine the championship. Harry had to catch the snitch!

The last few days before the match had become one of the nastiest times on record. The usual harassment by name-calling and trash talking was replaced by hexes, curses, and outright physical assaults like tripping the other team players or pushing people into walls or down stairs.

Players from both teams were showing up at the hospital wing almost hourly to get treatment for cuts, abrasions, and reversal of hexes. When Harry went to have an ankle fixed after being tripped, Madam Pomfrey said, "You again Mr. Potter, this Quidditch rivalry is out of hand. If the students didn't need me so badly I'd resign.

Friday night after dinner came what appeared to be the fatal blow to Gryffindor. The team generally gathered in the common room the night before a match to have a final meeting to discuss strategy. Everyone was surprised that Angelina wasn't there and Wood asked, "Did she tell anyone she had something to do and would be late?"

Katie said, "We ate dinner and she said she would stop at McGonagall's office to leave the official roster for the referee; but she would see me for the meeting."

Wood said, "I had to see Flitwick about my charms paper and Angelina said she would turn in the roster so I wouldn't be late for the meeting in case Flitwick kept me."

Just then, a first year came through the portal, walked over and asked, "Are you Oliver Wood the Quidditch Captain? Professor McGonagall wants to see you in her office right away."

Wood said, "I should be back soon; but you lot talk over what ever you can until I return. Maybe there's a problem Angelina can't explain and McGonagall needs me to straighten it out; though that paperwork is basically a formality. I can't imagine what could be wrong with it."

When Wood came back through the portal his face was as white as a unicorn. He said, "Professor McGonagall found Angelina unconscious in the hall near her office. Madam Pomfrey diagnosed it as some type of curse, but couldn't determine exactly which so she couldn't reverse it. Angelina won't be able to play in the match tomorrow."

Everyone yelled at once, "What?"

Katie said, "Do they know who cursed her?"

Wood said, "McGonagall told me there are no portraits in that area which was most likely the attacker chose that spot; they couldn't be seen."

Alicia asked, "So what do we do; how do we play without Angelina?"

Wood turned to Harry and said, "Where's Ginny?"

Harry sensed that Ginny was in her room, but he didn't want everyone to know they could communicate mentally; so he looked around the common room and said, "Must be in her room; she didn't say anything about going anywhere."

Wood said, "Would one of you girls get her; as captain I should be the one to tell her she's playing tomorrow."

Harry told her mentally that Alicia was coming to get her, but wouldn't tell her why; he wanted to see her face when Wood told her she had to play tomorrow.

Alicia went and in two minutes returned with Ginny who said, "Alicia said you need to see me but she wouldn't tell me what it's about."

Wood said, "Angelina is in the hospital ward and can't play; you'll be third chaser for us tomorrow."

Harry almost laughed when he saw how she took it. Ginny stood with her mouth open for some time before saying, "Oh, I get it."

She turned to Harry and said out loud, "Good one Harry; you said you would get me good some day for teasing you. But I'm not falling for it; you'll have to more clever next time."

Harry said, "No, I didn't. Wood's not kidding. McGonagall just called him to let him know. You have to play tomorrow." Mentally he told her how McGonagall found Angelina unconscious.

Ginny said, "But I never practiced the plays; all I did was try and disrupt plays. I can't play."

Wood said, "Nobody else knows the plays better than you. If you don't play we be short a chaser. And you can really fly; you're better than anyone else that tried out in September."

Katie said, "You have to Ginny; we can't forfeit to Slytherin; and if we play shorthanded, we'll be slaughtered."

Ginny said, "I don't have a decent broom. The Slytherins are on those Nimbus 2001's that Malfoy's father bought for them last year; the school brooms are like flying a brick."

Wood said, "You can use Angelina's broom; she has a Nimbus 2000 like what Harry had. It's not a Firebolt but it's pretty fast and maneuverable."

They all stared at her until Ginny said, "Okay, I guess I'm in.

Oh Harry, I'm going to be a nervous wreck; I bet I don't sleep a wink. You guys shouldn't have told me until tomorrow morning."

Harry and Ginny left the Quidditch meeting and walked twenty feet to the overstuffed chair near the fireplace. They squeezed in together and Harry put his arm over Ginny's shoulder as he did for the first time nearly a year ago.

She thought, "Harry, I'm not ready for this; I never played in front of people. How can I take Angelina's place? She's almost four years older than me, bigger with more muscle, and has four years of experience."

He responded, "You don't have to take her place; Katie will play first chaser, Alicia will move to second, and you'll play third. You know the plays; just fly as good as you can."

Ginny thought, "I should go to the hospital and have Madam give me a dreamless sleep potion."

Harry thought back, "She won't; or she'd have fourteen Quidditch players there every time there's a match. And you can't have a calming potion either or you'd be dozing off on your broom in the middle of the match.

Go to the loo and meet me in my room in half an hour. We'll cuddle and talk like we've done for a year now and I'll bet we both get a good night's sleep."

Ginny had just stood up to go when Katie and Alicia came over and Katie said, "Ginny, we agreed that you'll fly first chaser position tomorrow. That way Alicia and I can stay in the positions we've practiced at for months instead of all of us playing in a position we never practiced."

Ginny couldn't talk; she just shook her head no.

Alicia said, "Ginny, it makes sense; first chaser will just be the position you fly at; you won't have to call the plays. Katie will do that; but she'll fly in her normal second position where she's practiced."

Katie said, "Wood ordered us to bed to get some sleep. Come on Ginny, we'll walk up with you."

On the way up Katie said, "Ginny, we know you sleep with Harry; but no sex tonight, you can't be tired for the match."

Ginny looked back and forth from Katie to Alicia for several seconds before saying, "What?"

Alicia said, "You and Harry have to get a good night's sleep so you can't stay up having sex tonight. Save it for the celebration tomorrow after we win."

Ginny said, "Harry and I never had sex; I'm only twelve years old. I only started sleeping with Harry because of the nightmares I got after…; well you know what happened to me last year. I would have ended up in St. Mungos if Harry didn't help me.

Then we realized when we were together Harry slept better to; so we just keep doing it but there's no sex involved. We're just friends; we don't even snog. Why do you think we're having sex?"

Katie said, "Ginny, that's what most boys and girls do when they sleep in the same bed; and I was only twelve my first time."

Alicia said, "Me to; your brother George and I hooked up during the celebration after my first Quidditch match in my second year."

Katie said, "Almost all the girls in your year and Harry's year think you and Harry are doing it. They gossip about it after they see you go up the boy's stairs at night."

Ginny said, "Well they're wrong; ask Harry, he'll tell you. Now I'm going to get ready for bed; and I'm going to sleep with Harry, but only because we will actually sleep instead of lying awake all night worrying."

Despite Ginny's anxiety, after a half hour of Harry rubbing her back and repeatedly whispering to her that she would do fine in the match; Ginny did fall asleep. She woke well rested with Harry spooned against her back, his arm over her protectively.