Dreams
Chapter 11
When you cease to dream you cease to live ~
Malcolm Forbes
Harry was sitting in front of the fireplace waiting for Ginny to come back down so they could head to the meeting with Remus and Sirius.
He couldn't help but smile as he thought about the time they'd been spending in the Room of Requirement the last couple of evenings. He'd actually got to explore more of Ginny's nubile body than he had in the original time-line.
A shiver ran through him as he remembered the sight of Ginny's wonderful breasts. Sure they weren't that large yet but to him they had looked perfect. Luscious small mounds of delectable flesh with small coral coloured nipples that gave her such wonderful pleasure when he nibbled and sucked on them.
He was startled out of his reminiscing by someone jumping over the back of the couch and landing right next to him.
"Is it time to go?" Ginny asked in a whisper.
Harry glanced at his watch. "Just about. We could probably head out now and stop off in the secret passage on the third floor," he replied softly, wagging his eyebrows.
Instead of seeing an eager Ginny, he noticed she was staring at his wrist, wide-eyed, mouth open.
"What?" he asked, wondering what she was so surprised about.
"Your watch!" Ginny cried softly.
"What about it?" Harry asked in confusion.
Ginny's eyes darted about to check to see if anyone was nearby. "The other Harry wears a different watch," she answered excitably.
Harry's eyes widened in understanding.
"It's how I can tell if it's you or not," Ginny said with a smile.
Harry leaned over and gave her a kiss, not worrying if anyone saw them or not. "You're brilliant," he said once he had finished kissing her.
Ginny sprang up and grabbing Harry's hand, pulling him toward the portrait hole, her eyes gleaming. "Come on, I want to spend a little time in that secret passage before we have to go," she said huskily.
Harry was only to happy to comply. He wanted to give her a proper reward for what she had discovered.
It was a thoroughly snogged couple who made their way to the Whomping Willow a short time later.
Harry had no problem levitating a stone to hit the knot that stilled the tree and they hurried to enter the secret passage before the tree awoke.
They were slightly surprised to find the Shrieking Shack empty when they arrived. Not wanting to waste such an opportunity, they resumed their activity from the secret passage in Hogwarts.
Though they had no concept of the time that passed, they were startled by someone clearing their throat.
They found Sirius smiling at them, while Remus looked embarrassed at having caught the couple snogging.
"Well, I must say I think this is the first time that this humble abode has been used for that activity," Sirius said with a smirk.
Harry blushed and dropped his eyes to the floor.
"Well there was nothing to do and why not put the time to a good use," Ginny replied unabashedly, her eyes alight with humour.
Sirius threw his head back and roared with laughter. "She has the true Marauder's spirit," he said when he finally got himself back under control.
Smiling, Ginny gave a small curtsey in acknowledgement of his compliment.
"As interesting as all that is, shouldn't we get on with it," Remus stated, trying to get things back on track. "After all, you two shouldn't be out of the castle for too long."
"As much as I'm loathed to admit it, I know that he's right," Sirius said with a sigh.
"So from your message you've managed to retrieve two of the Horcruxes," Harry said eagerly.
"Yes, the Locket was right where you said it would be and we also retrieved the Cup from my dear deranged cousin's vault," Sirius replied. "And let me tell you, that was not a task I wish to ever have to repeat."
Harry gave him a questioning look.
"You know what she's like. The vault was filled with all manner of Dark Objects and it took us two and a half hours to find the Cup," Sirius replied with a frown.
He then glared at Remus and Harry and Ginny knew there was a story there but both decided they were better off not knowing, though they did smile at the other pair.
Remus just shrugged with a smirk, figuring that he was better off not saying anything.
"You said you were working on the third," Harry said hopefully.
Remus sighed and nodded. "Yes, we had no problem finding the shack where the Ring is hidden but the wards guarding it were beyond my ability to breach," he said sadly.
Harry frowned but before he could say anything, Sirius interrupted.
"Not to worry, we've enlisted the services of a competent Curse Breaker," he said with a smirk.
Harry looked at him in disbelief and he felt his anger growing.
"Like I said, don't worry. He's someone who is quite discrete and we didn't tell him what we were trying to get. Besides, I didn't think you'd mind if we had Bill Weasley get involved," Sirius said humorously.
"Bill?" Ginny squealed.
Harry sighed deeply in relief. "You're right, I don't have a problem having him involved."
"I didn't think so," Sirius replied with a warm smile. "We plan on going back tomorrow morning so hopefully we'll have it then."
Harry stared off thoughtfully. "That means the only one left is Nagini and I don't see any way to get to her until the Third Task," he said quietly.
"Do you want the two that we have?" Sirius asked.
"You have them with you?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Yeah, well they're not the kind of things one wants to leave laying around," Sirius replied.
"Damn, I wish I would have known so I could have brought the sword with me," Harry cursed softly.
"Why?" Remus asked, feeling confused.
"I figured since you've been instrumental in getting them, each of you might like to destroy one of them," Harry replied.
Remus and Sirius shuddered and frowned. "No thanks, I don't think I want to be anywhere near them when they are destroyed," Remus said disgustingly, with Sirius nodding in agreement.
While Harry didn't quite understand, he nodded in acceptance. "Whatever. Let me have them and Ginny and I will take care of destroying them."
As Sirius handed them to Harry, Ginny looked at them sadly. "It's such a shame he had to use such beautiful and historic objects and we have to destroy them."
After Harry stuffed the Horcruxes into one of his robe's pockets, he wrapped his arms around Ginny, pulling her in tightly to his body.
"I know but it has to be done," he said softly, feeling just the same as she did.
"I know," Ginny sighed, "But I still think it's such a shame."
"I agree, but let's not dwell on it," Harry said comfortingly.
"All right, I guess that about covers everything," Sirius said. "We'll let you know how things go tomorrow and we'll see you Sunday for the First Task."
Harry smiled at his Godfather. He was so happy that this time he'd have people there watching him who were rooting for him to succeed.
Letting go of Ginny he went over and hugged Sirius and then Remus. "Okay, we'll see you then. Be careful you two. Remember that I'm pretty sure the Ring has some kind of compulsion charm or something on it. It poisoned Dumbledore the last time and he was dying because of it. I don't want something like that to happen to either of you, or Bill for that matter," Harry cautioned.
"We'll remember and take precautions to protect one another," Remus reassured him.
Harry nodded in satisfaction, figuring they were being as careful as they could be. He just hoped it was enough as he didn't want any of them to be cursed like Dumbledore had been.
Ginny hugged both older wizards and wished the success. The she looked at Sirius mischievously. "Tell Bill hi for me," she said slyly.
Sirius looked at her in surprise. "Do you think that's wise?" he asked hesitantly.
Harry nodded and answered instead of Ginny. "Yeah, if he's helping I think it's fine if he knows what's going on and that Ginny and I are involved. Who knows, we may need his help again in the future so it's probably best if he's brought up to speed."
"Whatever you think is best," Sirius replied, though Harry and Ginny could tell it was a bit reluctantly.
Harry and Ginny said their goodbyes and headed back down the tunnel back to Hogwarts.
Sirius watched them go and when they were out of sight he turned to Remus with a questioning look.
The werewolf smiled at him. "Trust Harry, he's got a good head on his shoulders and after all, it is his show," he said reassuringly.
Sirius sighed and nodded his head, accepting what his fellow Marauder said. He just wished it didn't have to be his Godson's responsibility to take on Voldemort.
Harry and Ginny
Harry and Ginny had no problem getting back into the castle and since they had a half hour before curfew, they weren't hurrying to get back to the Gryffindor common room.
They had just passed the fifth floor landing when Moody stepped out of the shadows. "I'd like a word with you, Potter," he growled.
Harry felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up and it was only Ginny's calming hand on his arm that kept him from letting his anger show.
Moody glanced at Ginny. "It would be best if we had this discussion in private."
"Whatever you want to say to me you can say in Ginny's presence," Harry replied calmly but firmly.
Moody just shrugged. "If you insist," he said, slightly irritated.
"I do," Harry replied.
"I just wanted to make sure you were prepared for the First Task," the grizzled ex-auror said plactingly.
"I'm fine and know what I'm going to do," Harry replied confidently.
"If you're sure," Moody said somewhat dubiously.
"I sure," Harry snapped, having a hard time keeping his reply civil.
"Don't get your knickers in a twist," Moody growled, eyeing Harry with a frown. "I'm just trying to help. Dumbledore wants to make sure you'll be all right."
"Yeah, right. You just want to make sure I make it till the Third Task," Harry thought, knowing what was to come.
"I appreciate the Head-Master's concern but I'm prepared as I can be," Harry said much more calmly than he felt.
Moody eyed Harry in surprise, not understanding the feelings of animosity toward Dumbledore that he felt from Harry.
As he opened his mouth to speak, Harry cut him off. "If you'll excuse us Professor, it's almost curfew and we really must be getting back to Gryffindor Tower."
With that her guided Ginny away from the fake Moody who stood there on the stairs watching as Harry and Ginny climbed out of sight.
Once they were well away from where they had been confronted by the Professor, Harry looked at Ginny. "Thank you for keeping me calm," he said softly, giving her a warm smile. "I felt like hexing him and I don't think that would have gone over well."
Ginny giggled lightly. "I'm sure it wouldn't, especially when the Polyjuice wore off."
Harry sighed deeply, looking quite troubled. "I really can't risk exposing him because if I do I won't know what's going to happen. Sure he wouldn't be there to make the Trophy a portkey and maybe I wouldn't end up in the graveyard, but I don't have any idea if Tom has any contingency plans in place in case Moody fails. If he does, then where would I be?"
Ginny looked at him worriedly. "I don't know Harry. I guess you're right but I'm still worried," she said allowing her fear to show for once.
Harry hugged her tightly into his side. "I'm sorry I'm making this so difficult for you," he said sadly.
Ginny's look immediately changed into one of anger. "Harry James Potter, don't you start. There's no need for you to be sorry about anything. I'm the one who chooses where I want to be and whom I want to be with."
Harry looked at her contritely and opened his mouth to speak. Suddenly Ginny saw his look change and could tell he was trying very hard not to laugh, knowing she hated it when he said he was sorry all the time.
"I'm sorry, he said, his eyes crinkling with laughter.
"Prat!" Ginny growled as she swatted his arm, but Harry could see her eyes mirroring his and knew she knew he'd been teasing her.
Ginny sighed somewhat dejectedly. "I know you're right but no matter what, I'm going to worry. I love you and don't want anything to happen to you," she whispered hoarsely as tears began to form in her eyes.
Harry hugged her hard into his body, gently rubbing her back. He really was sorry now that he had upset her. It still surprised him that she loved him and was willing to say so.
Once again the thoughts of his Aunt and Uncle yelling at him as he grew up about how no one would ever love a freak like him.
Ginny saw the look on his face and knew what he was thinking. "Harry, they were so wrong. I love you so much and I know my parents do too. So do all my other brothers, even if Ron is being a berk," she said tenderly, trying to let all the love she felt for him flow into him so he could feel how genuine it was.
She managed a teary smile and hugged him hard. "You're not a freak so you get that thought out of your head right now," she scolded lightly.
Harry couldn't help but smile back at her. "Yes, dear," he replied cheekily.
Ginny rolled her eyes at him though he could see her lips curving upward at the corners.
Harry and Ginny
Bill Weasley side-along Apparated with Remus and they appeared with a soft pop. Sirius turned and looked at them, having appeared a couple of seconds before them.
"I hope you enjoyed your breakfast, cause I think you're going to really earn it," Sirius said with a devious smile.
Bill took a moment to look around before he said anything. "Certainly not what I expected when you said you wanted to break in somewhere," he said lowly, frowning at the broken down hovel that lay before them.
He glanced at Remus and wondered just how good of a DADA Professor the man had really been. He couldn't believe that this small stone cottage could have stumped a competent DADA teacher from the looks of it.
With a shrug, he proceeded forward, drawing his wand. "Hopefully this wont take too long," he said confidently.
The frown he saw from Remus he rather expected, it was the way Sirius was trying to stifle his laughter that bothered him the most.
Raising his wand he cast his first detection spell, not expecting to find anything too complex.
Sirius watched as Bill cast his first spell and chuckled when he saw the surprised look on the younger man's face.
Bill proceeded to cast a series of increasingly more complex and longer spells, looking more astonished after every one.
After a good half dozen he stopped and eyed Sirius and Remus with a hard look. "All right, either of you want to tell me what's really going on here before I walk away?" he said irritably.
Sirius and Remus shared an amused look. Then with a sigh, Sirius turned his attention back to Bill. "Why, what seems to be the problem?" he asked, with a touch of humour.
Bill stared at him incredulously. "What's the matter? I'll tell you what the hell's the matter. You ask me to help with a little problem and when we arrived I see this broken down ruin that the previous owners couldn't possibly afforded to ward with the simplest of spells and what I find is something that the Egyptian Pharaohs at the height of their powers would have been hard pressed to match. You have to admit things just don't add up and I find myself wondering what the hell I've gotten myself mixed up in," he ranted angrily.
Sirius and Remus both flinched and grimaced back at him.
"I did tell you it was beyond my capabilities," Remus said placatingly.
Bill stared back at him, his face basically unreadable but they could tell he was thinking furiously. He then looked at them disgustingly. "You realize that it will probably take a good six to eight hours to break through all the Curses that are placed around that building," he said, waving his hand in the general direction of the cottage, in hopes to dissuade them.
"Bill, if it wasn't important, we wouldn't have asked," Sirius pleaded.
Bill shook his head, still staring at the two Marauders. "Can't you tell me anything?" he finally asked in frustration.
Sirius gave him a sorrowful look. "It's not my secret to tell," he replied forlornly.
"Well whose is it then?" Bill countered, still looking displeased.
Sirius glanced around as if checking to see if anyone was nearby listening and then gave him a troubled look. "It would be best if we talked about that later," he said apologetically.
Bill huffed in annoyance, looking like he was going to leave.
"Please Bill," Sirius pleaded. Then looking rather reluctant, he said "I promise to fill you in once we're away from here and some place more secure."
"Why should I trust you to keep your promise?" Bill said disparagingly.
Sirius and Remus looked at each other, both looking rather forlorn. Then slowly Sirius smiled. "Oh, by the way, your sister said to say 'Hi' for her," he said with a wicked grin.
Bill's eyes widened imperceptibly as he took in what Sirius had said. Then with a deep sigh he shook his head. "Why do I get the feeling I'm going to regret this?" he asked unhappily.
He sighed again and looked back at the cottage. "I guess I'd better get started," he said in resignation.
"Can I be of any help?" Remus offered.
Bill gave him a thin smile. "Sure, if you want to start on the simpler wards, I'll tackle the more complex ones," he said amiably.
Remus smiled warmly as he drew his wand and stepped forward.
Five hours later Bill dropped his arm tiredly. "Well, that's everything out here, there's no tell what we'll find once we enter."
Sirius and Remus rose from where they had been sitting. It had been a couple of hours since the werewolf had to give up helping.
"All right, slow and easy it is," Sirius said. "We've been warned that there may be some kind of compulsion charm on the object so everyone be careful."
Bill chuckled darkly. "Like you needed to say that with all the curses and wards that were out here," he said disparagingly.
He started forward. "Let me go first to see if there's anything we need to be concerned with inside the door," he warned.
Bill looked with disgust at the petrified remains of a snake nailed to the door and glanced sharply at his companions. If he made any guesses as to its meaning, he didn't say anything.
He cautiously opened the door and halted immediately, casting several detection spells.
Sirius and Remus saw the surprised look on his face.
"Surprisingly there aren't any more curses set up in here," Bill said in disbelief.
He motioned for them to follow him as he ventured further into the cottage, muttering spells the whole time.
"There's something hidden over by the fireplace," he said quietly, as if he'd draw some unknown attention to them if he spoke to loud.
He led the other two over to the spot he had indicated, muttering another spell. His eyes widened in shock. "Holy Mother of Morgana!" he cried.
He then spun around and confronted Sirius and Remus. "Do you have any idea what is hidden here!" he all but shouted in outrage.
"Yes we do, and please don't say anything to anyone," Sirius pleaded.
They watched as Bill looked at the hiding spot and then back to the snake hanging on the door. It took a couple of moments and then they saw the light of understanding envelop him. While the clues at the cottage were few and sparse, added to what he had heard from the Goblins at Gringotts and several things he and his father had discussed, all led to one conclusion.
His mouth dropped open but before he could say anything Sirius spoke. "I see you've figured it out. You understand now why we've been very vague about everything," Sirius said imploringly.
Bill nodded his head, still shocked at what he had discovered. He had only read about Horcruxes while working in Egypt. To actually come across one was mind boggling.
He looked like he was going to say something so Remus cut him off. "Let's get out of here first and we can talk later," he said fervently.
Bill nodded once again, still trying to wrap his mind around all he had learned. More than ever he wanted answers but he knew that here and now wasn't the time nor place to get into it.
Sirius bent down and vanished the floorboards, exposing a small box.
"I wouldn't touch it if I were you," Bill cautioned.
Sirius stopped reaching for the small box and nodded his head. He pulled a small Dragon-hide pouch from his robes and motioned for Bill to come closer.
"Try levitating it and I'll scoop it into the pouch," he said.
Bill cast the spell and everyone sighed in relief when the box rose up from its hiding place.
Once he had it stuffed safely away in his robes, he breathed a sigh of relief. "Let's get out out of here," he said a bit wanly.
As they exited the small cottage, he turned to his companions. "The Firewhisky is on me, if you're interested," he said with a smile.
Both Remus and Bill nodded.
"Yeah, after what I've learned today, I think a few Firewhiskys are in order," Bill said warmly. "And I definitely want to get some answers."
Harry and Ginny
Early Saturday Morning Harry and Ginny made their way to the Room of Requirement, taking the two Horcruxes and Gryffindor's Sword with them.
Harry destroyed the Diadem and let Ginny have the honour of dispatching the Cup. Just like when Ginny had stabbed the Diary, a black smokey figure had risen out of each Horcrux as it was stabbed only to disappear.
Afterwards they had spent the rest of the day cuddled up on a couch in front of the fire that the Room provided for the teens.
Though there were periodic bouts of snogging, most of the time they were content to just be to with one another, snuggled tightly together, each enjoying being with the one that meant so much to them.
It wasn't until it as time for dinner that they venture forth from their cosy hide-a-way. So wrapped up on one another, they didn't notice the unhappy looks that they received from two fellow Gryffindors, Ron and Hermione, as they made their way into the Great Hall.
Hermione was frowning though Ron's look was more of a scowl, both displeased that the couple had been missing all day.
While Hermione was upset with Harry for what she perceived as his dereliction by keeping Ginny from doing her homework, Ron was still firmly against them being together, he'd just wised up to the fact that he really couldn't do anything about it. He still had nightmares about what Ginny had done to him the last time he had voiced his opinion on that matter.
Totally oblivious to the attention they were garnering, they spent a delightful dinner together, laughing, chatting, bumping shoulders and playing footsie under the table.
While no where as prolific as the Morning Post, it wasn't uncommon for people to receive an owl during dinner. Though it did come as something of a surprise when a huge owl dropped down in front of Harry.
The majestic owl held out her foot for Harry to remove the message and while he glanced at the front, noting whose handwriting it was, Ginny treated the owl to some left over pieces of roast beast and a sip from her goblet.
Pocketing the scroll till later, Harry smiled at his girlfriend as she petted the magnificent Great Horned Owl. "Fido is really taken with you," he said with a low chuckle.
"Fido?" Ginny snickered.
"One guess whose owl it is," he said playfully.
"Has to be Sirius'" she replied with a smirk.
"Right in one," Harry said, proud at how easily she had figured it out.
Ginny beamed at Harry's pride in her, then she looked thoughtful for a moment. "I'm betting that the note is about the last present they were trying to get."
Harry chuckled. "I'm not taking that bet as I'm sure you're right," he replied with a snicker. "I've learned never to bet against you."
Ginny gave him a haughty look, though he could tell it was an act. "As well you should. You know I'm always right." she said imperiously, tossing her long luscious red hair over her shoulder.
Harry laughed and drew her in with a one arm hug. "Merlin, I love you," he leaned down and whispered in her ear.
She felt a shiver run up and down her spine, it thrilled her to hear him say that he loved her and she knew she'd never grow tired of it.
Just then they were aware of several people coming up behind them and stopping.
Harry turned and saw Malfoy standing there with his two goons, Crabbe and Goyle.
"What do you want, Malfoy?" Harry asked after the blond boy just stood there staring.
"I'm just taking one last look, Potty, so I can remember what you used to look like after the Dragon gets done with you," Malfoy spat. "Hopefully you'll be fried to a crisp."
"And just how do you know what the First Task is?" came a stern voice from behind the three Slytherins.
Malfoy spun around and blanched when he saw a very angry looking Professor McGonagall along with a frowning Professor Flitwick standing there.
"I - - - I - - - I- - -" Malfoy stuttered.
"How so eloquently put, Mr Malfoy," McGonagall said disdainfully. "Do you wish to try again?"
"No Professor," Malfoy said meekly, dropping his gaze to the floor.
McGonagall raised one eyebrow high into her hairline. "That's twenty points from Slytherin and a weeks detention for refusing to answer a Professor's question," she said with asperity.
"What's going on here!?" they heard loudly from the side as Snape came storming into view.
Malfoy looked up gleefully at his perceived saviour. "Professor McGonagall just docked me twenty points and gave me a weeks detention," he whinged, sounding much like a petulant five year old.
Snape eyed everyone, taking note of Harry sitting at the Gryffindor table right behind where Malfoy was standing.
He turned and glared at McGonagall. "So just because a member of my house dared to approach Potter to wish him well in the coming Task, that he has no right being in in the first place, you think you can just dock him points and give him detention," the onerous man spat.
Malfoy, not really paying attention to what his Head of House was saying, was nodding his head vigorously, along with his two sycophants.
"Certainly not, Severus," she replied, her eyebrows shooting up. "I heard Mr. Malfoy speaking in detail about what the First Task involved and asked him where he came by that closely guarded information, and I'm sure Filius will back me up on this, he refused to answer my question. That's the reason he was given his punishment."
"That's correct, Severus," Filius squeaked, his eyes flashing.
Everyone could see the anger growing in the Potion Master's eyes, though he held his tongue. Then with a deep huff, he turned to Malfoy, eyeing him darkly as he pointed with an outstretched arm. "Draco, return to the common room, I'll deal with you later."
Malfoy smiled smugly as he turned and began to lead his two goons away.
"Oh and twenty more points from Slytherin, Mr Malfoy" McGonagall called out to him.
Malfoy turned and stared at the Professor in shock.
"What for!?" roared Snape.
"For lying," McGonagall replied, her eyes flashing, daring Draco to protest.
"What?" Snape snapped, in anger.
"Mr Malfoy agreed with your obviously concocted story when he knew it wasn't the truth," McGonagall stated, staring uncompromisingly at the Slytherin boy.
Snape sputtered angrily and though it appeared he wanted to say something further, he kept slilent, glaring at the Deputy Head-Mistress.
He suddenly spun on his heel and pointed toward the stairs leading to the dungeons where the Slytherin common room was, his eyes burning with anger.
Once Draco departed, Snape stalked off after him, his black cloak billowing out behind him.
Minerva and Filius watched him depart before she looked at Harry. "Perhaps it would be best if you didn't linger, Mr Potter," she said calmly.
"Yes, Professor. Ginny and I were just about to head out," Harry said, though he had a hard time keeping the smile off his face.
As Harry and Ginny rose they heard McGonagall say "Come Filius, I want to have a word with Albus. It appears there has been a breach of security concerning the Tournament."
"Yes, I believe you are correct," the diminutive Professor replied.
With that, the two Professors turned and headed for Dumbledore's office.
Harry and Ginny rose, with Harry wrapping one arm around Ginny's waist. "Where do you want to go?" he asked with a smile.
Ginny smiled back, her eyes dancing. "Let's head to the Room of Requirement. I think I need to help you relax and take your mind off of things," she said seductively.
Harry's smile grew, he loved it when Ginny wanted to distract him. She did it in such wonderful ways.
Harry and Ginny
A/N: So almost all the Horcruxes have been dealt with, only Nagini remains, or will be once the Ring is destroyed. Next coming up is the First Task, should be exciting.
As always your reviews are greatly appreciated.