5
Saving the Saviour
Chapter 25: Going to Hogwarts
Harry awoke but kept his eyes closed for the moment. From the sounds around him he knew he was back at St Mungo's. The next thing he noticed was the sweet flowery scent of Ginny's hair and he felt it against his face.
He breathed in deeply, loving the way it calmed him and filled him with a sense of wonder and above all, love.
The memory of his meeting with his parents came to him and he wondered what had happened. Yes, he knew something had happened because of what his mother had said, but he had no recollection of anything except the pain of Ginny's departure.
He felt Ginny begin to stir so he cracked his eyes open and looked at her. Unfortunately she was spooned into his front and all he could see was the back of her head.
Denied looking into her warm chocolate eyes, he sent "Hey love, are you awake?"
He felt Ginny jump slightly and then relax back into him. "Yes I'm awake," she replied softly, sounding very contented.
"What are you doing here at St Mungo's?" Harry asked, unsure of what had happened.
He felt Ginny shrug. "I'm not sure. The last thing I remember was being on the train. Malfoy stopped by and seemed disappointed that you weren't there."
"He didn't do anything to you, did he? I swear if he's the one responsible for you being here I'll kill him," Harry sent hotly.
Harry heard her non-verbal huff of irritation. "He didn't do anything." Then she giggled, again only in Harry's mind. "In fact he asked me if I was okay."
"What? Malfoy?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Yeah, go figure. Anyway I heard Fred and George yell and ferret face left. I vaguely remember telling the Twins I didn't feel good and that's the last thing I remember until I was with you and your parents," she said matter of factually.
She felt Harry's smile. "I'm glad you remember that. I wasn't sure if it really happened or I just dreamed it but if you experienced it too, it must of really happened." he said in relief.
He felt Ginny sigh. "Your Mum is really beautiful and so young!"
"She was only twenty-one when she died," Harry said with a touch of melancholy. "She and my Dad sacrificed themselves so that I could live. It was their willingly giving up their lives for me that protected me from Tom's curse."
Ginny didn't care if anyone saw that they were awake any longer. She rolled over and took Harry into her arms. "I'm so sorry that they had to sacrifice themselves but I'm grateful that you lived. The world would be a much poorer place without you in it and I probably would have died my first year if you weren't there."
Harry just hugged her hard, to choked up to speak. He didn't even want to think about her dying at Riddle's hand, all alone down in the Chamber of Secrets.
"Ah, you're finally awake," they heard April say.
They opened their eyes and saw April standing over them, she had tears in her eyes but was smiling at them.
"How long have we been unconscious?" Ginny asked, her own eyes misting at seeing how distraught the Medi-Witch was.
April hastily wiped her eyes, trying to get her emotions under control. "Two days for you Ginny and a bit more for Harry," she explained.
Ginny gave her a questioning look.
"Harry passed out almost as soon as you were out of sight," she said with a wan smile. "You lasted until you were on the Hogwarts Express."
Ginny glanced worriedly at Harry. "Why was he affected more than I was?" she asked bewilderedly.
"We think it's because of his weakened state due to his injury but no one knows for sure," April replied.
Just then they were interrupted by Harry's stomach growling quite loudly.
"Hungry," Harry said sheepishly.
Ginny and April laughed.
"I guess I'd better order you two some lunch," April said with a smile.
Ginny's stomach decided it was hungry too and growled almost as loud as Harry's had.
"I guess I'm hungry too," Ginny said with a giggle.
By the time their lunch arrived Healer Payne stepped into the room and surprising Harry and Ginny, he was accompanied by Professor McGonagall.
Both were further surprised when their usually stoic Head-of-House smiled warmly at them.
"It's so good to see you two looking so much better," she said warmly.
Ginny looked worriedly at the Professor. "What's going to happen now? I mean my Mum was so adamant about me returning to Hogwarts but we all know how well that worked out."
Minerva glanced at Healer Payne who smiled and gave her a quick nod. "Well, we've decided to sneak Harry into the castle so you two won't be so far apart. We're hoping if he's there and you can spend time with him that what happened when you were separated won't happen again," she explained.
Both Harry and Ginny gave her shocked looks.
"Ask her if that means I won't be able to attend classes." Harry said to Ginny.
"Does that mean Harry won't be attending classes?" Ginny asked, not wanting to let them know that Harry was 'talking' to her.
"Yes, but he will be receiving private instruction from a few select trusted people. They'll mainly be Professors but there will be several others teaching him things that we feel he needs to learn," Minerva explained patiently.
Even as Harry asked Ginny, she was already asking McGonagall. "We? Whose this we you mentioned?"
Minerva smiled at them. "Even before your unfortunate incapacitation, a small group of people met and discussed helping Harry because of his special circumstances and I'm not talking about his inability to speak. What that all entails we'll discuss later."
"Who?" Harry asked, echoing Ginny as she once again anticipated his question.
"Myself, Healers Payne and Dankworth, April, Sirius, Tonks, Remus, Madam Pomfrey and an Auror, Kingsley Shacklebolt. Oh and an interesting man named Bob from the Department of Mysteries who has indicated that he is willing to help even if it's only on a limited basis," Minerva said with a smug smile.
"Bob?" Ginny asked with a giggle.
"Yes, that's how he introduced himself to me. Though I'm fairly certain that's not his real name," Ian said humorously.
Harry was just about to ask 'when', when Ginny once more beat him to it. He wondered if she was somehow picking the information from his mind before he could even ask her to or if she was just so in-tune with him that she did it naturally. Deciding it really didn't matter, he let it go.
"Tonight. I'll be here shortly after midnight with a couple of others to effect your transfer to Hogwarts," Minerva explained with a smile.
As Harry formed the thought, Ginny once more beat him to it. "What about Harry's things?" she asked.
Harry chuckled, causing Ginny to look at him questioningly.
"I'll tell you later," Harry said humorously.
"Remus took care of that, telling your mother that Harry's trunk had taken up room in the parlour at the Burrow long enough. Though she fussed a bit, she ended up letting him take it," Minerva said with a smile.
Ginny suddenly looked worried. "My wand! I remember it falling out of my hand," she cried in distress.
Minerva's eyes darted to the bedside table and Ginny followed her gaze, spotting her wand laying with Harry's.
As she sighed in relief, Minerva said "One of your brothers picked it up and I was able to retrieve it from him." She then frowned. "If I'm not mistaken, that is a second hand wand, is it not?" she asked tersely.
Ginny blushed, embarrassed to admit it. "Yes, it belonged to my Grandmother Prewett," she said meekly.
Minerva huffed in irritation. "Well, that just won't do. I'll arrange for you to get one of your own. Since it is apparent that you'll be intimately involved with Harry and all he must do, you must have one that is suited to your magic."
Ginny cringed, knowing that her family couldn't afford such an expense.
Minerva saw her distress. "Don't worry, it will be taken care of," she said kindly.
"But . . ." Ginny started to protest.
April rolled her eyes, understanding Ginny reluctance due to family pride. "Ginny, I'll pay for your wand. You helped me take care of Harry and deserve to be rewarded for your unselfish actions."
"That's right," Healer Payne added. "In fact I'm going to insist on paying for half of it," he said looking at April, who nodded back at him, accepting his offer.
Ginny felt her eyes misting up. "I – I don't know what to say," she stammered happily. Though she knew she could perform adequately with her current wand, she had always felt it was holding back her true potential.
"Just say thank you," Harry prompted, grinning at her.
Ginny rolled her eyes but smiled at him.
"Thank you so much," she said excitedly.
All those present smiled at her exuberance.
"In fact, I think we should obtain your new wand this afternoon before you return to Hogwarts," Minerva said thoughtfully.
Harry and Ginny exchanged worried looks, wondering what would happen if they were separated again.
Minerva saw their exchange and could understand their reluctance. "I believe everything will be all right. Diagon Alley is not very far from here and the situation is totally different. You are each aware that the separation is only temporary and that you'll be back together quickly. In fact I think it is the perfect opportunity to see what happens when you aren't next to each other. Something we need to establish for when you return to the Castle."
Thought both Harry and Ginny saw the wisdom in what she had said, though both were nervous about the situation.
Ginny rested her hand on Harry's and gave it a gentle squeeze. "It will be all right," she sent reassuringly. "I don't know how I know but I'm certain that things will be okay."
"Don't worry, Ginny, everything will be fine," she heard Lily say.
Ginny jumped a little, startled to hear from Harry's mum. "Are you sure?" she asked hesitantly.
Lily giggled lightly. "Have I ever steered you wrong?"
Ginny gave a soft sigh, knowing that Lily had never lied or misled her.
"I understand your anxiety. With what you two experienced I'd be surprised if you weren't worried, but rest assured things will be fine," Lily said with an understanding smile.
After Harry and Ginny finished their lunches, Ginny changed into the robes she had been wearing when they had brought her to St Mungo's. She was worried because she had had Harry's cloak with her and it wasn't with her things.
As she stepped out of the loo, April saw her worried look so she took her into a hug. "Don't worry, I was the one who changed you and I hid that marvellous cloak so no one else knows about it," she whispered reassuringly.
Ginny relaxed. She had been worried about Harry's cloak being exposed and that would have affected how much they could have used it.
As they separated, April frowned when she saw Ian handing Minerva a number of Galleons. He smiled at her. "You can pay me your half when you're able," he said with a smirk.
Ginny went over to Harry and gave him a short kiss, smiling at him as she sensed his anxiety.
"Don't worry, Lily assured me everything will be just fine," she said to quiet his fears.
Harry smiled bravely, but she could tell he was still worried. She rolled her eyes but knew until it was proved to him that they'd be fine that he'd be worried.
April watched closely as Harry's eyes tracked Ginny as she left the room with Minerva. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw him relax as Ginny disappeared from view and none of the symptoms of their previous separation appeared.
After McGonagall and Ginny left, Healer Payne said he'd see them later and also departed, leaving Harry alone with April.
"Don't worry, everything will be just fine," she said reassuringly.
"Miss . . . her," Harry said with a weak smile.
April smiled ruefully, wondering once again about the seemingly strong bond that the young couple appeared to share.
"She'll be back before you know it," she reassured him again.
Harry just nodded and decided he needed something to distract himself from worrying about Ginny. He rolled out of bed, grabbed one of his books and sat down in the chair beside the bed.
It was almost two hours later when Ginny finally returned. She could barely contain her excitement as she hurried over to Harry to show him her new wand.
Harry looked at it with awe, something about it seemed so familiar but it wasn't until Ginny explained that it made sense.
She looked at him shyly. "It's Holly and Unicorn tail," she said hesitantly.
"Holly! That's the same kind of wood as my wand," Harry said in surprise.
Ginny blushed and dropped her gaze. "Not only the same type of wood, Ollivander told me it's the other half of the piece that your wand was made from," she said softly. "And the core came from a very special mare that only gave enough for one wand."
Then she blushed deeply, "He also said it was the only wand he had ever made that was blessed by Phoenix tears."
Harry's smile grew and he shook his head lightly. "Let me guess, it was Fawkes, wasn't it?" he asked with a knowing look.
Ginny looked at him in surprise. "How did you know?" she asked bewilderedly.
Harry shrugged with a small grin. "Fawkes was the Phoenix that gave the tail feather for the core in my wand. Somehow I just knew that he was the one."
Ginny giggled at him, her eyes dancing with merriment. "You should have seen the look on McGonagall's and Ollivander's faces when I took it into my hand. It shot out such a massive display of golden sparks, they had to look away it was so bright."
"I always knew you were a powerful witch," Harry said with pride.
Ginny blushed demurely, though she couldn't help but be pleased by Harry's compliment.
She settled into the chair next to him and grabbed one of his books to read. She opened the book and then got a thoughtful look on her face.
"What was it you were going to tell me when we were talking with McGonagall?" she asked curiously.
"Oh, that!" he said with a chuckle. "The thing was you kept asking the questions that came to my mind before I could even say them to you."
"Really?" she asked incredulously. Then she got a thoughtful look on her face. "Do you think I was reading your mind?" Then she got a mischievous look. "Or is it I just know you so well?"
Harry could help himself and burst out laughing. "I don't know. Either is fine with me." he said with a grin.
Then he got a sly look on his face. "Though I'd rather it be you just know me so well. If you could read my mind it might get me in a lot of trouble."
"Why?" Ginny asked in confusion.
Harry actually blushed as he wagged his eyebrows at her. "I'll leave that up to you to figure out," he replied enigmatically.
"Harry!" she cried out in surprise, cottoning on fairly quickly as to what he was implying.
Harry just shrugged. "What? I'm a bloke and we can't help ourselves when we're in the company of someone so beautiful."
Blushing, Ginny reached over and lightly swatted his arm. "Prat!" she said, but it sounded more like a term of endearment. Secretly she was pleased that he thought she was beautiful.
April watched the two of them and smiled, though she didn't know all that was going on, she could see how much they cared for one another and it warmed her heart.
Harry and Ginny spent the rest of the afternoon reading. To them it seemed that time had slowed to a crawl.
Harry was anxious with anticipation, having a hard time sitting still. Though Ginny scolded him mildly, she did so reluctantly as she was almost as anxious as he was.
Dinner time finally arrived, giving them a break from thinking about how they were going to be transported to Hogwarts without anyone knowing.
Ginny had to eye Harry sternly when he was just picking at his food, hardly eating anything.
Quailing under her stern gaze, he began to eat his dinner. If he had thoughts about Ginny channelling her mother, he wisely kept them to himself, though he wasn't sure if Ginny knew or not as she kept eyeing him.
As it got later April come over to them. "Time for bed," she informed them.
"Why?" Harry asked looking confused. "Leaving . . . soon."
April and Ginny both rolled their eyes.
"We must keep everything appearing normal," April said patiently.
"Oh," Harry replied, feeling somewhat foolish for not thinking of that himself.
Ginny went and changed back into her nightgown and she and Harry climbed into bed. She snuggled into his side and sighed contentedly.
"I barely got any sleep after I went home. I missed this so much," she said with a sigh.
Harry just tightened his arm around her, letting her warmth comfort him. He couldn't help but think that his experience had been totally different. The pain he had felt overwhelming him and he worried about what would happen when they returned to Hogwarts.
Ginny felt his unease and tenderly caressed his cheek. "Please try and not worry so much. We'll work something out," she sent comfortingly.
Harry sighed sadly. As hard as he tried he couldn't stop thinking about everything and what might happen if they were separated again, even if it was just the distance from wherever he'd be staying and Gryffindor Tower where Ginny would be.
As impossible as he though it was, Harry drifted off to sleep.
Ginny looked at him worriedly. As much as she had tried to calm Harry, she was just as worried as he was. Knowing that there was nothing to gain by dwelling on it, she snuggled closer and closed her eyes, following Harry into dreamland.
Harry and Ginny
Molly Weasley sat in her rocking chair in front of the fireplace in the parlour, her knitting in her lap. Though she had planned on working on her Christmas jumpers for everyone, she found her thoughts centred on the events of the past couple of days. Her eyes stared into the flames unseeing as she thought back to what had happened.
She had panicked when she had received the letter from Fred and George informing her about what had happened to Ginny.
In her rush to get to St Mungo's she had spilled the floo powder on the floor and knelt there trying to scoop it up by hand, crying her eyes out and shaking so badly she ended up spreading the powder all over the place. It wasn't until she was able to calm herself that she was able to use her wand to recover the floo powder and get to the hospital.
By the time she had arrived, Ginny was laying tucked up against Harry who had his arm wrapped around her.
April explained more fully what had happened, how Harry had reacted as soon as Ginny was out of sight and what Tonks had said abut what had happened to Ginny on the Express.
When the Medi-Witch was done, Molly felt exceedingly guilty, having thought that Ginny had just been emotionally distraught at being separated from Harry. While April had told her that no one had any idea why, Molly had her own ideas and suspicions.
There were stories passed down through the Prewett Female line that talked of unusual bonds developing between Prewett females and especially powerful wizards and it usually happened during times of great turmoil and chaos.
Molly had immediately thought of something her Grandmother had said, about the seventh child, the first in seven generations, that she would be the key in saving the world, magical and muggle alike.
As she had just had the twins, it hadn't made a great impression on her and by the time Ginny had been born it had slipped from her mind. It wasn't until Ginny had snuck into St Mungo's to be with Harry that she had remembered.
As much as she had wanted to deny it, even though Ginny was the first girl born in the Weasley family in seven generations and she was the seventh child, she knew in her heart that her daughter was the one mentioned by her Grandmother.
Though she had wanted to stay with Ginny and Harry, April had convinced her to go home, telling her she'd send word when they awoke. Knowing that hanging out while they were unconscious accomplished nothing, she had gone home.
That had been two days ago and though she was worried, April had reassured her that the young couple were just exhausted magically and would take some time to recover sufficiently to awaken.
She was startled out of her musing by a knock at the door. Rising she went to answer it and was surprised to find Minerva McGonagall.
"Professor McGonagall, this is as surprise," Molly said in shock. "I hope everything is okay," she added worriedly.
"Please, Molly. I haven't been your professor for twenty-seven years. I think it's high time you called me Minerva," the Professor said with a small smile.
"Minerva it is then," Molly replied somewhat hesitantly. "To what do I owe the honour of this visit?"
"I wish to discuss Ginevra with you," Minerva said plainly.
"Is everything okay?" Molly asked worriedly.
"Everything is fine," Minerva reassured the Weasley matriarch.
Molly visibly relaxed as she sighed in relief. "Please, come in and I'll make us some tea," she said much more calmly.
"That would be wonderful," the older witch replied.
Minerva sat down at the table while Molly bustled around the kitchen, putting on the kettle and plating up some biscuits. In no time at all, everything was ready and she sat down with the Professor, poured the tea and then looked expectantly at her.
Minerva paused to sip her tea before launching herself into why she had come. "Tonight we will be moving Ginevra back to Hogwarts," she stated plainly.
Molly gave her a worried look. "Is that wise?" she asked with concern. "I mean with what happened the other day."
Minerva smiled at her reassuringly. "Though this is a secret that must be held, Harry will also be returning."
"But I thought . . ." Molly blurted.
"While he is recovered sufficiently to be moved, he is not ready to return to regular classes. Because of circumstances, his being there will be known by only a select few," Minerva explained. "He will be privately tutored by only the most trusted people and before you ask, no Dumbledore will not be one of them."
Molly couldn't hide her surprise. "Why?" she asked bewilderedly.
"It has become apparent that he does not have Harry's best interest at heart," Minerva said with a frown.
Molly said nothing as she absorbed that bit of information. While she still respected the man, she had started to question some of his decisions.
"I suggest if you wish to see Ginevra before she returns to Hogwarts you do it soon," the elderly witch stated.
Molly gave her a sad look. "I think it's best if I wait till Christmas to see her," she said softly. "I'm ashamed to admit I didn't take what she told me seriously and she probably won't wish to see me right now."
"Whatever you think is best," Minerva said sympathetically.
Molly smiled wanly. "Though I think I'll write her a letter," she said hopefully.
"I'm sure she'll like that very much," Minerva replied with a small smile.
Minerva drained the last of her tea. "Well I must really be going. I have arrangements to finalize," she said, rising and headed for the door.
Molly rose to escort the Professor to the door. "Thank you for coming and telling me," she said gratefully.
"It was my pleasure," Minerva replied.
Molly stood at the door and watched until Minerva Apparated away, hoping that she hadn't done permanent damage to her relationship with her daughter.
Harry and Ginny
Harry was startled out of his sleep by someone gently shaking his shoulder and softly whispering his name. It took him a moment to realize it was Professor McGonagall.
"'m awake," he said groggily.
"Please keep your voice down," she cautioned him, even though he hadn't spoken that loud.
"Okay," he whispered.
As he rubbed his eyes, she heard the Professor performing the same task with Ginny.
Harry chuckled softly as it took a bit more effort to awaken Ginny than it had him. Then his thoughts turned to why that was.
Early on in his childhood he had learn to sleep lightly as a means of self-preservation and he couldn't stop himself from giving a small shudder. He tried to calm himself with the fact that he'd never have to return to his relatives house.
"What's wrong?" he heard Ginny ask in his mind.
"Nothing," he sent back, trying to hide his discomfort at the memory.
"Harry James Potter!" he heard Ginny growl at him.
He glanced at her as she was sitting up. Even in the subdued lighting of the hospital room he could see her eyes flashing dangerously at him.
Though he could tell she was angry at him, what struck him the most was the look of disappointment in her eyes. Instantly he felt bad, knowing that somehow he had let her down and as much as he wanted to deny it, it was because he had tried to shut her out again.
"I'm sorry," he sent sadly, his shoulders sagging.
"Tell me what's wrong," she said worriedly. "I can't help if I don't know what's the matter."
He glanced at McGonagall who was silently urging them to get out of bed and get dressed.
He gave her a nod and as he swung his legs over the side of the bed, he continued his conversation with Ginny.
"I just happened to notice how much easier it was to wake me than it was you and I realized it was because of growing up at the Dursley's. I had to learn to be a light sleeper," he said sadly, leaving out the reason why.
"Oh, Harry," Ginny cried as she came around the bed and hugged him. "I'm so sorry for yelling at you."
Harry just shrugged as he hugged her back. "No, I deserved it for trying to cut you out," he admitted.
"Harry James Potter," she said, rolling her eyes, but this time it was an exasperated sound that was filled with a sense of warmth.
When Harry looked at her questioningly, she gave a gentle shake of her head. "It's understandable for you to react like you always have in the past. It's only been a short time since you've been out of there and shorter still since we've become closer," she said compassionately, rubbing his back tenderly.
Harry felt his eyes misting over and he smiled wanly at her. He knew she was right and it still surprised him at the depth of feelings she seemed to have for him.
He had at first doubted them but recently he's started to feel emotions that weren't his own and he knew from looking at the slight slip of a witch in his arms that they were hers.
He saw Ginny's lips quirk up at the corners and her eyes dance brightly. "And don't you forget it, mister," she teased.
Harry couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Yes dear," he replied rather cheekily.
It was then he noticed Professor McGonagall looking at them with a puzzled expression, though he could tell she was a bit put out that they were dawdling.
"We'd better finish getting ready or I think McGonagall is going to be quite upset with us," he said with a wince.
"Yeah, we'd better and we should probably try to not mind talk while others are paying close attention if we want to keep it a secret," Ginny replied, not liking the look they were receiving.
Harry nodded his agreement and they proceeded to get changed, Ginny going into the loo first and Harry following a couple of minutes later after she emerged.
"All right, now that we can proceed," McGonagall said, eyeing the two of them with minor disapproval. "We need to sneak you out of here as quietly as possible."
"Why?" Harry asked, wondering why they needed to take such care. He figured in the middle of the night that it would be hard to identify just who was departing if they kept their hoods up to hide their faces.
"We're fairly certain that Voldemort has people watching the hospital and will report back to him if they see anyone who looks like it could be you," the woman explained.
Harry exchanged a quick glance with Ginny, who nodded back at him.
"Professor, Harry has a cloak that will hide us from anyone's view," Ginny said softly.
Minerva's eyes widened in surprise. "You have an Invisibility Cloak?" she asked in shock.
Harry nodded slowly, hoping he wasn't divulging too much.
"That's wonderful. Please put it on," she said with a smile. Leaving undetected had been their biggest worry.
Harry withdrew his cloak from inside his robes and cover himself and Ginny.
As soon as they had disappeared from view, Minerva started walking. "Stay close to me," she whispered.
As soon as they were outside the room, they saw Tonks standing nearby. She gave Minerva a questioning look but shrugged her shoulders when the older witch motion her to proceed.
As they approached the front door, Minerva whispered "Once outside we're going to head to the left. A short way down the lane there is a small alcove. From there we will Apparate you to Hogsmeade."
"Okay,"Ginny replied for the two of them.
With Tonks in the lead, they exited the hospital and immediately turned to the left. Just like the Professor had explained, there was a small alcove about one hundred yards ahead on the right.
As they all crowded in, Harry bumped into Dora.
"Blimey!" she cried softly. "I wasn't sure you were really with us," she said in surprise.
"Shhh," Minerva scolded her lightly. "Since we wish to keep you hidden, we'll all Apparate together. Tonks, stand on the other side and grab onto whichever one is closest to you. Just let me guide you as we Apparate.
Tonks shifted over and grabbed hold of Ginny's shoulder. "Ready when you are," she said softly.
"All right, this may feel a bit uncomfortable but it wont harm you in any way. Please don't fight the feeling or you may splinch yourself," she cautioned.
Harry wasn't sure what splinching was but it didn't sound good.
The next moment startled Harry and Ginny. They felt they were being squeezed through a hosepipe and couldn't breath, but the feelings last only a moment.
Once they could breath again, they knew they were some place else. Not only was the air much cooler, they could tell they were no longer in a big city.
Glancing around, Harry spotted the Shrieking Shack nearby. Ginny saw it too and gave a small gasp.
"You can remove your cloak now," Minerva said with a smile.
Harry quickly uncovered himself and Ginny and stuffed the cloak away.
Ginny looked around. "How will we be getting into Hogwarts?" she asked.
"While we could use the secret tunnel that leads from the Shrieking Shack onto the grounds, the Head-Master would be informed that we had arrived," she explained. "So you two will be using a different method," she added with a mischievous smile.
"How?" Harry asked, dying of curiosity.
"Now comes the fun part," Minerva said with a smile and drew her wand. "I'm going to transform you into owls and you're going to fly onto the grounds. Since Owls are magical birds you'll be able to sense where you need to go by concentrating on Madam Pomfrey. She'll transform you back as soon as you are there."
Harry and Ginny stared at her in shock but then smiles grew on their faces.
"This will be so cool," Harry said excitedly.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "I know how much you love to fly," she said with a giggle.
Harry smiled sheepishly at her and shrugged his shoulders. It was well know how much he enjoyed flying on a broom and having the chance to fly without one sounded like so much fun he could hardly wait.
Minerva and Tonks chuckled at the pair, seeing how excited they were.
"Are you ready?" she asked.
Harry and Ginny nodded vigorously.
Brandishing her wand, she softly said Avifors. In a instant where Harry and Ginny had been standing there were now two owls, one black and one a rusty red colour.
They both extended their wings tentatively and hooted happily.
"Okay, off with you. I'll see you soon," Minerva said with a smile.
Harry took wing with Ginny following right behind.
"This is fantastic!" Harry cried in delight.
"Yes it is!" Ginny agreed.
Harry thought of Madam Pomfrey and immediately knew which way to fly.
Ginny came up beside him and even in owl form she could tell how excited Harry was, as she was feeling exactly the same.
She wasn't surprised when Harry began to swoop and dive and she followed him, both taking delight in the freedom of flying free in the night sky.
They were half way across the schools grounds when something came flashing toward them.
It took a moment for Harry to recognize the white form of Hedwig as she fell in formation with him and Ginny.
"Hedwig!" he cried happily.
"It is good to see you, Master Harry," he heard his owl greet him. "And you have Mistress Ginny with you."
"Hedwig?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Yes, Master Harry," Hedwig replied smugly.
"How?" he asked, totally surprised at being able to talk to his familiar.
"While you are in this form we can talk," his owl explained.
Harry heard Ginny giggle and he glanced at her. Her eyes were bright with amusement as she stared back at him. Giving a small shake of his head, he turned his attention back to Hedwig.
"What's with this Master Harry stuff. I'm not your master, you've always been my friend and nothing more," he said in exasperation.
"I didn't want to presume," she replied, her tone slightly amused.
"You've always been there for me. You've always been there when no one else could be," he said tenderly.
"Then I will be more than happy to consider you my friend too, Harry," Hedwig replied.
Harry felt such a feeling of exhilaration fill him that he corkscrewed upward into the sky, adding a few loops and barrel rolls before he dove down back at Ginny and Hedwig.
"He is a natural flyer," Hedwig said to Ginny.
"Yes he is," Ginny replied, feeling so happy for Harry.
"Shall we join him?" Hedwig asked.
"Yes!" Ginny cried as she folded her wings and dove after Harry's retreating form.
The three owls danced across the sky, each enjoying being with the others.
Harry probably would have flown all night but it was Hedwig who brought things to and end.
"You should really get to the nurse lady," she said regretfully. "They will be becoming concerned if you do not arrive soon."
Harry sighed deeply. "I know you're right but this is so much fun," he said sadly.
"Do not despair, Friend Harry. I sense that we will be able to enjoy such pleasures in the future," Hedwig said reassuringly.
"Really?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Most assuredly," Hedwig replied.
Harry smiled happily. He couldn't help but think that he'd enjoy flying with Hedwig again.
Satisfied for the moment, the three owls turned and headed for the castle, knowing just where they needed to go.
As they flew around from the front they noticed an open window where someone was standing, staring out into the dark night sky.
One by one, with Harry coming to land last, they settled onto the window sill.
"There you are, finally," Madam Pomfrey huffed.
Then a small smile crept onto her face when she saw Hedwig with the other two. She shook her head lightly, knowing just how much both Harry and Ginny loved to fly. "I should have known that you'd get distracted flying," she muttered, trying but failing to sound stern.
She motioned for Harry and Ginny to hop down onto the floor and once they had, she reversed their transformations.
Harry immediately turned to Hedwig and held out his arm. "I enjoyed that so much," he whispered lovingly to her.
Hedwig just hooted sadly, though Ginny could see the love that she had for Harry.
Harry sighed sadly. "I guess we can only talk when I'm an owl."
Hedwig bobbed her head in reply. She then hopped up to his shoulder and rubbed her head against his cheek, letting him know that she understood and just how much she loved him.
"Come on Harry. Madam Pomfrey looks like she wants us to go," Ginny said regretfully.
Harry glanced at the matron and could see her agitation. "Good - - -bye," he muttered to Hedwig.
She hooted softly, rubbed his cheek once more before launching herself out into the night.
Ginny took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "You'll see her again," she whispered tenderly.
Harry sighed and gave her a small smile. "I know but it was so wonderful to see her," he said wanly.
"Come on, Mr Potter, we need to get you situated," Madam Pomfrey said, gesturing for them to follow.
With one last look out the window, Harry sighed before turning to follow the matron.
Harry and Ginny
A/N: So Harry and Ginny have returned to Hogwarts. Wonder how long his being there will remain a secret?
I hope everyone enjoyed the method I used in getting him and Ginny into the school.
Please review, hearing from you readers is one of the main reasons I write.