Disclaimer: I wish I had a Time-Turner right now so I could go back in time and become JKR…or be the wonderful and creative writer of this. And I could see Def Leppard in concert. But, alas! Then I couldn't drool over Daniel Radcliffe…but then again, maybe I could suggest someone else for the role of Snape. Never mind my babbling! What I mean to say is that none of it's mine…Damn! That Time-Turner could come in handy…

Chapter 25- Cupid's Song

As January continued to grow colder, Harry continued to attend his Sunday "detentions" with "McGonagall", as he had been given four more at the Return Feast for his stunt. Most of the school admired him for the prank, but not everyone was happy with him. Hermione, who had long given up on Harry for discontinuing his monthly jokes, pointed out to Ron and Harry that evening that Dean was not too pleased with Harry, along with Lavender and Pavarti.

"I think he's just jealous because Ginny is spending more time with you than him," Ron commented as he rolled his eyes and turned back to the two. Harry shook his head as he continued to stare at the loathing Gryffindors in the darkest corner of the Common Room.

"No," Harry started," Something else is going on. I mean, Ginny isn't even here right now. If she were, I'm sure she would be with him." Ron shrugged as he turned the conversation to Quidditch and Gryffindor's chances of winning against Hufflepuff in the next game. Harry listened, not noticing the flicker of cold glares directed at the back of his head as he began speaking of his team and the other house teams.

The long and cold month of January grew longer and colder for Harry in his Potions class. Professor Crudus no longer ignored Harry; he taunted the Gryffindor boy more than Draco Malfoy ever had. Nearly every Potions class that month ended with Harry stomping out of the classroom and no potion to turn in or a very wrong potion from the requested one.

"I don't understand, Harry," Hermione offered as she followed a seething Harry to the Gryffindor Common Room two days before the Quidditch Match, "It's a simple potion! I made it in second year. And you were with me when I did it!"

"That's you, Hermione," Harry puffed, "Hogwart's resident Know-It-All! Not me!" Hermione scoffed as she grasped his arm and stopped him.

"What I don't understand, Harry," she spat angrily, "Is that I watched your procedure! And you did everything nearly perfect! But it still came out wrong!" Harry softened as she crossed her arms in front of her and raised an eyebrow at him.

"I'm sorry, 'Mione," he remarked softly, "I don't understand, either. I have been doing exactly what the directions say. But I still get the wrong result!" Hermione stared at him for a moment until her eyes glazed over. Instinctively, she ran a hand through her hair and stared at the blank stone wall behind him.

"Erm…'Mione?" he questioned as he waved a hand in front of her, "Are you okay?" Suddenly, her eyes lit up as though she had discovered the secret to knowing it all.

"Of course!" she began as she continued on her way to the Common Room with Harry right behind her, "It all makes sense…but I'll have to get proof…ooh, if I'm right he's in so much trouble!"

"Hermione?" Harry asked as he stopped her softly at the Portrait hole, "What's going on?" She turned to him, startled as though she just realized she wasn't alone.

"No time for it right now, Harry," she gave with a grin, "I just have to go to the Library. I'll see you later." Harry watched her retreating back as she raced to the Library, wondering what she had been talking about.

o-o-o-o-o

But Harry never found out what Hermione had been talking about, for she hadn't revealed anything to him or Ron. Repeatedly she told them not to worry and that it was best they not know what was going on. Ron shrugged it off and continued on with his homework or his meal whenever they asked. But the longer it went on, the more worried Harry became about the situation.

The only time Harry didn't worry about her was during their Quidditch match against Hufflepuff. There hadn't really been any worries about it for the Gryffindor team—as they were ahead by ninety points throughout the game—but Harry still concentrated on finding the snitch first. After almost two hours of the game, Harry caught it from underneath the other seeker's nose, winning the game with two-hundred-seventy points and tying them with Slytherin. All of the Gryffindors celebrated that night, except for the three sixth years that had—for the past few weeks—been very distant with the rest of the house. But Harry no longer cared; he had just helped Gryffindor tie with Slytherin for the house cup, and he was happy for the first time in weeks.

Harry's great mood continued until the morning of Valentine's Day. He bounced his way to the Great Hall with Ginny, both of them shaking in anticipation of the day. It was another Hogsmeade day for them, along with another day of other ritual things. As they joined Ron and Hermione at the Gryffindor table, they grinned stupidly at the sleepy sixth years.

"Why are you two so chipper?" Ron asked grumpily as Hermione eyed them carefully.

"Oh no!" she hissed, "Not another prank!" Harry's grin grew wider in reply as his eyes swept across the full hall. Nearly all the school was there, and the prank was about to begin. Just then, the doors to the Entrance Hall flew open, scaring many people. Everyone turned to see who was at the door, for no one appeared to be there. Harry could barely see the grumpy looking dwarf wearing nothing but a white cloth diaper and fake white wings attached to his back and a golden harp in his hands as the dwarf sloped across the hall to the Slytherin table.

"Oi! You! Pig face!" the dwarf called out as he stood at Crabbe's feet, "Help me up to the table!" Stupidly, Crabbe stared at the dwarf in confusion and the dwarf rolled his eyes.

"Oh! Stupid forgot to take his smart potion today!" the dwarf retorted as he looked to Goyle, "You! Pea Brain! Lift me up, or are you worse off than your boyfriend here!" The students in the Hall snickered as Goyle picked the dwarf up by his wings and set him on the table. The dwarf straightened himself up before unrolling a piece of parchment and clearing his throat. Harry cringed as the dwarf began his recitation in a loud and annoying voice.

Oh! What is in a name?
Malfoy's one that makes me grin.
Not because of his fame,
Nor because he makes my head spin,

With small eyes of coal gray,
And a smirk always on his face:
Say he is gorgeous? Nay!
Even his dad thinks he's a disgrace!

Slicked hair the color of snow
Girls might say he's got some merit.
He's really got to know,
He makes a much better ferret!

The dwarf rolled up his parchment before hopping down from the Slytherin table and stalked back out of the Hall. The Hall remained silent for awhile afterward as people stared at a red-faced Draco. Suddenly, a soft chuckle could be heard at the Head Table. Harry turned to see the Headmaster chuckling softly with a twinkle in his eye. Beside him, Professor McGonagall fought to keep her smile away and Professor Sprout covered her mouth with her napkin, which didn't hide her mirthful eyes. Soon, the rest of the school followed suit and laughed at the Prince of Slytherin. Harry grinned at a chuckling Hermione and an awe-struck Ron before winking at Ginny.

"I must say, Mr. Potter, that's one of the best poems I've heard in a long time," Professor Dumbledore commented as he passed by a few moments later, "But, I'm afraid that you will still need to see Professor McGonagall about your detention. Good day!"

o-o-o-o-o

"Brilliant Harry!" Ron exclaimed as they made their way to Hogsmeade later that morning. Harry had, indeed, followed Professor McGonagall to her office to discuss his "punishment". To his surprise, however, the Transfiguration professor had congratulated him on his poetry prose and style, especially since it had all rhymed.

"What I don't understand, Harry," Hermione started, "is how you're doing this all on your own. If I didn't know any better, I would say you have an accomplice." Harry glanced at Ginny and shook his head slightly before looking back at Hermione and shrugging.

"I guess it's just a secret I've kept from everyone for some time," Harry gave in response as the four ambled down the street.

"It makes me wonder what else you're keeping from us, Harry," Ron commented as Harry's back tensed. He looked at an innocent Ron in fear before shaking out of his stupor and enjoying the rest of his day in Hogsmeade with his closest friends with the exception of Neville and Luna, who had decided to spend the day together at Madam Puddifoot's.

After they went to Zonko's to look at Fred and George's competition, they moved on to Honeyduke's. There, they loaded themselves with sweets, including the latest treat of Ginger Newts. Harry purchased two bags of the new sweet with the idea of sending one to his owl pal Ginger. After that, they went to the Quidditch shop to browse before sluggishly following an excited Hermione into the bookstore. Soon, they were all exhausted and cold and sitting at a table in the Three Broomsticks.

"What'll it be, dears?" Madam Rosmerta asked as she approached their table.

"Four butterbeers, please," Hermione offered as Harry handed the barmaid the sickles. The older woman left them but returned quickly with four bottles of the frothy brew. The four of them sipped their drinks quietly, enjoying the warming affects it had on their numb bodies.

"Ginny?" Ron piped up after a few moments of silence, "Where's Dean?" Harry thought he saw her back tense for a moment, but brushed it off as his imagination as she concentrated on her drink.

"He had other things going on today," she answered with a smile, "So he told me to go on without him."

"But it's Valentine's Day," Hermione remarked in disbelief as she watched the youngest Weasley, who merely shrugged her shoulders and sipped her drink.

"So?"

"So! It's a day for couples!" Hermione stated as Ginny rolled her eyes.

"No," she began, "it's a day for candy and card companies to make a profit off of supposed lovers buying things for one another and thinking that the object of their affection is their soul mate. It's just a fake holiday and it's not for me." Hermione stared in surprise at the flaming redhead as she rose from the table.

"If you'll excuse me," Ginny announced coldly, "I think I would like to return to the castle. I have revisions to do, seeing as this is my O.W.L. year." With that, the youngest Weasley turned on her heel and left the trio alone and surprised. Harry turned back to his friends and the three shrugged in confusion before he turned back to the lone figure walking up the high road.

o-o-o-o-o

Dear Harry,

Happy Valentine's Day! How was your day? I'm sure it started off well but the trip to Hogsmeade after receiving your punishment from Professor McGonagall was probably pretty low. However, I found your prank to be wonderful! I've always wanted to embarrass Malfoy in the past, and it looks like you did a wonderful job today! Congratulations!

I know I haven't mentioned your secret in a letter yet, but I wanted to think on it for awhile before I responded to you about it. First of all, I must say I feel privvy to such an important secret, especially since none of your friends know about it yet. It made me feel important to know such a valuable secret of the "Golden Boy". But, then I realized that this is a burden for you, and you told me because you needed to confide in someone that wouldn't judge you or give you the same answer that they have given you for the past six years.

But, now that I am armed with this information, what do I tell you about it? Do I tell you that I would tell the secret to me friends? Do I tell you to keep it to yourself? I truly believe that you should tell them and soon. Maybe they can help.

The downside of telling them this secret is that they will most likely treat you as though you are already dead. They will tiptoe around you, speak in hushed whispers around you, and constantly console you as though you are dying. It will be annoying if that is their reaction to such news, and it will be difficult to get past that. But remember: they are only trying to help you. They are your friends, and they love you.

Since you indulged me with a secret of such value and mark, I find I cannot treat you that way. I know you have accepted the fact of the prophecy for you to tell me of it. The initial shock of its contents and its revelations has worn off for you, and you know what your destiny is. I think it's very brave of you to know your path and accept it as you have. Very Gryffindor of you! I'm sure your parents would have been proud of you if they knew how you have turned out!

I'm proud of you, Harry! You have turned out to be very brave and very funny. Although your future is tainted with such a mission, you are still balanced and very normal. On that note, I do not see you as Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived; I see you as Harry Potter, the bravest and most caring friend ever. You truly are your parent's son, and their love permeates through your veins. In fact, I believe your love is your greatest gift.

In closing, I wish you the best for the future. I hope you will see the light in this letter and it will guide you in the right direction. Always know that I am with you, even if you do not know who I am. And Happy Valentine's Day, again!

Hope to hear from you soon!

Ginger

o-o-o-o-o

Dear Ginger,

Happy (Belated) Valentine's Day to you, too! How have you been since your last letter? I have been doing well since I last wrote you. Even though I received four more detentions from McGonagall for my latest prank, it was well worth it! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I loved hearing it repeated through the corridors this week! Malfoy looked completely mad and embarrassed for the prank every time someone started singing it! It's just what he needed: a Valentine that he could be embarrassed about for the rest of his life!

I know what you mean about the secret of the prophecy. It's a lot to take in and to know of; I hated knowing it when I first found out. But, I accepted it after awhile; I mean, I always sort of knew that I was going to be the one to kill Voldemort, so it doesn't bother me anymore. I'm still afraid to tell my friends, though. I really don't want them to treat me any different than they already do. The summer before last, they almost walked on eggshells around me because they were afraid I would blow up at them, which I did a few times. And last summer, they sort of did it again. I hate being treated different. I hate being pointed out at times. And I hate special attention. I always get it because of my scar. It didn't bother me too much during my first year because of my past with the Dursley's. But, after awhile I hated when people would point me out and look for my scar. There's more to me than my scar.

I think one of the reasons why I hated being associated by my fame is because of Professor Lockhart. When he taught here, he would seek me out and try to give me "advice" about being famous. Malfoy didn't help, either. Always teasing and taunting me with it. And the Daily Prophet wasn't of much use. It always seemed like I was mentioned in there at least once a week. I don't know if I still am anymore; I've stopped reading it.

Having that fame for something I don't even remember and having it build into what it's become today really bothers me. Sometimes I wish I were a hermit that no one cared about. I know it sounds strange, but I sometimes wish that it had been Neville Longbottom that everything happened to and that I was the near-Squib. I think my life would be easier that way. At least then I wouldn't have to deal with all the problems I have to deal with: the fame, the rumors, the articles. It seems like everyone is looking at me, waiting for me to fall so they can tease me or say they always knew I would fail. And if I do something right, they always say that they knew I would overcome it all.

I'm sorry to dump all my problems and thoughts on you. I just think it's easier to talk to someone about this outside of my small group of friends; they've heard, seen, or witnessed most of this before. So, they really don't like to talk about it. But sometimes I wonder if getting it all out in the open will help me get some of my frustrations out. Anyway, thanks for being a friend and lending an ear, or an eye.

Well, I should go to bed since I have class tomorrow. Thanks again for this. I don't think I would have been very well off if it hadn't been for your open eyes or ears.

Hope to hear from you soon!

Harry

P.S. I have started a new hangman game for us! I hope you like it!

P.P.S. I also bought you something yesterday in Hogsmeade. I hope you enjoy them!

Harry read over his letter again with a fast-beating heart. He was a little afraid to open up to someone else like this, but he knew it was the right thing to do. Sighing resignedly, he folded the parchment and attached the bag of Ginger Newts to it, securing it tightly. He glanced around the common room and noticed that no one else was up except for Ginny in the corner, pouring over an essay. Smiling softly, Harry stood up and walked to the youngest Weasley.

"Hey, Gin," he called out as he sat down across from her at the table, "How's things?" She sighed and smiled tiredly at him as she leaned back in her chair, rubbing her eyes. Harry noticed the dark circles under her eyes and watched her with concern.

"You look tired," he remarked before blushing at his stupidity, "Erm…I mean, are you alright?" She sighed and looked at him, nervously biting her lower lip.

"I'm fine," she began, "I am a little tired, but it is my O.W.L. year. You know how it can be." Harry nodded as he looked at the package in his hands.

"Is that for your friend, Ginger?" Ginny asked as he looked up at her.

"Yeah," he began, "I thought I would write to her while I had the chance." She nodded and smiled softly to him as the silence circulated around them.

"How is she?" she questioned as she looked down at her essay, avoiding his gaze.

"She's fine, I guess," he started before quipping a smile at her, "How's your Ginger?" Ginny smiled softly again as she looked at him.

"Fine," Ginny answered as she started closing her books and placing them in her bag while Harry watched her.

"How are you, Ginny? Is everything alright?" he inquired as she tensed a little. She looked to him and swallowed hard before nodding and forcing a smile on her face.

"I'm fine, Harry," she started, "Why? Have you heard differently?" Confused, Harry shook his head and sat back a little in the chair.

"No, I'm just worried about you," he explained, "You look tired, and I worry that you aren't sleeping enough. I know studying's important. But, Hermione even said, there are more important things in life than books." Ginny gave him an unconvinced look.

"Really? When did Hermione ever say that?" Harry smiled as he picked up her potions book and held it for a moment.

"Our first year," he gave, "When we went through the trapdoor." Ginny nodded as she made a grab for her book from his hands, but he held onto it, capturing her gaze again.

"Are you sure you're okay, Gin? Is there something else on your mind aside from your studies?" he questioned. She sighed, rolling her eyes, and tugged the book from his grasp before shoving it in her bag with the rest of her books.

"I'm fine, Harry!" she answered shortly as she stared at him coldly. He smiled softly as he placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Okay, Gin," he remarked softly, "But if you ever need to talk, remember that I'm here for you." She stared at him for awhile, letting the silence pass between them before nodding and looking down.

"I should get to bed," she announced quietly as he nodded and pulled her into a hug.

"Get some rest, Ginny," he started as she pushed back a little, "I'm not demanding that you do, but I care about you. You are one of my closest friends, and I worry about you." She pulled away and stared at him before nodding and walking to the staircase. Before she disappeared from his sight, she turned to him and smiled reassuringly.

"Good night, Harry." He smiled back as she started up the staircase.

"Sweet dreams, Ginerva," he offered quietly to the empty staircase before walking up his to the boys dormitory.

A/N: Aww! He's watching out for Ginny! How sweet! Right? Lol. J/k! I hope y'all liked the little diddy for Malfoy! I'm not a complete Draco-hater; I'll show that later. ;-) Anyway, thanks for reading! Please review! Speaking of reviews and whatnot, here are my thank you's...

Reviews:
Voldie's Demise: I'm glad you like the story! That's mainly the point of writing this story! Thanks for your support and I hope you enjoy the rest!

waytoobored: Thank you for your request and for your opinion on the story. Although I do understand that it can be somewhat confusing, I'll try to clarify things a little for you. I do realize that I had Sirius do something that doesn't sound like him, but I tried to explain it as best as possible through his letter. While the Weasley's and Sirius disagreed on how much Harry should know, Sirius did realize that Molly and Arthur had Harry's best interest at heart. He also knew that out of everyone in the world (the wizarding world, that is), they were the best candidates for Harry's care. Giving them the money was his way of ensuring Harry's care for the next few years, since he knew that the Weasley's would use it for Harry's good. I was sure I explained that or that the reader would assume that through Sirius's letter to Harry. I apologize for not clarifying that. Also, as for the Weasley children being left at the Burrow alone while Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were at Grimmauld Place...who says they were there? I never said that they were at the Burrow alone or at the Burrow period. If they were there, then it is safe to say that Bill, Fred, and George were watching them. Or they could've been somewhere else...I'm not telling, though. It might be revealed in the following pages or in the sequel (which I have started on, by the way). If you're still interested in this story after reading this, I can only say the one phrase readers hate to hear from a writer (as I do myself): You'll just have to read to find out. At any rate, thank you for your honest opinion and your constructive criticism on this story. Even though it sounds like I don't appreciate it, I do. It helps me correct my own mistakes and makes me realize things that need to be changed or explained in the story. I don't catch those because I don't always realize that there is anything wrong. That's just something that comes with the territory. Once again, thank you! I hope you will continue to read this story regardless. Your sharp eyes could be useful!

shannyauburn: It's official! You are definitely my number one fan! As always, thank your for your kind words and support on this story! I really appreciate your praise in this fic! It means a lot. Always, thanks!

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So, to all of you new readers (and, as always, the old ones listed before) thank you for your support and your interest!MALD