6
Saving the Saviour
Chapter 26: Within the Hallowed Halls
Madam Pomfrey led Harry and Ginny back through several corridors eventually coming to a large tapestry of Healer Mungo Bonham the founder of St Mungo's treating sufferers of the Great Plague in London.
"Miss Weasley, this is one of the ways to access Mr Potter's rooms," she said as she slipped behind the tapestry. "The password is Dilys Derwent."
As she spoke the name, a door appeared and she led them through it.
Once inside, Harry came to a halt, looking around in wonder.
Ginny almost ran into his back, he had come to a stop so quickly. "Nice digs, Harry," she said with a smile as she looked around.
They were standing in a parlour that was about a quarter the size of the Gryffindor common room. It had a very nice Dragon-hide couch with a couple of squishy chairs on either side of it, all sitting in front of a large fireplace.
There as also a table with several chairs set along the wall opposite of the fireplace.
On the wall across from where they had entered were three more doors, two of which stood open. The one right in front of them, situated in the centre of the wall, led to a kind of library/study.
The one on the right was to the bedroom which included a well appointed bathroom. Harry and Ginny ducked their heads through the door and spotted Harry's trunk sitting at the end of a queen-sized four poster bed.
There was also a large wardrobe, much bigger than the ones found in the dorms, two night stands on either side of the bed and a small dressing table with mirror.
Then smiled when they noticed it was done up in Gryffindor colours.
"Right," Madam Pomfrey said, getting their attention. "Here is where you'll be taking your lessons," she said to Harry, pointing into the library/study.
"I've been informed that your therapist, Elizabeth Ashworth will be coming to meet with you at least once a week," she said plainly. "I've been led to understand that you, Miss Weasley, have been assisting in his sessions?" she asked, turning her attention to Ginny.
Ginny nodded her head. "Yes I have been," she replied, somewhat proudly.
"Good, because it will be one of your duties to work with Mr. Potter on those days that she can't be here," the matron said, eyeing Ginny intently, as if she was assessing her ability to perform the job.
"One of my duties?" Ginny asked, just catching what the matron had said.
"Yes," Pomfrey replied with a rare smile. "One of the ways that has been decided on to explain your absences when you are spending time here is that it will be known that you are being given special instruction in the healing arts. To that end, there will be times you will be required to help me in the hospital wing."
Ginny looked at the matron in shock. While she did enjoy helping to take care of Harry and had been contemplating pursuing a career in the medical field, she truly hadn't made up her mind.
She glanced at Harry who was smiling proudly at her. "At least this way you'll be able to find out if it's something you really want to do," he said warmly.
She turned her attention back to the matron. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey. I'll do my best to help you in any way you need," she said fervently.
The matron smiled at her. "I'm sure you will and since we're going to be spending quite a bit of time together, in private you may call me Poppy."
The she looked at Harry, "You too, Mr Potter," she said warmly.
Harry stared back in surprise. "Okay . . . Poppy," he struggled to get out.
"Right," Poppy said, collecting herself once more. "You'll be taking all you meals here," she said, gesturing at the small table.
She then gave a small sad sigh. "I know it's more than you are used too but I fear it will become to feel rather small as you will be confined here most of the time and though there will be people here at times during the day, you will be by yourself quite often," she said with a small sad frown.
Harry gave her a wan smile and shrugged. At least he was continuing his education and he'd be near Ginny, even if she couldn't be with him all the time any more.
Poppy gave a small sigh. "All right, I'll leave you to get settled. Due to the lateness of the hour, it isn't prudent for you, Miss Weasley, to return to Gryffindor Tower tonight. Professor McGonagall will come for you tomorrow morning after breakfast to escort you and give you your timetable."
Both Harry and Ginny gave her startled looks, causing the matron to laugh lowly. "I know where you've been staying this past summer, Miss Weasley. I expect you to display the same good behaviour you did then," she said, giving the young witch a pointed look.
It took Ginny a moment to understand her implication and she blushed deeply. "Yes, Madam Pomfrey," she replied embarrassingly.
"Okay, I'll leave you now," she said heading for the third door on the far wall. "Oh, I failed to mention it, but this leads to the corridor where my quarters are located, it only leads to my office so no one else can get in here," she explained.
With that pronouncement, she left them standing there alone.
Ginny immediately went and grabbed Harry by the hand and led him into the bedroom. "Come on, morning will be here before we know it," she said with a small smile.
Since she didn't have any of her things, she grabbed one of Harry's t-shirts and a pair of his pyjama bottoms and headed into the loo to change.
She was back momentarily and Harry couldn't help but smile at her. She'd had to roll up the pants legs and the pyjama bottoms looked quite large on her. The t-shirt came down to mid thigh and was also several sizes too large but to Harry she looked very cute.
Ginny looked at him uncertainly, feeling a bit uncomfortable and a bit ridiculous wearing his over sized clothes, not that they were really that large; she didn't look nearly as bad as he did when he was wearing his cousin's cast offs.
"You look fine," Harry said reassuringly.
Ginny looked at him with a frown. "I must look horrid," she said unhappily.
Harry stepped up to her and took her into his arms. "You could be wearing the most hideous things imaginable but you'd still look beautiful to me. It's not what you're wearing but the person you are inside that matters to me," he said tenderly.
Ginny was startled at first, hearing what Harry was saying. He hadn't exactly been forthcoming with talking about his emotions and how he felt about her. Sure she was able to feel his love for her but that had been unspoken. This new Harry delighted her and she wondered what brought it about.
Squeezing him as she was snuggled into him, she then gently pushed him away. "Go get changed," she said with a small smile.
Harry smiled back and grabbed his things, returning shortly. He found Ginny already laying in bed and he joined her immediately.
They snuggled together, each relishing being with the other, both secretly thinking about how this was probably the last time that they'd be able to do so for the foreseeable future.
With that sad thought, both drifted off to sleep.
Harry and Ginny
Morning came much to quickly for Harry and Ginny, mainly because they heard someone come into the bedroom.
Cracking his eyes open, Harry noticed a small house elf standing in the doorway looking at them rather embarrassingly.
"Pardon, Master Harry, I is being Dibley and I has breakfast ready for you and Miss Ginny," the elf said shyly.
Harry was taken a little aback by the demure little elf, as the only ones he'd been exposed to previously were Dobby and Kreacher, one so excitable and one quite irascible, neither anything like the shy little female elf before him.
"O. .kay," he replied quietly.
When the diminutive elf vanished he gently shook Ginny's shoulder. "Wake up, it's time for breakfast," he said softly.
"I heard," Ginny groaned out lowly. She rolled off Harry's shoulder and flopped back on the bed, her arms sprawling wide, almost hitting Harry as he went to sit up.
Not realizing she'd just missed hitting him in the head, right where his wound was, she growled "I hate mornings. Especially ones where I haven't gotten enough sleep."
Harry looked back over his shoulder at her. "Well this is a side of Ginny Weasley I've never seen before," he said with a touch of humour.
"Watch it!," she snapped, cracking one eye open and glaring at him.
Harry actually recoiled in shock, his eyes widening, not believing the irritation he heard in her voice.
Ginny bolted upright at seeing Harry recoil from her. "Oh Harry, I'm so sorry," she said contritely, wrapping her arms around him. "I know I can be rather irritable when I haven't had enough sleep and it doesn't help that it's . . . well, you know. . ."
Harry stared at her, his face blank as he tried to figure out what she meant.
Ginny cringed and began to blush. "It's that . . . time of the month," she said quietly, dropping her eyes, unable to meet his.
It took a moment for the Knut to drop but he finally understood what she was saying. "Oh," he said in surprise, blushing almost as much as she was.
"I'll try to remember that little piece of information," he said with a small smile.
Ginny raised her eyes just enough to meet his, hers appearing rather forlorn. "Thank you," she said softly.
Harry smiled reassuringly at her. "Do you want to use the loo first?"
Ginny sat up on her side of the bed and eyed her robes with a frown. "I wish I had clean robes to put on," she sighed.
"That's something I think we can do something about," he said with a grin.
When Ginny looked at him questioningly, he called out "Dibley!"
The little elf appeared in the doorway. "Hows may I serve you, Master Harry?" she asked brightly.
"Can . . . you. . . get. . . clean. . .robes. . . for. . . Ginny?" he asked haltingly. "And. . . it's. . . just. . . Harry."
"Yes, Mas . . Harry," she said, catching herself, blushing slightly. With that she disappeared with a pop.
She reappeared a few moments later with a bundle of clothing for Ginny. "Heres you be, Miss Ginny," she said with a curtsy.
"Thank you, Dibley," Ginny said with a smile.
"Yous welcome," Dibley replied with a shy smile and another curtsy, before she turned and left.
"She really is the sweetest thing," Ginny said with a warm smile as she headed for the loo.
"She's certainly different from the other two elves I've met," Harry replied.
Ginny gave him a questioning look.
"You've met Kreacher, right?" Harry asked. With Ginny's nod he continued. "Then there's Dobby."
Ginny gave him a puzzled look and shook her head.
Harry chuckled. "He's a bit . . . shall we say, exuberant. I'll tell you about him later."
"All right," Ginny replied, heading into the loo, wondering where he had met another house elf.
Harry went to his trunk and gathered what he would need, his clothes and toiletries and then began to unpack his things while waiting for Ginny.
He was surprised when she reappeared about ten minutes later, freshly showered and looking a lot better. She was running her fingers through her hair, trying to straighten it out.
"I should have remembered to ask for my brush," she said, slightly annoyed.
"Ask Dibley to go get it for you," Harry suggested as he headed into take his shower.
Ginny gave a sad sigh. "It's not worth it for one day."
Harry could tell how much it sadden her that they weren't going to be together during the nights any more. He didn't blame her as he felt the same. He was so used to having her cuddled into his side that he wondered if he'd be able to sleep without her by his side.
He hurriedly took his shower and brushed his teeth, wanting to get done faster than Ginny had. He didn't want to think about what she'd say if he did.
As he stood at the sink, he looked at the bandage wrapped around his head and he wondered how much longer he's have to wear it. Since his surgery, he hadn't been bothered by any headaches and he felt that he'd feel like he was making more progress if that outward sign was gone.
He was slightly surprised to find Ginny still in the bedroom, sitting at the dressing table, still working the tangles out of her sleep mussed hair.
"You could have started breakfast without me," he said softly, taken with watching Ginny run her fingers through her hair. He was surprised at what a good job she had done using just her hand and he felt his fingers twitching, wanting to be the one whose fingers were trailing through her luscious fiery locks.
Ginny rolled her eyes at him. "Harry, we've been eating together for quite a while and I want to do so as this is probably the last time I'll get to do so for quite a while."
Harry nodded, his eyes misting as it hit him that she was right and he was going miss spending so much time with her.
Ginny could see Harry's eyes glistening and she felt bad for bringing the subject up. She rose and went over to him and took his hand. "Come on, lets go eat breakfast and worry about things later," she said softly, her eyes full of compassion.
Harry gave her a weak smile and nodded his head. He tried to push the sad thoughts from his mind, not wanting to spoil their time together.
They entered the parlour and found Dibley puttering around the room, dusting and straightening things, though they couldn't really tell the difference. The room had looked immaculate to them.
When the elf noticed them she stopped what she was doing and motioned them over toward the table. "Eats while it still be warm," she said firmly.
Harry held Ginny's chair for her and she smiled at him. Once he was seated too, they stared at the plethora of dishes before them.
Dibley looked at them with trepidation. "I's be hoping everything be all right," she said unsurely.
The small table was covered with just about anything Harry or Ginny could think of. They jumped a little when they heard her speak.
"Everything looks wonderful," Ginny said with a smile, speaking for her and Harry.
Harry nodded in agreement, "Yes," he said with a smile.
Dibley visibly relaxed. "If there be anything yous wish, just tells me," she said with a smile.
Once Harry and Ginny began loading their plates, the elf went back to cleaning.
Over breakfast, Harry explained all about Dobby to Ginny. She listened astounded at the tale.
"So you freed Dobby?" she said in surprise. "I bet Malfoy didn't like that at all."
"No, he was just about to hex me when Dobby stopped him," Harry said with a smile, remembering the incident clearly.
"How did he do that?" Ginny asked eagerly.
"He banished him three quarters down the corridor," Harry replied with a chuckle.
"I wish I could have seen that!" Ginny said with a laugh.
They were interrupted by Dibley. "Yous have visitors," she said before disappearing with a pop.
Before they could react, the door to the corridor to Madam Pomfrey's quarters opened and Professor McGonagall stepped through. They were surprised when Healer Dankworth followed her into the room.
The Healer smiled at Harry. "I thought I'd stop by and check you wound over. If things look good, I'll probably remove the bandage, something I'm sure you'll appreciate," he said with a grin.
Harry nodded his head vigorously, having a hard time believing that he'd just wished it could come off and now Dankworth was here to check to see if that was possible.
Harry accompanied the Healer over to in front of the fireplace and as the man began to unwind the wrappings, Ginny was watching them closely.
She jerked her head around when she heard McGonagall say "Miss Weasley."
"Yes Professor?" she asked, slightly embarrassed having been caught staring at Harry.
"I have your time-table," McGonagall said, though she had a small smile on her face. It caught Ginny by surprise, she had figured that now that they were back at school that their usually stern Head of House would return to that persona.
"Please study it carefully as you'll see that yours is quite different than the rest of your year mates," she explained.
Ginny looked at her time-table and was shocked to see that she had blocks of time every day with Madam Pomfrey.
She looked up at Professor McGonagall who was still smiling at her. "As you can see, you'll be spending quite a lot of time with Madam Pomfrey, though that will depend on many factors. If she is unavailable or doesn't require your help, you will be in here with Mr Potter, something that I suspect you won't be adverse to."
Ginny felt her face become hot as she blushed deeply. In spite of it, she held McGonagall's eyes and said softly "No, I won't be."
"Now about your absence for the last two days, you're not to say anything to anyone. Have I made myself clear?" Minerva said seriously.
"Yes, Professor," Ginny replied. She then looked thoughtful, "What do I say if someone keeps asking?" she asked, thinking about how persistent Hermione could be.
McGonagall gave her a thin smile, knowing just who Ginny was talking about. "If anyone asks just explain you fell ill on the Express and were taken to St Mungo's and while they had talked to your parents no one bothered to explain anything to you. If they persist, tell them to come speak me or Madam Pomfrey."
Ginny nodded in relief. At least she hadn't had to come up with some elaborate story to explain her absence.
Healer Dankworth inspected Harry's wound and was pleased with how well his scalp had healed. "I'm happy to say that your wound is doing very well and we can dispense with the bandages," he said with a smile.
"T-that's Gr-great!" Harry cried excitedly.
The Healer laughed, "I knew you'd be pleased," he said, happy for Harry.
Harry turned and looked at Ginny. "No more bandages!" he cried happily.
"That's wonderful!" Ginny replied, bounding out of her seat and rushing over to Harry where she gave him a fierce hug.
"As much as I hate to break up this happy occasion, I must escort Miss Weasley back to Gryffindor Tower so she can get her books and things do she can go to her first class," McGonagall said with a wan smile.
Ginny sighed and gave Harry a sad look, resigned to having to leave him.
"But to soften the blow, I've arranged with Madam Pomfrey to have you stop by at lunch time to be checked over," Minerva said with a smile. "And since I'm sure that won't take that long, I see no reason you can't have lunch here with Mr Potter."
"Thank you, Professor!" Ginny squealed, unable to temper her exuberance.
David Dankworth smiled when he saw the look on Harry's face when he heard that he'd be having lunch with Ginny.
"I'll see you later, Harry," he said, heading for the door where McGonagall and Ginny were standing.
Just as they were about to leave, Minerva turned to Harry. "Oh, by the way, I'll be back at ten and you should have read the first chapter in your Transfiguration text by then," she said with a smirk.
Harry sighed and nodded his head, though he did have a small smile on his lips. He found he was actually looking forward to working with her one on one.
Harry and Ginny
Professor McGonagall left Ginny at the portrait hole, informing her that the current password was.
The common room was empty when she entered, something she was extremely grateful for. She really wasn't looking forward to running into a couple of people and one in particular. She knew she'd be questioned about what had happened and she was very reluctant to speak of it.
She gathered her things she needed for the morning and headed off for her first class, Potions. She shuddered at the thought of how she would probably be received by Snape. Not only did he hate all Gryffindors, he was particularly vindictive against anyone who was close to Harry.
Taking a deep breath and letting it out, she headed off to the dungeons and what she expected to be a very trying class.
She was happy when she arrived to see two of her dorm-mates already there. They greeted her warmly, glad she was back.
The three chatted with Elena saying that she'd give Ginny her notes for all the classes she had missed. Her other friend, Julie, promised to help also so that she'd be caught up in no time.
Ginny thanked them, secretly knowing that except for potions, she'd probably not need all that much help, what with all she had learned from helping Harry and reading his books.
All too soon the other students began to arrive. Fortunately they had class with the Hufflepuffs so there wasn't any animosity between them. That made Ginny think about how it was that Harry's year always had potions with the Slytherins and she wondered why that was.
The only thing that gave her comfort was with his current situation, he wouldn't be subject to that situation for the foreseeable future.
She steeled herself for some sort of snide comment from Snape but to her surprise, he didn't say anything when he called her name while taking roll. Though the man did stare at her with a look that set her teeth on edge. It contained such animosity and dare she say it, hatred.
Thankfully Ginny was able to contain her anger and not let anything show, mainly by thinking about what hexes that she had learned over the summer that she'd love to try out on the snarky Professor. Harry's books had contained a wealth of Jinxes, Hexes and Curses that made her Bat-bogey hex seem rather mild.
She was surprised when Snape didn't do anything other than sneer, stare and hang inordinately close, looking over her shoulder during the whole class and she breathed a sigh of relief when the period was over.
She could tell by the look that Snape had given her that she had turned in an adequate potion. Though she kept her look neutral, inside she was smiling smugly.
She did briefly wonder why Snape hadn't made any of his usual comments to her but quickly put it from her mind. While she hoped it would continue, she wasn't going to hold her breath.
She smiled as she made her way to her next class, Charms. First off, Flitwick was a much better and fun teacher and it was her closest class to the Hospital Wing and that meant she could get to it fast after class. Then if Madam Pomfrey didn't take a lot of time checking her over, she could spend quite a bit of time with Harry having lunch. Something she was looking forward to.
Ginny enjoyed the Charms class immensely, not only was it fun but Gryffindor shared the class with the Ravenclaws. That meant her friend, Luna Lovegood was there and even thought she was in Flitwick's house, she befuddled the Professor with her strange outlook on things, something that was always good for a laugh.
Normally she waited and walked down to lunch with Luna, but she had somewhere she wanted to be so she just waved and hurried off, eager to get to Harry as soon as possible.
Ginny couldn't help but fidget as the Matron cast her diagnostic spells and she saw her smile as she finished.
"Everything's fine," Pomfrey declared. "Off you go," she said, waving her hand in the direction of her office where the corridor to Harry's rooms was.
"Thank you," Ginny called over her shoulder as she hurried off to see Harry.
So intent was she that she almost ran into Professor McGonagall as she exited Harry's room.
"Sorry, Professor," she said contritely as she caught herself just in time.
"That's quite all right, Ginny," their usually stern Head-of-House said with a soft smile. "No harm was done but please hurry a bit more slowly next time," she added with a chuckle.
"Yes, Professor," Ginny replied meekly, feeling her cheeks heat up.
Fortunately for Ginny, McGonagall didn't say anything else, but Ginny did see her eyes sparkling in obvious amusement.
As she entered Harry's rooms she saw him sitting at the table that was weighed down with a veritable feast. The one thing that struck her as odd was the fact that Harry's plate was empty and he hadn't started eating yet.
"There you are," Harry cried in obvious relief. "I didn't want to start without you."
Ginny quickly joined him, sitting down at the table. As soon as she did, Harry passed her a platter loaded with Shepherd's Pie, something they both liked very much.
As they both loaded their plates to near overflowing, Harry asked "How was your mourning?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Wouldn't you know it I had Potions first thing." she sent unhappily.
Harry grimaced and gave her a sympathetic look. "I hope Snape wasn't too horrible?" he sent, obviously concerned for her.
Ginny sighed and looked at Harry, touched by his reaction. "No, not too bad. Other than glaring at me and hanging over my shoulder a lot while I brewed my potion, he pretty much left me alone. I mean I expected all sorts of snarky remarks but he barely said two words to me the whole class."
Harry looked at her in surprise. Then he chuckled lightly. "Maybe he's sick or something."
Ginny almost choked on the mouthful of food she had just taken a bite of. "Could be. I don't know how else to explain it," she said with a grin.
Harry smiled back but then his look softened. "I missed you this morning," he said wistfully.
Ginny felt a warm feeling fill her, seemingly centred around her heart. "I missed you too," she replied quietly, a small smile gracing her lips.
For a moment, neither said anything, they just stared into one another's eyes. To them it seemed that the rest of the world had faded from existence and only the two of them existed.
Slowly the feeling passed and the room came back into existence. Both sighed contentedly and they resumed eating.
"So how did your class with McGonagall go?" Ginny asked excitedly.
Harry's face burst into a huge smile. "It was fantastic! She asked me how much of the book she had given me I'd read and once I told her I'd read most of it she had me discuss what I had learned before she had me try some really complex Transfigurations. It took a little doing and a couple of tips from her but by the end I was handling it without a problem!"he said enthusiastically.
Though she smiled at first, she ended up pouting playfully. "I wish I could have been here for that."
As they finished their lunch, Harry led her over to the couch in front of the fireplace. He began to go over everything that he and McGonagall had discussed and then he showed her some of the things that the Professor had shown him.
"I want you to try conjuring a few things," he said with a smile. Besides seeing her smile, he felt her growing excitement.
"You mean it?" she asked incredulously.
Harry rolled his eyes, giving her a brilliant smile. "Of course I mean it!"
He had her start out small, conjuring a plain teacup. It didn't take her long, just a couple attempts before she had produced a fine, plain white teacup.
"That's fantastic, Ginny!" Harry exclaimed, proud of how well she had done.
Ginny blushed deeply at his praise and smiled shyly, her eyes alight with the wonderful feelings she was getting from Harry.
Harry banished the teacup causing Ginny to pout playfully at him. He just smiled at her, thinking she looked so cute.
"All right, try again but this time try making one with some sort of decoration on it," he prompted.
Ginny looked thoughtful for a moment and decided to start with something simple. Brandishing her wand, she cast the spell and was pleased to see just what she had envisioned appear.
Harry stared in approval as he looked at the teacup. Not only had she changed the shape into one that had a more elegant line, there was a thin gold rim adorning it.
Ginny looked at Harry and because she was a little worried she didn't notice his look of approval.
"I decided to start with something fairly simple," she said a little defensively.
Harry looked at her in surprise. "I'm glad you did. It's better to make small improvements and succeed than try for something that's too difficult and fail," he said reassuringly.
"Sorry," she said contritely.
Harry smiled and gave her a quick kiss to let her know he wasn't upset with her.
Ginny beamed at him, loving the way Harry continued to treat her.
They spent the rest of the time having Ginny conjure more complex teacups, ending up with her making one that was adorned with the Gryffindor Crest with a matching saucer.
All too soon it was time for Ginny to go. She needed to get back to Gryffindor Tower to get her books for her afternoon classes.
Once again they felt that pull and reluctance to part. They hugged hard, each taking great comfort from the close physical contact.
With a deep sigh, Ginny forced herself to leave, not wanting to jeopardize her ability to come spend time with Harry.
As she was coming down from her dorm after collecting her books, she was confronted by Hermione.
"Where were you at lunch time?" the bushy-haired girl demanded.
"I had to see Madam Pomfrey, not that it's any of your business," Ginny snapped, feeling quite annoyed.
"I can't believe that took all period," Hermione countered, not backing off.
"No it didn't but she asked me to stay and talk about the class I'm going to be taking with her so we had lunch together while discussing it," Ginny replied, her anger growing.
"Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get to class," Ginny stated firmly, before she left Hermione staring after her.
Hermione watched Ginny leave, not understanding her reaction. Didn't she realize that she was just worried about her?
Fortunately Ginny calmed down by the time she got to her first class. She smiled as she entered and sat down. She had Transfiguration and then Care of Magical Creatures, two of her favourite classes.
Though McGonagall was very stern in class, she was an excellent teacher and Ginny loved Transfiguration and while she enjoyed Care of Magical Creatures and loved Hagrid, he wasn't near the calibre of teacher that McGonangall was.
The class was still working on transfiguring beetles into buttons. Ginny smiled as she got her beetles and as soon as McGonagall told the class to begin, she immediately transformed hers into buttons.
"Very good, Miss Weasley," she heard beside her.
Looking up she saw McGonagall standing there with a small smile on her face.
"Thank you, Professor," Ginny replied demurely.
McGonagall looked thoughtful for a moment and then said "See me after class," before she moved on to help other students who were still struggling with the transformation.
As she stepped away, she looked back at Ginny. "And take five points for Gryffindor," she added with another rare smile.
Like she had done with Harry, Ginny spent the rest of the class adding embellishments to her buttons.
Ginny remained behind as the rest of the class filed out and went to stand by McGonagall's desk.
"You did exceedingly well with today's work and while you've always done well, it's a rare person who can accomplish what you did on their first attempt," the Professor said with a touch of pride in her voice.
Ginny picked her words carefully. "I saw Madam Pomfrey at lunch and afterwards I spent some time with her friend. He had me work on Transfiguration while I was there."
McGonagall gave her an appraising look. "Just what did her friend have you do?" she asked.
"Um, he had me conjuring teacups," Ginny replied hesitantly.
McGonagall's one eyebrow shot up in surprise. "Would you be so kind as to demonstrate for me," she said, appearing exceedingly interested.
Ginny drew her wand and conjured an exact duplicate of the last one she had done with Harry.
Ginny had to keep herself from laughing when she saw the surprised look on the Professor's face.
"My word!" McGonagall breathed softly.
She looked up at Ginny. "How?" she asked succinctly.
Ginny eyed McGonagall shyly. "This summer when I was at St Mungo's I spent a lot of time reading the books Harry received for his birthday and I was particularly interested in the one you gave him on Transfiguration," she replied softly.
"Well, you certainly learned a lot," the Professor said with a genuine smile. "Come see me after breakfast tomorrow as I know you have a free period then."
She then grabbed a scrap of parchment and quickly scribbled something on it. "Just in case you need it, though Professor Hagrid is usually understanding," she said as she handed Ginny the note.
Ginny rushed out of the room to get to Care of Magical Creatures and though she was a minute late, Hagrid didn't say anything. He just smiled at her and motioned for her to join the rest of the class.
As Ginny sat down, she couldn't help but wonder what McGonagall wanted with her the following morning.
Though she was loathed to do so, Ginny decided that she needed to take dinner in the Great Hall after the stink Hermione had made because of lunch.
She also decided that she wouldn't remain long and she'd sneak away as soon as possible to go see Harry. As she explored that feeling she realized it was almost like a compulsion and if she concentrated hard she could feel a bit like she did when she had to leave him to return to Hogwarts.
Though it wasn't anywhere near as intense, it was there none the less and she wondered if it wasn't a sign that she needed to spend more time with Harry.
Ginny left early to head down to dinner, wanting to be there as soon as it started so that she could get to Harry as quickly as possible.
She was almost done eating when she saw Ron and Hermione enter. The bushy-haired girl eyed her intensely but fortunately didn't say anything.
Since Ginny had chosen to sit nearer the door and not near where Ron, Hermione and Harry usually sat, she had no problem slipping away unnoticed.
As quickly as she could, without drawing undue attention to herself, she made her way to Harry's quarters.
She had barely stepped through the door when she felt herself being slammed as Harry wrapped his arms around her in a fierce hug.
They both sighed contentedly as they held each other.
"I missed you!" Harry said fervently.
Ginny was tempted to chide him but she felt the same way as he did. Even though it had only been a few hours it seemed much longer and she was just as happy to be with him as he was with her.
They sat cuddled together on the couch in front of the fire, hardly speaking a word, each taking comfort from the other.
Ginny had noticed how wan Harry had looked when she first arrived but as the evening wore on, he improved substantially. This made her think back to what had led her to ending up in St Mungo's and wondered if they were still experiencing effects from being separated.
All too soon it was time for her to leave if she was to get back to the Gryffindor common room before curfew. It was painfully obvious that neither wanted to be parted.
They shared a hug and the most intense kiss they ever had. Though Ginny felt her heart was breaking, the look on Harry's face was worse. She could tell he was barely holding it together.
"I wish I didn't have to go," she cried softly.
Harry just nodded his head, too worked up to even mind-speak.
"I wish I could stay, I'll miss sleeping cuddled up with you," Ginny said, heartbreakingly.
Harry nodded again, his eyes misting with unshed tears. "Me too," he choked out.
Ginny felt really bad, hating to leave him alone when he was obviously so sad. With a heavy sigh, she slowly made her way back to the Gryffindor common room.
Luckily she made it back right before curfew but that didn't stop Hermione from accosting her as she entered.
"Where have you been!" she screeched at Ginny.
Ginny was just about at her breaking point as was sorely tempted to pull her wand and hex Hermione, prefect or not.
"I was studying," she said through her clenched teeth.
"Why didn't you say so, I could have helped you," Hermione said, giving Ginny a disproving look.
"I perfectly capable of studying on my own," Ginny retorted, trying desperately to keep her temper in check.
She almost laughed when she saw Hermione's reaction, looking like someone had struck her.
"Well, okay then," the bushy-haired girl said, though Ginny could tell she didn't believe that she was capable of studying on her own.
"Excuse me, I'm really tired as it's been a long day so I'm heading off to bed," Ginny said, pushing past Hermione.
"Well, I never . . ." Hermione said, acting affronted. Turning she looked at Ron who was standing next to her.
He jammed a Chocolate Frog into his mouth and began to chomp on it, not bothering to close his mouth and he just shrugged at her.
Hermione looked at him in disgust. "Really, Ronald," she said disparagingly, before stomping off.
Ron just looked at her bewilderedly. "'arking maud," he mumbled as she chewed his Frog.
Ginny entered her dorm and quickly changed. She was feeling drained from having to leave Harry and missed him terribly.
She climbed into bed and shut her curtains securely, glad that none of her dorm-mates were in the room. She curled up on her side, fighting the tears that threatened to fall but a few still leaked out and trailed down her cheeks.
Sleep refused to come and she listened as her dorm-mates came in, got ready and went to bed.
Time ticked by slowly and she heard the others drop off to sleep. She desperately wished she would so that morning would come and she'd be able to see Harry again.
She silently cursed herself for giving Harry his cloak back as she was now willing to chance being caught just to be with him again.
"I wish there was some way I could be with Harry," she thought to herself.
Suddenly there was a flash of light right above her. Looking up she was surprised to see Fawkes who trilled softly to her. He then wagged his tail feathers at her and gave her a pointed look.
It took Ginny a moment but finally it sunk in and she reached up and grabbed on. With another flash of light, Ginny disappeared.
Julie Parks rolled over and looked around sleepily. "I wonder what that was?" she asked herself. She had the impression that their had been some kind of flash of light.
She shook her head and laid her head back down, figuring she must have been dreaming and fell back to sleep.
Harry and Ginny
A/N: So Harry is back at Hogwarts, safely hidden away from prying eyes. Gee, I wonder where Fawkes took Ginny. (snicker)
More wonderful things to come.
As always, your reviews are greatly appreciated.