To the Future
A HariPo fanfic
by mew-tsubaki
Note: Nothing much to say except for the usual "these characters belong to JK Rowling."
P.S. REVIEW! & don't kill me for the pairing. :)
**P.P.S.** Tellings came first, love blossomed, and then things wilted. But fear not! After all, wilting flowers can be rejuvenated with a little bit of water and care…which brings us to the final arc in the story: SPROUTS. Even after wilting, a sprig of hope comes back, giving us a sprout for a new beginning. The end still isn't quite in sight yet, but I still thank all you readers who have read this far, considering this is my longest story yet. So let's read –and REVIEW!!!
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The First Sprout (& the Twenty-Eighth Telling)
Thursday's and Friday's classes were either review sessions or study periods, both of which were bland to the extremes. Ginny –as she had at the start of the year –ignored her surroundings and focused only on her studying. She did such a wonderful job of ignoring everything and everyone that she didn't even notice Mira scampering to a seat across from Ginny at the lunch table on Saturday. Miraphina had to actually slam the redhead's text closed to get her attention.
"Honestly, Ginny! And I thought I was an academic worrywart," she added as an aside.
Ginny frowned. "Yeah, well, Monday night through Wednesday ate up precious time. I have N.E.W.T.s in Divination, History of Magic, Herbology, Charms, Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Care for Magical Creatures-"
Mira held up a hand. "Stop. I understand; I have Muggle Studies and others to worry about, so I know how you feel. But RELAX!" To get her point across, the brunette waved her wand and produced a chess board. "Want to play?"
"Wizard chess?"
"No, regular chess. Leaves out the danger of pieces attacking us."
Ginny laughed; she had to agree. She took white and went on to beat Mira's butt, but every time she won, Mira asked for a rematch. It was suppertime before they knew it. While eating, Ginny laughed. "You're such a sore loser!"
"Uh!" Miraphina scoffed. "Am not!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
Ginny laughed harder, but she saw someone out of the corner of her eye. Nigel and Derrov seemed to be eyeing the two seventh years every now-and-then, but Ginny didn't say anything. Mira was right; they would approach Ginny again when it dawned that Miraphina wasn't alienating her.
On a whim, Ginny glanced up at the staff table. Sirius was chatting with Remus. However, Padfoot sensed her eyes on him and looked up. His smile flooded her with warmth. So what if anyone saw? The school year was almost over, anyway. Screw it, she thought. I love him, and I want to make sure he knows it. And she was pretty sure he did.
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"Okay. So, the three things that annoy an ellylon most are…?" Mira asked Sunday morning.
"Firefaeries, roaches, and being plucked off the ground," Ginny rattled off. She chewed her bit of blueberry muffin. "To make the Noxious Noter potion, you need…?"
"Dung beetles –crushed –owl pellets, pomegranate parfum, a chunk of sulfur, and a Cornish pixie wing," the Hufflepuff answered. She paused and twirled on the green lawn, her T-shirt puffing. "Y'know," she commented while looking into the cloud-free sky, "I think we'll be all right."
Ginny stared at the sky that mimicked her eye color. "…I agree."
Mira turned back to her friend. "Still don't know what you're going to do after graduation?" she asked tentatively.
The Weasley girl shook her head. "I don't know where I'll live. Although, Hermione did invite me to the wedding. Harry mentioned she wanted me as her maid-of-honor, so I know I'll at least have rehearsals to deal with for a while, since I agreed."
"Ooh! Is it going to be a muggle wedding?" the brunette gushed.
"I suppose. Hermione's muggle-born and Harry grew up with muggles, so that's probably what's most natural for them. I've never been to a muggle wedding before."
"They're not very different from wizard ones. Typically, the only difference is the magic."
"'Typically'?"
"Sometimes there's a magician." Mira shuddered. "Frightful. Who on earth hires a magician for a wedding?"
"Apparently muggles do."
Mira paused. "What kind of wedding will you have?"
Ginny felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. "Excuse me?"
Her friend rolled her eyes. "C'mon! As if you and Riu won't get hitched."
"First: I won't get hitched; I'll get married. Second-" Ginny slowly faded into pink. "Who knows if that'll ever happen?" she added in a small voice.
"AGH!" Mira slapped both of Ginny's cheeks simultaneously. "You've got to be kidding me! There isn't a reason in the world that he wouldn't want to marry you! Maybe he'll even propose soon!"
"Mira, shh!!!"
"I won't 'shhh'!! You'll marry Riu, I'll marry Grant, and Raven'll marry Mavrick!! It's like balancing an equation!" She panted, and sternly gazed at the Gryffindor. "Understood?"
"Understood." They walked along the courtyard again. "What's the advantage of a nonverbal spell?"
"It gives you a slim time advantage, since your opponent won't expect –mostly expect –what's coming. The number one authority on Squibs, half-bloods, and muggle-borns…?"
Ginny grinned. "Easy. Hermione Granger. Explain why rune stones are more reliable than glass ball readings…"
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Monday finally arrived. The first day of N.E.W.T.s, and Ginny had the Potions and History of Magic exams. Potions was decent enough, and Ginny was sure she got a perfect score after studying so much, but the majority of the castle reeked of Troll-grade screw-ups afterwards.
History of Magic wasn't as easy, though. It was a dreadfully long and boring test, and many of the questions were just words swimming on the parchment before Ginny's eyes. Sadly, some questions Ginny had to fumble for an answer. In many cases, she grasped at different facts and put together what she supposed was a logical response. Who knew one should've stayed awake during Binns' class?
Tuesday wasn't very different. Divination was dreadful only because it mostly dealt with the awful rune stones. Charms was fun, though. The Great Hall lit up with all the colorful designs being swirled around in the air.
Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday found Ginny with an exam a piece. Herbology was fine, Care for Magical Creatures was dangerous, and Defense Against the Dark Arts was oh so easy. The dueling part of the D.A.D.A. N.E.W.T. went very well, and many of the seventh years felt they had done Exceeds Expectations work or better.
After the last exam Friday, a cacophony of cheers rang out throughout the entire castle, for N.E.W.T.s and finals were both finally over. Students put up some decorations, pranks were pulled with items from Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes, and kids began to pack. Ginny didn't want to watch her fellow Hogwartians prepare to return home, but she helped Raven anyway. When Raven offered to help her in return, she only put a hand up and shook her head. Ginny was, in fact, all packed and ready to go.
That night's end-of-term feast turned out spectacularly. All the students filed in and sat at their respective tables; Ginny sat with Nigel and Derrov, who had both finally warmed up to her again. Even though she had helped the blonde earlier, Ginny found that Raven, Mavrick, and Sturgis all sat at the opposite end of the Gryffindor table from her, Nigel, and Derrov. The redhead had to wonder if her friends would ever speak to her again.
Her thoughts were pushed to the back of her mind when the teachers sat down and Dumbledore approached his podium. The entire Great Hall quieted when he cleared his throat.
"It has been a whirlwind of a year. As usual, rules were broken, Quidditch games were fierce, and the familial atmosphere at Hogwarts was retained. Tonight, we dine and sleep, for tomorrow we send most of our students home for the summer, and the day after our seventh years will graduate, leaving the sixth years to be the school's new role models.
"But tonight is one of celebration, and the House Cup must be awarded. In first place: Ravenclaw with six-hundred twenty-eight points. Second is Slytherin, with five-hundred seventy-nine points. Gryffindor is third, with four-hundred ninety-nine points, and last is Hufflepuff, with four-hundred fifty-three points."
Dumbledore's half-moon spectacles slid down his narrow nose as he looked out into the huge crowd of teenagers. "I am sure we all know things were worrisome last week when it was discovered that some students and faculty were missing." The murmurs were and weren't surprised, but silence prevailed when the headmaster next spoke. "And, in consistence with tradition, I have some last minute points at award." Again, there were murmurs of excitement, but no one was surprised.
The headmaster faced the Gryffindor table. "To young Derrov Benton, whose nimble hands helped to determine the whereabouts of his senior and friend –ten points."
Gryffindors cheered, and Derrov blushed. Ginny and Nigel laughed, for Der rarely showed emotion, but then Nigel felt Dumbledore's gaze on the back of his head. He gulped and turned around.
"To Nigel Creevey (mt: I assumed he's the other Creevey brother; please correct me if I'm wrong, because I don't have the 5th book on hand), for the blessing of a big heart with enough love to protect a wyvern that had previously attacked him –ten points." More woots erupted, and Dumbledore gazed at the opposite end of the table. "To Sturgis Reaves, whose intellect knows no bounds and whose mind knows spells and enchantments that I myself have forgotten and even Hermione Granger may not know-" –a cough interrupted him, and the headmaster looked over his shoulder at Snape, who shrugged and motioned for him to finish- "-ten points."
Ginny craned her neck and caught a glimpse of a bashful Sturgis. She ducked, however, when he turned her way. Dumbledore had more to say, anyway.
"To Miss Raven Crowley, whose quick thinking defended her and her friends in the deadliest of situations –ten points."
When Ginny saw Raven, she wasn't happy as the boys were. In fact, Raven looked peaky and an off shade of white. Even Mavrick pecking her cheek didn't help. Mavrick glanced up and met Ginny's eyes. His umber eyes conveyed one thing: worry. The Weasley girl crinkled her brow, trying to express that she didn't know what was wrong.
"To Mavrick Morris, who stood by his friends and protected them even when he was skeptical about heading into danger –ten points." Mav blinked, realizing the attention was on him, and smiled at the headmaster.
"To Miss Ginevra Weasley, whose courage rivals that of Godric Gryffindor himself. Her bravery, determination, and loyalty to her friends shows how perfect a fit she is for her valiant house. So much, in fact, that her determination to protect her allies led to her ingenuity in creating a special spell. A spell that is the first of its kind. A special spell which deflected the Killing Curse." He paused, but no cheers came. The room was gagged by awe. Even the teachers (except Sirius, of course) –even Snape –were flabbergasted. "To our very own hero of the Second Great War, to our very own Ginny Weasley –I award thirty points."
The excited screams and hollers of pride were so loud, the castle seemed to rattle and shake. Gryffindors threw their pointed caps high into the air, and Dumbledore had an extremely difficult time quieting them back down. Nigel leaned across the table, grinning ear-to-ear. "We're tied with Slytherin for second place!!" he exclaimed.
"There is one more!" Dumbledore boomed, and a hush fell over everyone. "There is one more," he repeated, "and it is only just that he be recognized." Surprisingly, he turned to the Slytherin table and faced Grant. "To Grant Selwyn, I award fifty points. He turned his own hostage situation into an advantage, and risked everything he had once known and loved to survive, and to help his comrades survive, as well. Your fifty points are for your sly and cunning in the darkest of times, Grant Selwyn." Grant looked uncomfortable, but he accepted the applause and cheers of his fellow Slytherins as Dumbledore changed the Ravenclaw banners into the green and silver Slytherin ones. "Slytherin wins the House Cup! Congratulations, and let the feast begin!!!"
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"You can't forget to write! Don't you agree, Der?"
Ginny laughed the next morning –Saturday morning –at Nigel and Derrov, who was nodding eagerly in acquiescence. "Guys, I promise we'll stay in touch. After all, you two and Sturgis will need tips for next year's Quidditch season."
Nigel and Derrov exchanged glances, and Derrov beckoned her closer to them. Ginny stood on tiptoes to hear them over the sounds of the Hogwarts train. "When you marry Professor Black," Nigel stated, "we could always be ring-bearers or flower boys or something."
The witch's cheeks burned the deep burgundy of the locomotive. "NIGEL! DERROV!"
The fifth and fourth years only gave her impish grins. "We'll write you soon, Miss Ginny!" Nigel said before he and Derrov closed their window.
Ginny shook her head and brushed the hair out of her face. Those two… She felt eyes on her –okay, so people were loading onto the train and it could be anyone –but she knew who it was without even looking up. Slowly, she swiveled her head in his direction and smiled. "Hello, Sturgis."
Her voice was quiet, but –though he stood a car away –he heard her. He looked indecisive, however. Ginny pondered whether he would say anything.
As it turned out, he didn't say anything, but sauntered rigidly up to her instead. He stuck out a hand.
Ginny forced down her grimace. This is what it comes down to? Hand-shakes? Nevertheless, she gripped his hand –and felt him slip something into her palm. She was stunned, but he didn't wait for a response.
A Ravenclaw girl Ginny hadn't seen before stuck her head out a window. "Sturgis! Come on!" She glared at him with her big ochre eyes.
"Oh," Ginny coughed. "Right. You better get going, then." She watched him get on, but he paused and gave her a curt nod before disappearing into the carriage. The whistle blew, and last calls could be heard. Then the train picked up momentum and sped away, along with a tiny piece of Ginny's heart.
The Weasley girl turned and traipsed back to the castle for graduation ceremony rehearsal. Along the way, she unfolded the scrap of paper and almost couldn't breathe. He had given her his address to mail him. He wanted to stay in contact.
He wanted to at least be friends.
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"That's quite something," Grant commented as he, Mira, and Ginny met the other seventh years outside for practice.
"See?" Miraphina pointed out. "I told you things might work out. He sobered up, Nigel and Derrov followed my example, and I talked some sense into Grant."
"More like 'beat' some sense into me," the Slytherin whispered to Ginny behind his hand.
Mira squinted at him. "I could beat you some more."
"Or you could all have a beating for screwing up rehearsal," Charlie stated, coming up behind Ginny. "All the Hufflepuffs are over there, Miss Atherton."
"Yes, yes, Professor Weasley," she remarked, walking away and rolling her eyes.
Charlie tsked. "That girl…" When Ginny raised an eyebrow, he ushered her and Grant off, too. "Slytherins and Gryffindors that way, you two."
Practice went well. No one tripped, and the top three students (Grant, Ginny, and some Hufflepuff named Feria Harling) were alerted so they could be prepared to receive awards tomorrow. The only problem was having the top three shake hands with all of the teachers. After all, the distance Charm was still set in place for Ginny and Sirius.
At least for the rehearsal, Sirius wasn't at the front with the other teachers. He stood instead at the back to keep an eye on the students. Ginny could only sullenly fall into step with her classmates.
After what seemed like forever, Dumbledore clapped his hands. "That is all the practice we need. Tomorrow your ceremonial robes will appear by your bedsides and the ceremony itself will be at noon." The headmaster stopped and gazed at all of them –a few short of one hundred students. The moisture making his eyes glisten painted him as a beloved grandfather parting with his grandchildren. "You have all done very well. I congratulate you."
The kids were too humbled to remark. As the teachers conferred, the seventh years walked back up the castle for the last time. Ginny fell back a bit, allowing Grant and Mira some private time. She looked on with envy, and Charlie came up beside her. He followed her gaze, grimaced, and put an arm around his kid sister's shoulders.
Ginny tried shrugging him off. "Don't," she told him.
"'Don't' could apply to anything," he stated. "Does it apply to my telling you Dumbledore's and McGonagall's graduation present for you?"
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. "You aren't pulling my leg, are you?" Ginny asked dryly.
Charlie smirked. "Should I, when it comes to your darling Riu?"
Ginny gripped his arm. "What? What's going on?!"
"Oh, nothing…except the headmaster and deputy headmistress decided to lift the Charm on you two. It'll be removed tomorrow morning right before the ceremony," he pointed out, "so don't try anything stupid tonight."
Her jaw dropped. "Really?"
He furrowed his brow. "Are you daft or deaf, girl? Yes, really!"
She jumped up and down. "YES!!!" Ginny threw her arms around Charlie's neck and kept jumping, almost strangling her older brother in the process.
Grant and Mira retraced their steps and watched the spectacle. "What is she dithering about now?!" Grant whined.
Mira noticed Charlie couldn't breathe enough to answer, so she detached Ginny from him. "What, is someone dead?"
"It ends tomorrow!!" Ginny cheered. She pulled Mira and Grant in close and whispered the fantastic news. "I'm getting Riu back!"
Grant hugged his best mate. "That's wonderful, Ginny!"
Mira nodded and scrutinized Charlie. "What? No comment from the peanut gallery? Or is it the big brother dragon-mounted cavalry?"
Charlie's cheeks pinked. "I don't like him or it, but if Gin's happy, then…" He didn't need to finish. The glee on his sister's face explained it all.
Ginny was happy. So what if Sirius was the cause?
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*content sigh* Well, graduation time. The ceremony will be beautiful, Sirius will be smexy, Ginny's homeless, and there might be a disowning –did I mention Sirius's smexiness? Be prepared for a turbulent chappie 29, peoples, 'cause things are changing. AND REVIEW!!!
-mew-tsubaki
P.S. –A very delicious person has a cameo next chapter, so please read it! VIVA SLYTHERIN!!! *hint hint*
