An Unexpected Turn of Events
Chapter Thirty-seven
Harry and the others appeared in a small clearing deep in the woods. Harry looked around, wand at the ready. When he saw no one he relaxed slightly, "Let's get the tent set up and the wards in place.
Hermione immediately began to cast the spells to erect the wards while the Twins summoned the tent from Harry's satchel and set it up. Harry looked around and nodded grimly before he entered the tent and disappeared into his room.
Hermione and the Twins watched him go as they followed him inside, sitting in the same places they had previously occupied before Harry had forced their relocation.
Harry threw himself down on his bed and rolled on his side, facing away from the doorway. His thoughts immediately went to Ginny, he wondered what she was doing right now and how much he missed her. His anger rose as he thought of how he had been forced to leave his beloved Ginny behind. As he became more and more angry he found he couldn't lie still so he arose and began to pace back and forth in his room.
Feeling closed in he finally stormed out of his room, through the common area and out of the tent. Hermione and the Twins watched him with some trepidation, as his mood was written all over him.
Fred and George looked at one another, thinking they liked the depressed, quiet Harry to this angry, hyperactive one.
"Blimey!," said Fred. "I sure hope he doesn't explode on us."
"To right brother," agreed George. "In his current state he's liable to shoot first and ask questions later." He looked thoughtful for a moment and turned to Hermione, "Maybe you should have a talk to him," he suggested to her.
"What, Now?" asked Hermione incredulously.
Fred chuckled, "Well maybe not right this minute but when he's calmed down a bit it might be beneficial for all of us."
"You know I'll talk to him but right now I know he wouldn't listen to anything, hopefully he'll cool down some soon and he'll hear what I have to say," Hermione replied.
Outside Harry felt less closed in and his anger dropped a little and he felt himself calm a bit more as he stalked back and forth in front of the tent.
Suddenly his anger was gone and his depression returned full force, he found himself by a large tree at the edge of the small clearing they were in and he collapsed down next to it, sitting with his back against the tree he missed Ginny desperately and he opened his bracelet to look at her picture. As he did so the tears began to flow again and he closed his eyes and brought his wrist up to his face so that he could smell her aroma from the enchanted jewellery.
Taking several hug whiffs he could almost feel her presence, in one sense he felt calmer but he missed her even more. He drew his knees up and buried his face into them as his shoulders began to shake with his sobs as his emotions got the better of him.
That was how Hermione found him a little later when she went looking for him. Though his crying had ceased he hadn't moved from his position. Hermione came over and sat down next to him. "Are you OK Harry?" she asked tenderly.
Without raising his head he answered softly, "Do I look OK to you?"
Hermione grinned a little in-spite of the situation, "OK, stupid question. What can I do to help?"
"Not a thing Hermione,not a thing," he said morosely.
They were silent for a few moments when Harry said lowly, "I don't know if I can do this Hermione, I need her here beside me and without her I can barely function. I'm either so angry I can barely contain it or so depressed I can't even think straight."
Hermione reached out and hugged Harry as he sat there, head still buried into his knees. Her heart was breaking for her friend but she had no answer to his dilemma, all she could do was support him and let him know that she was there for him.
Letting go Hermione said, "Why don't you come back inside and I'll make some lunch, you really need to eat something."
"Yeah cause breakfast turned out so well," Harry replied with a small chuckle. But then the chuckle turned back into sobs as the tears started again.
Hermione stood and laid a hand on Harry's shoulder, "Please come back in and at least have some more tea," she added compassionately.
Struggling to control his emotions Harry nodded and started to wipe his tears away. "I'll be in soon," he whispered to her.
"OK Harry," she replied softly, "Please don't be too long or I'll send the Twins out to get you."
Harry nodded again with a wan smile on his face. "OK, and Thanks Hermione."
Hermione went back in to start lunch and to tell the Twins to lay off Harry but maybe do something to try and cheer him up a little.
XX
Ginny , Charlie and Sarah arrived at Potter Cottage and Ginny went inside immediately, Charlie and Sarah followed at a more leisurely pace, wanting to let Ginny have space enough to allow her to have time for herself.
Ginny ran up to the second floor and instead of heading into the mater bedroom as she had planned, she halted outside the nursery and stared at the Rocker where she had found Harry the morning they had stayed there.
Ginny went over and sat down in the Rocker and started to rock slowly. Her eyes fell onto the picture of Lily holding Harry in the same Rocker that he had left on the small table by it.
She was so taken by how much she resembled Lily and she could picture herself holding their child as Lily was him. As she rocked herself and stared at the picture her eyes began to drift closed and she fell asleep.
She found herself walking into a beautiful garden and as she rounded a corner of the path she saw someone seated on a bench a short ways ahead. It was a young woman who was reading a book and she was wearing a large brimmed hat to protect her from the sun.
Ginny was just about to turn back so as not to disturb the woman when she looked up at Ginny and smiled at her. "Please come and sit with me Ginny," she said in a very friendly manner. "I may call you Ginny, can't I?"
Ginny was stunned, it was Lily Potter and she didn't quite know what to do or say.
Lily patted the bench next to her, "Please sit and talk a while."
Ginny came over and sat, still staring at her companion. "You can call me Ginny if I can call you Mum," Ginny finally said.
Lily's smile increased, "I'd like that very much dear," she said emotionally.
Ginny was suddenly overwhelmed with emotions and hugged Lily tightly which she returned.
"What's wrong Ginny," Lily asked tenderly.
"I'm missing Harry right now, he had to leave so he can defeat Riddle and I couldn't go with him. My heart feels like it is being crushed and I can't seem to stop crying," Ginny poured out.
Lily continued to hold on to Ginny rubbing her back and giving comfort to the distressed young witch.
Slowly Ginny calmed down, and was embarrassed by her action. "I'm sorry," she said softly.
"For what?" said Lily
"I mean we just met and here I am crying on your shoulder and pouring out my troubles to you."
Lily gave her an understanding smile, "That's what Mum's are for, or didn't you mean it when you said you'd call me Mum?"
Ginny was terrified she'd insulted Harry's Mum but that was quickly dispelled when Lily took her into another huge hug.
"Now enough of your being worried about what I'll think about all that, I understand what you're going through right now. The uncertainty, the not knowing is terrible and your being separated from Harry is, I'm sure, almost too much to stand," Lily said sympathetically.
Ginny just nodded, hearing it out loud made her emotions surface again and she didn't trust herself to speak at the moment.
Ginny sat quiet for a moment, trying to get her thoughts and emotions back under control. Finally she asked "Where's your husband James?"
Lily smiled and then laughed, "He's off with Sirius, gone to see Dumbledore."
Ginny got excited, "Can I see Dumbledore?" she asked.
"Not right now," Lily answered with a wan smile, "I know you have many questions for him but right now it isn't possible for you to see him. Maybe in the future but not now."
Ginny's disappointment was evident.
"I'm truly sorry Ginny, but there are forces in play here that dictate what can and can not be allowed," Lily said sympathetically. "We need to work within the framework we are in."
Ginny nodded in acceptance, not liking it but knowing that she couldn't change it. "Then why am I here?" she asked.
"Because I wanted to meet you," Lily answered with a smile, "Isn't that a good enough reason?" Lily then looked at Ginny seriously and took her hand. "I want to tell you a few things while you are here, and while I can not tell you much directly, still you may learn a lot if you listen carefully."
Ginny nodded at her Mother-in-Law and paid close attention.
"While you are currently missing Harry and he you, you most not give up hope because to do so can tilt the balance and what you fear may come to pass. You will be together sooner than you think so do not despair, you need to be strong for your own sake as well as Harry's. You both have many trials ahead of you some unforeseen by you at this moment but you need to hold on to the fact that the future can be bright for the both of you. You must maintain your faith that all will end well if you want it to."
Ginny was trying to take in all that Lily was telling her, making her head spin with all that she was being told.
Lily smiled at her, "I see you wear the Ruby of Life, how did you come by it?" Lily asked with a smile.
Ginny looked down at the Heart shaped Ruby necklace she wore, "You're the second one to call it that," she said as she looked at Lily.
"Who was the first?" Lily asked.
"It was one of the Three Fates, Skuld as a matter of fact,"Ginny answered.
Lily nodded her head knowingly but said nothing further.
"Harry gave it to me," she said in answer Lily's question.
This seemed to please Lily but she didn't comment on it but asked her "Do you know where he got it from?"
Ginny wondered at Lily's question but answered her anyway, "From a Jeweller named Max in Diagon Ally."
Lily laughed and shook her head, "Max?. . . Oh Merlin!" she said with a cryptic smile on her face.
Suddenly Lily stood, "Come walk with me for a bit," she said as she offered her hand to Ginny.
Ginny took the proffered hand which Lily did not let go of as they began to walk.
Lily got a sad look on her face as she looked a Ginny, "You will soon under go a severe test Ginny and even though I'm not supposed to say anything I want you to know that I too lost. . . "
Just then someone rounded the next bend in the path, it was a large black cloaked figure, who had piercing blue eyes and wavy black hair. He was frowning and looked directly at Lily. "Lily, you know the rules, would you risk your soul for passing that one bit of knowledge?"
Lily looked at the tall figure and sighed, "No, of course not Azriel."
The one Lily called Azriel bowed to them and continued up the path past them. Lily watched him go, shaking her head. "I knew in my heart that we would be watched but hoped otherwise."
Lily looked up at the sun and then at Ginny, "I'm sorry but our time is up and I have to say goodbye for now."
Ginny could see tears in Lily's eyes and she hugged her tightly.
Lily pulled back but kept hold of Ginny's shoulders, "We could not have picked a better wife for Harry than you Ginny. When you see him next tell him his father and I love him very much and we are happy you two have found one another."
"Thank you Mum, higher praise I couldn't get if I tried. Tell James I love him too and I know Harry has never stopped loving and missing you two."
Lily leaned in and kissed Ginny on the forehead, "Bless you Ginny, watch out for Harry, even as a child he was always getting into something, he'll be a handful but I think he's worth it."
As Lily started to fade away Ginny said "I do too Mum."
She saw Lily nod and throw another kiss in her direction before she faded totally from sight.
Ginny found herself back in the Rocker, eyes fixed on the picture of Lily holding Harry and while she found many aspects of the dream confusing she felt comforted by it and she smiled knowing that Lily and James approved of hers and Harry's marriage. "Thank you Mum," she whispered.
She got up and made her way downstairs and found Charlie and Sarah sitting out back on the patio talking to pass the time. Ginny joined them and said "I want to thank both of you for bringing me here today. I'm sure Mum would never have allowed me to come on my own and I really needed to be here today."
Sarah saw Ginny idly rubbing her left ring finger, seemingly playing with her engagement ring but upon closer inspection she was rubbing right next to it. She opened her mouth to say something but decided against it, she really didn't know if it signified anything or if it was just a nervous habit of Ginny's.
Charlie looked at his watch "We should be getting back to the Burrow, Mum will have dinner ready soon and I don't want to return you late or I'll be in big trouble."
Ginny actually laughed "We don't want that to happen, now do we?"
Charlie was a bit surprised but he and Sarah laughed with her anyway. Ginny once more surprising him with her reaction.
Ginny took one more look around as they passed through the cottage on the way to the Apparation point, once more feeling at home, something she noticed she was feeling less and less at the Burrow.
XX
Dinner at the Burrow was a subdued affair, Arthur and Molly weren't eating much as they had a function at the Ministry that they were required to attend that evening. Much as she didn't want to go Molly knew that her presence was required. She really hated to leave Ginny home alone as Ron had informed her he was heading over to Bill and Fleur's so that he could talk to Bill again.
She had considered asking him to postpone it but realized Ron was making an effort to deal with his problems and she didn't want to do anything to discourage him. In the end she knew that Ginny would be fine and since it was a Sunday the function at the Ministry would not run that late.
Ginny seemed in a better mood since coming back from Potter Cottage and Molly was glad that she had allowed Charlie and Sarah to take her there. If a little time at their intended home was all it took to help Ginny, Molly was prepared to let her spend some time there as long as she wasn't alone.
Ron finished his dinner and left for Shell Cottage and Molly hoped he wouldn't be gone that long. That way Ginny would be home alone the shortest possible time.
Ginny had gone into the parlour and was listening to the wireless but only half-heartedly. She kept changing the station trying to find something to sooth her nerves.
She kept replaying the dream she had that afternoon over in her head. Her conversation with Lily seemed very important and Lily had said that she couldn't say anything outright but that Ginny should be able to figure things out for herself.
One thing that stuck out to her was that Lily seemed to know Max or something about him, she had even swore mildly at the mention of his name. She seemed to know something about the ruby necklace that Harry had given her and along with her previous dream, there seemed to be something really special about it. Maybe the rumour that Max had told Harry about Merlin himself making it was true.
Molly and Arthur came in to say goodbye and make sure Ginny was OK with being home alone for a while.
"I'll be fine Mum, really, you two go and have a good time, I'll probably go up to bed early anyway," Ginny said to ease her parents minds.
"Well just be careful, dear," her mother said, "Don't let anyone in who you are unsure of."
"Yes Mum," Ginny said dutifully.
Arthur came over and gave her a kiss on the head, "Don't mind your Mum," he whispered, "She likes to worry, she does."
Ginny gave him a hard squeeze in acknowledgement, "OK, Dad," she whispered back. "You two take care too. It's a harsh cruel world out there."
Arthur chuckled at her and they parted. Ginny watched them leave and she cast a locking charm on the back door. She didn't want any surprises.
Growing frustrated with the wireless she shut it off and headed up to her room.
XX
Fred and George made dinner that evening, heck even they figured they could boil water and mix it in with the freeze dried meals that their dad had supplied.
Hermione didn't mind at all, if they wanted to relieve her of the chore, far be it for her to fight it.
Once again Harry hardly ate anything, eating maybe a quarter to a half cup of the delicious pasta meal that the Twins picked for their dinner. He did drink another cup of tea that Hermione liberally dosed with sugar so he was at least getting some calories, however poor of nutritional sustenance they were.
After dinner Harry sat glumly thinking about Ginny and his growing feeling of dread. He was so depressed he considered calling off their current method of hunting for the Horcruxes and going back and risk staying at the Burrow with Ginny while they researched where the others might be.
Hermione sat with her nose in a book as usual, and that was fine with Harry. At least while she was doing that she wasn't lecturing Harry about his mood. Suddenly Hermione made a little half sigh, half laugh noise.
"What?" asked an annoyed Harry.
Hermione sighed wearily, "Nothing Harry, really."
"What is it Hermione?" Harry asked his anger rising.
"Well it's a little late now but I think I found a loophole concerning the trace," she replied warily.
"What do you mean Hermione, how can you get around the trace?" Harry asked, his dark mood colouring his response.
"I found out here in this Magical Law Book that you got from Ginny that if an underage witch or wizard gets married the trace is automatically lifted. It's too bad you and Ginny didn't get married so she could have come with us."
Harry couldn't believe his ears, standing he demanded "Say that again Hermione."
Hermione looked annoyed at Harry. His mood was really starting to bug her. "I said, It's too bad you didn't get to marry Ginny. Underage married witches have the trace lifted automatically so they can assume their duties as a wife and homemaker."
Harry's mouth opened in shock, staring at Hermione in disbelief. Without a word he disappeared with a crack. Apparating away leaving Hermione and the Twins staring at the place where he had stood.
XX
Harry Apparated to just outside the wards at the Burrow, a huge grin on his face. As he ran to the door he noticed only one light on, it was in Ginny's room. Harry banged on the door rapidly, barely containing his excitement. He heard footsteps descending the stairs and coming over towards the door.
"Who is it?" Ginny asked?
"It's me, Harry!"
"Harry? Prove it," Ginny demanded, "What's our biggest secret?"
Harry smiled at Ginny's proof question. "Could it be that you're my Wife, Ginger-Bear?"
Suddenly the door flew open and Harry was almost knocked off his feet by a flying mass of red hair and a warm wonderful body. Harry lifted her and spun her about.
"What are you doing here Harry?" Ginny asked in bewilderment.
"Guess what Ginny?"Harry said enthusiastically.
Ginny grinned at Harry, his excitement was contagious. "What Harry?"
"Hermione found out something in that old law book you let her take. The trace breaks when you get married!" Harry almost shouted.
Ginny's face froze in shock! "What? My trace is gone?"
Harry grinned so wide he was sure his face was going to split in two. "That's right the Love of My Life, my Beloved Wife. We need to go pack some stuff for you! I was ready to call off the hunt and come back because I missed you so much. But now you can come with us and we won't have to be apart."
Ginny smiled just as wide as Harry, "Well put me down so we can go pack!"
Harry pulled Ginny in and kissed her so hard she thought he'd suck the air right out of her lungs. Her head spinning she grinned at Harry as he lifted her bridal style and began to carry her up the stairs. Ginny began laughing so hard she was sure she'd make them fall down the stairs. Harry kissed her again to quiet her down, she quit laughing and moaned into Harry's mouth.
Even though it had only been almost two days, Ginny could not believe how much she had missed Harry and his affection. His physical touch was driving her crazy and her body was reacting like an addict getting a fix.
As they entered their room Harry put Ginny down. "Harry get my pack out of the closet," Ginny said as she started to gather clothes from her dresser drawers. Ginny began throwing things on the bed and Harry began shrinking them to fit as much as possible in the pack.
I'll have Hermione put an undetectable extension charm on you pack later, right now lets just get packed and get going. I don't want to leave Hermione and the Twins wondering where I've gone any longer than I have to," Harry said.
Ginny finished grabbing what clothes she figured she'd need and her toiletry items. Looking around she rushed over to the drawer where she had hidden the contraceptive potions and the book her mother had given her. She gave them to Harry to pack as she took one last look around for anything she might need and as Harry finished packing she grabbed a piece of parchment and wrote a note for her parents.
Dear Mum and Dad,
Harry discovered that due to certain circumstances that I don't feel comfortable leaving in a note, that my trace has been lifted and I can be with him. I'll tell you all about it as soon as I can but I need to leave now.
I love you both but I feel my place is with Harry and I can't let this opportunity pass me by.
We'll all be together again as soon as possible.
Love,
Ginny.
Descending the stairs and placing the note on the kitchen table Ginny took one last look around the kitchen, then turning to Harry, with a huge smile on her face she said "Let's go my husband!"
Harry took Ginny's pack and slung it over one shoulder, taking Ginny's hand in his they left the Burrow, heading to the Apparation point to head back to Hermione, the Twins and their hunt for the remaining Horcruxes.
They Apparated back to the campsite, Harry had never felt so happy and he couldn't wait to tell Hermione and the Twins. Finally their secret could be told and they could cancel the disillusionment charm on their rings.
Harry drew his wand and mutter the counter charm on their hands causing Ginny to smile at him and give him a lingering kiss. When they finally broke apart Harry called out, "Hermione! Fred! George! As he rushed toward the tent entrance pulling Ginny along by her hand.
They came rushing out, wondering what had Harry so excited. They hadn't seen or heard him like this since they had left the Burrow to hunt the Horcruxes.
They stopped in their tracks, not believing what they were seeing.
"What. . ."
"Is. . ."
"She. . ."
"Doing. . . "
"Here?" said the Twins seesawing back and forth in disbelief.
Hermione kept shaking her head. "Harry you can't let her come, it's too dangerous with the trace on her."
Harry's smile grew wider, "What did you tell me right before I left?" he asked.
Hermione thought for a moment. "I said that too bad you two hadn't gotten married," Hermione replied.
"RIGHT!" cried Harry.
Hermione just kept shaking her head. "How do you expect to get married out here?" she asked. "There's no way for us to get it done!"
Ginny grinned and stepped forward and held out her hand for all to see, her wedding band standing out plainly for all to see, Harry held out his hand as well letting them see his ring too.
"Hermione, we don't need to get married! We already are!" Harry said excitedly.
Hermione was struck speechless, her mouth open in wonder.
"Brilliant!" said the Twins with grins on their faces. "This calls for a celebration!"
XX
AN: I considered making all you readers suffer for a bit with keeping Harry and Ginny apart but just couldn't do it, my heart ached too much for them. I'm a softy at heart.
And their secret has been revealed at least to their companions. The rest of the family will just have to wait, though Molly may figure it out, but will she believe that Harry and Ginny could have gotten married without their knowledge?
So many questions, so few answers.
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