The Ties That Bind
Chapter 36: A Brief Interlude
Minerva McGonagall stopped in to the potions lab to see how Abigail Waters had made out on her first day teaching. She found her in the office at the back of the class room, humming happily as she checked over the potions turned in that day.
"So how did your first day go?" she asked the new potions teacher.
Abigail looked up from her task and smiled at the Headmistress, "Just splendid," she replied with a smile. "I really found it much more satisfying than just brewing potions for the Ministry."
She got up and went over to a cauldron that sat on the side worktable, bubbling away merrily as it simmered on a low flame. "Come look at this," she said to Minerva, as she gave it a stir.
Minerva came over and peered curiously into the cauldron. "Is that Wolfsbane?" she asked.
"Yes, and I couldn't have done a better job myself," Abigail said, her eyes twinkling in a manner that reminded Minerva of Albus Dumbledore.
"Who brewed it?" Minerva said, surprised that it hadn't been Abigail herself.
Abigail got a sly grin on her face, her eyes twinkling even more than before, "The Potters."
Minerva looked at her in shock, "Who told you?" she asked in a stunned whisper.
Abigail laughed, "You did, just now. I had a hunch and you just confirmed it," she said. "Even if you had tried to deny it, I would have known just by the look on your face," she added, her eyes dancing with her merriment.
Minerva just stared at the older woman, so Abigail came took her by the elbow and led her over to the chair by her desk. "Tea?" she asked pleasantly.
Minerva could only nod as she let herself be gently pushed down into the chair. She had heard about the extraordinary talents of the Potions Master but she had no idea she was as insightful as she had just demonstrated.
"Please keep that information to yourself," Minerva said, when she got her voice back.
Abigail smiled at her and said, "Of course dear, something like that isn't something to bandy about. Biscuit?" she added holding out a tin.
Minerva wasn't one to be disturbed easily but Abigail Waters certainly had her off balance and she had just been here teaching one day.
Abigail took a sip of her tea and looked at Minerva, "Now, since the Potters have proven themselves capable of brewing Wolfsbane without any problem, I intend to have them work independently from the rest of the class," she said matter-of-factually.
Minerva was very intrigued, "What will you be having them do?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
"I'd like to start them on some older more obscure potions, things that will be useful in the war on Voldemort,"Abigail said with a smile.
Minerva had to stifle a shudder, even though she tried hard not to react to the Dark Lord's name, years of conditioning were hard to over come. "What did you think of having them make?" she asked.
"Oh things like Aqua Incendia, Diabolus Incendia Inimicus and Lux Licus Superum. Things along those lines," the Potions Master said, her eyes twinkling once more. She could see that Minerva was not familiar with any of them.
"I'm sorry, I don't recognize any of those potions," Minerva said.
Abigail laughed, "I'd have been very surprised if you had," she said, smiling. "Aqua Incendia is liquid fire, think of it as the Light's Fiendfyre. It is much more limited only spreading as far as the liquid goes. Diabolus Incendia Inimiicus is a potion to fight Fiendfyre, just a small flask will quell almost any Fiendfyre it contacts and Lux Licus Superum is literally the "Light of the Gods", a liquid that will provide light under any circumstances, even in the case of someone throwing Peruvian Darkness Powder, that is becoming more popular."
"I can see where those three potions could be very helpful," Minerva sad thoughtfully.
"Yes and I thought I'd also have them brew up some of the more heavily demanded potions. Things like Pain Potions, Sleeping Draughts and Essence of Dittany. I'm sure the way things are headed they will be needed,"Abigail said, watching Minerva for her reaction.
Minerva thought about it for a moment and could see the benefits of having stockpiles of common potions on hand. Even if not needed at Hogwarts, in the event of a major confrontation they could help supply them to places like St. Mungo's if need be.
"That's an excellent idea," she said to Abigail. "It pays to use a resource while you have it."
"Certainly, and the Potters are a wonderful resource. I think there is more to them than they're letting on."
Minerva had to agree with that, she had the same feeling.
When she had finished her tea she rose and smiled at her new Potions Master, "I am sure that you'll do a wonderful job here and I'm glad to have you on the staff. I was fortunate to get someone for your calibre on such short notice."
Abigail returned Minerva's smile, "I'm the one who feels fortunate, I certainly didn't relish just sitting around."
Minerva chuckled, "Somehow I don't see you just sitting around and doing nothing."
Abigail's eyes took on the twinkle that reminded Minerva of Dumbledore's, "Well I'll see you later then Headmistress," she said as she got up and went back to checking the potions that had been turned in.
XX HP + GW XX
After the others had all left Ginny looked at Harry seductively, "Well there Mr. Potter, I think it's time we picked up where we left off before we were interrupted."
Harry grinned back at his lovely wife and he felt her desire building. He pulled her closer and looked deep into her eyes before he kissed her passionately.
Ginny moaned as Harry's tongue entered her mouth and danced with hers, further inflaming them both.
Harry's hands found their way to the edge of her jumper and slowly peeled it up to her neck, breaking the kiss for a moment, he slipped it over her head and removed it completely. Harry was surprised but pleased to find Ginny wasn't wearing a bra.
His one hand snaked down to take possession on one of her breasts and he slowly rolled her nipple between his fingers.
"Godric, Harry. I love when you do that," she whispered huskily, before recapturing his mouth with hers. She deepened the kiss with renewed fervour, causing Harry to growl deep in his chest.
Harry felt his manhood stiffening and knew he needed to release it from the confines of his shorts soon, so with a mighty effort he stood, sweeping Ginny off the couch as he did so and carried her into their bedroom.
As Harry picked her up, Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, smiling as she continued to kiss him as he carried her and placed her down on the bed.
Ginny reluctantly let go as Harry straightened up to remove his clothing, shedding his shirt, shorts and boxers hurriedly. She watched his every movement, relishing the sight of his new more mature body as it came into view.
Subconsciously licking her lips when Harry was finally nude and she had a quick glimpse of his rock hard member before he joined her on the bed.
When Harry laid down beside her she quickly lifted her bum and slip her shorts and knickers off, wanting to be naked so that they could continue to left their hands and mouths explore each other unhindered.
Within moments Harry's one hand had found it's way down to her dripping centre. Already her body was making itself ready for his entry. He ran his fingers up and down her slit, spreading her juices, loving the soft slippery feeling that it gave to her nether region.
As Harry's fingers came up and over her hard nub, she groaned again at the pleasure it was causing her. Dipping his fingers inside of her, he brought them up to her mouth, where she sucked greedily, enjoying the taste of herself, coupled with the taste of Harry's skin.
Harry had Ginny writhing on the bed, her body squirming under his touch, fuelled by her desire to have him once more inside of her.
"Oh Harrrryyyyy!" she moaned out loud, as she ran her fingers through his hair.
Then she sent mind to mind "Please Harry, I want you now."
"Yes my Love," Harry sent back, as he centred himself between her open legs. With the Bond he could feel exactly where he was as he lined himself up with her gaping slit.
With one smooth thrust, Harry buried himself inside of his beloved Ginny, causing both of them to moan out. Slowly at first he began to move, causing the most exquisite sensations to course through Ginny's body.
She wrapped her legs tightly around him, pulling him in deeper, wanting to feel every last inch of him that she could. Her muscles tightened and Harry felt every ripple of her spasms as he thrust in and out, taking his time so that their feelings would increase.
"OH Harry, it feels so bloody good!"
Harry just continued to thrust away, feeling Ginny's excitement and pleasure through their Bond as they edged closer and closer to their climaxes.
"Ginny, oh God, Ginny," Harry sent as he felt himself reach the tipping point and his orgasm exploded out of him, filling Ginny with his essence, which triggered Ginny's own orgasm.
Her hips thrust upward as her legs pulled even tighter around Harry, driving him in as deep as possible. "Oh! Oh! OH!" her mind screamed out as she shuddered with Harry's final thrusts.
Finally spent, both collapsed down, limbs entwined, hearts racing, minds melded with the feelings of love they had for one another. It was times like this that both felt the connection even more, warm skin on warm skin, gentle caresses, and tender thoughts shared between them that cemented them together.
It was a very satisfied couple that slowly drifted off to sleep, their loving embrace saying all that was necessary. Two people with one soul, forever together, no matter what life was to bring.
XX HP + GW XX
The remainder of the Slytherins were still seated at the table and were taken by surprise when the Aurors began to come and check each student's left arm. Most allowed the inspection willingly but several protested vehemently and tried to refuse.
It took the stunning of the first two, that let the others know that the inspection would take place. All those who had refused were found to he marked Death Eaters, all were Seventh year students whose family's were known supporters of the Dark Lord.
There were many ashen faces among the remaining Slytherin House members as they watched at the few Death Eaters were taken away by the Aurors.
When relative calm had returned to the hall, Minerva stood before the remaining students, "Those of you that wish to continue your education will be allowed to study at home and will be able to return periodically by prior arrangement for testing and tutoring if it is required."
Flicking her wand, a piece of parchment and a quill appeared. "Please sign on this list if you intend to avail yourself of this opportunity. Those who do not sign up will be required to repeat their current year when the suspension is lifted," the Headmistress said sternly, making eye contact with as many of the students as possible.
Minerva watched in satisfaction as all the fourth, fifth and remaining seventh years signed up. The only problem arose when the sixth year students were waiting their turns at the parchment.
Pansy Parkinson and Millicent Bulstrode were the last to sign the parchment and they took the opportunity to glare at the Headmistress. As they walked up near the dais where Professor McGonagall stood, Pansy looked with contempt at the Headmistress and asked, "Where has Draco been taken? Why hasn't he returned?"
"I'm sorry Miss Parkinson but I can't tell you that information, all I know is that he was taken away by the Aurors the day of the attack on the student who was injured," McGonagall replied, somewhat tiredly. She was becoming drained by having to deal with all the commotion dealing with the suspension of the Slytherins.
"Is it true that the one injured was that bloody bastard Potter?" Pansy spat hatefully.
"I will neither confirm nor deny the rumours surrounding that incident," the Professor said, a bit testily, growing tired of Pansy's attitude. "Just know that your hateful attitude will not be missed here at Hogwarts," added sternly.
Pansy glared one last time at Minerva and then she spun away, her nose in the air as she haughtily walked back to the table. Before she could sit down the Aurors commanded for all the Slytherins to stand so that they could be escorted to Hogsmeade Station to be put on the Hogwarts Express.
"What about our things?" asked one of the frightened fourth years.
"The house elves have packed all your trunks and delivered them to the train," Minerva answered evenly.
Minerva watched them go, and she couldn't help but feel that somehow she and the school had failed them. Even though they had made their choices, continuing to support the ideals that strove to tear the Wizarding World apart, she felt that they should have been able to reach through all the pureblood mania and saved at least some of them for the Light.
As the last students filed out Minerva sighed and headed back to her office, wondering what else would happen, the year had started out poorly and seemed to be spiralling down from there.
XX HP + GW XX
Remus, Tonks and Sirius Apparated to the Shrinking Shack without any trouble. Sirius tried to convince the other two that they should use the tunnel to the Whomping Willow to enter the grounds of Hogwarts.
It almost looked like Remus was going to agree with him when a piercing look from Tonks froze the thought on his lips and he looked at her contritely as Sirius looked on, teasing him unmercifully about the control that his cousin had over him.
Remus was going to make a rude remark back to him when Tonks winked at him, making sure that Sirius couldn't see it and then soundly kissed him right in front of the shocked Marauder. Once she was done she went over and using a finger, gently closed Sirius' gaping mouth.
"Can't have you catching flies," she said cheekily, her eyes alive with her merriment.
Sirius could do nothing but sputter as Remus smiled and blushed slightly, his eyes tracing Tonks' movements and with one last look at Sirius, he shrugged his shoulders and followed Tonks down the stairs and out of the Shack.
It took Sirius moment then he shook himself, transformed into Padfoot and followed the others.
They made a strange sight, the older, somewhat shabbily dress wizard, the younger witch, dressed in Auror robes, with bright pink hair and the large black dog who accompanied them, sometimes walking calmly by their side and sometimes running ahead, chasing birds and just having fun.
Several people did notice their passing, most smiling as the young witch linked her arm through the older wizards and glanced at him occasionally with looks that showed the love she felt for the man.
They soon made their way to the gates of Hogwarts where Tonks was surprised to see a large contingent of Aurors escorting a number of students off the school grounds.
"Hey, Dawlish, what's going on?" she asked as she came up to where one of the Aurors stood and watched the students file past.
"Hi ya Tonks. We're here escorting the members of Slytherin House that have been suspended for the remainder of the school year. We'll be riding all the way back to London with them," the older Auror said, keeping his eyes on the students.
Remus was surprised as well, he had never heard of a whole house, or half of the house being suspended before. Seeing the sullen faces of the majority of the students saddened him, it was a waste he thought, so much potential and such misguided effort. Just one more sign of the troublesome times they lived in.
It didn't take long and Tonks, Remus and Sirius left the sombre group behind as they entered the grounds of Hogwarts. Sirius darted ahead, stopped and barked at the couple trailing behind, before he took off again, running around in circles and barking playfully at them.
Remus called Padfoot back to him as they made their way up to the entrance to the school. He was actually quite surprised when Padfoot complied without any trouble. He dutifully walk beside the couple as they entered the school, looking up at them as they made their way up to the Headmistress' office.
When they arrived, it was obvious to them that Professor McGonagall had just arrived back herself. "Nymphadora, Remus and Sirius if I'm not mistaken, to what do I owe this visit to?" she asked wearily, but with a smile.
Since she had spoken to Sirius he transformed back into his human form and glared at Minerva. "Why wasn't I informed of Harry's injury?" he asked, somewhat bitterly.
Minerva sighed and sat down heavily in her chair, "I apologize Sirius, to tell you the truth with all that was going on, the chaos and confusion that was taking place, I just totally forgot. I know it's a feeble excuse but it's the truth."
Sirius felt his anger dissipate, he knew Minerva was in a difficult position and was being pushed to her limit by the events taking place around her. With a sigh he sat down and with his elbows on his knees he held his head in his hands. "I'm sorry for snapping at you Minerva. I can tell by what we saw on the way in that you must really have your hands full."
"It's understandable Sirius, and I should have contacted you before now. If it's any consolation you're going to be very surprised by the changes that Harry has under gone," Minerva said with a smile. Looking at Tonks and Remus she said "You're all going to be surprised."
"Why, what happened?" Sirius asked, concerned for his Godson.
"Oh, no. You need to experience it like I did," Minerva said with a laugh. She turned to Godric Gryffindor's portrait, "Are Harry and Ginny still in their quarters?" she asked.
Godric laughed, "Yes they are just now having breakfast, should I inform them that you are coming?"
"Please just say I am coming to see them but don't inform them I'll be accompanied by anyone," Minerva said, her eyes alight with her merriment.
Godric's eyes crinkled in laughter, "As you wish Headmistress," he said, his mirth matching that of Professor McGonagall.
The three visitors were surprised when the portrait just became still instead of the normal action of having the image walk out of the picture and they looked at the Headmistress questioningly.
"Why is his portrait different?" Tonks asked, walking up closer to the painting and running her fingers lightly along the frame.
Minerva rose and they started to get ready to leave. "Godric told me it was the way things were done back in the Founder's time, the Magic used for their portraits was different than they use now. Though they can not visit the other portraits, they can "live" in any of their own."
"Interesting," Remus said, thoughtfully. "I can see advantages and disadvantages to each system."
As they talked they were making their way through the halls of the school. They were garnering a great deal of attention as Sirius had transformed once more into Padfoot. Where outside he had been quite playful, he now walked calmly by Remus' and Tonks' side.
Tonks found it funny that Sirius chose to walk between her and Remus and she swore she could see Padfoot smiling up at Remus as they made their way through the halls. She could also see Remus' frowns as he looked down at the huge black dog who trotted along with them.
"I'll get you for this," Remus whispered, glaring at Padfoot.
Tonks was convinced that she saw Padfoot laugh at his friend, as much as a dog can anyway.
They were surprised when McGonagall led them past the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room and took them to a hall that was magically hidden. Padfoot and Remus shared a sly grin, knowing from their Marauder days of the hidden hallway that led to the alternate entrance to the Gryffindor Head-girl's quarters, James having been a frequent user of the second entrance when visiting Lily while she was Head-girl.
XX HP + GW XX
Harry and Ginny were just finishing up breakfast when Godric's portrait came alive. Smiled at them and said, "The Headmistress is on her way over to talk to you."
Ginny looked at Godric shrewdly, "What aren't you telling us?" she asked, narrowing her eyes at the Founder.
"I'm sorry but that is privileged information," he replied with a grin, "but I will say that I think you'll be pleased with the visit."
Ginny gave Harry a look, "Guess we'll just have to wait to see what's up," she said matter-of-factually.
Harry shrugged his shoulders at her and sat down on the couch with one of his DADA books. He knew that they'd never get Godric to reveal anything and worrying about it was pointless, they'd know soon enough.
They didn't have long to wait, in about five minutes the portrait whole to the hidden corridor opened and Harry and Ginny watched as Professor McGonagall came through.
Tonks was right behind her and as soon as she saw Harry and Ginny she came to a dead stop, mouth open, eyes wide in shock. Remus who was right behind her ran right into her as she came to a standstill. At first he wondered what was the problem and then his eyes fell on the two Gryffindor's. He also stopped, eyes opening wide in shock as he took in Harry and Ginny.
Sirius, as Padfoot worked his way through the bodies in front of him, slightly aggravated by the hold up. Because he was down lower, it took a little longer for him to get to see what had stunned the other two.
As he cleared the people in front of him he turned back and glared at them. He was surprised that they hadn't moved and as he transformed back into his human form he said, "What's wrong with you two?"
From behind him he heard, "Sirius, it's great to see you." He turned slowly, not believing what he was hearing. He could have sworn that the person sounded almost just like James.
Sirius' eyes found what Tonks and Remus had been staring in shock at. He froze just as they had. He couldn't believe what he was seeing, if it weren't for the scar on his forehead, Sirius would have sworn it was James standing in front of him, looking almost identical to what he had the last time he had seen him. His eyes flitted to the person standing next to him, the beautiful red-headed woman was a stunning near replica of Lily.
"Harry?" he whispered slowly. "Is that really you?"
Harry stepped forward and took Sirius into a hug, "Yeah, Sirius. It's really me," Harry said with a chuckle.
Tonks and Remus came forward still looking stunned, trying to take in both Harry and Ginny at the same time.
Tonks was the first to recover and said "Wotcher Harry," just as she normally did. She then went up and gave Ginny a big hug, if anything, Ginny now looked slightly older that Tonks did.
As she held Ginny out at arms length she couldn't help but say, "I've been hearing how kids are growing up overnight but this is ridiculous."
Harry and Ginny laughed as did Minerva, Remus looked on in silence for a moment before walking slowly forward, staring back and forth from Harry to Ginny.
Ginny stifled a giggle behind her hand as she walked over in front of him, "Really Professor Lupin, it's Harry and me."
Harry came over and casually wrapped his arm around Ginny's waist and shook Lupin's hand. "It's good to see you again Professor," he said with a smile.
Remus was finally able to break out of his stunned silence, "Please, I haven't been your Professor in a long time, just call me Remus," he said to the stunning couple before him.
Minerva had been watching from the side, a smile on her face the whole time. "Well, things seem to be going well. I have things that need doing, so I'll take my leave for now."
The others all said their good byes to her as she left the way she had come in. Harry and Ginny motioned for the others to be seated by the fire place. The three adults hardly being able to take their eyes off the completely changed couple before them.
As they took their seats, Donder and Dixie popped into the room with drinks and snacks for everyone. Tonks, Remus and Sirius were surprised by the sudden appearance of the house elves and as soon as they disappeared they all looked at Harry and Ginny.
Harry just shrugged with a grin but Ginny said, "It's just one more of the inexplicable things that have been happening here at Hogwarts," her smile matching Harry's.
After they settled down and got caught up on current events with Harry and Ginny telling the story of Ginny's miraculous healing of Harry yet again and their subsequent maturing, the group split apart by sexes, Tonks wanting to have some girl time with Ginny and find out how she was doing and Remus and Sirius talking to Harry about the goings on at the school.
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Hermione sat down next to Ron and she was a bit worried because Harry and Ginny had yet appeared for class.
Professor McGregor had just entered and was beginning to take roll and Hermione was now very worried that her friends hadn't shown. Leaning over to Ron she whispered fervently "Do you know where Harry and Ginny are?"
Ron yawned and looked at Hermione, still half asleep, he didn't look like he comprehended what she was saying. "What's that?" he asked, sleepily
Hermione rolled her eyes, Ron sure had looked lively enough at breakfast when he had been eating as much and as fast as he could but now that they were in class it looked like he had just woken up.
"I said, Do you know where Harry and Ginny are?" Hermione repeated, quite exasperated at Ron.
Ron dully shook his head, "No, I haven't seen them this morning," he replied.
Hermione was quite concerned, it wasn't like Harry and Ginny to skive off class like this. The only times they had missed classes was when something horrible had happened and her mind began to invent terrible reason after reason why they were missing.
They had been in class about half an hour when Professor McGonagall came into the room. Hermione looked up in fear but McGonagall paid her no mind. She went over to the stern Transfiguration Professor and spoke lowly to her.
She nodded as she said something back to the Headmistress but it was her smile that confused Hermione the most. Somehow she knew it was about Harry and Ginny but the smile seemed to indicate that nothing serious was wrong, though she couldn't figure out what would be keeping Harry and Ginny out of class.
She watched McGonagall and McGregor exchange one last round of pleasantries before she left. She was sure that McGonagall had glanced her way as she walked out the door, but she didn't read anything from the look. Perplexed, she turned her attention back to Professor McGregor and what she was covering today.
XX HP + GW XX
Tonks took Ginny over to the side, "So tell me, how's life treating you? Though from the looks of you and Harry, life must be pretty good," she said cheekily.
Ginny blushed a little but held the young Auror's eyes. "Life has been fabulous if I ignore the times Harry has been almost killed."
Tonks saw Ginny glance at Harry and she wasn't sure what was going on. She knew there was something special about them, their living arrangements were proof of that and what she had witnessed in the Hospital Wing also pointed to some special connection though she hadn't asked outright.
"How much should I tell Tonks?" Ginny sent to Harry.
"What ever you want to," Harry sent back.
"Thanks Love, how are things with Sirius and Remus?"
"You know them as well as I do, both are pretty shocked by the changes we have under gone and that's just what they can see."
Ginny turned her attention back to Tonks, "Do you want to know the truth about everything?" she asked with a wry grin.
Tonks smiled back, "What do you think?" she asked, as if the answer was a forgone conclusion.
Ginny motioned for Tonks to lean in, "Well," she whispered, "What you've been seeing has been a manifestation of Harry's and my Soul-Bond. We're linked mentally, spiritually and magically."
Tonks' eyes widened and suddenly things made more sense. There had been some information on Bonds and magical connections during Auror training but it wasn't covered in much detail as they were exceedingly rare.
"So that is how you knew how to heal Harry," Tonks said thoughtfully.
"Well yes and no," Ginny answered, her face suddenly falling as she remembered back to that day.
Tonks sensed that something was wrong but she wasn't sure what was troubling Ginny. She knew it had to do with what she had just said, "Ginny?" she said softly.
Ginny's eyes darted up and met Tonks' for a moment before she looked away again. "Sorry Tonks, it's just, well if I tell you, you'll think I've really gone completely round the bend and turned into a complete nutter."
"That'd be pretty hard to do," Tonks said softly, trying hard to catch Ginny's eyes.
"Huh, right," Ginny replied, "That's only because you don't know what I know."
Tonks laid a hand on Ginny's arm, "Try me," she said tenderly.
Ginny looked up at Tonks and finally met her eyes. She saw only acceptance, with a touch of concern staring back at her. Silently a tear began to run down Ginny's cheek, one then turning into two and before she knew it they were flowing freely.
Ginny couldn't understand why she was crying and she felt Harry's growing concern for her. "It's OK Harry, please just stay with Remus and Sirius."
Harry acknowledged her message and turned his attention back to their banter, trying to keep the connection open in the background so he could figure out what was bothering Ginny so much.
Ginny took a deep breath and tried to get her runaway emotions under control. "Your not going to believe me," she said as if trying to convince herself as much as she was Tonks.
"The thing is, we have met . . . . this person, well I guess he's a person or a least he's a being, . . . I'm not making much sense, am I?" Ginny said with a sad grin.
"Just take your time and just say what you want to without trying to define it for me. If I have any questions I'll ask afterwards," Tonks said calmly.
Ginny nodded, "See the thing is, sometimes I have a hard time with accepting it was real." She took another deep breath, looking up and giving a small laugh she said "See the thing is when we Bonded and again when Harry was near death, someone appeared to us, and then me. He goes by many names, the one he seems to use the most is Azriel."
Tonks raised an eyebrow and said softly, "You met Death?"
Ginny was surprised that Tonks knew him by that name but nodded her head. "See the thing is when Harry was hurt, he was dying, you were there, you could see Madam Pomfrey. Well time seemed to stand still for several moments and Azriel came to me," Ginny said hesitantly.
"So he told you how to heal Harry?" Tonks prompted.
Ginny looked up at Tonks, "No, not really. He just told me to trust the Bond and when I reached out through the Bond, I knew what needed to be done. I needed to pour my Love for Harry through the Bond and it works best with direct skin to skin contact."
Ginny chanced another look at Tonks, and she was surprised when she didn't see any disbelief or doubt in Tonks' gaze.
Tonks look steadily and sympathetically at Ginny.
"So you believe me?" Ginny asked softly.
"Listen Ginny, I've seen and heard things being an Auror that make me believe in more than most. If you say you've met Death and by your reactions telling the story, I believe what you're saying, or at least that you believe it," Tonks said sincerely.
Ginny was about to react to the last part, but Tonks cut her off. "Listen Ginny, I'm not saying I don't believe you but as an Auror, I have to deal with facts all the time, but as an Auror, I also know that there is a lot more going on than most people want to believe. Hell, look at the difference what we believe and know to be true compared to what Muggles believe, so how can I say you are wrong or delusional if you say you've met Death."
Ginny looked thoughtful and nodded slowly. At least Tonks had heard her out and not ridiculed her. She gave Tonks a small smile and somehow she felt better now that she had told someone else about meeting Death and saving Harry's life.
"It was such a close thing," Ginny whispered.
Tonks looked at her questioningly but then the light went off in her head. "Harry?" she asked.
Ginny nodded, "Yes, when I knew what to do, Azriel seemed relieved an told me that he could then leave unburdened."
Tonks' eyes widened slightly at Ginny's implication. "That must have been something to have to deal with."
"Yeah," Ginny said with a look that spoke volumes to Tonks.
"What aren't you telling me?" Tonks asked.
"If Harry had died, I would have too," Ginny said so softly that Tonks barely heard. She looked up at the young metamorphmagus and Tonks could see the frightened young girl inside the mature young woman before her.
"It's OK to be scared Ginny," Tonks said tenderly.
Ginny's eyes began to fill with tears again that threatened to spill out again. Tonks took her in a hug and gently rubbed her back.
"Thanks Tonks," she replied, smiling through her tears. "It's just hard, I mean even though I don't look it any more I am still only fifteen and some of this just scares the hell out of me."
"I'd be worried if you weren't scared," Tonks replied, smiling at Ginny. "I've seen plenty of overconfident Aurors, those who weren't scared when they should have been. They usually end up getting themselves killed or maimed very early in their careers."
Tonks then sat back and looked at Ginny appraisingly, "And yes, you don't look fifteen any more, just like Harry doesn't look sixteen and even though you aren't older, you both have matured beyond those ages, no totally of course and I think I can safely say that you two are probably unique in what you have undergone up to this point. Trust yourselves and your instincts and I think you'll do well for yourselves and everyone around you."
Ginny smiled and nodded, she was glad that she confided in the young Auror. She felt a lightness in her chest that she hadn't felt in a long time and she hugged Tonks once more. Smiling she said, "Let's see what the boys are up to."
XX HP + GW XX
A/N: Sorry for the delay, I really wanted to post this on Thursday, but I've been sick in bed till this evening. Some great way to spend the holiday weekend.
Please review as I truly love hearing from you readers.
I hope your Holiday was better than mine, plus my Birthday was on Saturday, some fun! Eh.