An Unexpected Turn of Events

Chapter Fifty-Four

Ron sat studying with Fay, he paused from his work and glanced over at her as she sat hunched over her essay. A stray strand of hair had come loose from her ponytail and hung down towards her face.

Ron had an almost undeniable urge to reach over and tuck it behind her ear, almost. He knew that would be a pretty intimate gesture and he wasn't sure if he wanted to cross that line just yet, if ever.

Ron sighed and looked back down at his essay. He was almost done and he thought that even Hermione would've been impressed with how good he had done.

There, he'd done it again, he was thinking of Hermione. He glanced back over at Fay and looked at her for a moment, she was still engrossed in her work and as he watched she idly tucked the stray strand of hair behind her ear.

Ron shook his head and went back to trying to finish his essay but still found himself thinking of Fay. He knew he liked her but he wasn't sure just how much. She was a great friend, almost as good as Harry and Hermione had been. They had settled into an easy, good friends attitude, hanging together most of the time. Between studying, Quidditch practice and games they were spending time together almost every day of the week.

Fay still had her girlfriends that she spent time with just as he had Seamus, Dean and Neville. They had done some of the standard "Date" things like going to Hogsmeade but always with a group and not by themselves.

The problem was as much as he liked Fay he still had feelings for Hermione and it frustrated him because she was out of reach right now and he couldn't talk to or work through his feelings with her. His unresolved feelings for her kept him in a kind of limbo. Knowing he was getting nowhere he let out a big sigh.

Fay looked up at him and misinterpreting his sigh she smiled and said "Just about had enough studying?"

Ron stared into her brilliant blue eyes for a moment, "Yeah, just about. I have one more paragraph and I'll be finished with this," he said.

"Great!," she replied. "Five more minutes and then how about we play some chess."

Ron smiled back at her, "OK, sounds good to me, if you want to lose that bad," he teased.

"Ha! Who's won the last two games?" Fay teased back.

Ron shook his head and laughed, "If we keep this up we'll never get done."

Fay grinned back, "OK slave driver. Let's finish the school work and get to the fun!"

Ron got back to finishing his essay but he had a smile on his face. Being with Fay was a lot better than not and she sure was making this year better than he had expected it to be.

XX

The Hunters returned to the camp site and they all went in and sat down except Fred and George who went and got everybody butterbeers. Ginny politely declined asking for juice instead. Nobody made anything of it but Harry looked at her and smiled.

Tonks made a comment in appreciation that they had gotten the drinks and didn't expect the women to wait on everyone. The Twins then bowed and played waiter, draping towels over their arms and hinting they needed tips.

Hermione laughed for the first time in what seemed almost forever to her. It felt good and she appreciated the Twins all the more.

Remus looked at Harry, "What did Abe want?" he asked.

"Nothing much really," said Harry deflecting the question.

Ginny was a little surprised but said nothing, she'd talk to Harry about it later in private.

All right," said Harry putting his arm around Ginny. "We have a lead on the Cup, now all we need we have to do is figure out where the last Horcrux is."

They all became very pensive, obviously thinking about possible places where the Horcrux could have been hidden.

Hermione cleared her throat hesitantly, "I think it's somewhere at Hogwarts," she said and then waited for the others reactions.

The Twins immediately looked deep in thought, brows furrowed as they contemplated Hermione's suggestion. Remus looked a little sceptical and Tonks looked like she was calculating the odds.

Harry looked thoughtful for a moment and then said "I agree with Hermione, it's the one place Tom ever felt special and he would have wanted to keep a tie to it."

The Twins immediately began to draw up a list of all the possible places that they thought could have been used to hide something in the Castle.

"You sure it's the Diadem?" Fred asked.

Harry shrugged, "No not 100%, but it makes sense with what we know and we haven't thought of anything else it could be. Can anyone come up with anything?"

They began to review what they knew about Tom and the Horcruxes, Hermione went and dug out their notes from before. She went over the list starting with his personal connections, his Diary, the Gaunt Family Ring and his snake Nagini.

They then brought up his obsession with Founder's Objects, Slytherin's Locket and Hufflepuff's Cup.

Harry looked around, "That leaves either something from either Ravenclaw or Gryffindor and we know that the only two know objects of Gryffindor's are safe at Hogwarts and are definitely not a Horcrux. That leaves Ravenclaw's Diadem.

"It's the only thing that makes any sense," said Ginny.

Tonks was the one who seemed unconvinced though Remus was very neutral on it. "But no one has seen it in centuries," Tonks said.

"Just because it has been hidden for all this time doesn't mean he couldn't have found it," said Hermione much to Harry's surprise. That was the very argument that he had used against her earlier in their research.

Harry smiled at her and she smiled back, she knew exactly what he was thinking.

"OK," said Remus. "The problem is how do we get in and search the Castle without being seen?"

Fred and George laughed. "Getting in there is no problem, eh Harry," Fred said.

Harry smiled, "As long as the One Eyed Witch's passage is still open, yeah getting in is no problem. We should have done so over the Christmas break," Harry said.

"Well Easter is coming so that's a possibility," said Hermione.

Harry smiled at her again, "That's right Hermione, if we can't figure out a way to do so before that we can take that opportunity."

"Anything else we need to discuss then?" asked Harry.

Ginny noticed Hermione start to act a bit nervous and wondered what was wrong.

Hermione looked at Harry, "There's more one thing I'd like to say Harry," she said softly. She took a deep breath and said, "I know you've all been very worried about me and I can't tell you how much that means to me. I've been struggling with a lot of problems and because of them I resorted to an aberrant behaviour as a coping mechanism."

Everyone watched her closely, the love and concern showing on their faces.

"Tonks and then Ginny have been a huge help and support for me. They are still helping me deal with my problem. I've been. . ." Hermione stumbled and paused, finding it difficult to say exactly what she had been doing.

"It's OK Hermione," said George, "You don't have to say any more if you don't want to."

Hermione gave him a wan smile, "No George, I really feel I need to do this. I've been cutting myself," she said softly. She had dropped her gaze looking at the ground, afraid to look into their faces, afraid they'd look at her with horror and pity.

She chanced a quick look up and all she saw was the love and concern of her friends. She felt something let go inside of her like the lifting of a huge burden and she felt better than she had in a long time. She became aware that tears were streaming down her face.

Harry was the first to her and he took her in a big hug. "It's OK Hermione," he whispered. "We're here for you."

Hermione squeezed him back, "I know Harry and thank you."

One by one everyone came up and hugged her tightly, whispering words of encouragement and letting her know that they would do anything they could to help whenever she needed it. She knew she'd still struggle from time to time with her problem but she knew her friends were still there for her and accepted her for who she was.

It was with a renewed sense of hope that Hermione felt as they began to disperse and get ready for dinner.

Ginny was standing near Hermione and said to her, "That was very brave Hermione and because of it you've given me the courage to say what I have to say."

Remus, Fred, George, could you all come here a moment, Please," Ginny said as she looked over at Harry.

Harry looked back and when he realized what Ginny was about to do the colour drained from his face. He wasn't sure he was ready but if Ginny was he would support her any way that he could. He came over to her and took her hand.

As the three men came over, Ginny noticed Tonks watching her and Harry. She looked at Remus, Fred and George and took a breath before beginning. "I wasn't physically sick before Christmas. Harry and I were dealing with the aftermath of the miscarriage that I had back in November. It's been a very hard thing to deal with but Harry and I are getting past it. Hermione has known all along and Tonks found out the night I ran to our room crying. I felt you all should know," Ginny finished softly.

Though the three men were surprised by Ginny's revelation, once again there were hugs and words of support for both Ginny and Harry. Though the atmosphere was a bit subdued there was a sense of the shared burden now that the secrets had been revealed.

Remus went to help Tonks in the kitchen to finish preparing dinner while the the rest set the table.

XX

The dark cloaked figure looked around the square and not seeing the person he was looking for he headed for the only logical place around, the Three Broomsticks. He glanced through the partially frosted window and saw the man he was searching for.

He went inside and joined the figure by the fire. "I thought you'r lookin fo that Potter kid?" he asked lowly.

"Aye, I were, but it's a col' un out there t'night and I seen 'ide nor 'air o' im so I be comin in for a bit o' a pick me up." came the reply.

"Well ya jus missed im, they war at the Head an lef' rit' b'for me," the second man said.

"Damnation," the Watcher cursed. "I tuk a ten min'et break an I miss em. Well e'll be back tha' fo' shar' an I be a gitten i'm than. Hee Hee, Wha' ol' Lu-sus don' kno won' urt em".

His friend sat down beside him and waved at Madam Rosmerta for a drink, he propped his feet by the fire, tipping off the Watcher had earned him a little of the gold.

XX

Harry went into his and Ginny's room after dinner and took out the parchment Aberforth had given him. He stared at it for a long time wondering if he really wanted to open it and read what the old Wizard had to say.

All the feelings of resentment, of abandonment that he had felt following the Headmaster's death came back to him. So much had been left unsaid that he had a hard time believing that the Headmaster had really been his friend.

He felt like he had been treated like a tool, someone or something to be used for an ultimate end and what he felt and had gone through mattered not in the slightest.

As he sat there contemplating the scroll Ginny came in and sat down next to him. She took one look at what he was holding and she put her arm around his shoulders. "What's the matter Dear?" she asked.

"I'm not sure I want to open this and read it," he answered truthfully. "So much time has passed and there were a lot of things left unsettled. What if this leaves me worse off than now and only opens old wounds?" he asked.

Ginny sighed, "Unfortunately the only way to answer that question is to open it," she said softly. "Is that why you didn't say anything to the others about it?"

"Yeah, If they knew they'd be pestering me to read it and I'm not sure I'm ready to do that just yet," he said.

Ginny leaned over and gently kissed Harry on his earlobe. Harry smiled as he hunched his shoulders in response to Ginny's hot mouth touching the sensitive skin of and around his ear.

"Ginny," he said, "You're driving me crazy."

"That's the idea," she breathed huskily.

Her hot breath further inflamed Harry and he placed the Parchment on the trunk by the bed. He then spun around and grabbed Ginny and pushed her down on her back. He kissed her passionately causing her to moan in response.

Ginny's hands began to roam over Harry's body, causing Harry to moan back into her mouth. She found the edge of his jumper and tugged it up wanting to free Harry of the encumbrance of his clothing. Harry's mouth left hers and travelled down onto her neck finding the sensitive spot in the hollow below her ear.

The pleasurable sensations Harry was causing exploded in Ginny. This was one of the things that Ginny loved most about their relationship. The feelings that Harry caused drove her crazy with desire and she loved that they were able to act on them and fulfill their desires.

Ginny finally got Harry's jumper off taking his shirt with it. Ginny felt Harry reaching for hers and she helped him to remove it. Harry quickly made work of unclasping her bra and her breasts were now free to his searching hot mouth.

She felt her nipples harden as his lips laved them into rock hard peaks that were giving her so much pleasure at the moment.

Ginny guided Harry's head to her other nipple wanting it to feel just as good as the first.

"Oh Godric Ginny, I love the way your nipples react to my sucking on them," he moaned.

Ginny moaned back, "I love it too Harry, Don't stop, please don't stop."

Harry reached down and began to remove Ginny's jeans, he wanted her naked and completely open to his touch. Ginny lifted her hips allowing him to get them down to her knees, taking her knickers with them.

The cool air hit her hot moist centre causing the most exquisite sensations to course through her. "Oh Harry," she moaned out.

Harry's kisses began to trail down further and further on her body. As he reached her bellybutton she kicked off her jeans and parted her knees to allow him better access as he trail further. She twined her fingers in his hair and guided him to where she wanted his tongue and mouth to be.

Like the petals of a flower opening, the lips of her dripping sex parted for Harry. His tongue trailed over her clit making her squirm and moan louder. "Oh Godric Harry, that's it, right there love. Please don't stop!"

Harry was more than happy to comply with her request, the hot liquor dripping from her was like Ambrosia to him. He knew he'd never tire of drinking at this well. Ginny's hips thrust up and she held his head tight against her as her first orgasm tore through her body. Rather than being sated she was just further inflamed wanting more of what Harry was giving her.

Ginny then returned the favour, she unbuckled Harry's jeans and she pushed them down, making sure his boxers went with them. She felt his hot hardness against her and she reached down and took it in her hand, stroking it lightly causing Harry to shudder with the overwhelming sensations that she was causing.

Ginny rolled Harry onto his back and she kissed her way down his body. "Sweet Merlin's Mother," Harry exclaimed as Ginny's hot mouth enveloped him. Her hot mouth driving up and down on his throbbing manhood. Harry placed his hand in Ginny's fiery mane and took a handful and tilted her head back slightly so he could look into her eyes.

Her hair was a mess but it framed her face and Harry thought he'd never seen anything that looked so erotic. Her eyes twinkled in the light as her head moved up and down his shaft. Her hands weren't idle either, one was wrapped around his shaft adding to the pleasure she was producing, sliding up and down in synchronization with her head. The other hand trailed beneath and massaged his sack further adding to his pleasure.

"Oh Godric Ginny," Harry groaned out. "That's it, That's it!" he moaned as he felt his muscles clench and he thrust his hips forward as his essence began to pour out in great huge pulses. Ginny took Harry as deep as she could and swallowed every drop.

Harry lay spent for a moment but Ginny's gentle ministrations fired his ardour once more. Harry rolled over on top of Ginny kissing her deeply, his tongue driving deep into her mouth causing her to moan in delight. Ginny felt his still hard manhood sliding along the outside her slit. It's hot hardness spreading her lubricating juices along it's length.

Ginny moaned louder as it worked up and down over her throbbing pleasure nub. Harry repositioned his hips slightly and with the next thrust he entered into her. She gently nipped his shoulder as he did so causing him to groan along with her.

Ginny once again reveled in the feeling of oneness she felt when they were joined as they were now. She wrapped her legs around Harry and forced him to slow down, she wanted their coupling to last as long as possible.

Harry sensed Ginny's desire to prolong their love-making and he did his best to comply. He settled into a deep even rhythm, slowing his pace, making every minute one of sheer ecstasy.

Harry brought one hand up through Ginny's wild crimson tresses sweeping them off her face so he could stare into her eyes. Ginny's smiled as they locked their gaze upon one another. "Oh Harry, that feels so wonderful," she whispered as he slide in and out of her.

Harry could feel the pressure building inside and knew he wasn't going to last much longer. Ginny too felt the same as her release approached. The growing fire within her would soon explode forth releasing the tension that was mounting deep within her.

Ginny's eyes fluttered half shut as she reached the edge and plummeted off, the pleasure exploding and filling every micron of her being. As her womanhood spasmed around him Harry joined Ginny in the throes of ecstasy. His release matching hers and the rose together to the heights of their shared pleasure.

Finally they spiralled down, relaxing in each others embrace, physically satiated for the moment. Ginny squeezed Harry in a hug. "That was amazing as always," she said softly.

"Mmmm," Harry replied, too spent to even articulate words, just relishing the afterglow of their lovemaking along with the wonderful feel of Ginny laying against him and her wonderful scent that filled his nostrils.

As Ginny snuggled into his side they both drifted off to sleep.

XX

Bella sat by the fire, sipping her tea and reading a book. She had taken to reading to fill the hours of her confinement. In the beginning she had chaffed a little at not being able to move as she pleased but the she realized she really hadn't been able to since she had been married, except now she wasn't being tortured or abused and what a difference that made.

Hestia Jones came in and smiled at her, "Would you like some more tea Dear?" she asked.

"Yes, Thank you," she replied. Bella still had a hard time accepting the kindness of those who watched over her. It seemed so unreal to her, a far cry from her previous life.

Hestia came back shortly with a fresh pot of tea and a plate of biscuits for them to share. She sat down in the chair next to Bella's in front of the fire. "What are you reading now?" she asked.

Bella laughed, a sound she wasn't use to making, as she set the book down. "It's one of those trashy Muggle Romance novels," she replied.

Hestia gave her a conspiratorial look, "Don't tell anyone but I like to read them too," she said with a giggle. "You certainly have been reading up a storm."

"It fills the hours," Bella said.

"Don't worry Dear," Hestia said. "This war can't last forever."

Bella sighed, she sure hoped not and now she wished that Voldemort wouldn't prevail, not that she was sure what her fate would be even if he didn't.

"I noticed you've been reading all our small library, would you like for me to bring you some more books to read?" Hestia asked.

"If it's not too much trouble," Bella replied.

"It's no trouble at all Dear, you're much easier to take than the other people we're taking care of," Hestia told her.

"There are others?" Bella asked.

"Oh yes," Hestia said, "And between you and me, I'd much rather be here with you than with them at the other house. We rotate because the others are so hard to take for any amount of time."

"Why's that?" asked Bella.

"They're Muggles and the husband is of the worse sort if you know what I mean, not that the wife is any better but at least she keeps mostly to herself. Then there's their son, my word can that boy eat. Anyway no one can stand to be with them for very long so we switch out all the time. It's much nicer here with you." Hestia explained.

Bella was very touched by the older witches words. Being free of Voldemort and all the darkness that surrounded him sure was different.

Hestia smiled at her, "I think Severus is supposed to be here later," she said with a twinkle in her eyes.

Bella caught her look and blushed, "Is he?" she asked hopefully.

"Oh yes, I heard Shack saying something to Horatio earlier," Hestia replied.

Bell smiled in-spite of herself, she had started to look forward to the times he visited. They were usually left alone and she felt she could relax around him and just be herself not that she really knew who she was any more. Her life had changed so much recently and for the better she couldn't believe it.

Her times with Severus were something she looked forward to, she didn't have to worry about revealing who she really was because she wasn't sure how Hestia, Horatio and the others would take it.

She tried to think about what she felt for Severus, he had certainly done more than she expected, not that she knew what that was. She had been clutching at straws just trying to save her life.

She knew she was grateful for all he had done for her, saving her life, finding a safe place for her to stay and she also knew she felt better when she saw him. She actually felt excited and had feelings she hadn't had since she had been at Hogwarts and had a boyfriend.

Hestia saw Bella's smile and she was sure she knew what Bella was thinking. She smiled at the younger witch as she watched her facial expressions. "You really seem to enjoy the time he spends with you," she said lightly.

Bella found herself blushing again, "Does it show that much?" she asked embarrassed.

"Just a little Dear," Hestia said, "You smile more after he's been here."

"Do I really?" Bella asked shocked by the revelation.

"Oh yes," replied Hestia, "You obviously enjoy his company and to tell you the truth he's not so standoffish afterwards either. You two seem good for one another."

Bella fell silent thinking about what Hestia had said. She knew she enjoyed Severus' company but she was unsure of what that meant. She just knew she was in no hurry to change things, simply being alive was wonderful enough right now."

Hestia picked up some knitting and began to work, leaving Bella to contemplate their conversation. Bella went back to reading her book, wondering if she would have a happy ending like the heroines in the Muggle romance novels.

XX

A/N: A lot happening, The Hunters have a lead on the Cup and think they know where the last Horcrux may be.

Ron is unsure about his feelings for Fay and Hermione.

Harry isn't sure he wants to know what Albus has to tell him and Bella isn't sure what she feels for Snape. Sure is a lot of uncertainty floating around.

As always please review.