The 7th Child

A/N: So, I'm so sorry for this late update. I was gonna try and get this out within a week and then I got distracted by Falsettos videos. And the fact that I'm basically self-teaching myself a degree at this point. Given the fact that I am now in lockdown, you're probably going to be seeing more regular updates (please don't hold me to that). Anyhoo, like I said we're gonna speed through PoA, so this chapter is going to bridge the months between the break-ins and will go up to the second. Don't think I'm gonna write it though, just kinda talk about the events that go on around it. It's Sirius and Ginny bonding time with a bit of Dumbledore and Harry thrown in.

As always, I own jackshit. Please favourite, follow and review. Also, please please please make sure you stay safe with what's happening right now.

-Eve x

Chapter 9: The Foundations of a Family

November 1st 1993

"Ginny, please open the door. You've not eaten anything. I'm getting worried kiddo."

Sirius Black was stood at the door of Ginny's room. It was the day after his attempted break-in at Hogwarts, and Ginny hadn't emerged from her room. At first, he had thought that she had slept in, but then she had missed lunch and dinner. Kreacher had even made her favourites in an attempt to entice her down, but it had all been to no avail. So, Sirius had marched up the stairs and started talking to her through the door. She had yet to respond, but the slight sniffles that he could hear through the door indicated that she was at least alive. God-damn her childish stubbornness. Whilst Ginny often acted far too mature for her age, she would sometimes get in these moods where she would show her youth. And not the good side. The side that made people regret ever having children. Despite only having known Ginny for roughly 6 months, he currently felt like he'd been a parent for 10 years. Minimum.

"Ginny, please open the door. Or I'll get Kreacher to bring you out. You know I will."

Finally, movement! He could hear the bed creaking as Ginny rolled out of it; her muffled footfalls on the carpeted floor. The door then edged open, and a tear-streaked face, partially obscured by red locks peered out.

"You alright kiddo?" Sirius was concerned. Ginny had never cried in front of him. Never. He had seen the evidence of it before, and even now she desperately tried to push back the few tears that escaped her eyes.

"I – I heard you, y'know. With D-Dumbledore last night." Ginny said, her voice breaking at points due to the tears.

Sirius was immediately confused. "Is this because we didn't include you in the original conversation about the horcruxes? I was going to fill you in today, kiddo. You and me, we're a team."

"N-no, not that. I k-knew you would tell me." Ginny took a deep breath in an attempt to control herself. "I heard what Dumbledore said about the Weasleys."

"Oh kiddo, I'm so sorry. We didn't know how to tell you and were just trying to think of the best way." Sirius was annoyed with himself. Merlin's beard why didn't he or Dumbledore cast muffliato?

"Its okay. Don't think they've been my family since the first Prophet article." Ginny's voice was low, and despite her words, Sirius knew that she'd still been holding out hope that her family would be reunited.

"Well, I know I'm a bit of a shitty role model, but you've got me Ginny Weasley. And I'm bloody hard to get rid of."

Ginny smiled, but still shook her head. "Thanks Sirius, but I don't think I can be Ginny Weasley anymore."

Sirius looked at her. "What are you on about? You don't want to be a Weasley anymore?" At her nod, his mouth set in a grim smile. "Alrighty then. What should I call you now?"

Ginny looked at him, her eyes shining with gratitude. "Ginny. Just Ginny."

"Okay then 'Just Ginny'. Let's get some grub. Kreacher's been a right old bugger about things going to waste." Sirius pulled her into a one arm hug before beginning to head downstairs.

As she followed him, Ginny smiled. She may not have a family, but she was not alone.

-The 7th Child-

December 25th 1993

Ginny flew down the stairs excitedly. It was Christmas, and Sirius had done a lot to raise the Christmas spirit around the house. Even Professor Dumbledore had changed some of their lessons to be more Christmas based. It was lovely of them, especially since Ginny had figured out that Sirius had organised all of this to keep her mind off what could have been. It was one of the kindest things he had ever done, and that was saying something. Despite his appearance and couldn't-care-less attitude, once Sirius considered you a friend, he would do anything.

She reached the final stair and rounded the end of the banister, barrelling into the front room in one smooth motion. Ginny quickly skidded to a halt when she noticed who was in the room, however. Instead of just an excitable Sirius, there was an excitable Sirius and a smiling Dumbledore.

"Professor! What are you doing here?" Ginny exclaimed, her face going red as she realised, she was in her pyjamas. Her Christmas pyjamas as well, which were covered with little reindeers and had a stupid pun across her chest. She subtly tried to cover the lettering, but by the twinkle in Dumbledore's eye showed that he had both read and enjoyed the awful joke.

"Merry Christmas Ginny! I thought I'd pop in, just to see how everyone was. Also, Sirius and I have made some changes to what you'll be learning, so I just wanted to help explain them to you."

Ginny furrowed her brow. They were moving rapidly through the second-year material, especially given that they had decided not to stop for holidays. They were nearly three-quarters of the way through the year, and Ginny was intrigued about what sort of changes they would be making. They had started to move even more quickly through the material after Dumbledore had discovered that Ginny had overheard the conversation between himself and Sirius. Somehow, the elderly man had understood her need to distract herself from the situation in which she'd found herself, and as a result had ramped up her studying. Ginny was grateful for it.

Sirius clapped his hands, drawing the room's attention. "Well, Ginny, we have decided that I am going to teach you more advanced defensive and offensive magic. It's basically going to be like Sirius Black's school for master duellers. Might throw in a few healing spells in there. Bit of Horcrux research. Maybe even a few memory charms. Who knows?"

Ginny grinned at Sirius' excitement and turned to Dumbledore, who had cleared his throat to announce his intent to speak. "I will continue teaching you the majority of the general studies, but due to my responsibilities at Hogwarts, you may need to self-study a lot. The holidays will be where we get the majority of your work done."

Ginny nodded. This plan worked a lot better for her, and she would feel a lot more helpful. Her attention shifted when Dumbledore suddenly stood up and announced his intent to leave so that the two fugitives could enjoy the rest of their Christmas. After Ginny and Sirius wished him a merry Christmas, the Headmaster of Hogwarts left the room. Just before he opened the front door so he could apparate back, Ginny popped up behind him.

"Umm… Professor… are Ron, Fred, George and Percy having a good Christmas? And Harry and Hermione?"

Dumbledore smiled at the young girl before him. Despite her façade of not thinking about her former family, it was evident the girl still cared for them deeply. It was why their betrayal still hurt her so much. He did feel a twist of guilt when she mentioned Harry. Ginny had asked him if Harry thought she was evil, and he had always told her no. He wouldn't lie if asked outright. But he hadn't told her that Harry often wondered if she was okay, or that he often hoped she would be able to come back to Hogwarts. Maybe he needed to rethink his stance on withholding information from Ginny and Sirius at least. They had proved themselves trustworthy, if slightly unstable.

"They are Ginny. Now, go and enjoy your Christmas. I think Sirius might burst if he has to wait any longer."

Ginny laughed and waved as Dumbledore left Grimmauld Place. As he apparated away, Ginny shut the door, and turned back to the front room. Sirius sat there, manically sorting through the presents that previously had been under the tree. Now roughly three piles had accumulated, although one was much smaller. The smallest pile was for Kreacher, who only had some small gifts, even though it was far more than he was used to. Sirius finally looked up and noticed her.

"Ginny! Get your butt over here! We've got presents to open!"

Ginny grinned as she sat down next to Sirius and wrapping paper went flying. Ginny had gone into London (both magical and muggle) to find Sirius some presents. Currently he was opening her favourite one, a book she'd found in muggle London.

"The little book of bad moods? Perfect!" Sirius laughed at her present as he flipped through it. Ginny grinned. She thought he'd like it given his self-deprecating jokes about his rather violent mood swings. Ginny then turned to her own presents and started ripping the paper off. She finally got to a thick, book-like shape. Tearing off the paper, Ginny was greeted with a purple cover, embossed with gold lettering.

"Miranda Cosgrove's Book of Spells, first edition?" Ginny read aloud before turning to Sirius. "Haven't I already got this book?"

Sirius was wide-eyed. "Not this one. You have something like the tenth edition – they've become more strongly edited the more editions are published. The first editions… they are full of magic. Practically able to teach a young witch or wizard all by itself."

Ginny turned to the book in amazement. Surely, she was going to race even faster through her studies now. She was about to ask Sirius if he had got it for her, when a note slipped out from between the cover and the first page. It was simply signed, 'from Albus Dumbledore.' Ginny grinned to herself. Obviously, Dumbledore also wanted to speed up her lessons, if he was giving her this. Finally, she'll actually be of some use to the two men who were quickly becoming something akin to family to her.

The remainder of the day was spent in high spirits. Kreacher had made a rather fabulous roast that had been absolutely demolished by all inhabitants, the elf included (though his plate was quite a bit smaller than the two humans). Finally, the two sank into armchairs; Sirius summoned a chess board, and the two began to play. When Ginny eventually won by the skin of her teeth (she'd been Ron's opponent for years, and Sirius was not his equal), exploding snap was brought over and the two played games well into the night.

-The 7th Child-

Harry was awoken by Ron's usual screeching about how it was Christmas echoing throughout the boy's dormitory. Deciding that going along with it was better than trying to grab a few extra minutes of sleep, Harry pulled the heavy red drapes that surrounded his bed open. Grinning at his best mate, who looked like a man possessed as he ripped wrapping paper like his life depended on it, Harry quickly began tearing opening his own presents. Years of not having anything had made Harry more aware of the number of presents he received, as he treasured each gift like they were the crown jewels. It was this mannerism that made him notice an extra present nestled among the gifts from the Weasleys and his friends.

"Ron!" Harry yelled unnecessarily at his friend who sat all of 2 metres away. "I got a new broom!"

Ever since Harry's nimbus had been destroyed by the Whomping Willow, Harry had been desperate for a new broom. Unfortunately, with Sirius Black on the loose, he had not been allowed to leave the castle to get one. But someone had been so unbelievably generous and got him one.

"Blimey, Harry! Open it, let's see what it is!" Ron spoke, his mouth muffle from the Christmas chocolate that he had shovelled in.

Harry carefully ripped off the paper, slowly unveiling the broom. He could feel Ron practically vibrating in excitement, and as the model became clear, a very high-pitched squeal emerged from the ginger boy's mouth.

"That's a Firebolt!" Ron's voice got higher with each syllable, until he was basically squeaking.

Harry stared at the broom in amazement. A firebolt? None of the other quidditch teams stood a chance, now did they? He couldn't wait to show Wood, the twins and Angelina, all of whom were staying in the castle over the holidays. Quickly, him and Ron flew down the stairs to the common room with the intention of doing just that.

"Harry got a new broom!" Ron's voice announced their arrival, heads to swivel in their direction. Wood was immediately on his feet, bounding towards the two.

"What model? Is it good? It'll be hard to find one as good as the Nimbus, but you could outfly most on a new Cleansweep…" Wood trailed off as he caught sight of the name etched on the handle. "A Firebolt? An actual Firebolt?" Wood's voice turned slightly faint and he appeared to be looking past the broom, evidently seeing the Gryffindor team finally lifting the Quidditch Cup.

Suddenly a crowd of students descended around Harry, all wanting to see and touch the broom. Harry joyfully answered questions until Hermione's voice cut through the clamour.

"And who sent you this broom Harry?"

"I don't know, there was no name."

"Did you even consider that it might be from Sirius Black? This has to be reported to Professor McGonagall so that she can inspect it."

Everyone stared at Hermione with their mouths open before a huge surge of complaints began pouring out of them. Wood looked as though he might charge at her, and Ron was taking full advantage of this racket to air the grievances he had had with Hermione this year. To her credit, Hermione stood there and took it all, resolute in her reasoning. Rationally, Harry knew that she was just looking out for him, but this was quidditch! With the Firebolt the Cup was as good as theirs! Suddenly silence began to spread across the room as McGonagall strode in.

"What is this noise about?" Her voice was stern but warm. Evidently, she thought that this was just the excitement of Christmas causing such a racket.

Hermione turned and explained the situation, leaving out no detail, to her fellow students' frustration. McGonagall's face went from warm, to confused, to ecstatic, to grave in the minute it took Hermione to retell the events of the last 5 minutes.

"Potter, I'm afraid I'm going to have to take that broom. Miss Granger is correct in her assessment."

Harry sullenly handed over the broom. Ron was gaping, his mouth opening and closing like that of a fish. The twins looked as though they were hatching plans to get it back already. Wood looked as though he might cry. After she had the broom in her possession, McGonagall turned and left the common room. Hermione looked smug for all of two seconds, before everyone turned and left her standing there, all alone.

-The 7th Child-

Harry trudged back up the dormitory after one of the most awkward Christmases of his life. The Gryffindors had resolutely ignored Hermione all day, as they were still furious about the loss of their prize seeker's new broom. It had left Hogwarts' resident bookworm looking glum all day, and Harry felt dreadful about it. No-one should feel sad on Christmas, but Hermione had basically had his new broom confiscated, but she was only looking out for him… And these were the circles that Harry had talked himself into which had prevented him from going and speaking to Hermione.

Ron had remained downstairs with Neville and Seamus (most wizarding families had thought it safer to keep their children in Hogwarts whilst Sirius Black and Ginny (Harry found it amusing that anyone could consider Ginny a danger) were on the loose), but Harry couldn't stay down there and look and Hermione's morose face any longer. Sighing, Harry headed over to his bed and flung the drapes open. To his astonishment, the firebolt lay on his bed, although this time a note was attached.

"Dear Harry,

This broom was a present from a dear friend of your father and mother and was chosen by someone who bears a great deal of affection for you. I promise you, the broom is completely safe, and was sent with nothing but love. I am sure you will discover their identities in due course, but for the moment, it is better if they remain anonymous.

Also, please do not blame Miss Granger. She only had your best interests at heart, and despite the incorrectness of her assumptions, she was not in the wrong. She looked far too down to enjoy the festivities at the feast.

Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore."

Harry grinned. His present was fine and was from one of his parents' friends! Although, he supposed he ought to tell the others. And maybe apologise to Hermione.

-The 7th Child-

January 16th 1994

"Okay so, the Patronus charm is attached to a positive emotion. Most tend to use a happy memory, but it can actually be more powerful if you focus on someone that makes you happy. I figured that out when I tried casting it and thought of James. Like James in school. He's associated with most of my best memories, and a lot of my shit ones. But that's because he means so much to me."

"Okay." Ginny's brow furrowed in concentration. "So, could I like use the memory of the first time I went on a broom?"

Sirius thought about it for a second. "I don't think that would be strong enough. Like it made you happy, but does thinking about it make everything else seem less difficult?"

"No." Ginny again started thinking through her memories. "Okay, so something so good that it makes everything seem less difficult? Does it have to be happy then? How about just positive?"

"Yeah, positive emotions are actually what ward off a dementor, it's just way fucking easier to say happy."

"Okay, I think I've got one."

"You sure kiddo?"

"Yep."

"Alright then, so remember say expecto patronum. Expecto Patronum. You got it?"

"I've got it Sirius. Expecto Patronum!" As she finished uttering the spell, a horse cantered out of her wand and sped around the room. Ginny stared at it in wonder. She had managed to make something that pure, that beautiful, out of her magic?

Sirius looked equally astonished, although it was evidently for a different reason. "How in Merlin's soggy underpants did you manage to cast a corporeal Patronus? It took me like six tries the first time I did it!"

"You're a good teacher Sirius, that's why." Ginny said offhandedly, her attention captured by the image in front of her.

Sirius shook his head. He may be a good teacher, but Dumbledore was right. This girl was going to be the most powerful witch the wizarding world would have seen in at least a century. Evidently, her association with the number 7 had made her a strong conduit for magic. Throw in the fact that women have always been more associated with magical studies (despite the fact that wizards have usually been considered the more powerful), Ginny was shaping up to be frighteningly powerful. He would have to ask Dumbledore about measuring her magical potential. Or maybe they could teach her arithmancy. That would mean she'd be able to see exactly how powerful she is without having anyway of putting it down to good teaching. That was something that disturbed Sirius a little. Purebloods normally would take full credit for anything they did, especially members of the sacred 28. Even though the Weasleys hated being part of that group, he expected they would retain some of the characteristics associated with that grouping (mainly the arrogance; Merlin knows he has). From what he had gathered from Ginny on the scarce occasions she mentioned her (former) family, most of the boys did have varying degrees of arrogance and pride. Ginny had plenty of pride, often refusing to ask for help after a concept had been explained to her once. However, Ginny seemed reluctant to take credit for her success, and Sirius didn't know if that was Azkaban or Molly Weasley. Currently, his line of thought was that it was a combination.

Ginny's voice pulled Sirius out of his musings. "Why is yours a different animal than mine? Yours is like your animagus right? I don't want to be a horse if I learn to be an animagus."

"Ah, forgot to tell you about that. So your Patronus takes on the form of what animal best represents that which is hidden, unknown but necessary within the personality. Like your secret self. So yours is what, a wild stallion? That makes a lot of sense to me. Your animagus is determined by your personality and inner traits, which is why it can be like your Patronus. But what's necessary to your personality can like change which is why your Patronus can change but your animagus can't."

"Right." Ginny looked confused; Sirius couldn't blame her given his rather over-complicated explanation. "So why do you think my Patronus is a stallion?"

"Well, because you really don't like people telling you what to do, and you're a pain in the ass to control." This got a grin from the young girl. "You're also proud, but like not overtly so. Nor are you arrogant. Not like a peacock. You get me?"

"Yeah. I think I do." Ginny smiled.

"So kiddo, you gonna tell me what you used to conjure that? Must have been pretty powerful."

"Well, I think one of the best emotions I felt was when you came back for me in Azkaban. That and when Professor Dumbledore offered to teach me. And when Kreacher actually became nice. So I used you guys. All of you."

With that, Ginny turned and hurried to her room, evidently embarrassed by the very personal things she had just admitted. Sirius meanwhile, stood in the library, beyond touched. He had given up a family when he was 16, been adopted into another, and then lost that family at the age of 21. Now, he may have found one again. Bit of an odd one, but still a family.

-The 7th Child-

February 5th 1994

"You're planning something." Ginny stood at the doorway of the library, staring at Sirius who had his gaze focused on the flames in the fireplace. He had been in a funny mood for a week now, and over the last couple of days, had been holed up in the library and vanishing at odd times. It was now nearing 9pm, and Ginny knew something was going to go down, very soon.

"Yep. Please don't try and stop me, it won't work."

"I wasn't planning on it. You've managed to get some help this time then?"

"Yep. A half-kneazle cat called Crookshanks. Very smart, but very ugly thing. Hates the rat, so…"

"It was easy to convince?" Ginny shook her head. "How are you going to get to him?"

"Get into the common room. That's where my help comes in handy. Then kill him in his sleep."

"Ron sleeps with him next to him, y'know."

"I'm not going to kill or maim Ron, Ginny. Only the rat."

"Oh I know that." Ginny turned and began to head out of the library. Maybe Kreacher would be able to make up a hot cocoa.

"Then why in the world would you bring it up?"

Ginny turned and smirked. "I was hoping you'd scare the shit out of him. Maybe as little pay-back? I know that might make it difficult to get Pettigrew…"

Sirius matched her smirk. "To be honest, scaring the shit out of everyone is why I'm going. Crookshanks can just bring me him at any point."

Ginny's laughter echoed around the house as she headed towards the kitchen.

-The 7th Child-

"Ginny… Ginny…" Sirius tried in vain to wake up the girl who lay curled up on the sofa. He gently shook her, finally seeing her stir.

"What's up?" Ginny responded, her voice slurred with sleep.

"Well, mission success. I'm pretty sure both Pettigrew and Ron pissed themselves."

"Oh good." Ginny responded and attempted to roll over on the narrow couch, causing Sirius to laugh.

"Okay, I think it's time to get you to bed. Up we go!" Sirius lifted the small girl with ease, and began walking up to her room. Finally reaching the top of the stairs, Sirius turned and nudged the door open with his back. He then put Ginny down on her bed and pulled the covers over her, laughing as she immediately rolled over onto her stomach. Seeing she was comfortable, Sirius started to head out towards his own room.

"Night kiddo." Sirius said, as he grasped the handle, ready to go to bed himself.

"Night Dad." Came the muffled response.

Sirius froze in place for a moment, before grinning wildly. Yes, she may have been half-asleep but she called him dad. If he was to be completely honest, he had considered her a daughter since Azkaban. No reason why a new title should freak him out. Dad. He could be a dad.