Later that evening they waited in Mr Cosgrove's office, everyone a bit on edge. Harry sat next to Ginny, slipping his hand into hers. Brogan hung back as Mr Cosgrove and Dumbledore spoke by the fireplace, and Harry could tell the other man was practically at his limit of waiting.
"Brogan, come here," Harry said, nodding him over. The other man paused and then stepped more into the room, and Ginny leaned across Harry, concern on her face.
"Are you certain you're all right? You look like you're going to be sick."
"I'm a bit...gods, why can't they just get on with it already?" he asked as he sat down, looking miserable.
Harry shook his head. "Because Dumbledore works on his own timetable; trust me, I know," he said quietly.
As if knowing he was being talked about, Dumbledore turned, and Mr Cosgrove followed, carrying a small, ornately carved box in his hands. There were many symbols on the box that Harry didn't recognize, but the colors painted on it were quite vivid for what had to be a very old container. Mr Cosgrove smiled kindly at Brogan, a mixture of emotions on his face. Harry remembered what Cosgrove had said about feeling like Brogan's father, and knew that he must be feeling a bit anxious as well. Dumbledore seemed the only one who was amused; Harry recognized the excited sparkle in his eyes as he looked at all of them.
Mr Cosgrove set the box on a small glass table he conjured and then stood back. Both he and Dumbledore looked expectantly at Brogan, who now appeared to be turning a bit green.
"It's up to you to open it, Brogan," Mr Cosgrove said softly, nodding with encouragement. "Whenever you're ready."
All the colour drained from Brogan's face, and Harry thought the other man really was going to be sick - all over them and the box - when a determined look came into his eyes and he took a deep breath. Harry recognized the man he'd been practicing defensive spells with all term suddenly appear. Brogan looked quite ready for anything the small box might throw at him.
Brogan reached out and with a steady hand, touched the box. A sort of soft-whirling, humming noise went through the room, and Harry frowned, about to ask what was going on, when the lid on the box sprung open, and a bright, almost unbearable light filled the room. It was so bright that Harry could no longer see Professor Dumbledore and Mr Cosgrove across from them. Ginny squeezed his hand and he glanced at her, but she was watching the box, and Harry turned back, ready to shield his eyes. But the light had dimmed, and Brogan had stood up, staring at it as though entranced.
An otherworldly voice filled the room suddenly, and Harry felt as though he were being caressed by it - its lilting, musical sound filled his ears and it was very pleasing. It made him feel immediately at ease and he felt his mind drift. He had a vague, yet silly thought that the voice was what love would sound like, if it could speak. He then wondered briefly if he was going daft in the head, and tried to concentrate on what the voice was saying and realised he couldn't understand a word. But apparently Brogan could; his expression had gone a bit stunned as he listened. Harry turned to Ginny, wondering what was going on and realised she could understand what was being said as well. Suddenly, the distinct yet crystalline sound of a bell sounded and another flash of bright light filled the room before the box closed itself.
No one said anything, and Harry could tell that Dumbledore and Mr Cosgrove hadn't understood what was said either. Brogan turned and looked at them, his eyes bright with something Harry couldn't decipher. He looked past Harry, to Ginny, and Harry had the distinct impression he was trying to tell her something. He turned abruptly and left, leaving them to stare after him.
Harry turned to Ginny, worried. She was looking off into space, a strange expression on her face. He felt frustrated and cleared his throat to get her attention.
"Gin? What did it say?"
She turned and blinked at him as though surprised to see him there. Her eyes came into focus and she looked around. "Where did he go?"
Harry frowned. "Who? Brogan? He just left, didn't you see him?"
She stood up. "I should go talk to him."
Harry stood up as well, grabbing hold of her hand again. "No, you're going to tell us what she said."
"Yes, Miss Weasley, I believe Brogan wishes to be alone at this point in time."
Harry glanced at Dumbledore, who was watching Ginny very carefully. She nodded, taking a deep breath.
"Well, it was...it was Aine. And...she told him..." Ginny paused and shook her head, looking dazed. "She told him he had been given the gift of her touch, and that it must be used to protect the heir at all costs. Through time and with blood he would need to make the choice between which one would stay and which one would go." She paused and exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry; I'm feeling a bit out of sorts. I can still hear her voice in my head..."
"You're certain she said he had to choose?" Dumbledore asked, his voice odd.
Ginny nodded, touching her forehead. Harry hugged her, pulling her into his arms without thought. A strange emotion overcame him, and he realised he was getting it from Ginny herself. He pulled back and touched her face. "Are you okay?"
"I feel a bit faint, that's all."
"Can I take her back to the room?" Harry asked Dumbledore, who nodded.
"No, Harry, I should find Brogan, we need to talk..."
"Send Brogan to our room then, when he comes back," Harry told Dumbledore and Mr Cosgrove, taking her firmly in hand and starting to lead her away. Ginny didn't argue with him and he soon had her walking down the hallway towards their room.
Once inside, he led her to the sofa and then used his wand to start a quick fire. Ginny sat staring into the flames, and he felt unnerved by the faraway expression on her face.
"Gin, what's wrong?" he asked, sitting down next to her.
She shook her head. "I'm okay, just...it was so weird, Harry. That voice. I know it. I have known it. It was...it was like something from a long time ago. Have you ever had a feeling like that? Like something you just...know?"
He shrugged uncertainly. "What do you think the prophecy means?"
Ginny shook her head. "I don't know. I'm almost positive she told him something I didn't get to hear. I think there was more to that prophecy, but for some reason, Aine only wanted him to hear it. Whatever it was, I think that's what made him leave. It was...too much for him. I could feel him for the briefest moment, you know, like he feels us? He was overwhelmed by it."
Ginny rested her head on his shoulder and they both watched the fire for a little while, each lost in their thoughts. Harry finally sighed. "Okay, protecting you, the heir - that I get. And the thing about her touch, I suppose is his ability to connect us, but I don't understand what this has to do with Voldemort and me."
"I don't either, Harry."
Knowing he would have to talk with Dumbledore about all of this, and probably still not have any answers, Harry pulled her closer to him and felt completely unsettled.
o-o-o-o-o
It was very late when Brogan knocked on their door, but Harry and Ginny were still on the sofa and heard the soft rap on the wood. Harry got up and let him in; he was pretty certain he'd almost drifted off to sleep while Ginny had still been wide awake, as though waiting.
Brogan gave him a small smile as he entered, and Ginny folded the blanket they'd had around them, looking at him expectedly. Brogan sat down in the chair nearest to the fire, looking as though he'd had a very rough night.
Brogan looked at Ginny. "What did you hear?" he asked faintly.
Ginny shared a look with Harry and sat forward on the sofa. "I heard the part about you protecting me and about choosing which one would stay and which one would go."
Brogan nodded as though he had been expecting that and Harry wondered where he had been. "Didn't you speak with Mr Cosgrove or Dumbledore?" he asked.
Brogan shook his head. "No, I...had to be alone for awhile, but I wanted to see what Ginny had heard before going back to Dylan's office."
"You heard more than I did, didn't you?" Ginny asked.
Brogan nodded and let out a long sigh. "Aye, that I did."
When he didn't elaborate, Harry frowned but placed his hand on Ginny's arm. She glanced at him and sat back when she saw his expression. Harry knew from experience that Brogan would talk when he wanted to and nothing would make him tell them what else he had heard until he was ready. A full minute ticked by before anyone said anything again.
"Brogan -" Ginny started and then stopped, giving Harry a hopeless glance. He rubbed her back and gently pulled her back on the sofa. Brogan stared into the fire and then finally looked at them, running a hand through his hair.
"Right," he said, moving as though shaking himself. "You'll want to know what else she said. Well...it didn't really make sense to me at first...but then it did. It was as if I'd always known it...isn't that funny?" He paused and then shook his head. "The gist of it is this...she told me not to let my heart make my decision. Isn't that rich? Ancient witch saves her words for me and all she can tell me is 'Do not decide with the heart for it will be your undoing'. What the bloody hell am I supposed to do with that?"
"Maybe she was just trying to...help you make the right decision," Ginny said.
"With what though? Who am I deciding between? Why am I the one who gets to pick? What the hell does this have to do with anything in my life?" Brogan stood and started pacing. Ginny made as though to comfort him, but Harry held her back.
"No, let him get it out of his system," he said softly, and she nodded reluctantly. Finally, Brogan sat back down again, looking apologetic.
"Sorry, I thought I'd had my last burst of frustration about twenty minutes ago."
Harry sat forward. "Brogan, maybe you should talk to Dumbledore and Mr Cosgrove; they might have more answers than Ginny or I."
"Yeah, maybe you're right," the other man said, nodding. But he didn't appear as though he were quite up for it. He looked at Harry and Ginny. "Do you two mind if I kip in the other room? I...don't want to be bothered by those two until...well, until I've wrapped my head around this."
Harry glanced at Ginny, who nodded. Brogan blinked at them and then stood up, heading towards the other side of the room. After he had closed the door, Harry looked at Ginny.
"I don't think he wanted to be alone," she said, and he nodded.
"I think he's still pretty upset. Do you think that's all there was to it? I mean the part he heard and you didn't?"
Ginny shrugged as they stood up and headed towards their own bedroom. "I don't know; he seems awfully upset...but then...perhaps Aine's voice was a bit more troubling for him than it was for me."
They quickly got undressed and climbed into bed. Ginny sighed as she rested her head on his chest. Harry absentmindedly moved his hand along her arm.
"You know, out of all the things we expected to hear tonight, for some reason I think this was the strangest out of all of them," he said quietly.
"I know, it almost feels anti-climatic but...in a way I'm sort of glad, I mean, what we learned wasn't too earth-shattering was it?" Ginny asked, turning slightly so that she could look at him.
"Not for us, no," Harry said, lifting a lock of her hair away from her face. She kissed his hand and then moved forward, kissing him again on the lips and then settled back into her original position.
"Poor Brogan," Ginny said sleepily.
"Yeah, poor Brogan," Harry agreed, although he was wondering if perhaps they should be worrying about which one of them was supposed to stay and which one was supposed to go - because Harry was quite certain about one thing - the prophecy was talking about Brogan deciding between him and Ginny, it had to be. And Harry was also quiet certain the other man knew it as well. He just didn't know what sort of position the three of them would ever be in where a decision like that would have to be made.
o-o-o-o-o
Ginny awoke before Harry, and she was a bit surprised to realize she still had him for another two days practically, since it was only Saturday. So much had happened since Thursday evening it felt as though a whole weekend had passed. She turned her head and smiled at him. His hand was flung out, resting on her back, as though wanting to make certain she hadn't gone anywhere in the night. She moved closer to him, watching him sleep for a few moments, her eyes traveling down the part of him she could see above the covers. She was tempted to wake him and give him a proper 'good morning', but she didn't think Brogan was in any state to deal with the two of them going at it, especially while he was in the next room.
She gently got out of bed and moved a pillow to rest under Harry's hand so she didn't disturb him. She grabbed some clothes and went into the loo to brush her teeth and do something with her hair. She pulled it back into a pony tail and looked at the shirt she'd picked in the semi-darkness of the room; it was one of Harry's. Taking a deep breath of the collar and then slipping her jeans on, she made her way quietly through the bedroom, happy to see that Harry was now making certain the pillow made no attempts to get away, having curled himself around it on his side.
She quietly opened the bedroom door and closed it behind her, squinting in the darkness of the unlit sitting room. The fire had all but died, and she looked around for a wand to light another one. She jumped when the fire flared to life before she was past the sofa.
"Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you," Brogan's voice said softly, and she realised he was sitting on the sofa. Actually, he was lying on it. He flicked his wand again and the torches in the room sprang into life, giving her more light.
"I didn't even see you there!" Ginny exclaimed, calming herself down. She sat in the chair closest to the sofa and looked at him. He looked as though he hadn't slept at all. "Brogan, don't take this the wrong way, but...you look like hell."
He gave her a lopsided smile and shook his head. "I feel like hell, too."
"Couldn't sleep?"
"Actually, I did, a little bit, but...for some reason I felt really alone in that room; the sitting room seemed more comfortable."
Ginny nodded. She understood; the first night she'd arrived at the abbey she had done much the same thing. "I was about to get breakfast and go for a quick walk actually. Do you want to join me?"
"What about Harry?"
"He's dead to the world in there. I was going to bring him back something."
"Yeah, maybe some fresh air would do me some good."
Ginny left a short note to Harry on the door in case he woke up and they left, slowly making their way towards the kitchens. She didn't know exactly what to say to the man next to her; he seemed more upset than he should be, but then she realised she was in no position to pass that sort of judgement on him.
He sighed loudly, and she glanced at him. He flashed her a tired smile. "Sorry. I can't seem to stop doing that."
"It's okay," she said. "I reckon it feels a bit odd to be another year older and to finally know things."
"Yeah. Except, of course, I feel as though I know absolutely nothing."
They reached the kitchens and managed to get some food, with Ginny putting a small basket together for Harry. They sat in one of the dinning rooms and ate in silence for awhile. Brogan set his tea cup down and looked at her.
"Sorry if I got in the way last night, but I appreciate you two letting me stay in the other room."
Ginny shook her head. "No, don't apologize; it was fine. I haven't been sleeping very well, and I think Harry and I were mostly just as tired as you."
He looked as though he didn't believe her, but didn't say anything else and they soon finished eating. They headed outside with Harry's breakfast basket in tow, and Ginny shivered as the morning air touched her skin for the first time. Brogan grinned at her.
"Guess we should have worn jumpers."
They walked along in companionable silence for awhile, and Ginny remembered the first walk she'd had with Brogan around the abbey and felt as though she'd aged a lifetime in a few short months.
"Ginny, if it came down to Harry dying or living without you, which one would you choose?"
The question brought her harshly back to the present day, and she stopped to look at him. His eyes were bright and his expression was intense as he watched her, and she frowned at him.
"Brogan..."
"Don't think about it, just answer. Gut reaction."
Ginny blinked at him and answered almost without thinking. "I'd rather Harry be alive no matter what."
"Even though you know he wouldn't consider it living if you weren't with him?"
"Well, I suppose he would eventually have to let me go, wouldn't he?" Ginny asked, feeling peculiar.
Brogan nodded and they kept walking, making their way around the long side of the abbey wall, where the sun was brightest. He stopped and looked at her, his expression guarded.
"I don't think I could make that decision. I mean, if I were you or Harry. I'd never be able to...I don't know what Aine was thinking when she decided to put this weight on me. I've never been in love; I don't know the first thing about what is right or wrong or...all I have is echoes of what you and Harry feel for each other, and I can't imagine either of you being able to survive without the other."
Ginny felt a cold feeling settle in the pit of her stomach. "Brogan, what else did Aine tell you? There's more, isn't there? Did she tell you something is going to happen to Harry when he faces Voldemort?"
He shook his head. "No, it's just...what I was thinking last night. The prophecy, the choosing...it has to be you two, doesn't it? I mean, what else could it be?"
Ginny looked away and didn't saying anything for awhile, not able to really think about what he was saying or what it meant. She turned back to him and saw how torn apart he was, and understood a little bit of why Aine had made her descendant carry the burden. Brogan knew her, and he knew Harry because he had been inside their heads, their feelings. But he had the outside perspective that she knew would help him when the moment finally came. She didn't know how she knew this exactly, but it was there, as sure as breathing to her. She was also certain of something else. She touched his arm and he looked at her, his eyes searching hers.
"Whatever happens, Brogan, you have to promise me something," she said softly. She paused as the wind made her shiver. "You have to promise you will make certain that Harry lives. No matter what. I don't care if he comes to you and asks you to pick me. Lie to him if you have to. But I will hold you to this promise and so help me, so will Aine. Harry lives. Are we clear?"
Brogan didn't say anything at first and then slowly nodded his head. There was a new look in his eye, and Ginny wasn't certain, but she thought it might be acceptance and perhaps just a tiny bit of relief.
o-o-o-o-o
Harry and Brogan arrived back at Hogwarts to cold and rainy weather and a very subdued mood. Harry was alarmed to find that during the weekend there had been a small series of attacks by Death Eaters, causing everyone to be jumpy. They had faced a similar situation during his sixth year, except this time, he hadn't felt so much as a twinge to indicate what Voldemort's true intentions were.
Even so, Dumbledore's words at being on his guard had him re-doubling his Occlumency practice as well as scheduling more DA meetings. Even Ron agreed that Quidditch could take a back burner to defence for once. Harry didn't get much chance to talk with Brogan about anything; the other man seemed reticent, and Harry wanted to give him the proper space. He was dying to tell Hermione and Ron about things, but kept quiet.
Harry had only recently told them about his ability to do wandless magic, and they had been cross at him for keeping that to himself, but he figured Brogan probably didn't want anyone else to know. Not that Harry actually knew what to tell them - after the first night he and Ginny had agreed not to agonize over it. They couldn't change Brogan's fate by worrying about what was going to happen. Harry felt a sort of futile hopelessness at the whole thing, actually, and tried not to let his thoughts linger over it. He told himself that whatever came to pass he wouldn't let anything happen to Ginny - no matter how many prophecies lined up against them.
Harry couldn't believe it was almost Christmas. As far as he could tell, there were still plans for another Yule Ball - most people were already talking about staying for the holidays. But he did notice most people were sombre when talking about their plans and wondered if anyone would actually have a good time. He remembered his own idea about the Ball and asked Hermione if she had ordered the dress robes he wanted for Ginny (after he'd finally been able to supply her with the right 'sizes' for everything). The robes were due to arrive right before term ended for break. There was also another object he had wanted to order from the store he'd bought Ginny's necklace from in Hogsmeade, and he kept forgetting to send an owl; he'd need to do that soon to make certain he received the gift before he left.
Harry found himself having more flashes and emotional reactions to things - and the frequency and intensity in which they usually happened had him wondering if he were really going crazy. The fight with Ginny at the abbey had been silly; but still, some small part of him was happy she wasn't around only because he knew they would have had a dozen rows since then based on their combined tempers. He'd already snapped at Hermione and Ron, as well as Neville, and unfortunately, he'd even snarled at Gary from Ravenclaw and then apologized to the fourth year, feeling like a prat.
Malfoy had started strutting around again, albeit in a rather restrained way. Harry thought the other boy would know what was good for him - Slytherin being beat by Gryffindor at Quidditch was certainly nothing to boast about for the other boy, but somehow Malfoy had managed to turn their loss into something productive. Ron, who took such blathering to heart, had to be restrained more than once from hexing Malfoy in the halls. Hermione, Harry knew, already frazzled from schoolwork and preparing for her NEWTs, was at her wits end with her boyfriend. He told them both to take his map and cloak and sneak into Hogsmeade to use their room because he 'thought they both needed a good, loud, tension-releasing shag' to ease the both of their problems. The embarrassed look on their faces was more than enough to help Harry get through the rest of his day...
Friday afternoon after his Potions practical and before meeting up with the DA, Harry received a note from Dumbledore, asking to speak to him. He was half-way to the second floor when he heard Ron calling to him and turned around. His friend looked sweaty and a bit dirty.
"What happened to you?" Harry asked, frowning.
Ron made a face. "I had some extra work to do for Herbology. Bloody Hermione; I love her but...she pointed out to Madam Sprout I hadn't planted my Venomous Tentacula seedlings correctly, and so I had to redo it all. I've spent the last half hour knee-deep in dirt and fighting off the mother plant with my arm wrapped in my robe. Anyway, this was just delivered to the dorm for you. Well, it's for Ginny, really, but it's from Lupin."
Harry nodded and took the small parcel from him. "I'm going to Dumbledore's right now actually; I'll have him send it on to Ginny."
"Great. I'm going to go wash up, grab some dinner and pretend not to be cross with my girlfriend for making me waste a whole afternoon re-potting murderous bloody plants. See you at the Room of Requirement later?"
Harry smirked, nodding his head. Ron turned grumpily around and marched back the way he had come, leaving a trail of dirt after him. Harry was glad Filch or Mrs Norris wasn't around or Ron's mood would not have improved.
He reached Dumbledore's office and paused, hearing voices in the room. A moment later, Professor Snape came sweeping out of the office in a swirl of black robes, not noticing Harry or looking back. There was an air of hostility around him that seemed to crackle. Harry stuck his head in the door and found Dumbledore pacing, looking troubled.
"Sir?" he asked as he stepped into the room. Dumbledore turned and smiled briefly at him.
"Harry, yes, prompt as always. Please sit down."
The headmaster looked uneasy, and as Harry walked into the office he felt as though some of the portraits were looking at him and had a strange sense of déjà vu. He sat down in one of the chairs and watched as Dumbledore muttered to himself and then moved to behind his desk.
"Is there something wrong, Professor Dumbledore?" Harry asked, not entirely certain if he wanted to know if it involved an angry Snape.
"Hm? No, no, nothing that need worry you, Harry. How have you been feeling?"
Harry shrugged. "A bit out of sorts, I guess."
"Fine, fine," Dumbledore said absentmindedly, and Harry frowned. The headmaster seemed to be in a mood that Harry rarely saw him in - very distracted and agitated.
"Er, sir?"
Dumbledore's eyes focused on his finally and he seemed embarrassed. "I do apologize, Harry. I have a lot of things on my mind this afternoon. I wanted to know about your Christmas plans - if you were going to stay at the abbey or perhaps if you and Miss Weasley wished to spend it at Order Headquarters with the others."
Harry hadn't been expecting that particular question and considered it for a moment before answering. "Er, well, since we're having another Yule Ball, I'd assumed Ron and Hermione were staying at school this year. So, I thought I would be spending it at the abbey with Ginny."
"Ah, yes, the Yule Ball. I was wondering if you had perhaps discussed with Ginny about returning to the school for the occasion."
Harry realised he hadn't even considered that an option. "Well, actually, I hadn't thought of it. I sort of...well, I've sort of come up with an idea of what I'd like to do as a Christmas present for Ginny. But, now that you mention it, she might like to come back to school and see everyone."
"She has been forwarding her work on through Dylan, and with a few minor exceptions, she's been doing quite well in her classes. I merely thought she might enjoy the holiday break better here at Hogwarts. But if you already have something planned, I'll let you decide."
Harry nodded. "Was that all you wanted? To talk about my Christmas plans?"
"Well, that was the main point, yes. How are you really doing these days, Harry?"
"Sir?"
"Any flares or emotional issues?"
"Oh, well," Harry paused, not certain how much he wanted to admit. "There are a few um...occurrences. But nothing er...well, I haven't had any problems and stunned anyone or hexed Malfoy again, if that's what you mean."
Harry couldn't be certain, but he could have sworn Dumbledore look amused for a moment. "Well, that is always good to hear, Harry. These other occurrences, though; is there anything you're concerned about?"
Harry shook his head and realised he had been avoiding Dumbledore's eyes. He sighed and really looked at the other man. Dumbledore studied him for a moment and then nodded.
"Do you know why this issue with your past would come up now, Harry?"
"No, if I did, I reckon I wouldn't be worried I was going crazy, would I?" Harry said rather cheekily and then felt bad. He felt his skin heat as he glanced at Dumbledore. "Er, sorry, sir. I didn't mean that the way it sounded."
Dumbledore gave him a small smile. "I can tell you are frustrated, Harry. An average term for a seventh year student is always rather difficult, but you have more to carry than other students, and I would imagine being separated from Ginny is causing some strain. You have been practicing your Occlumency, correct?"
Harry nodded. "Of course. I...I didn't even feel anything the other weekend during the Death Eater attacks. I guess I was preoccupied with Brogan's prophecy or Voldemort just wasn't angry or happy enough."
"Yes, the attacks that were staged did seem rather...innocuous from what we've come to expect. Very little human damage occurred - which strays from his usual pattern, as you'll remember from last year. The casualties suffered were defensive only. It would appear his Death Eaters were advised to hold themselves in check, something I find highly remarkable."
"Why do you think he's making his presence known again in such a quiet way?" Harry asked, frowning. "I remember last year every time he moved, my head ached and he seemed intent on harming anything that breathed."
"That is the question I do not know the answer to, Harry, but I have people working on a few things that may yield us some resolution. I admit my main concern this weekend was also Brogan's prophecy."
Harry paused a moment. He and Dumbledore had spoken briefly about Brogan, but nothing in depth, something that had both relieved and bothered Harry at the time. In part, it was because he wasn't certain what the prophecy meant to him and also he wanted to respect Brogan's privacy. He knew only too well what it felt like to have other people discussing you and knowing something you wished they didn't.
"Er, sir. I've been meaning to ask you...what do you think the prophecy means?" he finally asked, meeting Dumbledore's gaze.
"I believe it means that the fates of you, Ginny and Brogan are closely tied, and I believe that is how Aine wanted it. Ginny's gift - her ability to protect you and allow you to fully be yourself and experience love - that is not something that was given lightly. I've often wondered if Aine involved her descendant to perhaps level the scales. Some would argue Tom's transformation - the spells he endured to procure his immortality - have gone against something very old and natural. The fact is that Tom fears death so much, that even before he killed your parents and his spell rebounded, he was struggling to make certain nothing could harm him. And since he is mortal once more - by using you - he has again disturbed the natural order. I have always believed there is a cause and effect to everything, Harry. As I've said before, I have always believed that there are two sides to every spell in our world."
"So this is why Aine's prophecy talked about Brogan having to make a choice?" Harry asked.
"Perhaps. Brogan hasn't spoken with you about the part of the prophecy Ginny didn't hear has he?"
Harry shook his head. "All he told us was that Aine had said that he wasn't to choose with his heart, which I don't find all that comforting. But other than that...no, he hasn't mentioned it much."
Dumbledore sighed, resting his chin on the tips of his fingers. "Yes, Brogan appears to be keeping whatever it is close to his heart. I cannot force him to tell me, of course, but I do wish he would feel more comfortable talking about it."
They continued talking for a little while, and then Harry remembered the parcel from Lupin to Ginny and wrote out a quick note to her, so Dumbledore could forward it on to the abbey for him. He walked down to the Great Hall to grab a bite to eat, his mind not exactly comforted by the fact that Dumbledore appeared as clueless about Brogan's fate as the rest of them.
o-o-o-o-o
Ginny sat in the library trying to figure out the properties of the Momordica Elaterium for the Potions essay Snape insisted she redo. Along with her regular assignments, Ginny was dismayed to sometimes find a letter from one of her professors telling her what she should be focusing on. More times than not, it was usually Snape who seemed to think she did nothing but laze about and daydream. Never mind that she knew that Snape was aware of the fact that the professors at the abbey were helping her with her practicals and had said her potion making skills were 'exemplary'. She looked at her essay again, re-reading what she had just written.
"Although often used in the Stomach-Quelling Potion, the Momordica is, when taken in its natural state, a rather inflammatory herb and should be used with caution as it may induce vomiting and other disagreeable acts."
Ginny thought that was a nice, polite way of saying the herb could cause a person to become violently ill with visits to the loo twenty times an hour their top priority. She put her quill down and yawned. She had what her Mum liked to call a case of the 'stuck-in-one-place-blues' - meaning, she was bored off her arse with no reprieve in sight and going slightly barmy because of it.
After spending most of the week worrying about Harry, Brogan, and the vagueness of the prophecy, she'd finally told herself not to think of it. And she succeeded for the most part, except at night when she was trying to sleep and she'd find her mind wandering with worry...
"Ginny?" Garrett's voice broke her out of her daydream, and she looked up to see the librarian coming around the corner of one of the tall bookshelves. He frowned when he saw her, but put a small parcel and note on her desk.
"Mr Cosgrove said this just arrived for you. I thought you were in the other section of the library."
"I was, but it was cold near the windows, so I moved. Hmm...it's something from Professor Lupin and Harry. Thanks, Garrett."
Garrett paused a moment and then nodded, going back the way he had come. After waiting a moment to make certain he was really gone, Ginny opened up the letter first, recognizing Harry's haphazard scrawl.
Gin -
This came for you today from Remus. I hope it's something good (and I'm sure you'll fill me in later, right?). Professor Dumbledore asked me today if I was going to spend Christmas with you at the abbey or if the both of us would be spending it here at Hogwarts. I wanted to see which one you preferred. I know you probably want to see Ron and Hermione and all your friends again. Just think about it and we can talk about it next week when I come back.
I miss you loads and I hope you're doing okay. I've been a bit grumpy, but as you already know that about me, I reckon that's not a bulletin of information there...I haven't spoken to Brogan much, in case you were wondering. I actually think I sort of miss talking to him, but don't tell him that.
The Hufflepuff match is this weekend. Ron says it's already won, but that doesn't explain why he still thinks this means we need to keep killing ourselves practicing. (And I think Dempsey still wishes you were on the team.)
Love you!
Harry
Ps. Isn't it about time I receive anotherdream-inducing, blush-inspiringsexyletter from you?
Ginny smirked at Harry's letter and folded it back up, slipping it into her pocket. She looked at the small box and noticed it too had a letter. She opened it, finding Professor Lupin's neat, tidy handwriting.
Ginny -
I came across this just the other day, rather fortuitous actually, since you had been asking about the Blacks owning a castle in the Lough Gur area. Apparently, they did indeed own land in Ireland at one time. It slipped through family hands and there is apparently something involving the Malfoys taking it over for a spell (more specifically the part Narcissa later married into), but for the last seventy years the castle has been in the hands of a friend of the family - a Gray P Bogneed (yes, I checked the name). The castle is apparently deserted, although I am not certain why the Muggles refer to it as 'haunted' (the Ministry claims there are no known ghosts living in the area). I found the deed, which states it belongs to Mr Bogneed until his death. Also included was this small diary, although no explanation was given as to why it was in the family papers. I read through it, and, given what Albus has told me about your research, I thought it best to include it.
Hope all is well -
Remus J Lupin
Ginny tore the wrapper off the slim object, fairly intrigued by what Lupin had told her. But she could only stare in disbelief as she realised that what she was holding was a copy of the Peabody Grange diary that Sioda had lent her over the summer. She frowned, opening it up and realised two things - one, this 'diary' was different than what Sioda had shown her, and two, the diary wasn't a book that had been 'published' at all, but the actual thing - written in Grange's own hand. What in the devil did Black Castle have to do with Peabody Grange? And why did Sirius's family appear to have the original diary in their possession?
o-o-o-o-o
"Honestly, Potter, I don't know why I agreed to this arrangement. Your potion making skills are worse than ever and you are constantly looking at the clock in your hurry to leave, and making dunderheaded mistakes because of it."
Snape gave him a disdainful look and went back to looking over Harry's work. Marking points off his work was a more correct assessment, he knew, because as it looked now, Snape had actually crossed out more than Harry had even written to begin with. He kept his reply to himself, feeling the bitter taste of blood in his mouth as he bit down once again to keep from getting himself in trouble.
Snape finally lowered his quill and have Harry a long, cool look. "Your essay is appallingly written and I have serious doubts as to whether you actually read the section on Morning's Breath and its use in Concealment Draughts, but your potion, however rudimentary you made it, does work." He paused and Harry felt a flush of relief go through him, but it died quickly as Snape gave him a rather cheerless smile which could only mean one thing.
"However, your Forgetfulness Draft from last week was abysmal, and combined with this week's essay I can only give you the lowest of all possible grades. I wonder how Professor McGonagall will feel about my suggestion to remove you from NEWT-level Potions. She is already concerned about your lack of ability at Transfiguration."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "You're trying to kick me out of your class?"
"Astute as always. Yes, Mr Potter, I am." Snape handed his essay back to him, dismissing him with a wave of his hand, and Harry could only blink at him, half-torn between wanting to tell Snape off and wanting to try to reason with the other man. He didn't think his work was thatbad, after all, and he needed the class to even be considered to become an Auror. Something he wasn't certain he wanted anymore, true, but Harry wasn't going to let Snape be the reason he never became one. Harry knew he'd have to talk with Professor Dumbledore.
Snape glanced at him and his eyes were full of something close to glee. "I wouldn't bother going to Professor Dumbledore with this one, Potter. I'm afraid the headmaster can't protect you and your pathetic work any longer. Iam the Potions Master at this school and I am the one who gets to choose who stays and who goes when it comes to class performance. At any rate, the headmaster has already agreed to allow me this pleasure of failing you, mid-term. It seems he owes me for something."
Snape's voice dripped with scorn and the expression on his face was quite loathsome as he looked at him. Harry remembered how angry Snape had been coming out of Dumbledore's office the prior week and had a strange sense of foreboding overcome him. Snape's eyes narrowed as he looked at him, and he flashed Harry another grim smile.
"Be out of my sight, Potter. This time there is no one around to erase my memory for you."
o-o-o-o-o
Harry made his way to Dumbledore's office as though half-asleep. His run-in with Snape had unsettled him and even though he could probably guess what had happened, it still made him feel rather odd inside. True, he hated Snape, and anything that happened to the man really didn't bother Harry, except now he was faced with Snape feeling as though he was owed something by Dumbledore - just because Harry had messed up and stunned him when he shouldn't have.
"Ah, Harry, ready for another trip to the abbey?" Dumbledore asked him as he entered, not looking at him.
"Sir, did you erase Professor Snape's memory?"
Dumbledore stopped what he was doing and looked up at him, a deep frown on his face.
"Professor Snape was not supposed to tell you that."
"So, it's true then?" Harry asked, dropping his bags on the floor and sitting down in front of the desk.
Dumbledore gave a weary sigh and nodded. "I am afraid that it is, Harry. I did not wish for the relationship between the two of you to be even more strained than it is. After you stunned him, I knew Professor Snape would never be able to restrain himself while teaching you. At least, not until his emotions were in order. I reacted without thinking, Harry. I have already told Severus I accept full responsibility for what happened that night."
"So how did he find out? I mean, what you did?"
Dumbledore looked very worn out all of sudden. "Severus is a difficult man, Harry, as well you know. He is also very clever. As I noted before, it is a very tricky business messing with someone's memory. I did not do as thorough a job as I should have; perhaps because I did not feel right about doing it. Suffice it to say, he found out quite by accident and then confronted me about it. He has told you he means to suggest that you are to leave his class, correct?"
Harry nodded, feeling quite stunned at what Dumbledore had just told him.
"He will insist that Professor McGonagall allow it, I'm afraid."
"So...that's it? I'm out of Potions? I...I can't be an Auror?" Harry asked, feeling as though the floor had just moved out from under his feet.
"Professor Snape needs to demonstrate that your work will not improve in his class -"
Harry interrupted. "Well, I'm as good as gone then. He just marked off my entire essay practically. And he always finds something wrong with everything I do. He's an unfair, miserable git." Harry heard the vehemence in his voice and while he still felt bad for stunning Snape, another more vocal part of him felt as though, once again, Snape was allowed to get away with being an arse about things. The man had been rude about his father, wasn't he allowed some reaction to that? Harry knew the answer was yes, but again, stunning the man probably hadn't been the best way to express himself.
Dumbledore held up a placating hand. "I have not agreed with Severus's assessment of your work, Harry. I have merely agreed to arrange a formal meeting between him and your head of house. I assure you, Professor McGonagall will be allowed to go over your work as well. Despite what Professor Snape may have wanted you to believe, the final decision does rest with me. If I and Minerva find your work to be satisfactory for a NEWT level student, he will of course be forced to allow you to stay."
Harry released a low breath. "So he was just winding me up?"
Dumbledore's mouth twitched. "I am afraid so. He is mostly angry at me, Harry. And he has a right to be, as I have already accepted full responsibility. Professor Snape has avenues he may...explore, if he wishes, regarding my actions. Unfortunately, he only wishes at this time to cause havoc for you."
"Typical," Harry muttered under his breath. He still felt anxious about what Snape had told him (and he wasn't really certain as to why, exactly - he certainly held no love of Potions), but Professor Dumbledore had managed to assuage his fears, at least for a little while.
o-o-o-o-o
Harry later made his way to Ginny's room, two bags trailing behind him. He had letters for Ginny from her mother and father, Ron and Hermione, and even Luna, who had given Harry an oddly shaped cake, supposedly baked to help Ginny deal with being apart from everyone. Harry merely accepted it and didn't ask questions, slipping it into his bag. He'd stopped by to see Brogan before leaving, but hadn't been able to find him. Harry suggested Hermione speak to the other man the next time she saw him in the library, fearing that the aftermath of the prophecy was still getting him down, and he was hiding himself away. He reckoned Brogan might appreciate a friendly voice.
Using his key, he let himself into the room and smiled as Ginny quickly got up from the sofa, throwing her arms around his shoulders.
"Harry! Is it that time already?" she asked, pulling back and looking at him.
"Well, I can go and wait outside for a little while longer if you're not ready for me," he said, amused.
"Is everything all right? You look a little upset."
"It'll keep," he said, not wanting to go into anything just yet. His emotions were still too confused.
She shook her head and took his hand, leading him over to the sofa. He let his bags drop behind him, noticing she had a small collection of parchments, books and maps on the table and chairs.
"You look like you've set up a regular revision area here," he said, looking around.
She sat down and patted the space on the sofa next to her. She smiled excitedly at him. "You'll never guess what I discovered."
"Hmm, another way to properly say 'hello'?" Harry asked, turning and moving closer to her. He knew just being with her would help settle his mind. They kissed, and Harry sighed as he leaned further into her. She broke away first, laughing quietly as she pushed him away.
"No, not yet, my love. I have to tell you!"
"I'm all ears, Gin," Harry said, moving forward again to kiss her neck.
"Oh, Harry, please?"
The tone of exasperation in her voice made him pause, and he finally pulled away, giving her a blank look. He felt a bit perturbed that she didn't seem to care he was upset and then realised he'd just told her 'it'll keep'. Feeling like a prat, he managed to give her a half-smile. "All right then, what's so important that we can't have a decent snog first?"
"Guess what we're doing for Christmas break?" she asked, her eyes shining with excitement.
"Shagging our bloody heads off for two weeks? I want to put that 'we've done it so hard we're unable to walk' theory to the test."
"Harry! No. Look, remember the parcel you sent along? The one from Professor Lupin?"
Harry, seeing she was determined to be serious, nodded, sitting back against the sofa.
"And remember I mentioned something about there being a castle near Lough Gur known as Black Castle?"
"Yeah. But you said Tonks didn't know anything about it and either did Remus."
"They didn't, but Lupin sent me this..." She paused and leaned towards the table, looking through the papers. She handed the letter to Harry and nodded at him to read it as she pulled one of the books off the top pile.
Harry quickly read the letter and looked at her, surprised. "So the castle did belong to Sirius's family?"
Ginny nodded. "Yes, although now it belongs to that Bogneed person. I checked in the library; I'm very lucky Garrett has a love of Muggle books that deal with the history of Ireland, no matter how trivial. He has an extensive collection of local names and ownerships broken up by county. Of course, since Lough Gur is magical, he has a special interest in that and has a good representation of the area, both Muggle and magical. The castle was indeed given to Bogneed to take care of and to live in as long as he was alive. Except no one knows anything about Gray P Bogneed. His name is on the deed and in the local books as having 'dealings with the castle' but other than that it's like he doesn't exist."
"Didn't you say the castle was supposedly haunted to Muggles?" Harry asked, his curiosity getting the better of him. "Maybe this Bogneed person is a bit loony and he entertains himself by scaring people off."
Ginny shrugged. "That could be. I reckon he wouldn't be the first wizard to hole himself up somewhere and never be heard from again. But wait, I haven't shown you the most exciting part. Look at this!"
She handed him a slim black book that looked familiar to Harry. He flipped it opened and realised it was the Grange diary. He glanced up at Ginny. "How did you get this? I thought Sioda was the only one to have a copy? Is this hers?"
She shook her head. "Nope, Professor Lupin sent this to me. It was included in the papers dealing with the castle, with no explanation. Really look at the inside, Harry."
He flipped through a few pages, not understanding what he was supposed to see and then it dawned on him. He met Ginny's eyes in disbelief and she nodded. "This isn't a copy, is it?"
"No! It's the actual diary! And it has loads of stuff in it the other one didn't have. Did you know Grange actually thought the stone dais in the Department of Mysteries was made from one of the stones found at Lough Gur? He claims he had proof the type of stone is the same and that the stones are a sort of...transmittery thing; he didn't really clarify that part. But he also claims he compared it to the gate at the abbey and that it also matched. Do you know what this means?"
"Everything's connected then? With Aine?" Harry asked, and Ginny nodded happily.
"Yes! I showed the diary to Mr Cosgrove and he suggested that you and I take a trip to Lough Gur to see the site and to visit the castle!"
Harry flipped through the diary some more and shook his head. "Well, I reckon there goes the idea that you may want to see everyone for the holidays," he finally said, teasing her.
Ginny smiled and shrugged. "I do want to see everyone, but...Lough Gur, Harry! We get to see it! The place we've been reading about. It's terribly exciting, isn't it? And Black Castle! I know Sirius didn't really care much for his own blood, but...it's sort of interesting the way it's connected to everything, isn't it?"
"Well, I suspect the main part will be seeing Lough Gur," Harry said, nodding. "Didn't Aine make it?"
Ginny nodded. "Supposedly, yes. I've been doing loads of extra reading, you know, because I don't sleep very much." She paused as Harry took her hand and squeezed it. "But I have to admit the idea of seeing the stone circle and actually being there where Aine may have stood...it gives me goose pimples!"
Harry smiled at her, noticing the passion in her eyes that he loved so well. "You're so cute when you're all fired up."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "I just think a nice adventure to a new place would be fun! And we might actually figure out what some of this stuff is supposed to mean to us."
Harry put the diary and letter down on the table and moved closer to her, taking off his glasses. He kissed her again, and this time she didn't push him away, and they found themselves lying back on the sofa, articles of clothing being pushed aside at an alarming rate. Harry smirked down at her. "Now do I finally get to say hello?"
Ginny bit her lip and smiled at him. "Yes, Harry. In fact, feel free to say hello at least a few times. I'm feeling very keen." She traced his jaw with her finger and he slowly moved his lips around the tip of it, slowly pulling it into his mouth. Ginny sighed and watched him. "I do so love it when you come back to me," she said tenderly.
"Hmm," Harry muttered softly, lowering his head to nuzzle her neck, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair. "I just love you, full stop," he whispered in her ear. Ginny laughed quietly and he pulled back to look at her. "And I think I'll just keep you right here on this sofa."
"Yes, I am rather comfortable here," Ginny agreed, nodding. Harry laughed at her, feeling his earlier tension disappear and started to remove the rest of her clothing.
Later, after Harry had proven yet again he knew exactly how to say 'hello', Ginny sighed as he curled his arm around her shoulders, collapsing back onto the sofa, rubbing his jaw. She handed him his glasses and smirked at him.
"Sorry, love, did I make you work too hard?"
"Hmm. No comment."
"Aww, poor boy. What if I kiss it and make it better?" she asked, sounding playful. She moved so that she was straddling him on the sofa, pushing the hair off his face. She licked her way along the side of his face and he felt himself shiver with pleasure.
He didn't say anything as she started moving her way slowly down his chest. He finally cleared his throat after a moment, and she glanced up at him. "Er, Gin, it's my jaw that's a bit sore, not the er...rest of me."
She grinned widely at him. "I know, Harry. But well, I can't have you outdoing me in one area, can I? The least a girlfriend can do is to match her boyfriend's ailments. Besides, you really do look like you need cheering up and doesn't this always work?"
Harry laughed and then grinned as she continued on, and he felt very thankful the weekend had come round once again.
o-o-o-o-o