[a/n0]Got a review of #111. Quite enjoyed rereading. Neat coincidence, that it was review #2111.
[a/n]A curiosity, read a 1shot in which Dudley's early bullying was met with discipline. The principal in it mentioned an insult that "began with U ends in Y" Don't know this one and can't get a search hit.
Harry Does Different CCCXC
Save Ginny
"Come on Harry!" complained Hermione from her spot by the Gryffindor fireplace. She was getting seriously annoyed at the boy and finally looked up. Her expression changed to concern "What's wrong?"
Ron looked over from his chess game with Dean "Mate, you been rubbing your head a lot lately. Come?"
"Dunno." Replied Harry with a shrug. "Scar hurts. Hasn't since last year when Quirrell was around."
The trio had similar conversations over the next few weeks. Ultimately, it was Hermione who put together the commonality. They were scrubbing cauldrons in detention and Professor Snape had left the room. She pulled out a scroll and explained "I have listed every time you complained about scar pain. By each entry I noted as many observations as I could. Locations are not too indicative, other than more incidents in Common Room than anywhere else. What I found significant was people present."
"I have had enough of you three in my classroom. Out!" the Potion Master burst in and banished them.
Alone in the hall as it was close to curfew, she continued her lecture "Ronald, and or I, have been present virtually every time. However that was true last year as well, and as I remember you only complained of headaches in Defense class. By process of elimination only one person besides us has been present all those times. Your sister."
"Ginny?" exclaimed Ron "What's my sister got to do with You-Know-Who?"
The young witch sighed impatiently "I only used a line of logical reasoning, Ronald. That does not mean I have all the answers."
"Right." Harry's eyes flashed between his friends "Cool it Ron. Hermione, instead of defending yourself from Ron, how about telling me how to prevent these headaches." He knew he'd done the right thing when both shot him sheepish looks.
She paused, making the boys stop "Well … there's Professor McGonagall? Perhaps start with Madam Pomfrey? Headaches are a medical problem."
Abcij
"You have managed to avoid me for the last three weeks, Mr. Potter." The Mediwitch tutted as she saw him enter her lair "What is it? Poking your nose where it don't belong? Quidditch practice? You aren't limping."
With little grace he put up with the prodding "Not this time, Madam Pomfrey. I just have these headaches sometimes."
"With your toleration for pain, they must be serious to bring you here." She pulled her wand and chanted, causing an orange light to play over the student.
He flinched and backed away "Come on! Can't you just give me a potion or a shot or something."
"Professional patients are all alike." She groused while frowning in concentration "Think you know more than your Healer. I have been for m- - -well, longer than you have been alive. Of course I could magic away the pain. The body is telling you there is a problem. Pain, young man, is your friend. Does it hurt now?"
Harry shook his head "Not at all ma'am. Hermione figured out the only time it happens is when Ginny Weasley is near. And since she mentioned it …oh that's my friend Ron Weasley's sister, by the way… I realized that the pain is worse the closer she is."
"That makes as little sense as no cause at all." She commented but decided to test the improbable premise "Park yourself on that bed and we'll see what we see. Now as I said, I could give you something, but that would nullify the test. I suggest studying, it may be a few minutes."
Abcij
Harry didn't know exactly what she had in mind, but he reclined on the indicated bed and was so engrossed that he was surprised by several voices. "Now Miss Weasley I expect you to follow Madam Pomfrey's instructions to the letter and immediately."
"But I'm not sick, Professor McGonagall." A voice Harry recognized without the name.
The teacher looked around the privacy screen, nodded, and pushed it aside "I believe you and Mr. Potter are at least acquainted?"
"Hello Harry." The small redhead said quietly.
He smiled at her "Hi Ginny." But then he winced and touched his forehead.
"Most interesting. Minerva, did you notice?" the Mediwitch observed "Mr. Potter what are you experiencing. Miss Weasley step forward please."
Harry inhaled sharply and exclaimed "Ow!" again touching his forehead. His textbook fell on the floor.
"Go around the screen, Miss Weasley." Ordered Pomfrey. She hummm…mhhmmmed, noted on a scroll "Now come back again. That would be fairly conclusive. Tell me Miss Weasley, have you encountered anything unusual recently? Plant? No. Animal?"
Ginny finally developed enough curiosity to speak in her crush's presence "But Professor, Healer, what is this all about? Why does me being near Harry hurt him?"
"How about your belongings?" the Mediwitch didn't answer the girl "Do you have anything new, or unusual, in your possession? Particularly if it is magical?"
Ponytail bouncing as she shook her head "I don't think so, no." but then went into her bookbag "Just a sec. My parents gave me a diary. I started writing in it just before school. It writes back."
"Writes back?" McGonagall asked sharply, drawing her wand "That is most irregular. I think it wise you hand it over. Of course it will be returned if found harmless. And, I assure you, your thoughts are your own. I will avoid reading it."
Ginny was reluctant, but nevertheless complied "That's not a problem ma'am. Anything I write just seems to soak into the pages
Abcij
"Miss Weasley, please remain after class." The Professor summoned her as the bell ended First-Year Transfiguration a couple days later "Continue to Astronomy Miss Lovegood. Your friend will see you at lunch. …. Miss Weasley, I regret to inform you it was necessary to destroy your diary."
It took her a moment to process what she heard "May… may I ask why?"
"I shall excuse your tone, attributing it to shock." McGonagall said severely, then softened "Miss Weasley, Ginevra, I sympathize completely. My journal goes back to my student days and losing even one would break my heart. That book was exceedingly dangerous. Full of darkest magic."
The girl gasped "What was it?"
"That has not been covered in your education." The answer was evasive "I will inform Mr. Potter so you may discuss it with him. ONLY Mr. Potter! Since it will be announced at supper, Professors Flitwick and Dumbledore will be out for a time. Both were hurt dealing with the diary. I tell you this to caution you, not to share this with your classmates. All the school will know is they are on leave."
Ginny gasped at that "Ma'am I don't understand."
"Understanding is not required Miss Weasley, only obedience. Again, I am sorry, it was absolutely necessary. Here is a note for Professor Snape. Do not be too late." With that she dismissed the student.