Harry watched the ecstatic house elf disappear, then wandered back into the castle with a smile on his face, Riddle's destroyed diary in hand. He entered the castle with nothing on his mind other than his comfy four-poster bed, then he looked down on himself and said "Maybe after a shower first"
His body too tired to do much else other than idly carry him up and through the portrait hole. His mind was slowly going from point to point while on his journey. First it settled on Ron and how he handed the praise over to him. Ron was a good friend, his best mate, and he wouldn't have gotten anywhere near the Chamber without him. It was his sister, and he was just as frightened yet just as willing as Harry was to rescue her. Even though Harry knew it wouldn't be so, he just prayed he didn't receive all of the praise and attention. He loved Ron, but Ron had to know just how much Harry hated all of the attention. He just did what was necessary, and he was beyond lucky to even succeed. He would've actually died if it weren't for Fawkes and the power of Phoenix tears.
His mind then tumbled into Lockhart and the fraud that he was. Harry felt sickened to his stomach at the coward. He always knew he was a fraud, but having him openly admit it made it better. He laughed at the poor bloke when he remembered that he wiped his entire memory with Ron's broken wand, "Serves him right". How Dumbledore even thought to hire him in the first place…
He mind then came to Ginny. Poor Ginny. She didn't deserve that. A quiet and innocent girl ruined over the course of a year because of Voldemort. Harry's anger returned in full force at the thought. Using her to do his bidding. An 11 year old for Merlin's sake! He just couldn't believe it. A sweet, innocent, pretty, no. Thats Ron's sister. He can't think of her like that! She suffered this past year and she wanted to tell us. "Why was I such an idiot?" He knew something was wrong, but he didn't do anything. Thankfully, she was safe now. Harry was able to rescue her. That was the most relief he'd ever felt when seeing her wake up. The terrible sight that he walked in on. She could've been dead, and nobody gave a damn to go save her! Then once it was all over, she hung on to him like she never wanted to let go. Harry could feel everything she was feeling, and he was able to comfort her. The relief he felt from that. The relief he felt in knowing that it was all over.
Wait a minute. Harry's thoughts shifted once more. The mandrake draught was being given to those who had been petrified. They're going to be okay! He'll be able to see them soon. He'll get to see-
"Harry!", called a voice from down the stairwell that Harry knew all too well
"Hermione?", Harry called back, turning sharply on his heel, wearing the biggest smiles he's had in a while.
Sure enough, standing at the bottom of the steps, was a beaming bushy haired girl that Harry had been missing for quite a long time. Standing next to her was Ron, he would've been there to see her being revived this morning. Harry practically jumped down the stairs to get to them, but it was Hermione who threw herself into him. Harry was never really much of a hugger, but that didn't mean he didn't return the gesture, he missed her dearly.
"Why didn't I get hugged like that?", Ron asked in light hearted confusion.
Hermione rolled her eyes and broke away from Harry, "Ron, why didn't you hug me like that?" She shot back playfully
"I - well - you know" Ron stammered, while his ears started to go a little pink. Harry chuckled, which prompted Ron to give some retaliation, but Hermione pulled them both into a hug before he was able to.
"I'm so glad you figured it out!", said Hermione with great relief
"Yeah, no kidding" Harry replied coolly, then started to study a bit of the wall next to them.
They let go of each other, and Hermione turned to Ron in confusion, then to Harry.
"Harry", Hermione began softly, "What's the matter?"
"It's just", Harry sighed heavily, then he turned back to them and shook his head in calm disbelief, "Why are we the only ones in this entire school who have any idea as to what to do when something bad happens?"
Harry tried to keep a straight face as he stood staring at his two best friends, searching them for answers. When all he got back were worried and puzzled looks, he started to laugh at the irony, and the others caught onto what was funny as well. It truly was ironic. All of the past two years they've been told to stay out of trouble, and that the teachers would know what to do. Yeah, that was true alright. If it had been up to the adults, then the stone would've been stolen and Ginny would've been dead. Ginny…
Before Harry could ask Ron how Ginny was doing, Ron was already starting to speak.
"Well, it's not exactly that hard", said Ron as he calmed down from his laughter, "You always seem to be in the thick of it all, and Hermione and I don't have much of a choice". Harry nodded his agreement. He wished it wasn't that simple, but unfortunately, it was.
"Now", Ron continued, Let's get some breakfast. Im starving!"
Harry chuckled, "When are you not? This is the longest Ive seen you go without eating".
Harry and Ron started to walk back down towards the Great Hall. It was still quite early, so they'll probably be one of the first one's in the Great Hall. They only got a few feet from where they were when they realized that something was missing.
"Hermione?" Ron called over his shoulder. When he noticed she was just standing there, he turned around. Harry did the same.
"Um…", Hermione started hesitantly, "You two should really have a bath first, especially you Harry".
Harry quickly looked down at the state of himself, and he quickly remembered why he had been making his way towards Gryffindor tower in the first place. Harry also didn't want to attract any attention to himself, and being in this state would've definitely brought on unwanted attention. Actually, he didn't fancy breakfast much at all, but he wanted to spend some time with Hermione.
Harry then turned and looked at Ron, "You know Hermione, you're right" He then gave Ron a slap on the back, "Come on Ron, one more half hour won't kill you"
Ron dropped his shoulders, looking defeat, "Alright", he finally mumbled, and the boys started trooping upstairs.
Hermione beamed at their backs, "See you at breakfast!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah" the two of them called back while swiping there hands back at her. Before too long, they had made it to the Portrait of the Fat Lady.
The Fat Lady beamed at the boys, "Congratulations boys! The password has changed, but I wont waste your time. It's 'Potter'. She then started giggling madly as she started to swing open.
"Can it be Weasley?" Harry asked but the fat lady paid no attention. He sighed inwardly. He had only hoped that things wouldn't get too out of hand too quickly, but with the password changing to 'Potter', it was surely going to bring about unwarranted attention.
Ron just slapped Harry on the back, "You're the one who saved her mate", He told her as he stepped through the portrait hole.
"But you were there too!", Harry protested, "And she's also a Weasley"
Ron just shrugged him off, "They still remember me. Now let's go shower. Hermione was right, you're a mess"
Harry gave a deep sigh and followed Ron through the common room and up the stairs. The few people who were up in the common room apparently weren't aware of the events of the night before, because they didn't stop them. They just silently pointed and whispered as they passed, noticing their right state.
'Why am I always the hero?' Harry mused to himself. I always have help. I never do it alone. I mean, Hermione and Ron did get points for Gryffindor last year, but even they didn't seem to get nearly as much praise as me. And last night, Ron was with me! He may not have fought the basilisk, but he was right there with me until then. Ron's probably tired of it. And Ginny was the one who was taken and she survived! Ginny… He wanted, no needed, to get to Ginny as soon as possible.
Luckily for Harry, he and Ron were able to get in and get dressed without causing too much of a stir inside of their dormitory. The two quickly but quietly took their showers and got dressed, then made their way down to the Great Hall for breakfast. Harry's drowsiness was starting to catch up with him, but he knew he'd sleep better on a full stomach.
This was the first time Harry was ever happy for being at breakfast so early, especially on a Sunday. There weren't a lot of students in the Great Hall yet, so the amount of people gawking at him or whispering as his past was almost none. Harry and Ron made their way over to Gryffindor table where a beaming Hermione awaited them. Harry noticed that only Professor's Flitwick, Sprout, and Dumbledore were present at the staff table, and when he made eye contact with them, they all raised their glasses to him and gave him a smile and wink. Harry smiled sheepishly and made to take his seat next to on the opposite side of Hermione from Ron.
"You two look loads better", commented Hermione as she poured herself some more pumpkin juice. She had already ate her full, not wanting to wait for the two of them.
"Kind of hard not to", admitted Ron as he filled his plate
Harry started loading up his own plate with a few sausages and some fried eggs, he completely forgot how hungry he was until he actually laid eyes on the delicious food. Ron was eating savagely as he had always done, and Harry was a few bites in when he noticed Hermione staring at them expectancy. He loved his bushy haired friend, but he only wished she'd just ask the question instead of expecting him to start talking. Ron was already oblivious to everything, especially during meal times.
"Yes Hermione?" Harry called pleasantly, knowing full well what his friend was wanting to discuss.
Hermione then did the thing where she pretended that she wasn't expecting anything, then shook herself back to reality before saying, "I'm just ready to hear how you guys figured it out". She tried hard to maintain a level tone, but their was excitement evident.
Harry gave her a smile then turned to Ron, who somehow still had a mouth full of food, or did he already have another mouthful? Anyways, when Ron went to speak through his mouth full of food, Harry quickly raised his arm to silence him. "That's okay Ron", Harry said calmly, "I can tell her". Ron shrugged his shoulders and attempted a smile. When Harry turned back to Hermione, she was looking at Ron in disgust, but turned back to Harry to listen intently.
Harry retold Hermione how Hagrid told them to follow the spiders in the Forbidden Forest, ignoring Ron's mouthful moans as he told Hermione what Aragog had told them about the monster, and how it had killed a girl in a bathroom. Then he told her how he deduced that the girl had been Moaning Myrtle. He ignored Hermione's shocked look at his revelation and continued on. When they went to go see Myrtle, they got caught by McGonagall, so he just told McGonagall that they were wanting to go see Hermione in the hospital wing, which worked. That's when Harry found the note that she tore out of the library book. He ignored the pinkness in Hermione's cheeks from committing such a crime, and went on to tell how they were going to tell a teacher. And when all the teachers did nothing but call out Lockhart's bluff, they forced Lockhart at gunpoint to follow them. Harry didn't say much after mentioning Lockhart's attempt at obliviating their memories, and he didn't mention much at all about Riddle or his true identity.
"So what happened in the Chamber?" Hermione asked timidly
Harry surveyed his friend for a moment. This was a very difficult question to answer truthfully. Not only did he not want the glory of slaying the basilisk and destroying Tom Riddle, he didn't want to reveal the true identity of Riddle either. Above all, he didn't want to recount what he saw when he first entered the Chamber: A small and presumably lifeless form of Ginny. That image may haunt him for the rest of his life. Even though she was okay and the diary was destroyed, it still didn't take away the effect that sight had on him.
"Ginny's safe", Harry sighed, "That's all that matters".
Hermione opened her mouth to reply, but she closed it, noting Harry's shift in tone and mood. She just gave him a faint smile and refilled his Pumpkin juice, to which Harry smiled his thanks. Harry continued on with his breakfast until he her a familiar voice call his name from behind.
"Good Morning Mr. Potter", greeted McGonagall
Harry turned around in his chair and met the gaze of his Head of House. She resembled her usual stoic self, but she had the faintest of smiles turned up on her thin lips. At least she appeared to be in a good mood.
"Good Morning Professor", Harry replied sheepishly
"I must say, I thought you'd be a lot more tired after last nights events", McGonagall state, "I thought I'd find you in your dormitory".
Harry gave his professor a puzzled look, to which she continued, "I would've hoped that Dumbledore would've sent you straight to the hospital wing after he was done talking to you".
Harry cursed, sighed, and rolled his eyes inwardly. He hated going to the hospital wing. Hopefully McGonagall would be able to see that he's fine and just let him go. Then again, it would be an excuse for him to get to visit Ginny.
"I'm-"
"No. You're not fine", McGonagall stated firmly, "You may enjoy your breakfast here, but you are to go straight to the Hospital Wing after. Understood?"
"Yes ma'am", Harry muttered with a small smile
"Thank you", said McGonagall. She got a few paces away from the trio before she turned around, "Oh, and Harry?" She called back to him.
They all three looked at her expectantly, and they saw one of the rarest sights in the school, a genuine smile from McGonagall. "Congratulations", she nodded
Harry's face turned pink and he nodded his appreciation then turned back to his food. 'Ron was with me' he thought angrily to himself. He minimally enjoyed the rest of his breakfast and the three of them made their way out the great hall.
"We'll come with you", offered Hermione
"No, answered Harry, shaking his head. He turned around and continued, "Im sorry, but Ron needs to get some rest and I'm sure Madam Pomfrey will be in a right state when I walk in, so it's probably best to just let me head up on my own."
"Right", Ron said with a smile, "We'll see you later mate".
"Merlin knows when that will be be", Harry replied light heartedly, then begrudgingly made his way up to the hospital wing.
He slowly opened the door to the infirmary and was immediately berated by Madam Pomfrey. If Harry was unsure what a right state meant for Madam Pomfrey, then this was it. He wasn't two steps in before she started.
"It's about time you got here!" She yelled across the infirmary, quickly making her way over to him.
"Happy accident", she joked mockingly to herself, "I'll show Albus a happy accident. After everything this boy has been through, and he just lets him Waltz away without coming to see me!"
Harry couldn't get a word in edgewise. She was ushering him straight to a bed, and didn't mind asking about him anything while she ranted on. "I thought Minerva would've known better", Pomfrey continued, "All those years she's been around Albus might just be getting to her."
Harry was just able to steal a glance in the direction of Ginny and Mrs. Weasley before Madam Pomfrey flourished her wand and made curtains appear around her bed. With another flick, she had Harry starkers, then another flick and he was clothed in hospital pajamas. She was just about to bring up the bed sheets when she stopped and took a deep breath.
"Alright Mr. Potter. Where does it hurt?" She asked pleasantly
Harry laid there for a moment and went to speak but was interrupted.
"Don't try me Mr. Potter" Pomfrey stated firmly as she waved her wand to run some tests on Harry, "We've been through this 'Im fine' mess enough".
"Well", Harry began, knowing that he'd be better off just getting it over with, "My left side is bothering me a bit".
Madam Pomfrey leaned over and felt along his left side, "No cracks or breaks, but there is quite a bit of bruising." She then stood back up, "Anymore issues?" Harry shook his head, truthfully.
Madam Pomfrey surveyed Harry closely for a moment, looking for any hint of a lie, but was unable to find any. She promptly exited the curtains around his bedside, and returned moments later with a few bottles of potions.
"This will help with your bruising and soreness", Pomfrey said as she handed him a pearl colored potion. Harry took it and down it with one gulp. It seemed tasteless at first, but had quite the bitter after taste.
"And this", She handed him a deep purple potion, "Will help you to sleep. And here's another one for when you wake up". And she placed a second bottle of the purple potion on his nightstand. Harry downed the potion in another gulp.
Madam Pomfrey flicked her wand and covered his scrapes and cuts, "Alright Potter. Rest up, and be sure to to take this second vile. I will be checking to see if you did." Harry nodded his understanding, and with another flourish of the wand, she vanished the curtains around his bed.
He looked over to Ginny & Mrs. Weasley and Ginny was asleep. He was able to meet the eyes of Mrs. Weasley and she smiled at him which he returned. He then took off his glasses, and fell into a dreamless sleep.
Off in the distance, Harry thought he could hear crying. It was a faint cry, but he could still hear it. He knew he wasn't dreaming, hence the name 'dreamless sleep potion'. His eyes slowly fluttered open, and the harder he listened, the more he could make out someone was crying. The only light he could see were the lamps around the walls of the hospital wing. Who was crying? He reached over and grabbed his glasses to put them on, then looked over in the direction of the crying. Ginny…
Mrs. Weasley had gone, probably home once Ginny went to sleep for the night. He could tell it was late because Madam Pomfrey wasn't doing rounds anymore. He needed to get to Ginny. He glanced over at Madam Pomfrey's study and no lights were on, so he threw off his covers and sprawled out of bed. He tip toed his way over, and when he got close enough he whispered, "Ginny"
Ginny had rolled over on her side and curled into a ball, so she didn't see him making his way over to her. She started with a jump, and turned over quickly to see who it was. She was obviously frightened by his hushed attempt to get her attention. Once she realized who it was, she started crying again, and rolled back over on her side away from Harry.
Harry didn't have the first clue on how to comfort a girl, let alone a crying one, but he knew he needed to do something. He wanted to do something. After a moment of careful consideration, he made his move to sit next to her on her bed, but she still wouldn't turn towards him.
"It's okay Ginny", Harry whispered softly, "You're alright". He then put his hand softly onto her shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. He was sort of surprised by what he felt, it was a mixture of fear and sadness. The two emotions seemed to be at war with each other.
"I'm s-sorry" Ginny choked out
"It's okay Ginny", he cooed softly, "You're okay now. Everything is okay".
"B-but l-look a-at w-what I d-did" she struggled to get out through her sobs.
"Shh", He quieted her gently, "It isn't your fault. Everyone knows it wasn't your fault. It's okay"
Ginny rolled over to face him. She had tears streaming down her face, her eyes were red and puffy, which meant she had been crying for quite a while. She was pale in the face and shaking slightly. She reached for Harry's hand, which he gladly surrendered, and she squeezed it tightly.
"T-Tom m-made" She started, but Harry interrupted her.
"Tom did make you", He said firmly but calmly, squeezing her hand, "But that's okay. He's gone now Ginny. It's over".
A few moments past before Harry noticed the empty vial of potion on her nightstand. He turned to look at her curiously, "You didn't take your potion?" He asked her
More tears started to stream down her face, so all she did was shake her head shakily.
"But", Harry started confusedly, "Why's it gone?"
It took Ginny a few moments of breathing deep breaths before she was able to answer, "I s-spit it o-out when s-she wasn't l-looking. I don't l-like sleeping".
"It's the nightmares isn't it?", Harry asked, already aware of the answer. Ginny just nodded in reply. Harry understood that all too well. He's had them for as long as he could remember, and it wasn't until he got Hogwarts' did he finally understand what they meant.
"I get them sometimes too", Harry said gingerly, "Always the same one. My mum screaming, a flash of green light, a man laughing."
"I'm s-sorry" Ginny replied
Harry smiled softy and said, "It's okay. Just something I have to live with."
Harry turned quickly to the entrance of the hospital wing. He thought he heard Madam Pomfrey, and prepared himself to dash across the room. Ginny squeezed and pulled his hand back to her.
"Don't leave me", Ginny said, her cheeks turning a soft pink at the embarrassment of her plea.
Luckily it was nothing, so Harry turned back to her and gave her a smile, "Don't worry. I wont". Nobody would ever make him leave her. He'd just wait for Madam Pomfrey to go back to her study, then walk back over to Ginny
"Promise?" Asked Ginny
Harry chuckled lightly, "I promise"
Ginny gave a faint smile and let out a breath that she had been holding, relieved to have Harry stay by her side. She seemed to be calming down a bit, but she still had tears pooling in her eyes and streaking down her face. Harry reached his hand up to the side of her face and wiped away the tear with his thumb. Ginny flinched at first and her eyes went wide, but then she leaned into it. Her cheeks were starting to grow quite red. There was a bit of warmness that Harry hadn't felt before in this touch. It was almost like he had felt her joy at the touch, and he reciprocated those feelings back to her. She must've felt it too, because her smiled brightened. Now it was time for Harry's cheeks to turn pink.
They sat there for a few moments, holding each others hand, smiling at each other, and getting lost in each other's eyes. The fiery emerald of his penetrating deeply into the sweet and soft brown of hers. Harry didn't know how long they spent staring at each other. It felt like hours. Once thing Harry felt that was kind of strange, but he didn't protest, was a strengthening feeling between them. As if whatever connection they had with one another, was reinforcing itself. It felt brilliant, but strange, but right.
"Do you like me?", Ginny asked hastily, blushing mightily
Harry chuckled lightly at her embarrassed state, but he didn't answer right away. Instead, he surveyed her graciously. He was certain he knew what she meant by that, whether that be her undying crush, or the fact that her face just turned as red as her hair.
"Yeah", Harry replied a bit indecisively as he felt the heat travel up the back of his neck, then he cleared his throat and spoke more firmly, "I do like you. I'm just, I'm drawn to you". He smiled genuinely at her and squeezed her hand.
Ginny returned the smile and squeeze, then she looked unsure of herself for a moment. Harry just let her contemplate her words. He was in no hurry, and there was no other place he wanted to be.
"You know", Ginny finally started, "I've always liked you. Even before I knew you".
"I know", Harry replied, giving her a reassuring smile, "Ron told me all about it, and you've always been so nervous around me".
Ginny smiled sheepishly at him as her cheeks flushed, "Im sorry, it's just" she paused to ponder her next words, "I've always liked you. I liked you before I even met you. Then I was always too nervous to talk to you or get to know you. Ron told all these stories, and I just always wanted to be with you."
Harry smiled at her, "Well now you'll get to know as much as you'd like about me".
Ginny returned his smile, "I'd like that", she yawned heavily, "a lot".
"You should really get some sleep", suggested Harry
"But-" Ginny started to argue, but Harry interrupted, "Shh. You need sleep. I'll stay here with you until Madam Pomfrey gets up."
"Promise?" Ginny asked
Harry squeezed her hand and replied, "I promise. Would you like the dreamless potion? It'll stop you from having dreams".
Ginny went thoughtful for a minute before nodding, so Harry got up and made quickly tiptoed over to his nightstand to retrieve the purple potion. He returned to Ginny's side and she hastily took the potion. The potion started working immediately, and soon, Ginny drifted off into dreamless sleep.
Harry wasn't tired at all, so he just sat there and watched Ginny sleep through the night. The only thing on his mind was her. Something about her was just different. The way she held onto him on the way to McGonagall's office, the way held each other's hands, then the way they just talked so comfortably with one another. That last part was particularly different, considering Ginny would be too scared to say two words in his presence. The strangest thing about everything was Harry's desire to be by her side and to comfort her. For some reason, he just felt like he was being called to her. Through all of his pain and exhaustion, his mind just seemed to come back to her. Now that he was with her, he was perfectly content.
The hours drug on, but Harry never felt the least bit tired. It wasn't until the first signs of daybreak that he heard Madam Pomfrey begin to stir in her study. As much as he felt like bearing the wrath of Madam Pomfrey in order to stay with Ginny, he reluctantly pulled away from Ginny, and hurriedly tip toed back across to lay in bed, remembering to grab his empty bottle of potion. A few more minutes passed before Madam Pomfrey came to check on her patients.
Harry lied there and waited until the light of the morning sun filled the hospital wing filled the hospital wing before he stirred.
"Oh good, Mr. Potter" said Madam Pomfrey, "How did you sleep?"
"Fine" replied Harry as he reached over for his glasses
"Let's see" she said as she waved her wand "Everything seems to be in order. Feeling better?"
"Im fine" Harry replied
Madam Pomfrey gave him a quizzical look. She knew Harry's habit of downplaying his aches and pains. He was one of her more stubborn patients she has had over the years. "Well, I suppose you can join the others for breakfast." She said with a bit of reluctance
Harry smiled and nodded, then he looked over to find Ginny still sound asleep. Madam Pomfrey followed his gaze and a smile broke over her face, then she turned back to Harry, "I'll let her know where you've gone."
Harry jerked up to meet her gaze and her smile, and Harry blushed lightly and smiled back sheepishly. "Okay". Then he got dressed, and made his way to Gryffindor tower. The reason being, he wanted to be able to come back for Ginny and take her down to breakfast. He figured he may be crossing the line by suggesting to Madam Pomfrey to stay by her side until she woke up.
The first of the early risers were trudging their way through the castle to make it down to breakfast. Every person he seemed to pass was eyeing him and giving him smiles, which Harry sheepishly returned. He realized that word of the events of the night before have now circulated throughout the school. Luckily, Harry was always use to people looking at him and whispering, so he was able to tune them out for the most part. Though this year was different due to him being thought of as the heir of Slytherin, so people would look and whisper, and if they could, they would simply walk the other way or hurry to get past him. At least his friends remained loyal to him and knew better. His friends kept him sane enough to where he wouldn't start lashing out and telling people off. Besides, he knew that one day they would understand. And hopefully one day, he would understand.
It was one thing to assume that a person who fell from the graces would seek revenge on the same person that brought upon his downfall, but what exactly was the Darkest wizard of all time's obsession with young Harry. What exactly drew him towards Harry? He could use any means of returning to glory. Admittedly, Harry would do just about anything in order to prevent that from happening, but why was it him that he always seem to target above all else. Speaking of being drawn to someone, Harry was on the final flight of stairs before reaching the portrait of the fat lady when he felt something.
Not something, but someone.
"Ginny?" He muttered confusedly to himself.
Harry stopped at the bottom of the steps. He had no idea what was happening, but he felt like he was being called. Although it wasn't audible, he felt as though Ginny was calling out to him, beckoning him to come to her. Only when some Gryffindor 6th years asked him to step aside was he shaken out of his reverie, and the feeling seemed to dwindle slightly. He then adventitiously made the decision to return to the Hospital Wing.
Harry opened the door of the infirmary to find a fully dressed Ginny sitting on the side of her bed, looking up expectantly at him. They found each other's eyes, and smiled contentedly at one another, lost in each other's eyes. Ginny was gorgeous; the morning light irradiating an aura around her bright red hair. If this was bliss, then Harry could certainly get used to this.
"She's been waiting for you", said Madam Pomfrey, causing Harry to break his gaze. He turned to find her smiling at him. He noted how nice it was seeing this side of the normally stringent school healer.
Harry returned the smile and made his way over to Ginny. Never taking his eyes off of her for a second, because in that moment, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen.
"You came back?" Ginny asked him, half surprised, half relieved.
"Sorry", Harry replied quickly, then dropped down to a whisper, "Madam Pomfrey woke up and I didn't want to get in trouble with her"
Ginny giggled and smiled at him, then put out her hand for him to take, "Shall we go down to breakfast then?"
Harry happily took her hand and returned the smile, "We shall".
He stopped for a moment to relish in the fact that her hand fit his perfect, he could tell that she was thinking, or rather, feeling the same thing. He could feel the joy and warmth that she was sending him, and he was able to send it back to her. It was, fulfilling, beautiful, perfection; something that neither had felt before.
They made their way out of the hospital wing. Exchanging smiles with Madam Pomfrey before leaving, then they walked hand in hand to the Great Hall.
They encountered some weird looks from the other people making their way through the castle. One's either heading to or heading from breakfast. It was as they approached the final steps to the great hall that he felt some tension from Ginny.
"Are you alright?" Harry asked
Ginny blushed and smiled sheepishly, "This is just different" she said "Aren't you worried about what others might think?"
Harry smiled and squeezed her hand reassuringly, "To be perfectly honest. I don't care"
Ginny's smile widened and she blushed some more. "Does this mean…" her worlds trailed and she broke her gaze, then she snapped back, "Are we boyfriend and girlfriend?"
Harry chuckled and looked into her warm eyes and whispered, "Only if you would like that?"
"I'd like that a lot actually", she whispered back to him, smiling and blushing foolishly.
Harry smiled at her, squeezed her hand, and proceeded to walk with her down the remaining steps and into the Great Hall.
They were met with what they had expected meet when they entered the hall. Heads turned as they walked past, those same people would turn back and start whispering amongst themselves, but Harry and Ginny didn't pay them any attention. Being that it was still pretty early, there weren't that many people in the hall this morning, but they expected that to change as time went walked normally, hand in hand, and exchanged happy glances as they made their way to Gryffindor table.
As they approached Gryffindor door table, they were met with beaming faces of both Hermione and Ron, but once Ron noticed his little sister and his best mate holding hands, his smile turned into a frown.
Harry and Ginny both noticed this, but Harry gave a reassuring squeeze to Ginny's hand and they continued as they were. Harry allowed Ginny to sit down first and they started making their plates.
It was Hermione who spoke first, "Hey! I'm glad you two are feeling better." She made a knowing gesture towards Ginny. Ginny giggled and her cheeks turned pink, "Never been better"
The two then turned to Harry, "I'm fine" then he smiled for a moment, "More than fine actually. I've never been better."
"That's great!" Said Hermione excitedly
Hermione then turned to Ron who had a look of bewilderment. "Ah hem" she used to try to get his attention. He snapped out of whatever he was thinking about, "What?" He asked as if everything was fine.
Hermione just rolled her eyes at him and turned her attention back to Harry and Ginny.
Harry seemed to notice something was up with Ron, so he turned towards him, "Everything alright?"
"I - um - yeah", Ron stammered, Hermione just rolled her eyes again and answered for him, "We're both fine. I was a bit tired which was surprising considering how long I had been petrified."
"Really?" Asked Harry curiously, "Well I guess its not that weird." Ginny then squeezed his hand under the table and he turned to her and their eyes met.
"Harry" Ginny said
Harry's eyes widened. He could've sworn Ginny had just said his name, but her mouth didn't move and Harry didn't hear anything, then he replied, "Yes?"
Now both their eyes were wide. They didn't know what was going on, but they had just spoken to each other without actually speaking out loud.
"You can hear me?" Ginny asked in confusion
"Yeah?", replied Harry just as confused
"I don't think this is normal" sent Ginny
"Neither do I" replied Harry
While they were having this conversation that was unknown to the Ron and Hermione, they were still just staring into each others eyes, which Ron & Hermione did notice. Neither said anything. They just sat there looking bewildered. Noticing both of them just staring at each other and making facial expressions.
"What should we do?" Asked Ginny
Harry sat and thought for a moment, "Idk. Maybe go to Professor Dumbledore or McGonagall? Suggested Harry
"Not Dumbledore", Ginny sent quickly, "He kind of scares me."
Harry chuckled and sent, "Yeah. He's a little much. Then Professor McGonnagal?"
Ginny smiled and nodded her head. She then looked up at the staff table and noticed she wasn't present for breakfast, "Maybe she's in her study?"
Harry looked from the staff table then to ginny and replied, "Probably. Lets go after breakfast."
"Okay", Ginny sent and the two finished the rest of their breakfast and didn't worry about second helpings.
They stood up together and walked out the great hall hand in hand, without a word to Hermione or Ron.
Hermione and Ron both watched the two stand up and leave, but not bother saying anything either. Once Harry and Ginny were out of ear shot, Hermione spoke, "That was a bit… odd" She then turned back to Ron who was just glaring at the two of them with a frown.
Hermione sighed and said, "You should be happy for the two of them."
Ron turned back to Hermione, "Yeah I'm happy. Happy to have a reason kill him."
Hermione scoffed at Ron, "Ron! What is the problem with them two dating?"
Ron looked at Hermione like she had two heads, "That's my sister! And my supposed best mate"
"That is your best mate Ron!" Hermione scolded "And both of them have been through a lot. Which means you should be happy that they're happy!"
Ron rolled his eyes at her, "You just don't get it"
Hermione was stunned, "What don't I get exactly?"
"It's fine", muttered Ron, turning back to his food. He knew he'd feel a lot better if he could go back to stuffing his face and avoiding a row this early.
Hermione wouldn't let it go though, "It's clearly not, and I think you're being unfair."
Ron didn't respond to her. Hermione may not have wanted to let it go, but he did. He then bit angrily onto a sausage while Hermione looked at him in disgust.
Though the ability to speak without actually talking was weird, Harry and Ginny were definitely not turned off by the idea. They could speak without anyone ever knowing what they are saying! The possibilities were endless. Private conversations no longer had to wait until they were alone. They could talk about whatever, whenever, and this seemed to bring the both of them joy.
They finally reached the door to McGonagall's office. Both were pretty nervous, but they squeezed each others hand and Harry knocked on the door.
"Come in", rang the voice of Professor McGonagall from inside
Harry opened the door, and they both entered into her office. Professor McGonagall was sitting behind her desk going through a stack of parchment. She bore her signature stoic look as she looked up at the two young Gryffindors. She couldn't help but give the slightest of smiles when she noticed the two holding hands. "What can I do for you two?" She asked
Harry and Ginny both looked at each other for reassurance and then turned to her, "We were wondering if you could help up with something", Harry answered
McGonagall surveyed the two closely before offering them to sit down at her desk. Then she foraged for her tin of biscuits in the top drawer of her desk and offered them some. The two took a few biscuits a piece and sat down.
"What seems to be the matter?" Asked McGonagall as she took a couple of biscuits for her own and stowed the tin.
"Professor, there's something going on that we can't quite explain", Harry answered hesitantly
McGonagall eyed them curiously, "What might that be?"
Harry turned to Ginny, "Me and Ginny" he started, then looked for the right words to continue, "We can talk to each other, but without actually speaking."
"What do you mean exactly?", asked McGonagall
"Well" Harry began unsurely, so Ginny finished, "We can talk to one another from mind to mind it seems".
McGonagall tried desperately to maintain her stoic look, but she had been taken by quite the surprise at what she just heard.. This was a very rare ability. She hadn't heard of anyone being able to do this at all in recent history. Could it possibly be?
"You two have the ability to mind speak?" McGonagall asked them
They both gave her quizzical looks and turned to look at each other and then back to her. Neither words seemed to be forming, so McGonagall continued.
"It is an ancient form of communication" she explained, "I'm afraid it only happens under rare circumstances."
Harry and Ginny were both speechless and were waiting to hear more, so she thought hard on how best to explain. Could it be that these two have formed a soul bond? It hasn't happened for centuries, but given the events that happened in the chamber, it could very well be possible. But it's so rare. Is this what Dumbledore wanted her to keep an eye on them for?
"Idk exactly what went down in the chamber, nor do I wish for you to recall it", McGonagall carefully worded, "but is it safe to assume that Mr. Potter did in fact save your life, Miss Weasley?"
Ginny felt the heat rising in her cheeks. It took her a few moments until Harry gently squeezed her hand that she was able to answer. "Yes" She then turned to look into Harry's eyes before continuing, "Without Harry, I would've surely been dead".
Harry looked back into Ginny's eyes, and he could feel that she was troubled by the weight of her words. "Its okay Ginny", he sent her with calmness, "It's over now, and I would've done it again if I had too."
Ginny felt his calming reassurance and his happiness, so she was able to take a deep breath and calm down before returning the smile, "Thank you. You don't know how thankful I am" she sent.
"I know", Harry sent back, "And I'm thankful that I did it".
McGonagall listened to Ginny's answer, and watched the two as they mind spoke. Noticing them looking into each others eyes, squeezing the others hand, and noticing too how their demeanor and faces changed. She knew what she was witnessing. She knew what must've happened, but there was only one way to confirm it. Although it was extremely rare, and it has never happened to two people who were so young, the evidence pointed directly to it. She wanted to feel happy, but she could only imagine the adversity these two may face. More importantly, she wondered what Dumbledore might say since he'd clearly been thinking about it. That got her thinking…
"I take it that there is a reason you two decided to come to me rather than somebody else?", asked McGonagall out of curiosity
Harry and Ginny broke away from their mind speak, "Yes ma'am", Harry answered, "I suggested Professor Dumbledore, but you were someone that we both trusted".
McGonagall gave them a small but genuine smile, "Yes. Professor Dumbledore can be a bit of an overkill when it comes to his analysis of a situation".
The two kids both smiled back at her. and giggled lightly. Once they were done, she took a deep breath and explained, "It seems that the two of you have bonded. It is extremely rare. In fact, it hasn't happened for centuries that I'm aware of, nor has it happened at such a young age. A bonding of two souls happens after one person saves the other from inevitable death. In this case, you saved Ginny in the Chamber."
Harry and Ginny's eyes went wide in bewilderment, then they turned and met each other's confused gazes, "A soul bond?" Ginny sent first
"Yeah. What do you think it means?" Harry sent back
Ginny giggled before sending back, "How should I know? I'm just as confused as you are".
McGonagall noticed the two about to enter deep conversation, so she interrupted before they got too carried away. "What else seems to be happening other than the mind speak?"
The two of them broke their gaze and thought hard for a few moments. Ginny was the first to answer, "Well. When we hug or hold hands, its like the best feeling in the world. After we got back from the chamber and in the hospital wing, his touch just seemed to calm me." Her cheeks started to turn pink as she finished.
Harry smiled at her bashfulness, "I couldn't seem to get her out of my mind", He explained to McGonagall, "And I agree with what she said about the physical touch, but I also seem to be able to send her comfort." Harry then paused for a few moments and found himself looking into Ginny's eyes, "And this morning when I was on my way back to Gryffindor tower from the hospital, I felt as though she was calling me to her from the hospital wing when she woke up."
"I noticed you had left", Ginny piped up quickly, "I woke up and saw that you were gone. I felt scared at first, then sad because I thought it had been a dream". Ginny's words tailed off as her face and ears turned red.
McGonagall took in their answers with earnest, and she couldn't help but to drop her stoic look for a full smile, "Well we will have to find out before we start making assumptions. This can be rather difficult, but I have some sources I could reference. If it turns out that you two have in fact bonded, then we need to go about a few things differently."
Harry looked at her with a puzzled look on his face, "What do you mean?"
McGonagall took a deep breath before elaborating, "If it turns out that you two have bonded, then to keep the both of you separated over the summer could be rather risky, especially for any extended length of time."
"So Harry could stay out at the Burrow?" Ginny asked her, letting excitement getting the best of her.
"That depends" McGonagall answered truthfully, "I know that Professor Dumbledore has certain requirements to keep Harry under the sanctuary of his relatives for the majority of the summer. And it is also up for Harry to decide".
Instead of Harry getting excited at the possibility, he started to tense up and become nervous. Ginny seemed to notice the unease immediately
"Something wrong Harry?" Ginny sent
Harry didn't respond right away. He was seriously contemplating the possibilities. He desperately wanted to leave the Dursley household. He hates it there, and he'd much rather spend a summer alone at the castle, than in the hell that is #4 Privet Dr. The idea that he could spend not only a majority of the summer, but possibly the entire summer at the Burrow, sounded too good to be true. If it was up to him, he'd take the Burrow, no questions asked, but he knew that it was not entirely up to him. If only Dumbledore knew what his life was like at the Dursley's. What if he did know what it was like, but still insisted on keeping him there? Harry shook that thought from his head quickly. He then took a couple of deep breathes before asking hesitantly, "Professor, do I have to go back to my relatives this summer?"
McGonagall's smile faded and was replaced by a troubled look, "Is there a reason why you wish to not return to your relatives, Harry?"
Who was she kidding? McGonagall knew the answer before she even asked the question. She knew from the very first day she watched the Dursley's what kind of people they were. She knew that they mistreated Harry, and gave him unruly clothes to wear. His letter was addressed to the cupboard under the stairs when she knew that the house was more than big enough to provide him with a room.
Harry was becoming increasingly more tense. Ginny was trying her best to comfort him, "What's wrong Harry? You can tell McGonagall what's wrong."
Harry looked into her eyes and she noticed the color start to flee from his face. He looked exceedingly uncomfortable and at a lost for words. Knowing there was no way around it but by telling the truth, he turned back to McGonagall, and took several deep and steadying breaths before speaking.
He spent the next several minutes confessing to McGonagall just how the Dursley's had treated him over the years. The unfair punishments. Him living in the cupboard under the stairs. Them forcing him to work as a house elf and starving him for days at a time. Not to mention, the beatings he would get when he performed uncontrolled magic or messed anything up, which was all the time because he got blamed for everything. How Dudley and his friends bullied him relentlessly and used him as a human punching bag.
By the time he had finished, he was in tears and so was Ginny. McGonagall tried not to let her anger show, but she was deeply unsettled and furious at what she had just heard. She could tell that that probably wasn't even the half of what he could've said. How on earth could anyone ever treat a child like this, magical or muggle? He knew she should've done more to prevent Lily & James child from having to stay there, but she had trusted Albus. Now she knows that she trusted him too much. She couldn't wait to get ahold of him. She was well aware of his brilliance, but this was far from brilliant. This went beyond protecting Harry. Harry may have been safe from Voldemort, but she'll be damned if he wasn't in anymore danger by living with those disgraceful people.
McGonagall made her way around her desk and rested her hand on Harry's free shoulder. Ginny had decided to move into his lap and wrap around him. "It's okay, Harry", McGonagall said softly, "I'll see what I can do about your living arrangements for the summer. In the meantime, why don't you two go out and enjoy the warm weather a little bit."
Harry still sat there with his head down, trying desperately to stop the tears from flowing. "It's okay, Harry. I'm here for you", She sent him with her calm and love, "McGonagall is going to make things better".
Harry eventually started to calm down and was able to draw a steadying breath. He looked into Ginny's warm brown eyes and gave her a weak smile before resting his forehead on hers. "Thank you Ginny" he sent.
Ginny returned the smile and sent, "Let's go outside. It'll help you feel better"
"Okay" Harry sent back
The two of them got up and took each others hand and turned to Professor McGonagall. Her heart broke for Harry in that moment. She would do whatever she could to right this wrong. No one should have to live like that, especially Harry. She gave one last comforting smile before she said, "I'll go speak to Dumbledore. I won't mention the bond, but I will see what I can do about your living arrangements".
Harry didn't thank her immediately. He was too busy forcing back the flow of tears. "Thank you" he finally whispered with a faint smile
"You're welcome dear", McGonagall replied softly, and the two then exited her office.