A/N: Here's the next chapter. I'm going to attempt posting every week around this time. Unfortunately it won't always be possible as my timetable is forever changing, but that's the plan. We'll see how long it lasts before I get behind with writing again! As a remider, ~text~ is Fawkes typing with his beak. The last two chapters were both originally meant to be part of the next one, but as you can see, they each grew much larger than I originally anticipated! I haven't exactly been following my plan - I decide what I want to do in a chapter, then when I get to writing it I inevitably throw that out the window and shift most of it to the next one! I guess it's not all bad - it means you guys get a lot more story to read! On a separate note - I'm still looking for more ideas for pranks. I've got two, but I'm going to need more to get through this year. (Disclaimer in Chapter 1)

Chapter 19 – Mischief Makers

The next morning found Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall once again in the Hospital Wing, looking over Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley, currently nestled up together in the same bed, with Fawkes watching from the headboard and a golden sphere surrounding them.

"How do I get myself into these situations?" Madam Pomfrey asked rhetorically, shaking her head. "I've not got a clue how we're going to get through that, for lack of a better word, shield, to try and rennervate them."

Fawkes launched himself into the air and glided through into the matron's office once again. Settling himself in front of the typewriter, he pecked out ~The golden light will allow through your waking spells, just not anything that could cause harm to the Chosen Pair, nor any other people. It is how I am able to fly through myself.~

"Well, that makes it easier then." Professor McGonagall said, having followed the phoenix to see what he would type. She headed back out into the infirmary. "Fawkes says we can cast rennervate through the shield, just not enter ourselves. It is designed to prevent any possible harm from coming to them."

"Okay then Minerva. I'll do Harry and you Ginny. On the count of three." They both raised their wands at the pair on the bed. "One, two, three, rennervate!".

Several things happened at once. Harry and Ginny both sat up straight, pulling out of each other's embrace and completely separating. As they woke up, the golden sphere surrounding them dissipated, somehow sensing that the danger had passed and they could now take care of themselves. As soon as the pair on the bed completely lost contact with each other though, a light blue arc shot out between their hands. They both yelped in pain, and quickly rejoined their hands again, stopping the arcing. They panted slightly from the pain, but otherwise looked no worse for wear.

Fawkes settled himself back on the headboard, unseen by the teenagers on the bed, whilst the two older witches moved forward to come up beside the bed.

Ginny recovered first, and looked up at Madam Pomfrey. "What happened?" She asked.

"Well that's an improvement at least." Madam Pomfrey said swiftly.

"What?"

Minerva spoke up from the other side of the bed. "Oh really Poppy, they've just been through a terrible ordeal. You can at least be somewhat kind to them. I don't see why you insist on this persona in front of the students anyway."

"Oh all right then. Sorry, Ginny. I was commenting that that was the first time you'd got the full sentence out. I tried rennervating you several times yesterday, and each time you only got halfway through asking what had happened before you fell unconscious again."

Harry had recovered by this point as well, and looked slightly amused at the byplay between the Professor and Matron. "Madam Pomfrey, what happened to us? I remember chasing the Snitch into the air… but then nothing. What happened? Did we win the game?"

"From what we can tell Mr Potter, from what we could see on the ground and what Mr Malfoy has told us, you were attacked by a swarm of dementors above the pitch. You gave Mr Malfoy enough warning to return to the pitch safely, however you fell unconscious yourself. We found the Snitch in your hand when we brought you in. Gryffindor won."

"Really Minerva, you've left the important bits out!" Madam Pomfrey exclaimed. "When you fainted, you fell off your broom. Professor Dumbledore slowed your fall, whilst Professor McGonagall conjured a mat to soften your impact with the ground. That didn't save you from all your injuries though, so we brought you straight up here, and I spent the afternoon patching you up. I'm sorry to say you had a few broken bones and some large bruises, but they're as good as new now."

"Thanks Madam Pomfrey. But why is Ginny here? And what happened to my broom?" Ginny had up until this point just been listening, with her head buried in Harry's shoulder, with Harry idly stroking her hair, as she remembered the horrible sights of the day before. However, at hearing Harry's first question she looked up, interested.

Professor McGonagall answered, "I have your broom here, Mr Longbottom and Mr Finnegan spent a good portion of the afternoon searching the grounds to salvage it. I'm sorry Harry, but it blew off in the wind towards the Whomping Willow. You know that tree doesn't like to be hit…" She trailed off, handing the young wizard a cloth wrapped around many shards of broken broomstick.

Harry looked devastated for a moment at the loss of his first broom, but Ginny gently rubbed his back and whispered in his ear. Madam Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall exchanged a glance at this. He looked up, and asked, "But that still doesn't explain why Ginny is here?"

Madam Pomfrey fielded this question. "It seems that when you fell unconscious in the air, Ginny also fainted down on the ground, at the reserves bench. Every time I tried to wake her up, she would just faint again immediately, until we woke her up at the exact same time as you."

Harry and Ginny shared a surprise glance. Was this something to do with their bond? And if so, did the two witches watching them know about it? Ginny was the first to speak, hesitantly. "Um… what made you try rennervating us both at the same time?"

Madam Pomfrey sighed before answering. "I was struggling to find what had caused you to faint, Ginny. I'd exhausted all the normal paths of investigation, so instead decided to check another property. Most healers don't believe in soul magic, but I do. I cast a spell to show me your soul's colours. Needless to say, I was surprised. With a quick verification of the Ministry records, I found that your soul colour had changed since your birth. With Fawkes' and Professor McGonagall's help," Here Harry and Ginny quickly looked round at the phoenix preening his feathers on the headboard, before back at Madam Pomfrey, "and with a check of Harry's soul too, we eventually came to the conclusion that you two share a soul-bond."

Seeing that they were not surprised, Professor McGonagall asked them, "This isn't new to you, is it? May I assume that this is your good reason for bringing Miss Weasley with your, Mr Potter, when I asked you to visit my office at the start of term?"

Harry just nodded meekly, before speaking up. "Sorry Professor. We'd been meaning to tell you, but lots got in the way, and, well, it's very private and personal for us. It just feels wrong talking about it. I don't know why." None of them saw the glare Madam Pomfrey shot at Professor McGonagall.

"That's fine Mr Potter." She assured him. "At least I know now, so I can better help you deal with it."

Madam Pomfrey continued her story. "Anyway, from there it wasn't a huge leap of logic to work out that if you wouldn't wake up individually, then you might together. Fawkes had already carried your bed across the Hospital Wing, Ginny, so we waited for this morning for the rest of Harry's injuries to heal before we tried waking you. I wish to keep you both here until dinner, but all being well you should be able to leave then."

Both Harry and Ginny were still a bit surprised at how informal Madam Pomfrey was, unlike their previous encounters with her, which for Harry was too many.

"Rest assured, we will keep this secret for you. But for now, I see more pressing issues." Madam Pomfrey said, a smirk growing on her face.

Professor McGonagall saw where this was going, and injected "Oh Poppy, must you?"

"But of course Minerva. It is only fair. So Ginny, would you prefer to be addressed as Ms Weasley, or Mrs Potter?" Ginny blushed scarlet. She didn't often hear her proper name, due to nobody really knowing about it, so it still sent shivers up her spine whenever she heard it.

"Um, I think Ms Weasley would be best, at least in public. We want to try and keep it a secret. Although I wouldn't object to hearing Mrs Potter in private." She grinned, and Harry smiled at her.

"Obviously you will still be called Ms Weasley in school." Professor McGonagall verified. "But I guess if you wish for it, then we can call you Mrs Potter in private. Now, we've inferred that Professor Dumbledore knows at least a little about your bond. How much does he know?"

"Honestly Professor?" Harry answered, "We don't know. He gave us barely any information to begin with. We found out more from visiting with the Goblins over the summer. He didn't tell us we were officially married, nor how we should go about completing the bond. But that doesn't mean he didn't know those things. We're beginning to think he may not have our best interests at heart." He looked a little worried at revealing their fears in front of the two witches, and also glanced guiltily over at Fawkes.

The phoenix quickly flew into the office to collect the typewriter, then returned to the bed, settling on the cover over Harry and Ginny's legs. ~Fear not, Chosen Pair. I understand your troubles. No, Albus does not want what is best for you. He has great plans, and none of this puzzled into them. Unfortunately, he has lost all concept of making a mistake. He is convinced that his ways are right. Regrettably, I cannot tell you anything about them, as his familiar I can only say so much about what I hear and see. Rest assured, I will help you in any way I can.~

"That's unfortunate." Professor McGonagall commiserated. "I assure you, I will do whatever I can to ensure that Professor Dumbledore does not get his way if it at detriment to you. After all, I have to look after my lions." She finished almost kindly.

"Thank you, Professor." Ginny said, with Harry nodding in agreement.

Fawkes was busy typing again, as Madam Pomfrey read it out. ~You have already surpassed in your bond the limits of what Albus knew. He could find nothing beyond the details of marriage, emancipation and completing the bond. Synchronicity is, I am happy to say, far off his short list of knowledge. There may be points in the future where your bond manifests itself in other ways as well, but he will also know nothing of these unless you choose to tell him.~

"Well, it seems like Fawkes is on our side!" Madam Pomfrey commented.

"Um, Madam Pomfrey? Do you have any idea why we can't separate?" Harry asked. "When our bond was forming at the end of last year and we had to stay in the Hospital Wing, it was because if we stayed apart for too long we developed an overwhelming need for contact, that could start to become slightly painful. But that disappeared as soon as the bond was completed. Why is it now painful to separate for even a second?"

Madam Pomfrey thought for a moment before answering. "I would guess that your bond is responding to the situation you found yourselves in yesterday. Dementors don't kill, when they kiss you they suck out your very soul, leaving a lifeless shell behind. For you two, that could be very dangerous. You no longer have just you own soul. Instead, you share each other's. I believe it is only temporary, and that it is a reflex reaction on the part of your bond to try and keep you safe for a bit before allowing you both free reign over your bodies again."

"At least it's not permanent." Ginny said. "I mean, I like being in constant contact with Harry," she blushed, "and I probably would be anyway, but it could make showering and going to the toilet a little awkward."

Madam Pomfrey chuckled, before waving her wand over them both. They felt a weird sensation in their lower bodies. "There, that should take care of the toilet issue for a while." She said. "I guess you'll just have to be dirty for a bit. Hopefully, it will wear off by this evening when I discharge you. For now, I suggest we move the beds apart a little for when you have visitors, but keep them close enough so that you can still hold hands."

She levitated Ginny's bed a few centimetres away from Harry's, allowing a small gap to open up between them. The two teens looked disappointedly at the distance, wishing they could just stay in each other's arms, before Ginny clambered over to her bed, making sure to keep holding Harry's hand.

"Madam Pomfrey?" Ginny asked. "You said our soul colours have changed. What were they, and what are they now?"

"Yours, Ginny, used to be red. Harry, yours used to be green. Now, well I'll let the image speak for itself." She cast "Proiectura Meam." over both of them, once again causing the mesmerising golden spheres with green and red streaks to rise up into the air. "They're beautiful!" Ginny exclaimed, while Harry just placed his other hand over her one that he was already holding, clasping it tightly.

"What do they mean?" Harry asked, curious.

"The golden sphere overall represents your bond." Madam Pomfrey answered. "The side with green streaks represents Harry's soul, while the side with red streaks is Ginny's."

"But what about the black specks in mine?" He asked.

"We are still trying to work that out. I believe it might have something to do with what happened when you were a baby, Harry." Madam Pomfrey said gently. "I'll keep looking into answers, but it could be a while until I come to a conclusion. Whatever it is, we know it wasn't partially transferred into Ginny."

It was several hours until Madam Pomfrey had decided they were well enough for visitors. Harry and Ginny didn't know why, but it seemed Madam Pomfrey would generally allow visitors until the patient woke up, and would then immediately kick them out. Of course, in this situation nobody had been allowed in to begin with. Fawkes had flown off an hour previously, evidently having decided that the pair had recovered sufficiently, but he did return the typewriter to Madam Pomfrey's office before departing in a flash of flame.

The first people to arrive were Fred and George. They only stopped by long enough to find out what was happening about the prank planning meeting they had scheduled for that day. Ginny had initially been angry with them for only thinking about pranks when Harry had been severely injured the day before, but he managed to calm her down before she pulled her wand – something the Twins were very grateful for. It was agreed that they would reschedule it for the next Sunday, as it wasn't as important as some other things that Harry and Ginny wanted to look into first.

Eventually it was decided that they would meet up the next Saturday. That would give them a chance to get through the week of schoolwork, but leave them free for Halloween, which was Sunday. Generally, the school scheduled a few seasonal activities for the occasion – after all, the holiday was very much like the wizarding world in general.

Soon after the twins left, Ron, Neville and Seamus arrived. It seemed they had walked together from the dorms. Ron frowned upon seeing Harry and his sister holding hands, but ignored it for the moment.

Instead, he turned to Ginny, and asked, "Are you OK? Why did you fall unconscious?" To the general observer, it would seem as if Ron was simply concerned for his sister. However, Ginny could hear the underlying tone in his voice, which she knew was because he was actually angry about something.

"I'm fine. Madam Pomfrey doesn't know why I fainted – it could have been the excitement at the pitch, or the shock of seeing Harry falling off his broom. Besides, shouldn't you be more concerned about your 'best mate'?" She asked, annoyed. "After all – he was the one to fall from the sky having suffered from Dementors."

Ron turned and opened his mouth, but on looking at Harry he caught sight of the couple's joined hands again. Instead of what he was originally going to ask, he went back into protective older brother mode, and roughly asked "Can't you let go of my baby sister for one minute? I don't know what's got into you. You don't talk to me at all anymore!"

Harry could sense Ginny getting angry, but this time he was unable to calm her down, as he was getting frustrated with her brother himself. "Look, Ron. I don't care what you think about me and Ginny – the only ones who get to have any say in that are us. And as for not talking to you – its not that I don't want to, but every time I try, you get on my case again about Ginny. I don't want to put up with you questioning why I'm dating Ginny – and I'll always choose you over her." Ginny beamed over at him, and squeezed his hand in thanks.

Ron drew himself up and looked ready to let his anger reign free, but at that moment Madam Pomfrey emerged from her office, having been alerted by the monitoring charms still running on Harry and Ginny that they were starting to experience some stressful and possibly detrimental emotions.

"Mr Weasley, if you can't stop annoying these two, then you will have to leave. I will not have you affecting their recovery." She said, as she marched over, doing a good dragon-lady impression. Most the students thought Madam Pomfrey was indeed some sort of human-dragon hybrid. Harry and Ginny of course, now knew the truth, but Ron didn't. Spluttering slightly, he decided the best course of action would be to get away from her until he had calmed down, so he turned and fled the Hospital Wing.

Smiling at her patients, they sent grins of thanks back at her. She turned to Neville and Seamus, and asked, "Please try to keep them calm, Mr Longbottom, Mr Finnegan. With any luck they may get out of here by this evening." The two boys looked just as shocked as Ron, though for the opposite reason – Madam Pomfrey had just smiled, and spoken kindly to them.

They both nodded their consent, before Seamus replied "We'll try our best, Madam Pomfrey."

"Thank you, boys." She headed back into her office, to continue looking over her records.

Harry's two dormmates made their way over to the couple, and sat down on the chairs beside his bed. "Sorry 'bout Ron." Seamus apologized. "We didn't know he'd be like that."

"It's OK guys." Ginny replied for both of them. "It's not your fault Ron can't keep his mouth shut."

"Dean wanted to come and visit as well, but Filch has got him in detention for the day. Godric knows what was bad enough for a full day of detention with Filch, but there ya go." Seamus continued.

"That's too bad." Harry commented. "Even an hour or two with Filch is horrific!"

"Did you hear about the game?" Neville asked. He knew that if he hadn't heard yet, Harry would be dying to know.

"Professor McGonagall said I caught the Snitch, and we won. Apparently, I caught it during my fall, while I was unconscious." Harry finished sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck with the hand that wasn't holding Ginny's.

"Man – that's impressive!" Seamus whistled. "So you know 'bout ya broom then?"

"Yeah." Harry pointed to the bundle next to his bed. "Professor McGonagall also gave that to me. Thank you for finding it by the way guys." He said.

"Your welcome Harry – I only wish we'd got to it before the Whomping Willow had beaten it up quite so much." Neville replied, sadly.

"It's not your fault guys, it's that stupid tree – I don't get why something like that is planted on the grounds of a school anyway! It could easily injure or even kill someone if they're not careful!"

Hermione and Demelza walked in at that moment. They sat in the two chairs next to Ginny's bed – Hermione slightly nervously. Demelza spoke up. "I'm glad you're both awake again. I saw Hermione in the common room – she seemed nervous about coming to visit you, so I brought her with me. I hope that's OK?" She asked, unsure.

"Yeah, that's fine Demelza – thanks." Ginny replied. Both Harry and she knew that Hermione had stopped talking to Ron again. They hoped it meant she was going to start speaking to them again – after all, she wasn't the type to go off on someone for no apparent reason. However, the older girl hadn't sought them out in the week since her disagreement with Ginny's brother. They were glad she was there now.

"We were just talking about the Whomping Willow." Harry informed the girls. "It seems to have completely destroyed my broom." He said sadly. Ginny squeezed his hand again. "Anyway, we were wondering why something so deadly was planted on the school grounds. Surely there's a safety risk there?" He asked rhetorically. Hermione however, looked up.

"I'll look into the history of the tree." She said quietly. "That is, if you want me to?" She asked, unsurely.

"That would be good, Hermione. Merlin knows you're the best in our year at research." Harry replied. Hermione just nodded in recognition of the compliment. Before long, the four friends had to head down to the Great Hall for lunch. Madam Pomfrey had a house-elf pop in to bring some food for Harry and Ginny, and while they were eating it, two more visitors arrived.

"Mum! Dad! What are you doing here?" Ginny asked, sitting up straighter in her bed.

"Oh, you're awake Ginny." Mrs Weasley said, rushing over and engulfing Ginny in a hug. "We were so worried when Professor McGonagall flooed to say you'd fainted at the Quidditch match. Why did you faint anyway – weren't you on the ground?"

Meanwhile, Mr Weasley had made his way over to Harry's bed. "It's good to see you're both awake now, son." He said, gently. When Mrs Weasley finally released Ginny, she turned to Harry and enveloped him in a bone-crushing hug instead, while Mr Weasley greeted his daughter. Harry and Ginny were happy that they were worried about them, but concerned about how far apart they were being pulled by the simultaneous hugging. Ginny steeped in.

"Mum, Dad, we're fine. You can let us go, please!" She stressed the last word, as Harrys hand was almost pulled from hers. They managed to keep a finger clasped together.

"What, why?" Mrs Weasley released Harry and looked over, confused.

"Please just, sit down, and we'll explain everything." Ginny said calmly, as Harry gasped for breath. She took the opportunity to pull Harry's hand fully back into hers, thankful that they hadn't lost contact.

Mr and Mrs Weasley took the two seats at the side of Ginny's bed, and Mrs Weasley asked "Why were you so concerned about us hugging you, Ginny-dear?"

Ginny sighed. "I think its best if we tell you about everything that happened, from the beginning. Please, it will be easier if you don't ask any questions until the end."

Mr and Mrs Weasley nodded in acceptance, but it was Harry that started the story. "During the match yesterday, I caught sight of the Snitch. While I was chasing it, it kept flying higher and higher. Soon, I started noticing it getting much colder, before suddenly I burst through a cloud to see a swarm of Dementors waiting for me."

"WHAT?" Mrs Weasley practically screamed, interrupting him. "Dementors were, on the grounds?" She asked shakily. "We were assured they wouldn't be allowed in!"

"Yes, the Dementors were above the pitch. Clearly, the full stands were too much of a temptation for them – almost all of them had left the perimeter. What do you mean – 'we were assured'?" He asked.

Mr Weasley replied. "At the beginning of the year, Dumbledore sent letters out to all the parents to inform us of the security plans this year. We didn't like them then, and dislike them even more now – but there's not much we can do. The Ministry is looking into keeping every safe, but is still totally ignorant of the dangers that Dementors pose to any innocent person. But please, continue with your story. We didn't mean to interrupt."

"Well, when I saw all those Dementors, I shouted at Malfoy, who was following me, to head back to the ground. It took a little convincing, but once he saw the Dementors as well, he was off like a shot."

"Noble prat." Ginny muttered under her breath, shaking her head, although Harry still heard her and shot a self-deprecating grin in her direction. Mrs Weasley also heard her, and frowned at her daughter's use of language, but didn't say anything.

"Anyway, before I could get back down myself, I fell unconscious from the effects of the Dementors." Harry continued. "Professor Dumbledore slowed my fall while Professor McGonagall broke it with a soft mat, but I was still rather badly injured, so I was brought up here, and kept unconscious overnight."

"But what happened to Ginny?" Mrs Weasley asked. "If the Dementors were as high as you said, then there was no way they should have affected Ginny so badly."

"We were just getting to that, Mum." Ginny picked up the story. "When Harry fainted, so did I, on the ground. Apparently, Madam Pomfrey tried to rennervate me, but I just fell unconscious again immediately. She brought me up here as well, and tried to rennervate me again every hour, but each time I only had enough time to half-ask 'What happened?' before I fainted again. When she and Professor McGonagall tried to wake us both up at the same time, it worked fine."

"Why?" Mr Weasley asked, confused.

"Apparently, it's another side effect of our bond." Ginny said. "Synchronicity – because we're so intertwined now, when Harry fainted so did I, and I couldn't wake up until Harry did. We don't know how much this will affect us with other spells yet, and are a bit concerned to find out. Especially if for something like this it will take two people casting the spell at the same time to wake us up."

"So does this relate in any way to why you were concerned about the hugging?" Mrs Weasley asked. "I know I can be a bit firm, but surely that shouldn't affect this synchronicity?"

"No, it won't. But something else came of yesterday. Because of what happened to Harry in the air, our bond has gotten scared. It has taken measures to prevent us getting into any danger again, at least for today. Madam Pomfrey reckons it should wear off this evening, but for now we have to remain in contact, or these painful blue bolts arc between our hands."

"So, I take it Madam Pomfrey knows about your bond, then?" Mr Weasley asked.

"Yes, and Professor McGonagall too." Harry confirmed. "They both found out yesterday, while trying to work out how to cure us."

Mrs Weasley was not to be deterred though. "But why is the bond so concerned? I mean, I know there were Dementors, but what does that mean?"

Ginny sighed again. "Can you go and get Madam Pomfrey please, Dad?" She asked. "I think you need to see it like we did, but I don't know the spell." She added.

Mr Weasley quickly stood up and knocked on the door to Madam Pomfrey's office. After a few words were exchanged, they both made their way over to the young couple.

"You want me to show your parents what I showed you earlier, Ginny?" Madam Pomfrey asked kindly. At Ginny's nod, she turned to the Weasley parents. "Do you remember what colour your daughter's soul was at birth?" She asked.

"I remember it being a striking red. I can't remember any of the boys', but Ginny's stuck with me." Mrs Weasley replied, confused. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"I'll make this easier, and just say that Harry's was an emerald green – they're both rather fitting, don't you think?" She asked, and they nodded in agreement. "OK. I'm going to cast the spell to show soul colour now – and you'll see what had me so shocked. Proiectura Meam." She said, waving her wand over both Harry and Ginny again. Once more, the golden spheres rose into the air, and both Mr and Mrs Weasley gasped.

"Oh my!" Mrs Weasley whispered, holding a hand to her mouth. "But, how? I didn't think souls changed colour?"

"It's not normal." Madam Pomfrey agreed. "But I have a theory. Would you like to hear it?" At their nods, she continued. "I believe that the golden sphere represents Harry and Ginny's bond. The green side is Harry's soul, and the red side is Ginny's. As you can see, they are split evenly between the two, meaning that half of each soul is in each body. In effect, they are looking after part of each other's soul. This is the basis of my theory for why they must remain in contact. Harry's soul was almost taken by the Dementors, but it wouldn't have been just his – it would have been a bit of each of them. Neither of them would be complete without the bond – if one of them were to be given the Dementor's Kiss, in effect, so would the other."

"No!" Mrs Weasley whimpered.

"Mum, it's fine." Ginny said gently. "We're not about to go off and try to get ourselves killed. But even without this bond, if Harry were to die, I don't think I could live without him."

"And I know I couldn't live without Ginny." Harry affirmed, reaching over and pulling her into his arms protectively. Ginny just snuggled in, while Mrs Weasley looked on in despair. Although she knew there was nothing she could do about it, there was part of her that couldn't stand the thought that her baby girl was so totally linked with a boy. Even if that boy did happen to be Harry Potter.

Madam Pomfrey reluctantly released the spell. "I think that the reason they must remain in contact now is the bond ensuring their safety for a little while. They can hardly run off on their own and lose the other's soul portion if they are stuck together. However, I don't think it will last too much longer, maybe just until the end of the day. Of course, this is all just speculation on my part – no-one really knows anything about this bond."

Mrs Weasley got up and enveloped both Harry and Ginny in her arms, making sure they were able to remain in skin-to-skin contact with each other. Meanwhile Mr Weasley asked "What were the black specks in Harry's soul? They were only in his green portion, but they weren't anywhere in the green portion of Ginny's."

Madam Pomfrey sighed. "That's still under investigation. I'm hoping it's not anything to worry about too much, but who knows with Harry. Anyway, make sure they both eat – they need to get their strength up before classes tomorrow." With that, she returned to her office.

Eventually Mrs Weasley released the pair on the bed, but they stayed in each other's arms. She moved back to her chair and sat down again, wiping a few tears from her eyes.

"Do you have any ideas about what to do with this synchronicity?" Mr Weasley asked, intrigued. "I mean, I'm sure it could get quite annoying if a spell shot during a Defence Against the Dark Arts practical caused Ginny to faint in Charms. Of course, I could understand it in History of Magic, but…" He trailed off.

Harry and Ginny exchanged guilty glances. "Um, that won't happen Dad." Ginny said uncomfortably.

Mrs Weasley narrowed her eyes. "You seem awfully sure about that, Ginny-dear. How do you know it won't affect you in a situation like that?"

"Well, if Harry falls unconscious from a spell in Defence, then me fainting could also be passed off as falling unconscious from a spell in Defence."

"But there's no way you both have it at the same time, is there?" Mrs Weasley asked. At the looks in their eyes, she asked fearfully, "What is it?"

"I'm in Harry's classes Mum. Apparently because I did so well last year the Board of Governors allowed me to skip second year – I'm a third year this year."

"WHAT!" Mrs Weasley practically shrieked. "When did you find this out – and why haven't you told us?" She asked disappointedly.

"Uh, Professor Dumbledore sent me a letter with my Hogwarts supplies list, around my birthday. And I didn't want to tell you until it was done – I was worried you would say no."

"Of course I would – that's way too much work. What was Dumbledore thinking, allowing this to happen?"

"Molly," Mr Weasley placated, but he was cut off by Ginny.

"Mum, this is exactly why I didn't tell you. You're overreacting. I'm keeping my grades up fine, what's the issue? Clearly the Governors thought I could do this, I'm only the second person ever to have this opportunity. Would it kill you to be happy for me?"

"Of course, I'm happy for you Ginny." Mrs Weasley sighed. "I'm very proud of you – I just don't want you to bite off more than you can chew. You've got to learn two years' worth of content by the summer instead of one, while trying to deal with the repercussions of this bond. I'm just worried for you, that's all."

"I understand Mum," Ginny said, laying a hand on Mrs Weasley's arm, "but really, I'm fine. And I have the option to move back down if it gets too much, not that it will. It's much nicer in third year with Harry!"

It took some convincing but eventually Mrs Weasley accepted that Ginny had advanced a year, and there wasn't much she could do about it. Soon afterwards, both the Weasley parents left, promising to speak to the two teens again soon.

After they had finished eating, Professor Dumbledore made an appearance in the Hospital Wing.

"Good afternoon Harry, Ginny." The headmaster said, approaching their beds. "You will be pleased to know that after a discussion with the Minister, it has been decided that half the Dementors around the castle will be withdrawn, and an investigation will be started into why they entered the grounds."

Harry just frowned. Ginny, sensing he was upset, squeezed his hand again. She had moved back over to her own bed once her parents had left, not knowing who might walk in and see them. She didn't know why Harry seemed annoyed with the Headmaster, but knew that there was probably a good reason for it.

"I must ask, Harry. What did the Dementors make you see that caused you to react so badly?"

Harry just shook his head. "With all due respect sir, I don't want to answer that." Ginny could sense his emotions were in turmoil, and tried to project calmness back at him, although not really knowing how.

"Why ever not, my boy?" Dumbledore asked, surprised.

"You know they're awful memories for me – that should be enough for you to work it out. It's bad enough I have to relieve them in my nightmares and with the Dementors, let alone with you dissecting my life when you don't even care why we're here in the Hospital Wing!"

"Harry, my boy, those memories and why you are caused to relieve them could be of great importance." Dumbledore asserted. "And what do you mean, I haven't shown any concern for you?" He added, questioningly.

"Just that, sir! You came in here and immediately started on about the Dementors and their after effects, without even simply asking how we felt, or what had happened to Ginny in the first place. But as you don't want to ask, then we won't answer." Harry replied, letting some of his anger show. He didn't really mind about himself, but that Dumbledore had just basically ignored Ginny, given he didn't even know why she had fainted the day before, was what really frustrated him.

"All right. Miss Weasley, I'm glad you are looking better now. Do you know what it was that caused you to faint yesterday?" Dumbledore asked, appealing to the younger girl's better senses. He knew that Harry could let his emotions get away from him sometimes.

"I think Harry has spoken for both of us, headmaster." Ginny replied, her voice hard. While at first she hadn't understood his anger, now it made perfect sense. Dumbledore didn't care about them as their own people, just what use they could have to him.

Madam Pomfrey had heard the raised voices, and came through from her office again. "Albus, if you can't keep the children calm, then you must leave. It is imperative that they are not party to too much emotion if I am to release them tonight." She said, putting her best dragon face on. Professor Dumbledore looked over, his mouth open to protest, until he saw the look on her face.

"Um, yes, well I guess I should be leaving now. Harry, Ginny, I'll talk to you another day." He made a hasty retreat, not wanting to get on Madam Pomfrey's bad side.

Once he was gone, the matron turned to the two teens. Ginny had once again shifted over to Harry's bed and was holding him in her arms while whispering to him, trying to calm down his wild emotions. Madam Pomfrey levitated her abandoned bed back towards Harry's.

"Try and calm down, you two. It's best if you don't experience too much in the way of emotions today, at least until I release you. Otherwise you'll have to stay in here tomorrow as well." Ginny looked up at her. "I'll put a curtain around you, and stop visitors for the day. Get some rest, if you can, please." She finished, moving a curtain into place.

Ginny smiled her thanks, before she immediately turned back to comforting Harry. She was pleased that he was angry with Dumbledore on her behalf, but knew that it would be best for him to just relax now as she softly whispered in his ear again.

It was several hours later when Madam Pomfrey came to check on the two teens again. She stepped round the curtain to see them lying facing each other on the larger bed, whispering gently. She coughed loudly to make her presence known, and they looked over at her, shifting into an upright position.

"I just need to check over you both one more time, and then you can go." She told them, as she started casting spells on Harry, and then Ginny.

"Okay, you seem to have recovered fine, now just to see about your having to remain in contact." She said. "Try and let go of each other now, but if you feel any pain, then immediately take the other's hand again."

Harry and Ginny both looked understandably nervous, remembering the pain from earlier that morning, but slowly started pulling apart nevertheless. Soon, they had completely lost contact with each other, and were pleased to note that the blue bolts did not arc between their hands this time. Although it was nice having to stay with each other, it did wear thin, and they knew it wasn't practical if they were to return to lessons the next day.

"Good, that issue seems to be resolved!" Madam Pomfrey said brightly. "That's not to say it won't happen again, mind you." She warned. "I think if anything similar to this happens to either of you it will come back, and may even last longer next time – so be careful. But for now, you are free to leave. I hope I don't have to see you in here again for a long time, Harry." She smiled at him as she said this.

"Thank you Madam Pomfrey." They both replied, as they got out of bed. As Madam Pomfrey left the curtained off area, they located the change of clothes that had been left for each of them on a chair beside the bed. Turning away from each other, they both quickly changed out of the scratchy hospital pyjamas, and back into their own clothes. Then, taking each other's hand again, they left the Infirmary, hoping they wouldn't have to visit again any time soon.

On their journey back to the common room, they heard Ron complaining to Seamus and Dean on their return from dinner, the latter of which evidently having been released from the clutches of detention with Filch.

"…bloody rat's gone missing again! I don't know what's got into him this year, but he keeps disappearing. I think it's that horrific fur-ball of Hermione's – it scares him. He runs off, and then I don't see him for days, until I eventually find him wondering around the castle again."

"How do you know it's Scabbers you're finding again?" Seamus asked. "If you just randomly spot him in the castle after days of not seeing him at all, what's to say it's not another rat?"

It was a fair enough question, in Harry's opinion. As far as he knew, Scabbers had no discerning features. After all, he was just a common rat. Ron however, had a different idea.

"He's missing a toe on his front right paw. Has done ever since Percy got him. We don't know how it happened, but I haven't ever seen another rat with the same issue, so it's a good way to identify him."

"Fair enough." Dean commented. "I don't know why you're looking for him though – I would have thought you'd jump at the chance to be rid of him."

"Well yeah, he Is useless. But we can't exactly afford another pet, so I'll take whatever I can get – he's better than nothing." Ron said. Dean and Seamus wisely chose not to comment any further – they knew Ron was touchy about money.

In the next few moments the three boys had left Harry and Ginny's earshot, but they had heard enough.

"Ginny, how long has Scabbers been in your family?" Harry asked.

"I know Percy had him before Ron. Apparently Percy got him soon after I was born – about 12 years ago. As far as I know, he's always been missing a toe, but I've never heard of him running off this often before." Ginny commented.

"Huh. I guess magical rats must live longer. I remember in Muggle Primary School I had to learn about rats – a garden rat normally only lives two or three years. I guess 12 years is possible, but it seems unlikely."

"Maybe. I don't think it's overly important right now – let's head back to the common room and see if Neville and Demelza want to join us in a game of exploding snap." Ginny suggested.

Before long, Saturday had rolled around. During both Quidditch practices that week, Harry had been forced to practice with a school broom, although he still left the best one for Ginny to use. The way he saw it, if necessary Ginny could take his place in the next game, and at least get some time on the pitch that year, if he couldn't get a new broom in time.

Practices had been brutal, as Harry had attempted to get used to the old broom. However, the difference between it and his Nimbus 2000 was considerable, and he spent Wednesday evening narrowly avoiding Bludgers, rather than helping Ginny practicing Seeking. Saturday morning went a little better, but only because Wood changed it up so that Fred and George, along with Colin Creevey and Ritchie Coote, all aimed Bludgers at all five Chasers (not including Ginny) so that she and Harry could work on Seeking for the session.

Harry was relieved when Quidditch practice was over. Even though he was out of the Bludgers' way that day, Colin and Ritchie were still missing some of their shots, so he still had to keep an eye out around him. The much slower reaction time of the school broom causing him several issues. Once showered, he and Ginny made their way up to Godric's Study, where they awaited Fred and George.

With the Marauder's Map open on the low table in front of them, Harry and Ginny curled up together on the loveseat and sighed contentedly. Soon, they started kissing each other lightly, but were quickly interrupted by a cough from Godric, in his portrait above the fireplace.

"Excuse me Harry, Ginny. According to your map, it appears that Fred and George Weasley are waiting outside the entrance to this study. Are you expecting them?"

"I guess we'd better let them in." Ginny sighed. She was starting to enjoy what Harry and she had been getting up to.

"Don't worry, we can continue this later." Harry said, dropping a kiss on her head, before helping her up, then standing up himself. "Let's get your brothers in here – we've got pranks to plan."

The pair glanced at the map to make sure the Twins were alone outside, then opened the door to the fourth floor corridor. Ginny jumped out, and made her way to the Twins, who were waiting a few meters away down the hall. Taking their hands, she led them in to the Study, while Harry held the door open for them.

Ginny, Fred and George immediately entered the prank planning room, but Harry held back. He looked over at Godric. "Is there a way to ask the Study to add items to already existing rooms Godric?" He asked.

"Yes, it works in much the same way as if you want a completely new room. For a new room, just speak aloud what you wish for in here, and a new door will appear. To add something to an existing room, you should again speak aloud, but in the room you are referring to, so that magic knows where to add it."

"Thanks Godric!" Harry said, entering the prank room behind the others. Once inside, he closed the door and spoke nervously. "Uh, room, could we have a portrait of Godric Gryffindor in here please, connected with the one in the main study?" The other three looked at him as if he were mad, but sure enough, a gold-framed portrait appeared on the wall, and Godric walked in from the side, evidently from his other portrait.

"I must admit Harry," He said jovially, "I didn't think this is what you were planning, but I'm glad you want me to listen in. If you wish for it, I can attempt to provide some assistance with ideas."

"Of course Godric – that's why I wanted you here. I'm sure you know more about the school's secrets than we do – one's that we could use to our advantage!" Harry replied.

Fred and George looked at each other.

"We've got…"

"…a Hogwarts Founder…"

"…helping us plan…"

"…our pranks!"

"How cool…"

"…is that?"

Harry, Ginny and Godric laughed, before Ginny said, "Settle down Twins. We've got some planning to do."

Harry and Ginny took a loveseat on the other side of the room, while Fred and George chose a pair of identical armchairs next to the door. Godric's portrait was hanging directly between the two pairs of teenagers.

"First things first." George started. "I think we need a name."

"Maybe something related to the Marauders?" Fred suggested.

"That makes sense." Harry agreed. "I don't think it should be related to the Marauders though. Don't get me wrong, I get that they were our influence, and I know their map is going to be of a great deal of use to us, but I'm pretty certain at least Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall know who the Marauders really were. More of the teachers might as well. While that's okay for you three, it's rather incriminating for me. After all, the idea is to not get caught!"

"I see where you're coming from Harry." Ginny agreed, curling into his side and resting her head on his shoulder. "But we can still relate it to the Marauders in a way. For example, why not use part of the phrase used to open the map? Clearly, Filch never managed to open it, so I reckon we can safely assume that none of the teachers will be able to make that connection."

"That's a good idea." Fred said.

"We shouldn't use to much of it though – we don't want to make the activation phrase too obvious in case anyone else does get hold of it." George cautioned.

"Why not use 'Mischief'?" Harry suggested. "It's rather fitting, and just half of the closing sequence. That's relatively harmless, as you'd need to get the map open first, to accidently get any results from that phrase."

"That works." Agreed Fred. "It's not enough though. There needs to be a bit more to it."

After a few seconds of thinking, Ginny piped up. "What about 'Mischief Makers'?" She suggested hesitantly. "It's fitting to what we are doing, but not too incriminating either." She justified.

"That's brilliant!" Harry said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek, mindful of her brothers watching them, even if they were happy with their relationship.

"Yeah, sis, that's great." George agreed. "Now that that's settled, we need to plan our first prank."

Godric spoke up here. "Just out of interest, do you know who you are going to prank first?" He questioned. "Sometimes, a prank works best if it is tailored to the recipient."

The four looked at each other. Who were they going to prank first? Eventually, Fred spoke. "It's got to be Ron or Malfoy." He said. "Ron for how he's treating both of you, and Malfoy because he's an arrogant prick and trying to get Hagrid removed by playing up a minor injury for weeks."

"I think we need to go for Malfoy first." Harry said. "Ron may be annoying at the moment, but I don't think that pranking him is going to fix that. If anything, it might make matters worse. For now, I hope we gave him something to think about last week in the Hospital Wing. You never know, he might change his mind. But if he's still acting like this after Christmas, we can go for him then."

"That makes sense." Fred said. "Although Ron really isn't worth you giving him yet another chance. He's thrown your friendship away when he should just trust you. And that's not even getting into how he's treating Ginny. Oh well, maybe we'll get him after Christmas. He's always so easy to prank – you just need some spiders!"

"We should also do one for the whole school." George added. "Nothing like getting everyone here at once."

"Let's start with the prank on Malfoy." Ginny said. "What are we going to do to him. Obviously, it has got to be small, and short-lasting to begin with – then we can build into more obvious, longer-lasting pranks throughout the year."

"Good idea Ginny – no point going to the best pranks in our arsenal first thing – It's much better to build up to them." George concurred.

"If I may suggest something." Godric interjected. "Why not start off with something that nobody else can see. It minimises public humiliation and can remove proof if he were to go to a teacher about it. That leaves you scot-free to carry out more pranks later on, rather than being caught on the first one."

Eventually the four teenagers decided that they'd start off with shrinking underwear. Throughout the day it would slowly get smaller, so that after about ten hours it would be half the size. It was slow enough to not be noticeable, but fast enough that it would cause Malfoy issues well before the end of the day. And the best part was that he'd hopefully be too embarrassed to go to a Professor – they'd just think he was imagining things.

"Perfect." George said, once they'd decided on their course of action. "Now what shall we do for the whole school?"

"Why not something on food that makes you change into an animal. We could make it vary in duration, and by animal." Ginny suggested.

"That works." Said Harry. "We could even put some of the shorter duration and tamer animals on our own food to reduce the risk of being caught – that way the few people that don't get caught by the food will look very suspicious."

"Look at Ickle Harry – already starting to think like a prankster!" George teased.

"I think we've corrupted him." Fred agreed.

Fred and George agreed that they would work on a light powder that could be sprinkled on the food for breakfast while it was in the kitchens. They would sprinkle it across the food, leaving some with less powder, and some with none. The less powder, the shorter it would last. There would also be a variety of animals, so the Great Hall would be rather amusing come prank day.

"We should do the prank on Malfoy this week." Fred suggested. "We've already got a batch of Slow-Shrink Powder prepared, so we just need to get it into Malfoy's laundry. We'll head down on Monday to do that - the house-elves like us so they won't mind. Then in a fortnight we should have the other powder ready – we'll speak to you then and we can all go down to the kitchens to put that in place."

"Excellent – we'll speak to you again soon guys." Harry said, as they made their way to the exit onto the seventh floor to see the twins out. All in all it had been a productive session, with two pranks having been planned. It was getting quite late, so once the twins had left, Harry and Ginny made their way into the bedroom. After quickly changing into their nightwear, they snuggled up together in bed and shared a few kisses before they both fell asleep, exhausted from the Quidditch practice and prank planning that had been going on that day.