The 7th Child

A/N: Well, I've returned. Sorry it's taken so long for me to update; I've had the worst case of writer's block, but I've got something typed out now! (Also, I thought I'd updated in May, then I looked at apparently the last time I updated was at the start of April? Time appears to be moving at some superhuman speed in lockdown)

I'm gonna try and explain more about Harry, I know it doesn't really make sense that he's not shouting about Ginny and the Weasley's behaviour, so I'm gonna try and explain that more.

Anyway, as always, I don't own anything. Please favourite, follow and review!

Eve x

Chapter 10: The Safety of Silence

Harry sat with Ron in the Gryffindor dormitory, the newly repaired drapes fluttering around them. The house-elves evidently had obviously been busy repairing the room; it looked just as it did before the break-in. The other boys had gone down to the common room to give the two best friends some space; since it was assumed that Sirius Black was after Harry, it was only natural that Ron would want to describe the events to Harry alone.

"But if he's after me, why would he attack your bed? Do you reckon he was confused?"

Ron shrugged. "Maybe, I mean, it's not like he's gonna know which bed you're in mate. The thing is, like if Ginny is still hanging round with him, he might have attacked me for her, y'know? Ginny's always ready to, like, humiliate you if you've done something to her, she's kind of a bitch sometimes. And since they're both death eaters…"

Harry tightened his fists as Ron laid into his sister (ex-sister, Harry harshly reminded himself). Through the red mist that had settled across his vision, he didn't hear the uncertainty that coloured Ron's voice when he called Ginny a death eater. Harry just sat there, anger bubbling up within him, as Ron continued to obliviously insult Ginny to someone who had continuously protested her innocence. And to think, Harry thought that Ron was actually beginning to believe that Ginny was innocent. Harry thought that Ron had been forced into accepting Ginny's guilt the Minister. Harry thought…

"Harry, mate, you still with me?" Ron's voice cut through Harry's angry thoughts and the raven-haired boy turned his attention back to his ginger friend. "I was just saying that poor Scabbers must be on the verge of a heart attack, first Hermione's attack cat, now Sirius Black! I'm surprised he hasn't just keeled over from the stress. Poor bugger. And like he'd been so much happier over the summer, with Ginny being in prison and all, cos like they hated each other, but now he's even worse than before!"

Harry couldn't help himself. "Well, I'm glad that Scabbers is your top priority and not your sister who is stuck with an absolute madman, who is responsible for the deaths of my parents."

Ron looked up, not picking up on the sarcastic tone of his friend. "Well, I am worried about Ginny, because she's not even a teenager yet and she's stuck with a crazy man, even if she is a death eater. But like Scabbers has been with my family for like almost as long now, so he's a major part of the family as well, and I'm seeing him be chased to death by a psychotic cat."

Harry exploded. "For the last time Ron, your sister is not a death eater! She was possessed by Voldemort, and you'd think people would believe me since I fought the fucker! I thought you were beginning to see sense, you actually wondered about her location after the first break-in! But no, all you bloody care about is that stupid rat!"

Ron looked shocked; his blue eyes wide as they stared at Harry. "Bloody hell mate calm down. Why didn't you say something about this earlier?"

"Calm down? Calm down?! No, I bloody won't calm down! I didn't say something earlier because you are my bloody best friend, basically my brother, and a good guy deep down, and that makes you my family and I don't have enough of that to be able to afford to lose some! But apparently you do! You are so willing to believe the minister because it's easier, but you shouldn't be doing that if it means abandoning your family! And anyway, Dumbledore said that Ginny didn't do it, and you are seriously going to believe Fudge over Dumbledore?! Are you actually as stupid as Malfoy says you are?!" Harry was livid. It had all come tumbling out in one gigantic torrent of anger. He was shaking with rage and kept his furious gaze on Ron's pale face.

"But, but Harry, my mum and dad…"

"No! That's not an excuse! They're just as bad as you and you should have said something! Anything! But you didn't because mummy gave you more attention and you got more money to spend on yourself, so you didn't bother questioning it, until you absolutely had to!" Harry took a deep breath, and with superhuman effort, reigned his temper in. "I used to think that your family was perfect and that you all loved and respected each other equally. It hurts to see that I was wrong."

Ron sat, pale-faced and mouth agape, as Harry strode across the dormitory. As he reached the door, Harry turned 180 degrees so that he could see Ron.

"And by the way, Hermione's right. Cats do chase rats, it's not her bloody fault."

And with that, Harry left the dormitory.

-The 7th Child-

Harry strode towards the headmaster's office, still furious with Ron and with himself. He should have said something to Ron earlier, but he was so scared of losing the closest thing to a family that he had, so he just ignored it. Now he wanted to speak to Dumbledore. Dumbledore had evaded all of his questions about Ginny and hadn't given him any way of dealing with the Weasleys. Hermione had been more helpful than the great wizard, and frankly, Harry wanted answers. He wanted to know why Dumbledore wasn't making more of an effort to find Ginny, especially since she was with a bloody mass murderer. She might even be dead if Sirius Black had got bored of her...

"Well, Mr Potter, bit late to be exploring the castle isn't it?" Harry heard the voice of his least favourite professor and stiffened. He'd been in such a rage he'd forgotten his invisibility cloak. "I think 20 points and a week's detention will suffice."

Harry went red and had to physically bite his tongue in order to stop himself from screaming obscenities at the greasy-haired potions professor. He was already in a foul mood, and this interruption had done absolutely nothing for his temper. Harry took a deep breath and was about to calmly (well, as calmly as he could manage) explain that he was going to see Dumbledore before he was interrupted.

"Severus, I don't believe that a punishment will be necessary, given that I requested to speak to Harry this evening, given the events of the previous night." Dumbledore emerged from the shadows, his blue eyes twinkling madly. "My apologies Harry, I meant to give you a note to inform any of the professors who might have stumbled upon you on your way here, but it must have slipped my mind."

Snape looked like he wanted to say something but nodded stiffly and walked off. Harry looked at Dumbledore, mouth slightly agape. He wasn't scheduled to meet with Dumbledore, and he'd only made the decision to speak to him after storming out of the Gryffindor Tower. Percy had tried to stop him, saying something about being Head Boy, but Harry had just brushed him off and kept walking. So how did Dumbledore know that Harry was going to see him?

"Sorry for the interruption Harry, but I thought you may wish to talk to me about Sirius Black, given the worrying situation in Gryffindor Tower that occurred last night."

Harry nodded, wondering (not for the first time) if Dumbledore could read minds.

"Well then" The cheerful old man said. "Shall we head up to my study? I'm sure the house-elves could bring us up some tea if you would like some."

Once again, Harry nodded, and followed Albus Dumbledore down the corridor, past the griffin statute ('Custard Creams' was the password), and into the cosy office, which Harry had been in only 7 months earlier. 7 months ago, when Harry had told Dumbledore exactly what had happened, and that Ginny wasn't to blame. But she still got arrested, maybe in this very room. Harry was so engrossed in his thoughts, that he didn't notice Dumbledore offering him the customary lemon drop until he was asked a second time. Harry politely refused, and made his way to the armchair that Dumbledore indicated he should sit in.

"So, Harry, did you wish to speak with me, or did you only wish to avoid Professor Snape?" Dumbledore began the conversation with a jovial tone, his blue eyes twinkling.

"No Professor, I wanted to talk to you."

"About what, Harry?" Dumbledore asked kindly.

And then Harry let it all out. Normally, he held things in but tonight, with Ron, and with the break-in last night, Harry was at his wits end. He spoke about Ginny, about Sirius Black, about the Weasleys; he even mentioned Crookshanks and Scabbers, although he failed to notice the shadow that passed across the headmaster's face when he mentioned the latter. Finally, when he was done, he looked up at Dumbledore.

"I can assure you Harry, that I am doing everything in my power to find Ginny and protect her. She won't be harmed. And as for the Weasleys, I believe that if you speak to Ronald, he may actually surprise you. Oh, before you go Harry, here is a note, just in case you run into some more well-meaning professors."

Harry didn't think Snape was well-meaning at all, but he didn't bother saying this to Professor Dumbledore. He stood up, thanked Professor Dumbledore for his time, took the note and turned to leave.

"Oh Harry, please tell Ronald that cats do chase rats, its perfectly natural." Harry looked back at the Professor who appeared to be holding in laughter.

"I will do Professor." Harry said, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"And you would all do well to remember something I said at the start of the year; that the truth can be found in even the most tangled web of lies if one only takes their time."

Harry nodded. "Goodnight Professor."

And with that, he left.

-The 7th Child-

Dumbledore put his head in his hands, seconds after Harry had left his office. Sirius Black was going to give him a heart attack with his galivanting around. It was really putting a wrench in his plans to give Harry some form of childhood, but he would rather it was Sirius doing this than Lord Voldemort. He was not surprised that Harry had lost his temper with the Weasley boy, only surprised it had taken this long. Harry's concern for Ginny was very unusual, however. He didn't think they had spoken much at all last year, although Dumbledore did recall something to do with a poem during the rather garish Valentine's day celebrations. But Harry's concern for Ginny could only be a good thing, Dumbledore firmly reminded himself. It shows he has the capacity to love that Tom lacks. That was key.

He was concerned, however, about what the lying could do to his relationship with Harry. Would the boy trust him again? He had to, that was imperative. Dumbledore suddenly felt very tired. Even though he often played all of his cards close to his chest, this was taking more of a toll than he thought. It was true that Ginny and Sirius had been exceptionally helpful, but he now needed all of his closest allies working together. This was the only way. Grabbing a piece of parchment, he quickly scribbled a note on it and sent Fawkes to find its recipient.

Merlin, he hoped Severus would hurry.

-The 7th Child-

Severus Snape was a rather unhappy man. Any student of Hogwarts could tell you this, given his penchant for taking it out on students from other houses. Many staff members would agree. However, only one other person knew the reason of Snape's sadness.

You see, Snape had made one incredibly awful mistake, over 12 years ago, that had cost his love her life. Even though he had not been the one she loved, he mourned her passing like no-one else. He even mourned the death of her husband, loathe as he was to admit it. He may have been the bane of Snape's adolescence, but he loved her and made her happy in ways Snape couldn't. And for that, Snape mourned him. For even if he had lived, and she had died, her memory would have lived on in one who knew her more intimately than anyone else. But he was dead, as was she. Snape had been foolish, and blinded, and his narrow-minded beliefs had destroyed the family of the only woman he would ever love. It was this self-hatred that caused him to lash out (in a controlled manner; he was still a Slytherin after all), with most of his ire being directed towards the one survivor of that god-awful night. The boy had to hate him, even though it would never be for the reason that he should. Severus Snape would ensure that he would not be forgiven for his grave, grave error.

However, in some of his more positive moments, Severus Snape remembered that he only set the Dark Lord on the path to the Potters. It was that Sirius Black who betrayed those who trusted him and gave the Dark Lord their location. For that, Severus hated the man with a passion that nearly surpassed the passion he felt for Lily Potter. He remembered being surprised that Black was the traitor, given how close he was to James Potter, but when offered power, some men would stab their own mother in the heart. He was also surprised that he had never seen Black at any Death Eater meetings, but the Dark Lord played his cards close to his chest, rather like his main adversary. The best spies were only known to the puppet-masters. Black was obviously too important to be paraded round the Dark Lord's inner circle; though if everything had gone to plan, it was likely Black would have become the Dark Lord's second in command.

So, when Snape had heard that Black had been in the castle, and could have succeeded in killing Lily's son, the deep well of hatred sprung up again. He had immediately gone to Dumbledore to vent his frustrations with the lack of security (and the pretence that he was only concerned for his Slytherins), yet Dumbledore had sent him away, simply saying that he would look into it. The headmaster hadn't even stayed completely on school grounds this year; he'd had far more business to look into. Snape hoped he was assisting the Ministry in finding Black, but for some reason, he seriously doubted it. And now, after speaking to Potter, Dumbledore wished to speak with him? Had the boy finally spurred the headmaster into action? Whatever it was, it would not do for Snape to keep the Headmaster waiting. Snape walked speedily towards to office, looking eerily like a bat with his black robes billowing behind him.

Finally arriving at his destination, Snape snapped the password at the statue and entered the spiral staircase leading to the headmaster's study. Without waiting for permission to enter, Snape strode into the room, coming up short when he looked upon the headmaster. For the first time in the many years that Snape had known Dumbledore, he looked old and tired. Something bad must have happened.

"Albus, what did you need from me?"

"I need to tell you something Severus. But first I need you to swear that it will not leave this room."

"Of course. You have my word." Snape looked at Dumbledore. This might be more interesting than he previously anticipated.

"Sirius Black did not betray the Potters. It was Peter Pettigrew. Black broke into Gryffindor Tower to kill Peter where he currently resides as Ronald Weasley's pet rat. In addition to this, Ginny is most certainly innocent, as she had been under the influence of one of Tom Riddle's horcruxes."

Snape looked at the headmaster in utter disbelief. "You expect me to believe that Sirius Black was not the Potters' secret keeper?"

"He was not. He believed that he would be too obvious and convinced them to use someone else. Harry Potter had a map that even identifies Pettigrew as Ronald Weasley's rat, although he has not realised that that is what is happening, nor has he brought it up to me. So, unfortunately, I cannot use that as proof. However, Mr Weasley's rat is missing one toe, just as Pettigrew would be missing one finger. And, if my memory serves me correctly, animagus' carry their most notable characteristics across with them into their animal form."

Snape slumped into one of the armchairs. "Pettigrew being the traitor makes more sense than Black, looking at it logically. But what do you mean, Ginny Weasley was under the influence of a horcrux? No-one would dare make something so vile, not even the Dark Lord."

"Alas, Severus, he did. He made a least three of them, possibly seven. I believe it to be either of these numbers due to their strong magical association. And, I believe Ginny is no longer using the name Weasley, given that she was disowned."

Snape sat up straighter in his chair. "And how do you know that Albus?"

Albus Dumbledore leaned forwards on his elbows. "This must never be repeated Severus, do you understand? At least not in the immediate future. It would not do for the Ministry or Mr Potter to find out about this yet; the timing is not quite right."

Snape nodded his consent, and motioned for the headmaster to continue. Dumbledore smiled grimly and continued speaking.

"I have been in contact with Sirius and Ginny since September 1st. It is also why I have often been away on business this year; I have been assisting with Ginny's education when I can. They have been of the utmost help ever since I found them; in fact, it was them who confirmed my suspicions about the nature of the diary and the existence of multiple horcruxes. I have only told you this as I need all my allies working together on this."

Snape nodded. Finally the oddities of this year were beginning to make sense. He only had one more question. "So why, pray tell me, has that rat been allowed to continue to breathe? I won't call it living; with Weasley has his owner, I'm sure he lives in constant fear of being either blown up by his Weasley's excuse for spell-casting or gassed to death by Weasley given the amount of food he consumes."

Dumbledore allowed a small smile. "Severus, you mustn't insult the students. That being said, it is not yet the proper moment for Peter to be discovered."

Snape rolled his eyes. "And when is the proper moment?"

Dumbledore stood up. "I feel that conversation is best had with the others it affects. Now Severus, are you coming with me?"

Snape stood up, and moved towards the fireplace, before Dumbledore intercepted him. "Ah, we will not be going by floo, Severus."

"Then how are we going to get there?" Snape drawled.

Dumbledore took Snape's arm and they vanished; they reappeared in a grey square in the middle of muggle London. Snape lurched away from the elderly man; side-by-side apparition always made his stomach turn. As he regained his bearings, he looked around before Dumbledore's voice startled him to attention.

"Sirius Black and Ginny live at 12 Grimmauld Place."

And as a house began to emerge, Severus Snape began to understand how they hadn't been found.

-The 7th Child-

As Harry left Dumbledore's office, he thought upon what the headmaster said and how he should approach Ron. He slightly regretted his outburst earlier, he didn't want to lose his first friend. Ron was basically his brother, he needed him. Harry was so consumed with his musings that he didn't notice Snape striding past him; the potions professor also didn't appear to see Harry. He arrived at the Gryffindor tower quicker than he anticipated; he had been so engrossed he'd walked at a much faster pace than normal. Taking a deep breath, Harry gave the password and entered the common room.

Given the late hour, the common room was empty at first glance, though the fire still roared in the fireplace. Looking around again, Harry saw a figure sitting on the floor, partially shielded from view by an overstuffed armchair. Harry made his way over to his best friend and swallowed nervously as Ron looked up.

"I'm sorry I yelled at you before." Harry began, before he was cut off by Ron.

"No mate, you were right. Not about the Scabbers and Crookshanks thing, but about everything else." Ron's ears had gone red, as they were prone to do when he was angry or upset. "I don't think Ginny did it. Like I don't. But my mum, she likes things to be done her way. It's her way or no way. So its easier to go along with it, y'know? And I know I went kind of overboard, but Percy's here and he likes to be the favourite and I didn't know what to do. And like, I was getting more attention and it felt like I was actually Ron, not like the youngest son, you get me? The only thing is, Ginny did leave with that death eater. Like, that's what's really thrown me, y'know mate? Anyway, Hermione will probably tell me I was being a prat not telling you guys sooner."

Harry could barely restrain his grin. "I'm in the same boat of you about the death eater thing. I'm hoping she's been kidnapped, not gone with him voluntarily. And yeah Hermione probably will call you a prat mate. But she might be so glad you seeing sense that she might just snog you! Hell Neville might!"

Harry laughed as Ron turned bright red, before he was pulled into a hug, the two boys thumping each other's backs. Ron pulled away from the hug first, a quizzical look on his face.

"What did you mean, Neville might snog me?"

And Harry started laughing again.