25. A chase scene

Tensions in the castle just kept escalating. Dumbledore was no longer there to advise the group of friends. Petrification of students continued even as the headmaster was removed. The trio weren't exempt. To their horror, Hermione had been turned to stone not too long ago.

Without Hermione, the boys didn't have a logical trail to really follow. Most of the heavy investigation had been done through their female friend.

Harry had just finished another day of not so enjoyable Quidditch practice. He hadn't even bothered to change because it was awkward enough with everyone so tense and suspicious of him in the changing rooms. Broom in hand, Harry talked to Ron about their next course of action.

"How about the forest? Hagrid told us to go there", Ron supplied.

Harry shook his head, "It isn't worth the risk. We're already down one member, we can't afford another. Hagrid tends to underestimate the dangers of his creatures. No, we're going to have to apply ourselves… intellectually."

Ron looked at him like he was some sort of imposter.

"You two are right pair of idiots", a slightly high pitched voice stated above them. It caused both boys to search for the voice. "Right here", the voice guided.

Fluttering in the air was a tanned skin fairy in a simple green dress that covered slightly puffed pants. She sat on the back of a hummingbird that was lowering towards them. From a relaxed posture, she directed the bird around the two young wizards.

"Without the other one, you like a pair of headless chickens."

"You act like you could do better!" Ron replied in agitation.

Instead of being intimidated, the fairy merely snickered at Ron's attitude. "This castle is ripe with dark magic and still you can't find your target. Try using your eyes for a change. All around us is filled with nastiness. But since I'm so nice, I'll tell you. Walkup ahead and you will find the answer to your little riddle."

Ron broke into a run, while Harry waited and thanked the fairy for her guidance. She waved him off and he chased after his friend. Now alone, the fairy snorted, "Wizards, they were never the brightest bunch." The fairy pulled the harness of the bird and flew out of the castle.

Harry and Ron walked down the long corridor until they heard the sound of a familiar girl. Her voice was overlaid with a deeper and harsher voice. When they peeked around the corner, they saw Ginny, Ron's sister, roughly holding Professor Lockhart by the neck.

The foppish man was stammering and frightful, "N-N-Now hold on a moment Ms. Weasley. We can talk these matters out."

He received a snarl for his troubles. "Be silent you buffoon. You live by my design and patience. I grow tired of your games and falsehoods. It is time I finish my business with you."

"Ginny! What are you doing!?" Ron cried as he revealed himself. Harry reluctantly followed suit.

Said girl almost snarled, but did not move closer. Instead, she pulled her wand and chanted, "Reducto."

A blue magical light shot right at Ron. Harry quickly pulled his friend aside. The portion of the wall that had been hit was blasted to pieces. Both boys coughed as dust spread in the halls. As the dust cleared, they saw Ginny, with the professor dragged along, leaving the scene.

Her pace was unnaturally fast. Looking carefully, Harry saw that she wasn't walking or running, instead she was gliding just above the ground and was picking up speed.

"We have to chase after her." Ron cried as he pointed towards his fleeting sister.

"Hop on." Harry sat on his broom. Even as he told him to sit down, it elongated and grew more durable. Ron jumped behind Harry. Then they were off. Harry sped up to catch up to Ginny.

Ginny didn't appreciate it. With a flick of the wand, statues were flung in their direction. Using his natural affinity on a broom, he narrowly dodged the projectiles. From up ahead, Ginny disregarded the need for surfaces and glided floors down. Harry wasn't going to let her get away.

Tilting the broom downwards, he blasted down the sides of the stairways. Ron was hollering in excitement, his concerns forgotten for a moment of pure exhilaration.

Harry could relate. But they weren't catching up as fast as they would've liked, so Harry sought to remedy that. "Keep it steady", he directed to Ron. Getting up, he pulled out his wand and aimed it at a stone pot, "Avifors!" The pot became a flock of bird and Harry directed them at Ginny.

Almost comically, Ginny used Professor Lockhart's body as a repellant. Ron's hands were trembling from the erratic movements Harry was using on the broom. Ginny had made a hard left and the boys were on pursuit.

A voice began to echo in the walls and Harry recognized it as the fervent 'protector.' From a moving shadow, Harry saw that Ginny had gone into the girl's restroom.

Harry and Ron looked at each other. "Do we have to?" Ron questioned in defeat.

Harry nodded grimly and slowly flew the broom into the bathroom. He saw a trapdoor closing and blasted his way in just before it closed. They were closing in on Ginny.