Chapter 8: Hatching Gifts

As the spinning sensation passed, Harry felt a hard floor under his feet. Harry wondered if the Magic of the Potter portkey was different from the one that he had taken to the Quidditch World Cup because it seemed so much more gentle. He heard the clatter of the girls' heels on the floor as everything came into view. Harry glanced around quickly as a sense of home washed over him. They were standing in a large entry hall made of black and white marble with inlaid gold and silver. A huge fireplace with a Gryffindor Crest Tapestry above the mantle stood behind them. An enormous staircase with a deep red carpet in the center was to their left with alcoves of white marble busts lining the far wall. In front of them were Arthur and Molly Weasley, Sirius, Remus, and three people Harry had never seen before.

"Welcome to Potter Manor, kids," James smiled at the awed looks on their faces.

"Oh, you all look fabulous!" Molly beamed as she came forward to give each of them a tight hug. When she got to Harry and Ginny her smile grew even more at their intertwined hands. "You two look so lovely together."

"Thanks, mum," Ginny grinned as she hugged Molly. Harry smiled as Molly crushed him next.

"Kids, this is Sirius' cousin Andromeda, her husband Ted, and her daughter Dora," Lily pointed to each. Lily turned to the kids. "Wave when I call your name. That's Hermione, Fred, George, Ron, Harry, and Ginny. You know Rose already."

"Wotcher, Dora," Rose waved before going over to her to give her a hug.

"Wotcher, Rosie," Dora smiled.

"Wait," Harry grinned. "Dora as in Remus' girlfriend?"

"The same, cub," Remus nodded as he took Dora's hand.

"Kids, if you'll all follow Sirius and Rose, they'll show you to your rooms," Lily motioned to the rest of them. "Not you two, Harry, Ginny," Lily placed a hand on Harry's arm. Harry and Ginny looked at her questioningly. Lily just gestured for them to wait.

After everyone else was out of sight on the massive staircase, James motioned for Harry and Ginny to follow him and Lily as they led Molly and Arthur into the sitting room. Lily motioned for them all to have a seat on the sofas that were facing each other. Molly raised an eyebrow, wondering what this was about as she sat down with Arthur.

"First, welcome to our home," James started.

"Thank you for having us, James," Arthur nodded. He gave James a suspicious look.

"Second," Lily took a deep breath. "We have some things to tell all of you."

"Like what?" Molly asked with concern in her voice.

"Nothing bad, I assure you, Molly," Lily answered. "It's more of explaining why we are welcoming you into our family." Molly looked confused. Lily turned to Harry and Ginny. "Maybe this would be easier if you could show them."

Harry and Ginny nodded. They had figured out that the more emotion they put into a kiss or tender moment, the more likely their bond would react and glow. Harry pulled Ginny closer as they leaned in, kissing each other gently. The glow of their bond lit the room around them.

"What in Merlin?" Molly exclaimed in shock. Arthur took a heavy breath.

"Let me try, Lily?" Ginny asked. Lily nodded. "Mum, dad, when Harry saved me, something happened. We…we formed a soul bond."

"What?" Molly asked weakly. "But…but those are just…just a myth." Arthur remained silent as he looked at James and Lily. James nodded to Arthur as they shared a look between them. Molly looked at Arthur with a strange look. "What is it, Arthur?"

"Soul bonds are rare but very real, Molly dear," Arthur sighed. He turned to James. "Have you told them about the other part of it yet?"

"No," James answered. "We were waiting to tell them that with you and Molly."

"Tell us what, dad?" Harry asked.

"There is a side of a soul bond we didn't mention to you," James answered. "A legal side."

"Legal side?" Molly asked still in shock.

"Harry, Ginny," Lily started as she sat next to them. "Remember when we said your bond was for the rest of your lives?"

"Yeah," Harry answered slowly.

"That's because it is," Lily nodded. "You and Ginny have been and will remain, until Ginny turns sixteen, betrothed."

"What?" Ginny breathed with wide eyes. Harry's mouth gaped open wide.

"After you turn sixteen, ginger bear," Arthur swallowed as he glanced at Molly who was still in shock. "You and Harry will be considered…married."

"What?" Molly screeched. She swung her head between everyone else in disbelief.

"Molly," Arthur took her hand to draw her attention. Molly turned to him, still with wide eyes. "A soul bond will not let someone live happily without the other half of the bond. Harry and Ginny are basically two people with one soul. Hence, the old laws of betrothal and marriage." He paused as he motioned over to them. "Look at them, Molly. Do they look unhappy? Do they look disappointed? Do they look angry about this?"

Molly turned to see Harry and Ginny staring at each other with grins on their faces.

"You get to have your old wish, you know that, Gin?" Harry asked with a teasing smile.

"I know," Ginny nodded. "But what about you?"

"My biggest wish is to make you happy," Harry answered. "And since we broke the block on our bond, I've truly and honestly fallen deeply and irreversibly in love with you, Gin."

"I want to hear it, Potter," Ginny raised an eyebrow at Harry.

"I love you, Ginny," Harry smiled.

"I love you, too, Harry," Ginny broke into a huge grin. She pulled Harry in for another kiss, forgetting they were not alone in the room. Their bond glowed twice as brightly as before.

Lily cleared her throat. Harry and Ginny jumped as they broke about.

"Uh…sorry, mum," Harry blushed. Lily just smirked as she patted his arm.

James sat down next to Molly. "As you can see, it would be useless to argue with that," he stated. "Molly, whether we like it or not, approve of it or not, we can't change it."

"Nor can we break it," Arthur put in.

"Because of their bond, that makes you and your whole family part of our family," James told Molly as she continued to stare at Harry and Ginny. They stood after Lily spoke quietly to them, walking over to stand in front of Arthur and Molly.

"Harry," Arthur smiled as he stood. "We have always considered you part of our family. All this does is make it official." He pulled Harry into a hug.

"Thanks, Mr. Weasley," Harry smiled.

Molly slowly stood. She placed a hand on Ginny's cheek with a soft smile. "Are you truly happy with this, Ginny dear?"

"Yes, mum," Ginny answered. Molly nodded with a smile. She pulled Harry and Ginny into a tight, bone-crushing hug.

"Then I am happy for you, dears," Molly told them after letting them go. She turned to Harry. "Just promise me, you will give her a proper wedding day."

"I plan on it, Mrs. Weasley," Harry nodded.

"I'll take you to Gringotts over the Hols, so you can pick out a ring from the Family Vault, Harry," James nodded before Harry could ask.

"Thanks, dad," Harry grinned.

"We should probably keep all of this between us for the time being," Lily suggested. "Or at least until they're ready to explain it to your sons and our daughter, even though Hermione and Rose have already seen the glow."

"At least for now," Ginny nodded.

"Or until they start asking too many questions, like Hermione is bound to do," Harry put in.

Harry awoke slowly as he felt something soft on his lips. A feeling of caring and love flooded his awareness as his brain became conscious. Harry opened his eyes to see a blurry mass of red framing a blurry smiling face. He didn't need his glasses to know it was Ginny leaning over him. He grinned as he leaned up slightly capturing her lips in a heated kiss. They were lost in each other until they heard the door slam open. Harry and Ginny broke apart to glare toward the door.

"If you two are done saying 'good morning' with your lips," Rose smirked at them, "it is Christmas morning!"

"Yeah!" Ron half-shouted. "We got presents to open!"

"Yeah, yeah," Ginny waved as she grabbed Harry's glasses for him. "Here, love."

"Thanks, love," Harry smiled as he put them on. He turned to see Rose, Ron, Hermione, and the twins standing in his doorway. "Be there in a mo."

Harry slid out of his bed, taking Ginny's hand as they followed the rest of the teens down the stairs. Ron was practically running down the stairs. The twins shook their heads at him as they walked hurriedly but sedately compared to Ron. Rose and Hermione giggled at how much of a hurry Ron was in to get to the sitting room.

As they stepped off the stairs, they heard voices from the sitting room. Harry and Ginny entered to find the house elves serving tea and coffee to Remus and Dora. Remus looked up with a smile.

"Happy Christmas," Remus greeted them.

"Happy Christmas, Remus," Harry smiled. "Where's everyone else?"

"They haven't come down yet," Dora answered before stifling a yawn. Ron grumbled as he sat down in front of the tree, crossing his arms with a pout on his face. "We were all up pretty late last night."

"Coffee, Natty," Sirius spoke as he flopped down on one of the armchairs looking half asleep. He closed his eyes, leaning his head back on the chair.

"Case in point," grinned Remus. The teens laughed as Sirius didn't even react to Remus.

James and Lily entered. James held his finger to his lips as he stepped behind Sirius. Lily rolled her eyes as she hugged Harry, Ginny, and Rose. James changed his arms to the front legs of his stag form, placing them on each side of Sirius' head. He slowly slid his arms over Sirius' neck. Sirius sprang up with a yelp. The room erupted in laughter. Even Lily was snickering.

"Prongs, you're a ponce!" Sirius panted. The twins looked at each other with a look of awe.

"You've missed that and you know it, Padfoot," Lily giggled. Sirius just shook his head as everyone laughed more. Harry saw the twins looking at Sirius and his father with an odd sort of reverence. He shared a grin with Ginny.

"What's that all about?" Ginny whispered to Harry.

"The Map," Harry whispered back. "The twins idolize the Marauders. I know who they are."

Ginny glanced at James, Sirius, and Remus. "No!" she looked at Harry in astonishment. Harry only nodded with a smirk.

"Happy Christmas, all," Andi smiled as she and Ted came in, followed by Molly and Arthur.

Ron wasted no more time as he started handing out the presents until he turned to see the unhappy faces of four elves.

"That be Natty and other elves' job, Mr. Ron," Natty told him with a look that left no room for argument.

"Uh…sorry," Ron swallowed. "Just…overexcited."

"Ron," James called. Ron turned as James motioned him away from the tree. "Let the elves do their job. Come have some tea."

Ron blushed as he joined the rest of the family as they gathered around the coffee table. Before long, Natty and the other elves had the gifts passed out to their recipients. Harry and Ginny shared a sofa with James and Lily as they started opening the presents. Harry smiled at Ginny as they both started with their gift from James and Lily. They found matching real dragon-hide wrist wand holsters in the long flat boxes. Among the other gifts were the yearly Weasley sweaters that Molly always made and gave out on Christmas. Lily grinned as she opened her sweater, slipping it on immediately.

"Thank you, Molly. These are great," Lily smiled at her.

"You're very welcome, Lily," Molly nodded. "As you said last night, we're family."

Soon everyone was wearing a Weasley sweater as they found them in their gifts. Rose grinned broadly as she slipped on her pale green sweater with a red "R" on the front. For once, Ron didn't complain about his sweater as he opened and put it on. He grinned seeing it wasn't maroon, but a nice shade of light blue like the accent colors of his dress robes.

Harry and Ginny were careful about not causing their bond to glow when they opened the other's present, knowing Rose and Hermione were watching them closely. Harry had given Ginny a charm bracelet with several charms on it. Ginny had gotten Harry a braided leather band with a rune woven into it. They hugged and shared a short kiss, but made sure not to put too much emotion into it.

As the gifts dwindled down, Rose grinned as Ron picked up one of his gifts. It was a small square box, wrapped in blue paper. Harry tapped Rose on the shoulder as he saw her reaction. Rose just smirked at him. As Ron opened the box, a puff of white powder shot out, covering him. Everyone laughed as Ron froze, sputtering out powder from his mouth.

"Rose," Lily tried to scold her, but it was lost because of Lily's laughter.

"No," Ron raised a hand with a chuckle. "It's alright, Lily. I deserved it. I was a git and made a stupid comment to Rose and Hermione before the Yule Ball. This was just payback."

"I did get you an actual gift, too," Rose giggled.

"At least we know what you'll look like as an old man, Ron," Ginny giggled. Ron frowned but thought better than to make a comment.

"You have one of those too, I see," Molly frowned as she pointed at Rose, then Fred and George.

"No, I have four," Lily sighed, pointing to Rose, James, Sirius, and Remus. "And I've had to deal with these three since our first year at Hogwarts."

"I was never as bad about pranks as these two," Remus argued sounding offended.

"Oh, that's rubbish, Moony, and you know it," Sirius disagreed.

The twins shared another look of awe. Harry caught their eyes, giving them a silent nod. Ginny giggled quietly as the twins stared at each other with open mouths. She took Harry's hand with a little squeeze trying to contain her giggle. Fred and George suddenly bowed low in front of James, Sirius, and Remus.

"Oh, Great Marauders, please teach us your ways," they praised.

"Oh, so you know of us?" Sirius grinned. Remus raised an eyebrow. James smiled.

"Oh, no," Lily groaned. Harry and Ginny snickered.

Harry leaned over to James, lowering his voice. "They found the Map, and gave it to me."

"Really?" James grinned. Molly rolled her eyes at the twins who were still bowing. Arthur hid his smile behind his hand. Andi and Ted looked confused as Dora was quietly giggling.

"Don't you even think about it, James," Lily warned him.

"Lils…" James started.

"Don't you 'Lils' me!" Lily shook her head. "You've taught Rose way too much already. And since these two came back into our lives, it's only gotten worse. I'm sure Molly wouldn't approve of it anyway."

"No, I would not!" Molly spoke up. "They cause enough mayhem without more training."

Harry tapped James. "OWLs," was all he mouthed.

"But how were their OWL scores?" James asked shrewdly.

"Horrible," Molly answered. "Three each," as she scowled at the twins. "What does that have to do with anything, James?"

"And how are Rose's grades?" James asked, turning to Lily.

"James," Lily warned as she closed her eyes. She had a feeling she was going to lose this battle.

"Lily, it's quite simple," Remus spoke up. "The twins need our help."

"Remus," Lily growled, trying to maintain some semblance of control.

"Do you remember how many OWLs we each got?" Sirius asked with a raised eyebrow at Lily.

"No, because you three were immature gits back then!" Lily ground out through gritted teeth.

"But we were 'immature gits' who received nine OWLs, each," smirked James. Lily rolled her eyes knowing she had already lost. "It's obvious the twins don't understand the correlation between jokes, pranks, and Magic."

"Are you saying," huffed Molly, "that you can teach them to be better students and pranksters? At the same time?"

"Yes," the Marauders answered.

"Merlin help Hogwarts," Lily pinched the bridge of her nose. "Minerva is going to go bonkers now."

"I'll make you a deal, Molly," offered James. "If, by the end of this term, Fred and George aren't making better grades because of our tutelage, we end their lessons."

"Keep in mind, Molly," Remus pointed to himself, "I was a prefect and one of their professors. I know how smart these two are. They just need the right motivation to excel."

"Alright," Molly agreed after a moment of thought. The twins grinned as they looked up at her. "But," she pointed at them. "You heard James' terms. Bad grades at the end of term and it ends."

"Yes, mum," Fred nodded.

"Absolutely, mum," nodded George.

"Just so it's in writing," Sirius flicked his wand, making a contract appear.

Sirius had James and Remus sign the document after he signed it before he passed it to Molly to sign. She read over the terms listed quickly. With a nod, Molly signed the parchment. She passed it to Fred. When Fred lifted the quill to sign, ink sprayed him in the face. Everyone giggled. Fred managed to sign his name and passed it to George. George held the quill out away from him to sign. Instead of ink squirting out, George received a small shock that made his hair stand on end. With still smoking hair and a puff of smoke as he coughed, George signed his name on the contract.

"And that, boys, is how it's done," Sirius smirked as everyone else laughed.

"Smile, guys!" Rose grinned as she took a picture with her new camera.

"I'm sure the Quidditch team will love it," Harry laughed. The twins sighed knowing they were in for a long Holiday and the rest of the year at school.

Rose, Hermione, and Ron followed Harry and Ginny into Harry's room after Christmas dinner having told them they had things to discuss. They sat in Harry's lounge area by the fireplace. Rose flopped down on a low, squishy cushion next to the sofa where Harry and Ginny cuddled together. Ron sat on the floor, while Hermione took the armchair.

"Does this have to do with bright glows?" Hermione asked. Rose raised an expectant eyebrow. Ron just looked at Hermione with confusion.

"No," Ginny frowned. "Not that we know what you're on about, Hermione. It's about the egg."

"I didn't bring it with me, but," Harry sighed, "anytime Gin and I have tried to open the egg, all it does is scream at us."

"Really?" Hermione looked stumped at that.

"That's why I didn't bring it with me," Harry admitted. "But, honestly, I need help. Gin's tried to help me but we haven't thought of anything, yet."

"There has to be a solution," Hermione thought out loud as she tapped her chin.

"Maybe we need some more brains to figure this out, love," Ginny suggested.

"Fred and George might have some thoughts," Ron commented.

"For once, Ron has a good idea," Ginny mocked amazement.

"I do have them," Ron shrugged.

"Who else?" Hermione asked.

"Maybe Neville, too," Harry nodded. Ron and Hermione looked at him quizzically. "He's my godbrother and with the markings on the egg, maybe someone that knows Herbology so well can help more."

"Plant markings? On an egg?" Hermione looked at Harry confused. Harry just nodded.

"I was thinking more on the lines of a certain Ravenclaw," Ginny flashed Rose a grin.

"Oh!" Rose's eyes grew big. "That's perfect! If anyone can think of a way to solve this thing by thinking outside the box, it's her!"

"Who?" Ron asked, confused.

"Luna!" Ginny and Rose spoke together. Ron groaned as he hung his head, covering his eyes.

"Who?" Hermione asked with a confused look.

"Luna Lovegood," Ginny answered. "She has close to the top marks in our year. And I've been friends with her since we were three."

"I'll take your word for it, love," Harry nodded. "The more help I have with this thing, the better. We'll just have to come up with a place to meet to save everyone else's ears from that awful screaming."

The train ride back to Hogwarts was very uneventful. There were very few students that had decided to go home for the Holidays because of the Yule Ball. With no Malfoy to cause trouble, it was a ride that was peaceful and relaxing. Harry and Ginny stayed up quite late after they arrived in the Common Room, so they could look over the Marauders' Map to find a place to hold their discussions with and about the egg. They were startled out of their focused search by a small pop. When they looked up, a smiling house elf greeted them.

"Harry Potter, sir! Dobby is being so happy to sees you again!" Dobby gushed. "Dobby is being so pleased that youse has found yours other half."

"Hi, Dobby," Harry grinned. "Gin, this is Dobby. Dobby, this is Ginny."

"The house elf that almost got you killed?" Ginny glared. She started to flick her wrist to draw her wand. Dobby whimpered.

"Gin," Harry placed a hand on her arm. "Dobby is a friend. He made up for it by saving me when he knocked Mr. Malfoy on his arse after I freed him."

"He did?" Ginny asked. She turned to Dobby. "You did?"

"Oh, yes, Ms. Ginny, ma'am," Dobby nodded proudly. "It was being my pleasure to knock old master over and save Harry Potter, sir!"

"Thank you, Dobby," Ginny grinned. "But I still have a score to settle with him for giving me that diary."

"Dobby understands, Ms. Ginny ma'am," Dobby nodded enthusiastically. He turned as he started cleaning the Common Room.

Harry looked at Dobby thoughtfully. "Dobby, since you work here in the castle now, do you know someplace that's private we could use for a meeting where we won't disturb anyone?"

"Youse could go to the Come and Go Room, Harry Potter sir," Dobby answered.

"Where is that?" Harry asked, handing the Map to the little elf. "It's not on my Map."

"The seventh floor, Harry Potter, sir," Dobby pointed. "Here. To enter, youse must pace in front of empty wall threes times whiles thinking of what youse need. Others calls it the Room of Requirement, sir."

"Sounds perfect," Harry nodded. "Thanks, Dobby."

"Youse is very welcome, Harry Potter, sir," Dobby smiled. He turned again to go about his cleaning. Harry noticed the little elf was moving a bit slow.

"Dobby," Harry looked at the little elf closely when he turned to face Harry. "Are you feeling alright? You look a little pale."

"Dobby is free elf, sir. Not being bound to a family weakens Dobby," he answered. "And Dobby is caring for another free elf that is not dealing with hers freedom wells, sir."

Ginny looked at Harry. "Do you think your parents would take in both of them?"

"Maybe," Harry shrugged. "Natty," he called.

"Yes, Harry, sir." Natty bowed after he appeared.

"Is there any chance that my parents could use two more house elves?" Harry asked.

"Yes, sir," Natty nodded. "Wes is short two personal elves for youse and Ms. Ginny, sir. Master James and Mrs. Lily was being about to ask places to find two elves for youse."

"Brilliant!" Harry smiled. "Dobby, go get the other elf you spoke of."

"Yes, sir," Dobby nodded before popping away.

"You can tell mum and dad I found some, Natty," Harry grinned. "But wait here so you can take them to the Manor for their uniforms."

"Yes, sir," Natty nodded.

With a pop, Dobby and a very familiar female elf appeared.

"Winky, youse remembers Harry Potter, sir," Dobby gestured to Harry. "This is Harry Potter, sir's other half, Ms. Ginny."

"The great Harry Potter wishes to bond with Winky?" she asked with wide eyes brimming with tears.

"My family needs two personal elves," Harry nodded. "One for me, one for Ginny." He paused as he motioned to Natty. "This is Natty, the head house elf at Potter Manor. After we bond with you, he'll take you to the Manor for your uniforms."

"Oh, yes sir," Winky nodded.

"Um…How do we do this?" Harry asked.

"Just hold out your hand to them, Harry," Ginny told him as she reached out to Winky. Harry nodded as he extended his hand to Dobby. There was a light blue flash as the little elves touched Harry and Ginny's hands.

"Youse is now Potter elves," Natty nodded. "Come with Natty."

"We'll call if we need you," Harry told them. Dobby and Winky bowed before disappearing with Natty.

Ginny smiled at Harry after the elves had left. "That 'saving people complex' of yours is adorable, you know that?"

"I…" Harry stammered as Ginny leaned very close to him. Ginny shook her head before pulling Harry into a deep kiss. The entire Common Room was lit by the bright glow of their bond, not that either of them noticed.

After making sure they could use the Room, Harry and Ginny told their friends and Rose where to meet them. Neville, Ron, and Hermione arrived together. Fred and George were just a few minutes behind them. Harry was the only one waiting for them as they arrived.

"Where's Ginny and Rose?" Ron asked.

"Bringing Luna," Harry answered as he motioned everyone into the Room.

The Room looked like a smaller version of the Common Room, complete with sofas and armchairs. Harry waited by the door as he felt Ginny getting closer. Since Christmas, their bond seemed to be growing even more. They could sense where the other was and if they were coming closer with more accuracy and distance. Harry and Ginny had both noticed that their ability to feel the other's emotions were even sharper than before. Ginny had also noticed her classes were seemingly too easy. She was scoring almost perfect on everything and could do the practical side of her classes with only one attempt. Harry looked down the corridor as Ginny's head crested the stairs. They smiled at each other as Rose and a small blonde Ravenclaw came into view.

"Hey, love," Ginny greeted him with a quick kiss.

"Hi, love," Harry winked.

"Behave," Ginny frowned at him as she swatted his arm. Rose giggled as she rolled her eyes at them. "Hermione, Neville, Harry, this is Luna," she pointed to the other girl. "Luna, you know my brothers. That's Hermione and Neville." She paused as she wrapped her arm around Harry. "And this is, of course, Harry."

"Pleased to meet all of you," Luna nodded as she stared at Neville.

Harry saw Neville gulp heavily as he stared back at Luna. He turned with a smirk to Ginny as they felt what the other was thinking. Rose caught their look and hurried over to the only armchair left. Neville gave her a pleading look as she smirked at him. Ginny motioned Luna over to the other sofa next to Neville. The twins raised an eyebrow with an evil grin on their faces.

"Gin and I caught all of you up before we came here, so I don't have to explain that," Harry began. He pulled the golden egg out of his bag, setting it on the table between them. "The markings on the bottom look like plants to me. What do you think, Nev?"

Neville leaned closer to the egg. "Yeah," he nodded. "Looks like fresh water seaweed."

Luna stood to look at the top of the egg. "Looks like a starfish on top."

Neville jumped as Dobby popped in with refreshments for everyone because he was staring at Luna as she stood above him. He blushed a crimson red as Luna smiled at him. Harry hid his snicker behind his hand.

"Thanks, Dobby," Ginny grinned at the little elf.

"Youse is very welcome, Ms. Ginny," Dobby bowed.

Hermione caught the way Dobby addressed Ginny. She raised an eyebrow at the redhead with a questioning look. Ginny sighed inwardly as she shook her head slightly at the bushy-haired brunette. Hermione frowned as she refocused on the egg.

The discussion continued about what the markings could mean for fifteen minutes. Harry noticed Neville watching Luna out of the corner of his eye whenever she spoke. Ginny nudged Harry, pointing out Luna was doing the same thing to Neville. Harry and Ginny shared a secretive smile as Hermione and Luna were bouncing ideas back and forth. Neville reached for his glass of water as Luna reached for the egg. She wanted to hear the screams to get an idea of what they sounded like. The screams startled Neville so badly that he knocked both the egg and his water off the table.

The open egg landed under the spilling water. Instead of continuing to scream, voices were heard.

Seek us where we can sing

"What the…" Harry shouted as he closed the egg.

"Harry!" Ginny looked at him with wide eyes. "That's what Cedric meant! Water is the key!"

"I'd almost forgotten about that!" Harry looked at her astonished. He turned to everyone else. "We need a different Room!"

They hurried out of the Room. Harry paced in front of the wall three times. He thought of a pool and changing rooms that they could use. When he reopened the door, Harry found a large swimming pool with changing rooms on each side of it. He shared a smile with Ginny, wiggling his eyebrows at her, as he motioned everyone back into the room. Ginny rolled her eyes as she swatted him lightly on the arm. Rose giggled at their antics.

"Everybody, get changed," Ginny waved the girls over to the left.

Within ten minutes, they were all gathered by the edge of the pool. Harry stared at Ginny as she stepped out of the changing room. She was in a dark blue bikini. Harry swallowed heavily as she approached him. He didn't even realize Ginny's brothers were glaring at him.

"Focus, dear," Ginny patted his cheek.

"Huh?" Harry asked dumbly. "Oh, yeah!"

Ginny and Rose giggled at him. Hermione rolled her eyes with a smirk. Luna was too busy staring at Neville to even notice. Fred and George stepped to either side of Harry as Ron stood glaring at him from behind.

"Yes, focus…" Fred began.

"On the task at hand…" George went on.

"Gred, Forge, I'm warning you," Ginny glared at them. The twins gulped at the tone of her voice. "Harry is allowed to stare. Whether you like it or not. That goes double for you, Ron!"

Ron raised his hands quickly. There was something in Ginny's voice that made him question trying to protect her from Harry. Rose gave Ginny a strange look. She could tell there was more going on between her brother and Ginny than what either one was saying to anyone. She made a mental note to ask Ginny about it later.

"Alright," Harry told them after they had gotten into the water. "Here goes nothing." He took a deep breath, submerging himself and the egg under the water. With a quick turn, he opened the egg. Singing voices sounded in his ears.

Seek us where we can sing

For we have taken a dearly missed thing.

Search our realm for an hour

Find us where our homes tower.

Take heed, take longer

Your thing will wait no longer.

Harry resurfaced. He quoted the song to everyone.

"It has to be a hostage," Hermione thought out loud.

"Yes," Luna nodded. "But which one?" Hermione looked at her. "Ron or Ginny?"

"Makes sense," Hermione nodded.

Ginny paled as she gripped Harry's hand tightly. She didn't like any of those thoughts. Harry turned to her with an understanding look.

"But where…" George began.

"Will they be taken to?" Fred finished.

"The Black Lake, of course," Hermione frowned at the twins.

"It has a large population of freshwater merpeople," Luna nodded sounding matter-of-factly.

Ron looked thoughtful for a minute, before tapping Rose. He motioned her to follow him to the other side of the pool, quietly, as the discussion continued.

"Can I borrow your owl?" Ron whispered to her. "Mine's not back from home yet."

"Um…okay?" Rose whispered back, confused.

"I don't like this either, but I can't let Ginny be the hostage. Not after her first year," Ron shook his head. "I'm going to write to your parents. If anyone can do anything about this stupid thing, it's them."

"You're not as thick as you seem," Rose smiled. Ron frowned at her. Rose became serious again. "I understand. Something they haven't considered," she paused as she looked over her shoulder at the others. "It could be me down there. So, yes, you can use Speckles."

"Thanks," Ron nodded as they started back toward the others.

As they rejoined the rest of the teens, Neville looked up suddenly with a shout. "Gillyweed!"

"What?" Harry asked as everyone turned to Neville.

"Gillyweed," Neville repeated. "That's how you can breathe underwater for an hour."

"That's brilliant, Neville," Luna smiled at him. Neville looked at her with a blush.

"Where do I get some?" Harry asked.

"Any apothecary worth anything carries it, even though it's rare," Neville shrugged.

"Great!" Harry nodded. "Dobby!"

"Yes, Harry sir," Dobby bowed as he appeared on the edge of the pool.

"I need some Gillyweed," Harry told him. "Go to Diagon Alley to the Apothecary and buy some for me."

"No need, Harry sir," Dobby shook his head. "Mrs. Lily has some in her Potions lab at the Manor."

"Excellent!" Harry nodded. "Let my mum know I need it for the second task."

"Yes, sir," Dobby nodded as he disappeared.

"Now that we have that taken care of," Ginny stated as she looked at the clock on the far wall. "We have about three hours until curfew." She paused as she splashed the boys. "Let's have some fun!" she shouted as she dove underwater before Harry splashed her back.