Harry Potter and the Moral Dilemma Chapter 4
Return to Hogwarts.
Before Harry knew it there was only a couple days to go before He had to meet the rest of the Students upon their arrival on the Hogwarts Express. He was reading his Daily Prophet back to the living room doorway when he heard a sound coming from the living room where the fireplace was. He then heard the voice of one of his houseguests going.
"Here let me help you with that," He said.
"Thanks Peeves. I hope you know where to put it," The voice said.
"Sirius's room I think," the poltergeist replied.
"You bet Peeves," the voice said. He then heard footsteps as the visitor entered the kitchen He failed to notice the visitor making a drinking motion toward Dobby before the visitor slid into a chair next to him.
"Morning Harry," She said as Dobby brought a goblet and a second jug of Pumpkin Juice over.
"Ginny, I didn't figure I'd see you for another three days," Harry said.
"I decided to come up early so we could spend time together," Ginny said as Dobby then carried a plate of food over for Ginny. Ginny waved it off though. "I had breakfast before I came Dobby but thanks."
"No problem Ginny," Dobby said. "Harry, you do realize I have to leave for Hogwarts first thing in the morning on the first so I can help make the Welcoming Feast."
"No problem Dobby in fact I think you can safely head off after dinner the night before. We'll manage ok on the First," Harry said. "Just see me before you leave that day so I can give you your final pay."
"No problem Harry," Dobby said.
After Breakfast they went into the living room. Pigwidgeon happened to be waiting at the window.
"So what is up Pigwidgeon?" Ginny asked as she removed the note from his leg.
Young Lady
Did you really think I wouldn't notice you sneaking off this morning. You better hope I don't report you to the Under-age Witch's and Wizards office at the Ministry for this. Imagine a young girl like you sneaking off to spend three days alone with a wizard she isn't even married to. God your ancestors are probably turning in their graves.
Sincerely
Your very worried mother.
"Oh like Please," Ginny said. "It isn't like I was trying to be sneaky. Unlike you I don't have an invisibility cloak."
"I would have loaned it to you," Harry said. "Where is your stuff?"
"Hopefully in Sirius's room. He told me he was going to let me use it when I visited. I'm just glad Mom didn't send a Howler like she did the time you and Ron used the car my dad enchanted to get to Hogwarts."
"So am I it would have scared Peeves away. By the way you sure it was safe trusting Peeves with your things?" Harry asked.
"I hope so," Ginny said. "Given the fact he was being nice instead of throwing something at me I figured I would let him carry my stuff."
"Ginny, I set your trunk in Sirius's room like you asked," Peeves said.
"Thanks Peeves. Planning anything Cruel to do to the First Years?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know. They may still be mad at me," Peeves said.
"Peeves every year since I've started at Hogwarts I've known you to do something to them," Harry said.
"I know but I was still on good terms with the Ghosts. Now I'm not so sure," Peeves said.
"Hate to say it Peeves but Once I leave to return to Hogwarts you will have to look for somewhere else to live since Sirius is going to travel for a little bit and I'm not sure I trust you here alone since Myrtle is leaving the day before so she can reclaim her toilet stall," Harry informed the Poltergeist.
"I was starting to get used to this place. Harry I don't know why but I thought we were pals," Peeves said.
"That is stretching things a little. OK so you did save me from Filch one day at Sir Nick's request but other then that you've been as annoying as anything," Harry said.
"Funny thing is those are his good points," Ginny said.
Harry and Ginny elected to have lunch at Three Broomsticks. Madame Rosmerta one of the owners was behind the bar.
"Harry, I was hoping you would stop by again and Ginny Weasley. Looking forward to finding a cute guy for after you graduate Ginny?" she inquired.
"Madame Rosmerta I don't graduate for another two years I'm only a sixth year student," Ginny said. "Besides I already found a cute guy."
"Another sixth year Hogwarts student?" Rosmerta asked.
"Seventh year actually?" Ginny said.
"Who that nice boy Draco Malfoy?" Rosmerta asked.
Ginny couldn't resist pretending to gag.
"Oh come on Draco Malfoy is a Slytherin. My cute guy is a Gryffindor," Ginny said.
"What about Neville Longbottom or Seamus Finnigan, Both of them are nice guys," Rosmerta pointed out.
"Not quite my type," Ginny said.
"I doubt your cute guy is Dean Thomas although he would do and you wouldn't be dating your brother so that just leaves Harry," Rosmerta said.
Neither of them took the time to confirm what she figured out. Rosmerta quickly set a couple of butterbeers in front of them and took their orders. Fairly soon they returned to the house where Harry took out some scraps of parchment containing all sorts of information on Gryffindors.
"I just need to figure out who to consider placing on the team. I took down a bunch of names and what position they want and Madam Hooch ran them through several Drills with the Team as it was along with I think one Drill with either Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff so she could rank them according to skill level," Harry said.
As he looked through the lists he saw how Ginny wanted either Keeper or one of the two Chaser Positions that were open. This got him thinking.
If I put Ginny on the Team people will think she got on because she is my girlfriend. Even if she is one of the better people to try for the Chaser positions. Oh man She definitely has earned a spot on the team through merit but Right now isn't the time for Favoritism. Thankfully the decision won't actually be made until after the term opens. I want to make the decision as early on as possible so we can possibly win the Cup this year.
Ginny noticing how Harry was silent for a bit asked him what was up.
"Just thinking over the list," Harry said. "Thank god I only have three positions to fill but I will need a few extras as a reserve in case of either injury or if a player gets tired. Possibly including a reserve Seeker."
"Too bad Ron offered to Commentate He would be a First Rate Player," Ginny said.
"Yeah but as it is Ron's specialty is the Beater position and our beaters are 2nd only to the Beaters for Hufflepuff. Besides the Beater position isn't open this year," Harry pointed out.
"I'm sure You Madam Hooch and Prof. McGonagall will make good choices," Ginny said.
The next morning When Harry came down for breakfast Hedwig was sitting with a Tawny Owl that Harry recognized as being one of the School Owls. Hedwig had a small mailbag in his talons and the Tawny Owl had a single piece of folded over parchment. Harry relieved the Tawny Owl of his letter and sent it off. He took the time to look at it.
Harry and Ginny
Since we see no reason for you to sit around Harry's house all day on the First waiting for the Hogwarts Express to arrive I arranged for a Carriage to pick you up at 1030 that day outside of Harry's residence. I'm sure you can have your stuff ready by then.
Sincerely
Albus Dumbledore
Headmaster Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"That is certainly nice of Dumbledore if you ask me," Ginny said as she glanced over Harry's shoulder.
An hour later Ginny was checking over her Wardrobe when Myrtle Floated in through a wall.
"Man Ginny your robes look to be in rough shape," Myrtle said.
"Tell me about it. This is my best everyday robe and It has more holes then anything. Thank god my Dress Robes are in decent shape but I can't wear those for everyday. As it is they're second hand," Ginny said.
"Can't afford new robes huh?" Myrtle asked.
"Money is kind of tight in my family. I'm the youngest of seven kids," Ginny said. "I'll make due though."
"Couldn't you ask Harry to buy you some new robes. He'd probably do it faster then you can say Severus Snape is a big creep," Myrtle pointed out.
"I'd rather not. AS it is he paid for my books and Ron's books in addition to his own. In fact I have a fair amount of stuff in my trunk that he paid for that time he met Ron and I in Diagon Alley," Ginny said.
"Ginny, you can't go through Hogwarts in second hand robes. I admit you have this far but I bet they won't last another year," Myrtle said.
"You are right about one thing Myrtle, Professor Snape is a big creep. Of course I can't go saying that around the Castle because I'd get into trouble and Gryffindor will lose points," Ginny said.
Harry had quill to parchment when Ginny got downstairs from looking over her things. Ginny looked at one of the pieces of Parchment.
To Gringotts
I hereby Authorize Virginia Weasley to withdrawal from my vault up to300 Galleons or its equivalent in Sickles and Knuts a month for her use. There is no need to inform me via owl of times when she does so.
Sincerely
Harry Potter
"Harry, I didn't expect you would do something like this besides 300 Galleons is a fairly large amount. I wouldn't spend that much in a year normally for myself at least," Ginny said. "Also how did you know that Ginny was short for Virginia?"
"George told me one time," Harry said. "I have one other draft to write out and then I'm going to visit a few shops while I have the opportunity."
Fairly soon Ginny had another small piece of parchment in her hand. This one was written to a shop owner in Diagon Alley
Madam Malkin
If Ginny Weasley should stop by your shop for new robes please charge them to my account at Gringotts
Harry Potter
Ginny had a hard time believing the words on the small piece of parchment in her hands. Harry had just arranged it so she could get new robes. Ginny was glad she had a small identification card the British Government issued to Muggles so she could prove her identity.
"What are you going to do with 300 Galleons?" Peeves asked.
"I will share a little bit of it with Ron but I'll keep a lot of it for myself. Harry must really have feelings for me to do little things like this," Ginny said. "Well I'm off to Diagon Alley to do some shopping."
Ginny's first stop on arriving in Diagon Alley was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
"You starting at Hogwarts?" Madam Malkin asked.
"Not exactly I'm going into my sixth year but I'm buying new robes. What ones I have were bought second hand. They're also getting a little small and beat up," Ginny said. "I have this for you." She added handing the authorization to her along with her Muggle issue ID card.
"I'll get you all set up Ginny," Madam Malkin said.
AN hour later Ginny had the standard three sets of black work robes, a nice set of light scarlet Quidditch robes and an extra set of Dress Robes in a decent color.
"Even if I don't make the team at least I'll have them in case I ever play a pick-up game of Quidditch with my brothers," She figured. Her next stop was Gringotts. There again she showed the note and her ID card to a goblin in this case and the goblin took her on a wild ride down to the shop where she grabbed 100 Galleons and 950 Sickles which was the equivalent of another 50 Galleons. She left the Knuts alone. She then returned to Harry's house via the Floo Powder. Myrtle was flying around when she arrived back.
"Where have you been hiding?" Myrtle asked her.
"I went shopping. Harry had written a note to Madam Malkin containing an authorization for her to charge my purchases to his account and he also arranged for me to get some money from his vault at the bank," Ginny said.
"I think I might remember who Madam Malkin is. Isn't she the owner of the Robe Shop in Diagon Alley?" Myrtle asked.
"Yes she is," Ginny said. "I managed to get some decent robes. I'll keep that one set of second hand robes and trash the others. I'll keep what Dress Robes I have."
The night before they were to leave Peeves was obviously warming up for his beginning of term prank for when Ginny went to go to bed she found that Sirius's bed was smashed in half.
"Peeves, you better hope I don't decide to use you as a practice target for a good banishing charm," Ginny screamed.
She then went looking for the poltergeist only to see him heading fast in the direction of the school. Myrtle had already left and Dobby was getting ready to return himself. Sirius was also gone since he had left for his vacation earlier that day.
"I don't think I know the proper spells to repair Sirius's bed at least not tonight. We will figure something out though," Harry said.
Ginny managed to get a decent nights sleep although she found it different. The next morning though she wasn't feeling real well. About nine thirty she was in the bathroom leaning over the toilet. Harry walked in.
"You all right?" He asked.
"I'll manage I'll grab a nap of something once I get moved back into Gryffindor tower," Ginny said.
"Maybe before you grab your nap you should see Madame Pomfrey," Harry said.
"I don't think I need to go to the hospital wing for this," Ginny said.
The carriage arrived an hour later. Harry quickly loaded their trunks into the back and climbed aboard with Ginny next to him.
"This is first class travel," Ginny said.
"I agree," Harry said.
They soon arrived at Hogwarts A Majestic Castle with a lot of Towers and Turrets to it. Harry lead the way into the Cavernous Entrance Hall where Professor McGonagall was waiting.
"I see you two arrived safely. Not a very long journey from the village is it?" she asked.
"No it isn't Professor. Mind if we simply take our trunks right up there?" Ginny asked.
"Here let me help you with those," a familiar voice asked.
"No way Peeves not after you smashed Sirius's bed last night," Ginny said.
Peeves floated off with a richly deserved dejected look on his face.
"Don't worry Ginny, We will take care of your trunks," another familiar voice said. Harry and Ginny looked up to see Dobby, Winky, and two other House Elves walking their way.
"Cronk, grab the other end of this one," Dobby said grabbing one end of Harry's Trunk. "Winky, you and Deory grab Ginny's trunk."
"Harry, the password for the Tower is Blatherskite," Professor McGonagall whispered to him.
Harry and Ginny followed the House Elves to the Tower Entrance on the Seventh Floor. Fairly soon they were in the Common Room with Winky and Deory going one way and Dobby and Cronk the other. Ginny was starting to look real pale when she suddenly threw up in one corner of the common room.
"Ginny, you all right?" Dobby asked.
"I haven't been feeling all that great today," Ginny said. "I figured on just laying down in my room."
"Dobby, soon as you get done here find Madame Pomfrey. She is probably in the hospital wing. See if she has time for a house call," Harry whispered to him.
Harry followed Dobby and Cronk up to his Room where there was a door that said Seventh Years on it. Soon as Dobby and Cronk got done Harry took the time to unpack his trunk of the stuff he wanted people to see leaving things like his pocket sneakoscope, his invisibility cloak and other tools of mischief making along with some of his socks in his trunk. He also locked his Firebolt in his Trunk. Next thing he knew Sir Nicholas came in.
"Harry, Madame Pomfrey is at the Entrance Hole," He said.
"Thanks Nick," Harry said as he went down to let the Nurse into the Tower. Madame Pomfrey then went up to the Girls Dormitory to look Ginny over. A Short time later the Painting swung open to admit Professor McGonagall.
"Any idea what is wrong with Ginny?" She asked.
"Not yet. I was unpacking my stuff when Nearly Headless Nick came to tell me that Nurse Pomfrey was desiring entrance to the Tower. I came down to let her in only she hasn't come down from her examination yet. While we are waiting Think we cam discuss the Quidditch Team," Harry said.
"I only came for a second. Wish I had time to talk about it. Yet the Train will be here in a few hours. What is that awful odor?" The Professor asked smelling the remnants of Ginny throwing up.
"Ginny Threw up on one Corner of the Room as Dobby and the others were moving our stuff in.
"We better do something about that before everyone arrives," Professor McGonagall said as she took her wand out and transfigured the remains into something harmless and not as odorous. She then opened a window to air out the room.
Harry Took the Time to Take a Super Extra Wide Roll of Parchment to Make a Banner that said Gryffindor House Welcomes the First Year Students and Hang it up with Deory's help since the House Elf was working on a few things.
"Looks nice Harry," Deory said. "I especially like the Lions on the Sides."
At that moment Madame Pomfrey made her exit. Harry was Studying when Myrtle came Flying in.
"Showtime Harry," She said. "Where is Ginny?"
"Upstairs resting she isn't feeling well. When Madame Pomfrey was leaving she simply left didn't even look my way. Let her rest," Harry said as he went upstairs and quickly threw his Dress Robes on. Before he knew it Prof. McGonagall was leading the First Year Students in. Hermione sat down next to him.
"Collins, Lucille," Professor McGonagall said at one point. Hermione when she looked at the young girl gasped bigtime.
"Something up Hermione?" Harry asked her.
"She is my cousin," Hermione Whispered just as the Sorting Hat Bellowed out "Gryffindor." Lucille came running over and hugged Hermione as best she could.
"Isn't this the Greatest Hermione?" She asked.
"You bet Lucy," Hermione said. "Right in my house."
"That Guy who brought us across is he a Professor?" Lucy asked.
"Oh Hagrid yes he is. He teaches Care of Magical Creatures and He is also the Gamekeeper," Harry said.
"Harry, I've been meaning to ask you but where is Ginny?" Ron asked just as the Sorting Hat placed a Dark-haired Medium Skinned girl into Slytherin. Eventually the sorting was Complete and Professor McGonagall took the Sorting Hat back to Dumbledore's office. The Headmaster himself meanwhile Stood up for a Speech.
"I just want to welcome all our New Students and Make a few new announcements. Professor Blankwood is our new Defense of the Dark Arts Professor. I want to remind everyone that the Forest behind by the School is off limits to everyone. If you are a Third Year Student or above you on certain weekends can go into Hogsmeade but we need your permission slip on file first. First and Second Year students are not allowed to go to Hogsmeade. Quidditch will be starting up soon. If you are interested in playing for your House team See Madame Hooch the Flying Instructor. At this time I will be Pointing out Who the Heads of the Houses Are. Professor Minerva McGonagall is the Head of Gryffindor she teaches Transfiguration, Professor Severus Snape the Potions Master is the Head of Slytherin. Ravenclaw's head is Professor Flitwick who teaches Charms, and Finally those of you in Hufflepuff will find yourselves working with Professor Sprout the Herbology professor. Now I have only two more words to say and those are Dig in," Professor Dumbledore said as the food appeared on the Plates.
"Harry, any idea what is wrong with Ginny that she is resting?" Lavender Brown a seventh year asked.
"Not a clue Lavender. Madame Pomfrey most likely knows and Professor McGonagall may know I don't know. I haven't been informed of anything," Harry said.
One of the other sixth year students put together a plate of food and after everyone left and went to the Tower She carried it up to their room where Ginny was still asleep.
"Ginny," She carefully woke her friend up.
"Yeah, what's up?" Ginny asked her.
"I brought you some food in case you were hungry. You missed the opening festivities," She said.
"Why didn't anyone wake me up?" Ginny asked.
"Was there anyone around who could do so?" her friend asked.
"Well Harry Potter but somehow I don't think he would just waltz up here for no reason," Ginny said.
"What about one of the Ghosts or even Peeves?" was the next question.
"Peeves is on my bad guy list right now. I was staying at Harry's and his godfather was living there over the summer only he generally slept on the couch in the living room even though he had a room set aside. Well I was using his Godfather's bedroom Only last night Peeves smashed the bed in half," Ginny said.
"Harry said you weren't feeling very well," her friend said.
"I was feeling real nauseous today. Does the common room still smell like somebody threw up?" Ginny asked.
"No it doesn't," her friend said. "You feel up to eating at all?"
"I probably should. Anyone good new to Gryffindor?" Ginny asked.
"This one girl is Hermione's cousin. Was she ever excited to end up in Gryffindor. Hermione was surprised to see her," her friend said.
"I'll be down in a little while," Ginny said.
Harry meanwhile was joking around with Ron and Hermione when Ginny finally came down wearing her bathrobe.
"Ginny, you feeling any better?" Ron asked.
"A little bit," Ginny admitted. "How upset were mom and dad after I left for Harry's a few days ago.
"They were pretty mad. They didn't figure Errol was up to the task of delivering the note they wrote and Percy informed them that Hermes was to be used for official Ministry of Magic business only which is why Pig was used. Mom was real close to going the howler route," Ron responded to his sister's inquiry.
An hour later Professor McGonagall entered the Common Room.
"I figured I would come so we could hold an unofficial house meeting. That fine wizard over there is Harry Potter the Captain of our Quidditch Team. He is willing to let a few first years be on the team as reserves. Who among you has any Quidditch Experience?"
A good number of the First years except Lucy and maybe three others raised their hands.
"Lucy, you like Hermione have parents who are normal and aren't Witches or Wizards right?" Harry asked.
"Yes I am. How difficult is Quidditch and what is it?" Lucy asked.
"Quidditch is a very popular sport among Wizards and Witches. There are four balls the Quaffle, Two Bludgers, and a ball known as the Golden Snitch. The Quaffle is the main ball The Chasers and there are Three per team not counting reserve throw it between themselves toward the Goal posts. There are Three goalposts per team. They are guarded by the Keeper. We have Two spots available on the team for Chasers and the Keeper position is up for grabs. The Bludgers are bad news They move around on the field trying to cause injury to the players. Thankfully the Beaters and each team has two are armed with clubs to try to direct the Bludgers towards the opponents players. The last ball the Golden Snitch is also moving around. Catching it does two things, A it gives the team 150 points and it also ends the game. The Keeper, Chasers, and Beaters don't even have to worry about the Snitch because the last player on the team the Seeker handles that task. I'm the seeker on our team. As pretty much all of you know My parents died when I was a year old and I was raised by Muggles. Therefore I knew very little about wizardry when I started."
"How long does an average Quidditch game last before the Snitch gets caught?" a first year boy asked.
"It can be real short like five minutes or it can take months such that replacement players are brought in so that others can sleep," Harry said.
"Has a Quidditch Match at Hogwarts ever been as short as five minutes?" Lucy asked.
"Yes there have been matches that short at Hogwarts," Harry said.
"I'll have you know that even with his upbringing Harry was born to fly a broomstick.," Prof. McGonagall pointed out.
"OK I made a couple decisions over the summer. Dennis Creevey, I'm placing you at Chaser. Rhonda McIntyre, I figured you would be our best bet at Keeper," Harry announced.
Ginny with a sad look on her face got up and headed for the Girls dormitory. Prof. McGonagall followed her.
"Ginny, you all right. I have been real busy and haven't had a chance to talk to Madame Pomfrey at all?" She asked.
"Leslie Lowdy brought me some food from the feast I has slept through it. So far I've managed to keep it down. I figured maybe Harry would put me at Keeper," Ginny said.
"Ginny, Harry made the choices he did so he could protect himself from favoritism. He didn't want people complaining that you made it on the team because you are his girlfriend. He left the other Chaser position for me to fill," Prof. McGonagall said. "Would you have a problem if I or Madame Hooch placed you on the team as the other Chaser?"
"Not really only well Madame Pomfrey did find out why I was so nauseous today and it could affect whether I'll be able to play the whole season. I'd be fine for the game against Slytherin but I might not be able to play against Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff," Ginny said.
"Why would your medical condition today at the beginning of the year affect you playing Quidditch later this year?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"Because I'm pregnant," Ginny informed her in a low voice.