Chapter Title: Truths Told and Secrets Hidden
Author name: Lilly Potter
Author e-mail: lilly_potter22@yahoo.ca
Category: Drama, Action/Adventure, Humor and a little bit of Romance.
Rating: PG Spoilers: All of them I suppose
Summary: Harry goes back in time to save his parents from Voldemort, who is trying to kill them while they are still in school. Meanwhile the world is left to mourn Harry Potter whom all think died in an attack by Voldemort.
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros. Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Dedication: This chapter is dedicated to my Grandpa because today it his 75th birthday. Happy Birthday Grandpa!
A/N: I'm so sorry that this took so long to get out, I got the worst case of writers block, then I got hooked into writing two chapter in a row for Another World. In this chapter we get to see some Harry Ranting. Fun! Fun! Fun! We also get to see more about dear Ginny. Also, I apologize that this chapter is so long, but it got away from me when I was typing and I couldn't shorten it. Now, on with the story!
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Present
Arthur Weasley sat alone in his kitchen as a storm raged outside. It was storming all over the country. Many reporters had speculated that it was because Harry was dead. Dead. It was a strange thought, the young boy that had so quickly become part of the family being dead. Not alive. It was a frightening thought.
Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived, dead, killed by Voldemort's followers. If Harry could die, so could Ron or Ginny or Bill or Molly. Any of them could be killed at any minute. When Harry was alive, everyone had hope, their was one person who had survived Voldemort, one person who stood up to him and lived and that had given everyone hope.
Now with Harry dead.... Dead. The word was so strange, to be connected with Harry seemed almost illegal. But they would all have to except it and move on. Arthur stood, walking towards the door, pausing to compose himself. Walking slowly up the stairs he paused at each door. Percy's, Fred and George's, Ginny's... And Ron's.
He hadn't been as visibly affected as Ginny had but the image of him on the floor, all the colour gone from his face, the unbearable pain reflected in his eyes. It had been a picture of suffering and he was not about to forget the image any time soon.
Arthur walked to the first door, Percy's, and opened the door as silently as their old house would allow. Papers, were strewn on his desk, the only time he ever remembered seeing Percy's desk anything but in perfect order. Percy lay in bed, the sheets twisted around him as if he had been thrashing in his sleep, a flash of lightning illuminated his pale face, lighting the tears stains and enhancing his eyes, red and puffy from crying. Percy's breathing was steady, he was fast asleep, hopefully having a peaceful sleep in all the pain and turmoil that was now their life.
Closing the door, Arthur walked in silence, trying not to step on any creaky boards. The next bedroom he came to was Ginny's. The door was ajar. Pushing it open Arthur gazed at the room. In was neat and tidy, the bed was made and unslept in, his daughter wasn't in her bed that night, just like Harry. Harry would never sleep again. Or laugh or smile or joke with Ron and Hermione. Hermione. Arthur wondered if she had gotten the news yet.
How would she take it? He resolved to look in on her later, just to make sure she was okay. The next room belonged to the twins. Fred and George. Gred and Forge. This would be devastating to them. It might not affect them like it would Ginny or Ron, but to the twins, something unchanging and immovable was gone and now they had nothing to put their hopes in.
Arthur opened the door, staring at the two boy, huddled in one bed tears dried on their cheeks. They looked so peaceful, laying together. Arthur remembered when they were little and whenever anything bad happened then they would always lay in one bed, cuddling, taking comfort in each others strengths. It had always made their parents smile.
Arthur remembered how much they had loved Harry's story when they were little. They had always begged Molly and himself to tell them the story just one more time. They had always said that as long as Harry was alive then they would always have a reason to have fun. If Harry at one could defeat the big bad You-Know-Who then they could do anything.
But now Harry was gone and who knows what would happen. He closed the door again and went up another flight of stairs, straight to his youngest sons room. Opening the door, he was slightly surprised to see him siting on his bed, staring out the window where the rain beat mercilessly against the glass. Tears were running down his face, making fresh tracks, his eyes were bloodshot and puffy. He was curled into a tight ball, a comfort position that had served him for years.
Right then and there Arthur resolved to get Hermione. If she was in the same state that Ron was in then she would need to be around people who knew Harry. He would have to ask her parents if she could stay over for a little while. Arthur had a feeling that the only people that would be able to reach Ron and Hermione would be each other. Arthur was filled with resolve, closing the door he walked down to the living room.
Writing a quick note to Molly in case she woke up and wondered where he was. Going into the living room, the only room that doesn't have anti-apperation wards on. He tried to picture the house that he had visited what seemed like a lifetime ago. With a pop, he apperated into what seemed like a bedroom. It was dark, no lights were on, he noticed a person curled up on the bed, apparently asleep.
Trying to be as quite as he could be, Arthur slid forward, hoping to get out of the room before the person woke up, but unfortunately he bumped into the dresser. The vase that had been sitting on it crashed onto the hard wood floor, breaking into small pieces.
Arthur cringed as the person sat straight up in bed and screamed, long and loud. He shuffled forward, just as a flash of lighting lit the sky. The person, he noticed, was none other then Hermione herself. Her eyes widened as she saw who had intruded in her house.
"Oh, Mr. Weasley! What are you doing here?" Her voice was ragged, as if she had been crying, her eyes were red and puffy, her hair was messy. Wrapping the blanket around herself, she walked over to the man and wrapped him in a hug.
Arthur smiled down at the young girl, who had most definitely heard the news, she had the look in her eyes that every which and wizard had that day, the look of desperation, denial and sadness. Great sadness. Clearing his throat he hugged her tighter.
"I just wanted to see how you were. I also needed to talk to your parents. I just though it would be best if this didn't wait till morning. Ron needs to talk to someone and I'm guessing you do too. I'm going to ask your parents if it's okay with them if you stay at our house for a little while. Maybe 'til after the funeral." Hermione looked up into Arthur's eyes and burst into tears, her voice was ragged. "
Hermione," he said gently, "Where are your parents?" "Th-They're at the o-office..... They didn't c-come h-home tonight." Her statement was punctuated with a sob as she buried her head his chest. She was obviously frightened for her parents, for anyone. Harry's death had shaken all of them Even the weather seemed to know something was wrong.
Wrapping his arms tighter around Hermione, he apperated back to the burrow. She barley noticed the change in environment. He picked up the dainty girl and carried her up the stairs. Her crying didn't cease until he nudged Ron's door open with his foot and placed her down on the floor.
Ron looked at her and she met his eyes. They stared at each other for a few seconds before Hermione lunged at Ron and wrapped herself around Ron, crying into his shoulder. Ron froze for a second before he wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tight, silent tears running down his face. Arthur smiled at the two teenagers, wrapped around each other, comforting, letting out their grief.
Arthur couldn't have asked for a better friend for Ron if he'd tried. Closing the door, sending a prayer that they would help each other. He walked down stairs again and apperated back to Hermione's house, hoping to get a clue as to where to find the Grangers so he could tell them where their daughter had gone.
Past Dumbledore turned to look at Harry. "What do you mean by 'your best friend's sister?' If I'm not mistaken your best friend is still in the future and so should his sister." Harry was very white with shock. He had just seen Ginny. Ron's little sister. The girl that had a huge crush on him since his first year of Hogwarts. How was that even possible? She was in the future where everyone else he cared about was.
Hundreds of thoughts flew through Harry's mind as he tried to cling desperately to some sort of sanity. Unfortunately it all seemed to be slipping away before his very eyes. Leaving him with tons of questions, no answers and more then his share of confusion. The thought that had crossed his mind many times before came unbidden to his mind. "Why me?" Harry looked up at the two equally confused adults.
"Sir, if it would be okay with you, could I have some time alone. I'm very tired and this has been a very confusing day." Madam Pomfrey snapped out of her thoughts and realized what she had been allowing to happen. "Yes, Albus. You should leave, it's very late and I won't allow Harry to be questioned any more. So now, off to bed with you. I don't want to hear any excuses. And you," she said, rounding on Harry.
"I want you to get lots and lots of sleep. You've had a traumatic day and I don't want you overdoing anything, after all, this has been a long day. Now I'll get you some dreamless sleep potion, if you need it you can take it at any time. You won't be attending any classes tomorrow. Now we'll leave you to your sleep. If you need anything, I'll be in my office. Albus. Go to bed." And she turned from the room and went into her office, closing the door firmly behind her.
Dumbledore smiled after her, amusement showing on his face. "Well, I think it's time for bed. You are excused from lessons tomorrow, but I would like to see you at dinner. James isn't upset anymore and I'm sure they would all like to see you. Now sleep well. I'll see you tomorrow." He swept out of the room, his long cloak billowing out behind him.
Harry starred after them, completely exhausted. Falling back onto the bed, he let out a sigh. Rubbing his eyes, trying to rid the sleepy feeling that was washing over him. "Why? Why can't this stuff happen to other people. How come my life is so screwed up?" Sitting up quickly, raging coursing through his veins he began to talk, quietly at first, then his voice began to rise with emotion until it became almost a yell. "So, whoever you are, destiny, fate, the powers that be, whatever! Just leave me alone!" He shouted into the now dark hospital wing.
"I don't care what you have in store for me. You already have made my life a living hell for the most part; you took my parents away, you sent Voldemort after me! Just leave me alone. I can't stand it any more. Just stay out of my life!" He flopped down again, burying his head under a pillow.
Trying to block out the annoying feeling that something was going to happen, That something horrible was about to take place. He tried his hardest to get rid of the feeling, but it wouldn't go away. "Oh bloody hell! What in Merlin's name is going on!" he whispered under his breath.
First the time trip, that was weird. He never thought he would actually make it. And then meeting his parents, Remus finding out the truth and Ginny. How on earth had Ginny gotten here. And where did she go? "Oh, Gin, where are you? How did you get here? Are you safe? I can't take this anymore!
Why do all the strange things happen to me? And to my friends? I need someone! I need to know what's happening. Please!" he begged, "Just tell me what to do." He began to cry, not full fledged sobs, but tears streamed down his face, a marker of all the pain and suffering Voldemort had caused.
Slowly he cried himself to sleep. His breathing evened out and the his muscles relaxed. But the tears kept flowing down is pale cheeks, a perfect picture of sadness.
Lily bounced out of bed the next morning and quickly showered and got dressed, hurrying down to the common room where she hoped the boys were waiting for her, if they weren't then she would probably have to wait at least an hour for them to wake up.
It was always hard trying to meet the Marauders in the morning, they either would get up early for a prank or wait till the last possible second to wake up and get to classes on time, missing breakfast completely. She had and hour before classes, plenty of time to go see Harry. All she had to do was convince them to come with her. As soon as she got to the bottom of the stairs, she was filled with relief.
There, in front of the fire, sat the Marauders. They were sitting in arm chairs, leaning over something on a table in front of them. She walked over to them and toughed James on the shoulder, causing them all to look up. "Hey guys. I need to ask you a favor."
"Of course, Lil. We'll do anything." James said and looked pointedly at Peter, who was still looking at the piece of paper. After looking at him for a few second, Sirius elbowed him and Peter dropped the paper. "What!? Oh. Of course we'll help you Lily." He gave her a sugar sweet smile.
"Now, what did you want us to do?" Lily took a deep breath. "I need your help to find out more about Harry. I wanted to go to the hospital wing to see if he's there, hopefully before breakfast, would that be okay?" James smiled, Sirius let out a laugh and Remus seemed to turn a shade paler then he already was. "Of course we'll go with you! We wanted to do the same thing. That's actually what we were doing."
He snatched the paper from Peter's hands and showed it to Lily. "We've made a list of stuff we know about him. We wanted to look on the map, but Remus said he didn't have it. So we'll just have to go down there ourselves." James smiled at Lily and took her hand, leading her towards the exit. Sirius, Peter and Remus were quick to follow.
They all left and walked the familiar route to the infirmary. They didn't talk much, but Remus was the only one who seemed truly nervous. He kept glancing behind him and when they finally got to the doors, he was the first to stop. "Maybe we should check, just to see if he's there. No need to have Madam Pomfrey get mad at us if he's not there."
They all nodded. Sneaking up to the door. Silently they all huddled by the door and peeked through the window. Harry lay on a bed, seemingly asleep. His chest was rising and falling and he looked peaceful. Sirius gave them a devilish grin. "I think our Mr. Granger has had enough sleep for today. Lets go." And he pushed the door open, causing Harry to sit up quickly, giving them a startled look, he green eyes wide.
Warm sunlight on Harry's face woke him the next day. Stretching lazily, he yawned as he pulled himself into a sitting position. His mind blank of yesterdays events, still foggy from sleep, he wondered what he was doing in the infirmary? At Hogwarts? During the summer? Rubbing his head, which was slightly tender he tried to remember the dream he had had last night, but all he could remember was Ginny, in a white room at a desk.... "Ginny..."
Harry whispered to himself, why did the dream seem so odd? He often dreamt of Ginny, but the dream had been so real, so different from the dreams he usually had of Ginny which included picnics by the lake. Sighing, he rubbed his temples. He glanced around the room and his eyes fell on the calendar, it all came flooding back to him in a minute, the spell, his parents Remus, Voldemort, Ginny...
Letting out a groan, Harry fell back against the pillow. He quickly pulled one of the pillows from the pile that was under his head and buried his head in it, pulling the covers over his head as well, hiding his body from view. "This is all a dream. I'll hear Aunt Petunia calling me down for breakfast any minute. I'm just hallucinating, the diet is taking a toll on me. I'm just dreaming."
Peaking out from under the pillows and blanket he saw that he indeed was still in the hospital wing and that it was most defiantly not a dream. "Just my luck, the things I want to be a dream are reality and the all my dreams never come true. Well except for the stuff about Voldemort." He added as an afterthought.
Letting out another sigh, he had noticed he was now prone to sighing quite often, he pulled the covers off of him and stood up. He was a bit unsteady at first, but quickly regained his balance and tottered off to the lavatory. After relieving himself he washed his face with cold water, dunking his head into the basin. Shaking his head, ridding his hair of the excess water, he walked back into the main room. He was feeling so much better, the cold water and the dreamless sleep had done much to restore his energy and his good spirits.
He flopped back onto the bed, letting out a sigh. He closed his eyes again and just lay on the bed, breathing deeply. He was interrupted for when the doors were flung open with a loud bang and there in the doorway stood the Marauders.
The were in their uniforms, but somehow they maintained the sense that each looked completely different.
Sirius looked dangerous, rebellious. Hi long black hair was tied at the base of his neck. His eyes glinted with mischief and annoyance. He wanted answers and he wanted them right now.
Remus was nervous, he knew who Harry was now and somehow he was terrified he would let the secret slip. He was twisting his hands in his robes and his looked tired. Harry could see bags under his eyes and he looked as if he hadn't slept a wink all night.
Lily looked carefree and studious all at the same time, a pencil was sticking out of her bun and she had a little bit of ink smudged of the tips of her fingers. She had a few questions for Harry, he could see the burning desire to ask them shining in her eyes. She, just like Sirius, wouldn't leave 'til she had them answered.
James looked remorseful, defiant, curious and angry all at the same time, no small feat I can tell you. His hair was messy and his eyes glinted with the same look Sirius and Lily had. His tie was undone and he was leaning against the door frame, not in the least bit threatening, but Harry was still nervous.
And Peter. Peter was almost dangerous. He was giving Harry a look that plainly told him that Peter didn't trust him, he didn't like him and he would find out exactly what he was hiding from them. The thought terrified Harry. No one else could find the truth out. No one.
Sirius bounced over to Harry's bed and plopped himself down beside him. Quite like he had done the first time they visited him in the hospital wing. Only this time they knew each other slightly better, so it was less shocking.
But still, Harry was surprised when Sirius slung his arm around Harry's shoulder and they rest of the group came over to the bed and sat all around him, or on a chair beside the bed. They all smiled at him, even Peter and Sirius began to speak, his voice dripping charm. "Harry my dear friend. How are you this fine morning?" Sirius had only known Harry for 24 hours, maybe a little longer, and already he was acting as if nothing happened last night and like he had known Harry forever.
"Moony over there wouldn't tell us what happened to you. I hope that you're feeling well, I want your help in a little project we're planning for transfiguration this afternoon. You in?" Lily looked at Sirius, dissaprovement shining in her green eyes.
James smiled and Remus fidgeted. And Peter looked lost in thought, as if he was trying to solve all the mysteries of the world. Or, Remus thought, the mystery of Harry which is almost as difficult to solve and just as irresistible. Harry smile apologetically at Sirius. "Sorry, but Madam Pomfrey is keeping me here 'til lunch, she said something about getting lots of rest." Peter noted that Harry had avoided Sirius' other question quite nicely, you barley noticed he didn't answer the most important question of them all.
"Oh you poor baby! Having to lay in bed all day, I feel your pain." Lily laughed and the rest of them followed but Harry noticed that Peter's laugh seemed forced. Harry was getting worried. Did Peter suspect something? He seemed to be deep in thought and he kept looking at Harry, then he would look at James, then Lily, then back to Harry. Something was definitely going though his head, the question was what? Harry was startled out of his thoughts by the sound of Madam Pomfrey's office door being opened.
Out came the matron and her eyes blazed when she saw all of Harry's visitors. "Well! What do you all think you're doing here? Mr. Granger needs his rest. He'll be at dinner if," she sent a pointed look at Harry, "he's good and gets some sleep. Now I'm sure you all have better things to be doing, like going to class. If I'm not mistaken the bell will be going soon. Now shoo! I don't want to see any of you in here for the rest of the day. You will see Harry at dinner. Now go!"
None of the group wanted an angry Pomfrey after them, so they all quickly stood up, leaving Harry in the middle of a very messy bed. James smiled at Harry. "No hard feelings, right? I didn't mean it, I just freaked out. Am I forgiven?" He gave Harry a tentative smile and Harry grinned back at him. "Sure, no hard feelings. I didn't mean it to happen, I got it through a botched up curse, it doesn't even belong to me."
James gave him a curios look, but decided not to question any further because Madam Pomfrey was already giving them deadly glares. Sirius laughed at the look she was giving them and patted Harry on the head. "Now, you be good and we'll give you a treat! How does that sound?" And he ruffled Harry's hair, laughing at the face Harry pulled while batting Sirius' hand away.
Lily laughed too, leaning over to kiss Harry on the forehead, a motherly gesture, but it still made Harry blush. "Get well soon Harry. I want to see you at dinner, we all want to talk to you." She smiled again and followed James and Sirius to where they stood at the door.
Peter gave a simple wave, a forced smile and he was off, standing between Sirius and James while trying not to glare at Harry. Remus was the last one left. He gave Harry a quick hug and whispered in his ear, so none of the others could hear, not that they didn't try.
"I haven't told, don't worry. But I think they're getting suspicious. Can I talk to you later, I need to know a little bit more, I-I want a good reason as to why I have to lie to my friends, and I mean a really good reason." He straightened up and the group by the door snapped back into position from where they had been leaning, trying to hear the word exchanged between the two on the bed. "I'll see you later Harry. Get well." And he turned around and walked out of the door, the rest of the group waving to Harry, letting the door swing shut.
Harry sighed, watching them go. He would have to talk to Remus, he needed to make him understand why he couldn't tell them. Even if it meant telling him the truth about everything. The smell of food brought him back. In front of him, on a tray was breakfast, and at that instant Harry realized he was starving. He hadn't eaten in ages and now he was beyond hungry.
"I'm glad to see you're awake Mr. Po-Granger. I'm sorry about them, I was talking to Albus and I hadn't realized that they were here. Are you feeling any better?" She gave him a look, concern mingled with something else that Harry couldn't quite place. Harry nodded, giving her a small smile. He was feeling rather tired, his bone felt like a jelly, but he knew the instant he told her that, then she wouldn't let him go to dinner and he wanted to eat with his parents again.
The matron smiled at Harry again. "All right, but you let me know if you need anything. I'll be in my office. Just tap this little globe three times and it will sound a chime in my office and I'll come straight to you." She handed him a small crystal ball, about the size of his hand.
It was beautiful, it had blue smoke swirling in the center of it and he could see little silver tendrils sneaking out from the center. It was mesmerizing. It reminded Harry strongly of Destiny's eyes. Except this blue was much darker. "Thank you, Madam Pomfrey." Harry said, still staring into the globe. The older lady smiled and kissed him on the forehead, just as Lily had done.
"You take care of yourself Harry. I don't want you to get hurt any more then you already have been. I'll talk to Albus about bringing you something to do, later on. For now, eat your breakfast and then rest again. You need rest."
Tearing his eyes away from the globe, he looked into the nurses eyes and smiled at her, a real, genuine smile. A weight seemed to lift from her shoulders and she walked back to her office, leaving Harry to devour his breakfast in peace.
Present
Ginny opened her eyes, blinking rapidly, trying to clear her vision and her thoughts. She had had a dream, but all she remembered was the hospital wing at Hogwarts and Harry. "Harry!" She shouted, surging up into a sitting position. He's alive. "Oh thank Merlin! He's alive!" she whispered to herself, jumping out of the bed.
Slipping on the snow white slippers she padded over to the window. Pulling back one the curtains, she looked out over the ground of St. Mungos. The storm that had been raging was diminishing and she could just see the beginnings of a sunrise, glorious and promising a beautiful day ahead. Sighing, she let the curtain close, shutting out the early morning rays of sunlight. She looked around the room, taking in all the details anew.
It seemed as if everything was okay, now that she knew that Harry was alive, everything was safe. No door was visible and there was only the one window by the white desk. White parchment and a few white feather quills sat on the desk, and a pot of black ink stood out starkly on the white top. White walls, white tiled floor, a white bed with white sheets and covers.
All this white was giving her a headache. "They had to pick white for hospitals, didn't they?" she muttered under her breath as she sat down the bed. Her red hair was one of the only bright things in the room. The bedside table held a cup of water; an unbreakable charm had been placed on it she was sure.
The drawer she just discovered, held three Witch Weekly magazines. Looking at the date she discovered they were ten years old. Sighing, she took the most recent edition and laid back on her bed and read. After reading all three magazines at least three times each, she decided to discover what else was in this dreadful place.
It was almost 7:30, Ginny noticed as she glanced at the clock that was placed on the wall over beside the faint outline of, was that a door? Yes it was, she decided. "Well, the doctor should be here soon.... Maybe he can tell me how to get to the loo." As she said that, the faint outline of the door, became a actually, real door, with a white door knob.
Rising from the bed, she went over to investigate. Reaching out a cautious hand, she opened the door. It was the lavatory, a sink, white porcelain of course, stood with a mirror over it and the toilet was in the corner. Thankful for small favors, she began to clean herself up, starting with washing her face with the vanilla scented soap.
When Ginny returned, she found a white tray on her bedside table. Breakfast. With disgust, she noted that even this was mostly white. She had porridge, a glass of milk and some white toast. This is getting ridiculous, she thought to herself as she sat on her bed and began to eat her porridge. After finishing the rather tasteless food, she again glanced at the clock.
It was nearly 8 AM, most definitely time for someone to check on her. She placed the tray on the bedside table and it disapperated with a faint 'pop' and three slightly newer copies of Witch Weekly appeared on the table.
An hour later, Ginny was disturbed by a tapping noise on the wall. She looked up from the magazine she was currently pouring over in time to see the wall right beside the loo disappear and a young man dressed all in white walked in, tapping the wall behind, making it solid once more.
He was quite cute, looking to be in his late twenties. He had bright blue eyes with flecks of silver in them. His skin was tanned and he had dark brown hair, about the same length as Harry's, Ginny noted absently. He had a days growth of stubble on his face and his hair looked slightly dirty. He was tall, at least six feet, his shoulder were broad and he looked very sturdy, even with the bags under his eyes and the slightly bloodshot look of his eyes.
"Hello Miss Weasley. I'm sorry it's taken this long to get to you, but we've had a very busy night." He pulled the white plastic chair towards the bed and sat down on it, almost bending in half as he tried to sit on the small chair. "I should introduce myself, I'm doctor Greg Andersen." He stuck his hand out and Ginny shook it daintily, savoring the feel of another person, even if he was a total stranger. "I specialize in psychology. Do you know what that is?" She nodded and he smiled. "I knew you were smart the first time a saw you. Now, you will be able to go home tomorrow, we just need to keep you here over night for observation, just in case you're a danger to yourself or others." Ginny's eyes widened. 'A danger?' Seeing her eyes go wide and her mouth drop open, Dr. Andersen let out a small laugh.
"Don't worry, it's simple procedure. We have to do this to everyone. Don't worry, we don't think that about you. But for now we'll try to keep you as comfortable as possible. Maybe you would even like to go for a walk around the ground after lunch, but for now you have to stay in your room. I hope that won't be to dreadful for you." He smiled, his eyes alight with laughter. Ginny let out a giggle. "Thank you Doctor. Do you think I'd be able to send an owl to my brother? I really would like to talk to him."
Greg smiled. "I'll see what I can do, why don't you write the letter, and when your finished all you have to do is put your hand over it and whisper the name of the person you want to send it to. Mind you, you have to state the FULL name of the person. Now, " he said, standing up from his uncomfortable position, "I have a few more patiens to get to then I hear a shower calling my name. It was a pleasure to talk to you Miss Weasley." He shook her hand again and walked to the wall, tapping it with his wand.
He turned just as he was about to leave. "Try to feel better soon. This isn't the end of the world, it just feels like it." And he was gone. The wall was back and she was again in the white room all alone. Standing up off of the bed, Ginny stretched. Then she walked to the window again and looked out over the sprawling landscape. Heaving a sigh, she told herself that after lunch she would be able to go outside.
For now, she really needed to write to Ron. To make him believe her. Walking over yo the desk she pulled back the chair and sat down on the hard white plastic chair. Taking the perfect white quill and dipping it in the ink pot, she began to write.
The next morning, Ron woke up feeling warm and quite safe. He didn't open his eyes, he could tell it was quite late in the morning because of the light that would stream into his eyes the minute he opened them he could feel the warmth from the sun, but something else was keeping him warm, not just the sun. His arms were wrapped around someone. Strange. He didn't remember falling asleep with anyone? And this person was female, he could tell that by the smell.
Only girls smelled this good. But Ginny was at St. Mungos and there wasn't anyone else who it could be. Cracking open one eyes, he came face to face with a head full of bushy brown hair. Brown hair? No one in his family had brown hair. The only person he knew with that colour hair was Hermione. But it couldn't be her, could it? Ron opened his eyes and moved his head from where it was nestled on Hermione's shoulder.
Yes, it was definitely Hermione, but what was she doing here? Ron stretched his thoughts. A vague memory of hugging Hermione while both of them cried entered his mind. But how had she got here? Ron looked over to the clock. It was almost ten in the morning, why had his mum let them sleep this late? Sighing, Ron realized that she was probably still sleeping too. She had had a tough day yesterday. They all had. He was brought back to the situation at hand when Hermione moaned and stretched in his arms before cuddling back against his chest.
She really is beautiful, Ron thought absently before he could realize what he had thought. She's not beautiful, she's my best friend, he argued with himself. But Ron knew that whatever he said to himself, he would still have these blasted feelings towards her. He hadn't noticed her 'til the Yule Ball, and now she was a major crush. But now isn't the time for thinking about that, he berated himself. Smoothing her hair with his free hand he gently shook her.
"Hermione. `Mione, it's time to wake up." She moaned and her eye lids fluttered. "Come on `Mione, you can do it, it's time for breakfast." She sighed and snuggled up against him. Ron groaned and shook her arm again, this time a little harder. Sleepily, Hermione began to mumble. "Just five for minutes Mum..."
She grumbled, but woke at Ron's persistent shaking. Her brown eyes widened and she blinked owlishly before sitting up quickly. "Ron! What are you doing in my room!" She looked around the bright orange room. "Or what am I doing in your room?" she asked, turning slowly, obviously confused. "I don't know `Mione. I think my dad might have brought you last night. Do you remember anything?" She shook her head slowly, but her eyes widened.
"Oh yes! That's it. I remember him coming last night, he wanted to know if I'd heard about Harry." Her eyes filled and tears again began to run down her face. He flung herself at Ron. "Oh, Ron! He's dead. How could this have happened?" Ron held her tight, rocking her back and forth, comforting the delicate girl in his lap. They sat that way for several minutes, finally Hermione stopped crying and started to giggle.
"I bet Harry's up in heaven laughing at us right now." Ron let out a laugh as he moved Hermione to sit beside him on the bed. "You're right. He's probably laughing his head off at all the people who are feeling sad, either that or feeling guilty about this. You know how Harry could be." He gave Hermione a look and she began to laugh along with him. "Yeah. He always felt guilty about this sort of stuff." Ron gave her a questioning look. Hermione smiled. "You know, stuff he had no control over." Ron nodded, smiling. Hermione let out a sigh.
"You know, I bet he's deliriously happy, he's finally with his family." They both smiled at each other, picturing how Harry would be reacting to having a family, a big family at that, considering he would have all of his dead relatives, and that was a lot of people. They sat in silence just enjoying each others company, contemplating what would happen next. Harry was gone, they would have to accept that. But somehow, joking about him being dead didn't make them believe it. Both of them harbored hope that he would somehow be alive, hiding somewhere.
A strange tinkling sound filled the air, the sound was like bells. It was beautiful. They both looked around the room, trying to find the source of the sound. With a pop the sound stopped and a letter appeared in Ron's hand. It wasn't sealed, but it was folded and it had Ron's name written on the front in black ink, the writing was tidy and feminine, Ron recognized it immediately Ron's eyes grew wide, his voice was low and needy.
"It's from Ginny!" He turned and looked at Hermione who was sitting beside him on his bed. "We had to take her to St. Mungos yesterday afternoon. She'll be okay, the doctors said they just want to keep her there over night. She didn't take the news too well. I hope she's okay." Ron opened the letter carefully, and began to read, feeling Hermione put her arm around his shoulder. He leaned against her and began to read in a low voice, just to assure himself that what he was reading was really there.
Dear Ron,
I know this sounds crazy but you have to believe me. I had a dream and I know what I saw is true. Ron, Harry is alive! I can't explain how or why or even where he is but you have to trust my judgment when I say he IS alive.
Please, Ron, you're my last hope, no one will believe me. Please I'm begging you to trust me and believe me. Harry is alive and we need to help him come home. Please, I need you to believe me and not think this is some crazy rambling from your insane sister.
I know what I know and Harry is alive and I think he's trapped in the past. I can't tell you more because I don't know any more. But please trust me and believe. Never give up hope, Ron. He's out there and he needs our help. Please. I love you and I hope to see you soon.
Your loving sister
Ginny
Ron looked up at Hermione who had been reading over his shoulder. "I believe her `Mione. I believe Harry is alive. I believe Ginny isn't crazy. She knows things other people don't know. I just need to figure out how to help. Will you help me help Gin?"
Hermione looked into Ron's worried eyes and saw that he needed to believe that Harry was alive, even if Harry was truly dead. Ron needed to cling to that last hope, because if he accepted Harry's death, it would probably kill him. "Yes Ron. I'll help, but promise me you won't get yourself killed." Ron smiled up at Hermione, a smile that actually reached his eyes. "Thanks `Mione. This means the world to me.
It was just before lunch and the Marauders were heading towards the Great Hall, talking and laughing, trying not to think about Harry to much. Just as they got there Peter's eyes went wide. "Oh Merlin! I forgot my potions homework! Trenton will kill me!"
He turned to the group, "you guys go ahead, I'll just grab my stuff from the dorm, save a little food for me, will you?" Sirius smiled and ruffled his hair, causing Peter to make a face. "Of course we will Wormtail. You run along, we don't want you to have to spend another night in detention." The all laughed and Peter ran the other direction.
Arriving at the Fat Lady five minutes later, quite breathless, he gasped out the password and ran up the stairs to the dorm, thanking his lucky stars that the Prefects were at lunch and wouldn't remove points for running. He got up to the dorm and began to look through his trunk, while trying to steady his breath. He found his essay and breathed a sigh of relief.
He quickly picked up the papers he had pulled out from the trunk and closed it again, putting a simple locking charm on it. He stood up and was about to head back to the hall when a piece of parchment, half hidden under Remus' bed, caught his eye.
It was the Marauders map. They had been looking for it this morning. Remus had said he hadn't seen it. Had he not known where it was or had he hid it from them, trying to hide a secret only the map could reveal? Smiling, Peter shook his head, chuckling lightly.
"I'm getting paranoid in my old age. I solemnly swear I am up to not good." He said, pointing his wand at the paper. He smiled, again awed at what the four of them, with a little bit of Lily's help, had achieved. The lines bloomed and he looked for his friend on the map.
The Marauders were all in the Great Hall. Remus, James and Sirius were sitting together at the end of the table while Lily was sitting with her friend near the middle. All the students were in the hall for lunch, the castle looked bare. The only other place that had people right at that moment, besides the dorm, was the hospital wing.
Madam Pomfrey was in her office and Harry was in bed. But his dot was a little smudged, which was odd. Squinting, Peter tried to make out the last name. Peter made out the name and his eyes widened.
James was the only living Potter, his father had been an only child and both James' parents and grandparents had been killed by You-Know-Who. But the map didn't lie and his dot said Harry Potter. So who was Harry Potter? And why was he here?
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Thank Yous- vmr, Berkeley Halperin, Sandrine Black, Queen Tessandry de Sanyochisei, Shadow, Tschubi-chan, ara willow, spangle star, Jedi Cosmos, audiaa2, Sailor Galaxie, Sara, Gia, Chaos Kid, Katriana, AJaKe, Lady Catrin, Emma lOu, Natty, b_happy, Mar Mar, Juicy Communist, jen, Urania, SimonJumper, Megan McPherson, Lady FoxFire, Kat, Piri Malfoy, she-who-must-not-be-named, Mystic Topaz, Jessica, Fizzy, Rae, A-man, Mayleesa, Wild eyes, Angie, Aalilyah, blaubaerin, padfoots girl, Wyrm, Clingon87, Aimee4Angel, Tiger Lily (what was it? 7 times?), JadeShadow, hi (thanks for the story, I'll check it out), Gen Raid, jay, KEJA WILSON, tara, neesh, Saman, Aalilyah, lily evens potter, Jay Da Fighta, BlueSkywalker_2000, Kyohaku Celestiale Vespertina
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