Title: Harry Potter and the Veneficus Quies (2/16)
Author: Atlantis Potter
E-mail: atlantispotter@yahoo.com
Category: Romance, Mystery
Keywords: Year 5, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Petunia
Rating: R
Spoilers: All Four Books.
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.
A/N: Please R/R! If you like it, let me know. If you hate it, let me know!
Chapter Two: The Witch
Harry stood next to his aunt in the front hall. Vernon and Dudley were loading their bulging suitcases in the boot of a taxi. Vernon nodded to Petunia and scowled at Harry. Once inside the car, Dudley smashed his face against the window, looking at Harry. Acting all of his 14 years, Harry stuck his tongue out, only to be reprimanded by Petunia.
"You leave your cousin alone! So, just how do you suppose you'll be getting to London?" she sneered.
"Not sure. Hermione said that they'd be here to pick me up at one o'clock."
"Well, it's a quarter to now," Petunia responded rather snidely.
"Then I suppose I could catch up on some reading for my Care of Magical Creatures course."
"Care of…Ma-ma…What did your uncle tell you about using that word in this house?!"
Harry just looked at her, a light of defiance shading his green eyes.
"Something about you has changed. And I most certainly do not like this new attitude of yours. I think something happened to you at that school of yours, but whatever it was does not give you any sort of excuse to behave the way you do."
Her words were met with a blank stare. "You wouldn't be able to understand what happened to me at Hogwarts, Aunt Petunia. It would give you nightmares."
Petunia looked at him for a moment, her eyes wide. Just as quickly as the startled look had come did it change into an angry glare. Her eyes were now widened in anger and with a huff she hurried from the hall. Harry stared after her a moment before looking out the sidelight. As he did so, a long black car rolled up in the front. Before the car completely stopped, a door flew open and Hermione leapt from the car.
"Is that how you're planning on leaving?" Petunia asked, sticking her head out from the kitchen.
"Yes. Why?"
"Well, it's a rather large car."
"Yes, well…" Harry said quietly, ignoring his aunt and leaving her curiosity unquenched.
Petunia ogled at the car as Harry rushed to meet Hermione.
"Hermione! A ministry car?"
"Mr Weasley asked for us to be able to use it so that our trip was a little more guarded. Dumbledore is trying to keep an eye on us as much as possible. I know he doesn't like the idea of this trip, but when I wrote to him, I suggested that it may do you well to get away from the Dursleys and I know Mrs Weasley wrote him the same."
Harry grinned and took up his bag. He opened the back door and climbed into the back of the magically enlarged car. There were a handful of squishy armchairs and a small juice bar. The wizard wireless was blaring in the corner and Ron was raiding a small refrigerator for butterbeer.
Ginny smiled widely at him as he and Hermione sat down in two of the armchairs. She was seated across from them with a book in her lap.
"So Harry, what do you think the exams will be like?" asked Ginny.
"I haven't got a clue. Any ideas Hermione?"
"I doubt it will be a written exam. Perhaps we'll all be sent some sort of portkey to go to an examination centre."
"Maybe, why won't it be-"
"Hey! There's no butterbeer in here!" cried Ron, interrupting Harry.
"Surely there's some pumpkin juice in there?" Ginny asked, not looking up from the book in her lap.
"Of course. Oooh, gillywater." Ron pulled out a clear bottle that held a slightly greenish liquid. "Anyone want some?"
Harry just shrugged and took one of the bottles offered by Ron. He noticed that despite her objections, Hermione still took one of the bottles.
"Do you think we'll get in trouble? I mean, I doubt this was meant for us."
"It'll be alright Herm, I promise," Ron flashed a huge grin at Hermione, accompanied by a small wink. Harry noticed this and glanced questioningly at Ginny. She shrugged and looked at Hermione blushing, all the while with a knowing smirk on her face. Harry shrugged it off and took a sip of gillywater.
The odd tasting drink tickled his throat and he gagged a bit. However, almost immediately after he'd swallowed the strangely coloured substance, a sweet and pleasant taste invaded his mouth. He took another sip of the drink and again, experienced that same aftertaste.
It was obvious that the others had noticed the same taste and they were eagerly drinking it.
***
A few bottles later, Hermione had become rather giggly. She was attempting to read a book and failing miserably (much to her dismay, it was upside down and she was not sure what to do) while Ron played with one of her shoelaces. He was currently sitting upside down in a chair next to Hermione. Ginny, completely silent, looked slightly flushed while Harry had felt none of the affects of the mild drink.
"Ron! Leave me be! I'm, hic, trying to read!" shrieked Hermione.
Giggling, Ron pulled himself off the floor and snatched Hermione's book.
"Watcha reading?" he tittered, glancing at the book. "Ooh, Her-my-oh-nee, you're reading a very naughty book. Ronan clutched Rhonda to his rippled chest. He pulled her face to his and kissed her full, red lips passionately, as if he drew his life from those very lips. Grasping her, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. 'Oh Ronan!" she cried breathily. As her lay her on the bed, she ripped the shirt from his muscled torso, reaching for his-"
"Give me that!" Hermione cried. Ron fell into a fit of giggles and tripped over his own feet, landing on the floor. Ginny and Harry watched on, amused. Hermione leapt from her chair onto the incapacitated Ron. Surprisingly, she grasped him in a weak headlock and began to ruffle his hair. He cried out and grabbed at her arms. He freed himself and pulled a fake glare at her. She tackled him again and he dodged her, quickly running to hide behind Harry's chair.
Harry looked at his friend hiding and watched Hermione standing a few feet away, a challenging look in her eyes. He was somewhat surprised by their odd behaviour but he shrugged it off, looking towards the four or five bottles collecting around the seats they had previously occupied.
Just as Ron began to peek out again, the car lurched as it came to a stop. Ron pitched forward and landed near Hermione, who was sprawled across the floor. Harry looked at Ginny who was also shaking her head. She nodded at him and Harry picked up their belongings and pulled Ron to his feet. Ginny helped Hermione stand and together they exited the vehicle, Hermione blinking into the unusually bright sunlight. Ron tripped several times as he walked from the car to the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron.
Harry looked towards Ginny and Hermione. Hermione was being supported by Ginny and she was giggling as Ginny helped her along. His heart skipped a little as he looked at the two girls. Ginny seemed to be a new person. Or maybe she wasn't--perhaps, he was just noticing her for the first time. As Ginny turned her head to look at him, her long hair caught the sun at just the right angle, causing it to shimmer almost magically. She grinned at him and he smiled, wondering about this girl that he had shrugged off as his friend's little sister for the past four years. The letter she had written to him still stuck out in his mind, the gesture somewhat out of the blue. Perhaps it was just her way of showing that she had grown up a great deal and had shed her young awkwardness. She hadn't blushed nearly as much in the past hour or so as she had the few previous exchanges they had shared. He shrugged his thoughts off and continued to walk into the wizarding pub.
When they had reached the rooms they were staying in, they found a small suite. A large sitting room flanked by two bedrooms completed their quarters. Harry hauled Ron off to the right, while Ginny pulled Hermione to the left.
"Harry, do you like Hermione?" asked Ron, once they were inside their room.
"Sure, she's one of my best friends."
"No, I mean, like, her."
"Um, no, I don't think I do. Why?" Harry asked as he pushed Ron towards one of the beds and began putting away their belongings.
"Ok, good. 'Cause I think I do."
"I know. But what about Krum?"
"How do you know? And what about Krum?"
"Well, shouldn't she be going to Bulgaria this summer to see him?"
"She decided not to go. I think everything that-well, you know. I think she just figured it was best to stay in England. I'm sure Dumbledore agreed."
Harry nodded to his best friend and opened his mouth to ask about whether or not Ron had told Hermione, but Ron cut him off.
"And what do you mean you know?"
"Well…we all knew. It was obvious. What, with the glaring and the whole scene about the Yule Ball."
"Does she like me mate?"
"She might."
"Really?" Ron smiled as he drifted off into sleep.
Harry looked at his best friend for a few moments, torn between smirking at the already tangled sheets and the wild red hair sticking out in every direction and shaking his head at the entire Ron and Hermione situation.
Harry walked from their room into the main sitting to find Ginny exiting the room she was sharing with Hermione.
"Do you want to go to Fortescue's?" he asked her, suddenly itching to get to Diagon Alley.
"Sounds good to me." Ginny picked up a piece of parchment from the disk and scribbled a note to Hermione and Ron. Picking up her light cloak, she led Harry out of their rooms and down to the courtyard.
Tapping the brick, Ginny turned to Harry, "Does Ron like Hermione?"
"Er… I'm not sure if I can answer that. He may be angry if I tell."
Ginny gave him a measuring glance before giggling, "I think those two have some talking to do. Hermione has liked Ron since before the Yule Ball."
"Drama. Always with those two. Drama.
Ginny nodded, giggling again. "I couldn't believe them this afternoon!"
"What happened with the gillywater anyway? It didn't effect me any and you didn't seem to be suffering horribly," Harry asked.
"I'm not sure. I know that Ron ate a lot at breakfast today. Maybe it was all in their heads."
"I can't believe that Hermione was reading that book! I didn't know she read trash like that!" Harry exclaimed.
"Oh, those books aren't trash. They're just much, er, lighter reading that what she usually reads."
"Do you read books like that?"
"What if I do?"
"Just curious. Do most girls read those?"
"I think so," replied Ginny, blushing slightly.
"Ah. Er...So what exactly are we going to be looking for at the library? The letters didn't mention what the exams were going to be on."
"Well, Hermione and I figure that they will just test us on subjects at school, you know, to check our adequacy. I doubt we'll be tested on much that we wouldn't know."
"Are the exams based on year?"
"I'm not positive, but I doubt it. That wouldn't be fair. I suppose that if one was a fourth year and had enough competence, than it wouldn't be much different from a sixth year with the same amount. We'll all be revising the same things, so I don't see why the exams would be different. I suppose that if you just can't do it, well, then you can't do it."
Harry nodded. They had reached Fortescue's. They walked through the doors and up to the main counter. Ginny ordered a Knickerbocker Glory and Harry ordered a strawberry and peanut butter sundae. Taking their orders to the tables in the front, Harry turned to Ginny.
"Gin, I wanted to thank you for your letter. It was completely unexpected, but it meant a lot."
Ginny blushed. "You're welcome. Ron said you were pretty cut up and I'll never forget what you did my first year."
Harry smiled at her slightly and she blushed again. "I won't either."
"Do you think they'll actually tell each other?" Ginny asked, ending their very private moment.
"I sincerely doubt that."
"Maybe we should help them along," Ginny grinned devilishly.
"What do you have in mind?"
Ginny moved her head and Harry leaned in closer as she whispered the plan to him.
"Hey, what are you two doing snuggled so close together?" demanded Hermione, looking at them with a smile on her face, but an unidentifiable look in her eyes.
"We were discussing dinner plans for tonight," said Ginny, smiling at Harry over her ice cream.
"What about dinner plans?" asked Ron, catching up to Hermione. He was rubbing at his temples.
"Are you two feeling better?" Ginny asked, blatantly ignoring Ron.
"Yeah. Hermione used some sort of spell on me. I can think clearly, but I have a headache now. What happened anyways?"
"Apparently, you two just can't hold your drink," Harry responded, hiding a smirk.
"Well. Shall we move onto the library? I have a list of books that should be helpful," Hermione said, avoiding Harry's bemused look.
Hermione led the way to the Diagon Alley Library. Harry and Ron had never been to this library, let alone noticed it. It did not, however, surprise them that Hermione knew of it.
Once inside, Hermione handed them each a list of books. Harry looked his over.
Practice Exams for the Last Minute Wizard by Morgan Prue
Review of Spells and Hexes by Sarisha Nani
A Capsule-sized Study of the Dark Arts by Blake Kern
So You Have to Pass Transfiguration (Tomorrow)? By Rhonda Geary
A Beginner's Guide to Charms by Mariah Jinx
Potions for Dummies by Severus Snape
Dr. Foggy's Guide to Divining the Future by Dr. Ramla Foggy
Arithmancy by Portia Pallas
Harry read the list again. Severus Snape? Writing a book? Harry shook his head, unable to imagine Snape being able to do anything than brew potions or make snide remarks. Only Hermione would get this list together, he thought as he began to head towards the stacks. He decided that the first book in his search would be the book by Snape.
He'd located the book and as he reached for it, eyeing two of the other books he'd picked up on the way, his hand collided with something. Standing directly in front of him was Ginny. He looked at her and smiled. She returned a smile that reached her eyes and laughed, the reason for which was lost on him. As he looked at her, his eyes moved down the length of her, starting first with her vibrant hair. He moved down, tracing the lines of her face, which had changed over her third year in school. He noticed the curve of her neck and…
Harry shook himself.
Ron's sister, mate. She's Ron's sister.
"I suppose it doesn't really matter which of us takes the book, since we'll all be studying it, right?"
He blinked, her words taking ages to meet his ears. "What?"
"The book."
"Oh, yeah. I guess you're right."
"Shall I take it then?"
He nodded and handed the book to her, their hands brushing. He stopped, wondering what exactly was going on. This girl, whom he'd hardly talked to in the three or so years he'd known her was suddenly very interesting. She had grown up some and her shyness was now charming, rather than bothersome. Her liquid brown eyes captured him and he felt at a loss for explanation.
He noticed that she was staring at him, something vaguely recognisable in her eyes, yet at the same time, very foreign to him. It was suddenly becoming very warm in the room. He shook his head slightly as he looked at the red-headed girl standing in front of him. Her smile had fallen away and she was wetting her lips. He looked at her lips, knowing exactly what he wanted to do and wondering where the feeling had come from. Before he knew what was happening, he was leaning towards her…
Thud!
He jumped away from her, startled. She looked first at him, then down at the offending volume lying open on the wooden floor. She looked back at him and shook herself.
"Gods, Harry, I'm so…"
"No, no… it's entirely my fault. I'm sorry Ginny."
"It's ok, don't worry about it," Ginny said, flustered. She reddened further and took a step away from him. She picked the book up from the floor, nodded her thanks and skulked away. Harry sighed. He grabbed the books he'd been after and retreated to the table where Ron was sitting with a stack of books.
"All right Harry?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes, yes, quite alright."
Ron shrugged and went back to "So You Have to Pass Transfiguration (Tomorrow)?" and Harry leafed through the potions book.
***
After several hours of exhausting revision, the four students retreated to their rooms at the Leaky Cauldron. As they all collapsed into comfortable armchairs, Hermione piped up, "Didn't you mention something about dinner plans earlier?"
"Ah, yes, well, um, Ginny and I were thinking of going out to eat tonight so that we could get to know each other a little better. We were wondering if you and Ron might like to come with us."
"Like on a date?" asked Ron.
Ginny and Harry, forgetting their earlier plans, looked at him in absolute horror.
"No!"
"Of course not!"
"A date!"
"Why would it be a date?"
"Alright, alright, so its not a date. What is wrong with you?"
"Nothing…nothing's wrong. Why would it be a date? We hardly know each other!" Ginny said, her voice going an octave above it's normal tone.
Harry and Ginny quickly regained their composure, all the while receiving odd looks from Hermione and Ron. The girls stood up and walked to their room. Ron and Harry sat looking at each other, both nervous. Ron stood first, heading into the bathroom. Harry heard the shower and went into the bedroom to get ready.
After Harry had finished showering and dressing, he was sitting on the bed, watching Ron fiddle with a clasp on his robe. He caught Ron's eye.
"Do you like Ginny?" said Ron.
"Does Ginny like me?" asked Harry.
They stared at each other for a brief moment, having asked their questions at the same time. Harry let out a nervous laugh.
"Do you like her Harry?" Ron asked, his voice quiet.
"I-well, honestly, I'm not sure. I feel like I barely know her."
"Barely know her? You've known her for over three years."
"Well, no. I've known you for four years now, and I've known of Ginny that long, but I didn't talk to her until second year and even now, I only say a few words to her whenever I see her."
Ron nodded. "I think she likes you. She probably has for years."
"Well, I'd like to get to know her better."
Again, Ron nodded. "Right, but let's say that you do get to know her better and do decide you like her. If you hurt her, I'll kill you."
"I know, Ron. I know."
"And what's going on with you and Hermione?"
"Nothing."
"Do you want something?"
Ron just looked at him before peering at the clock over the mantle. "It's time to go, mate."
Harry shook his head, but before he could get another word in edgewise, Hermione and Ginny walked into the room. Neither was dressed up especially nice, but they were both freshly showered and clean of the dust from the library. Hermione had tamed her hair and pulled it back into a ponytail. Ginny's hair was free and flowing down her shoulders. They were dressed in robes, Ginny's an emerald green and Hermione's a dark blue. Harry and Ron were dressed simply in black.
The boys led the way from the room. Once downstairs, Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron seated them in a private dining room. After placing menus on their plates, he left them.
"So, Gin, did you find anything interesting in that spell book?" Harry questioned.
"Not really. It just made lots of suggestions over what most basic examinations would be like. Like I said earlier, the test will most likely cover material we should know from the first three years. What do you think Herm?"
"I'm not sure. I'm not all that worried about it. Whatever we read through today should be enough."
"What about Divination?" asked Ginny.
Hermione's annoyance was visible in her facial expression. Despite her hate of the imprecise magic, Hermione had spent a good portion of the afternoon reading about it, just in case it was on the exam. As she was one of the few students in the school not studying Divination, her reasoning was likely correct and there would be testing on that particular subject. Hermione and Ginny continued their conversation about school related topics and Harry asked Ron about the Chudley Cannons, his favourite Quidditch team.
Tom came back a few minutes later for their drink orders.
"I'll just have pumpkin juice, thanks."
"Same here," added Hermione.
"What? No gillywater?" Harry asked Hermione.
Hermione tossed a pumpkin roll at him from the basket on the table as Ginny joined in Harry's laughter. Their drinks arrived and they placed their orders, all four students beginning to get very hungry.
The food tasted delicious. Their drinks kept refilling themselves and their meal was plentiful. The warmth of the room and conversation comforted Harry. He loved being with his friends. He grinned inwardly at the fun he was having this summer. During the meal, he'd sneak a peak at Ginny, who would occasionally catch his gaze and smile, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
When they'd finished the last of the various puddings, Ron stood.
"I think I'd like to take a walk. Would anyone like to join me?"
"I'll join you," Hermione answered, nearly a whisper.
They stood and Hermione linked her arm through Ron's as he walked her out of the dining room. Ginny grinned at Harry.
"Well, that was much easier than I thought."
"I should say so!" Harry laughed. Seriously, he added, "Ginny, about earlier at the library, I'm-
"No! Don't apologize," she said softly, looking at him.
"It's just that today was really nice, Ginny. And I don't want what almost happened in the library to ruin it."
"Do you, er, like me?" she cringed, as if afraid to hear his answer.
Her question rang out in his mind and he greatly considered his response. More than anything, he wanted to answer that he did, but fear over rushing into things washed over him. He took a deep breath before smiling at her. "I think I do, Gin."
She lifted her eyes to meet his. She smiled shyly and he allowed himself a moment to just look at her. Without a word, they stood up, Harry leaving his share of the tab on the table and walked out of the room to await the return of their friends.
***
Later that night, Harry lay in the bed in the room he was sharing with Ron. Hermione and Ron had not yet returned. After retiring from the dining room, Ginny and Harry had spent a long time in front of the fire in the parlour, sitting close on the lounge. They had talked for a long time about each other and about Ron and Hermione. After the fire dwindled down and Ginny was yawning, they decided to call it a night. Ginny stood, stretching and looked down at Harry.
"G'night, Harry."
He stood and smiled. "Night, Ginny."
She smiled at him, bowing her head slightly and he moved closer to her. He moved his hand down to cup her chin and softly kissed her. She kissed back, the pressure ever so light.
She had left then and he shortly found himself in his bed, wondering where Ron was. Lying there, he felt renewed. Ginny had made him forget about all the things that had happened at the end of his fourth year. The tension between Hermione and Ron had placed a strain of the friendship of the trio and Harry felt whole again with this girl. She was a friend. There was no tension or awkwardness. They were just plain content with each other.
Shortly after Harry lay down, Ron burst into the room.
"Harry, mate, how are you?"
"Things went well with Hermione I take it?"
"She's wonderful!"
Harry looked at Ron and shook his head again. It was hard to believe that this smitten boy standing in the middle of the room wearing pyjamas with little barking dogs on them was actually his best friend. In fact, he looked downright silly.
Ron eventually settled into his own bed, jabbering about the night. He and Hermione had walked through Diagon Alley and sat in the small park outside the library talking. He'd finally gotten the nerve to kiss her and she had kissed him back. Ron's words began to fade as Harry drifted into sleep…
Entrerò nei vostri sogni e controllerò il vostro sonno.
Harry shot straight up in bed. Before he was able to finish "Ron, did you say something?" a white-hot pain shot through his scar, blinding Harry. Crying out, he collapsed and rolled off the bed onto the floor. He was vaguely aware of scrambling feet before he saw only blackness.
***
Harry opened his eyes, only to close them immediately. The Hogwarts hospital wing was brighter than usual. Slowly opening his eyes to allow adjustment to the bright lights, he noticed Professor Dumbledore standing over the bed, watching him.
"Good morning Harry."
"What happened?"
"Well, according to Mr Weasley and Miss Granger, you awoke in the middle of the night, screamed in pain and fell to the floor. Hermione rushed into the room and activated the portkey I gave you. She brought you here. Harry, what happened?"
"I… The scar… The words… I heard words in my head. It was some sort of charm. I woke up at the sound of the voice and suddenly my scar hurt. After that, I don't know."
"Do you know what the words were?"
"Harry! Oh thank Merlin you're all right!" Hermione cried out, bursting into the hospital wing. She was at Harry's bedside in just a few moments and bent down to hug him.
"Where are Ginny and Ron?"
"They've gone back to the Leaky Cauldron."
"Well, Harry and Hermione, I think we've done all we can for now. However, Harry if anything happens, any strange dreams, thoughts or pains, you must owl me immediately. Also, I want Hermione to accompany you to Privet Drive for the next few weeks, until we have gotten any clues about what happened."
"I don't think that Hermione will be able to come there. Aunt Petunia--"
Dumbledore held up a hand. "I have contacted your Aunt Petunia. Arrangements have been made. Harry, why don't you get dressed and then I will arrange for you to be taken back to the Leaky Cauldron."
Harry and Hermione nodded their agreement and she walked out with Dumbledore, leaving Harry alone with his thoughts.
He felt himself shudder. He could already feel that something was not quite right in his head. He felt relieved, however, that he would not be alone. Dressing quickly, he met Hermione in the hallway. She was holding a portkey in her hand, waiting for Harry to finish dressing.
***
They arrived in the courtyard behind the Leaky Cauldron. Harry nearly collapsed as a wall of exhaustion suddenly hit him. Hermione put her arm around his waist and half-carried him up to the room.
Ron and Ginny were sitting anxiously in the sitting room. When the door opened, they leapt to their feet, Ginny rushing to Harry. In a heartbeat, she had her arms around him bawling into his shoulder.
"Oh, Harry, what happened? I was so worried. Are you alright?" Ginny looked at him with her wide brown eyes, unable to conceal the fear and concern she felt for Harry. He had an arm loosely around her waist and attempted to hide his shock at her outburst. His other arm was still grasping Hermione, who was looking at Ginny in confusion.
Silently, Ginny withdrew from Harry and gave Hermione an odd glance, before moving farther back.
"I think it's best if Harry lays down for awhile. We will be leaving for Privet Drive in an hour or so. When will you be going back to the Burrow?"
"Actually, we were just waiting for you to come back before we left. There's a car waiting for us downstairs," Ron replied, smiling at Hermione. However, she just nodded. She led Harry to the boys' room and returned to the lounge.
Harry stretched out on the bed. He rolled over and heard a light crunch. Moving aside, he picked up the parchment envelope lying on his pillow.
Mr. Harry Potter
The Bed by the Window
The Leaky Cauldron
London
Mr. Potter,
This letter is to inform you that the exam kit for your entrance to the Hogwarts School of Intensive Magical Study will be arriving in three days' time. It is in your best interests to prepare yourself accordingly for this exam. The test will arrive mid-morning and further instructions will be enclosed. Best of luck.
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry pulled himself off of the bed, swinging one heavy leg at a time over the edge. He stood gingerly, for the pain that had so mercilessly burst into his scar seemed to have drained into his body. He was aching and exhausted. He slowly made his way into the lounge, where Ginny was waiting for Ron to finish saying goodbye to Hermione. Noticing him, she strolled over and he pulled her into a loose hug. Pulling from her own resolve and strength, his hold tightened and he leaned down to kiss her lightly on the lips.
"Thanks for worrying about me."
"Oh, Harry, I always worry about you."
He hugged her again until Ron tugged on his arm.
"As upset as I am to break up this little snog session, I really must take my ickle Ginny back home to Mum," Ron chortled.
Ginny glared but obligingly followed him, giving Harry a small wave. Hermione walked to him and the strength that he had pulled for Ginny vanished and he collapsed again, feeling as if he'd just fought a terrible battle. Hermione moved him towards a settee and vanished to get their things.
When Hermione reappeared, he smiled up at her. "Herm, you're the best friend a bloke could ask for," he declared, clasping her hand.
"Hush now. Don't waste too much energy. Here, stand up," she smiled at him.
He obliged and she walked him downstairs to the awaiting ministry car. He felt lighter than he had before. He realised, shocked, that Hermione was levitating him slightly. Upon questioning her, the answer he received startled him.
"It's just a little something I picked up. Most wizards and witches can do some magic without a wand. Its virtually untraceable, so I'm not that worried."
Harry just nodded, wondering whether or not he could do wandless magic.
Reading his mind, Hermione said, "Yes, you can too. You probably never noticed. I realized you had to be doing it when I moved your rucksack today. It was as heavy as a trunk!"
"Hmph. I didn't even notice," Harry lied, not wishing to tell Hermione about the book a few nights ago.
"I figured as much."
They settled into the car and Hermione encouraged him to take a light nap. He drifted off slowly into a light slumber, desperate for the rest.
***
When they arrived at Privet Drive, Hermione gently shook Harry awake.
He opened his eyes suddenly remembering, "Hermione! Did you read the letter?"
"Yes, don't worry. I received the letter while you were passed out in the hospital wing."
"Oh. What did yours say?"
"The same thing as yours, I'm sure."
Harry was about to ask her about the study sheets that they had drawn up when he noticed a strange noise coming from the open kitchen window of Number Four.
Hermione had heard it too and looked at him strangely. They both looked toward the house. Suddenly a shout rang out into the street.
"Oh Arabella! Turn the volume up, I love this song!"
Harry recognized the voice of his Aunt Petunia. His shock deepened as he recognized the song. "Simply Bewitched" by Celestina Warbeck was blasting through the neighbourhood. Harry realized that the next-door neighbour was preening her roses and didn't seem to acknowledge the song. Looking quickly at Hermione, they both rushed into the house.
The site that met Harry's eyes nearly caused him to fall over in shock. His aunt was standing in the middle of the kitchen with a wand in her hand. She flicked it at the oven and two-dozen chocolate cookies sailed out and onto the cooling racks spread on the counter. A young blond witch stood at the sink, merrily waving her wand at a cake. Thick white icing was streaming out the end of the long wand and onto the cake. She winked at Petunia and reached over to change the dial on a small red box on the counter. Harry recognized it as a receiver for the Wizard Wireless Network. Harry pinched himself until his eyes watered, yet the scene didn't change.
"Petunia!" he cried out.
The radio snapped off and a batch of cookies that Petunia had been levitating crashed to the floor as a stream of white icing hit the wall behind the sink.
"Harry! What are you doing here? I didn't expect you until after dinner."
"Why do you have a wand? Who is that? What in the bloody hell is going on here?" Harry demanded, practically screaming the last question.
"Harry, dear, I think you need to sit down," answered his aunt.
"I won't sit down! Who are you? What's going on?"
Everyone just stared at Harry, looking as if he were about to explode.
"SOMEONE BLOODY ANSWER ME!" Harry bellowed.
Quietly, his aunt met his harsh look.
"The truth, Harry, is that I am a witch."
Author: Atlantis Potter
E-mail: atlantispotter@yahoo.com
Category: Romance, Mystery
Keywords: Year 5, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, and Petunia
Rating: R
Spoilers: All Four Books.
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.
A/N: Please R/R! If you like it, let me know. If you hate it, let me know!
Harry stood next to his aunt in the front hall. Vernon and Dudley were loading their bulging suitcases in the boot of a taxi. Vernon nodded to Petunia and scowled at Harry. Once inside the car, Dudley smashed his face against the window, looking at Harry. Acting all of his 14 years, Harry stuck his tongue out, only to be reprimanded by Petunia.
"You leave your cousin alone! So, just how do you suppose you'll be getting to London?" she sneered.
"Not sure. Hermione said that they'd be here to pick me up at one o'clock."
"Well, it's a quarter to now," Petunia responded rather snidely.
"Then I suppose I could catch up on some reading for my Care of Magical Creatures course."
"Care of…Ma-ma…What did your uncle tell you about using that word in this house?!"
Harry just looked at her, a light of defiance shading his green eyes.
"Something about you has changed. And I most certainly do not like this new attitude of yours. I think something happened to you at that school of yours, but whatever it was does not give you any sort of excuse to behave the way you do."
Her words were met with a blank stare. "You wouldn't be able to understand what happened to me at Hogwarts, Aunt Petunia. It would give you nightmares."
Petunia looked at him for a moment, her eyes wide. Just as quickly as the startled look had come did it change into an angry glare. Her eyes were now widened in anger and with a huff she hurried from the hall. Harry stared after her a moment before looking out the sidelight. As he did so, a long black car rolled up in the front. Before the car completely stopped, a door flew open and Hermione leapt from the car.
"Is that how you're planning on leaving?" Petunia asked, sticking her head out from the kitchen.
"Yes. Why?"
"Well, it's a rather large car."
"Yes, well…" Harry said quietly, ignoring his aunt and leaving her curiosity unquenched.
Petunia ogled at the car as Harry rushed to meet Hermione.
"Hermione! A ministry car?"
"Mr Weasley asked for us to be able to use it so that our trip was a little more guarded. Dumbledore is trying to keep an eye on us as much as possible. I know he doesn't like the idea of this trip, but when I wrote to him, I suggested that it may do you well to get away from the Dursleys and I know Mrs Weasley wrote him the same."
Harry grinned and took up his bag. He opened the back door and climbed into the back of the magically enlarged car. There were a handful of squishy armchairs and a small juice bar. The wizard wireless was blaring in the corner and Ron was raiding a small refrigerator for butterbeer.
Ginny smiled widely at him as he and Hermione sat down in two of the armchairs. She was seated across from them with a book in her lap.
"So Harry, what do you think the exams will be like?" asked Ginny.
"I haven't got a clue. Any ideas Hermione?"
"I doubt it will be a written exam. Perhaps we'll all be sent some sort of portkey to go to an examination centre."
"Maybe, why won't it be-"
"Hey! There's no butterbeer in here!" cried Ron, interrupting Harry.
"Surely there's some pumpkin juice in there?" Ginny asked, not looking up from the book in her lap.
"Of course. Oooh, gillywater." Ron pulled out a clear bottle that held a slightly greenish liquid. "Anyone want some?"
Harry just shrugged and took one of the bottles offered by Ron. He noticed that despite her objections, Hermione still took one of the bottles.
"Do you think we'll get in trouble? I mean, I doubt this was meant for us."
"It'll be alright Herm, I promise," Ron flashed a huge grin at Hermione, accompanied by a small wink. Harry noticed this and glanced questioningly at Ginny. She shrugged and looked at Hermione blushing, all the while with a knowing smirk on her face. Harry shrugged it off and took a sip of gillywater.
The odd tasting drink tickled his throat and he gagged a bit. However, almost immediately after he'd swallowed the strangely coloured substance, a sweet and pleasant taste invaded his mouth. He took another sip of the drink and again, experienced that same aftertaste.
It was obvious that the others had noticed the same taste and they were eagerly drinking it.
A few bottles later, Hermione had become rather giggly. She was attempting to read a book and failing miserably (much to her dismay, it was upside down and she was not sure what to do) while Ron played with one of her shoelaces. He was currently sitting upside down in a chair next to Hermione. Ginny, completely silent, looked slightly flushed while Harry had felt none of the affects of the mild drink.
"Ron! Leave me be! I'm, hic, trying to read!" shrieked Hermione.
Giggling, Ron pulled himself off the floor and snatched Hermione's book.
"Watcha reading?" he tittered, glancing at the book. "Ooh, Her-my-oh-nee, you're reading a very naughty book. Ronan clutched Rhonda to his rippled chest. He pulled her face to his and kissed her full, red lips passionately, as if he drew his life from those very lips. Grasping her, he picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. 'Oh Ronan!" she cried breathily. As her lay her on the bed, she ripped the shirt from his muscled torso, reaching for his-"
"Give me that!" Hermione cried. Ron fell into a fit of giggles and tripped over his own feet, landing on the floor. Ginny and Harry watched on, amused. Hermione leapt from her chair onto the incapacitated Ron. Surprisingly, she grasped him in a weak headlock and began to ruffle his hair. He cried out and grabbed at her arms. He freed himself and pulled a fake glare at her. She tackled him again and he dodged her, quickly running to hide behind Harry's chair.
Harry looked at his friend hiding and watched Hermione standing a few feet away, a challenging look in her eyes. He was somewhat surprised by their odd behaviour but he shrugged it off, looking towards the four or five bottles collecting around the seats they had previously occupied.
Just as Ron began to peek out again, the car lurched as it came to a stop. Ron pitched forward and landed near Hermione, who was sprawled across the floor. Harry looked at Ginny who was also shaking her head. She nodded at him and Harry picked up their belongings and pulled Ron to his feet. Ginny helped Hermione stand and together they exited the vehicle, Hermione blinking into the unusually bright sunlight. Ron tripped several times as he walked from the car to the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron.
Harry looked towards Ginny and Hermione. Hermione was being supported by Ginny and she was giggling as Ginny helped her along. His heart skipped a little as he looked at the two girls. Ginny seemed to be a new person. Or maybe she wasn't--perhaps, he was just noticing her for the first time. As Ginny turned her head to look at him, her long hair caught the sun at just the right angle, causing it to shimmer almost magically. She grinned at him and he smiled, wondering about this girl that he had shrugged off as his friend's little sister for the past four years. The letter she had written to him still stuck out in his mind, the gesture somewhat out of the blue. Perhaps it was just her way of showing that she had grown up a great deal and had shed her young awkwardness. She hadn't blushed nearly as much in the past hour or so as she had the few previous exchanges they had shared. He shrugged his thoughts off and continued to walk into the wizarding pub.
When they had reached the rooms they were staying in, they found a small suite. A large sitting room flanked by two bedrooms completed their quarters. Harry hauled Ron off to the right, while Ginny pulled Hermione to the left.
"Harry, do you like Hermione?" asked Ron, once they were inside their room.
"Sure, she's one of my best friends."
"No, I mean, like, her."
"Um, no, I don't think I do. Why?" Harry asked as he pushed Ron towards one of the beds and began putting away their belongings.
"Ok, good. 'Cause I think I do."
"I know. But what about Krum?"
"How do you know? And what about Krum?"
"Well, shouldn't she be going to Bulgaria this summer to see him?"
"She decided not to go. I think everything that-well, you know. I think she just figured it was best to stay in England. I'm sure Dumbledore agreed."
Harry nodded to his best friend and opened his mouth to ask about whether or not Ron had told Hermione, but Ron cut him off.
"And what do you mean you know?"
"Well…we all knew. It was obvious. What, with the glaring and the whole scene about the Yule Ball."
"Does she like me mate?"
"She might."
"Really?" Ron smiled as he drifted off into sleep.
Harry looked at his best friend for a few moments, torn between smirking at the already tangled sheets and the wild red hair sticking out in every direction and shaking his head at the entire Ron and Hermione situation.
Harry walked from their room into the main sitting to find Ginny exiting the room she was sharing with Hermione.
"Do you want to go to Fortescue's?" he asked her, suddenly itching to get to Diagon Alley.
"Sounds good to me." Ginny picked up a piece of parchment from the disk and scribbled a note to Hermione and Ron. Picking up her light cloak, she led Harry out of their rooms and down to the courtyard.
Tapping the brick, Ginny turned to Harry, "Does Ron like Hermione?"
"Er… I'm not sure if I can answer that. He may be angry if I tell."
Ginny gave him a measuring glance before giggling, "I think those two have some talking to do. Hermione has liked Ron since before the Yule Ball."
"Drama. Always with those two. Drama.
Ginny nodded, giggling again. "I couldn't believe them this afternoon!"
"What happened with the gillywater anyway? It didn't effect me any and you didn't seem to be suffering horribly," Harry asked.
"I'm not sure. I know that Ron ate a lot at breakfast today. Maybe it was all in their heads."
"I can't believe that Hermione was reading that book! I didn't know she read trash like that!" Harry exclaimed.
"Oh, those books aren't trash. They're just much, er, lighter reading that what she usually reads."
"Do you read books like that?"
"What if I do?"
"Just curious. Do most girls read those?"
"I think so," replied Ginny, blushing slightly.
"Ah. Er...So what exactly are we going to be looking for at the library? The letters didn't mention what the exams were going to be on."
"Well, Hermione and I figure that they will just test us on subjects at school, you know, to check our adequacy. I doubt we'll be tested on much that we wouldn't know."
"Are the exams based on year?"
"I'm not positive, but I doubt it. That wouldn't be fair. I suppose that if one was a fourth year and had enough competence, than it wouldn't be much different from a sixth year with the same amount. We'll all be revising the same things, so I don't see why the exams would be different. I suppose that if you just can't do it, well, then you can't do it."
Harry nodded. They had reached Fortescue's. They walked through the doors and up to the main counter. Ginny ordered a Knickerbocker Glory and Harry ordered a strawberry and peanut butter sundae. Taking their orders to the tables in the front, Harry turned to Ginny.
"Gin, I wanted to thank you for your letter. It was completely unexpected, but it meant a lot."
Ginny blushed. "You're welcome. Ron said you were pretty cut up and I'll never forget what you did my first year."
Harry smiled at her slightly and she blushed again. "I won't either."
"Do you think they'll actually tell each other?" Ginny asked, ending their very private moment.
"I sincerely doubt that."
"Maybe we should help them along," Ginny grinned devilishly.
"What do you have in mind?"
Ginny moved her head and Harry leaned in closer as she whispered the plan to him.
"Hey, what are you two doing snuggled so close together?" demanded Hermione, looking at them with a smile on her face, but an unidentifiable look in her eyes.
"We were discussing dinner plans for tonight," said Ginny, smiling at Harry over her ice cream.
"What about dinner plans?" asked Ron, catching up to Hermione. He was rubbing at his temples.
"Are you two feeling better?" Ginny asked, blatantly ignoring Ron.
"Yeah. Hermione used some sort of spell on me. I can think clearly, but I have a headache now. What happened anyways?"
"Apparently, you two just can't hold your drink," Harry responded, hiding a smirk.
"Well. Shall we move onto the library? I have a list of books that should be helpful," Hermione said, avoiding Harry's bemused look.
Hermione led the way to the Diagon Alley Library. Harry and Ron had never been to this library, let alone noticed it. It did not, however, surprise them that Hermione knew of it.
Once inside, Hermione handed them each a list of books. Harry looked his over.
Practice Exams for the Last Minute Wizard by Morgan Prue
Review of Spells and Hexes by Sarisha Nani
A Capsule-sized Study of the Dark Arts by Blake Kern
So You Have to Pass Transfiguration (Tomorrow)? By Rhonda Geary
A Beginner's Guide to Charms by Mariah Jinx
Potions for Dummies by Severus Snape
Dr. Foggy's Guide to Divining the Future by Dr. Ramla Foggy
Arithmancy by Portia Pallas
Harry read the list again. Severus Snape? Writing a book? Harry shook his head, unable to imagine Snape being able to do anything than brew potions or make snide remarks. Only Hermione would get this list together, he thought as he began to head towards the stacks. He decided that the first book in his search would be the book by Snape.
He'd located the book and as he reached for it, eyeing two of the other books he'd picked up on the way, his hand collided with something. Standing directly in front of him was Ginny. He looked at her and smiled. She returned a smile that reached her eyes and laughed, the reason for which was lost on him. As he looked at her, his eyes moved down the length of her, starting first with her vibrant hair. He moved down, tracing the lines of her face, which had changed over her third year in school. He noticed the curve of her neck and…
Harry shook himself.
Ron's sister, mate. She's Ron's sister.
"I suppose it doesn't really matter which of us takes the book, since we'll all be studying it, right?"
He blinked, her words taking ages to meet his ears. "What?"
"The book."
"Oh, yeah. I guess you're right."
"Shall I take it then?"
He nodded and handed the book to her, their hands brushing. He stopped, wondering what exactly was going on. This girl, whom he'd hardly talked to in the three or so years he'd known her was suddenly very interesting. She had grown up some and her shyness was now charming, rather than bothersome. Her liquid brown eyes captured him and he felt at a loss for explanation.
He noticed that she was staring at him, something vaguely recognisable in her eyes, yet at the same time, very foreign to him. It was suddenly becoming very warm in the room. He shook his head slightly as he looked at the red-headed girl standing in front of him. Her smile had fallen away and she was wetting her lips. He looked at her lips, knowing exactly what he wanted to do and wondering where the feeling had come from. Before he knew what was happening, he was leaning towards her…
Thud!
He jumped away from her, startled. She looked first at him, then down at the offending volume lying open on the wooden floor. She looked back at him and shook herself.
"Gods, Harry, I'm so…"
"No, no… it's entirely my fault. I'm sorry Ginny."
"It's ok, don't worry about it," Ginny said, flustered. She reddened further and took a step away from him. She picked the book up from the floor, nodded her thanks and skulked away. Harry sighed. He grabbed the books he'd been after and retreated to the table where Ron was sitting with a stack of books.
"All right Harry?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes, yes, quite alright."
Ron shrugged and went back to "So You Have to Pass Transfiguration (Tomorrow)?" and Harry leafed through the potions book.
After several hours of exhausting revision, the four students retreated to their rooms at the Leaky Cauldron. As they all collapsed into comfortable armchairs, Hermione piped up, "Didn't you mention something about dinner plans earlier?"
"Ah, yes, well, um, Ginny and I were thinking of going out to eat tonight so that we could get to know each other a little better. We were wondering if you and Ron might like to come with us."
"Like on a date?" asked Ron.
Ginny and Harry, forgetting their earlier plans, looked at him in absolute horror.
"No!"
"Of course not!"
"A date!"
"Why would it be a date?"
"Alright, alright, so its not a date. What is wrong with you?"
"Nothing…nothing's wrong. Why would it be a date? We hardly know each other!" Ginny said, her voice going an octave above it's normal tone.
Harry and Ginny quickly regained their composure, all the while receiving odd looks from Hermione and Ron. The girls stood up and walked to their room. Ron and Harry sat looking at each other, both nervous. Ron stood first, heading into the bathroom. Harry heard the shower and went into the bedroom to get ready.
After Harry had finished showering and dressing, he was sitting on the bed, watching Ron fiddle with a clasp on his robe. He caught Ron's eye.
"Do you like Ginny?" said Ron.
"Does Ginny like me?" asked Harry.
They stared at each other for a brief moment, having asked their questions at the same time. Harry let out a nervous laugh.
"Do you like her Harry?" Ron asked, his voice quiet.
"I-well, honestly, I'm not sure. I feel like I barely know her."
"Barely know her? You've known her for over three years."
"Well, no. I've known you for four years now, and I've known of Ginny that long, but I didn't talk to her until second year and even now, I only say a few words to her whenever I see her."
Ron nodded. "I think she likes you. She probably has for years."
"Well, I'd like to get to know her better."
Again, Ron nodded. "Right, but let's say that you do get to know her better and do decide you like her. If you hurt her, I'll kill you."
"I know, Ron. I know."
"And what's going on with you and Hermione?"
"Nothing."
"Do you want something?"
Ron just looked at him before peering at the clock over the mantle. "It's time to go, mate."
Harry shook his head, but before he could get another word in edgewise, Hermione and Ginny walked into the room. Neither was dressed up especially nice, but they were both freshly showered and clean of the dust from the library. Hermione had tamed her hair and pulled it back into a ponytail. Ginny's hair was free and flowing down her shoulders. They were dressed in robes, Ginny's an emerald green and Hermione's a dark blue. Harry and Ron were dressed simply in black.
The boys led the way from the room. Once downstairs, Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron seated them in a private dining room. After placing menus on their plates, he left them.
"So, Gin, did you find anything interesting in that spell book?" Harry questioned.
"Not really. It just made lots of suggestions over what most basic examinations would be like. Like I said earlier, the test will most likely cover material we should know from the first three years. What do you think Herm?"
"I'm not sure. I'm not all that worried about it. Whatever we read through today should be enough."
"What about Divination?" asked Ginny.
Hermione's annoyance was visible in her facial expression. Despite her hate of the imprecise magic, Hermione had spent a good portion of the afternoon reading about it, just in case it was on the exam. As she was one of the few students in the school not studying Divination, her reasoning was likely correct and there would be testing on that particular subject. Hermione and Ginny continued their conversation about school related topics and Harry asked Ron about the Chudley Cannons, his favourite Quidditch team.
Tom came back a few minutes later for their drink orders.
"I'll just have pumpkin juice, thanks."
"Same here," added Hermione.
"What? No gillywater?" Harry asked Hermione.
Hermione tossed a pumpkin roll at him from the basket on the table as Ginny joined in Harry's laughter. Their drinks arrived and they placed their orders, all four students beginning to get very hungry.
The food tasted delicious. Their drinks kept refilling themselves and their meal was plentiful. The warmth of the room and conversation comforted Harry. He loved being with his friends. He grinned inwardly at the fun he was having this summer. During the meal, he'd sneak a peak at Ginny, who would occasionally catch his gaze and smile, a slight blush creeping up her cheeks.
When they'd finished the last of the various puddings, Ron stood.
"I think I'd like to take a walk. Would anyone like to join me?"
"I'll join you," Hermione answered, nearly a whisper.
They stood and Hermione linked her arm through Ron's as he walked her out of the dining room. Ginny grinned at Harry.
"Well, that was much easier than I thought."
"I should say so!" Harry laughed. Seriously, he added, "Ginny, about earlier at the library, I'm-
"No! Don't apologize," she said softly, looking at him.
"It's just that today was really nice, Ginny. And I don't want what almost happened in the library to ruin it."
"Do you, er, like me?" she cringed, as if afraid to hear his answer.
Her question rang out in his mind and he greatly considered his response. More than anything, he wanted to answer that he did, but fear over rushing into things washed over him. He took a deep breath before smiling at her. "I think I do, Gin."
She lifted her eyes to meet his. She smiled shyly and he allowed himself a moment to just look at her. Without a word, they stood up, Harry leaving his share of the tab on the table and walked out of the room to await the return of their friends.
Later that night, Harry lay in the bed in the room he was sharing with Ron. Hermione and Ron had not yet returned. After retiring from the dining room, Ginny and Harry had spent a long time in front of the fire in the parlour, sitting close on the lounge. They had talked for a long time about each other and about Ron and Hermione. After the fire dwindled down and Ginny was yawning, they decided to call it a night. Ginny stood, stretching and looked down at Harry.
"G'night, Harry."
He stood and smiled. "Night, Ginny."
She smiled at him, bowing her head slightly and he moved closer to her. He moved his hand down to cup her chin and softly kissed her. She kissed back, the pressure ever so light.
She had left then and he shortly found himself in his bed, wondering where Ron was. Lying there, he felt renewed. Ginny had made him forget about all the things that had happened at the end of his fourth year. The tension between Hermione and Ron had placed a strain of the friendship of the trio and Harry felt whole again with this girl. She was a friend. There was no tension or awkwardness. They were just plain content with each other.
Shortly after Harry lay down, Ron burst into the room.
"Harry, mate, how are you?"
"Things went well with Hermione I take it?"
"She's wonderful!"
Harry looked at Ron and shook his head again. It was hard to believe that this smitten boy standing in the middle of the room wearing pyjamas with little barking dogs on them was actually his best friend. In fact, he looked downright silly.
Ron eventually settled into his own bed, jabbering about the night. He and Hermione had walked through Diagon Alley and sat in the small park outside the library talking. He'd finally gotten the nerve to kiss her and she had kissed him back. Ron's words began to fade as Harry drifted into sleep…
Entrerò nei vostri sogni e controllerò il vostro sonno.
Harry shot straight up in bed. Before he was able to finish "Ron, did you say something?" a white-hot pain shot through his scar, blinding Harry. Crying out, he collapsed and rolled off the bed onto the floor. He was vaguely aware of scrambling feet before he saw only blackness.
"Good morning Harry."
"What happened?"
"Well, according to Mr Weasley and Miss Granger, you awoke in the middle of the night, screamed in pain and fell to the floor. Hermione rushed into the room and activated the portkey I gave you. She brought you here. Harry, what happened?"
"I… The scar… The words… I heard words in my head. It was some sort of charm. I woke up at the sound of the voice and suddenly my scar hurt. After that, I don't know."
"Do you know what the words were?"
"Harry! Oh thank Merlin you're all right!" Hermione cried out, bursting into the hospital wing. She was at Harry's bedside in just a few moments and bent down to hug him.
"Where are Ginny and Ron?"
"They've gone back to the Leaky Cauldron."
"Well, Harry and Hermione, I think we've done all we can for now. However, Harry if anything happens, any strange dreams, thoughts or pains, you must owl me immediately. Also, I want Hermione to accompany you to Privet Drive for the next few weeks, until we have gotten any clues about what happened."
"I don't think that Hermione will be able to come there. Aunt Petunia--"
Dumbledore held up a hand. "I have contacted your Aunt Petunia. Arrangements have been made. Harry, why don't you get dressed and then I will arrange for you to be taken back to the Leaky Cauldron."
Harry and Hermione nodded their agreement and she walked out with Dumbledore, leaving Harry alone with his thoughts.
He felt himself shudder. He could already feel that something was not quite right in his head. He felt relieved, however, that he would not be alone. Dressing quickly, he met Hermione in the hallway. She was holding a portkey in her hand, waiting for Harry to finish dressing.
They arrived in the courtyard behind the Leaky Cauldron. Harry nearly collapsed as a wall of exhaustion suddenly hit him. Hermione put her arm around his waist and half-carried him up to the room.
Ron and Ginny were sitting anxiously in the sitting room. When the door opened, they leapt to their feet, Ginny rushing to Harry. In a heartbeat, she had her arms around him bawling into his shoulder.
"Oh, Harry, what happened? I was so worried. Are you alright?" Ginny looked at him with her wide brown eyes, unable to conceal the fear and concern she felt for Harry. He had an arm loosely around her waist and attempted to hide his shock at her outburst. His other arm was still grasping Hermione, who was looking at Ginny in confusion.
Silently, Ginny withdrew from Harry and gave Hermione an odd glance, before moving farther back.
"I think it's best if Harry lays down for awhile. We will be leaving for Privet Drive in an hour or so. When will you be going back to the Burrow?"
"Actually, we were just waiting for you to come back before we left. There's a car waiting for us downstairs," Ron replied, smiling at Hermione. However, she just nodded. She led Harry to the boys' room and returned to the lounge.
Harry stretched out on the bed. He rolled over and heard a light crunch. Moving aside, he picked up the parchment envelope lying on his pillow.
Mr. Harry Potter
The Bed by the Window
The Leaky Cauldron
London
Mr. Potter,
This letter is to inform you that the exam kit for your entrance to the Hogwarts School of Intensive Magical Study will be arriving in three days' time. It is in your best interests to prepare yourself accordingly for this exam. The test will arrive mid-morning and further instructions will be enclosed. Best of luck.
Professor Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
Harry pulled himself off of the bed, swinging one heavy leg at a time over the edge. He stood gingerly, for the pain that had so mercilessly burst into his scar seemed to have drained into his body. He was aching and exhausted. He slowly made his way into the lounge, where Ginny was waiting for Ron to finish saying goodbye to Hermione. Noticing him, she strolled over and he pulled her into a loose hug. Pulling from her own resolve and strength, his hold tightened and he leaned down to kiss her lightly on the lips.
"Thanks for worrying about me."
"Oh, Harry, I always worry about you."
He hugged her again until Ron tugged on his arm.
"As upset as I am to break up this little snog session, I really must take my ickle Ginny back home to Mum," Ron chortled.
Ginny glared but obligingly followed him, giving Harry a small wave. Hermione walked to him and the strength that he had pulled for Ginny vanished and he collapsed again, feeling as if he'd just fought a terrible battle. Hermione moved him towards a settee and vanished to get their things.
When Hermione reappeared, he smiled up at her. "Herm, you're the best friend a bloke could ask for," he declared, clasping her hand.
"Hush now. Don't waste too much energy. Here, stand up," she smiled at him.
He obliged and she walked him downstairs to the awaiting ministry car. He felt lighter than he had before. He realised, shocked, that Hermione was levitating him slightly. Upon questioning her, the answer he received startled him.
"It's just a little something I picked up. Most wizards and witches can do some magic without a wand. Its virtually untraceable, so I'm not that worried."
Harry just nodded, wondering whether or not he could do wandless magic.
Reading his mind, Hermione said, "Yes, you can too. You probably never noticed. I realized you had to be doing it when I moved your rucksack today. It was as heavy as a trunk!"
"Hmph. I didn't even notice," Harry lied, not wishing to tell Hermione about the book a few nights ago.
"I figured as much."
They settled into the car and Hermione encouraged him to take a light nap. He drifted off slowly into a light slumber, desperate for the rest.
When they arrived at Privet Drive, Hermione gently shook Harry awake.
He opened his eyes suddenly remembering, "Hermione! Did you read the letter?"
"Yes, don't worry. I received the letter while you were passed out in the hospital wing."
"Oh. What did yours say?"
"The same thing as yours, I'm sure."
Harry was about to ask her about the study sheets that they had drawn up when he noticed a strange noise coming from the open kitchen window of Number Four.
Hermione had heard it too and looked at him strangely. They both looked toward the house. Suddenly a shout rang out into the street.
"Oh Arabella! Turn the volume up, I love this song!"
Harry recognized the voice of his Aunt Petunia. His shock deepened as he recognized the song. "Simply Bewitched" by Celestina Warbeck was blasting through the neighbourhood. Harry realized that the next-door neighbour was preening her roses and didn't seem to acknowledge the song. Looking quickly at Hermione, they both rushed into the house.
The site that met Harry's eyes nearly caused him to fall over in shock. His aunt was standing in the middle of the kitchen with a wand in her hand. She flicked it at the oven and two-dozen chocolate cookies sailed out and onto the cooling racks spread on the counter. A young blond witch stood at the sink, merrily waving her wand at a cake. Thick white icing was streaming out the end of the long wand and onto the cake. She winked at Petunia and reached over to change the dial on a small red box on the counter. Harry recognized it as a receiver for the Wizard Wireless Network. Harry pinched himself until his eyes watered, yet the scene didn't change.
"Petunia!" he cried out.
The radio snapped off and a batch of cookies that Petunia had been levitating crashed to the floor as a stream of white icing hit the wall behind the sink.
"Harry! What are you doing here? I didn't expect you until after dinner."
"Why do you have a wand? Who is that? What in the bloody hell is going on here?" Harry demanded, practically screaming the last question.
"Harry, dear, I think you need to sit down," answered his aunt.
"I won't sit down! Who are you? What's going on?"
Everyone just stared at Harry, looking as if he were about to explode.
"SOMEONE BLOODY ANSWER ME!" Harry bellowed.
Quietly, his aunt met his harsh look.
"The truth, Harry, is that I am a witch."
