Dreams
Chapter 18: A Poor, Sick, 'Ickle Voldie And A Great Christmas
Disclaimer: Since my muse is a bit out of it, I'll do this the simple way. I don't own anything except the plot and Grindelwald's family. Everything else is JKR's.
A/N: All is well with Word (Yippee!) so thoughts are now in italics.
A/N2: Thanks for the reviews; they give fuel to my muse when I'm running on empty.
***Harry's Dream***
"Ahhhhchoo! Wormtail, you idiot, where are you? I want some friggin' chicken soup! It's your fault that I'm sick. Stupid foo--Ah choo!"
"Coming Master," a belittled Wormtail said. He had a bowl of scalding chicken soup in his silver hand and a blanket in his human one.
"Took you long enough," Voldemort grumbled. He added, "Get the Schickelgrubers. I must talk to them about VOTS. Now that I'm sick (Voldemort gave Wormtail a glare when he said this) I have to change some things. Oh, and get me another box of tissues."
As Wormtail was processing all this information, Voldemort hollered, "NOW! I really should've tried harder to get Black or Lupin as my servants…I don't know how they put up with a talent-less piece of crap like you."
"Yes Master, I'll go get the Schickelgrubers and your tissues." Wormtail then left the room.
I wonder what's up Voldemort's butt. Seems like he has the flu…
Wormtail came back with the tissues and told Voldemort that the Schickelgrubers would be arriving in fifteen minutes.
"Good," Voldemort responded. "Hurry up and do a quick healing charm so I don't look too weak."
Wormtail mumbled some words and instantly Voldemort looked a bit better.
If only he could get some sun. Harry tried to calm himself by chuckling at his own joke. He was pretty tense about having another dream involving VOTS. The minutes were slowly passing while Harry was recounting his Quidditch victory. The look on Cho's face was priceless. I wonder if Creevey has a picture of it…
Harry would've kept speculating but the Schickelgrubers had apparated to Voldemort's side. Klara, Edmond, Paula and Friedl were there. Friedl had light cinnamon brown hair and grey eyes. His hair reminded Harry of Hermione and the cold eyes looked a bit like Malfoy's. They were void of emotion, as if he were an empty shell. He noticed that Eva wasn't there.
"What is wrong," Klara asked in a soft voice full of concern.
"It appears that Wormtail let a rare species of Glumbumbles into the house. One happened to bite me and, as you know, when bitten one gets a very harsh flu. I called you here to tell you that Step 2 was cancelled."
"Drats," Friedl muttered. "I was rather hoping to catch Potter's owl and torture it. That would've made Potter a bit sad if he had received his dead pet as a Christmas present…
Harry shuddered. Sick, very sick. Trying to hurt Hedwig to get to me. Bastards…
Voldemort continued, "I also wanted to tell you that Step Three is pushed to February. I should be up and about by then. Step Four is still late April or early June, depending on the success of Step Three. As you all know Step Five is still on the last day of school. That is all I wanted you to know…I'll contact you if anything changes. "
"Get well Voldemort," Edmond said in his thick, Spanish accent. "We will need you in order to succeed."
"I know I--".
Harry was zooming back to reality.
***Hospital Wing, An Hour Later***
Ron and Hermione was sitting in silence, looking grim. The silence was mostly due to Harry's condition, but there was some awkward tension. Attempts at conversation were futile, so the silence overtook them. Ron, still reflecting on the Quidditch match, had a far-away look on his face. Hermione was also pondering but it was about Harry and her crush on him. She didn't have to think about the issue longer because Harry fluttered his eyelids.
"Hey Hermione, hullo Ron."
Madame Pomfrey pushed Ron and Hermione out of the way, claiming that her patient needed breathing room. She fussed over him, checking his vitals.
"Seems like all is in order, Mr. Potter. I imagine you want to talk to the Headmaster."
"Yes, if you could get him," Harry responded.
"No need Harry, I'm right here," Dumbledore said. Ron and Hermione hadn't noticed him.
"Madame Pomfrey, I must steal your patient from you for a bit. May I?"
"Why do you even bother asking, Professor? Go, take him and lead him on another crusade against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Go right ahead." Madame Pomfrey stormed out of the hospital and was noticeably peeved.
"Well, you heard the woman, get out of bed! I imagine that Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger would like to come as well. It seems as if they find out what happens in your dreams anyway. Might as well just say it once and get it over with. Come along."
The trio was definitely taken aback by what their Headmaster had said. It seemed as if he had grown tired of all the secrets. Soon enough the trio, led by Dumbledore, were in his office. Harry told his story and left the audience, once again, with open mouths.
"It looks like we will have to meet what is coming in February when it gets here. Go to sleep, you need it. Oh and congratulations on the win Mr. Potter."
With a mumbled thank you and a couple of good bye's and good night's, the Dream Team were on their way to Gryffindor Tower. Harry noticed the strain and tension in the brisk night air. Finally he just spoke up.
"Is there something going on with you two? You aren't holding hands and Hermione, you aren't giggling at some sweet nothing that Ron said. In fact, Ron you aren't saying sweet nothings. Spill damnit!
"Well, I, um I mean we--," Ron started.
"We broke up. Officially back to best friend status," Hermione said with a smile.
Harry wanted to put his fist in the air while yelling 'Yes, Thank you God' but had to restrain himself. He beamed but tried to look sympathetic. All he could think was Christmas has come early. Why do all the good things happen after the bad stuff. I wish I could just skip the bad crap…
***Christmas Break, A Couple of Weeks After***
Fortunately for Harry, his best buddies, Hermione and Ron, decided to stay for Christmas. Ginny decided to stay as well but not because her brother was staying. It was actually due to her new, secret, friend who she was rapidly developing a crush for. She finally stopped becoming a tomato when Harry was around and they were able to carry intelligent conversations. Harry thought that it was pretty bad luck for him that Malfoy was staying, however.
It was finally Christmas day. The work load during the holidays had been finished long ago, much to Hermione's pleasure. Harry had to admit that she had a point on trying to do the homework as soon as possible; now he could just relax.
Harry got up and started to shake Ron awake. Ron was not budging after about ten minutes of poking and shouting. What a bum…Hmm I already stopped by Mum and Dad's to say Happy Christmas. That was fun. Might as well sneak into the Girl's Dorm and wake Herm up.
Harry quietly made his way to Hermione's room. She was all alone, well except for Ginny. He couldn't help but feel relieved when Ginny stopped blushing around him. He was at Hermione's bed now and was thinking of which way to wake her. She looked happy, as if she was having a really good dream. He decided to wake her quietly. If he started to jump on her bed, chances were that he would wake up Ginny or McGonagall. Harry was lightly rubbing her arm and whispering her name. She finally woke up with a yawn. He loved the half-asleep look in her eyes.
"Merry Christmas Harry. What brings you to my dorm?"
"Happy Christmas Hermi. Just wanted to wake you up. I couldn't sleep anymore and waking Ron up is about as hard as catching a boulder while playing Quidditch."
"Hmmm," Hermione responded as she stretched. He couldn't help but see her belly button as her tank top slid up over her stomach. He looked away, blushing, and focused on the snow outside.
"Herm, do you want your present now," Harry asked, still looking out the window.
"Nah, lets wake Ron and Ginny up first. We can exchange presents all together.
"Okay, I'll go try to get Ron up again, you get Ginny up."
"See ya in a few."
Harry walked back to his dorm and tried yet again. Hermione didn't have any trouble, though. Ginny was a morning person and she just hopped out of bed as if she had been awake the entire time. She said a quick goodbye and went to the fourth year dorms to get some clothes. While she was picking out her outfit for the day, a black owl started to tap on her window. She opened it and got the note. It said, in almost illegible writing:
Happy Christmas Ginny
Meet me by the lake after lunch, I want to give you your present. Send me a note saying if you can.
Draco
Ginny, ecstatic, wrote a quick message saying that she would meet him by the large willow tree. She totally forgot about changing and started to skip down the stairs, a smile plastered on her face. She didn't really remember what the Ron, Hermione, and Harry had gotten her because she was too happy.
While Ginny was bouncing down the stairs, Harry had managed to get Ron up by conjuring some water over his head. Hermione dried the whiny Ron and started to exchange gifts. Luckily for the trio, things were back to normal between the two.
Harry was a bit nervous of the gift that he had gotten for Hermione. He knew that he had done right by Ron by getting him a gift certificate to Honeydukes but he wasn't sure about the bracelet that he had for Hermione. Hermione was feeling the same anxiety. She knew that the official Chudley Cannons Quidditch robes would be a hit for Ron. Indeed she was right when she gave him the present. Ron was going crazy over the gifts, giving them both random kisses on the cheek.
Ron had gotten Hermione a necklace that had matched Harry's bracelet. It was very much like a choker. It was silver with little roses on the sides. Hermione loved it. Ron hadn't disappointed Harry, either. He had taken out a monthly subscription of Snidget Monthly. He knew that all the seeker tips would help Harry out in the future.
Now for the moment of truth, Hermione thought. She reached to her right and handed Harry a gift wrapped box. In truth, the box had been a lot harder to do than Ron's robes but she thought it was worth it. She just hoped Harry would like it. Harry ripped the wrapping off the box and was surprised at what he saw. Seeing that Harry was at a loss for words, Hermione began to explain it.
"It's a memoir box, Har. You can keep photos, letters, whatever is important to you really. I decorated the outside with pictures of all of us, in case you get lonely during the summer," Hermione said with a timid smile. "Do you like it?"
Harry woke up from his stunned state and grabbed Hermione in a fierce hug.
"Are you kidding Herm? This is the best thing anyone has ever given me. Thanks a lot. Where did you get all the photos though?"
"Oh yeah, I go them from Dennis Creevey. He's like your personal photographer. He was such a bugger though about giving up the pictures. I got the picture of your mum and dad sleeping from one of the yearbooks though." Hermione was blushing intensely now.
"Well, I guess I better get your present now." Harry reached for his left and got a jewelry box out. He smiled nervously and handed it to her. It turned out to be a charms bracelet. Harry started to explain his.
"Well I got you a charms bracelet. See that's the astronomy tower and a potion glass, remember from our first year. The bathroom and the bed represent Myrtle's bathroom and your hospital bed, second year. The time turner and the Grim show third year. I have to tell you that the guy who sold this thought I was crazy to get you a Grim but I don't care. Fourth year are those two right there. I got a house elf, in honor of S.P.E.W. and a mini Goblet of Fire. No one else believed me except you. I've never told you how grateful I was." Harry could feel the red rising to his face and ears but forced himself to continue. "This year, well it's been pretty peaceful so I got you a Lethifold and a library."
"Wow Harry. That was really thoughtful thanks." She engulfed him in another hug and kissed his cheek.
"Umm, that's not all. I put some charms on it so that you just have to touch the bracelet and think of me and then you can talk to me… y'know like telekinesis. I have a bracelet, well minus the charms so I don't look girly, so we can talk."
"Hey why didn't you get one for me," Ron asked. He was smirking a bit though, as if he knew something the other two didn't.
"Umm, I forgot. I'll get one for you next time we go to Hogsmeade."
Ron walked up to Harry's ear and whispered, "Someone's got a crush…".
Harry face was now turning purple from the extent of embarrassment. He mumbled that he was going to get changed and bolted up the stairs. Hermione raised an eyebrow to Ron and Ron responded by shrugging his shoulders. Hermione said that she was going to go upstairs and change too. Her cheeks were slightly pink, as well.
Hmmm, Ron wondered. Someone has to get those two love birds together. I might need some help though…
***Lake, Breakfast***
The Great Hall was decorated to an extreme. It had red and green everywhere and a couple of huge pine trees. The hall smelled delicious. The table was crowded with everything Harry desired to be in his stomach. He started to load his plate with food. His blushing had gone down to a mere tint of pink on his cheeks. His friends passed the pink off as a result from the cold. He kept stealing glances at Hermione and almost got caught. Nothing could ruin this day.
After everyone was full, a couple of owls rushed into the hall. Harry got a letter, but it wasn't from Hedwig. Hermione got her copy of The Daily Prophet and Ron got another box of chocolates, from believe it or not, Lavender.
Harry cautiously opened the letter, expecting something to completely obliterate the grin on his face. The grin however just grew bigger. It was a letter from Sirius. It said:
Merry Christmas Harry
I just wanted to let you know that I'm getting a new trial! Isn't that just wonderful! I'm staying with Moony at the moment. The trial is supposed to be in April and they are going to use Veritaserum. There is no way that they can convict me now…Well I hope not. You, Hermione, Ron, and Remus are going to have to come too, as witnesses. Anyways I thought I should let you know and what better day than Christmas.
See you soon
Sirius
Harry quickly passed the letter to Hermione and Ron. When it got to Hermione, Harry whispered, "It looks like this is the first edition to the memoir box. Thanks again." Hermione blushed a light crimson and looked him straight in the eye for a second and then went back to her food. Words weren't needed, their eyes expressed enough.
As soon as Dumbledore saw Harry whisper in Hermione's ear, he went to McGonagall's. Whispering as well, he said, while pointing discreetly at Harry and Hermione, "Don't they look just like--"
"Yes Albus. They look exactly like Lily and James, well after those two got to be friends."
"Yes, absolutely right." Now pointing to Ginny and Draco he continued to whisper, "What about those two?"
"I have no idea. I will need a good glass of Vodka is those two get together."
"You never know…There is a fine line between love and hate."
"Better yet, I'll need some tequila is those two are even friends."
On cue, Ginny and Draco started to have a conversation.
"What was that Minerva?"
"Ugh, shut up Albus."
***Lake, After Lunch***
Ginny left a bit early from her lunch, saying that she needed some air. She began her little walk to the ancient willow. She couldn't wait for Draco to get out of lunch. They had become confidants, no more than that. They were best friends. The midnight meetings hadn't stopped and even though they had close shaves, they would probably not stop. Some people were a bit suspicious of them for having a bit of black rings under their eyes but weren't questioned. Ginny sat down and started to wait.
"Merry Christmas Gin," Malfoy said sincerely.
"Hey Draco." She got up and hugged him. "Happy Christmas to you too."
"Well, I, um I got you something. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all."
"Here you go then. I'll just go in…"
"No, wait," Ginny replied, tugging at his arm. "Um, I mean, you can't just go and leave me by myself. Stay awhile, get comfy, we can talk, you know.
Draco's smile widened and replied, "Sure. Thanks."
Ginny wanted to melt from the smile. It reached his eyes and showed pure pleasure. She started to delicately take the clearly expensive wrapping, holding Draco in suspense. She opened the box and gasped.
"It's a friendship bracelet. I saw Potter getting one for the mud-I mean Granger and I thought it was a good idea." He looked extremely cute while flashing a bashful grin. He added, "I've got one too. I understand if you can't wear it but still--"
"Are you kidding Draco, I love it." She got up and hugged him, reassuring him that she loved it. "Ahh crap! I forgot to get you something," Ginny said.
Feeling some of Gryffindors courage coursing through his veins, he stuttered, "Well, t-there might b-be one thing you can give me…".
With her heart rate getting higher by the second, she moved closer to hear what he had to say. She had never seen Draco like this, he was usually cool and collected. She answered, "What can I give you?"
"Well," Draco started, talking control of his voice again and raising a hand to her cheek, "I just wanted to tell you that I l-lik--"
"Ginny is that you," another feminine voice said, completely ruining the moment. The two jumped from each other and Ginny nearly slipped into the lake. Draco caught her though and they started to gaze into the other's eyes. The other female turned out to be Hermione. She started to run to the two, thinking that there was something bad was going to happen. She started to catch her breath saying, "Ginny? Hellooooo?". But then she realized that something great was happening. Something in Ginny's and Draco's eyes were being mirrored. It looked like, yup it was definitely love. The two snapped out of it and started to flush great hues of scarlet, crimson, and bloodshot red. Ginny muttered a quick good bye and started to run off. Hermione looked at Draco, then Ginny, then back to Draco, smiling.
"Well, I hope to see you two as a couple soon," Hermione said with a wink. She started to run off, leaving a bewildered Draco. This was one of the greatest days of his life.
Hermione eventually caught up with Ginny before they entered the school. She grabbed Ginny's arm with such force that guaranteed a bruise. Ginny looked like she was going to burst into tears when Hermione finally took her down.
"Gin, why are you crying? You looked like you were in love."
Ginny's frown turned into a teary grin. "You mean you're not mad."
"About you loving Draco, nope. I am mad that you didn't tell me," Hermione responded playfully. She added, "How's about we go to the kitchens and get some hot chocolate and you spill everything. Okay?"
"Yup, let do that. Oh and Herm?"
"No I won't tell Ron. I'd have to be bonkers. Just be careful of Draco. Don't forget about what he did to me earlier."
"I won't. Let's go?". Ginny offered her arm, which Hermione took.
"Yes, lets."
**End of Chapter Eighteen**
A/N: You guys were lucky this time, no cliffie. Well that's the end of chapter eighteen…Don't forget to review!
