Responsibility
Chapter 25
Ginny looked down and saw the ocean zip by underneath her. Above her she saw the twinkling stars. "How fast are we going?"
"As fast as we can," Wolfe replied
"Aren't we going back to Hogwarts?"
"It would take hours, even at out top speed. And we don't have enough juice to make it there. I burned off one third of the potion reservoir to get to you in time. I used the Portkey Mode of the craft… instant transportation."
"One-third? But that means you still have two-thirds!"
"Commander Ironheart also used Portkey Mode to go to Hogsmeade. So I only had one-third left, and I didn't want to risk it. We don't want to run out of potion. Besides, Nomad Island is very close by this week. It's usually in the South Pacific anyway, because there the ocean is at its deepest. Don't worry. I'll send word that you're okay as soon as we reach the Citadel."
"Thank you!" Ginny said, absently running her hand through her nephew's soft curls. "So, this craft uses some kind of potion like Muggles vehicles use fuel?"
"Not directly. It serves more like a conductor for the magic that animates the Prowler. The more magic the Prowler uses, the more quickly the potion degenerates, and has to be replaced."
"I see!" She'd been wondering how an object of that size could be animated like that. "Otherwise you'd have to reinforce animation charms far too often, for something this big. This isn't a broomstick!"
"You seem to know a lot about the subject." Wolfe said, sounding mildly impressed.
"Well, I got three O.W.L's for Charms. And I used to watch my dad enchant all sorts of stuff while when I was little." Ginny smiled. Her father had been hopeless at it, but that was how she got interested. "I also did some enchanting of my own. I gave Ron's old Shooting Star an overhaul a couple of summers ago. I had it flying almost as well as a Cleansweep Six.
"Impressive." Wolfe grunted.
"Thank you. A representative from Comet Trading Company thought so too." She grinned as she remembered that day in the war. She'd seen a wizard fleeing from a pair of Dementors, and she'd pulled him on her broom, saving his life. He'd been shocked to see that a Shooting Star had managed to carry both of them at a decent speed. After Voldemort's demise, the wizard had visited her at Hogwarts in her seventh year, and he'd offered her a job at the company. But she'd declined, since broomsticks would have reminded her of Quidditch, and Quidditch would have reminded her of her dead brother and a certain green-eyed Seeker. Working to charm objects would also have reminded her of her father, and at the time she hadn't been ready to deal with those painful memories yet.
"But you became a nurse instead."
"Yes. I wanted to heal people… and myself, I guess. But thank you for rescuing me. Malfoy would have killed me if you hadn't shown up when you did."
"Don't thank me," Wolfe mumbled.
"Don't be so modest."
"Modesty has nothing to do with it. I'm afraid I was the one who allowed Malfoy to take you in the first place."
"What… How?" Ginny frowned.
"I ran into Malfoy when I took Professor McGonagall to get the sword. He was Polyjuiced, but I briefly read his thoughts… you know about my gift… right? I knew he was trying to find a way to kidnap you. When I placed my hand on your shoulder when you were with Harry, out on the grounds, I also placed a tracer on you. That's how I found the location of the base… and you."
He paused to gather his thoughts, and Ginny was too stunned to say anything.
He continued. "I had hoped that Malfoy would have taken me to Anastasiou, so I could finally kill him. That's why I did it. But then I saw Harry's reaction when he learned that Malfoy had taken you… I saw his thoughts. He felt exactly what I imagine I would feel if Galatea were taken from me. That made me think, and I realised what a horrible thing I had done.
"You were innocent, but all I had cared about was a chance to get revenge. My mother must be turning in her grave because of what I've done," he said gloomily. "I hope you can forgive me… someday."
Ginny wanted to get angry, but for some reason she found that she couldn't. In a way, she could relate to what Wolfe must have been feeling. Harry must have been in the same state of mind when he'd cursed Ron. "A thirst for revenge can make people do terrible things. Nobody got hurt…just forget about it. I'll forgive you, if you promise never to do it again."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"This is what I've been raised to do. It's part of my mind… my soul. As soon as we land, I'll resign from the Order. I can't risk endangering an innocent for my thirst for revenge again. Besides, my grandfather probably knows what I've done. I'll be dishonourably discharged." Wolfe's voice cracked. "Galatea… I bet she won't have anything to do with me now…"
The craft slowed down and plunged into the sea. Ginny thought about Wolfe's predicament as they dived deeper and deeper into the South Pacific. Wolfe hit a few keys on his console, and suddenly they were surrounded by light. They descended into the light and ended up inside a huge dome.
"Welcome to Nomad Island, Miss Weasley."
It was still day inside the dome, and Ginny marvelled at the sight below. It was magnificent… a wonderful place to live!
Wolfe piloted the craft down toward a stronghold on top of a hill and circled around the hill, before flying straight into a cliff that stuck out from its slope. Ginny knew that it wasn't a real cliff. It was an illusion, like the one that obscured platform nine and three-quarters from Muggles. Seconds later, the found themselves in a cavernous bay and Wolfe gently landed the craft.
The bay was largely empty, save for two men. Both were older men… one was wearing a tool belt, and the other was wearing a Ranger uniform similar to the one the Rangers had worn at Harry's funeral. It bore three gold pips, indicating that he held a high rank. His face, which would otherwise have been devastatingly handsome, was now twisted with fury.
Wolfe first helped Ginny and Charlie out of the Prowler, before walking over to the two men and stiffly offering a salute, leaving Ginny behind with Charlie in her arms. He was still out cold… a sound sleeper, just like her she and her brothers.
"Sir… I…" Wolfe began, but the commanding Ranger raised his hand to silence him.
"Shut up… I'll deal with you later!" Then he walked over to Ginny, and his anger melted into worry. "Are you okay, Miss Weasley?"
"Sir…Wolfe knows he made a mistake… he's sorry…" She paused as she recognised the similarity between Wolfe and this old Ranger. They had the same good looks, but this man oozed a sort of charm that was utterly absent in Wolfe. Could he be…?
"Yes, he's my grandson, although he didn't inherited his attitude from my side of the family."
"So you're all mind-readers?" Hermione had told her about Wolfe's gift. So it ran in the family?
"Yes, mind reading is hereditary." The man nodded.
Ginny groaned. "My back hurts… can you take him from me for a second?"
The senior Ranger smiled warmly. "Of course." He gently took over the boy, who chose that moment to wake up.
Charlie rubbed his eyes and got a panicked look in his eyes as he saw the stranger who was holding him. But he relaxed as he saw Ginny, who was rubbing her lower back. The he looked the Ranger. "Who are you?"
"That's your mummy's grandfather." Ginny answered.
The man smiled. "I'm Donovan Ironheart. You've grown since your mummy last saw you." He turned to Ginny. "I linked with Jasmine. I saw him through her mind. Anastasiou has been holding him hostage to keep her in line. How did you find him?"
"He found me, actually. He saw his mother in my mind, and assumed I was friendly. I couldn't have broken out without him."
"So…you've inherited the gift?" he said, tousling Charlie's hair. "That's unexpected."
"How so?" Ginny asked
"Well, it usually skips at least one generation. My great-grandmother was the last one in my line before me. But I digress. We'll have time to discuss this later." He put Charlie down. "I have to deal with Max!"
"Sir… please… don't kick him out of the Order. He knows he made a mistake by letting Malfoy take me. He came to find me immediately…that's got to count for something."
"Ginny!"
She had barely turned around when Ron slammed into her, taking her off her feet and whirling her around in a bear hug.
"You're okay!"
"Not if you don't let go of me soon!" Ginny groaned.
Ron relaxed his grip. "Sorry…but what happened?" A muscle in his jaw twitched as he noticed Wolfe, standing stock-still as his grandfather paced around him.
"He knows that allowing Malfoy to take me was wrong. I forgave him! He saved my life when he turned up," Ginny said, feeling she had to defend Wolfe.
"He's the one who endangered your life in the first place."
"Ron… if you forgave Harry, you have to forgive Wolfe."
"No! Harry's situation was different. Harry had just lost a few people who'd been very close to him. Harry snapped in a fit of rage. What Wolfe did was deliberate."
"He wanted a chance to avenge his family's death, Ron. I know what he did was wrong, but more importantly, he knows it too! Come on, Ron. There's a good reason why he's Hermione's friend, right?" Ginny said as she gave Ron her 'little sister he just can't say no to' look. She used it sparingly, but when she did it would always work, and even now Ron's jaw relaxed.
"I'll need some time!"
"Fair enough," Ginny said, and gave her brother a hug. Then she turned attention to Ironheart and Wolfe.
Ironheart sighed. "Well, what do you have to say for yourself?"
"Sir…I accept full responsibility…"
"Shut up!" Ironheart snapped. "I bet you've been practising that little total responsibility speech throughout your trip back here… haven't you?" He began to pace around his grandson. "You would very eloquently explain how you're a danger to yourself and to others, and you'd offer your resignation. Well, am I right?"
"You're mocking me, sir!" Wolfe replied stiffly
"Oh, I haven't even begun to mock you. Drop your pants!"
"What?"
"That would be, I beg your pardon, Commander!" Ironheart barked. "Now do it!"
Wolfe fumbled with his belt and his pants dropped a moment later.
Ginny could only try to imagine the look on Wolfe's face, since he had his back towards them. But she knew he had to be incredibly embarrassed. She also wondered why on earth Ironheart had him drop his pants? Was he going to spank Wolfe?
"Now, you were saying?" Ironheart said calmly. "I'd like to see you try and deliver your little speech like this."
"Sir…p…permission to pull my pants up…this is ridiculous," Wolfe stammered.
"About as ludicrous as the notion that your resignation means that you're taking responsibility for your actions. You're not taking responsibility by resigning, you're avoiding it. Taking responsibility would mean sticking around and earning your friends' confidence and respect again."
"But…I put an innocent girl in danger. You have to dismiss me!"
"That is my decision to make," Ironheart barked. "You were in line for promotion…an impressive feat, considering the fact that it usually takes six years to advance. Consider that promotion cancelled. You will have to start over again from the Fifth Class. Now get out of my face. I don't want to see you for a while…and pull up your pants…Gudrun is enjoying the view too much!" He smirked in Ginny's direction, and Ginny turned around and saw the witch who'd stayed overnight at the Burrow, and who'd been at the ceremony.
"Hmmm, that arse could bounce a quarter into orbit!" she said, ogling Wolfe, who quickly pulled up his pants, blushing profusely. "Now if you'll excuse me…" Gudrun pocketed something and hurried away.
Ginny saw Ron tense up once more as Wolfe approached them. "Ron?"
Her brother obviously didn't trust himself to speak just yet, and acknowledged Wolfe with a brisk nod. Ahh, Ron's starting to learn to control his temper when necessary. Good for him.
Wolfe clasped his hands behind his back. "Listen… I… I know that no words of mine will change the way you feel about me right now. But I want you to know that I'm truly sorry."
"Sorry?" Ron erupted, unable to contain himself any longer. "Do you know what happened to Harry when he found out that Ginny was gone? Do you know what you did to my family and me, and Hermione? Do you how they reacted when they found out about your selfish decision?"
"I'll find out soon enough," Wolfe said miserably.
"Yes, you will. My God, man! I knew you had some problems, but I never thought you'd allow this to happen. I'm disappointed in you, Wolfe… and Hermione even more so. And Galatea… oh Lord, how could you do this to her? She worships you!"
"How can I make things right?"
"I think your grandfather's suggestion was a good idea. You'll have to earn my trust again. And you need to take a break from things to get some perspective. Take Galatea with you… if she'll still have you."
"Is it that bad?"
"Worse!" Ron sighed.
Wolfe nodded slowly. "I guess I deserve it. And Harry… will he be okay?"
"Now that Ginny's okay… yeah."
"Good."
Ginny slowly let out the breath she'd been holding. That hadn't gone too bad. Then a tugging at her trousers reminded her of her charge. She'd completely forgotten about him after Wolfe's dressing down. "Oh, I'm sorry, Charlie. Charlie… this is your Uncle Ron!"
A look of pure astonishment appeared on Ron's face. "This is Charlie's son? But how did he…?"
"I guess Wolfe's decision was a blessing in disguise as well. If he hadn't allowed Malfoy to take me, we may never have found Charlie. He'd been brought to the same compound earlier that day."
"Are you a dragon slayer too?" Charlie asked.
Ron gave Ginny a confused look. "What did you tell him?"
"I didn't tell him anything." Ginny giggled. "He's got it in his mind that Charlie was a dragon slayer. His mum told him that Charlie used to work with dragons, but I think the dragon slaying business is firmly lodged into his mind. Don't worry though, he'll grow out of it."
Ron groaned all of the sudden and shook his head.
"What's wrong?"
"I just realised something. Now that Charlie's out of the way, I'm next on Mum's hit list. Now she's going to pester me about grandchildren."
Ginny chuckled. "I don't think Hermione wants children yet."
"Neither do I," Ron said, getting a mischievous glint in his eye. "Of course, Mum will want some Potter grandchildren too…"
Ginny winced. "Right!"
"So… what other surprises did you two bring? You didn't happen to bring Malfoy too, did you? Blimey, I'd love to cut his balls off and shove them up his arse."
Wolfe chuckled. "Too late for that… Ginny beat you to it… at least, the first part."
"Huh? What's he talking about?"
"Malfoy had me lined up for a Killing Curse, when Ginny cut off his branch of the family tree! He can forget about offspring. No amount of magic will restore that."
"Ginny!" Ron said in a mixture of awe and disbelief. "You cut his balls off?"
"Well, I just stabbed him and twisted the dagger." Ginny blushed. "I'm not sure if I cut anything off."
Wolfe slapped his forehead. "Velkowski… I forgot all about him!" He ran over to the Prowler and opened the cargo compartment, pulling out a limp body and put the Mobilicorpus on him to move him. "I'll put this guy away first!" he said, and guided the prisoner out of the bay.
Ginny became aware of her back again. "Ron… is there anyone here who can look at my back? I hurt it a bit."
"Uh, okay, I'll take you to the Medical wing!"
*
Hermione, Madam Pomfrey and Galatea anxiously waited for the antidote to the sedative Harry had been given to take effect. His breathing quickened, and his cheeks gained colour. A few minutes later, his eyes fluttered open. "Ginny?"
"Ginny's fine. She's safe… she's been rescued. How do you feel?" Hermione answered.
"Ginny's safe?"
"Yes…she's at the Citadel with Ron. He went ahead with Gavin's Portkey. The Notus is here with some other Artificers to help fix up the War Cruiser. We're taking it back to the Citadel."
"How long was I unconscious?"
"We let you sleep for six hours. You were exhausted," Hermione said, relief pouring through her. "What did you do to that Demon? You were spectacular!"
"Something Merlin taught me in the Mirror Realm. But I wasn't able to do it until I faced off with the demon. You see, all these years I've been blocked, like that time I couldn't learn the Summoning Charm?" he said, referring back to their fourth year. "But this was much worse, and Merlin said that the only way to unlock my full potential…"
"Wait…hold on, Mirror Realm…Merlin? The Mirror Realm is a place of myth…meaning that it did exist, of course. But all the portals had been believed to be destroyed."
Harry smiled sheepishly. "I'll begin at the beginning, all right?"
"Hold on…I'll get Professor McGonagall and Professor Chubb."
"Who's Professor Chubb?"
"Andy Chubb, you know…Agatha Chubb's son? Agatha Chubb, who is the leading expert in ancient wizarding artefacts? Andy is the new History of Magic Teacher. Binns is still here, but he found it difficult to keep up with current affairs, so Professor McGonagall attracted a living teacher for that. I'm sure Professor Chubb would like to make notes on your experiences in the Mirror Realm."
"Well, where's Pecos Bill? He's spent much more time there than I have!"
Hermione barely kept her shock at bay. "You mean he really is Pecos Bill? But that's impossible! If I remember my History of North American Wizards properly, the last time he was seen was by a Menominee shaman in 1861. He was riding a cyclone onto Lake Michigan."
"Wow, I didn't even known he was a wizard until they told me about it."
"Who?"
"The caretakers!"
Hermione rubbed her forehead, trying to massage her brain into working better. "Madam Pomfrey, could you please send for Professor McGonagall and Professor Chubb?"
"Of course, dear!" The matron nodded.
"And ask Professor Chubb to prepare himself to take notes."
"And find a way to summon Pecos Bill too," Harry added. "And I think Professor Snape would like to be here as well… and Lupin… and Flitwick too. I think all of them might be interested in some parts of the story. Oh, I guess you might also want to bring in Captain Faust… if he's still here."
Madam Pomfrey gave him a sour look. "Why don't I just summon everyone to the Great Hall?"
Harry blushed. "I'm sorry to inconvenience you like this. Please?"
"Oh, all right!" the matron huffed as she went to her office.
The teachers, Faust, and Pecos Bill dribbled into the hospital ward during the next few minutes, and after everyone had settled down, Harry finally began telling his story.
He told them about the underground river in India, and how a caretaker had nursed him back to health. Then he explained what the caretakers were, that wands didn't work well in the Mirror Realm, and about the Temporal Vortexes, explaining how Bill rode those and travelled through time. Then, with visible reluctance, he told them about his journey through the Realm to get to the portal… and how the many caretakers had advised him from entering the Forest of Reflection, where the portal was located.
"Another denizen of the Forest was the Root of Evil. When it sensed my approach, it fashioned itself into what I imagined a portal would look like. It drew me in me in, and created a Speculum Demon. The process had left me without any strength, and the Demon had been about to kill me, when Pecos Bill here showed up. He took me to Merlin's dwelling where they…" Harry paused. "Where he and Merlin patched me back up…"
"Merlin is still alive?" McGonagall gasped.
"Oh no, Merlin's quite… quite dead, sweetheart! But his memory still lives in his dwelling. Many other wizards who've visited the Realm have stayed there," Pecos Bill said.
"Including Godric Gryffindor." Harry pointed to the armour with the dented chest plate. "That's his armour. He left it there. It works wonderfully against all spells except the Killing Curse, but it doesn't absorb physical damage any better than normal early medieval armour."
"What about Mr…Bill?" Snape frowned. "He looks very much alive to me. But wizards don't live to be two hundred years old."
"Let me explain, partner!" the cowboy said, and leaned back into the chair he'd been occupying. "This here is the year 2001, am I right? Well, by my reckoning I've only been in the Mirror Realm for sixty-three years. So for me, it would be 1924."
Hermione shook her head. It didn't add up. "True, but that means you'd be over one hundred and twenty-years old."
"One hundred and twenty-seven!" Pecos Bill beamed.
"Exactly, but you look like you're in your nineties," Hermione observed. "Does the Mirror Realm slow down the ageing process?"
"No, it's a draught that the caretakers brew. It makes your hair grow like mad!"
"So that's the whole story." Harry sighed.
Just as he said that, Hermione caught Pecos Bill glancing at Harry with an odd look.
"Mr, Pecos Bill…" Professor Chubb said. "I would love to write down all your stories sometime."
Pecos Bill's odd look vanished and was replaced by a cheerful expression. "That'd be great, 'cause I've been wanting to tell my story for years!"
Hermione smiled. The boastful cowboy had been upset about Harry telling them that there was no more to the story. "Wow, Harry. That was quite a story!"
Harry nodded. "And before I forget…Bill, where's the bag?"
"Oh, I left it in the fair Headmistress' room."
McGonagall's attempt to look scandalised was foiled completely by the blush on her cheeks as the cowboy winked at her.
"A pity Professor Sprout isn't here," Harry continued. "Because that bag contains Miraculum Weed. It is abundant in the Mirror Realm, and I happen to know about its qualities. I don't know if this little fact is known to any of you, but Wolfsbane Potion is more of a rediscovery than a genuine discovery."
"I know about the Egyptian scrolls, Potter, and I know about the significance of Miraculum Weed."
"What are you talking about, Severus?" McGonagall asked.
"Potter is right. Wolfsbane Potion was invented millennia ago. But the scrolls with the brewing procedures were stolen in the dark ages. I believe the Order of Illumination recovered them… However, no potions master bothered to brew it, assuming that it wouldn't work without Miraculum Weed. In fact, they'd stopped brewing it long before the scrolls were stolen, because Miraculum Weed no longer grew anywhere. It had become extinct."
"Actually, Merlin said that Miraculum Weed used to grow on a wizarding island between Britain and Scandinavia in his time, which is quite some time after the weed was supposed to have gone extinct," Harry said. "I assume he meant Azkaban. But nothing grows there now. Anyway, the plants I have with me now have been carefully picked, and we should be able to replant them."
"Well, this means that there will be far fewer new werewolves, because with the addition of Miraculum Weed… the effects of the bite can be cured… provided that the potion is administered before the next full moon… Sorry, Remus!" Snape smirked.
"Thank you, Harry!" Chubb said as he pushed past Hermione to vigorously shake Harry's hand. "I'm sure I'll have a captive audience next year!" He hurried out of the ward, and the rest of the teachers followed, bidding the Rangers farewell.
Hermione sat down next to Harry. "Don't blame yourself for not listening to those caretakers." She had seen the look in his eyes when he'd told them about that. He felt responsible for all the death the Demon had caused.
"I'm not. But I can't help how I feel."
"Shall we go to the Citadel now?" Faust asked. "The cruiser has been sufficiently repaired, and we are ready to leave."
Harry looked at Pecos Bill. "I need you to come to Concordia. There are some things that the Rangers have to know… that ought to stay under wraps."
"Like what?" Hermione frowned.
"The location of the Portal that Bill took to get to the Mirror Realm. It's still accessible. But we don't want people to go there at will to plunder the Mirror Realm, so we have to keep that one a secret. Besides, it's dangerous there. But I was thinking about scheduling in a few expeditions a month or so before full solar eclipses… to get more Miraculum Weed in case these plants don't take root."
Hermione saw the merit in that. "I'd like to go there some day."
Harry stood up. "Like I said, it's a dangerous place."
"I can take care of myself!"
Harry chuckled. "I know that." His face shone with happiness. "You know what?"
"What?"
"I just realised that you and the Weasleys have forgiven me for what I did to Ron."
Galatea giggled, and Hermione followed suit.
"What?"
"You just realised it?"
Harry shrugged. "I had a lot of things on my mind. I didn't have time to realise it before now."
The all followed Faust out of the hospital ward, and soon they were all aboard the cruiser. To Harry's surprise, Charlie too was on board, his arms around a tall and beautiful woman.
Hermione saw him staring. "Harry… there are a couple of things you need to know. A lot has happened in your absence."
*
Harry's mind was swimming in all the information Hermione had given him. Yes, a lot of things had happened in his absence.
Hermione had joined the Order of Illumination, as would Ron in all likelihood. Then there was the discovery of Wolfe's family tree. "So Wolfe is actually Commander Ironheart's grandson… and that woman is his sister, Ironheart's granddaughter, and she has a child with Charlie?"
"That about sums it up." Hermione nodded. "I feel really stupid that I didn't notice. I mean, they look so much alike… same looks…!"
Harry shrugged. He had never noticed, but he'd never seen Ironheart and Wolfe together either. "Well, I guess you'd need to be a woman to notice. On another note, you said that Wolfe rescued Ginny?"
Hermione looked down at the floor. "Yeah."
Harry noticed her reluctance to discuss this particular issue, although he had no idea why. "What's wrong?"
Hermione looked him in the eyes. "Harry…you'll probably become very angry after I've had my say, but I want you to promise me not to lose control, okay?"
The fact that Hermione thought he'd lose control hurt a bit. But he understood her concern. "Is it that bad?"
"The way I understand it, it was Wolfe who'd allowed Malfoy to take Ginny in the first place." She paused to gauge Harry's reaction.
"Why?"
"I'm not trying to excuse Max's behaviour. But you need to know the whole story about him. I'm sure you know about some of his past, and the problems that it causes in his behaviour?"
In hushed tones, Hermione explained how Wolfe had been raised to become a weapon by his great-grandfather, and the impact his upbringing had on his psyche. "But he's getting better. He changed a lot after I befriended him, and he and Galatea got together. But his problems are too deeply rooted for us to expect them to vanish within a few months. I guess his urge to avenge the death of his family is still too great.
"I spoke to Ginny while you were asleep. She's the one who told me about his motivations, and she forgave him. Can't you forgive him as well?"
Harry was confused. Why was Hermione defending Wolfe like that? "How do you feel about Wolfe?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Honestly, Harry! You're just like Ron. Max and I are just friends."
"You're on first name terms with him."
"So is Galatea."
"But she's been chasing him for two years!"
"And for a whole year he's been loving her right back. But he didn't tell her because he wanted to keep her away from himself, so as not to endanger her. Sound familiar?" Hermione smirked.
Harry blushed. That's what he'd done with Ginny. "So…you don't fancy him?"
"I love Ron!"
Harry noticed the evasive answer and smiled. "You didn't answer my question!"
Honestly…you're worse than Ron is! He's a very handsome man, and I'd be lying if I said I've never been attracted to him. But that's when Ron and I were still apart," she added with a blush.
"You and Ron broke up? Why?"
"Over you. It took him a bit longer to realise that you weren't evil."
Harry felt queasy. He'd nearly broken up his friends.
"Don't you dare feel responsible, Harry Potter!" Hermione warned, reading his expression correctly.
"Sorry, old habits die hard. And I think I'll forgive Wolfe. My desire for revenge made me lose control and curse Ron, so I can imagine Wolfe's situation a bit, even though his problems run much deeper. And I know how it feels when your friends turn their backs on you. But… if he ever does something like this again… I'll kill him."
Hermione smiled. "That's what Ron said."
Harry couldn't prevent his mouth from falling open in astonishment. "Ron forgave him too?"
"Spending time with the Rangers seems to have a positive effect on him."
"Wow… that's…"
"Isn't it?" Hermione grinned.
*
The journey took eight more hours, in which Harry and Pecos Bill had been forced to tell the stories about the Mirror Realm over and over again. He was glad when they finally touched down inside the hangar bay under the Citadel. At least they'd leave him alone for a while, even if it was only temporary. He knew he'd have to re-tell the story again some time soon.
Part of the hull split open to form a ramp, allowing the Rangers to quickly disembark. Harry and Hermione waited for everyone to get off before they walked down the ramp. A redheaded blur met them halfway up the ramp. It smacked into Harry, and he suddenly found surprisingly strong arms wrapped around him in a tight embrace. Bright brown eyes danced less than a couple of inches from his own.
He felt his face go warm. "Ginny…!" That was all Harry could manage to utter. It came out as a whisper, and he wanted to say so much more, but he just couldn't find the right words. Being in her presence was so intoxicating that it prevented him from thinking clearly.
"Harry," she whispered, as her perfect lips curved up to form a beautiful smile. "Where were we?"
Harry looked around and saw that all eyes were on them. He blushed. "Would you mind waiting until we have some privacy? Or maybe we should sell tickets to the audience," he said loudly enough for everyone to hear, causing the Rangers to get moving again
Ginny glanced around. "I don't care…oh…"
Harry followed her gaze and saw Galatea whispering to Wolfe. She looked livid, and after a brief exchange of words she removed a necklace and threw it into Wolfe's chest. She turned on her heel and strode out of the bay.
The stricken look on Wolfe's face was quickly replaced by the cool expression he always wore, as he smoothly retrieved the necklace and pocketed it. Then he too left the bay in a hurry.
"I don't think Galatea was as forgiving as we were." Harry frowned. "I'm sure they'll work it out though." His gaze fell on Ron and Hermione, who were locked in a passionate embrace. "Don't they ever come up for air?"
Ginny grabbed the back of his head and turned it so he was looking at her. "Forget about them." She brushed the fringe of hair off his face, leaving an electric tingle where her hands had traced over his skin.
When Harry reached up to cup her face with his hand he found it trembling. It was a strange sensation. He'd known Ginny forever, and it didn't make sense that she made him feel this nervous.
She took his trembling hand in hers and interlaced her fingers with his. Her hand warmed his hand, which was incredibly cold for some reason. Her touch made him feel invincibly strong and helplessly weak at the same time.
Everything else around them ceased to exist as her bright brown eyes drew him in. He lowered his face as she inched hers upwards, and their lips brushed together. Her touch had been electrifying, but insignificant compared the feeling of her lips on his.
He didn't dare to do anything, afraid that she might vanish, leaving him with empty arms… something that had happened so often in the nightmares that had haunted him for two long years. But Ginny didn't vanish, instead she pressed their lips closer together and relaxed into the kiss.
Harry felt a strange wave of energy course through his body. It made him feel warm, and he was dimly aware of his hair standing on end. He could no longer tell where he ended and Ginny began. Never had he felt so close to anyone else, even in the most intimate of connections. His arms encircled her waist and pulled her closer… her arms settled comfortably around his neck He didn't want to break the kiss, but he had to. The kiss had to end, like life inevitably had to end. But he took comfort in the fact that he could kiss her again… and he would.
When he broke the kiss, it felt like the end of a wild Portkey journey. He thought he felt his feet hit the floor, and he barely managed to remain standing, since he felt like he'd been hit with the Jelly-legs jinx. Ginny seemed to have the same problem, and was clinging to him tightly for support. They had leaned onto one another, each holding the other upright.
His vision cleared and he looked down into Ginny's eyes. He'd drowned in those eyes just moments ago, and the man he used to be was dead. He was someone else…someone much stronger. So that was what a first kiss was supposed to feel like!
"Wow!"
Harry looked at the source of the exclamation, and saw Ron and Hermione clinging to each other for dear life.
"Harry…" Hermione squeaked. "You…you…"
"You were glowing…just like when you woke up to fight the Demon. And your hair was standing up again…and your glow surrounded Ginny too!"
"And you were floating an inch off the ground!" Hermione added, her eyes as round as saucers. "What happened to you?"
"Ginny," Harry answered simply. "Ginny kissed me."
"Ginny…" Ron repeated numbly. "Well, I guess I'm happy for you both… but Harry, most powerful wizard or not, if you ever hurt my little sister, I'll hunt you down and kill you."
Harry smiled. "Empty threat. I'm sure Ginny would kill me before you got the chance."
"You're right!" Ron nodded, smiling. He walked over to Harry, threw his arm around him and slapped his back. "It's good to have you back!"
"It's good to be back."
Ron's mouth opened and closed as he searched for the right words. "Harry, I'm sorry I…"
"Never mind!" Harry said. He didn't need to hear the apology.
"No…I need to say this!"
"It's okay, I already know what you're going to say."
"Still, I'm really sorry for all the grief I've caused you. I really blew things out of proportion."
"No, you didn't…I…"
"Can't you just accept the damned apology?" Ron said hotly.
Harry grinned sheepishly. "All right then, apology accepted."
"Now give each other a hug!" Ginny commanded.
Harry looked at Ron, and Ron shrugged. They gave each other the briefest of hugs, causing Hermione to snort. "You call that a hug? You're best friends, and yet you're too macho to hug each other properly?"
"Hey, that's got nothing to do with it." Ron said defensively. "Harry knows I meant what I said, and besides, you can't expect us to hug properly with you two looking on. That's sacred male bonding, and we don't do that in front of women!"
"Whatever you say, Ron." Ginny chuckled.
"Let's get cleaned up!" Hermione suggested. "Then we can go to the mess hall and celebrate. We can't go out into town yet, because the news that the Demon wasn't really you hasn't reached everyone yet. You might cause some consternation."
"That's an understatement." Ron laughed, and his face lit up. "Oi, guess what Ginny did to Malfoy?"
Harry looked at Ginny expectantly, and Ginny rolled her eyes. "Oh, Ron gets a real kick out of it. I don't see what the big deal is, though."
"She stabbed him in the nuts, mate! She ended the Malfoy line!"
Harry blinked. His Ginny stabbed someone in the privates? "I'll have to remember not to get you hacked off with me."
"I would never do that to you… Harry. Unless you do something that really hurts my feelings!" she added with a wicked grin.
Hermione and Ron laughed heartily at Harry's discomfort.
"Don't worry, mate. She won't stab you until after you've had kids!"
Ginny blushed. "You are getting way ahead of things, Ron."
"What?" Ron asked innocently. "Don't you want to have Harry's babies? Afraid that your kids will inherit his scruffy hair?"
"Maybe I should extend my stabbing urges to bovine brothers!" Ginny growled, and Ron shut up.
"Be nice to your brother, Ginny. He's of no use to me if you go through with it."
Ron pretended to be hurt. "Is that all I am to you?"
"No, dear. I love you for your astonishing intellect and wit," Hermione teased.
"Can we please take this conversation out of the gutter?" Harry asked. "I'm sure there's other stuff we can talk about."
"Harry's right," Ginny said, linking her arm through his. "I'd like to see Charlie meet Charlie Jr. And I also want some answers on how exactly he met Jasmine." She looked at Ron. "Did you tell Mum about that, by the way?"
"About Charlie Jr? Yep, I did. I bet she's bothering Percy to arrange for her to come to Concordia without the six-month waiting period."
"Why can't they just go to England?" Hermione asked.
"Commander Ironheart doesn't think it's safe for Jasmine and Charlie to live anywhere other than Concordia. He's already found a house for them too. It's a house right next to Nathan and Helga's."
"No doubt so they can keep an eye on her." Hermione nodded.
This was all going too fast for Harry to follow. "Hold on, Nathan Kelly and Helga Olsen are an item?"
"I'll take you to see Serafina Esposito." Hermione smiled. "You don't know her, but she came back out of retirement shortly after you disappeared. She's the biggest gossip in the Citadel, and I'm sure she'd love to inform you on all the things that have happened while you were away."
"Big gossip, eh?"
"It'll be like talking to Lavender."
"Oh, joy!" Harry sighed.
***
A/N: Thank Ashwinder, my beta, for the H/G kiss. My kissing scene was very short and described in a single sentence. But Ashwinder (R&R her sequel to Ginny's Gift) trashed it, cracked her whip and told me try again.
Let me know what you think. :-)
