Time Changes Everything
A fan fiction by Pottergirl
Chapter 13
~*~*~*~
It wasn't until the early hours of the morning that any of the Weasleys, Hermione or Harry went to sleep again. There was quite a commotion in the Hospital Wing. Fred, George and Ron all rounded on their sister, hugging her and patting her back. It had been horrible...seeing her lying death-like in bed and to have her back suddenly - the feeling was indescribable.
Finally, the twins stepped back but Ron was still hugging Ginny and Ginny was comforting him, assuring him everything would turn out fine. Ron let go of her and looked at her quite sternly.
`What did you do? What happened?' he asked like a father would ask of his daughter who had come home late. Ginny frowned slightly.
`I don't know, Ron. Nothing happened...I don't know how I became like...how I fell asleep for so long.' Ginny explained. Ron sat down by her and took her hand.
`I was there and you didn't even make a sound or move when I shook you,' he said. Ginny's expression softened and she put her arms around her brother, hugging him.
`I'm fine,' she said in a low voice. `I don't know how it happened but it's alright now.'
Ron met Harry's eyes briefly and an unspoken question floated in the air between them. Did the dream that Harry had had the previous night have anything to do with Ginny's sudden, mysterious slumber?
Madam Pomfrey soon returned from her office with Professor McGonagall and asked the visitors to leave.
`But Madam Pomfrey,' Ginny insisted. `I'm okay now. Really, I can walk. Please, can I go with them?'
Madam Pomfrey shook her head even before the question was over.
`No, young lady. You will stay here for at least another week. Under no circumstances-`
Ginny gave a cry of surprise.
`Another week?' she exclaimed.
`Poppy...' Professor McGonagall intervened. `I'm sure she can leave the Hospital Wing at least. I'm sure Miss Granger will keep an eye on her and report anything out of the ordinary.'
Madam Pomfrey seemed to think for quite a lot of time and then nodded, her lips pressed tightly as if she thought as soon as Ginny stepped out of her gaze, disaster would strike.
Ginny was delighted she could leave the Hospital Wing and hurriedly got out of bed. She however, did not like the idea of being under surveillance.
`Honestly, why does everyone think I'm a baby? I'm almost fifteen, I don't need Hermione to look after me!'
`That's our stubborn little sister, back to her normal self.' George commented, shaking his head. Harry glanced at Ginny, smiling slightly. She definitely did seem quite stubborn.
`Oh, well...McGonagall did say...' Harry began but Ginny rounded upon him in an instant.
`That does not matter! I'm not a baby!' she hissed quite harshly and Harry's eyes grew slightly wide. Ginny turned around and Harry saw Ron acting as if he was strangling himself. Harry chuckled and fortunately Ginny did not notice as who knows what she would have done to him if she had.
~*~*~*~
Harry was quite relieved when he saw Dumbledore at the teachers' table at breakfast the next morning. He was looking fine - at least the same as always. Flowing robes, a large wizard's hat and his long white beard down his front.
It didn't come as a surprise to Harry when Ernie Macmillan, a prefect, came up to him, Hermione and Ron telling them that Dumbledore wanted to talk to them in his office after breakfast.
Professor Dumbledore had been waiting for Harry, Ron and Hermione. When they entered his office, he was standing near Fawkes's perch, watching the scarlet and golden Phoenix. He turned to them as they entered.
`Ah, come in...sit down, please,' he said quickly and Harry noticed a tone of urgency in the Headmaster's voice. When all four of them had been seated properly, Professor Dumbledore leaned forwards in his chair and regarded them.
`I have already been told by Professor McGonagall about Miss Weasley's condition yesterday,' he said quite gravely. Harry nodded slightly.
`I had been in London at Sirius and Remus's hideout. Both are quite fine,' said the professor, glancing at Harry. `The Order had it's meeting there yesterday evening and Professor McGonagall's message arrived right in the middle of it. It seems quite strange. I have yet to talk to Miss Weasley but I want to talk to you first. It will be better if you tell me everything as you saw it.'
So Harry, Ron and Hermione recounted everything that had happened the previous day...from morning till the night. Harry had been waiting till the end to tell the professor about his dream.
`This is all very confusing and complicated.' Professor Dumbledore commented, stroking his beard thoughtfully. Harry looked up from the knot in the wooden table he had been staring at.
`Er...Professor? There was something else too but I don't know if it makes sense,' he said and the professor looked up.
`Yes, Harry?' he prompted.
Thus, Harry recounted his strange dream...about the voice he had heard. Strangely, Professor Dumbledore seemed quite calm about it, contrary to Harry's expectations.
`Well, yes...dreams do turn out funnily...'
`But, Professor, doesn't this dream have anything to do with what happened yesterday?' Harry insisted. Professor Dumbledore smiled slightly.
`Harry, I do not want you to worry about anything right now. It is better that you do not pay attention to such dreams much. It is good, however that you have told me...when the time comes, you will know indeed.'
`I had another dream, Professor...' said Harry, turning slightly pink and Ron and Hermione immediately looked at him. Harry hadn't told them about it.
`Another dream?' Professor Dumbledore asked, looking slightly concerned.
`Yes...yesterday night when Professor McGonagall sent us to sleep from the Commonroom...I saw...Ginny.' Harry had turned quite red by now.
`She was walking by the lake and she was laughing...I got up just then and when I went down to check on her in the Hospital Wing, she was awake and she was alright.'
Harry looked up, trying not to look at Ron who was doing something between gaping and smiling.
Professor Dumbledore was smiling, his eyes twinkling.
`That's quite a serious dream...' he commented and by that time Ron was chuckling. Hermione was frowning at him, trying to make him realize how he was behaving in front of the Headmaster. Harry knew his own face must be looking quite red from all the blushing he was doing.
`Very well then...you can go now,' said the Headmaster suddenly. `Er...Harry, I'd like to have a word with you alone.'
`But Professor,' said Ron quickly, his chuckles forgotten for the moment. `The dream... the other one. Doesn't it have any connection with what happened yesterday? And Ginny...'
Professor Dumbledore took a deep breath.
`I do not know exactly what happened to Miss Weasley yesterday, I confess, Ron...but I know one thing, it did not have any apparent connection to that dream Harry had. We can only wait and see what time unfolds...'
Ron nodded his head; his expression was very serious and Hermione took his hand in hers as they left the chamber. Professor Dumbledore turned to Harry, smiling slightly.
`The dream you had Harry this night...I believe you are rather confused...'
Harry felt his cheeks warm again. He nodded slightly.
`I don't know...it seemed both the dreams were connected to Ginny,' he said, frowning slightly. Professor Dumbledore rounded a chair and stepped closer to Harry. He looked quite serious.
`The first one, about the voice...I cannot fully comprehend the meaning in that dream, I have to say...I'll say again, time will tell us. All we can do is do our best to avoid and overcome these obstacles and tests of life.'
Harry nodded, understanding what Dumbledore meant. They never knew what could happen...and they had to be prepared for the worst. He looked up to see Dumbledore smiling again.
`On a lighter note, I'd say your other dream is quite fascinating...it has a very deep meaning,' said the Headmaster. Harry looked intently at the Headmaster.
`Meaning?' he echoed. Professor Dumbledore was beaming at him.
`What do you suppose is the reason for this extraordinary connection with Miss Weasley?'
Harry's eyes widened slightly.
`Is it a connection?' he asked quickly. Professor Dumbledore let out a breath and stroked his flowing, white beard.
`I am afraid I cannot give you a clearer explanation right now. But I must say...you may have an idea why this has taken place? How do you think you sensed Miss Weasley was all right? Why did you see Miss Weasley in your dream tonight?'
Harry frowned slightly. He didn't understand what the Headmaster was trying to say.
`I don't understand. You mean to say it wasn't this connection that made me see Ginny in my dream. It was something else?' he queried.
Professor Dumbledore smiled down at him.
`That would be correct. You could try thinking over the matter and you'll find the answer yourself,' he said, smiling. `If not...well, then in good time.'
~*~*~*~
`Stop it.' Harry muttered, irritated.
`But Harry...I don't believe this is happening to you!' Ron said, seized with laughter and looking as if he'd be falling right off the armchair any moment. Even Hermione, who was currently involved in an Arithmancy book, was smiling. Ron looked up and put a hand on Harry's shoulder.
`I mean,' he said quickly. `Dreaming...of Ginny? Harry, this is serious...'
Harry turned red at the mention of Ginny's name; Ron was overwhelmed by another laughing fit and this time he did manage to topple off the armchair onto the hearthrug. Harry frowned. `I didn't understand a word of what Dumbledore said...and then...about Ginny. He wasn't able to explain that too. Oh, stop it, Ron!'
`Sorry, Harry...' Ron apologized and reseated himself in his armchair. Hermione put her book down.
`Harry, I don't think Dumbledore knew much about Ginny's condition but about why you dream of her...I do think he has an idea. But he wants you to figure it out.'
Harry looked at Hermione, who was in turn trying to give him innocent looks.
`You know too, don't you? Am I the only person who doesn't know...and well, Ron,' said Harry, exasperated. Ron chuckled, attracting Harry's attention.
`I'm pretty sure you're close to the answer, Harry,' he said. Harry's eyes went wide.
`You know too?'
Ron and Hermione grinned. Harry ran his fingers through his hair, thinking and than he fell back into the sofa, not knowing what to make of everything. Ron and Hermione were looking at him expectantly. Ron seemed to be impatient, getting an answer right for once and he wanted to declare that but Hermione, a smile on her face, was holding him in his chair. She wanted Harry to figure this out on his own.
`I really like her...' Harry's voice broke through the silence. Hermione did not attempt looking as if this was the first of anything like this she had heard. Her smile widened.
`And so...' Ron prompted. `Tell us something we don't know.'
Harry sat up. `Oh...I...uh...Hermione...'
Hermione grinned at the shocked expression on Harry's face.
`Don't worry, Harry, I know. How could you have hidden this from me? Me, of all people!'
Harry grinned but turned slightly pink.
`So I guess you did get your answer? Easy enough?' asked Hermione gently. Harry nodded.
`I guess so...I...I think I've been thinking a lot about her these days. I mean it sounds strange but...maybe...this is not just exactly what you'd call a...uh...'
`Crush?' offered Hermione.
`Exactly what I had been saying,' said Ron, unwrapping a chocolate frog. Harry turned redder and nodded slightly.
`I don't have any idea...' he said and placed his head in his hands, feeling his face burn. Hermione grinned and surprised Harry by hugging him suddenly.
`I'm glad you got your answer. Dumbledore wanted you to realize it yourself and you did it pretty well...you don't have a mere crush on Ginny...this is something more,' she said and glanced meaningfully at Ron. Ron grinned back at her in complete understanding, something that had been growing more and more common as the days passed.
Hermione turned back to Harry who was staring off into space thoughtfully.
`Harry...' she said and he looked at her. `I don't know if I should be telling you this but...Ginny's waited a very long time. You don't know how much she wanted...how hard she tried...what she did...'
Hermione's eyes were lined very slightly with tears. `I'm so glad for you two!'
Harry returned Hermione's hug, then pulled back.
`So now that I've come to my senses and realized what an idiot I've been all this time, what do I do?' he asked. Hermione grinned wickedly.
`Now that's something you have got to do on your own, Mr. Potter.'
A fan fiction by Pottergirl
Chapter 13
~*~*~*~
It wasn't until the early hours of the morning that any of the Weasleys, Hermione or Harry went to sleep again. There was quite a commotion in the Hospital Wing. Fred, George and Ron all rounded on their sister, hugging her and patting her back. It had been horrible...seeing her lying death-like in bed and to have her back suddenly - the feeling was indescribable.
Finally, the twins stepped back but Ron was still hugging Ginny and Ginny was comforting him, assuring him everything would turn out fine. Ron let go of her and looked at her quite sternly.
`What did you do? What happened?' he asked like a father would ask of his daughter who had come home late. Ginny frowned slightly.
`I don't know, Ron. Nothing happened...I don't know how I became like...how I fell asleep for so long.' Ginny explained. Ron sat down by her and took her hand.
`I was there and you didn't even make a sound or move when I shook you,' he said. Ginny's expression softened and she put her arms around her brother, hugging him.
`I'm fine,' she said in a low voice. `I don't know how it happened but it's alright now.'
Ron met Harry's eyes briefly and an unspoken question floated in the air between them. Did the dream that Harry had had the previous night have anything to do with Ginny's sudden, mysterious slumber?
Madam Pomfrey soon returned from her office with Professor McGonagall and asked the visitors to leave.
`But Madam Pomfrey,' Ginny insisted. `I'm okay now. Really, I can walk. Please, can I go with them?'
Madam Pomfrey shook her head even before the question was over.
`No, young lady. You will stay here for at least another week. Under no circumstances-`
Ginny gave a cry of surprise.
`Another week?' she exclaimed.
`Poppy...' Professor McGonagall intervened. `I'm sure she can leave the Hospital Wing at least. I'm sure Miss Granger will keep an eye on her and report anything out of the ordinary.'
Madam Pomfrey seemed to think for quite a lot of time and then nodded, her lips pressed tightly as if she thought as soon as Ginny stepped out of her gaze, disaster would strike.
Ginny was delighted she could leave the Hospital Wing and hurriedly got out of bed. She however, did not like the idea of being under surveillance.
`Honestly, why does everyone think I'm a baby? I'm almost fifteen, I don't need Hermione to look after me!'
`That's our stubborn little sister, back to her normal self.' George commented, shaking his head. Harry glanced at Ginny, smiling slightly. She definitely did seem quite stubborn.
`Oh, well...McGonagall did say...' Harry began but Ginny rounded upon him in an instant.
`That does not matter! I'm not a baby!' she hissed quite harshly and Harry's eyes grew slightly wide. Ginny turned around and Harry saw Ron acting as if he was strangling himself. Harry chuckled and fortunately Ginny did not notice as who knows what she would have done to him if she had.
~*~*~*~
Harry was quite relieved when he saw Dumbledore at the teachers' table at breakfast the next morning. He was looking fine - at least the same as always. Flowing robes, a large wizard's hat and his long white beard down his front.
It didn't come as a surprise to Harry when Ernie Macmillan, a prefect, came up to him, Hermione and Ron telling them that Dumbledore wanted to talk to them in his office after breakfast.
Professor Dumbledore had been waiting for Harry, Ron and Hermione. When they entered his office, he was standing near Fawkes's perch, watching the scarlet and golden Phoenix. He turned to them as they entered.
`Ah, come in...sit down, please,' he said quickly and Harry noticed a tone of urgency in the Headmaster's voice. When all four of them had been seated properly, Professor Dumbledore leaned forwards in his chair and regarded them.
`I have already been told by Professor McGonagall about Miss Weasley's condition yesterday,' he said quite gravely. Harry nodded slightly.
`I had been in London at Sirius and Remus's hideout. Both are quite fine,' said the professor, glancing at Harry. `The Order had it's meeting there yesterday evening and Professor McGonagall's message arrived right in the middle of it. It seems quite strange. I have yet to talk to Miss Weasley but I want to talk to you first. It will be better if you tell me everything as you saw it.'
So Harry, Ron and Hermione recounted everything that had happened the previous day...from morning till the night. Harry had been waiting till the end to tell the professor about his dream.
`This is all very confusing and complicated.' Professor Dumbledore commented, stroking his beard thoughtfully. Harry looked up from the knot in the wooden table he had been staring at.
`Er...Professor? There was something else too but I don't know if it makes sense,' he said and the professor looked up.
`Yes, Harry?' he prompted.
Thus, Harry recounted his strange dream...about the voice he had heard. Strangely, Professor Dumbledore seemed quite calm about it, contrary to Harry's expectations.
`Well, yes...dreams do turn out funnily...'
`But, Professor, doesn't this dream have anything to do with what happened yesterday?' Harry insisted. Professor Dumbledore smiled slightly.
`Harry, I do not want you to worry about anything right now. It is better that you do not pay attention to such dreams much. It is good, however that you have told me...when the time comes, you will know indeed.'
`I had another dream, Professor...' said Harry, turning slightly pink and Ron and Hermione immediately looked at him. Harry hadn't told them about it.
`Another dream?' Professor Dumbledore asked, looking slightly concerned.
`Yes...yesterday night when Professor McGonagall sent us to sleep from the Commonroom...I saw...Ginny.' Harry had turned quite red by now.
`She was walking by the lake and she was laughing...I got up just then and when I went down to check on her in the Hospital Wing, she was awake and she was alright.'
Harry looked up, trying not to look at Ron who was doing something between gaping and smiling.
Professor Dumbledore was smiling, his eyes twinkling.
`That's quite a serious dream...' he commented and by that time Ron was chuckling. Hermione was frowning at him, trying to make him realize how he was behaving in front of the Headmaster. Harry knew his own face must be looking quite red from all the blushing he was doing.
`Very well then...you can go now,' said the Headmaster suddenly. `Er...Harry, I'd like to have a word with you alone.'
`But Professor,' said Ron quickly, his chuckles forgotten for the moment. `The dream... the other one. Doesn't it have any connection with what happened yesterday? And Ginny...'
Professor Dumbledore took a deep breath.
`I do not know exactly what happened to Miss Weasley yesterday, I confess, Ron...but I know one thing, it did not have any apparent connection to that dream Harry had. We can only wait and see what time unfolds...'
Ron nodded his head; his expression was very serious and Hermione took his hand in hers as they left the chamber. Professor Dumbledore turned to Harry, smiling slightly.
`The dream you had Harry this night...I believe you are rather confused...'
Harry felt his cheeks warm again. He nodded slightly.
`I don't know...it seemed both the dreams were connected to Ginny,' he said, frowning slightly. Professor Dumbledore rounded a chair and stepped closer to Harry. He looked quite serious.
`The first one, about the voice...I cannot fully comprehend the meaning in that dream, I have to say...I'll say again, time will tell us. All we can do is do our best to avoid and overcome these obstacles and tests of life.'
Harry nodded, understanding what Dumbledore meant. They never knew what could happen...and they had to be prepared for the worst. He looked up to see Dumbledore smiling again.
`On a lighter note, I'd say your other dream is quite fascinating...it has a very deep meaning,' said the Headmaster. Harry looked intently at the Headmaster.
`Meaning?' he echoed. Professor Dumbledore was beaming at him.
`What do you suppose is the reason for this extraordinary connection with Miss Weasley?'
Harry's eyes widened slightly.
`Is it a connection?' he asked quickly. Professor Dumbledore let out a breath and stroked his flowing, white beard.
`I am afraid I cannot give you a clearer explanation right now. But I must say...you may have an idea why this has taken place? How do you think you sensed Miss Weasley was all right? Why did you see Miss Weasley in your dream tonight?'
Harry frowned slightly. He didn't understand what the Headmaster was trying to say.
`I don't understand. You mean to say it wasn't this connection that made me see Ginny in my dream. It was something else?' he queried.
Professor Dumbledore smiled down at him.
`That would be correct. You could try thinking over the matter and you'll find the answer yourself,' he said, smiling. `If not...well, then in good time.'
~*~*~*~
`Stop it.' Harry muttered, irritated.
`But Harry...I don't believe this is happening to you!' Ron said, seized with laughter and looking as if he'd be falling right off the armchair any moment. Even Hermione, who was currently involved in an Arithmancy book, was smiling. Ron looked up and put a hand on Harry's shoulder.
`I mean,' he said quickly. `Dreaming...of Ginny? Harry, this is serious...'
Harry turned red at the mention of Ginny's name; Ron was overwhelmed by another laughing fit and this time he did manage to topple off the armchair onto the hearthrug. Harry frowned. `I didn't understand a word of what Dumbledore said...and then...about Ginny. He wasn't able to explain that too. Oh, stop it, Ron!'
`Sorry, Harry...' Ron apologized and reseated himself in his armchair. Hermione put her book down.
`Harry, I don't think Dumbledore knew much about Ginny's condition but about why you dream of her...I do think he has an idea. But he wants you to figure it out.'
Harry looked at Hermione, who was in turn trying to give him innocent looks.
`You know too, don't you? Am I the only person who doesn't know...and well, Ron,' said Harry, exasperated. Ron chuckled, attracting Harry's attention.
`I'm pretty sure you're close to the answer, Harry,' he said. Harry's eyes went wide.
`You know too?'
Ron and Hermione grinned. Harry ran his fingers through his hair, thinking and than he fell back into the sofa, not knowing what to make of everything. Ron and Hermione were looking at him expectantly. Ron seemed to be impatient, getting an answer right for once and he wanted to declare that but Hermione, a smile on her face, was holding him in his chair. She wanted Harry to figure this out on his own.
`I really like her...' Harry's voice broke through the silence. Hermione did not attempt looking as if this was the first of anything like this she had heard. Her smile widened.
`And so...' Ron prompted. `Tell us something we don't know.'
Harry sat up. `Oh...I...uh...Hermione...'
Hermione grinned at the shocked expression on Harry's face.
`Don't worry, Harry, I know. How could you have hidden this from me? Me, of all people!'
Harry grinned but turned slightly pink.
`So I guess you did get your answer? Easy enough?' asked Hermione gently. Harry nodded.
`I guess so...I...I think I've been thinking a lot about her these days. I mean it sounds strange but...maybe...this is not just exactly what you'd call a...uh...'
`Crush?' offered Hermione.
`Exactly what I had been saying,' said Ron, unwrapping a chocolate frog. Harry turned redder and nodded slightly.
`I don't have any idea...' he said and placed his head in his hands, feeling his face burn. Hermione grinned and surprised Harry by hugging him suddenly.
`I'm glad you got your answer. Dumbledore wanted you to realize it yourself and you did it pretty well...you don't have a mere crush on Ginny...this is something more,' she said and glanced meaningfully at Ron. Ron grinned back at her in complete understanding, something that had been growing more and more common as the days passed.
Hermione turned back to Harry who was staring off into space thoughtfully.
`Harry...' she said and he looked at her. `I don't know if I should be telling you this but...Ginny's waited a very long time. You don't know how much she wanted...how hard she tried...what she did...'
Hermione's eyes were lined very slightly with tears. `I'm so glad for you two!'
Harry returned Hermione's hug, then pulled back.
`So now that I've come to my senses and realized what an idiot I've been all this time, what do I do?' he asked. Hermione grinned wickedly.
`Now that's something you have got to do on your own, Mr. Potter.'