Chapter 2: Return to Hogwarts

Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

~*~

Her trunk was packed and even though she had checked and rechecked several times, she had a feeling she was missing something. Trying not to let her mind stray too much, she mentally checked off each item she was supposed to have packed. She wasn't successful that way either and frustrated, she plopped down on her bed, feeling terribly exhausted.

It was nothing new. She had been feeling tired lately…well, since about the beginning of the holidays. However, if she was feeling exhausted internally, it was at least not what her elders were going through. She saw her dad and her mum, the lines of worry evident on their faces. Her mum glanced at the clocks ever so often, awaiting the return of her husband from his extra duties. Her older brothers were also involved in the war effort ever since… two years ago. Times were hard and there was no knowing how long it would last that way. She longed to get back to Hogwarts quickly, to get away from the terrible reality of the war, evident in everything her family and she did but most importantly, she wanted to get back to Hogwarts to see Harry.

Considering the events of the last term, he had not been allowed to visit the Burrow that summer for safety reasons. She sighed, knowing she had tried everything… everyway, every argument but Dumbledore simply wouldn't permit Harry to come to the Burrow for "safety reasons". She wished she could explain to them what he was going through at 4 Privet Drive. But only she knew what happened every night and she had no idea how she could explain it to her family or Dumbledore.

She got up, crossed over to her mirror, peering at her reflection and wincing slightly. She was glad her family hadn't asked her about her state too much, even though it looked quite serious and obvious. Her eyes had dark circles around them and her skin was paler than usual, the freckles darker and much more evident. Her appearance wasn't so for no reason. It happened when she lay awake half the night, mostly all night, trying to share the burden of Harry's nightmares, trying to reach out to him. But somehow, the mist surrounding him made her fear he had retracted into a hard shell… penetrating which was difficult even for her. His letters were rare and short, stating he was fine and no one needed to worry. But she did worry and she did fear.

The door opened behind her. 'Gin, we're leaving,' said Ron, a sense of urgency in his voice too. He grabbed her trunk and glancing at her room once last time, she picked up a few of her items and headed out of the room, following Ron's lanky form down the stairs. He probably was in a hurry to see Hermione too since she hadn't been allowed either to leave her home much that summer. Times were definitely terrible.

Ginny had hugged her father goodbye in the morning and she thought of him all the way to London. She shivered when she thought if she'd ever be able to see him again. The thought was terrible and she tried to think of happier things. Only, she couldn't do that when Harry's sensations and emotions constantly trickled into her own self…

The security at Kings Cross was tighter and Molly Weasley hurriedly ushered Ron and Ginny, the only ones going to go Hogwarts, through the magical barrier. Both Ron and Ginny looked out for Harry automatically as he had said he'd meet them at the station but he was nowhere. Ginny suddenly wondered if he hadn't come at all… if the Dursleys had stopped him… but…

The train whistle blew loudly and nervous parents hurriedly said goodbyes as their children boarded the school train. Ginny looked around, panicking when suddenly Hermione showed up. She hugged Mrs. Weasley and turned to Ron and Ginny, smiling at them and seeming out of breath. The train whistle blew again. Ginny was now seriously worried. 'Harry –'

'He's supposed to be aboard – he wrote to me –'

'Oh, thank heavens!' Mrs. Weasley exclaimed, extremely relieved. 'Now, you three get onto the train. Take your things, don't forget and write as soon as you get there and Ron –' She hugged her son. 'Take care of Ginny –'

Ginny would have normally declared stubbornly at this that she wasn't a kid who needed someone to look after her but she simply hugged her mother, wishing desperately she would be able to see her again at the end of the year. The whistle blew a third time and the three hurriedly boarded the train, waving at Mrs. Weasley quickly. The entire atmosphere was tense and, their hearts heavy, Ron, Hermione and Ginny made their way to the compartments, Ginny leading the way.

Ginny pulled open the first compartment door and a heavy burden lifted off her shoulders as she saw Harry sitting by the window. She dumped her things by the door as Harry looked up and hugged him tightly. He hugged her back and she noticed his firm hold of her. Pulling back, she smiled shakily, not knowing what to say.

'Hello Gin,' he said, smiling. She giggled suddenly and hugged him again, feeling happy for the first time in weeks. He was there and he was okay.

'Are you all right?' she asked, looking at him, as the question came tumbling out. There was a lot of depth in that question and his smile almost disappeared. It was then that she noticed the dark circles around his eyes… eyes that themselves seemed sad and sunken. His skin was pale, like hers and he seemed very tense all of a sudden.

'I'm fine,' he said firmly. She bit on her lip, looking at him, concerned. He put his arm around her waist.

'Really, I'm fine.'

Ginny looked away, laying her head on his shoulder. It would be fine, she reassured herself.

'Missed you,' she mumbled after a few moments, finding comfort in silence. She felt his forehead rest on her shoulder. 'I missed you too…'

'I told Dumbledore but… he wouldn't –'

'It's okay, Gin because you were much safer that way,' said Harry slowly.

'What do you mean?'

'If I were there, it would mean putting you and your family in danger t –'

'Harry, you can't think that way, I never –'

'It's okay, Gin, I was all right… I was worried about you…'

'I was worried about you, Harry,' she said softly and the closeness suddenly revealed several emotions that surrounded him. She looked up at him, her gaze melting into his.

'Ginny, I told you I'm fine…' he said quietly.

'No, you're not Harry… you weren't… all those nightmares…'

His eyes widened. 'How did you –? You could… see them too?'

'No,' she said slowly, 'but I knew whenever you had them.'

His gaze was fixed at her face and he touched her skin, his fingers gently brushing over the circles under her eyes. And he realized what had happened.

'Gin, I'm so sorry,' he said, his voice low and uneven suddenly. She grabbed his hand.

'Harry…'

'It hurt you… all those nights… and I didn't know that you….'

'Harry, I told you once that you don't hurt me… remember that… and I didn't even see your nightmares. I could just sense them partly whenever you saw them. It was terrible.'

Her hand reached up to cup his face and her gaze automatically swept over the dark circles under his eyes from lack of sleep.

'I wish I could have been there with you,' she whispered, squeezing his hand. He looked away.

'Nothing would have changed… it did happen…'

'Harry…' She wanted him to tell her what had happened, to open up to her but he kept it locked within him.

'No one can change the past,' he said, his tone relaying that he wished he were wrong. She was reminded of the events of the previous term, what she had seen… the panic… the terror… the grief.

She squeezed his hand and reached up to kiss him on his cheek. At the contact, he turned back to her and pulling her closer, buried his face in her hair. His skin was cold and she gently rubbed his hand, closing her eyes and suddenly feeling drowsy in the gentle lull of the moving train. Harry leaned back against the window, his arms around her and they both fell asleep.

When Harry opened his eyes, he suddenly felt a strange sense of calm and wellbeing. For a moment, he forgot entirely about his summer and smiled, feeling a comfortable weight within the circle of his arms. Suddenly, seeing Ginny, sleeping contentedly in his arms, he was thankful for what he had, waning to forget his misery. His heart feeling lighter suddenly, his gaze crept over her face, remembering the wonderful times he had spent with her. He had always been there for him and he had fallen in love with her long ago… there was no question of someone else. She shifted in his arms, her nose twitching for an instant and he smiled, watching her long eyelashes fanning out from her eyelids. The effect she had on him, even when she was asleep, oblivious to everything else, was amazing. He kissed her lightly on her forehead, breathing in the scent of her hair.

Her eyelashes fluttered and he watched her, grinning as she lifted her head off his numb shoulder, her eyes opened a fraction. She found him looking intently at her and smiled.

'What?' she asked, her voice light. Smiling, he bent his head and kissed her, reminding her and himself of all the times before. The kisses they had share had always been magical… enhanced by the bond they shared. They were wonderful and fierce and passionate and loving and soft all the same time. Harry dug his fingers into the depths of her hair, suddenly wishing never to let go. Her arms were around his neck… she was making him forget all the pain… he could feel her suddenly, not physically, but in his mind… coming towards him gently. He was forgetting himself and where he was except that somehow, he had drifted into her mind as well. He suddenly felt comfortable, his worries evaporating.

He kissed her more fiercely now, trying to tame the power within him and at the same time find her in the depths of her mind.

It seemed endless and reluctantly, they pulled away, their breathing ragged. They stared at each other for a while… Harry's heart thumping. He had been successful in taming part of his powers in his sixth year and it wasn't painful anymore. Instead, it opened new doorways for the two of them to share their feelings.

She smiled at him shyly and Harry grinned. It was strange somehow… maybe it was the awkwardness that had been between them when she had come into the compartment that now, suddenly, there was this feeling… as though they were meeting properly after a very long time. Intrigued, Harry dotted kisses on her cheek. Her eyes went round slightly at this unexpected and sudden action and he was thrilled at her reaction as her cheeks tinge with that distinct Weasley pink, quickly turning into red. He repeated his actions, more slowly this time. It was helping him too… bad memories were pushed right to the back of his mind as he lightly kissed the corner of her mouth. She leaned closer and slowly duplicated his actions, deliberately. He found her lips with his own and kissed her softly. Through the kiss, he suddenly felt her giggle.

'What?' he asked.

'I'm sorry,' she said, apologizing for the interruption. 'It's just that…' And she blushed even harder, causing Harry to grin. He proceeded to ask her what exactly was so funny when there was a knock on the compartment door.

'Harry?' Ron called.

Ginny giggled again and Harry wondered if she remembered the end of his fifth year, when they had been returning from Hogwarts and Ron had banged on their compartment door…

'Gin? Can we please get to meet Harry now? We're almost at Hogwarts!'

Ginny disentangled herself from Harry as he got up to open the door of the compartment. Ron enveloped Harry in a hug immediately. He didn't say anything but Ginny knew his shaky smile and twinkling eyes said everything. 

'How've you been, mate? Sorry but you know how Ginny always bags you on the train.' Harry grinned, hugging Ron back and then hugging Hermione who kissed Harry on his cheek. Out of the corner of his eye, Harry saw Ginny smirk at him but he knew very well it was good-natured. Ginny knew his feelings for Hermione were only platonic.

After that, Hermione dragged Ginny off to change into their school robes, leaving Ron with Harry. Harry knew Ron had noticed his wan appearance.

'You okay?' Ron asked slowly, settling into his seat.

'I'm fine,' said Harry, managing a small smile. He guessed his best friends could see pretty well through him and only wished him well. Ron smiled back.

'Did you go to the Chudley Cannons versus Ferthand Fowls game?' Harry asked.

'We were supposed to but then something came up and Dad couldn't take us,' said Ron gloomily.

'Oh, the Daily Prophet mentioned something about –'

'Yeah, they won though! I mean, it was the best game they've had this century!'

'There was a small article in the Daily Prophet about that,' said Harry.

'Yeah,' said Ron, suddenly sober, 'actually, it was overlooked because of an attack on some Muggles…' He saw the expression on Harry's face. 'I'm sorry, Harry, I shouldn't have –'

'No,' said Harry quickly, 'I knew about it… I get the Daily Prophet now… and it doesn't matter… I can't change anything anyway…'

Harry turned to look out of the window and Ron looked away.

'Up for a game of chess?' he asked suddenly.

'Sure,' said Harry, smiling. He didn't want to revert to his thoughts again.

~*~

The Great Hall was as magnificent as ever but Harry had an eerie feeling as he stepped in. It was the same place everyone had collected… and then Dumbledore had briefed them… and the commemoration at the Leaving Feast…

It brought back recent, hurtful memories and he didn't wish to begin his seventh and last year at Hogwarts with such thoughts in his mind. Harry quickly found a place at the Gryffindor table with Ron, Hermione and Ginny.

'Look! There's Professor Lupin!'

Harry glanced at the staff table, suddenly remembering when Sirius had mentioned in a letter that Remus Lupin would be returning to Hogwarts as Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Professor Lupin caught his eyes and, being an old friend of Harry's father and knowing Harry quite well, he gave a small wave. It helped cheer up Harry a lot. The whole school, apart from the Slytherins was buzzing with the news of the infamous teacher returning, remembering him as one of the best Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher they had had – even if he was a werewolf.

The feast was wonderful, with all its traditional Hogwarts splendor and after the Sorting Ceremony, Dumbledore rose from his high back chair to address the students.

'Welcome back to another year at Hogwarts! And a very warm greeting to our First Years who have joined Hogwarts this term.'

He smiled around the Great Hall but looked at his hands once, his smile fading, as he continued,

'I know that most of you will not have wanted to return after the events of last term.'

Harry suddenly realized why there were considerably few people in the Great Hall… many had not thought it safe to return…

'But,' continued Dumbledore, 'I have stressed this before and I will do so again. Hogwarts is well protected… I know recent events cannot go unnoticed but I repeat… we have to be united if we can defeat the evil that closes upon us. Backing away from the truth will get us nowhere. I know when the time will come each one of you will do his or her part perfectly… I have full belief in you. The innocent life that was taken last term… it will not go forgotten. As I said at the Leaving Feast, there will be a time when we will defeat Voldemort.' The mention of the evil sorcerer's name caused panicked gasps around the room but Dumbledore ignored them.

'Do not fear the name! Fear of Voldemort's name in fact causes you to fear him! Only with conviction can we fight and avenge the deaths of our innocents and show the evil-doers that truth shall always conquer.'

There was complete silence in the hall and Harry glanced at the Ravenclaw table, their faces especially grief-stricken. A few people were sobbing… crying… Harry looked away. First someone from the Hufflepuffs… then the Ravenclaws… who was next?

'These innocent deaths can be blamed on no one but Voldemort… remember that… neither one of in this room is guilty of the murder of the young, faithful Ravenclaw. I hope that I have made this very clear.'

Ginny's hand slipped into Harry's as he stared at a knot on the wooden table, feeling the eyes of students across the room, upon him. After all… so many had believed… had thought him guilty… and probably still did…

'I do not intend to instill fear in you but to give you a clear understanding of what we have been facing for the past two years… and I do believe that truth shall be victorious.'

Harry looked up at those familiar words, ignoring the stares of those around him. Ginny squeezed his hand under the table.

'I also have some very important, related announcements to make. Firstly, the Forbidden forest is out of bounds for all students and the school grounds, including the Quidditch pitch are out of bounds after sunset. No student shall be allowed to leave the castle without a teacher or staff member. For outdoor classes also, students are only allowed to go outside the castle doors if a teacher accompanies them and not without. I expect these rules to be followed strictly and any suspicious activity to be immediately reported.'

'On a much happier note, I'd like to announce the return, firstly, of our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor… Professor Lupin.'

Applause suddenly rang out in the Great Hall, cutting through the long period of silence eagerly. Professor Lupin smiled warmly in response, seeming in better health than Harry had last seen him.

'He will be conducting all Defense Against the Dark Arts classes this year,' said Dumbledore appreciatively, 'also, I'd like to announce the nomination of the Head Boy and Girl… I normally send out notices to the Head Boy and Head Girl during the holidays but due to unforeseen circumstances, this was not possible this time.'

Hermione promptly knocked over her goblet of pumpkin juice causing Ron to snigger. It was obvious she thought she had not been selected for Head Girl, as she had received no such letter from Hogwarts.

'The Head Boy, this year, is from Hufflepuff – Mr. Justin Finch-Fletchley!'

There was applause all across the hall, except of course from most of the Slytherins who were probably sour that someone from their house hadn't got that coveted position. The rest of the school, however, was gladder as Hufflepuffs rarely achieved high marks or ranks. It was a great honor and matter of pride for them. When the applause died down, Dumbledore continued,

'And the Head Girl…'

Ron winced as Hermione's fingers dug into his arm.

'…from Gryffindor house, Hermione Granger.'

A low squeal escaped Hermione's throat and she tugged at Ron's arm so that he almost fell out of his chair. There was great applause again as everyone around Hermione congratulated her.

'Congratulations to our Head Boy and Head Girl… both deserve their positions in every aspect. I wish you well in the performance of your duties and hope that you play your role in maintaining discipline and stability in the school.' Ron massaged his sore arm, rubbing the fingernail marks on his wrists.

'That being all, I wish you a peaceful year ahead and hope that we shall all remain safe and that the forces of truth defeat those of evil. Goodnight.'

Hermione seemed far too awestruck that she had become Head Girl and on the way to Gryffindor Tower, Ron kept telling her she was too daft to think she would be selected. Meanwhile, Ginny knew Harry was bothered partly by something. She thought it must have been remembrance of those times… those accusations… the previous term. Since then, he had been quite silent, saying few words. She was determined though, one way or the other, to make him feel better and try and forget the pain. But he had to tell her first what exactly had taken place that night.

Author's Note: Hello there, again! Firstly, before anything else, I'd like to thank the reviewers for reviewing Chapter 1 (the Prologue), even though it was so small. Thankyou!

Squeejum: Hmm, PG-13, no it's not because of swearing or violence… actually, I'm not sure… this is just to be safe in case there are any adult implications (NOT situations…no) in future chapters. Believe me, you can read my story without any fear… it's just the same as PG really but one or two implications in future chapters may not be suitable under the PG rating, right? I hope you're still reading this. : ) Thanks for the compliment and keep reading, pweease!!!

Dindranesdefender: Hi there, again! Thanks for reviewing over here at GT and being sooo enthusiastic about the sequel! Yes, it's here! Do keep reading and thank you for the lovely comments!

Tweaker: No… there's a chance Book 5 may come out around Christmas but it's not definite yet… it'll probably come round summer… but then, I took a year on TCE so I want to end OLAW before summer 2003.

SxyShorti: Thankyou for reading and reviewing! Do keep checking back with me! Lots of love!

Ciara Moondagger: Thanks for reviewing!

Julephenia: Hm, I wanted this to go up on GT first cause no one reads my stories there if they're moved from ff.net and not 'new'. But, as it is taking quite some time for Caitlyn, my beta, to send the chapters of TCE and since there are only four of them up there at present, I think it'll take a long time. You can review here if you wish… I'll try hurrying up with the beta. : ) Keep reading! And yeah, Harry does become too noble… in this fic, I'd like to open him up a bit into a more confident Harry.  You must have seen a glimpse of that in the train compartment! : )

Bucky: Thanks! Another positive comment and do keep reading!

Teazer: Sure, just keep coming back and there will be plenty of ficfood to satisfy your appetite. : ) Pardon me, I've got a terrible sense of humor.

Andrea Meiouh: Yes, you were the first one, reviewing within two hours of the putting up of chapter 1! Thankyou soooooooooooooo much and pwwweaaaaaseee keep reading! I loved your great comments!

And so, we part, until the next chapter, which may be a few days away considering this was quite long… : )

Love,

Ameera a.k.a. Aimen – at ff.net and Gryffindortower.net