Chapter four: Executing the Plan

Disclaimer: See chapter 1.

Author's Note: Before reading the story, I just want to tell you one thing. What ever you might think in the later part of this chapter, this is still a PG-13 story, that too on the lighter side. Please don't stop reading this chapter thinking otherwise. I'd never write an R or and NC-17!

Thankyou.

'How long is Ron going to take for this?' Harry muttered, shifting on the little ledge. Ginny sat on the cold stone beside him, equally uncomfortable but quite excited.

'Knowing Ron, right now he'll be on his knees, begging Hermione to come with him. You gave him the directions, right?'

'Yeah, thrice.'

Ginny nodded. 'They'll be along now…' And the sound of footsteps was heard coming down he corridor, followed by voices.

'Just come, Hermione…' It was Ron.

'But… this is the fifth floor… Professor McGonagall told us not to frequent the fifth floor! Most of the teachers stay here!' Hermione seemed quite nervous.

They passed the place where Harry and Ginny were sitting on a window, concealed behind a long, thick maroon curtain.

The footsteps stopped by a lilac tapestry a few feet from Harry and Ginny. Ron must have shoved it aside to go into the room concealed behind the long fabric because Hermione gasped –

'Ron, wha –'

'After you…' Ron said, sounding a little nervous. Hermione seemed speechless and a moment later, there was the sound of a door closing and the corridor was silent.

Ginny jumped off the ledge. 'Finally! That was getting uncomfortable.'

'You think everything will go well?' asked Harry, eyeing the lilac tapestry with apprehension. Ginny chuckled.

'Why? Do you want to go in and check on them?'

'Sorry but I'd be traumatized for life… and I also don't want replicas of those finger marks on Ron's face. He's still sore,' said Harry, following her down the stairs. Ginny laughed, quickening her pace.

'They'd add to your looks… watch out or I just might have to give you some myself!'

Ginny disappeared around the corner and Harry paused on the stairs, bending down tie his shoelace properly. He was still smiling when suddenly, a feeling of dread overcame him. He ran down the stairs, taking the path Ginny had followed, turning the corner.

He found himself staring at Ginny, unmoving, lying on the floor.


'Ginny!' he cried in horror and bent down beside her. Images of the World of Souls from his fifth year flashed in his mind…

He drew his wand, trying to keep his breathing calm. 'Enervate.'

Ginny's eyelids lifted slowly and she looked up at him.

'Ginny, are you okay? What happened?' Harry asked, in one breath. Ginny sat up, Harry's hand around her shoulders. She raised her eyes to meet his and he found that her lips were trembling.

'Ginny, are you okay?' he asked quickly and she opened her mouth to speak but could for no words. Harry realized it wasn't the time for questions. He picked her up in his arms even though she weakly protested and took her into an empty chamber nearby placing her on some old cushions on the floor. She sat up, holding on to his hand.

'Gin?' he asked, scanning her face.

'I… I'm okay,' she said slowly. 'I just feel strange.'

'What happened? You were okay –'

'I was running ahead and then… from behind me, someone said the Stunning spell… I couldn't recognize the voice,' she said, one hand reaching up to her head. 'I feel dizzy…'

'Here,' said Harry, 'lie down. Who stunned you? And why?'

Ginny lay down, closing her eyes. 'I don't know… last thing I remember is falling…'

Harry took her hand in his, squeezing her fingers. 'Should we go to Madam Pomfrey?'

'No, I'm okay… I'm just confused.'

'Someone tried to hurt you,' he said, looking down on her. 'Are you sure you're fine?'

'Harry,' said Ginny, 'I'm fine.'

'We should go to Dumbledore… somebody Stunned you –'

'Harry, how do we know who it is? That voice was so low, like a whisper… and… were we being followed? How did that person, whoever it was, know where I was?'

Ginny sat up, her brow furrowed in confusion.

'Come on, whoever it was must have got away,' said Harry ruefully. He helped her up and they walked back to Gryffindor Tower in an uncomfortable silence.

Harry settled down with Ginny in a corner of the Commonroom, both silent. He had already decided that he'd go to Dumbledore at the earlier opportunity. If anyone could use the Stunning curse… they wouldn't hesitate in using worse curses… he shuddered and glanced at Ginny anxiously.

'Harry, stop worrying over it,' said Ginny, looking up from her homework.

'How can I? It's not everyday that my girlfriend gets mysteriously Stunned in the halls of Hogwarts!'

Ginny smiled even though Harry was very much serious.

'You're not going outside next time without me,' said Harry, ignoring her smile.

'Harry! You can't follow me everywhere! It's impossible!'

'You suggest a better solution then,' he said.

'I don't need a body guard!'

'But… your safety…'

'Harry,' said Ginny slowly, keeping her voice low, 'I know you are very much concerned but I'm okay. It could very much have been a prank for all we know! It was harmless, a simply Stunning spell!'

Harry looked at her, half hearted about her stand.

'And if anything happens again, you can stay pinned to my side and we can also talk to Dumbledore. Right?'

Harry regarded her silent for a moment. 'Okay but –'

She kissed him on his cheek. 'Thanks… I really do think now that it was prank. Actually, some fifth years, I've heard, have been snooping around nicking buckets and mops from Filch or sending garden gnomes after Professor Flitwick! Why, someone turned I. Norris canary yellow the other day! I'm sure it's them.'

Harry laughed in spite of himself. 'Fine.'

~*~*~

Harry lay in his bed, staring up at the canopy. His mind wandered back to thoughts of the evening. Even he half believed now, that it had indeed been some trick, as Ginny suggested. They'd just have to keep an eye out for anything else that might happen.

The door opened slowly. The others were already asleep… Harry knew it was Ron.

'Hello,' Harry said when Ron peered through his curtains. Ron grinned. 'Hi.'

'Pretty late, aren't you?'

'Uh, yeah, the lock on the door got stuck,' said Ron. Harry knew, even in the dark, that Ron was blushing to the tips of his hair.

'Oh, I believe you.'

Ron frowned slightly, not knowing what to make of that. 'Hermione found out,' he said abruptly.

'What? How?'

'She knew,' said Ron, seeming quite happy about what he was saying, 'but she liked it anyways. She's probably going to hug you senseless tomorrow.' Harry laughed.

'Thank you, Harry,' said Ron, suddenly seeming much more serious. Harry chuckled.

'You're welcome… but you owe me one.'

'Anytime, Harry,' said Ron, grinning from ear to ear.

The next few weeks passed with relative ease. There were no more strange occurrences… Ginny was okay. Nothing unusual had happened and Harry came to forget the Stunning incident.

The cold attitude of many students in the school, toward him, had changed. Somehow, people were now taking him in stride, calming down. He received less cold stares but which, even if he had been innocent, hurt him.

However, he found himself increasingly busy in studies and in Quidditch, rarely finding any time for any other activities or thoughts.

He was closely following the war against Voldemort in the Daily Prophet. Every so often, there would re reports of attacks on small villages or some random family. He couldn't deny it – no one could. Voldemort was at the height of his powers once more and there was tough battle on between the good and the bad. No one was sure who'd survive in the end. The dark forces were certainly rallying. At times, Harry's scar hurt badly but he was thankful that he was being spared nightmares – for the time being. If Voldemort was growing strong, his nightmares were sure to return some time.

But he could do nothing but sit and wait at Hogwarts… wait for the time when'd finally be able to join the war and take his place in the battle. Dumbledore believed that he, Harry, would be playing a very vital role, as he had said in Harry's fifth year.

Thus, powerless to do anything just then, Harry invested his thoughts in Quidditch. The first match against Ravenclaw was on the thirtieth of October… a mere five days away and Harry was busy completing Quidditch practices and giving important tips to the young players. He was fairly satisfied with their performances during the practice matches but knew very well that his trump card was Ginny.

The night before the Quidditch match, Harry called for a feast from the kitchens to be served in the Gryffindor Commonroom, to raise the spirits of the nervous younger players. He and Ron spent time with the new Chasers and Beaters, passing on tips from the previous players. Nearby, Ginny was telling her fellow Chaser a few pointers on the Ravenclaw strategy in a game.

The team was ordered to bed at eleven o' clock and feeling much more relaxed from the feast, Harry wished his teammates good luck and went up to bed.

***

'Helllooo and welcome to the first Quidditch match of the year!! The weather's fine, the skies are blue and yes – we've all shown up for the match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw! The pitch seems a bit green, yes, and I do spot some weeds over by the left edge… my, are those really Garden Gnomes out there?'

Ginny giggled, her eyes twinkling. 'Who's that? And what, may I ask, happened to Colin? He was the commentator last year.'

'McGonagall replaced him,' said Harry, walking with her onto the pitch amidst the roar of the crowd. 'She thought he was too biased.'

'Yes, anyone would think you were the only player on the team the way he went on about you!'

'And there, scrambling on to the pitch in their scarlet Quidditch robes are the Gryffindors… Potter…Weasley…Weasley… Kent… and… and… oops, I've forgot! Hey, get that list someone! Catch it! No, over by your ear, Abbot!!'

The commentator's announcement list was flying away in the breeze and most of the student were more doubled up in laughter than bothering to get it back.

'Barking mad!' Ron exclaimed, squinting up at the teacher's box.

'Now,' sounded the magical megaphone, 'where was I? Yes… well… here comes the Ravenclaw team in their robes and look – they've got a mascot!!!'

Everyone got to their feet, shocked. A purple bird was running ahead of the Ravenclaw team on to the pitch.

'Oh, wow! Look at the plumage! Professor Vector, did you know of this?!' The little enthusiastic boy at the megaphone was shouting himself hoarse. 'Honestly, it looks more like an ostr-'

'Settle down please!' Professor McGonagall had taken over the megaphone. 'The Ostrofic is not the Ravenclaw mascot! Hagrid, would you mind getting down to the pitch and taking it back to your animal paddock? I'd advise you to keep it properly locked.'

Pandemonium had broken out in the stands and Harry, smiling, looked over at this teammates, now laughing hard. Great, he thought. It's what we need… something to lighten us up before the match. It was indeed a beautiful day. A whistle sounded and Harry's spirits suddenly soared as he kicked off from the ground into the blue sky above.

Through cautious gray eyes, the cloaked man regarded the door before him. He looked around, making sure none of the guards was around. Under his breath, he muttered the password, then placed the length of his arm up against the door, moving it downwards in an anti clockwise motion. The mark on his arm burned but a moment later the door had vanished to let him through.

It was dark in the room except for a single beam of moonlight that shone in from a little crack. His master preferred darkness to sunlight.

'Lucius.'

His presence was acknowledged. Lucius Malfoy bowed even though the Dark Lord had his back turned to him.

'My Lord.'

Voldemort turned around, standing straight, shoulder held stiff. There was fire in his red eyes and a smile formed on his lip-less face.

'It is ready?'

'Yes, my Lord,' said Lucius, daring to keep eye contact with Voldemort, 'it will happen today.'

Voldemort's smile faltered. 'You know the rules… and he knows them too… are you sure that you made my message clear?'

'Yes, my Lord, all the preparations have been made… the final ingredient was obtained precisely five weeks ago. Today is the perfect opportunity.'

'Good… I have told you what I want. His heart…'

Voldemort stepped closer to Lucius who almost backed away in fear as a shiver ran down his spine.


'I want his heart… I have great uses for it… and his blood. It has made me stronger… I want more,' Voldemort hissed.

'It will be d-done,' Lucius stammered.

'Good, Malfoy, and then perhaps I will think of recruiting your son to the Death Eater ranks. This is his last chance to prove himself. You know what will happen if he fails, don't you?'

Lucius paled. 'Y-yes, my Lord.'

'YES! POTTER HAS THE BLOODY SNITCH IN HIS FINGERS! GRYFFINDOR WINS! RAVENCLAW LOSE! THERE IS POTTER – YOU CAN SEE THE GOLD IN HIS HAND… GO POTTER! GO POTTER!'

The commentator was now certainly hoarse. But nobody cared; they were too busy cheering for Harry. Gryffindor had won after a toughly contested match that had lasted an hour.

As Harry descended, a feeling of pride rushed into him. They had made an amazing comeback, everyone had played excellently and the day had been great… they had won.

He hugged his teammates, collecting in a huddle at the center of the pitch, throwing their gloves up into the hair in celebration. To Harry, winning the Quidditch cup itself wouldn't have brought greater happiness.

They made their way off the field among the crowd that was joining them from the stands and Harry suddenly realized Ginny was missing.

'Ron, have you seen Ginny?'


'She was here a moment ago,' said Ron, walking ahead, an excited Hermione at his side. Harry looked around for any sign of red hair… any sign of Ginny but she was nowhere. He felt his spirits drop a little. Where was Ginny? He hadn't seen her since they'd all hugged on the pitch, after winning the match.

People were still congratulating him and even when Professor McGonagall came over to Harry to congratulate him, his mind was mostly on Ginny. He hung back, not going to the shower rooms like his teammates. She was nowhere on the pitch and finally, he turned back, hoping to find her in the castle.

'Harry!'

He turned around. There… by the edge of a few trees, stood Ginny, still in her Quidditch robes, her hair flying in the wind. He grinned and ran over to her.

'Ginny, where were you? I've been looking everywhere,' he said, sliding an arm around her waist. But she grabbed his hand and pulled him with her into the trees.

'Wait, Harry! I've got something to show you!'

She let go of his hand and ran into the trees… the Forbidden forest.

'Ginny!' Harry called out. 'Wait for me!'

She was running ahead, giggling, looking back at him, her eyes twinkling. She disappeared around a large rock.

'Ginny? Are we playing hide-and-seek?' Harry asked, following her.

'If you want to,' she shouted back, not visible. He laughed.

'Follow me,' she called out and Harry rounded the rock to find, a small hut, similar to Hagrid's, standing in a little clearing in the trees. Ginny stood at the door.

'I found this a few days ago… no one lives here,' she said, grinning at him. He felt a strange feeling shoot through him. What was she implying?

He walked over to her, not knowing what to make of her remark. She grabbed his hand, smiling up at him.

'Do you want to have a look inside?' she said, grinning and turning to open the door anyway. Harry followed her into the hut… it was dark except for some light from a few holes in the thatched roof. The hut smelt like wet earth… damp…

Ginny closed the door behind him.

'It's amazing, isn't it?' Her voice was deeper now. He couldn't see her in the dark. Then, she was standing before him, he could see her eyes sparkling. He smiled.

'It… is…' he said slowly, watching her intently.

'I was wondering… it's a place we can come to sometimes… you know…' she said, smiling up at him. Harry felt himself turning warmer. Her hand rested on his shoulder and slowly, cautiously, he slipped an arm around her waist. Something was happening to him… he had this strange feeling…

She stepped closer and rested her head on his chest, her fingers beside his neck…

He didn't know he had been holding his breath… and he exhaled. He had a strange feeling of contentment… he reached out to share it with her.

Her other hand was snaking its way up to his shoulder.

He closed his eyes, trying to link her with himself through the bond… he had to share his feelings with her…

And he found blankness… nothing… emptiness… he tried again, thinking of her… holding her closer. Where there should have been sudden softness and warmth, there was only a cold feeling. Ginny lifted a hand from his shoulder… he could feel her movement… his eyes were closed and he still tried to reach out to her.

'Ginny…' he whispered, his voice the slightest bit husky. He meant to ask her… if she felt him. There was a silent murmur from her, where he head was buried in his chest.

'Not now, Harry,' she whispered. He took a deep breath and tried again… he got the same cold response. Suddenly, he realized something was wrong. The weight on his chest shifted ever so slightly.

Harry loosened his grip on her waist and opened his eyes. Something gleamed in the darkness… he thought it was the sparkle of her eyes… but she was holding him… her head on her chest.

Suddenly, Harry opened his eyes wide.

Her hand was lifted and… a dagger was aimed right at his chest.

***

Author's Note: Cliffhanger! Yes! And I'm not at all sorry about it!

Firstly… yes… wasn't I right? It's a plain PG-13. I am well aware of the boundaries… and the language that should be used to keep it PG-13 so there. :) I hope no one found it offending.

Secondly… "Girly Girliness". Yes, some people might have found the last chapter quite girly girly and I realized that a bit myself. Actually, I usually don't write such stuff but I thought I'd have t make the story a *bit* light and there aren't only boys who read my stories, are there? :) Rest assured, dear men, I shall restrict myself and you shall not be given an insight into girls' minds.

Also, those offended by lack of Quidditch will be satisfied later. Quidditch had very less significance in the chapter so it was cut short. :P

These were the people who reviewed the last chapter. Thankyou sooo much.

Falrow, sxyshorti, Abba, Epitaph Munku-JGSPTV, Julephenia, Jockaroo, Varity, Danielle, Ax, Kami Potter, Nimbuschick, Ciara Moondagger, Hot Ice.

Please do keep reviewing! Did I ever tell you that getting loads of reviews propels me into writing ten times as fast? Now you know. :)

Also… Falrow: Your comments were wonderful and no, I didn't think you sounded like a girl… I mean, you sounded okay. Thanks for all those comments… and yes… but don't tell anyone what I'm about to tell you… I do agree without that particular comment that only a strengthened bond will provide a telepathic link. The idea was in my mind when I started writing the story… and yes… just wait and see. It's all coming… first, we've got to strengthen that bond, right? :) Do keep reading!

Abba: Why are we always unable to talk? Excuse me for my irritation! :)

Yes, I accept your commands and no more Girly Girly stuff. And don't call me a Girly Girl! It makes me feel quite sick! :( Thanks again for the great comments… just one thing. I'll do my best to make this story readable for males too, okay? :) (I'm following SoF too and it's really great… only I hope H and G get together soon) I mean, most parts. Hehe. :) Do review.

The next chapter may be out fairly soon as I'm out of Writer's Block and I want to go on from the cliffhanger.

Love,

Ameera Khan

Aimen at Gryffindortower.net, Sugarquill.net and http://cgi.komodo-skin.com/siye/