QoH: Yep ^_^ I'm back. I think we'll look in on Harry's thoughts in this one… ^_~
Chapter 2: The Announcement
Harry's POVI half-listen to Ron chattering away as we put our things away in the dorm room, something about Fred and George pulling some prank or another on the train. I know he's trying to keep the conversation light for my sake, and as much as I appreciate it, I just can't seem to focus on what he's saying.
Though I wish it wouldn't, my mind keeps insisting on going back to the Tri-Wizard Tournament, like a bad record intent on playing one very dark song over and over in my head. When I was at the Dursley's, I thought I was going insane from all the nightmares, and no one to talk to about them. Being the typical set of annoyances I've known for most of my life, they didn't give a care that I seemed in the least bit different. The first day I was back with them, they tried to tell me not to send any letters to my friends, saying that the neighbors were "asking questions" about Hedwig flying in and out of my room. I had to grit my teeth so they wouldn't find themselves on the wrong end of my wand.
I just smiled politely and ask them if they'd forgotten about Sirius, my "convict" godfather. Uncle Vernon, who'd been doing the talking at the time, had evidently gained some guts over the past year. He'd looked around in a big show, then asked in a taunting voice, "Well, he's not here now, is he? You can't use the 'if I ask him to, he will be' thing, because you said he's on the run from the law, isn't that right? He wouldn't dare show his face in public, I bet."
I'd just raised my eyebrow and reminded him that Sirius had broken out of the most feared wizard prison in the world. Did he really think a little thing like a few nosy neighbors would stop him from coming, if he really wanted to? Apparently, Uncle Vernon hadn't thought of that, and he kind lost his voice. It had made for an amusing sight to see him acting like a fish out of water. Aunt Petunia and Dudley had just stared back and forth between the two of us, also at a loss for words.
"Oy, Harry!" I look up when pillow hits the back of my head. Ron is standing in the doorway, looking impatient, "Are you coming to the feast, or what? Come on, everybody's left already, and I'm hungry!"
I laugh and close my trunk, joining him, "When aren't you, Ron?"
He pulls a face, staggering backward, "Aw, that was cold, Harry! I'm hurt!"
"Uh huh," I grin and ruffle his hair, "I think you'll recover, especially when you see the food."
"There you go again." Ron scowls at me, then grins, too, "All right, come on, then slowpoke. If we don't get down there soon, all of it will be gone, most likely courtesy of Fred and George, the human garbage disposals."
****
Professor Dumbledore stands to make his customary speech after the Sorting, smiling out over the crowd, "Welcome to yet another year of cramming our brains full of things we'd forgotten over the little break. I do hope it won't be too difficult to remember it all," his eyes twinkle, noticing the unsure expressions on a few faces, "I know you'll all do just fine."
His gaze turns serious, glancing at me for the briefest moment, and I know what he's going to bring up, "As I'm sure all of you are aware, Voldemort has made his power felt over the entirety of the wizarding world. In light of these recent events," the headmaster looks at his staff, then back to the students, "we've decided that something light-hearted is in order."
An interested murmur winds itself through the crowd, speculating on what it could be. Dumbledore waits for this to die down before speaking again, "It's been agreed that a dance, one open to all years, could be just the thing to get everyone into the right spirit. It will be held on October 31st, from six in the evening to midnight, as a combination of celebrating Halloween and a Welcome-Back party. Dress robes are to be worn, and if you don't have any now, Hogsmead will be open to all years on certain days so that can be remedied. Seeing as how it is far enough away, I trust everyone will be ready by that time. Now, with that said, I believe it's time to dig in!"
I gape at Dumbledore as food appears on the platters in front of us. Did I just hear what I think I heard? I look at Ron, who has a similar expression. I sit back and wonder how on earth I'm going to be able to get through running the "girl gauntlet" again. The last one had certainly been an unqualified disaster. I want to sink into the floor at the memory of that.
"Well, maybe we can sneak by without dates this year." I mutter to Ron, who seems relieved that I mention this.
"You're right," he smiles, leaning toward me, "I wouldn't want to go through that whole thing again. It's way to embarrassing. D'ya think Mum will send me a bit of money for new robes? I'd rather not be seen in that maroon travesty, if I can possibly help it."
I shrug, "If she doesn't, I'll lend you some," seeing his protesting look, I add, just a bit teasingly, "Hey, I said 'lend,' didn't I? If it ends up being that way, I expect I'll be getting your allowance for the next few months."
"Oh, you're funny," he makes a face at me and starts piling assorted things on his plate.
"I think it's very nice of Harry to do that for you, Ron," Hermione says loftily from my other side, "You should say thank you for the offer, at least."
I shake my head and begin eating, while the newest little squabble goes back and forth on either side of me. A snort of amusement across the table makes me raise my eyes from my mashed potatoes. Ginny's eyes are glittering with held-in mirth, looking like she's about to crack a rib. I flash a smile at her, rolling my eyes in a "can you believe these two" message. She grins at me, returning with a "pitiful, aren't they" wink, then turns her attention back to her plate. I study her for a few seconds, astounded that this beautiful young woman is the same timid girl I managed to rescue from the Chamber of Secrets. I drop my gaze back to my food before she notices my undue attention.
Ginny's really been amazing ever since came to stay with her family over the last part of summer. She was the quiet support, a silent strength I needed, just as much as I needed Ron staunch, and sometimes hot-tempered, approach to things, or Hermione's logical, thoughtful one. I'm glad we've grown closer now.
I'm still thinking of her as I climb into bed, pulling the hangings shut. I close my eyes and find an image of Ginny, her flame-colored hair falling about her smiling face. I groan and roll over, resting my chin on my arms. This is foolish, I tell myself sternly, it's not as though she still has a crush on me, like when we first met, so what's the point?
'Are you sure?' a voice whispers in my heart, 'Perhaps she's just learned to keep her true emotions inside, like you.'
"Yeah, right," I mutter into my pillow, "Why would she do that?"
'She has no idea what you'd say, and probably doesn't want to get hurt, you great prat.'
That's possible I suppose, but why is it that I feel this way now, after knowing her for just about five years? That's the big question. Well, whatever's going on, it looks like I'm in for a very long night.
~Dreams...
within the still of night,
on wings of hope take flight
inside of me.~
QoH: *grins* Aw, poor Harry's confused. *shrugs* Don't worry, he'll figure it out… eventually. ^_~ Please review!