Discovery of Old –

It had been two weeks since her birthday party and, in many ways, they were somewhat of a disappointment. Between Ron and Harry practicing for Quidditch five nights a week and Hermione's determination to have them more than prepared for their N.E.W.T.s, Ginny barely had more than a few sparse minutes with them. She supposed it wouldn't have mattered anyhow; despite the moments they had shared on her birthday, it seemed that Harry had gone back to his normal, distant behavior. One evening, Ginny was in the common room doing her homework when Ron and Harry stormed through the portrait in the middle of a very heated argument. Harry had just turned and loudly told Ron, "Mind your own bloody business!" when his eyes flitted over and saw Ginny, sitting at a table, her favorite quill held in mid air as she reached to dip it into the ink well, staring at the two of them. Both instantly became tight-lipped and marched to their dorms before she could react.

Hermione was of no help either. Ginny tried to talk her about what was going on but Hermione had no answers and would hurriedly make one excuse or another that she had to go to the library. On one particular day, Ginny made her way up to the Owlery to send her mum a letter. She opened the door and found Ron and Hermione standing by an open window, talking in low, rushed voices. Both heads jerked up at the sound of the door, Hermione jumped, her hand fluttering to her throat as she hastily glanced over her shoulder to the open sky beyond the window. Ron paled and cleared his throat nervously. Ginny could tell that both were obviously hiding something. When she pressed them for answers Ron quickly grabbed Hermione's hand and announced that he was starving and wanted to go get a snack before they resumed their N.E.W.T. studies. Ginny was left, her jaw slack for an instant, before her eyes narrowed suspiciously.

The only mildly bright spot was Potions, and even Ginny couldn't get over the idea that Potions brought her any ounce of pleasure. Shane Lewis's continuous flirting and infectious attitude made her struggle not to laugh when Professor Snape wasn't looking. It made it all the harder that she couldn't bring herself to see him as anything more than a wonderful friend, despite how desperately she would have liked otherwise. Shane had begun to make it a point that every day he'd meet her outside the Transfiguration room, before lunch, and walk with her to the Great Hall. Shane's fun and joking nature was even stronger outside of Snape's oppressive classroom and Ginny found herself openly laughing as she walked with him to lunch each day. Typically, Colin and Ginger would join Ginny and Shane in the walk from the Transfiguration room to the Great Hall. One day, a week after her birthday party, the four of them were approaching the Great Hall when Ginny tripped on the edge of a raised floor stone and almost fell had Shane not caught her in time. Colin and Ginger paused before bursting out in laughter. Ginny's eyes were wide as she looked up at Shane and laughed at her less than graceful moment.

"Finally falling for my charm I see," said Shane, grinning.

Harry strode out of the Great Hall and halted in his tracks as he caught sight of the group standing a few feet away. Colin and Ginger instantly sobered, both blinking as they stared between Harry and Ginny.

"Oh yeah, that's exactly what it is," Ginny joked, glancing up. Her laugher died in her throat.

Shane frowned, looking down at Ginny and then up at Harry as he set her back on her feet. Harry's hands balled into fists before stuffing them into his pockets.

"Hi Harry," Shane said good-naturedly.

Ginny only caught a glimpse of Harry's face as he glared between her and Shane, his eyes flashing hurt and anger, before he brushed past them without a word.

"Here," Shane said quietly as he stooped down to retrieve a fallen book and placed it in Ginny's hands. "I'll see you later on, ok?" he asked as Ginny glanced down at the book and then back up at him.

Ginny nodded in reply. Shane squeezed her arm affectionately before he was called by a few of his friends to join them as they walked by.

"Come on Ginny, let's go," Ginger said kindly, tugging on her sleeve. Ginny looked back over her shoulder at the stairs of the Entrance Hall and caught a fleeting glimpse of messy black hair as Harry turned the corner and out of her view. Ginny reached up, fingering her necklace, and followed her friends into the Great Hall.

Later that same day, after Potions, Ginny hurried up the dungeon stairs. The only thing she wanted to do was crawl into her bed and stay there beneath the covers, curled up with Clark.

"Ginny, wait up!" Shane called as he caught up with her. Ginny stopped and turned to look at him. Why couldn't this sweet guy be the one?

"Hi Ginny!" said Brandy Shepard, walking out of a classroom. Shane's smiled brightened as Brandy came to a stop before them. Brandy smiled back, stuffing a parchment into her knap sack.

Something within the deep recesses of Ginny's brain clicked into place.

"Shane you remember Brandy Shepard, don't you?" asked Ginny.

"We have Advanced Charms together?" Shane asked.

"We do," said Brandy as the three turned the corner. Ginny only half listened as Shane and Brandy discussed about a particularly difficult Charms assignment.

"You know," Ginny interrupted, "the two of you should make a study date to help each other out."

"That's a good idea," said Brandy, her eyes lit with interest and she glanced hopefully at Shane.

"You don't mind, Ginny?" Shane asked, looking a bit uncertain.

"I don't mind; you should study together," said Ginny, nodding reassuringly.

"How about this evening?" Shane asked, turning to Brandy. "We could meet up in the library."

Ginny slowed her pace, allowing the pair to walk farther ahead, apparently oblivious that they lost their third party. Ginny felt someone drape their arm across her shoulder and give it a little squeeze. Ginny glanced out of the corner of her eye to see Hermione standing beside her. Hermione leaned her head against Ginny's.

"Why does it have to be so difficult?" asked Ginny.

"I have no clue," Hermione answered.


The first Hogsmeade weekend had finally arrived. Ginny hadn't seen Harry in days and felt that if he wasn't purposefully keeping himself busy to avoid her, she'd happily eat canary creams for a month. In fact, she hadn't saw much of Hermione or Ron for that matter.

Ginny lay on her stomach dozing beneath her warm bedcovers of her canopy bed. She was completely comfortable with all intentions of sleeping the weekend away. That didn't seem to be the case when Ginger gently shook her, trying to get her to wake up. Ginny groaned and pulled her covered over her head.

"Lemme 'lone," Ginny's muffled voice muttered from beneath he blankets.

Clark's only acknowledgement was a slight, disinterested flick of his tail as he lay curled on his favorite pillow.

"Ginny. . . Ginny wake up," Ginger persisted. When Ginny refused, snuggling further into her pillow, Ginger yanked the blankets off of Ginny and smacked her hard on the rump.

"Ouch!" Ginny screeched, jumping and rolling over into a sitting position. Ginny stuck her tongue out at Ginger and rubbed her sore rear. Clark raised his head only slightly before lowering it again, ignoring the entire scene.

"Now that you're up, my dear, would you like to go to Honeydukes with us?" Ginger asked, throwing Ginny's blankets at the foot of the bed.

"No," Ginny grumbled, curling her legs under her. "I am going to stay back and do some research in the library today."

Ginger crossed her arms and frowned down at Ginny.

"You can't bury yourself in your homework forever," Ginger scolded.

"How about I promise to go next time even if you and Colin have to drag me kicking and screaming?" Ginny offered.

"You never know, Colin might enjoy that a little too much," said Ginger, wigging her eyebrows. She laughed at the disgusted look on Ginny's face. Leaning down, Ginger gave Ginny a quick peck on the cheek.

"If you change your mind, you can find us in town," said Ginger, making her way across the room.

Ginny watched her friend leave, shutting the door quietly behind her. Reaching behind her, Ginny picked Clark up and held him against her chest. The furry black cat purred and rubbed his face over the pendant hanging from Ginny's neck. Ginny glanced down at the piece of jewelry she never took off and nuzzled Clark closer.

"At least I'll always have you," she whispered.


Wandering down the long deserted aisles of the library, Ginny ran her fingers lightly over the row of old, leather bound tomes and caught on a weathered book that stood out further than the others. She picked up the dusty, gray covered volume and noticed the title of the book had faded to beyond understanding. As she turned the top pages open a small slip of old parchment fell to the floor at her feet. Ginny bent down, pushing her hair out of the way as it fell forward, and retrieved the piece of paper. Curious as to what the contents were, she walked over to a chair at the end of the aisle and unfolded the slip of parchment as she sat down. The first thing Ginny noticed at the top of the page, in faded letters was, Whisper Potion. Her eyes widened as she read further, realizing exactly what this potion enabled the drinker to do, and the effects it would bring. She smiled to herself -- this would be perfect. She could imagine the exact shade of green Fred and George would turn in envy if they knew. Ginny scanned the list of ingredients and noted that everything would be fairly easy to obtain, except one thing, a lock of hair.

Sitting beneath the stain glassed window the sun moved out from behind a patch of cloud, casting her in a rainbow of colors as she thought. Should I really do this? Is this right? Another thought came to her, she wouldn't be really hurting anything, it's not like it would harm him in any way, she could almost hear Fred and George whispering in her ear. Come on, no harm done. Just a little fun for all those years of frustration.

As for the final ingredient on the list, several strands of hair from the intended, she had to think for a minute. How was she going to do it? Then it struck her. Dobby! She made a point over the years to visit with Dobby once he began to work in the kitchens of Hogwarts. Of course no one else knew about this. Now she needed to head down to the kitchens to see Dobby to put her little plan into motion.

Ginny folded the piece of parchment and stood, slipping it into the pocket of her pants. She took a final glance back at the book shelf, her mind racing over the potion instructions. Without paying attention to her surroundings, Ginny rounded the end of the aisle and almost ran head long into someone walking by. With a small yelp, she jerked back to avoid colliding with the person and stumbled backwards. Hands shot out and gripped her arms firmly, stopping her from falling backwards. Ginny's immediate apology died on her lips as she realized it was Draco Malfoy who stood before her.

Hardening her features, she glimpsed around the vacant library; she was forced to look back at him as Draco tightened his grip on her arms.

He stood straight and tall, his perfectly cut, silver-blond hair fell forward slightly as he stared down at her. His gray eyes hinted of nothing but his entire aura commanded attention.

"Honestly Weaslette, paying attention costs nothing, even your poor family can afford that," he snapped.

Ginny's eyes narrowed, shooting him imaginary daggers. "Shut it Malfoy, I have no need for your abuse today," she bit back and tried to jerk out of his grip.

"What? Did the little vixen forget her whip today?" Draco mocked. He released her and crossed his arms in front of his chest. "What would little Ginny be doing all by herself in this deserted section of the library?" he asked in a low voice.

Ginny's blood pressure rose as she glanced down to rub her arm. Slowly her eyes slid back Malfoy's smug face. She felt a cold tingle race up her spine causing her to shiver. Ginny clenched her jaw and pushed past him instead of rising to his bait; she refused to look back as she made her way towards the exit. Draco turned his head and watched her walk away; a dark expression shadowing his features.

Once out in the corridor, Ginny paused and kicked the near by wall. "Stupid prat!" she ranted, taking a few cleansing breaths.

She glanced around the hall, glad to find no witnesses to her little outburst. She balled her hand into a fist and gathered up her nerves before heading towards the nearest set of stairs. Ginny glanced back at the closed doors of the library, a nagging unease tugged in the back of her mind. She shook her head and pushed the little encounter from her thoughts, she'd rather forget about it than brood over the inner working of the warped mind of Draco Malfoy.

Reaching the kitchen, Ginny entered to a scene of House Elves rushing around, preparing the evenings dinner. An elf approached her, wiping a glass with a clean rag.

"How is Bartrim able to serve you today?" he asked, checking for spots before furiously scrubbing at the glass again.

Ginny smiled down at the friendly elf. "Is Dobby here?"

"I is getting Dobby for you right quick, you wait right here Missy!" Bartrim answered and was off in a flash to search for the other Elf.

After Bartrim disappeared, several other Elves approached, all happily offering food and drink. She thanked them but declined their offers and watched the Elves hurry back to their duties. Her mum had always run the Weasley's rambunctious household without the aid of House Elves, though she knew that he mum would have welcomed the assistance at times had they been able to afford it. For the most part, Ginny felt she would follow in her mum's footsteps of not requiring the aid of a House Elf for her own home, but she didn't feel the over zealous desire to see all House Elves freed such as Hermione did with S.P.E.W. Ginny was brought out of her review of S.P.E.W. buttons and her mum by the approach of another small House Elf, his protruding green eyes light up with excitement as they spied her standing just inside the kitchen door.

"Dobby, How are you?" asked Ginny.

"Miss Ginny!" Dobby squeaked, "Dobby is wonderful and so glad to sees you."

Ginny knelt down to be on level with the Elf and leaned in towards him. "Dobby thank you so much for my birthday party, it meant so much to me."

Dobby swelled with pride; the tips of his ears quivering happily.

"I need a favor from you," said Ginny.

The elf's eyes widened and he leaned closer.

"Anything Miss Ginny," said Dobby excitedly.

"Dobby, I want to make a special surprise for Harry, and I need your help," whispered Ginny. She wasn't lying, really, simply omitting exactly what sort of surprise it would be.

"Ohh, for Harry Potter! What would Miss Ginny likes Dobby to do?"

Ginny smiled, this was exactly what she'd hoped to hear. "I need you to get several strands of Harry's hair. Can you do that for me Dobby?"

Dobby nodded vigorously. "Dobby can do thats for you Miss Ginny; Dobby will go and gets this for you right away!"

"Excellent," she smiled. "Dobby it is important that Harry not know about this," said Ginny.

"No worries Miss Ginny, Dobby will do a good job and helps with Harry Potter's surprise!" said Dobby.

"Wonderful Dobby, thank you so much. Now remember, this is between you and I only, no one else need know."

Dobby nodded his head again, his pointy ears quivering in excitement as he took off to complete his mission. Ginny left the kitchens and leaned against the aged stone wall, glancing up at the ceiling.

"I hope this works," she muttered to herself. She pushed off of the stone wall and made her way down the corridor towards the Gryffindor tower to get everything else ready.

Arriving in the common room, Ginny noticed that it was virtually empty aside from a few first and second year students. Of course, she thought as she made her way to the staircase, everyone else is at Hogsmeade. Ginny hurried up the girls' stairs and entered her empty dorm, marching straight to the large, battered trunk that sat at the foot of her bed. She paused for a moment and fondly stared down at the faded gray letters of B.W. above to bold black initials of its current owner, G.W. She searched through her potion kit for the necessary ingredients along with her small cauldron. Ginny glanced around to make sure she had everything and headed to the bath attached to the sixth year dorm.

A short time later, Ginny sat on the tiled floor of the bath in front of the small cauldron as the potion bubbled. She sealed a long vial and held a dropper of Aphrodite's Tears over the simmering brew before counting out each drop of the aqua liquid that fell. She glanced down, checking the bright blue flame beneath the cauldron and stirred the potion with a wooden spoon. She looked at her watch and wondered how much longer Dobby would be with the hairs, knowing that her dorm-mates would be returning soon. Ginny shook her head to remove the fringe out of her eyes and rummages through her potions case for a green vial. Uncorking the bottle she carefully spilled a pinch of the luminescent powder into her palm. She paused and glimpsed at the yellowed parchment again to make sure she was correct. Leaning forward, Ginny held her palm up and gently blew. Pixie dust billowed from her palm and lightly sprinkled onto the thick liquid. With each bubble that burst at the surface, the dark blue potion slowly faded to deep amber. Ginny sat back, wiping her hand with a rag and checked the flame beneath the cauldron once more. Now all she needed were the hairs. As the simmering brew continued to bubble, Ginny began to recap various bottles and jars to put away.

A few minute later there was a faint knock on the dorm door and her name being quietly called by a high voice. Ginny peered out of the bath to see Dobby standing just inside the door frame, looking around the room nervously, his ears twitching excitedly. In his hand was a folded piece of parchment. When Dobby's large, protuberant eyes caught sight of Ginny he hurried over to her, depositing the makeshift envelope into her hand.

"Here are the hairs Miss Ginny asked for," Dobby said proudly, "I had no troubles, but I must be getting back to the kitchens before I am missed!"

Thanking Dobby for his help, she shut the door and headed back into the bath. Ginny ladled the amber colored potion and watched the thick liquid slowly fill the glass. She unfolded the parchment and sprinkled a few hairs into it. Instantly the potion turned a dark red. Ginny sniffed it, looking at it dubiously. Bracing herself for the worst, she scrunched her eyes shut and drank the potion as quickly as possible. Ginny's eyes snapped open and widened in surprise of its sweet flavor. For as fast as she swallowed, she could feel the thick potion slowly traveling down her throat to settle into her stomach. Ginny sat the glass down, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand and coughed, waiting for it to take effect. In a matter of seconds she felt a warm, bubbly feeling start deep within her. It slowly spread through out her body reaching every possible inch of her. The sensation receded and she felt normal again. Pulling the potion instructions out of her pocket Ginny read them once more.

"It warns the effects are eternal, unless the counter potion is used by the caster," Ginny muttered to herself.

Glancing at her watch again, Ginny noticed that it would soon be time for the other students to return. She hurried to clean the bath and put everything away, using a cooling charm on her cauldron. Ginny looked around the bath once more to make sure everything was in order. Dinner would be served soon, a perfect time as any to see if the potion actually worked. Wiping her sweaty hands on her robes she headed out of the dorm and to the main hall.

Here goes nothing.