Chapter 2
Harry woke from a sound sleep. He could have sworn there had been a yell and someone was in trouble. He grabbed his wand and threw the covers back, feeling for his glasses on the night stand. Ron was still snoring lightly, his red head buried under the covers.
Harry fumbled with the doorknob, his befuddled state slowly slipping away. Adrenaline shot through his system, which made the nerves in body crackle and the magic pool in his hands, ready for action.
He opened the door slowly to see Charlie and Alex staring each other down in the hallway. Alex was dressed in a long white night gown, sheer in some places so that Harry could see the moonlight highlighting her body. Charlie had on a pair of shorts that were nearly threadbare they had obviously been worn so many times. Harry averted his eyes from Alex, out of respect for her.
"See?" Charlie hissed. "Now you have woken up the whole house."
"I don't think Harry constitutes the whole house. Sorry Harry. Minor mistake."
"One I wouldn't have made if I hadn't had to give up my bed to you and had to sleep in Bill's old room," Charlie said grumpily. "I came back to my room from using the loo to find her sleeping in my bed."
Both Harry and Alex thought he would continue to speak but the pain written on his face was clear and unmistakable. Alex reached out, concerned.
Charlie snarled. "You don't have to pretend as if you have feelings for me." He turned and walked down the hall towards Bill's room and went to slam the door behind him.
Harry winced and braced himself for the loud bang that never came. Alex had her eyelids closed and her teeth clenched. She looked over at him, hurt flashing in her eyes.
"I am sorry you had to see that Harry. Please, go back to bed. Sleep well."
Harry nodded and shut the door behind him. It was puzzling, the way Charlie had reacted all along to Alex. And yet, there was something about Alex that Harry couldn't put his finger on. She sparked something within him. An odd fire he had never known about.
Harry woke to find Ron's bed empty and a shaft of sunlight drifting through the window onto his bed. He stretched, grabbing for his glasses and a shirt as he hopped out of bed. He raced down the stairs to find that nearly everyone was assembled at the table for breakfast.
"Morning Harry. Hogwarts letters are here," Percy said, tossing his letter to him. Harry picked it up, breaking the seal. It was the same every year, a list of books, including the newest on Apparating - a class that Harry was definitely looking forward to. There was also an extra note for all wizards under the age of seventeen whom wished to take the Apparating class, taught by the new Dark Arts teacher, informing them that they would need a parent or guardian to give permission.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Finally he could make his own decisions. He looked up at Ron and Hermione to convey his thoughts and was stunned by the number of papers that had come from Hermione's envelope. They just seemed to keep coming until Ron exclaimed, "Parent Approval form to pursue.Animagi training? But I thought they didn't teach that Hogwarts."
Hermione stiffened. "Professor McGonagall and I talked about it last summer before I left. She thinks I have what it takes to be an Animagus."
Mrs. Weasley nodded. "That is special. She's one of the best authorities on Transfiguration in the wizarding world."
Alex nodded. "Yes. I remember her from my days at Hogwarts. She was incredible. She invites one student per year to be her pupil for Animagi training. I was her student in my seventh year."
Harry and Ron gaped at her revelation. "You?" Ron said. "But I thought-"
Hermione cut him off. "Ron, might I use Pigwidgeon? I need to send this to my parents to sign."
Ron nodded and took the paper upstairs to his room. As he was going upstairs, he passed a fully dressed Charlie.
"Morning Charlie."
Charlie grunted. Ron looked at him oddly. "Hey, what is going on?"
Charlie ignored him and came into the kitchen, sitting down at the table across from Alex. He fixed her with a glare that she politely ignored. "So Harry, yet another year at Hogwarts starting soon? Did you make Head Boy? I remember your father back in his seventh year."
"No, I didn't. I think it would have been too much, being Quidditch Captain now.and well, you know." There was a tense silence as Harry trailed off. Harry fumbled for what else to say for a second before Hermione spoke up.
"I made Head Girl. I'm not sure who made Head Boy, but Ron is still a prefect, which is admirable."
"Yes it is," Alex said, pouring a bit more tea into her cup. "I can still remember those days like they were yesterday."
Charlie snorted. "And yes, you were Head Girl. We all know the story."
"Charlie!" Charlie had the good sense to duck and look a tad bit ashamed at his mother's admonition. He had never treated their guests with such poor manners, especially in front of his mother. In the hallway last night was one thing, but Mrs. Weasley prided herself on teaching her children proper manners.
Alex smiled benignly. "I think I will accompany you to Diagon Alley today. I have a few things to pick up myself. I would like to get a few new robes, maybe a few books, since I've been appointed the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Everyone gaped at her as she stood up from the table. She smiled brilliantly as she sailed out of the room as if on casters. Ron looked at Harry. "Now we know for sure Dumbledore has gone nuts."
Harry picked up his glass only to let it slip through his fingers seconds later. He slumped into the chair he had just vacated, submitting to the fog that was enveloping his senses.
Harry was in the dark. That was all he knew. He let his eyes adjust to the small room, taking in a chair in the corner and a door opposite it, slightly ajar. He slipped through the opening into a darkened hallway.
He could hear voices that sounded like they were coming from the other end, where the sunlight beam was slanting through to the hallway. Then he heard the high pitched laugh.
Harry fell to his knees, pain ripping through his scar. When he opened his eyes, he was back in the Burrow with everyone staring at him with concern written on their faces. Alex had come back down stairs and was kneeling before him.
"Are you all right Harry?" Alex asked.
Ron nodded. "He should be. Was it.You-Know-Who?"
Alex glanced at Ron. "You mean Voldemort?"
Ron visibly flinched. "Could you not say his name?"
Alex shrugged and looked back at Harry. "What happened?"
Harry shivered. "Well, it started out like most times when my scar hurts but when I heard Voldemort's laughter, there was a pain in my scar and I was back here. I am normally stuck there until I see what he doing. Most of the time.he."
"Kills someone?" Alex supplied.
Harry nodded. "And then it is like he releases his hold on me. But this was different. I was on my way to room when I was pulled back. What happened?"
There was silence until finally Hermione spoke up. "Alex touched your scar."
~*~
Mrs. Weasley had tried to put off their trip to Diagon Alley so that Harry could rest but Harry refused to be treated like a baby. Their trip was made a bit early this year; normally they waited until the last week before school but they had decided to beat the rush. Charlie stayed at the Burrow, claiming he needed more sleep and Fred and George had left for their shop in Hogsmeade.
Of course the talk of all the students in Diagon Alley was of their new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. For their fifth year, it had been Dolores Umbridge. Professor Umbridge had been part of what was now known as "The Ministry Scandal" which had almost ended in Fudge being thrown from office. Dumbledore, the one Fudge had been so worried had been after his job, was the only one who stood up for him. Needless to say, Fudge still had his job.
Some said the new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher was from America, others said it was Fleur Delacour. Harry had laughed at the look of horror on Ron's face. Now that Ron had Hermione, he could resist temptation, but he wasn't sure he could resist the charm of a Veela. Finally Dean, another 7th year Gryffindor, had said he heard it was a relation to the Malfoy's. Alex had asked them to not reveal anything about her being appointed.
There was one last stop. Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour for a treat. It was also where everyone would gather once they were done. The girls had separated from the boys and had gone on their own search.
Ron and Harry chatted on about Quidditch for the full hour they sat in front of the ice cream parlour before the girls showed up. Ginny had bought a new cauldron with her books as well as a new dress robe.
Harry looked at the ice blue robe, adorned with delicate lace. He wondered idly for a split second how that robe would look on the floor in his.
Harry froze and closed his eyes. He knew where that thought had come from. He had been having them all through his sixth year. Every time he had seen her, her long dark red hair flowing over her shoulders and down her back, lusty visions had entered his mind. He supposed he wasn't the only one who had noticed her. But he was the only one who would have hell to pay from her brother.
It was too complex, he kept telling himself. Go for someone simple, like Lavender or Padma. Even Pansy. Hell, he would rather take on all of Slytherin house than deal with Ron's temper. In fact, there was a beautiful girl from Ravenclaw in Ginny's year.
Scratch that. It would get back to Ginny and then Harry would have to face those mournful eyes from down the table everyday. Ginny knew what she wanted and she wanted him. But at what cost to her?
Harry felt the tap on his shoulder and looked up at Hermione. "Doesn't Ginny's robe look nice?"
He nodded knowing that, for his thoughts alone, Ron would beat him senseless. "Yes. It looks very nice."
Ginny sighed and looked off into the distance. Harry could tell from the look on her face, she had been hoping for something more out of the dress. Sorry Ginny, but until your brother quits acting like you're ten years old, you won't get much out of me.
~*~
There was a surprise waiting for them when they got home. Dinner was hot and ready for them, fixed by Bill and Fred. George had stayed on at the shop to finish up, while Mr. Weasley had gone back to work after coming home simply to change clothes. Percy had asked if he had needed to accompany his father to work but Mr. Weasley had waved him off.
Dinner was delicious, one of Fred's concoctions. Harry at first had been hesitant to eat once he heard one of the twins had a hand in making it but Bill had assured him he had kept a strict eye on Fred throughout the whole process.
Finally everyone had gone separate ways. Ron and Hermione went to take a walk outside "under the stars" as Hermione had so eloquently put it. Ginny had gone up to pack her things away in her trunk. Harry sat down on the couch, now wishing he had said something a little more to Ginny in Diagon Alley.
Alex walked through the living room, carrying a small bag. "Well hello, Harry. I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you might be off owling a girlfriend."
Harry shook his head. "I don't have a girlfriend."
Alex dug inside the small bag pulling out a pair of knitting needles. She began knitting as she looked up at Harry. "Well, you're a nice looking young man. I expect you have many girls chasing after you. Or are you waiting for a certain redhead to notice you?"
Harry flushed. "Well, um."
Alex smiled. "Doesn't take a Seer to sense the attraction there. So, why haven't you done anything about it? Do you think Ginny doesn't like you?"
"No. It isn't that."
"Ron, then. Ah, no need to say anything. The look on your face tells all. Well then, that is a tough situation. I couldn't really tell you what to do. I was never very good with the opposite sex back in school or even now, as you saw last night. But I do know true love finds a way. Like with my parents..." Alex trailed off thoughtfully.
"Percy said you were in Charlie's year, but you two seem at odds."
Alex nodded. "We are but I never did understand why. We got along very well in school. We had a few classes together; Herbology, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures. He always seemed a tad shy around me but we still had a great friendship, sharing secrets and spells. But after I was kidnapped...."
Harry glanced at her but she was concentrating on her knitting. With Mrs. Weasley's warning still fresh in his head, he countered "Maybe he was shy because he liked you."
Alex sighed. "I doubt it. I think we're too different. But I must admit, I have always had a place for him in my heart."
Harry sat back on the couch, playing with the muggle magazine Mr. Weasley subscribed to, Electronics Today. He sighed and let his head roll back so it rested on he back of the couch. Maybe she was right, he thought. Maybe he should just tell Ginny how he felt.
~*~
Someone was talking softly, in low deep tones. It was comforting and it almost lulled him back to sleep.
Harry jarred awake, now aware of the fact he had fallen asleep sitting up on the Weasley's couch. He got to his feet and walked towards the kitchen, where candles were burning.
He looked around the corner to find Alex standing over the stove, stirring a pan of milk a spoon. She sighed and swore under her breath. "Why couldn't Arthur have installed a microwave instead of a toaster?"
"Having trouble?"
Harry's gaze swung to find Charlie standing in the kitchen. He was obviously just out of bed, his hair rumpled, his eyes watery. Harry pulled back so he was standing unseen behind the wall.
"No, not really. Just.damn, I really am used to muggle appliances."
Charlie walked over to the stove and took Alex's wand. He muttered something and pointed it at the milk. It bubbled slightly and began to move as if someone was stirring it. "Were you making hot chocolate?"
Alex shook her head. "Just warm milk. Mummy used to make it for us when we couldn't sleep."
Charlie smiled. "I remember those days, when you used to invite me over to stay at Feydin Manor. People couldn't understand why we would be together. A Weasley and a Ross. People thought you should be around the highborn wizard families, not a poor bloke like myself. They never could understand our friendship."
Alex swallowed hard. "I never thought that way and neither did my family. Your friendship meant the world to me."
"More than your boyfriend?"
Pain crossed Alex's features. Charlie sighed. "So, you still won't talk about it. Damn it Alex, it ruined our friendship. We shared everything and when he came along, I lost you."
"I promised I wouldn't talk about it with anyone. Charlie, you have to believe me, I can't tell anyone, but soon. Soon, all shall be revealed."
"Sounds rather ominous."
"I think it is."
"Who did you promise?"
Alex sighed. "Dumbledore."
"Just tell me. Were the rumours that I heard true?"
Alex rolled her eyes emphatically. "Which ones?"
"You-Know-Who was the one who kidnapped you?" Alex nodded wordlessly in answer. "Bloody hell."
"Charlie!" Alex admonished.
"Well, that warranted it. What did he do to you?"
Harry couldn't see her face since she had turned away to pour her milk into a cup. "Charlie, please just trust me. It isn't something I can talk about just now. And maybe you should make some more milk. Harry might like a mug."
Harry was startled. He rounded the corner of the wall and entered the kitchen. "How did you know."
Charlie shrugged. "Alex has always had incredible hearing."
Alex offered with a gesture for him to sit at the table but Harry declined. "I think I'll head to bed. I fell asleep on the couch earlier."
Alex nodded. "My talking does that to people on a regular basis."
Harry smiled and waved before walking through the kitchen and heading for the stairs leading to Ron's room. Ginny's door was before Ron's and as he passed by, he noticed it was open slightly.
Temptation kicked him in the gut. He always wondered what she would look like asleep, those golden brown eyelashes against her cheek. She would be breathing softly, in and then out.in-
"Harry?"
Harry jerked around to see Ginny not in bed but standing in the hallway. "What are you doing up?"
Harry could see Ginny's blush even in the moonlight. "Kind of obvious, hmm? What are you doing up?"
"I fell asleep on the couch."
"Ah.well then, better.well maybe you hadn't go to bed just yet. Hermione never came to bed for the night."
"So.oh.OH!" It was Harry's turn to blush as he looked towards Ron's room, the door shut. "Well, I guess I am out of a room for the night."
"Right. You know.never mind."
"What Ginny?"
"Never mind."
"Ginny. You were obviously going to say something." Harry pressed on, "What was it?"
Ginny walked around Harry and opened her door. Harry grabbed Ginny's wrist to stop her from going inside and shutting the door. "Please tell me?"
Ginny looked down at Harry's hand as if it were a snake. She looked torn, torn between telling him and keeping her mouth shut. Keeping them both in the dark.
She pulled her wrist free and look up at him. "Fine. You really want to know? I was going to make a fool of myself and ask if you would like to sleep in my room."
Harry woke from a sound sleep. He could have sworn there had been a yell and someone was in trouble. He grabbed his wand and threw the covers back, feeling for his glasses on the night stand. Ron was still snoring lightly, his red head buried under the covers.
Harry fumbled with the doorknob, his befuddled state slowly slipping away. Adrenaline shot through his system, which made the nerves in body crackle and the magic pool in his hands, ready for action.
He opened the door slowly to see Charlie and Alex staring each other down in the hallway. Alex was dressed in a long white night gown, sheer in some places so that Harry could see the moonlight highlighting her body. Charlie had on a pair of shorts that were nearly threadbare they had obviously been worn so many times. Harry averted his eyes from Alex, out of respect for her.
"See?" Charlie hissed. "Now you have woken up the whole house."
"I don't think Harry constitutes the whole house. Sorry Harry. Minor mistake."
"One I wouldn't have made if I hadn't had to give up my bed to you and had to sleep in Bill's old room," Charlie said grumpily. "I came back to my room from using the loo to find her sleeping in my bed."
Both Harry and Alex thought he would continue to speak but the pain written on his face was clear and unmistakable. Alex reached out, concerned.
Charlie snarled. "You don't have to pretend as if you have feelings for me." He turned and walked down the hall towards Bill's room and went to slam the door behind him.
Harry winced and braced himself for the loud bang that never came. Alex had her eyelids closed and her teeth clenched. She looked over at him, hurt flashing in her eyes.
"I am sorry you had to see that Harry. Please, go back to bed. Sleep well."
Harry nodded and shut the door behind him. It was puzzling, the way Charlie had reacted all along to Alex. And yet, there was something about Alex that Harry couldn't put his finger on. She sparked something within him. An odd fire he had never known about.
Harry woke to find Ron's bed empty and a shaft of sunlight drifting through the window onto his bed. He stretched, grabbing for his glasses and a shirt as he hopped out of bed. He raced down the stairs to find that nearly everyone was assembled at the table for breakfast.
"Morning Harry. Hogwarts letters are here," Percy said, tossing his letter to him. Harry picked it up, breaking the seal. It was the same every year, a list of books, including the newest on Apparating - a class that Harry was definitely looking forward to. There was also an extra note for all wizards under the age of seventeen whom wished to take the Apparating class, taught by the new Dark Arts teacher, informing them that they would need a parent or guardian to give permission.
Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Finally he could make his own decisions. He looked up at Ron and Hermione to convey his thoughts and was stunned by the number of papers that had come from Hermione's envelope. They just seemed to keep coming until Ron exclaimed, "Parent Approval form to pursue.Animagi training? But I thought they didn't teach that Hogwarts."
Hermione stiffened. "Professor McGonagall and I talked about it last summer before I left. She thinks I have what it takes to be an Animagus."
Mrs. Weasley nodded. "That is special. She's one of the best authorities on Transfiguration in the wizarding world."
Alex nodded. "Yes. I remember her from my days at Hogwarts. She was incredible. She invites one student per year to be her pupil for Animagi training. I was her student in my seventh year."
Harry and Ron gaped at her revelation. "You?" Ron said. "But I thought-"
Hermione cut him off. "Ron, might I use Pigwidgeon? I need to send this to my parents to sign."
Ron nodded and took the paper upstairs to his room. As he was going upstairs, he passed a fully dressed Charlie.
"Morning Charlie."
Charlie grunted. Ron looked at him oddly. "Hey, what is going on?"
Charlie ignored him and came into the kitchen, sitting down at the table across from Alex. He fixed her with a glare that she politely ignored. "So Harry, yet another year at Hogwarts starting soon? Did you make Head Boy? I remember your father back in his seventh year."
"No, I didn't. I think it would have been too much, being Quidditch Captain now.and well, you know." There was a tense silence as Harry trailed off. Harry fumbled for what else to say for a second before Hermione spoke up.
"I made Head Girl. I'm not sure who made Head Boy, but Ron is still a prefect, which is admirable."
"Yes it is," Alex said, pouring a bit more tea into her cup. "I can still remember those days like they were yesterday."
Charlie snorted. "And yes, you were Head Girl. We all know the story."
"Charlie!" Charlie had the good sense to duck and look a tad bit ashamed at his mother's admonition. He had never treated their guests with such poor manners, especially in front of his mother. In the hallway last night was one thing, but Mrs. Weasley prided herself on teaching her children proper manners.
Alex smiled benignly. "I think I will accompany you to Diagon Alley today. I have a few things to pick up myself. I would like to get a few new robes, maybe a few books, since I've been appointed the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."
Everyone gaped at her as she stood up from the table. She smiled brilliantly as she sailed out of the room as if on casters. Ron looked at Harry. "Now we know for sure Dumbledore has gone nuts."
Harry picked up his glass only to let it slip through his fingers seconds later. He slumped into the chair he had just vacated, submitting to the fog that was enveloping his senses.
Harry was in the dark. That was all he knew. He let his eyes adjust to the small room, taking in a chair in the corner and a door opposite it, slightly ajar. He slipped through the opening into a darkened hallway.
He could hear voices that sounded like they were coming from the other end, where the sunlight beam was slanting through to the hallway. Then he heard the high pitched laugh.
Harry fell to his knees, pain ripping through his scar. When he opened his eyes, he was back in the Burrow with everyone staring at him with concern written on their faces. Alex had come back down stairs and was kneeling before him.
"Are you all right Harry?" Alex asked.
Ron nodded. "He should be. Was it.You-Know-Who?"
Alex glanced at Ron. "You mean Voldemort?"
Ron visibly flinched. "Could you not say his name?"
Alex shrugged and looked back at Harry. "What happened?"
Harry shivered. "Well, it started out like most times when my scar hurts but when I heard Voldemort's laughter, there was a pain in my scar and I was back here. I am normally stuck there until I see what he doing. Most of the time.he."
"Kills someone?" Alex supplied.
Harry nodded. "And then it is like he releases his hold on me. But this was different. I was on my way to room when I was pulled back. What happened?"
There was silence until finally Hermione spoke up. "Alex touched your scar."
~*~
Mrs. Weasley had tried to put off their trip to Diagon Alley so that Harry could rest but Harry refused to be treated like a baby. Their trip was made a bit early this year; normally they waited until the last week before school but they had decided to beat the rush. Charlie stayed at the Burrow, claiming he needed more sleep and Fred and George had left for their shop in Hogsmeade.
Of course the talk of all the students in Diagon Alley was of their new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. For their fifth year, it had been Dolores Umbridge. Professor Umbridge had been part of what was now known as "The Ministry Scandal" which had almost ended in Fudge being thrown from office. Dumbledore, the one Fudge had been so worried had been after his job, was the only one who stood up for him. Needless to say, Fudge still had his job.
Some said the new Defence against the Dark Arts teacher was from America, others said it was Fleur Delacour. Harry had laughed at the look of horror on Ron's face. Now that Ron had Hermione, he could resist temptation, but he wasn't sure he could resist the charm of a Veela. Finally Dean, another 7th year Gryffindor, had said he heard it was a relation to the Malfoy's. Alex had asked them to not reveal anything about her being appointed.
There was one last stop. Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour for a treat. It was also where everyone would gather once they were done. The girls had separated from the boys and had gone on their own search.
Ron and Harry chatted on about Quidditch for the full hour they sat in front of the ice cream parlour before the girls showed up. Ginny had bought a new cauldron with her books as well as a new dress robe.
Harry looked at the ice blue robe, adorned with delicate lace. He wondered idly for a split second how that robe would look on the floor in his.
Harry froze and closed his eyes. He knew where that thought had come from. He had been having them all through his sixth year. Every time he had seen her, her long dark red hair flowing over her shoulders and down her back, lusty visions had entered his mind. He supposed he wasn't the only one who had noticed her. But he was the only one who would have hell to pay from her brother.
It was too complex, he kept telling himself. Go for someone simple, like Lavender or Padma. Even Pansy. Hell, he would rather take on all of Slytherin house than deal with Ron's temper. In fact, there was a beautiful girl from Ravenclaw in Ginny's year.
Scratch that. It would get back to Ginny and then Harry would have to face those mournful eyes from down the table everyday. Ginny knew what she wanted and she wanted him. But at what cost to her?
Harry felt the tap on his shoulder and looked up at Hermione. "Doesn't Ginny's robe look nice?"
He nodded knowing that, for his thoughts alone, Ron would beat him senseless. "Yes. It looks very nice."
Ginny sighed and looked off into the distance. Harry could tell from the look on her face, she had been hoping for something more out of the dress. Sorry Ginny, but until your brother quits acting like you're ten years old, you won't get much out of me.
~*~
There was a surprise waiting for them when they got home. Dinner was hot and ready for them, fixed by Bill and Fred. George had stayed on at the shop to finish up, while Mr. Weasley had gone back to work after coming home simply to change clothes. Percy had asked if he had needed to accompany his father to work but Mr. Weasley had waved him off.
Dinner was delicious, one of Fred's concoctions. Harry at first had been hesitant to eat once he heard one of the twins had a hand in making it but Bill had assured him he had kept a strict eye on Fred throughout the whole process.
Finally everyone had gone separate ways. Ron and Hermione went to take a walk outside "under the stars" as Hermione had so eloquently put it. Ginny had gone up to pack her things away in her trunk. Harry sat down on the couch, now wishing he had said something a little more to Ginny in Diagon Alley.
Alex walked through the living room, carrying a small bag. "Well hello, Harry. I didn't expect to see you here. I thought you might be off owling a girlfriend."
Harry shook his head. "I don't have a girlfriend."
Alex dug inside the small bag pulling out a pair of knitting needles. She began knitting as she looked up at Harry. "Well, you're a nice looking young man. I expect you have many girls chasing after you. Or are you waiting for a certain redhead to notice you?"
Harry flushed. "Well, um."
Alex smiled. "Doesn't take a Seer to sense the attraction there. So, why haven't you done anything about it? Do you think Ginny doesn't like you?"
"No. It isn't that."
"Ron, then. Ah, no need to say anything. The look on your face tells all. Well then, that is a tough situation. I couldn't really tell you what to do. I was never very good with the opposite sex back in school or even now, as you saw last night. But I do know true love finds a way. Like with my parents..." Alex trailed off thoughtfully.
"Percy said you were in Charlie's year, but you two seem at odds."
Alex nodded. "We are but I never did understand why. We got along very well in school. We had a few classes together; Herbology, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures. He always seemed a tad shy around me but we still had a great friendship, sharing secrets and spells. But after I was kidnapped...."
Harry glanced at her but she was concentrating on her knitting. With Mrs. Weasley's warning still fresh in his head, he countered "Maybe he was shy because he liked you."
Alex sighed. "I doubt it. I think we're too different. But I must admit, I have always had a place for him in my heart."
Harry sat back on the couch, playing with the muggle magazine Mr. Weasley subscribed to, Electronics Today. He sighed and let his head roll back so it rested on he back of the couch. Maybe she was right, he thought. Maybe he should just tell Ginny how he felt.
~*~
Someone was talking softly, in low deep tones. It was comforting and it almost lulled him back to sleep.
Harry jarred awake, now aware of the fact he had fallen asleep sitting up on the Weasley's couch. He got to his feet and walked towards the kitchen, where candles were burning.
He looked around the corner to find Alex standing over the stove, stirring a pan of milk a spoon. She sighed and swore under her breath. "Why couldn't Arthur have installed a microwave instead of a toaster?"
"Having trouble?"
Harry's gaze swung to find Charlie standing in the kitchen. He was obviously just out of bed, his hair rumpled, his eyes watery. Harry pulled back so he was standing unseen behind the wall.
"No, not really. Just.damn, I really am used to muggle appliances."
Charlie walked over to the stove and took Alex's wand. He muttered something and pointed it at the milk. It bubbled slightly and began to move as if someone was stirring it. "Were you making hot chocolate?"
Alex shook her head. "Just warm milk. Mummy used to make it for us when we couldn't sleep."
Charlie smiled. "I remember those days, when you used to invite me over to stay at Feydin Manor. People couldn't understand why we would be together. A Weasley and a Ross. People thought you should be around the highborn wizard families, not a poor bloke like myself. They never could understand our friendship."
Alex swallowed hard. "I never thought that way and neither did my family. Your friendship meant the world to me."
"More than your boyfriend?"
Pain crossed Alex's features. Charlie sighed. "So, you still won't talk about it. Damn it Alex, it ruined our friendship. We shared everything and when he came along, I lost you."
"I promised I wouldn't talk about it with anyone. Charlie, you have to believe me, I can't tell anyone, but soon. Soon, all shall be revealed."
"Sounds rather ominous."
"I think it is."
"Who did you promise?"
Alex sighed. "Dumbledore."
"Just tell me. Were the rumours that I heard true?"
Alex rolled her eyes emphatically. "Which ones?"
"You-Know-Who was the one who kidnapped you?" Alex nodded wordlessly in answer. "Bloody hell."
"Charlie!" Alex admonished.
"Well, that warranted it. What did he do to you?"
Harry couldn't see her face since she had turned away to pour her milk into a cup. "Charlie, please just trust me. It isn't something I can talk about just now. And maybe you should make some more milk. Harry might like a mug."
Harry was startled. He rounded the corner of the wall and entered the kitchen. "How did you know."
Charlie shrugged. "Alex has always had incredible hearing."
Alex offered with a gesture for him to sit at the table but Harry declined. "I think I'll head to bed. I fell asleep on the couch earlier."
Alex nodded. "My talking does that to people on a regular basis."
Harry smiled and waved before walking through the kitchen and heading for the stairs leading to Ron's room. Ginny's door was before Ron's and as he passed by, he noticed it was open slightly.
Temptation kicked him in the gut. He always wondered what she would look like asleep, those golden brown eyelashes against her cheek. She would be breathing softly, in and then out.in-
"Harry?"
Harry jerked around to see Ginny not in bed but standing in the hallway. "What are you doing up?"
Harry could see Ginny's blush even in the moonlight. "Kind of obvious, hmm? What are you doing up?"
"I fell asleep on the couch."
"Ah.well then, better.well maybe you hadn't go to bed just yet. Hermione never came to bed for the night."
"So.oh.OH!" It was Harry's turn to blush as he looked towards Ron's room, the door shut. "Well, I guess I am out of a room for the night."
"Right. You know.never mind."
"What Ginny?"
"Never mind."
"Ginny. You were obviously going to say something." Harry pressed on, "What was it?"
Ginny walked around Harry and opened her door. Harry grabbed Ginny's wrist to stop her from going inside and shutting the door. "Please tell me?"
Ginny looked down at Harry's hand as if it were a snake. She looked torn, torn between telling him and keeping her mouth shut. Keeping them both in the dark.
She pulled her wrist free and look up at him. "Fine. You really want to know? I was going to make a fool of myself and ask if you would like to sleep in my room."