Chapter 5 The Case of Mistaking Identity
It was 5:30 when Harry woke up and laid there listening to everyone sleeping. He was so happy to be back home. He was still thinking about all the summers events and even last nights events.. An hour and a half went by when he heard Ron moving around and thought it would be best to get up and dress so he could go down to breakfast with Ron and the others. That morning down at breakfast, Harry noticed that was still missing a teacher.
"I wonder who it will be? Ron asked, stuffing a piece of toast in his mouth.
"It's obvious isn't it." Hermione replied, putting her books in her bag. "The new defense against the dark arts teacher is late, I hope who ever it is will be a lot better then the last one we had."
"Me too." Neville said.
Just then there was a loud "[B]BANG[/B]". Everyone jumped and looked to where the bang had come from. There standing in the door way was a hooded figure. Harry looked from the hooded figure to the head of the table and back to the hooded figure. Who started to glide across the room not looking at anyone just gliding towards the head table. There was a hush all around as everyone's eye was on the hooded figure. From the front door all the way down the hall until it stopped at the steps to the head table. Dumbledore stood up as did all the other teachers in the hall.
"Welcome." Dumbledore said with a wide smile before looking around the hall at everyone. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like you all to meet your new Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher" Professor Holly Rosenguard." Beaming as he looked upon her with admiration. Everyone in the hall did't say much, all they could do was look on in shock and a few of the new students looked a little scared.
"Wow she's the new Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher." Neville whispered towards Harry, with a quiver in his voice. But before Harry could reply, the new teacher turned towards the students, and removed her hood. Harry noticed that, she was fairly young with short black hair, she was sort of short, and slim, with a round familiar face. Harry could've sworn he'd seen her face before, but couldn't quite figure it out.
Hermione just started loading her plate with eggs, then looking up, with a small smile on her face, "Oh Neville, see it'll be alright." "Well, we'll find out more about her we have her next period." Ron said, looking at his schedule.
At that moment the mail came in the room. Harry, looked over to Ginny, she wasn't looking well. "Are you okay?" Harry asked, looking concerned.
Ginny looked up, at him with a faint smile, she replied, "Yes, I just didn't get much sleep last night." Then she got up saying she need to get to class early. Harry watched Ginny walk towards the door to head to her potions class.
"I've got to go." Harry said hastily, and jumped up to follow Ginny. In the hallway, he called to her. "Hey, Ginny, wait up, I'll walk you to class." Ginny stopped, and waited for Harry to catch up, giving him a brighter smile then before, "Thanks, Harry, but you don't need to, I'll be okay."
"I remember what happened to you a few years ago, and how upset you were, I was there and have a good memory. So until I find out who she is, I'd feel better if you weren't alone." Harry said, looking at her seriously.
"I've got six older bothers to look after me, I don't need you to protect me." Ginny said angrily, and turned to leave Harry alone in the hallway. But Harry caught a hold of Ginny's hand, and said softly, "I know I'm not your brother, but I thought we were friends."
Ginny turned pink, as she said, "I'm sorry, of course we're friends."
"Good, now lets head to class so I'm not late getting to mine." Harry said, as they walked to the potions class together. After making sure that Ginny got to class okay, and making her promise to meet him for lunch, he hurried to his class. As he walked in, Ron was saving Harry a set beside him.
As Harry sat down as Ron asked, "Where did you go?"
But before Harry could reply, Professor Rosenguard walked in to the class room and headed to the center of the room, and instead of sitting in her chair, she proceeded to sit on the desk. "Good day class, I would like to introduce myself, I'm Professor Holly Rosenguard. I want you all to know, that I've never been a teacher before, but Professor Dumbledore asked me to teach this year as a favor to him, seems he can't keep a decent Defense against the dark arts teacher around these days." At that she laughed, "Any ways, I'm bound to make mistakes, so please over look them, and I promise that whatever toe gets blown off, I'll replace it for free." Again she laughed, as did the rest of the class. "But seriously, I promise that you will learn a lot more defenses this year, then in your previous years here at Hogwarts." With that she jumped down off the table, and grabbed up the class list. "Well, I see everyone's here, so what do you say we start in on some simple defenses, and see how far you all are."
At that Hermione raised her hand. "Professor Rosenguard, we didn't learn much last year from our former teacher. She didn't believe we should learn how to defend ourselves."
Smiling, she placed to class list back on her desk, and proceeded to sit upon it again, "Yes, I know, I've been briefed by Professor Dumbledore, and please call me Holly, I know that's unusual, but calling me by Professor Rosenguard, makes me feel old." She said, and crinkled her nose. "I also know about Dumbledore's Army, and would like all that attended that class to please see me after this period ends, so we can discuss opening up the club again." At that she looked at Harry, and gave him a big smile. Then proceeded on to the lesson. After class, everyone was talking at once how great the class had been, and how Holly was the coolest teacher they've ever had. Everyone but Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Dean, and Lavender, all stayed behind to talk with Holly.
"Is this all that was in Dumbledore's Army?" Holly asked, looking around at everyone.
Harry, being poked by Hermione spoke up. "No, there's a few others, but their in different classes now, or in another grade."
Smiling she said, "Well, we'll have to gather everyone up, and see if anyone else may want to join, the more the merrier, is what I always say." She turned and walked to her desk, sitting back on it. "I think we should keep Harry as, what do you call it, president? And we should meet once a week, or maybe more depending on how far everyone is in their defenses."
"Where will we be meeting?" Hermione asked, with her hand in the air.
"Same room as last year, the Room of Requirement." Holly replied, beaming at her.
"That room was cool, it helped us so much last year." Neville said, then turned pink realizing that he had spoken out loud.
Holly laughed, as Harry spoke up. "Did Professor Dumbledore say that this society was okay? "
He sure did, and was quite pleased that it was named after him." she said, looking seriously for the first time. "It's going to take all of us together to get rid of Voldemort, once and for all." Everyone but Harry did a sharp intake of breath at the mention of Voldemort's name. "Well, if one of you can contact the rest of the group, and let them know that we will be meeting in the Room of Requirement on Thursday, at 8:00 p.m. I would appreciate it."
As everyone got up to leave, just out side the door Harry said that he'd catch up with them, and went back in the class room, Holly was seated behind her desk looking over some papers. Harry made a small noise, that made Holly looked up from her papers. "Is there something you needed Harry?"
"Well, I was just wondering, well you seem familiar to me, but I don't think we've me before, have we? He asked, looking very ill at ease.
Holly smiled, "Yes Harry, we met briefly, only you don't remember, because you were just a baby." Harry looked curiously at her. She waited a moment, "Your mother and I were best friends at Hogwarts."
Harry looked shocked, "You knew my mother?" "Yes I did." She said, "I was her maid of honor in her wedding."
Harry, realized just then why she looked so familiar, he had seen her in the photo album at his parents wedding. Still looking stunned "I uh.. have to go now to get to class before I am late." As Harry was leaving Ron was out side waiting for him, " So what was that all about?"
"Nothing." Harry said, still a little shaken up. "just had a few questions is all." "
Oh..okay." Ron said looking a bit confused, "McGonagall wants to see Neville and you after lunch today."
"What for?" Harry asked, as they headed for class.
"Don't know, just said to tell you." Ron said, looking at a couple of students doing magic in the hall.
"Looks like a job for a prefect." Harry laughed as Ron went to talk with the students.
Later on just before lunch, Harry and Neville both started out for Professor McGonagall office "Harry what do you think it's about?" Neville said, as they turn the corner where Professor McGonagall office was.
"Not sure, I don't think we did anything, yet." Just as Harry went to knock on Professor McGonagall door when she opened it herself.
"Yes Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom, please do come in and have a seat, as you know last year you both did not receive the O.W.L.'s to obtain the requirement for the position of becoming an Auror."
Just then Harry looked to Neville who was looking at Harry "You wanted to be an Auror I Did Too." Both speaking at the same time. Then turned back to Professor McGonagall,
"Yes will Harry, as I told you last year, I will do all I can to help you achieve your goals, and have also taken in to consideration that Mr. Longbottom will also need a little help in achieve that goal. So I have talked with both the head master and Professor Snape about it. and with much talk. We all have decided that you both will join in Professor Snape classes, and that you both need to have top marks on all future work. Also there are to be extra classes for both of you. Twice a week with Professor Snape, working on your potions and with myself on your other study's. Now do you both have any questions."
Harry and Neville both looked like Christmas had come early for him. They just smiled and said, "No", and thanked Professor McGonagall for all her help.
"No need to thanks me It was all the head masters decision. Now you may go to lunch I'll send word to you of your extra classes later on this week." At that Professor McGonagall, who had a big smile on her face, stood up to walk the boys out of the room.
"Oh Harry, and Neville that's such good news I'm so happy for the both of you." Hermione said after the boys had told them what the meeting was about. Harry looked up to the head table and smiled as he looked at Dumbledore talking with Professor Holly. Then turning back to his plate and started to fill it with some kidney pie, and corn on the cob.
"Hey Ron we need to talk to Professor McGonagall about our meeting and train for the Quidditch team. I hope I'm back on the team this year."
"Yea, we'll talk to her after dinner tonight." Ron said loading up his plate. "Hey Ginny your going to come with us tonight right?" When he didn't get an answer he looked up. "Ginny…now where did she go?" looked around the table for her.
Harry looked around the table and then looked to the front door. "I'll be right back hang on." Getting up and running to the front door and looked to see where Ginny had gotten to, but she was no where's to be seen. So he turned and started to walk back to the table when out of the corner of his eye he saw Malfoy ,Crabbe and Goyle. "Well.. Well.. Well.. Look who it is… what's wrong Potter lost your way have you?" Malfoy said coldly
"Get out of my way Malfoy. I'm not in mood to deal with the likes of you." Harry said with a strong tone, just then Professor Holly started to walk towards them.
"The likes of me you say I would say it would be the other way around Potter. You who have friends like them (pointing to Ron and Neville) and that mudblood friend of yours, It's you who have the nerve to show up here at all with the likes of them." Then getting in Harry's face, "I told you last year, I'd get you for putting my father in Azkaban"
"What is all the about." Professor Holly said as she came to a stop right behind Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle looked bugged eyed and stood as if they where statues.
"Just a little word with the Potter here. If it was any of your business." Turning to see who had spoken to.
"Really, well Mr. Malfoy is it now, it is my business and with that tone, 15 points from Slytherin and detention. If I ever hear you speak to me or anyone for that matter, like that again I'll see you get expelled, am I understood?" She said with glare in her eyes. "Yes Madame." Malfoy said as he walked away "Crabbe, Goyle come."
"Er.. Thanks Holly." Harry said, as he watched them walk away.
"Who was you looking for a moment ago?" She asked looking around the room.
"Ginny Weasley, a friend of mine, she's been a little upset lately." Harry said, "I'll catch up with her later."
"Okay." Holly said and smiled. "I hope your friend will start feeling better soon."
"Thanks." Harry said, smiling back at her, then headed back towards his seat. Later on that night they met up with Ginny in the Gryffindor common room, she said she needed to study for an exam, but Harry could tell she was still upset. They managed to talk her in the going to Professor McGonagall's room, and talk to her about Quidditch, and who would be Team Caption, and when they would have tryouts for the team. Everyone but Hermione went to Professor McGonagall room, where once again, she opened the door to meet them.
"Yes, I know why you all are here, and have taken several things into consideration in who's to be Team Caption. I know that Harry's been on the team longer then anyone else, but I also know that Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom will be taking on more classes. So I have decided that Mr. Weasley will be our new Team Caption." She said, looking around at everyone.
"Me." Ron said, looking stunned, then all he could manage was, "Thank you."
Harry jumped in. "Can I play this year?"
"Of course you can." Professor McGonagall said with a smile.
"Thank you." Harry said, grinning from ear to ear. Just outside Professor McGonagall's office Harry turned to Ron. "I am really happy for you, I think you'll make a good team caption." Harry said as he put his hand on Ron shoulder and smiling.
"Thanks, Harry." Ron said going red in the face and smiled. As they all walked back to the dormitory, they didn't notice Malfoy was standing in the shadows as Harry, Neville, and Ron walked by talking about Quidditch, and practices. They didn't notice that Ginny was walking up behind slowly, half listening to them, when she dropped some papers, so she stopped to pick them up as Harry, Neville and Ron turned the corner. Malfoy was waiting for just the right time when Harry would walk by.. He wanted to pay Harry back for everything, for living, for his father, and just because Malfoy hated Harry. Malfoy was holding his wand tightly in his hand, it happened so fast no one really saw it coming, but for Malfoy spoke in a hashed voice "Coix Lacaryma-jobi". As the spell left Malfoy's wand, Ginny walked right in front of it, and hit her right in the back. When the spell hit her she stopped dead in her tracks, she got chills in her back, then went though out her whole body, and she just stood there for a moment. It was at that moment Harry came round the corner to see where she had went to, because he knew she was right there behind them, Harry looked up the hall saw Ginny standing there. She was white as a ghost, which worried him.
"GINNY." Harry cried out. "Are you okay?" at that point Ron arrived at Harry's side. They both ran to her. She didn't speak she just looked stunned, she wasn't blinking or anything, and when Harry had reached her. Ginny's eyes started to roll back in her head, and she started to fall, but before she hit the ground Harry grabbed her. Ron was beside Harry, looking just as white as she was. When he looked at Ginny and noticed that she was unconscious.
"GINNY, WHAT IS IT GINNY." Ron yelled, trying to wake her up, as Neville came up beside them.
"Ron we need to get her to the hospital wing [B]NOW[/B]. Hold on Ginny, you'll be alright." It took some time, but between Harry, Neville, and Ron, they managed to get Ginny to the hospital wing.
Madam Pomfrey came running out "What is this, what's happened to this her?"
"We don't know what happened, we found her like this." Harry said, as they helped put Ginny in the nearest bed.
So Madam Pomfrey could look her over. All the boys heard was "ooh dear ooh dear, what a mess... oh dear" from Madam Pomfrey. Why Harry, Neville, and Ron just looked from one another to Ginny.
Then Ron said with a horse voice "Harry what's wrong with her?"
"Ron I don't know I wish I did." Harry said with a worried look in his eyes.
Just then Hermione came in "Ron, Dean said he saw you carrying Ginny towards the hospital wing. What happened?" Hermione said, looking from Ginny to Ron with a worried look.
"We don't know, Hermione, we just we don't know." Ron said looking very white.
"Oh my dear me, now you three boys have no idea what happened?" Said Madam Pomfrey.
"NO" they all answered.
"It looks to me, as if she was hit with a very bad curse, only this one didn't turn out the way it was meant to. That person who must have cast this curse did it poorly."
"What." Ron chocked out. Hermione walked over to Ron and for the first time hugged him.
"Ron she'll be ok Madam Pomfrey will cure her.." She whispered in his ear as Ron hugged her back. Harry walked to Ginny's bed side and looked at her. Then turning the nurse
"She'll be ok, right I mean she wont die or anything right?" Harry said looking from the nurse to Ginny.
"No That curse was a deadly one, but again It was not done right that's If it was a spell, I'm still not sure." Madam Pomfrey, then turned to walk in the other room. Harry sat down next to Ginny ... while Ron and Hermione walked over to the other side
"GINNY" .... "Can you hear me GINNY" Ron whispered, as he patted her hand.
At that point Dumbledore came in the room. "What happened?" he asked Madam Pomfrey. She lead him over to the corner, and explained everything. After Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore spoke for a few minutes he walked over to Ginny, as if confirming what she had told him.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir, perhaps Ron and I should send Mr. And Mrs. Weasley an owl to let them know what's happening." Hermione said, while taken a hold of Ron's hand to give him comfort.
"Yes, that's a wise thing to do." He said, still looking at Ginny, then turning towards Ron, "I'll send one myself, too." Then he walked out of the room.
"Yes. you too go, and I'll stay here with Ginny." Harry said looking up at Ron and Hermione, then noticing that Neville was still there. "You don't have to stay, I'll stay and watch over to her, and let you know what happens. "
"Okay, but I'll be back first thing in the morning." Neville said, looking extremely worried, then headed for the door.
"Okay but if anything changes, you'll come and get us, right?" Ron said, looking anxiously towards Ginny.
"I will Ron don't worry, I won't let anything else happen to her. Just hurry okay." Harry said looking back down at Ginny. Ron and Hermione left to send word to his parents, while Harry stayed at Ginny side the whole time they where gone. Harry started talking to Ginny. "Don't worry Ginny your going to be alright I know you will be. Madam Pomfrey will find a cure for you, just hang in there for a little while., you know we need you for practice so we can win the house cup this year." Harry said not really realizing he had picked up Ginny's hand and was stoking it. "You have to be ok… you just have to." He said looking at her.
Ron and Hermione came back to see if there was any change. Harry told them she was still the same, he never took his hand away from hers. Time went by slow while they were waiting Hermione looked from Ron to Harry. "Ron, you and Harry need to rest, it's been a long day, and you won't do Ginny any good if you get sick yourselves. come on let's get some rest, we can come back first thing in the morning." She said, as she walking up to Ron who was pacing back and forth. Ron was as white as a ghost with worry.
"What if she wakes up, I can't just leave her." he said, as he looking at Ginny. "
She'll be fine Ron, she's strong like you, now come on, please." Hermione put her hand out to take Ron's, then they both turned towards Harry.
"You two go, I'll be okay, I can sleep in the chair, and will wake up, when ever she does." Harry said determinedly. Hermione shrugged, she knew that there was no changing Harry's mind. Harry never left Ginny's side all night. He took a few cat naps but woke up whenever Madam Pomfrey came in the room to check on her. The next morning, Ron, Neville and Hermione was in checking on Ginny, but there was still no change. Harry told them to go get something to eat, that he wasn't hungry. Ron didn't want to, but Hermione and Neville encouraged him to go. Harry looked at Ginny, wondering who had done this, and why. Then he realized something for first time in his life, that he was having feelings for Ginny, not the friendship kind or the brotherly kind, but something more. He again put his hand on hers to find that it felt extremely hot, and he noticed that face was even whiter then before. He jumped to his feet and called to Madam Pomfrey, She came rushing over to him. "What's the matter?" She exclaimed. "It's Ginny, she's burning up." Harry cried, pointing towards Ginny. "Oh, good. It's about time." She sighed, grabbing at her heart. "I'll be right back." Harry looked at her with confusion on his face as she walked away. Just then Ron and Hermione walked through the door. Ron saw Ginny's face was whiter then before and started to panic.
But just then Madam Pomfrey walked back in the room with a vile of potion, that was icky black, and smelled of rotten eggs. "I'll just give her some of this, and she'll be good as new in a day or two." She said happily, forcing some of the potion down Ginny's throat. Then turned to Harry. "It was nice of you to stay here all night, but you need to eat and get some rest or you'll be my next patient. So off with you."
"No I don't want to leave, I'm going to say here until she opens her eyes." Harry said rather harshly, not meaning too.
"Oh no your not" Hermione said, as she marched over and grabbed Harry by the arm. "You're going to do as Madam Pomfrey says and that's that. Besides, Ron can stay with Ginny for a while, and he'll let us know when she wakes up." As Harry and Hermione walked out of the room, Ron was still standing there still looking worried.
"Um Madam Pomfrey, How long will it be until Ginny wakes?" Harry heard Ron ask as him and Hermione walk through the door.
"I few hours yet dear, she'll be okay." Madam Pomfrey said with a smile, "I'll be going down to see Professor Dumbledore, and let him know how she's doing." With that she turned and walked from the room.
As Harry and Hermione walked down the hall, Harry was mumbling, "What is it Harry?" Hermione said looking at him.
"I just wish I know who did it. I mean who would do this to Ginny. She's a nice person she's also very sweet to everyone. I just don't get it, why would anyone want to hurt her like this?" Harry said, looking confused.
"I don't know Harry, but I do know Dumbledore will do his best to find out who did it, and why." said Hermione looking just as confused as Harry was.
"I know it just bothers me not knowing." Harry said, as he rounded the corner to the great hall. Looking up he spotted Trinity walking out of the great hall. Hermione noticed Harry looking at Trinity with an odd expression on his face.
"No way Harry, I've already checked in on your suspicions." Hermione said, looking from him to her, she was in the dormitory studying with Elizabeth Creevey. A lot of people saw her there."
"But don't you think it's funny, that shortly after she arrives, Ginny gets hurt!" Harry stated, as he glared at Trinity.
"Besides Harry, she's only a first year student." Hermione said, as Trinity disappeared around the corner. "She wouldn't know that kind of spell or even how to perform it."
Walking in to the great hall, Harry and Hermione quickly found a set, as Harry began filling his place, Neville, sat down next to them. "How's Ginny doing?" he asked.
"Well, Madam Pomfrey said she should be better in a few days." Hermione said, as she filled her cup full of pumpkin juice.
"That's good then, right?" Neville said, smiling at them as he filled his plate.
"No, it's not, cause who ever did this could do it again." Harry said, looking around, "When I find the person responsible, Ron and I will pulverize them."
"Harry, no need to get violent." Hermione said, "As I said before, Dumbledore will find out who did this, and expel them for sure."
After Harry had something to eat, he ran to the dormitory to change and was headed back to the hospital wing, when. "Excuse me, Harry." Harry turned around to find out who had wanted him. It was Trinity. "I don't mean to bother you, but I was wondering how Ginny was? She asked, looking up at him nervously.
Harry looked at her for a moment, not knowing what to say, when he finally found his voice he asked, "How do you know Ginny?"
"Well, last night, before she left go to the meeting with you, she sat down to talk with me. She was very nice to me, and we got to know each other a little bit. she told me that if I needed any help, that she would help me out." Trinity said, eager to tell Harry anything he wanted to know, she pressed on. "She told me she knew someone a long time ago named," at this she paused so she could remember the name, "I can't remember the first name, but the last name was the same as mine, and she told me that he wasn't very nice to her, even though he said he was her friend."
Harry was shocked, "She told you that?"
"Yes, she said she was upset when she heard my name during the sorting ceremony, cause it brought back some bad memory's, but after talking with me, she said she felt better, and wanted to be friends with me." Trinity said, smiling softly, then she put something in Harry's hand, "Could you give Ginny this card for me? And tell her that I hope she gets well soon." Harry looked down at the card, then looked back up at Trinity, Harry could tell, some how that she was telling the truth.
Harry gave Trinity a little smile and said, "I will." Trinity gave Harry a big smile, then turned and headed towards her dormitory.
Harry ran as fast as he could back down to the hospital wing, but just out side the hospital wing doors' there where three people talking in a low whispers about something. Harry new at once who it was. It was Mr. & Mrs. Weasley and Madam Pomfrey who where talking "Has something happen?" Harry exclaimed totally out of breath from running to the hospital.
"No, Harry dear everything's fine." Mrs. Weasley said, as she gave Harry a big hug.
"She's a wake now, has been for about 10 minutes." said Madam Pomfrey, "if you would like to go in and see her." Harry smiled, shook Mr. Weasley's hand, then proceeded thru the door. As he walked thru the door, he could hear Ron talking up a storm. Ron was sitting in the chair that Harry had sat in all night waiting for Ginny to wake up. As he approached, Ginny looked up at Harry, and gave him a big smile.
"I'm glad you're awake Ginny. Are you feeling alright?" Harry said with a half smile. "Yes, she's feeling alright, Madam Pomfrey says she'll be up and out of here in just a few days. Ron busted out, before Ginny could say a word.
Harry walked over to Ginny's bedside and smiled at her. "It good to see you're awake Ginny, we were really worried, about you." Harry said still smiling at her, then looking serious, asked. "Do you know what happened, I mean how you ended up here?"
"No," Ginny replied, looking awkwardly at Harry, "I've already told Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey, that I don't remember anything, all I remember is that I was walking up the hall and then, waking up here."
"Professor Dumbledore was here?" Harry said looking around the room for him. "Yea, but he's left. Said he had to look in to something, but he said he would be by later to look in on me." Ginny said looking at Harry with a small smile.
"You know, Harry didn't leave your side at all." Ron said, as he got up from the chair, and walked over to Harry. Then turned to look at Ginny. "We promise to find who ever did this to you and make them pay."
"That's right." Harry said, as they both looked at Ginny. Ginny, give them both a short smile before looking down.
"Now, now boy's. There will be no pay backs or anything else. Professor Dumbledore has promised to find out who did this, and properly discipline them." said Mr. Weasley, coming up behind them. Just then Madam Pomfrey along with Mrs. Weasley walked in.
"You two boy should let Ginny get some rest." said Mrs. Weasley as she walked over to Ginny's bedside, looking down at Ginny and smiling "You father and I are heading home."
"We'll come and see you tomorrow Ginny." Mr. Weasley said with a smile. "Yes she needs her rest, now you two boys come and see her later tonight or tomorrow.
"Yes she needs her rest." Madam Pomfrey said, as she handed some more of the potion from earlier, to Ginny and said "Drink it all down dear."
Harry and Ron said there good byes to Mr. Weasley and gave to Mrs. Weasley a hug Harry turned to Ginny "I'll come and see you later tonight." and walked out of the wing with Ron at his side.
Harry and Ron didn't talk much as they made there way back to the dormitories, when Harry stopped "I forgot something I'll meet you in a few minutes ok." Saying to Ron as he ran back down the hall. When Harry arrived back at the hospital wing he opened the door and looked in to still see Ginny awake, she was looking upset about something. "Ginny!" Harry said.
Ginny looked up at Harry only she was not smiling this time. "What is it." Ginny said coldly Harry was taken back at the tone in her voice.
"I forgot to give you this." Harry starched out his hand and put the card on her bedside table. "What's wrong?" Harry asked looking at the expression on her face.
"You, that what's wrong." Ginny busted out more loudly then she had planed.
"ME!, What did I do?" Harry said, with a hurt and shocked look on his face.
"You.. You looked after me stayed by my side like I am still a little girl and I'm not." Ginny said, as she glared at him, "I told you already, I have six brothers, I don't need any more."
Harry, looking at her was stunned, then fuming said, "FINE." and stormed out of the room. He didn't know what to do, or how he was feeling. He didn't go off the find Ron and the others like he had said, instead, he walked around for a while, and found himself in the Owlery. Harry sat on the floor as Hedwig swooped down to nuzzle at Harry's cheek. Harry was confessed, he keeps thinking about the past 24 hours and wishing he could talk to someone about what he was feeling. Harry knew he needed to talk with someone, he longed to talk with Sirius, but knew that was impossible, which made his heart sink even more. Then a thought came to his head, "If you need me, send me an owl." Harry jumped up, he ran to find some parchment and quill so he could write to Lupin. After sending Lupin a long letter, Harry felt a little better, and decided to met up with Ron and Hermione. But as he was heading back to the dormitory, Professor McGonagall stopped him in the hallway.
"Mr. Potter, may I have a word with you?" She asked, "Please, come walk with me."
Harry turned around and followed Professor McGonagall. "I understand that you have missed a few classes today." She said, looking straight ahead.
"Well, um yes, I did, I've been in ….." Harry started to say.
"I know where you've been." Professor McGonagall said, as she interrupted Harry. "I'll talk with your teachers and see that you can make up the classes. But I must stress to you that you need to attend your classes, and excel at them if you are to be an Auror."
"I will, I promise." Harry said, made happy that he wasn't going to get a detention or points taken away.
"That's good." Professor McGonagall said, as she paused outside the great hall. "I would hate to see that all the effort I've invested in you has been wasted."
Looking at Professor McGonagall with determination, Harry said, "It hasn't Professor, I appreciate everything you've done for me. I will study hard, and pass all my classes this year, and next."
Professor McGonagall looked at Harry, and smiled. "I believe you will, Mr. Potter, I believe you will." Then she turned and walked into the great hall. Harry, breathing a sigh of relief, turned to see Ron, Neville, and Hermione walking towards him.
"Hi Harry. Neville said, "Ready to get some food?"
Harry, realizing that he had missed lunch said, "Yes, I'm ready." and walked into the great hall with them.
After everyone had finished eating, Hermione voiced in, "We're going to see Ginny, you want to come with us Harry."
Harry still upset by the Ginny had spoken to him, said "No, not right now." Getting up he started towards the door, leaving everyone with a shocked expressions on their faces.
It was 5:30 when Harry woke up and laid there listening to everyone sleeping. He was so happy to be back home. He was still thinking about all the summers events and even last nights events.. An hour and a half went by when he heard Ron moving around and thought it would be best to get up and dress so he could go down to breakfast with Ron and the others. That morning down at breakfast, Harry noticed that was still missing a teacher.
"I wonder who it will be? Ron asked, stuffing a piece of toast in his mouth.
"It's obvious isn't it." Hermione replied, putting her books in her bag. "The new defense against the dark arts teacher is late, I hope who ever it is will be a lot better then the last one we had."
"Me too." Neville said.
Just then there was a loud "[B]BANG[/B]". Everyone jumped and looked to where the bang had come from. There standing in the door way was a hooded figure. Harry looked from the hooded figure to the head of the table and back to the hooded figure. Who started to glide across the room not looking at anyone just gliding towards the head table. There was a hush all around as everyone's eye was on the hooded figure. From the front door all the way down the hall until it stopped at the steps to the head table. Dumbledore stood up as did all the other teachers in the hall.
"Welcome." Dumbledore said with a wide smile before looking around the hall at everyone. "Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like you all to meet your new Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher" Professor Holly Rosenguard." Beaming as he looked upon her with admiration. Everyone in the hall did't say much, all they could do was look on in shock and a few of the new students looked a little scared.
"Wow she's the new Defense Against The Dark Arts Teacher." Neville whispered towards Harry, with a quiver in his voice. But before Harry could reply, the new teacher turned towards the students, and removed her hood. Harry noticed that, she was fairly young with short black hair, she was sort of short, and slim, with a round familiar face. Harry could've sworn he'd seen her face before, but couldn't quite figure it out.
Hermione just started loading her plate with eggs, then looking up, with a small smile on her face, "Oh Neville, see it'll be alright." "Well, we'll find out more about her we have her next period." Ron said, looking at his schedule.
At that moment the mail came in the room. Harry, looked over to Ginny, she wasn't looking well. "Are you okay?" Harry asked, looking concerned.
Ginny looked up, at him with a faint smile, she replied, "Yes, I just didn't get much sleep last night." Then she got up saying she need to get to class early. Harry watched Ginny walk towards the door to head to her potions class.
"I've got to go." Harry said hastily, and jumped up to follow Ginny. In the hallway, he called to her. "Hey, Ginny, wait up, I'll walk you to class." Ginny stopped, and waited for Harry to catch up, giving him a brighter smile then before, "Thanks, Harry, but you don't need to, I'll be okay."
"I remember what happened to you a few years ago, and how upset you were, I was there and have a good memory. So until I find out who she is, I'd feel better if you weren't alone." Harry said, looking at her seriously.
"I've got six older bothers to look after me, I don't need you to protect me." Ginny said angrily, and turned to leave Harry alone in the hallway. But Harry caught a hold of Ginny's hand, and said softly, "I know I'm not your brother, but I thought we were friends."
Ginny turned pink, as she said, "I'm sorry, of course we're friends."
"Good, now lets head to class so I'm not late getting to mine." Harry said, as they walked to the potions class together. After making sure that Ginny got to class okay, and making her promise to meet him for lunch, he hurried to his class. As he walked in, Ron was saving Harry a set beside him.
As Harry sat down as Ron asked, "Where did you go?"
But before Harry could reply, Professor Rosenguard walked in to the class room and headed to the center of the room, and instead of sitting in her chair, she proceeded to sit on the desk. "Good day class, I would like to introduce myself, I'm Professor Holly Rosenguard. I want you all to know, that I've never been a teacher before, but Professor Dumbledore asked me to teach this year as a favor to him, seems he can't keep a decent Defense against the dark arts teacher around these days." At that she laughed, "Any ways, I'm bound to make mistakes, so please over look them, and I promise that whatever toe gets blown off, I'll replace it for free." Again she laughed, as did the rest of the class. "But seriously, I promise that you will learn a lot more defenses this year, then in your previous years here at Hogwarts." With that she jumped down off the table, and grabbed up the class list. "Well, I see everyone's here, so what do you say we start in on some simple defenses, and see how far you all are."
At that Hermione raised her hand. "Professor Rosenguard, we didn't learn much last year from our former teacher. She didn't believe we should learn how to defend ourselves."
Smiling, she placed to class list back on her desk, and proceeded to sit upon it again, "Yes, I know, I've been briefed by Professor Dumbledore, and please call me Holly, I know that's unusual, but calling me by Professor Rosenguard, makes me feel old." She said, and crinkled her nose. "I also know about Dumbledore's Army, and would like all that attended that class to please see me after this period ends, so we can discuss opening up the club again." At that she looked at Harry, and gave him a big smile. Then proceeded on to the lesson. After class, everyone was talking at once how great the class had been, and how Holly was the coolest teacher they've ever had. Everyone but Harry, Hermione, Ron, Neville, Dean, and Lavender, all stayed behind to talk with Holly.
"Is this all that was in Dumbledore's Army?" Holly asked, looking around at everyone.
Harry, being poked by Hermione spoke up. "No, there's a few others, but their in different classes now, or in another grade."
Smiling she said, "Well, we'll have to gather everyone up, and see if anyone else may want to join, the more the merrier, is what I always say." She turned and walked to her desk, sitting back on it. "I think we should keep Harry as, what do you call it, president? And we should meet once a week, or maybe more depending on how far everyone is in their defenses."
"Where will we be meeting?" Hermione asked, with her hand in the air.
"Same room as last year, the Room of Requirement." Holly replied, beaming at her.
"That room was cool, it helped us so much last year." Neville said, then turned pink realizing that he had spoken out loud.
Holly laughed, as Harry spoke up. "Did Professor Dumbledore say that this society was okay? "
He sure did, and was quite pleased that it was named after him." she said, looking seriously for the first time. "It's going to take all of us together to get rid of Voldemort, once and for all." Everyone but Harry did a sharp intake of breath at the mention of Voldemort's name. "Well, if one of you can contact the rest of the group, and let them know that we will be meeting in the Room of Requirement on Thursday, at 8:00 p.m. I would appreciate it."
As everyone got up to leave, just out side the door Harry said that he'd catch up with them, and went back in the class room, Holly was seated behind her desk looking over some papers. Harry made a small noise, that made Holly looked up from her papers. "Is there something you needed Harry?"
"Well, I was just wondering, well you seem familiar to me, but I don't think we've me before, have we? He asked, looking very ill at ease.
Holly smiled, "Yes Harry, we met briefly, only you don't remember, because you were just a baby." Harry looked curiously at her. She waited a moment, "Your mother and I were best friends at Hogwarts."
Harry looked shocked, "You knew my mother?" "Yes I did." She said, "I was her maid of honor in her wedding."
Harry, realized just then why she looked so familiar, he had seen her in the photo album at his parents wedding. Still looking stunned "I uh.. have to go now to get to class before I am late." As Harry was leaving Ron was out side waiting for him, " So what was that all about?"
"Nothing." Harry said, still a little shaken up. "just had a few questions is all." "
Oh..okay." Ron said looking a bit confused, "McGonagall wants to see Neville and you after lunch today."
"What for?" Harry asked, as they headed for class.
"Don't know, just said to tell you." Ron said, looking at a couple of students doing magic in the hall.
"Looks like a job for a prefect." Harry laughed as Ron went to talk with the students.
Later on just before lunch, Harry and Neville both started out for Professor McGonagall office "Harry what do you think it's about?" Neville said, as they turn the corner where Professor McGonagall office was.
"Not sure, I don't think we did anything, yet." Just as Harry went to knock on Professor McGonagall door when she opened it herself.
"Yes Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom, please do come in and have a seat, as you know last year you both did not receive the O.W.L.'s to obtain the requirement for the position of becoming an Auror."
Just then Harry looked to Neville who was looking at Harry "You wanted to be an Auror I Did Too." Both speaking at the same time. Then turned back to Professor McGonagall,
"Yes will Harry, as I told you last year, I will do all I can to help you achieve your goals, and have also taken in to consideration that Mr. Longbottom will also need a little help in achieve that goal. So I have talked with both the head master and Professor Snape about it. and with much talk. We all have decided that you both will join in Professor Snape classes, and that you both need to have top marks on all future work. Also there are to be extra classes for both of you. Twice a week with Professor Snape, working on your potions and with myself on your other study's. Now do you both have any questions."
Harry and Neville both looked like Christmas had come early for him. They just smiled and said, "No", and thanked Professor McGonagall for all her help.
"No need to thanks me It was all the head masters decision. Now you may go to lunch I'll send word to you of your extra classes later on this week." At that Professor McGonagall, who had a big smile on her face, stood up to walk the boys out of the room.
"Oh Harry, and Neville that's such good news I'm so happy for the both of you." Hermione said after the boys had told them what the meeting was about. Harry looked up to the head table and smiled as he looked at Dumbledore talking with Professor Holly. Then turning back to his plate and started to fill it with some kidney pie, and corn on the cob.
"Hey Ron we need to talk to Professor McGonagall about our meeting and train for the Quidditch team. I hope I'm back on the team this year."
"Yea, we'll talk to her after dinner tonight." Ron said loading up his plate. "Hey Ginny your going to come with us tonight right?" When he didn't get an answer he looked up. "Ginny…now where did she go?" looked around the table for her.
Harry looked around the table and then looked to the front door. "I'll be right back hang on." Getting up and running to the front door and looked to see where Ginny had gotten to, but she was no where's to be seen. So he turned and started to walk back to the table when out of the corner of his eye he saw Malfoy ,Crabbe and Goyle. "Well.. Well.. Well.. Look who it is… what's wrong Potter lost your way have you?" Malfoy said coldly
"Get out of my way Malfoy. I'm not in mood to deal with the likes of you." Harry said with a strong tone, just then Professor Holly started to walk towards them.
"The likes of me you say I would say it would be the other way around Potter. You who have friends like them (pointing to Ron and Neville) and that mudblood friend of yours, It's you who have the nerve to show up here at all with the likes of them." Then getting in Harry's face, "I told you last year, I'd get you for putting my father in Azkaban"
"What is all the about." Professor Holly said as she came to a stop right behind Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle looked bugged eyed and stood as if they where statues.
"Just a little word with the Potter here. If it was any of your business." Turning to see who had spoken to.
"Really, well Mr. Malfoy is it now, it is my business and with that tone, 15 points from Slytherin and detention. If I ever hear you speak to me or anyone for that matter, like that again I'll see you get expelled, am I understood?" She said with glare in her eyes. "Yes Madame." Malfoy said as he walked away "Crabbe, Goyle come."
"Er.. Thanks Holly." Harry said, as he watched them walk away.
"Who was you looking for a moment ago?" She asked looking around the room.
"Ginny Weasley, a friend of mine, she's been a little upset lately." Harry said, "I'll catch up with her later."
"Okay." Holly said and smiled. "I hope your friend will start feeling better soon."
"Thanks." Harry said, smiling back at her, then headed back towards his seat. Later on that night they met up with Ginny in the Gryffindor common room, she said she needed to study for an exam, but Harry could tell she was still upset. They managed to talk her in the going to Professor McGonagall's room, and talk to her about Quidditch, and who would be Team Caption, and when they would have tryouts for the team. Everyone but Hermione went to Professor McGonagall room, where once again, she opened the door to meet them.
"Yes, I know why you all are here, and have taken several things into consideration in who's to be Team Caption. I know that Harry's been on the team longer then anyone else, but I also know that Mr. Potter and Mr. Longbottom will be taking on more classes. So I have decided that Mr. Weasley will be our new Team Caption." She said, looking around at everyone.
"Me." Ron said, looking stunned, then all he could manage was, "Thank you."
Harry jumped in. "Can I play this year?"
"Of course you can." Professor McGonagall said with a smile.
"Thank you." Harry said, grinning from ear to ear. Just outside Professor McGonagall's office Harry turned to Ron. "I am really happy for you, I think you'll make a good team caption." Harry said as he put his hand on Ron shoulder and smiling.
"Thanks, Harry." Ron said going red in the face and smiled. As they all walked back to the dormitory, they didn't notice Malfoy was standing in the shadows as Harry, Neville, and Ron walked by talking about Quidditch, and practices. They didn't notice that Ginny was walking up behind slowly, half listening to them, when she dropped some papers, so she stopped to pick them up as Harry, Neville and Ron turned the corner. Malfoy was waiting for just the right time when Harry would walk by.. He wanted to pay Harry back for everything, for living, for his father, and just because Malfoy hated Harry. Malfoy was holding his wand tightly in his hand, it happened so fast no one really saw it coming, but for Malfoy spoke in a hashed voice "Coix Lacaryma-jobi". As the spell left Malfoy's wand, Ginny walked right in front of it, and hit her right in the back. When the spell hit her she stopped dead in her tracks, she got chills in her back, then went though out her whole body, and she just stood there for a moment. It was at that moment Harry came round the corner to see where she had went to, because he knew she was right there behind them, Harry looked up the hall saw Ginny standing there. She was white as a ghost, which worried him.
"GINNY." Harry cried out. "Are you okay?" at that point Ron arrived at Harry's side. They both ran to her. She didn't speak she just looked stunned, she wasn't blinking or anything, and when Harry had reached her. Ginny's eyes started to roll back in her head, and she started to fall, but before she hit the ground Harry grabbed her. Ron was beside Harry, looking just as white as she was. When he looked at Ginny and noticed that she was unconscious.
"GINNY, WHAT IS IT GINNY." Ron yelled, trying to wake her up, as Neville came up beside them.
"Ron we need to get her to the hospital wing [B]NOW[/B]. Hold on Ginny, you'll be alright." It took some time, but between Harry, Neville, and Ron, they managed to get Ginny to the hospital wing.
Madam Pomfrey came running out "What is this, what's happened to this her?"
"We don't know what happened, we found her like this." Harry said, as they helped put Ginny in the nearest bed.
So Madam Pomfrey could look her over. All the boys heard was "ooh dear ooh dear, what a mess... oh dear" from Madam Pomfrey. Why Harry, Neville, and Ron just looked from one another to Ginny.
Then Ron said with a horse voice "Harry what's wrong with her?"
"Ron I don't know I wish I did." Harry said with a worried look in his eyes.
Just then Hermione came in "Ron, Dean said he saw you carrying Ginny towards the hospital wing. What happened?" Hermione said, looking from Ginny to Ron with a worried look.
"We don't know, Hermione, we just we don't know." Ron said looking very white.
"Oh my dear me, now you three boys have no idea what happened?" Said Madam Pomfrey.
"NO" they all answered.
"It looks to me, as if she was hit with a very bad curse, only this one didn't turn out the way it was meant to. That person who must have cast this curse did it poorly."
"What." Ron chocked out. Hermione walked over to Ron and for the first time hugged him.
"Ron she'll be ok Madam Pomfrey will cure her.." She whispered in his ear as Ron hugged her back. Harry walked to Ginny's bed side and looked at her. Then turning the nurse
"She'll be ok, right I mean she wont die or anything right?" Harry said looking from the nurse to Ginny.
"No That curse was a deadly one, but again It was not done right that's If it was a spell, I'm still not sure." Madam Pomfrey, then turned to walk in the other room. Harry sat down next to Ginny ... while Ron and Hermione walked over to the other side
"GINNY" .... "Can you hear me GINNY" Ron whispered, as he patted her hand.
At that point Dumbledore came in the room. "What happened?" he asked Madam Pomfrey. She lead him over to the corner, and explained everything. After Madam Pomfrey and Dumbledore spoke for a few minutes he walked over to Ginny, as if confirming what she had told him.
"Professor Dumbledore, sir, perhaps Ron and I should send Mr. And Mrs. Weasley an owl to let them know what's happening." Hermione said, while taken a hold of Ron's hand to give him comfort.
"Yes, that's a wise thing to do." He said, still looking at Ginny, then turning towards Ron, "I'll send one myself, too." Then he walked out of the room.
"Yes. you too go, and I'll stay here with Ginny." Harry said looking up at Ron and Hermione, then noticing that Neville was still there. "You don't have to stay, I'll stay and watch over to her, and let you know what happens. "
"Okay, but I'll be back first thing in the morning." Neville said, looking extremely worried, then headed for the door.
"Okay but if anything changes, you'll come and get us, right?" Ron said, looking anxiously towards Ginny.
"I will Ron don't worry, I won't let anything else happen to her. Just hurry okay." Harry said looking back down at Ginny. Ron and Hermione left to send word to his parents, while Harry stayed at Ginny side the whole time they where gone. Harry started talking to Ginny. "Don't worry Ginny your going to be alright I know you will be. Madam Pomfrey will find a cure for you, just hang in there for a little while., you know we need you for practice so we can win the house cup this year." Harry said not really realizing he had picked up Ginny's hand and was stoking it. "You have to be ok… you just have to." He said looking at her.
Ron and Hermione came back to see if there was any change. Harry told them she was still the same, he never took his hand away from hers. Time went by slow while they were waiting Hermione looked from Ron to Harry. "Ron, you and Harry need to rest, it's been a long day, and you won't do Ginny any good if you get sick yourselves. come on let's get some rest, we can come back first thing in the morning." She said, as she walking up to Ron who was pacing back and forth. Ron was as white as a ghost with worry.
"What if she wakes up, I can't just leave her." he said, as he looking at Ginny. "
She'll be fine Ron, she's strong like you, now come on, please." Hermione put her hand out to take Ron's, then they both turned towards Harry.
"You two go, I'll be okay, I can sleep in the chair, and will wake up, when ever she does." Harry said determinedly. Hermione shrugged, she knew that there was no changing Harry's mind. Harry never left Ginny's side all night. He took a few cat naps but woke up whenever Madam Pomfrey came in the room to check on her. The next morning, Ron, Neville and Hermione was in checking on Ginny, but there was still no change. Harry told them to go get something to eat, that he wasn't hungry. Ron didn't want to, but Hermione and Neville encouraged him to go. Harry looked at Ginny, wondering who had done this, and why. Then he realized something for first time in his life, that he was having feelings for Ginny, not the friendship kind or the brotherly kind, but something more. He again put his hand on hers to find that it felt extremely hot, and he noticed that face was even whiter then before. He jumped to his feet and called to Madam Pomfrey, She came rushing over to him. "What's the matter?" She exclaimed. "It's Ginny, she's burning up." Harry cried, pointing towards Ginny. "Oh, good. It's about time." She sighed, grabbing at her heart. "I'll be right back." Harry looked at her with confusion on his face as she walked away. Just then Ron and Hermione walked through the door. Ron saw Ginny's face was whiter then before and started to panic.
But just then Madam Pomfrey walked back in the room with a vile of potion, that was icky black, and smelled of rotten eggs. "I'll just give her some of this, and she'll be good as new in a day or two." She said happily, forcing some of the potion down Ginny's throat. Then turned to Harry. "It was nice of you to stay here all night, but you need to eat and get some rest or you'll be my next patient. So off with you."
"No I don't want to leave, I'm going to say here until she opens her eyes." Harry said rather harshly, not meaning too.
"Oh no your not" Hermione said, as she marched over and grabbed Harry by the arm. "You're going to do as Madam Pomfrey says and that's that. Besides, Ron can stay with Ginny for a while, and he'll let us know when she wakes up." As Harry and Hermione walked out of the room, Ron was still standing there still looking worried.
"Um Madam Pomfrey, How long will it be until Ginny wakes?" Harry heard Ron ask as him and Hermione walk through the door.
"I few hours yet dear, she'll be okay." Madam Pomfrey said with a smile, "I'll be going down to see Professor Dumbledore, and let him know how she's doing." With that she turned and walked from the room.
As Harry and Hermione walked down the hall, Harry was mumbling, "What is it Harry?" Hermione said looking at him.
"I just wish I know who did it. I mean who would do this to Ginny. She's a nice person she's also very sweet to everyone. I just don't get it, why would anyone want to hurt her like this?" Harry said, looking confused.
"I don't know Harry, but I do know Dumbledore will do his best to find out who did it, and why." said Hermione looking just as confused as Harry was.
"I know it just bothers me not knowing." Harry said, as he rounded the corner to the great hall. Looking up he spotted Trinity walking out of the great hall. Hermione noticed Harry looking at Trinity with an odd expression on his face.
"No way Harry, I've already checked in on your suspicions." Hermione said, looking from him to her, she was in the dormitory studying with Elizabeth Creevey. A lot of people saw her there."
"But don't you think it's funny, that shortly after she arrives, Ginny gets hurt!" Harry stated, as he glared at Trinity.
"Besides Harry, she's only a first year student." Hermione said, as Trinity disappeared around the corner. "She wouldn't know that kind of spell or even how to perform it."
Walking in to the great hall, Harry and Hermione quickly found a set, as Harry began filling his place, Neville, sat down next to them. "How's Ginny doing?" he asked.
"Well, Madam Pomfrey said she should be better in a few days." Hermione said, as she filled her cup full of pumpkin juice.
"That's good then, right?" Neville said, smiling at them as he filled his plate.
"No, it's not, cause who ever did this could do it again." Harry said, looking around, "When I find the person responsible, Ron and I will pulverize them."
"Harry, no need to get violent." Hermione said, "As I said before, Dumbledore will find out who did this, and expel them for sure."
After Harry had something to eat, he ran to the dormitory to change and was headed back to the hospital wing, when. "Excuse me, Harry." Harry turned around to find out who had wanted him. It was Trinity. "I don't mean to bother you, but I was wondering how Ginny was? She asked, looking up at him nervously.
Harry looked at her for a moment, not knowing what to say, when he finally found his voice he asked, "How do you know Ginny?"
"Well, last night, before she left go to the meeting with you, she sat down to talk with me. She was very nice to me, and we got to know each other a little bit. she told me that if I needed any help, that she would help me out." Trinity said, eager to tell Harry anything he wanted to know, she pressed on. "She told me she knew someone a long time ago named," at this she paused so she could remember the name, "I can't remember the first name, but the last name was the same as mine, and she told me that he wasn't very nice to her, even though he said he was her friend."
Harry was shocked, "She told you that?"
"Yes, she said she was upset when she heard my name during the sorting ceremony, cause it brought back some bad memory's, but after talking with me, she said she felt better, and wanted to be friends with me." Trinity said, smiling softly, then she put something in Harry's hand, "Could you give Ginny this card for me? And tell her that I hope she gets well soon." Harry looked down at the card, then looked back up at Trinity, Harry could tell, some how that she was telling the truth.
Harry gave Trinity a little smile and said, "I will." Trinity gave Harry a big smile, then turned and headed towards her dormitory.
Harry ran as fast as he could back down to the hospital wing, but just out side the hospital wing doors' there where three people talking in a low whispers about something. Harry new at once who it was. It was Mr. & Mrs. Weasley and Madam Pomfrey who where talking "Has something happen?" Harry exclaimed totally out of breath from running to the hospital.
"No, Harry dear everything's fine." Mrs. Weasley said, as she gave Harry a big hug.
"She's a wake now, has been for about 10 minutes." said Madam Pomfrey, "if you would like to go in and see her." Harry smiled, shook Mr. Weasley's hand, then proceeded thru the door. As he walked thru the door, he could hear Ron talking up a storm. Ron was sitting in the chair that Harry had sat in all night waiting for Ginny to wake up. As he approached, Ginny looked up at Harry, and gave him a big smile.
"I'm glad you're awake Ginny. Are you feeling alright?" Harry said with a half smile. "Yes, she's feeling alright, Madam Pomfrey says she'll be up and out of here in just a few days. Ron busted out, before Ginny could say a word.
Harry walked over to Ginny's bedside and smiled at her. "It good to see you're awake Ginny, we were really worried, about you." Harry said still smiling at her, then looking serious, asked. "Do you know what happened, I mean how you ended up here?"
"No," Ginny replied, looking awkwardly at Harry, "I've already told Professor Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey, that I don't remember anything, all I remember is that I was walking up the hall and then, waking up here."
"Professor Dumbledore was here?" Harry said looking around the room for him. "Yea, but he's left. Said he had to look in to something, but he said he would be by later to look in on me." Ginny said looking at Harry with a small smile.
"You know, Harry didn't leave your side at all." Ron said, as he got up from the chair, and walked over to Harry. Then turned to look at Ginny. "We promise to find who ever did this to you and make them pay."
"That's right." Harry said, as they both looked at Ginny. Ginny, give them both a short smile before looking down.
"Now, now boy's. There will be no pay backs or anything else. Professor Dumbledore has promised to find out who did this, and properly discipline them." said Mr. Weasley, coming up behind them. Just then Madam Pomfrey along with Mrs. Weasley walked in.
"You two boy should let Ginny get some rest." said Mrs. Weasley as she walked over to Ginny's bedside, looking down at Ginny and smiling "You father and I are heading home."
"We'll come and see you tomorrow Ginny." Mr. Weasley said with a smile. "Yes she needs her rest, now you two boys come and see her later tonight or tomorrow.
"Yes she needs her rest." Madam Pomfrey said, as she handed some more of the potion from earlier, to Ginny and said "Drink it all down dear."
Harry and Ron said there good byes to Mr. Weasley and gave to Mrs. Weasley a hug Harry turned to Ginny "I'll come and see you later tonight." and walked out of the wing with Ron at his side.
Harry and Ron didn't talk much as they made there way back to the dormitories, when Harry stopped "I forgot something I'll meet you in a few minutes ok." Saying to Ron as he ran back down the hall. When Harry arrived back at the hospital wing he opened the door and looked in to still see Ginny awake, she was looking upset about something. "Ginny!" Harry said.
Ginny looked up at Harry only she was not smiling this time. "What is it." Ginny said coldly Harry was taken back at the tone in her voice.
"I forgot to give you this." Harry starched out his hand and put the card on her bedside table. "What's wrong?" Harry asked looking at the expression on her face.
"You, that what's wrong." Ginny busted out more loudly then she had planed.
"ME!, What did I do?" Harry said, with a hurt and shocked look on his face.
"You.. You looked after me stayed by my side like I am still a little girl and I'm not." Ginny said, as she glared at him, "I told you already, I have six brothers, I don't need any more."
Harry, looking at her was stunned, then fuming said, "FINE." and stormed out of the room. He didn't know what to do, or how he was feeling. He didn't go off the find Ron and the others like he had said, instead, he walked around for a while, and found himself in the Owlery. Harry sat on the floor as Hedwig swooped down to nuzzle at Harry's cheek. Harry was confessed, he keeps thinking about the past 24 hours and wishing he could talk to someone about what he was feeling. Harry knew he needed to talk with someone, he longed to talk with Sirius, but knew that was impossible, which made his heart sink even more. Then a thought came to his head, "If you need me, send me an owl." Harry jumped up, he ran to find some parchment and quill so he could write to Lupin. After sending Lupin a long letter, Harry felt a little better, and decided to met up with Ron and Hermione. But as he was heading back to the dormitory, Professor McGonagall stopped him in the hallway.
"Mr. Potter, may I have a word with you?" She asked, "Please, come walk with me."
Harry turned around and followed Professor McGonagall. "I understand that you have missed a few classes today." She said, looking straight ahead.
"Well, um yes, I did, I've been in ….." Harry started to say.
"I know where you've been." Professor McGonagall said, as she interrupted Harry. "I'll talk with your teachers and see that you can make up the classes. But I must stress to you that you need to attend your classes, and excel at them if you are to be an Auror."
"I will, I promise." Harry said, made happy that he wasn't going to get a detention or points taken away.
"That's good." Professor McGonagall said, as she paused outside the great hall. "I would hate to see that all the effort I've invested in you has been wasted."
Looking at Professor McGonagall with determination, Harry said, "It hasn't Professor, I appreciate everything you've done for me. I will study hard, and pass all my classes this year, and next."
Professor McGonagall looked at Harry, and smiled. "I believe you will, Mr. Potter, I believe you will." Then she turned and walked into the great hall. Harry, breathing a sigh of relief, turned to see Ron, Neville, and Hermione walking towards him.
"Hi Harry. Neville said, "Ready to get some food?"
Harry, realizing that he had missed lunch said, "Yes, I'm ready." and walked into the great hall with them.
After everyone had finished eating, Hermione voiced in, "We're going to see Ginny, you want to come with us Harry."
Harry still upset by the Ginny had spoken to him, said "No, not right now." Getting up he started towards the door, leaving everyone with a shocked expressions on their faces.