AN: The long overdue 24th chapter of Secrets . . . No, you're not seeing
things!
* * * * *
In the middle of her lecture, Professer McGonagal turned around to write something on her board. In that split second, Harry was hit with a parchment wad from every girl in the room. Minus, of course, Hermione.
He gritted his teeth together and ignored the menacing looks all the females of the room were shooting at him. It had been going on like this for days, and his restraint was growing weaker with each day.
Hermoine patted his back encouragingly. "It'll all blow over soon," she murmered. She had gotten into the habit of assuring Harry this everytime he was mistreated. Harry was beginning to think that she was wrong.
When the bell rang and everyone started gathering their things, Harry was the first one out. It was the last class of the day and of the week. That meant two whole days where he could hide out in his room. At night he could sneak into the kitchens for food.
Ginny was beside him in an instant, an unsure look on her face. "Not having a good day?"
Harry shot her a dirty look. "Why couldn't they spread rumors about *you*?" he asked with a sigh, indicating that he didn't really mean it. "I'm just looking forward to the weekend."
"I'm really sorry," Ginny apologized. "I keep trying to tell everyone it's not true."
"And it's not working. I know," Harry stated, dead-pan. He knew this already. "Do you have any homework?"
"Potions," Ginny said, rolling her eyes. "Snape has been being an arse since he caught us in that closet together."
"Welcome to the world I face each day," Harry said. "I'm sorry about that by the way."
Ginny gave Harry an odd look. "Harry, that happened months ago. Why are you sorry?"
"Because I've been informed that our third and last detention will be served tonight," Harry admitted. "Tops off my day."
"With whom?" Ginny asked wearily.
"Hagrid," Harry replied brightly. "It won't be too bad then." He frowned. "I'm sorry. It's just hard to stay in a good mood when paper is thrown at you everytime the teachers turn around."
Ginny gave him a sympathetic look as they reached the Fat Lady. He quickly said the password, and they were let inside. It was empty except for a few people, and Ginny and Harry went directly to the two couches they, Ron, and Hermione had deemed as their own.
"What time is our detention?" Ginny asked as she set her books onto the table. "It isn't going to be visiting the Forest is it?"
"Ron told you about that, did he?" Harry asked, amused. "I doubt Dumbledore would allow it. It's probably something stupid like taking care of Fang."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Merlin, I hope so."
The portrait hole opened to reveal a crowd of students, bringing their laughter and talking into the before quiet room. Several people shot looks at Harry and Ginny, unnerved by the fact that Ginny was hanging out with him again.
Ron and Hermione sat down on the couch across from Ginny and Harry. "We're going to our room tonight," Ron announced. "I hope you don't mind."
"We're heartbroken," Ginny snapped.
"Thought you two could lose a little time alone," Ron said, winking at Harry.
Harry replied with a dirty look.
Ron shrugged. "I'm just saying . . ."
Harry was glad when Hermione changed the subject back to baby names. Ron shot one last, lingering glance at Harry before joining the conversation. Ron hadn't let what Harry said the other night drop. Ron was always teasing Harry or threatening to mention something to Hermione or Ginny. That along with the treatment he'd been getting from the female population of Hogwarts were straining his nerves taut.
* * * * *
Later that night, Ron and Hermione were entering their room. Ron folded the Invisibility cloak carefully and set it onto the table. Hermione was standing still, looking deep in thought.
"Is something wrong?" Ron asked, concerned.
Hermione's eyes focused on him. "What?" she asked absently.
"What's wrong?" Ron repeated.
Hermione rubbed her elbows nervously. "I think we should tell everyone that it's me who's pregnant," she admitted after a moment.
"Hermione," Ron said in a low tone, walking towards her. "Don't you want to keep it a secret?"
"I suppose. I really don't want to be labeled the school slut. But . . . everyone already knows we're engaged. And I hate the way they're treating Harry."
"I do too," Ron agreed. "But are you going to regret this? It's inevitable that people will talk."
Hermione pulled away from the hug he'd tried to offer. "I want to do this, all right? I think Harry and Ginny deserve it after all we've put them through and all that we will put them through once the baby is born."
Ron sighed and ran a hand raggedly through his hair. "If this is what you want to do, Mione, then do it. But I want you to think about it. Don't do anything drastic until you're absolutely sure."
Hermione nodded. "I can agree to that."
Ron smiled reassuringly and pulled her into his embrace again. He kissed the top of her head. "Good. I couldn't stand it if anything bad happened to you. Not even something as petty as rumors."
Hermione pulled away, her eyes darkened. "Ron, I may be pregnant, but I am still every bit the person I was when we met seven years ago. I don't need you to be concerned about me! I can take care of myself!"
When Hermione turned around in a huff, Ron made a face to himself. Five more months of this? He shook his head. He didn't know if he could make it. As Hermione started to throw back the covers on the bed, he realized he'd better make up with her soon before she decided that he would be more welcome on the floor.
* * * * *
"There ya are, 'Arry!" Hagrid greeted as he opened the door. His smile grew when he saw Ginny. "An' you brought the wee one too. Not so wee anymore. 'Ello, Ginny!"
Ginny was swept up in a hug by the giant as Harry watched with a smirk. "What do you have in store for us, Hagrid?" he asked pleasantly once they were all in the cabin. "We've been through Snape, so throw your worst at us."
Hagrid shook his head. " 'Eard about what you two did." His eyes sparkled. "Thought to meself, 'Arry wouldn't do such a thing! So I figured that it was Snape exaggerating or somethin'."
"You assumed correctly," Ginny said. She rolled her eyes. "It was awful. Everything is awful."
Hagrid had tea and fudge on the table. He gestured for Harry and Ginny to sit down with him. "Tell me what you've been up ta."
Harry took a sip of tea. "Everything seems to be going wrong. Two weeks ago Malfoy overheard Ginny and me talking about Ron and Hermione."
"Being Malfoy," Ginny continued, "he assumed the worst. Now the whole school is spreading rumors about Harry and me."
"It's awful," Harry said miserably. "Everytime the professor turns around, I get hit with rolled up pieces of parchment."
Hagrid's face turned to concern. "Didn't ya correct 'em?"
Harry sighed and shook his head. "No. Ron and Hermione don't want anyone to know what's going on. Ron told me he doesn't want rumors being spread about Hermione."
"He said that?" Ginny asked softly, a sappy smile on her face that he quickly recognized as her "romantic" smile.
" 'Ave ya bothered ta correct anyun?" Hagrid asked, his eyes crinkled slightly in contemplation.
"They won't listen to me," Ginny replied. "They're saying the meanest things too! I can't believe why people believe some of the lies they've been fed."
"Somethun' will 'appen an' distract everyun'," Hagrid said matter-of- factly.
Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He didn't want to hear that anymore. Not from Hermione, not from anyone.
The rest of the evening passed in Hagrid's presence was relatively pleasant. Their cover story was that Hagrid needed help taming the lot of Hobblestick Guru he'd picked up for the fifth years to try out. From what Harry and Ginny heard about the creatures, they were eternally grateful that Hagrid had enough heart to serve them tea instead. Even if the fudge did glue their teeth together.
* * * * *
The next morning, Harry and Ginny set off to breakfast together. Ron wasn't in bed, so Harry assumed he'd see him in the Great Hall after awhile. Unless he and Hermione took it upon themselves to sleep in till noon again.
Harry and Ginny sat down in their usual spot at the Gryffindor table. And, as usual, all of the girls scooted far away from Harry, as if afraid by his look he might get them pregnant. Harry tried his best to ignore this.
"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade today?" Ginny asked through a mouthful of toast and marmalade. "I want to stock up on candy. Hermione keeps eating all of mine."
Harry smirked. "That's new. Do you think we should let her parents know she's rotting her teeth out?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. "She deserves it," she mumbled. "But, no . . . I'm afraid that she'll either go into hysterics or cut my bloody head off."
"She might even start a petition to help Filch get those chains going again," Harry suggested brightly. He and Ginny shared a smile, and he quickly looked down at his meal. He and Ginny had managed to keep the tension between them pretty low. Especially considering all the time they'd been spending together. The more Ron and Hermione secluded themselves, the more Harry and Ginny did. "I'll go to Hogsmeade with you. She's cutting into my stash too."
"Want to pick up some dungbombs?" Ginny said, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Fred and George have taught me a few interesting things to do with them over the years."
"I've noticed," Harry muttered, thinking back to the Christmas holidays when Ginny had forced him into a line of fire.
Ginny, obviously thinking of the same moment, commented dryly, "It's a gnome eat gnome world out there, Harry. I did what I had to."
Harry shook his head. "Sure."
Ginny laughed softly at his stubborness and grabbed another piece of toast.
"Eat up, Weasley," a cool, easy voice said from behind her. "After all, little Potter Jr. needs his nutrients as well."
Ginny turned around, a fierce look in her eyes. "I've told you before, Malfoy," she spat through gritted teeth. "I'm not pregnant!"
"That's not what everyone is saying," Malfoy said. The cold smirk and glinting eyes told Harry that he knew very well Ginny wasn't pregnant.
"Everyone is wrong," Harry gritted out. "Leave, Malfoy, before you cause anymore damage."
Malfoy pretended to look offended. "I was only offering a little bit of advice, Potter. Do you know like others giving orders to your whore? Keep her to yourself, eh?"
Harry stood up abruptly. "Don't call her that," he hissed, disregarding Ginny's arm trying to pull him away from Malfoy. He shook her off and met Malfoy's eyes squarely.
"It's true." Malfoy's lips turned up sardonically. "How much does she cost? My boys and I might enjoy a little roll and tumble with her. Should the mood strike us."
Harry leapt at Malfoy. The force caused the Slytherin to fall to the floor, and Harry didn't hesitate in using his fist to remodel Malfoy's smug face. Ginny tried to pull him off again, and everyone started screaming and cheering.
Malfoy finally got over the shock of Crabbe and Goyle not helping. Realizing he had to pull this off on his own, he became vicious. He pulled out his wand. "Fight like a real man, Potter!"
Harry replied by shoving his fist into Malfoy's stomach. Malfoy dropped his wand, a vicious look on his face. He attacked Harry, jumping on him and trying to keep Harry's fists off of him while getting a few kicks and punches on Harry in the process.
The screaming and cheering quieted suddenly. Harry and Malfoy's heavy breathing and grunts were the only thing to be heard. After a few seconds though, they both seemed to sense that it was time to stop. When they looked up, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape were all looking at them in disapproval.
"My office, please," Dumbledore said quietly.
* * * * *
AN: I thought that I should address a few things here. I've started writing for this fic again, obviously. It's been a long time, so if these first few chapters seem out of sorts, let me catch up and get into a rhythm. Second, I apologize for taking so long. The time never seemed right before. Third, I apologize for all of those author's notes I wrote before. When I was re- reading this today, I was disgusted with myself. I can see why so many people called me arrogant. I hope that I can prove in these next few chapters that I've grown up. Now it's about the writing, not the notes. And lastly, I apologize for demanding reviews from you all. I watched through the chapters as I became a review-hound. God, how greedy I was!
Let's all get off to a new start.
~Haley
* * * * *
In the middle of her lecture, Professer McGonagal turned around to write something on her board. In that split second, Harry was hit with a parchment wad from every girl in the room. Minus, of course, Hermione.
He gritted his teeth together and ignored the menacing looks all the females of the room were shooting at him. It had been going on like this for days, and his restraint was growing weaker with each day.
Hermoine patted his back encouragingly. "It'll all blow over soon," she murmered. She had gotten into the habit of assuring Harry this everytime he was mistreated. Harry was beginning to think that she was wrong.
When the bell rang and everyone started gathering their things, Harry was the first one out. It was the last class of the day and of the week. That meant two whole days where he could hide out in his room. At night he could sneak into the kitchens for food.
Ginny was beside him in an instant, an unsure look on her face. "Not having a good day?"
Harry shot her a dirty look. "Why couldn't they spread rumors about *you*?" he asked with a sigh, indicating that he didn't really mean it. "I'm just looking forward to the weekend."
"I'm really sorry," Ginny apologized. "I keep trying to tell everyone it's not true."
"And it's not working. I know," Harry stated, dead-pan. He knew this already. "Do you have any homework?"
"Potions," Ginny said, rolling her eyes. "Snape has been being an arse since he caught us in that closet together."
"Welcome to the world I face each day," Harry said. "I'm sorry about that by the way."
Ginny gave Harry an odd look. "Harry, that happened months ago. Why are you sorry?"
"Because I've been informed that our third and last detention will be served tonight," Harry admitted. "Tops off my day."
"With whom?" Ginny asked wearily.
"Hagrid," Harry replied brightly. "It won't be too bad then." He frowned. "I'm sorry. It's just hard to stay in a good mood when paper is thrown at you everytime the teachers turn around."
Ginny gave him a sympathetic look as they reached the Fat Lady. He quickly said the password, and they were let inside. It was empty except for a few people, and Ginny and Harry went directly to the two couches they, Ron, and Hermione had deemed as their own.
"What time is our detention?" Ginny asked as she set her books onto the table. "It isn't going to be visiting the Forest is it?"
"Ron told you about that, did he?" Harry asked, amused. "I doubt Dumbledore would allow it. It's probably something stupid like taking care of Fang."
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Merlin, I hope so."
The portrait hole opened to reveal a crowd of students, bringing their laughter and talking into the before quiet room. Several people shot looks at Harry and Ginny, unnerved by the fact that Ginny was hanging out with him again.
Ron and Hermione sat down on the couch across from Ginny and Harry. "We're going to our room tonight," Ron announced. "I hope you don't mind."
"We're heartbroken," Ginny snapped.
"Thought you two could lose a little time alone," Ron said, winking at Harry.
Harry replied with a dirty look.
Ron shrugged. "I'm just saying . . ."
Harry was glad when Hermione changed the subject back to baby names. Ron shot one last, lingering glance at Harry before joining the conversation. Ron hadn't let what Harry said the other night drop. Ron was always teasing Harry or threatening to mention something to Hermione or Ginny. That along with the treatment he'd been getting from the female population of Hogwarts were straining his nerves taut.
* * * * *
Later that night, Ron and Hermione were entering their room. Ron folded the Invisibility cloak carefully and set it onto the table. Hermione was standing still, looking deep in thought.
"Is something wrong?" Ron asked, concerned.
Hermione's eyes focused on him. "What?" she asked absently.
"What's wrong?" Ron repeated.
Hermione rubbed her elbows nervously. "I think we should tell everyone that it's me who's pregnant," she admitted after a moment.
"Hermione," Ron said in a low tone, walking towards her. "Don't you want to keep it a secret?"
"I suppose. I really don't want to be labeled the school slut. But . . . everyone already knows we're engaged. And I hate the way they're treating Harry."
"I do too," Ron agreed. "But are you going to regret this? It's inevitable that people will talk."
Hermione pulled away from the hug he'd tried to offer. "I want to do this, all right? I think Harry and Ginny deserve it after all we've put them through and all that we will put them through once the baby is born."
Ron sighed and ran a hand raggedly through his hair. "If this is what you want to do, Mione, then do it. But I want you to think about it. Don't do anything drastic until you're absolutely sure."
Hermione nodded. "I can agree to that."
Ron smiled reassuringly and pulled her into his embrace again. He kissed the top of her head. "Good. I couldn't stand it if anything bad happened to you. Not even something as petty as rumors."
Hermione pulled away, her eyes darkened. "Ron, I may be pregnant, but I am still every bit the person I was when we met seven years ago. I don't need you to be concerned about me! I can take care of myself!"
When Hermione turned around in a huff, Ron made a face to himself. Five more months of this? He shook his head. He didn't know if he could make it. As Hermione started to throw back the covers on the bed, he realized he'd better make up with her soon before she decided that he would be more welcome on the floor.
* * * * *
"There ya are, 'Arry!" Hagrid greeted as he opened the door. His smile grew when he saw Ginny. "An' you brought the wee one too. Not so wee anymore. 'Ello, Ginny!"
Ginny was swept up in a hug by the giant as Harry watched with a smirk. "What do you have in store for us, Hagrid?" he asked pleasantly once they were all in the cabin. "We've been through Snape, so throw your worst at us."
Hagrid shook his head. " 'Eard about what you two did." His eyes sparkled. "Thought to meself, 'Arry wouldn't do such a thing! So I figured that it was Snape exaggerating or somethin'."
"You assumed correctly," Ginny said. She rolled her eyes. "It was awful. Everything is awful."
Hagrid had tea and fudge on the table. He gestured for Harry and Ginny to sit down with him. "Tell me what you've been up ta."
Harry took a sip of tea. "Everything seems to be going wrong. Two weeks ago Malfoy overheard Ginny and me talking about Ron and Hermione."
"Being Malfoy," Ginny continued, "he assumed the worst. Now the whole school is spreading rumors about Harry and me."
"It's awful," Harry said miserably. "Everytime the professor turns around, I get hit with rolled up pieces of parchment."
Hagrid's face turned to concern. "Didn't ya correct 'em?"
Harry sighed and shook his head. "No. Ron and Hermione don't want anyone to know what's going on. Ron told me he doesn't want rumors being spread about Hermione."
"He said that?" Ginny asked softly, a sappy smile on her face that he quickly recognized as her "romantic" smile.
" 'Ave ya bothered ta correct anyun?" Hagrid asked, his eyes crinkled slightly in contemplation.
"They won't listen to me," Ginny replied. "They're saying the meanest things too! I can't believe why people believe some of the lies they've been fed."
"Somethun' will 'appen an' distract everyun'," Hagrid said matter-of- factly.
Harry resisted the urge to roll his eyes. He didn't want to hear that anymore. Not from Hermione, not from anyone.
The rest of the evening passed in Hagrid's presence was relatively pleasant. Their cover story was that Hagrid needed help taming the lot of Hobblestick Guru he'd picked up for the fifth years to try out. From what Harry and Ginny heard about the creatures, they were eternally grateful that Hagrid had enough heart to serve them tea instead. Even if the fudge did glue their teeth together.
* * * * *
The next morning, Harry and Ginny set off to breakfast together. Ron wasn't in bed, so Harry assumed he'd see him in the Great Hall after awhile. Unless he and Hermione took it upon themselves to sleep in till noon again.
Harry and Ginny sat down in their usual spot at the Gryffindor table. And, as usual, all of the girls scooted far away from Harry, as if afraid by his look he might get them pregnant. Harry tried his best to ignore this.
"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade today?" Ginny asked through a mouthful of toast and marmalade. "I want to stock up on candy. Hermione keeps eating all of mine."
Harry smirked. "That's new. Do you think we should let her parents know she's rotting her teeth out?"
Ginny rolled her eyes. "She deserves it," she mumbled. "But, no . . . I'm afraid that she'll either go into hysterics or cut my bloody head off."
"She might even start a petition to help Filch get those chains going again," Harry suggested brightly. He and Ginny shared a smile, and he quickly looked down at his meal. He and Ginny had managed to keep the tension between them pretty low. Especially considering all the time they'd been spending together. The more Ron and Hermione secluded themselves, the more Harry and Ginny did. "I'll go to Hogsmeade with you. She's cutting into my stash too."
"Want to pick up some dungbombs?" Ginny said, a wicked gleam in her eyes. "Fred and George have taught me a few interesting things to do with them over the years."
"I've noticed," Harry muttered, thinking back to the Christmas holidays when Ginny had forced him into a line of fire.
Ginny, obviously thinking of the same moment, commented dryly, "It's a gnome eat gnome world out there, Harry. I did what I had to."
Harry shook his head. "Sure."
Ginny laughed softly at his stubborness and grabbed another piece of toast.
"Eat up, Weasley," a cool, easy voice said from behind her. "After all, little Potter Jr. needs his nutrients as well."
Ginny turned around, a fierce look in her eyes. "I've told you before, Malfoy," she spat through gritted teeth. "I'm not pregnant!"
"That's not what everyone is saying," Malfoy said. The cold smirk and glinting eyes told Harry that he knew very well Ginny wasn't pregnant.
"Everyone is wrong," Harry gritted out. "Leave, Malfoy, before you cause anymore damage."
Malfoy pretended to look offended. "I was only offering a little bit of advice, Potter. Do you know like others giving orders to your whore? Keep her to yourself, eh?"
Harry stood up abruptly. "Don't call her that," he hissed, disregarding Ginny's arm trying to pull him away from Malfoy. He shook her off and met Malfoy's eyes squarely.
"It's true." Malfoy's lips turned up sardonically. "How much does she cost? My boys and I might enjoy a little roll and tumble with her. Should the mood strike us."
Harry leapt at Malfoy. The force caused the Slytherin to fall to the floor, and Harry didn't hesitate in using his fist to remodel Malfoy's smug face. Ginny tried to pull him off again, and everyone started screaming and cheering.
Malfoy finally got over the shock of Crabbe and Goyle not helping. Realizing he had to pull this off on his own, he became vicious. He pulled out his wand. "Fight like a real man, Potter!"
Harry replied by shoving his fist into Malfoy's stomach. Malfoy dropped his wand, a vicious look on his face. He attacked Harry, jumping on him and trying to keep Harry's fists off of him while getting a few kicks and punches on Harry in the process.
The screaming and cheering quieted suddenly. Harry and Malfoy's heavy breathing and grunts were the only thing to be heard. After a few seconds though, they both seemed to sense that it was time to stop. When they looked up, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape were all looking at them in disapproval.
"My office, please," Dumbledore said quietly.
* * * * *
AN: I thought that I should address a few things here. I've started writing for this fic again, obviously. It's been a long time, so if these first few chapters seem out of sorts, let me catch up and get into a rhythm. Second, I apologize for taking so long. The time never seemed right before. Third, I apologize for all of those author's notes I wrote before. When I was re- reading this today, I was disgusted with myself. I can see why so many people called me arrogant. I hope that I can prove in these next few chapters that I've grown up. Now it's about the writing, not the notes. And lastly, I apologize for demanding reviews from you all. I watched through the chapters as I became a review-hound. God, how greedy I was!
Let's all get off to a new start.
~Haley