The Twelve Days of Christmas
By deemarie
Chapter 6. December 29th
Jane was sitting in the common room, having a cup of tea. She was a little startled to see that the pot of tea was waiting for her. She was starting to get used to the casual magic that seemed to be all around her. She let Harry sleep. He had come in late last night. She had gone to say good night and he wasn't in the common room or his bedroom. His cloak was gone. She waited in her room, the door slightly ajar and heard him come in. From her bed she could see him stop before the fire and take off his cloak, spreading it so the fire could dry it. He shook the remaining snow from his hair and sighed deeply. Then he had gone to his room.
There was a knock on the door. Jane got up and answered it. A boy and girls stood outside the door. The boy was tall, about 17 with straight brown hair and eyes the color of dark chocolate. The girl was shorter; her hair was a mass of auburn curls with eyes like a doe's. They both wore jeans and jumpers in a deep blue shade.
"Miss Weasley?" Jane nodded. "Professor McGonnagal asked us to escort you and Mr. Potter to the Great Hall for breakfast. My name is Kenneth Barrowman, this is my sister, Alex."
"Thank you, Mr. Barrowman. I'm afraid Mr. Potter is still asleep." The boy's smile faded slightly. The girl had never really looked up. "I, however, am famished. I'd be happy to accompany you." They made their way to the Great Hall.
"Professor McGonnagal said you could eat at the staff table," Alex said a little disappointment in her voice.
"Nonsense," Jane said. "You're both Griffindor I presume?" They nodded. "So am I. We'll eat together." Kenneth and Alex looked at each other. Two brilliant white smiles broke out on their faces. Alex grabbed her hand and led her to the table.
The dishes in front of them filled with all manner of delicious foods. They filled their plates. Kenneth looked at her. It seemed he wanted to ask her a question, but was thinking whether he should or not.
"Is there something you want to ask me, Kenneth?"
"I was wondering if you remembered me." Did he know why they were here? Jane didn't think so.
"Should I?"
"Not really. It's just I remember you. You were in 7th year when I was in 1st. We all knew who you were. You fought by Harry Potter's side in the war. You helped save Hogwarts."
"Oh," Jane saw the admiration in his eyes.
"Ken's got Harry Potter's bed. He's in his old dorm," Alex said. "I've got yours. Ken's on the Quidditch team. He's a seeker too!"
"Is he really?"
"Yes," she continued, the words coming in a rush. "He's really quite good. We got the cup last year because of Ken. Beat Ravenclaw. Everyone said he was as good as Harry Potter." Jane had begun to giggle. Clearly, Alex had hero-worshipped both her brother and Harry. "Now we won't get to meet him at all."
"What makes you say that?" It was Ken who responded.
"He'd never eat with us. The staff will monopolize him."
"I don't know about that," Jane said.
"But he's - he's Harry Potter! Why would he bother with us?" Ken replied.
"Because he's not Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived. He's really quite humble and doesn't like a fuss made over him. I'll make sure he eats with us, don't worry about that."
"But what will we talk about? What do we do?" Alex asked.
"I don't think he'd mind finding out how his old Quidditch team is doing. That will break the ice. You'll see." They got on very well, the three of them. Alex was quite outgoing it seemed, while Ken was more circumspect.
"Would you like to tour the grounds?" Alex asked hopefully.
"I'd like that," Jane said. "But I'm afraid I didn't bring the proper attire. I had expected to spend my time in the castle."
"We can take you to Hogsmeade," Alex jumped in. "Gladrags will have what you need, that is if Professor McGonnagal will give us permission."
"I think that's a splendid idea," Jane jumped at the sound of Harry's voice. Ken had dropped his fork and was staring at Harry. Alex let out a squeak and averted her eyes. "Good morning, Jane," he said as he sat down next to her. "Who are your friends?" Jane made the introductions. Harry said he would speak to the Professor and get permission for the excursion. He didn't want to do it. There was always the danger that Jane would find out, but when he had entered the Great Hall and saw the look on Jane's eager face, he decided he would risk it.
Breakfast over, the children rushed to get all their cloaks while permission was granted and they met in the entry hall.
Jane found Hogsmeade fascinating. They went into Zonko's and Honeydukes. Harry told Jane about his surreptitious visits. She laughed about that. In Gladrags, Harry and Ken sat at the front of the shop talking about Quidditch while the girls searched out clothing. Jane watched them while Alex searched a rack of jumpers. They were very much alike, Harry and Ken. Harry was explaining some strategy and Ken listened intently. Jane smiled.
Alex had found what she was looking for and grabbed Jane. They went into the changing rooms.
"Ken, Mr. Potter," she called a few minutes later. "Come here, Miss Weasley looks fantastic!" They got up and went to see. Harry took one look, and the four years without Ginny melted away. She was there, just like she used to be. Jeans, a yellow jumper, stocking feet, her hair in a ponytail, even the wisps of hair that Ginny never seemed to be able to tend floated about her face.
"You look wonderful," Harry said, a little breathlessly.
"You look just like you did back in school," Ken said.
"That's very flattering, Ken," Jane said, but she was looking at Harry.
"I've found some boots!" Alex shouted.
They arranged for Jane's more formal clothes to be sent up to Hogwarts and Harry made the purchases. They went to the Three Broomsticks where Madame Rosemerta made a fuss over them. They sat drinking Butterbeer and warming themselves. It was turning out to be a really pleasant morning. Neither Harry nor Jane wanted to think about what was coming later in the day.
They left The Three Broomsticks and made their way up to the end of the High Street. The path continued on.
"What's up that way?" Jane asked. Ken answered.
"The Shrieking Shack, the most haunted dwelling in Britain. Want to go see?" Clearly he was excited to show this to Jane. Clearly Harry had to stop them.
"Perhaps another day, Ken," he said. "We should be getting back. Miss Weasley and I have an appointment after lunch." Ken was a little disappointed, but they all returned to Hogwarts. They were just in time for lunch; Professor McGonnagal regarded them with a raised eyebrow as they entered the Great Hall.
"I want to thank you for a very enjoyable morning," Jane said as she finished eating. Mr. Potter and I have to go get ready for our appointment. Perhaps we'll see you both again at dinner." Harry and Jane left them with wide smiles firmly planted on their faces and wonderful tales to tell their fellow Griffindors upon the start of term.
Jane wanted to change. Harry stopped her.
"I really should look a little more presentable, you know. The professor doesn't care for either of us, it's better if I dress appropriately."
"What you wear wont make any difference."
"But Harry..."
"Please, don't change." Jane looked up at him. There was a fire burning in the depths of his green eyes. "It's just that right now, you look..." he couldn't finish. Longing and love and sadness marked Harry's face. Jane felt it. She couldn't break eye contact with him. Her breath came quickly. His hand came up to push back a loose tendril of hair. He tucked it behind her ear. His hand traced the outline of her jaw, and then he held her chin gently and brought his lips to hers.
His kiss was sad, full of longing, and a good bye. She tasted the saltiness of his tears. Then his tongue gently brushed her lips and she let him taste her. His arms came around her. She stepped into his embrace. And then it was over. She leaned her head against his chest, his heart was beating wildly.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice weary. "I shouldn't have done that. It won't happen again."
At precisely 2 o'clock they were outside Snape's office. Harry knocked.
"Enter." Snape was behind his desk. His elbows perched on the end, his fingers steepled. "You may sit down, Miss Weasley." He pointed to a chair near the window. "Potter, you may go."
"I think not," Harry said with a scowl. Snape raised an eyebrow.
"You will not be needed here. There is noting you can do to aid in this process." Harry was about to snap out a reply when Jane spoke.
"It's all right, Harry. I'll be fine." Harry looked at Jane.
"You're sure?"
"Yes, you can wait for me outside, if that's all right with you, Professor?" Snape nodded. Harry shot him a glare and left the room. Snape rolled his chair out from behind the desk and positioned himself across from Jane.
"I presume from Potter's letter, you understand the spell I am about to use?"
"Yes, Harry used it on me the other day." Snape took his wand from his robe and pointed it at her.
"Prepare yourself, Miss Weasley. We will start simply. Focus on the night you returned to your family. We will see how receptive you are. Jane closed her eyes. "Legilimens!"
Jane was outside Ron and Hermione's house, Remus by her side. Ron had opened the door. The memory was so vivid. It played out in her mind. Then she and Remus were back at the inn by the window. She had turned to him, stroked his careworn face. NO! She shouted in her mind. She was livid.
"You are not to go there!" she shouted. Snape was regarding her with disdain.
"Lupin is involved in this. I should have known."
"Remus is the one who found me. That's all you need to know."
"There is no need for hostility. I was probing to see how accurate your memory is."
"My memory of recent events is quite clear, Professor. It is my past, and the past of 40 years ago we are trying to resolve," she snapped at him.
"Very well, Miss Weasley. Then let us proceed." He raised his wand again. "We will focus on your time at Hogwarts. More specifically on your involvement with the Chamber of Secrets." Jane scowled. "Potter's letter indicated that that memory triggered the older ones. It seems logical to begin there. Prepare yourself." Jane took a deep breath and closed her eyes once more. "Legilimens!"
Ginny was writing in the diary, sitting Indian style at the foot of the statue of Slytherin.
It's done. I left the message, Tom. What do I do now? The words faded into the page.
Prick you finger with the quill, draw blood, Ginny. Then write my name, my full name. Tom Marvolo Riddle. Obediently, Ginny stabbed her finger and dipped the quill in her blood.
Tom Marvolo Riddle she wrote. The words faded again. Light began to pour from the binding of the book, bright white tinged with red. It hurt her eyes. It grew too bright; she slipped the book from her lap. A figure emerged with the light and stood before her. Indistinct, but a tall boy stood there, black hair, blue eyed, dressed in school robes from 50 years before.
"You have done well, Ginny."
"What, what happens now, Tom?" her voice was shaking.
"We wait."
"For, for what?" she was growing tired.
"Harry Potter, of course."
"Harry? What makes you think Harry will come?"
"He will, Ginny." He crouched down before her. "How could he not? His best friend's sister is missing. He will come."
"Why do you want Harry?" she was sobbing now. She asked the question knowing the answer.
"To kill him, of course."
"No," it was a whisper. "You can't. Not Harry, please not Harry. I won't let you." Ginny struggled to rise. Tom put a hand on her shoulder and Ginny weakened and fell back. "What are you doing to me?"
"You know, Ginny. You're giving me life, giving me strength. You are giving me what I need to kill him." The scene began to fade. Only Tom's face remained focused. And it changed, became older, a man in his twenties. His clothes changed too. Khaki pants and shirt replaced the school robes. He was no longer crouching before Ginny. He was standing over her. Over a woman with long dark hair. A woman bound to a rock in an old ruin of a temple. The woman was terrified, obsidian eyes widened in horror, she was struggling with the ropes that bound her tightly to an altar.
"You are going to give me what I need."
"No, Tom. Why are you doing this?"
"You tried to leave me again, sweeting. I can't have that. No one leaves me, ever!"
"Tom, I'm sorry. I won't do it again. Please let me go!"
"No, my dear. You see, I can no longer trust you. I will not be abandoned again."
"If you kill me, you'll be alone!"
"Kill you? No, my dear, I'd never kill you." He bent over her, tracing the line of her jaw with his finger. "You've given me so much pleasure." He rubbed the pad of his thumb along her lower lip. "One last time, sweeting, will I taste that pleasure." He kissed her lightly. "That will be your sacrifice for me. I will take your essence, I will live, because of you." He straddled her on the stone. "Come, sweeting," he lowered himself over her. "Give me your love one last time!" Jane screamed!
Harry burst through the door. Jane had fallen off the chair. Snape still held his wand pointing at where Jane had been sitting his hand trembled violently. Harry ran to the girl on the floor and lifted her into his arms. Crossing to the door, he called over his shoulder.
"I'll be back, and you better be ready to tell me what happened."
Harry took her back to her room. He met Ken on his way and asked him to fetch Madame Pomfrey with a remedy for a headache. Harry remembered how he had felt the last time Snape had used the spell on him. Jane came to before they reached her room.
"Can you walk?" She nodded then winced as the movement sent shafts of pain through her head. Harry set her down. They were outside the common room. He opened the door.
"Go get in bed, Jane. Madame Pomfrey will be along with something for your head. I'll be back soon."
Harry was fuming when he reached Snape's office. He didn't knock. Snape had returned to his place behind the desk. Harry went over and leaned his fists on the desk; at that moment all he wanted was to pummel Snape senseless.
"Tell me what you did to her," he growled. Snape, in control now, looked directly into Harry's anger filled eyes.
"I performed the Legilimens spell, Potter. Nothing more."
"Then why is she in such pain? That never happened to me."
"The images were very powerful."
"Tell me."
"Isn't that for Miss Weasley to do?"
"She won't tell me everything." Snape raised and eyebrow. "She'll do it to spare my feelings, for no other reason." Snape regarded him.
"Are you sure you want to know?"
"Yes, damn it!"
"Potter!"
"I'm not a student here anymore. When you earn my respect, Professor, you will be treated accordingly." Harry pulled up a chair and sat. "Now tell me everything." Snape did so, graphically.
"No wonder she screamed. But who was that woman and why does she have those memories?"
"I cannot tell you that, Potter. Not yet. I will have to see her again. We need to dig deeper."
"But I thought the spell worked only on conscious memories?"
"It does, but as with all spells, the strength and the use to which it is put depends upon the spell caster."
"All right. We'll return tomorrow. Same time?"
"That will be fine." An uncomfortable silence settled between them. There was more to be said, had to be said actually. Harry knew he had to do this, much as he didn't want to.
"If there's noting else, Potter, I suggest you leave." Harry wanted to leave desperately, but that would be the coward's way out. "Well, Potter?"
"I'm sorry," he said flatly.
"Sorry?"
"About your injuries. I'm sorry you're in that chair." Snape didn't say anything. "I tried, professor. But I wasn't quick enough. I thought I could get to you."
"It's not your fault," came the choked reply.
"I don't understand. If I had been a fraction of a second quicker you would never have gone over that wall. Why? Why did you jump in front of me like that? You paid your debt to my father in my first year."
"It was not a debt to your father that made me do that."
"Then why?" Snape didn't answer. The silence between them was deafening.
"It was for Lily. I couldn't let Lily's son die." Harry couldn't get any more out of Snape than that.
When Harry got back to the common room, Madame Pomfrey was just leaving.
"I've given her the headache potion. I also gave her something to help her rest. What ever happened, it's taken a lot out of her. She should sleep through the night." Harry thanked her and Madame Pomfrey left. Harry went to check on Jane. She was sleeping peacefully. It had been too long a day. Harry was tired too. He changed into sweat pants and a tee shirt. Someone would send their dinner. Right now, he wanted to rest. Harry kept her door open and settled on the couch.
Complete and utter darkness surrounded Jane. She knew she was moving toward someone but it was in total sensory deprivation. Where was she?
"Who's there?" the voice was trembling, full of fear.
"Jane," she replied. "Is that you, Ginny?"
"Yes, I'm here. Where are we?"
"I don't know."
"Can you help me? I've got to get out of here, I've got to go home!" desperation flooded her voice.
"I don't know how. I don't even know where we are."
"Help me," Ginny's voice pleaded. "I'm going insane."
"I think I am too."
"Is Harry still looking for me? He's got to be. Hope is all I have left now."
"I can't tell you that. I don't know if he is. Would you like to see him again? Like the last time? We can do it again, you know."
"I can see him?"
"Yes, I'm stronger now. I can give you more time."
"How much?"
"A night. That's all. I can hold it back for one night."
"Does it...does it hurt? Don't do it if it hurts."
"Doesn't matter. If there's any way out of this mess, I'll do what ever it takes. You better go now, time is passing quickly." She felt Ginny leave. In the dark she stepped between Ginny and the force that kept her trapped.
Jane tossed in her sleep. The sounds of her struggling with her nightmare woke Harry. He looked at his watch. 3:30. He could see her from his seat on the couch. She was struggling against something, moaning. He went to her.
"Jane," he called softly. "Jane, wake up." She opened her eyes.
"Harry!" she gasped.
"Jane, are you all right?"
"N-not J-Jane, Ginny," she whispered. She was trembling violently.
"Ginny?"
"Harry, I-I'm so c-c-cold." He pulled the blanket up around her. "H-h-hold m-me, H-Harry. I-I'm so c-c-cold!" He didn't know what to do. He crawled in next to her and wrapped his arms around her. Her skin was like ice. He began to chafe her arms, her hands. The shaking wouldn't stop. He pulled the blankets tighter around them. It seemed to help, her trembling began to subside.
"Ginny, how-why?"
"I don't know," she wailed. He pulled her in closer, shushing her. She was here; he would try to hold on to her. Anything to get her to stay. She looked up into his eyes.
"I'll try to keep you here this time, Ginny. I won't let you go back." Then she kissed him. Her skin was warmer now; he caressed her arms, her back. So soft, he thought, so utterly soft. She moved against him. Their breathing became heavier, the kiss more urgent. Her lips parted, inviting him in.
Harry couldn't think. The pleasure he felt drove him on. His tongue explored the softness of her mouth, danced with hers. She moaned softly. Something tugged at his consciousness. He broke the kiss.
"Ginny, we can't. Not now."
"I have to. It's all I have of you. I can't stay. I have only tonight."
"How-what do you mean?"
"I can't explain. I don't know. I only know I have tonight. Give me hope, Harry. Give me hope to hold on to, that you'll find me." She ran her fingers down his chest. Harry lost himself in the sensation.
"I don't want to hurt you."
"It doesn't matter. It's only a moment."
"You're sure."
"Yes," she said breathlessly. Her fingers found what they had been searching for. Harry gasped in pleasure; he lost the battle with his self-restraint.
The predator's eyes scanned the snowscape. He was still hungry. He had killed tonight, not humans thankfully. The potion kept him from that. But he had needed to kill. He had to eat. He hated it. The taking of any life was repellant to him. But in this form, instinct was more powerful than morals.
The rabbits had been small. He was still hungry, but three would be enough. He wasn't satiated but it would be enough to get him through. Thank goodness this was the last night of his transformation. He couldn't take being shut up in the shack any longer. With the potion, he knew he was safe around humans. So he had unlocked the trap door before he transformed. He was hurting from tearing about the shack. His injuries were worse than he had let on.
To spare himself any more pain, he had roamed the countryside away from Hogsmeade toward the castle. He prowled the edge of the Forbidden Forest searching for food. He was done. It was time to go back. The sun would be rising soon. The lights from the castle beckoned him. She was there. Could he risk it? Yes, he could. There was a way to get up to her window. A rocky outcrop came close to the wall near Griffindor Tower. In this form he could make the jump easily. It was just fifty yards to the ledge of the windows.
Before he knew it, he was at the tower. There was no light in the first window. He really didn't need it. His keen wolf's eyes could make out things in the dark. He glanced in the window. The room was empty. The wolf looked up. There was the flickering light of a candle showing against the wall. He made his way over. The light from the candle blurred his vision as he glanced in the window. As they adjusted, he could make out the figure on the bed. The man was moving, he recognized that the man was making love, his ears picked up the sounds through the window. He could see better now.
It was Harry. Harry rolled on to his back pulling the woman over him. The wolf's eyes went wide with shock. Then she threw her head back, her red hair streaming down her back, as she moaned in fulfillment. They had reached the pinnacle together. She leaned forward, kissing him; then slid to his side. Harry wrapped his arms about her. The wolf watched as they fell asleep.
He turned. The sun was beginning to rise. He needed to get back. How he made it down without killing himself, the wolf didn't know. His heart was broken. He headed toward the willow, and then hesitated. He could feel the first tingling that he was becoming human again. He looked over at the lake. It was so peaceful there. He knew just the spot. The wolf changed direction. They wouldn't find him until later, when it didn't matter anymore.
By deemarie
Chapter 6. December 29th
Jane was sitting in the common room, having a cup of tea. She was a little startled to see that the pot of tea was waiting for her. She was starting to get used to the casual magic that seemed to be all around her. She let Harry sleep. He had come in late last night. She had gone to say good night and he wasn't in the common room or his bedroom. His cloak was gone. She waited in her room, the door slightly ajar and heard him come in. From her bed she could see him stop before the fire and take off his cloak, spreading it so the fire could dry it. He shook the remaining snow from his hair and sighed deeply. Then he had gone to his room.
There was a knock on the door. Jane got up and answered it. A boy and girls stood outside the door. The boy was tall, about 17 with straight brown hair and eyes the color of dark chocolate. The girl was shorter; her hair was a mass of auburn curls with eyes like a doe's. They both wore jeans and jumpers in a deep blue shade.
"Miss Weasley?" Jane nodded. "Professor McGonnagal asked us to escort you and Mr. Potter to the Great Hall for breakfast. My name is Kenneth Barrowman, this is my sister, Alex."
"Thank you, Mr. Barrowman. I'm afraid Mr. Potter is still asleep." The boy's smile faded slightly. The girl had never really looked up. "I, however, am famished. I'd be happy to accompany you." They made their way to the Great Hall.
"Professor McGonnagal said you could eat at the staff table," Alex said a little disappointment in her voice.
"Nonsense," Jane said. "You're both Griffindor I presume?" They nodded. "So am I. We'll eat together." Kenneth and Alex looked at each other. Two brilliant white smiles broke out on their faces. Alex grabbed her hand and led her to the table.
The dishes in front of them filled with all manner of delicious foods. They filled their plates. Kenneth looked at her. It seemed he wanted to ask her a question, but was thinking whether he should or not.
"Is there something you want to ask me, Kenneth?"
"I was wondering if you remembered me." Did he know why they were here? Jane didn't think so.
"Should I?"
"Not really. It's just I remember you. You were in 7th year when I was in 1st. We all knew who you were. You fought by Harry Potter's side in the war. You helped save Hogwarts."
"Oh," Jane saw the admiration in his eyes.
"Ken's got Harry Potter's bed. He's in his old dorm," Alex said. "I've got yours. Ken's on the Quidditch team. He's a seeker too!"
"Is he really?"
"Yes," she continued, the words coming in a rush. "He's really quite good. We got the cup last year because of Ken. Beat Ravenclaw. Everyone said he was as good as Harry Potter." Jane had begun to giggle. Clearly, Alex had hero-worshipped both her brother and Harry. "Now we won't get to meet him at all."
"What makes you say that?" It was Ken who responded.
"He'd never eat with us. The staff will monopolize him."
"I don't know about that," Jane said.
"But he's - he's Harry Potter! Why would he bother with us?" Ken replied.
"Because he's not Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived. He's really quite humble and doesn't like a fuss made over him. I'll make sure he eats with us, don't worry about that."
"But what will we talk about? What do we do?" Alex asked.
"I don't think he'd mind finding out how his old Quidditch team is doing. That will break the ice. You'll see." They got on very well, the three of them. Alex was quite outgoing it seemed, while Ken was more circumspect.
"Would you like to tour the grounds?" Alex asked hopefully.
"I'd like that," Jane said. "But I'm afraid I didn't bring the proper attire. I had expected to spend my time in the castle."
"We can take you to Hogsmeade," Alex jumped in. "Gladrags will have what you need, that is if Professor McGonnagal will give us permission."
"I think that's a splendid idea," Jane jumped at the sound of Harry's voice. Ken had dropped his fork and was staring at Harry. Alex let out a squeak and averted her eyes. "Good morning, Jane," he said as he sat down next to her. "Who are your friends?" Jane made the introductions. Harry said he would speak to the Professor and get permission for the excursion. He didn't want to do it. There was always the danger that Jane would find out, but when he had entered the Great Hall and saw the look on Jane's eager face, he decided he would risk it.
Breakfast over, the children rushed to get all their cloaks while permission was granted and they met in the entry hall.
Jane found Hogsmeade fascinating. They went into Zonko's and Honeydukes. Harry told Jane about his surreptitious visits. She laughed about that. In Gladrags, Harry and Ken sat at the front of the shop talking about Quidditch while the girls searched out clothing. Jane watched them while Alex searched a rack of jumpers. They were very much alike, Harry and Ken. Harry was explaining some strategy and Ken listened intently. Jane smiled.
Alex had found what she was looking for and grabbed Jane. They went into the changing rooms.
"Ken, Mr. Potter," she called a few minutes later. "Come here, Miss Weasley looks fantastic!" They got up and went to see. Harry took one look, and the four years without Ginny melted away. She was there, just like she used to be. Jeans, a yellow jumper, stocking feet, her hair in a ponytail, even the wisps of hair that Ginny never seemed to be able to tend floated about her face.
"You look wonderful," Harry said, a little breathlessly.
"You look just like you did back in school," Ken said.
"That's very flattering, Ken," Jane said, but she was looking at Harry.
"I've found some boots!" Alex shouted.
They arranged for Jane's more formal clothes to be sent up to Hogwarts and Harry made the purchases. They went to the Three Broomsticks where Madame Rosemerta made a fuss over them. They sat drinking Butterbeer and warming themselves. It was turning out to be a really pleasant morning. Neither Harry nor Jane wanted to think about what was coming later in the day.
They left The Three Broomsticks and made their way up to the end of the High Street. The path continued on.
"What's up that way?" Jane asked. Ken answered.
"The Shrieking Shack, the most haunted dwelling in Britain. Want to go see?" Clearly he was excited to show this to Jane. Clearly Harry had to stop them.
"Perhaps another day, Ken," he said. "We should be getting back. Miss Weasley and I have an appointment after lunch." Ken was a little disappointed, but they all returned to Hogwarts. They were just in time for lunch; Professor McGonnagal regarded them with a raised eyebrow as they entered the Great Hall.
"I want to thank you for a very enjoyable morning," Jane said as she finished eating. Mr. Potter and I have to go get ready for our appointment. Perhaps we'll see you both again at dinner." Harry and Jane left them with wide smiles firmly planted on their faces and wonderful tales to tell their fellow Griffindors upon the start of term.
Jane wanted to change. Harry stopped her.
"I really should look a little more presentable, you know. The professor doesn't care for either of us, it's better if I dress appropriately."
"What you wear wont make any difference."
"But Harry..."
"Please, don't change." Jane looked up at him. There was a fire burning in the depths of his green eyes. "It's just that right now, you look..." he couldn't finish. Longing and love and sadness marked Harry's face. Jane felt it. She couldn't break eye contact with him. Her breath came quickly. His hand came up to push back a loose tendril of hair. He tucked it behind her ear. His hand traced the outline of her jaw, and then he held her chin gently and brought his lips to hers.
His kiss was sad, full of longing, and a good bye. She tasted the saltiness of his tears. Then his tongue gently brushed her lips and she let him taste her. His arms came around her. She stepped into his embrace. And then it was over. She leaned her head against his chest, his heart was beating wildly.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice weary. "I shouldn't have done that. It won't happen again."
At precisely 2 o'clock they were outside Snape's office. Harry knocked.
"Enter." Snape was behind his desk. His elbows perched on the end, his fingers steepled. "You may sit down, Miss Weasley." He pointed to a chair near the window. "Potter, you may go."
"I think not," Harry said with a scowl. Snape raised an eyebrow.
"You will not be needed here. There is noting you can do to aid in this process." Harry was about to snap out a reply when Jane spoke.
"It's all right, Harry. I'll be fine." Harry looked at Jane.
"You're sure?"
"Yes, you can wait for me outside, if that's all right with you, Professor?" Snape nodded. Harry shot him a glare and left the room. Snape rolled his chair out from behind the desk and positioned himself across from Jane.
"I presume from Potter's letter, you understand the spell I am about to use?"
"Yes, Harry used it on me the other day." Snape took his wand from his robe and pointed it at her.
"Prepare yourself, Miss Weasley. We will start simply. Focus on the night you returned to your family. We will see how receptive you are. Jane closed her eyes. "Legilimens!"
Jane was outside Ron and Hermione's house, Remus by her side. Ron had opened the door. The memory was so vivid. It played out in her mind. Then she and Remus were back at the inn by the window. She had turned to him, stroked his careworn face. NO! She shouted in her mind. She was livid.
"You are not to go there!" she shouted. Snape was regarding her with disdain.
"Lupin is involved in this. I should have known."
"Remus is the one who found me. That's all you need to know."
"There is no need for hostility. I was probing to see how accurate your memory is."
"My memory of recent events is quite clear, Professor. It is my past, and the past of 40 years ago we are trying to resolve," she snapped at him.
"Very well, Miss Weasley. Then let us proceed." He raised his wand again. "We will focus on your time at Hogwarts. More specifically on your involvement with the Chamber of Secrets." Jane scowled. "Potter's letter indicated that that memory triggered the older ones. It seems logical to begin there. Prepare yourself." Jane took a deep breath and closed her eyes once more. "Legilimens!"
Ginny was writing in the diary, sitting Indian style at the foot of the statue of Slytherin.
It's done. I left the message, Tom. What do I do now? The words faded into the page.
Prick you finger with the quill, draw blood, Ginny. Then write my name, my full name. Tom Marvolo Riddle. Obediently, Ginny stabbed her finger and dipped the quill in her blood.
Tom Marvolo Riddle she wrote. The words faded again. Light began to pour from the binding of the book, bright white tinged with red. It hurt her eyes. It grew too bright; she slipped the book from her lap. A figure emerged with the light and stood before her. Indistinct, but a tall boy stood there, black hair, blue eyed, dressed in school robes from 50 years before.
"You have done well, Ginny."
"What, what happens now, Tom?" her voice was shaking.
"We wait."
"For, for what?" she was growing tired.
"Harry Potter, of course."
"Harry? What makes you think Harry will come?"
"He will, Ginny." He crouched down before her. "How could he not? His best friend's sister is missing. He will come."
"Why do you want Harry?" she was sobbing now. She asked the question knowing the answer.
"To kill him, of course."
"No," it was a whisper. "You can't. Not Harry, please not Harry. I won't let you." Ginny struggled to rise. Tom put a hand on her shoulder and Ginny weakened and fell back. "What are you doing to me?"
"You know, Ginny. You're giving me life, giving me strength. You are giving me what I need to kill him." The scene began to fade. Only Tom's face remained focused. And it changed, became older, a man in his twenties. His clothes changed too. Khaki pants and shirt replaced the school robes. He was no longer crouching before Ginny. He was standing over her. Over a woman with long dark hair. A woman bound to a rock in an old ruin of a temple. The woman was terrified, obsidian eyes widened in horror, she was struggling with the ropes that bound her tightly to an altar.
"You are going to give me what I need."
"No, Tom. Why are you doing this?"
"You tried to leave me again, sweeting. I can't have that. No one leaves me, ever!"
"Tom, I'm sorry. I won't do it again. Please let me go!"
"No, my dear. You see, I can no longer trust you. I will not be abandoned again."
"If you kill me, you'll be alone!"
"Kill you? No, my dear, I'd never kill you." He bent over her, tracing the line of her jaw with his finger. "You've given me so much pleasure." He rubbed the pad of his thumb along her lower lip. "One last time, sweeting, will I taste that pleasure." He kissed her lightly. "That will be your sacrifice for me. I will take your essence, I will live, because of you." He straddled her on the stone. "Come, sweeting," he lowered himself over her. "Give me your love one last time!" Jane screamed!
Harry burst through the door. Jane had fallen off the chair. Snape still held his wand pointing at where Jane had been sitting his hand trembled violently. Harry ran to the girl on the floor and lifted her into his arms. Crossing to the door, he called over his shoulder.
"I'll be back, and you better be ready to tell me what happened."
Harry took her back to her room. He met Ken on his way and asked him to fetch Madame Pomfrey with a remedy for a headache. Harry remembered how he had felt the last time Snape had used the spell on him. Jane came to before they reached her room.
"Can you walk?" She nodded then winced as the movement sent shafts of pain through her head. Harry set her down. They were outside the common room. He opened the door.
"Go get in bed, Jane. Madame Pomfrey will be along with something for your head. I'll be back soon."
Harry was fuming when he reached Snape's office. He didn't knock. Snape had returned to his place behind the desk. Harry went over and leaned his fists on the desk; at that moment all he wanted was to pummel Snape senseless.
"Tell me what you did to her," he growled. Snape, in control now, looked directly into Harry's anger filled eyes.
"I performed the Legilimens spell, Potter. Nothing more."
"Then why is she in such pain? That never happened to me."
"The images were very powerful."
"Tell me."
"Isn't that for Miss Weasley to do?"
"She won't tell me everything." Snape raised and eyebrow. "She'll do it to spare my feelings, for no other reason." Snape regarded him.
"Are you sure you want to know?"
"Yes, damn it!"
"Potter!"
"I'm not a student here anymore. When you earn my respect, Professor, you will be treated accordingly." Harry pulled up a chair and sat. "Now tell me everything." Snape did so, graphically.
"No wonder she screamed. But who was that woman and why does she have those memories?"
"I cannot tell you that, Potter. Not yet. I will have to see her again. We need to dig deeper."
"But I thought the spell worked only on conscious memories?"
"It does, but as with all spells, the strength and the use to which it is put depends upon the spell caster."
"All right. We'll return tomorrow. Same time?"
"That will be fine." An uncomfortable silence settled between them. There was more to be said, had to be said actually. Harry knew he had to do this, much as he didn't want to.
"If there's noting else, Potter, I suggest you leave." Harry wanted to leave desperately, but that would be the coward's way out. "Well, Potter?"
"I'm sorry," he said flatly.
"Sorry?"
"About your injuries. I'm sorry you're in that chair." Snape didn't say anything. "I tried, professor. But I wasn't quick enough. I thought I could get to you."
"It's not your fault," came the choked reply.
"I don't understand. If I had been a fraction of a second quicker you would never have gone over that wall. Why? Why did you jump in front of me like that? You paid your debt to my father in my first year."
"It was not a debt to your father that made me do that."
"Then why?" Snape didn't answer. The silence between them was deafening.
"It was for Lily. I couldn't let Lily's son die." Harry couldn't get any more out of Snape than that.
When Harry got back to the common room, Madame Pomfrey was just leaving.
"I've given her the headache potion. I also gave her something to help her rest. What ever happened, it's taken a lot out of her. She should sleep through the night." Harry thanked her and Madame Pomfrey left. Harry went to check on Jane. She was sleeping peacefully. It had been too long a day. Harry was tired too. He changed into sweat pants and a tee shirt. Someone would send their dinner. Right now, he wanted to rest. Harry kept her door open and settled on the couch.
Complete and utter darkness surrounded Jane. She knew she was moving toward someone but it was in total sensory deprivation. Where was she?
"Who's there?" the voice was trembling, full of fear.
"Jane," she replied. "Is that you, Ginny?"
"Yes, I'm here. Where are we?"
"I don't know."
"Can you help me? I've got to get out of here, I've got to go home!" desperation flooded her voice.
"I don't know how. I don't even know where we are."
"Help me," Ginny's voice pleaded. "I'm going insane."
"I think I am too."
"Is Harry still looking for me? He's got to be. Hope is all I have left now."
"I can't tell you that. I don't know if he is. Would you like to see him again? Like the last time? We can do it again, you know."
"I can see him?"
"Yes, I'm stronger now. I can give you more time."
"How much?"
"A night. That's all. I can hold it back for one night."
"Does it...does it hurt? Don't do it if it hurts."
"Doesn't matter. If there's any way out of this mess, I'll do what ever it takes. You better go now, time is passing quickly." She felt Ginny leave. In the dark she stepped between Ginny and the force that kept her trapped.
Jane tossed in her sleep. The sounds of her struggling with her nightmare woke Harry. He looked at his watch. 3:30. He could see her from his seat on the couch. She was struggling against something, moaning. He went to her.
"Jane," he called softly. "Jane, wake up." She opened her eyes.
"Harry!" she gasped.
"Jane, are you all right?"
"N-not J-Jane, Ginny," she whispered. She was trembling violently.
"Ginny?"
"Harry, I-I'm so c-c-cold." He pulled the blanket up around her. "H-h-hold m-me, H-Harry. I-I'm so c-c-cold!" He didn't know what to do. He crawled in next to her and wrapped his arms around her. Her skin was like ice. He began to chafe her arms, her hands. The shaking wouldn't stop. He pulled the blankets tighter around them. It seemed to help, her trembling began to subside.
"Ginny, how-why?"
"I don't know," she wailed. He pulled her in closer, shushing her. She was here; he would try to hold on to her. Anything to get her to stay. She looked up into his eyes.
"I'll try to keep you here this time, Ginny. I won't let you go back." Then she kissed him. Her skin was warmer now; he caressed her arms, her back. So soft, he thought, so utterly soft. She moved against him. Their breathing became heavier, the kiss more urgent. Her lips parted, inviting him in.
Harry couldn't think. The pleasure he felt drove him on. His tongue explored the softness of her mouth, danced with hers. She moaned softly. Something tugged at his consciousness. He broke the kiss.
"Ginny, we can't. Not now."
"I have to. It's all I have of you. I can't stay. I have only tonight."
"How-what do you mean?"
"I can't explain. I don't know. I only know I have tonight. Give me hope, Harry. Give me hope to hold on to, that you'll find me." She ran her fingers down his chest. Harry lost himself in the sensation.
"I don't want to hurt you."
"It doesn't matter. It's only a moment."
"You're sure."
"Yes," she said breathlessly. Her fingers found what they had been searching for. Harry gasped in pleasure; he lost the battle with his self-restraint.
The predator's eyes scanned the snowscape. He was still hungry. He had killed tonight, not humans thankfully. The potion kept him from that. But he had needed to kill. He had to eat. He hated it. The taking of any life was repellant to him. But in this form, instinct was more powerful than morals.
The rabbits had been small. He was still hungry, but three would be enough. He wasn't satiated but it would be enough to get him through. Thank goodness this was the last night of his transformation. He couldn't take being shut up in the shack any longer. With the potion, he knew he was safe around humans. So he had unlocked the trap door before he transformed. He was hurting from tearing about the shack. His injuries were worse than he had let on.
To spare himself any more pain, he had roamed the countryside away from Hogsmeade toward the castle. He prowled the edge of the Forbidden Forest searching for food. He was done. It was time to go back. The sun would be rising soon. The lights from the castle beckoned him. She was there. Could he risk it? Yes, he could. There was a way to get up to her window. A rocky outcrop came close to the wall near Griffindor Tower. In this form he could make the jump easily. It was just fifty yards to the ledge of the windows.
Before he knew it, he was at the tower. There was no light in the first window. He really didn't need it. His keen wolf's eyes could make out things in the dark. He glanced in the window. The room was empty. The wolf looked up. There was the flickering light of a candle showing against the wall. He made his way over. The light from the candle blurred his vision as he glanced in the window. As they adjusted, he could make out the figure on the bed. The man was moving, he recognized that the man was making love, his ears picked up the sounds through the window. He could see better now.
It was Harry. Harry rolled on to his back pulling the woman over him. The wolf's eyes went wide with shock. Then she threw her head back, her red hair streaming down her back, as she moaned in fulfillment. They had reached the pinnacle together. She leaned forward, kissing him; then slid to his side. Harry wrapped his arms about her. The wolf watched as they fell asleep.
He turned. The sun was beginning to rise. He needed to get back. How he made it down without killing himself, the wolf didn't know. His heart was broken. He headed toward the willow, and then hesitated. He could feel the first tingling that he was becoming human again. He looked over at the lake. It was so peaceful there. He knew just the spot. The wolf changed direction. They wouldn't find him until later, when it didn't matter anymore.