A/N
Thanks for the reviews so far. Especially to XxphoenixX for being there from the beginning and rubberduck for really taking the time to really take give my story such a close analysis!
I think you'll find that the Founder's Gifts have been worked into story in a way that should seem reasonable...in terms of any NC-17 fanfic being reasonable... ;-)
Unfortunately, you may have to wait a bit for it... one can't be expected to make all of the choices involved in the Gifts of the Founders on the first day back in school. I hope I make the wait worth it.
Time for more left hanging goodness...
Chapter 6 (Platform 9 3/4 and Summer Memories)
At 9:30 all of the staff and the new Hogwarts Head Boy and Head Girl were dressed and enjoying breakfast in the staff car on the train. They had already arrived at King's Cross, platform 9 3/4, but the entrance to the platform would not open for another half hour. Hermione and Draco had acknowledged each other's presence with pleasantries that sounded sincere, Good Morning, did you sleep well... and both admired the other's ability to hide any tension from the night before. Hermione buttered a scone and wondered whom Malfoy truly intended to select. By 10:00 breakfast was finished. After all the dishes were cleared away the room transformed into what would be the prefect's car. Hermione and Draco had been well instructed in what was expected of them. Already dressed in their full Hogwarts uniforms adorned with shiny new Head Girl and Head Boy badges, they took their places outside the train to represent the school, shake hands with parents nervous about sending their little ones away for the first time, make sure the first years didn't get eaten alive, and direct the new 5th year prefects to the prefect's car.
Hogwarts Uniforms were not designed for a London summer. They were very comfortable in a drafty highland castle, but the heat here was stifling. Hermione wished she could at least take her cloak off, and Draco looked jealously at Hermione's skirt. At least she gets a breeze once in a while I'm stuck in wool trousers,' he thought. They shook hands and charmed the parents of nervous first year students. Without any planning, they slipped into a pattern of Draco letting Hermione handle the Muggle parents and Draco spoke to the wizard families that could trace their lineage back for generations. The families that fell someplace in the middle they split between them.
They had a short, unscheduled break at about 10:40. All the early birds had arrived, and in about 10 minutes the students who were chronically late would start rushing in out of breath wondering if the train had left without them. Hermione leaned against a pole for a moment, and surprisingly felt her robes, hair and skirt blowing in a wondrous cool breeze. She turned in the direction of the wind to cool her face, and saw Draco with his wand pointed at her. She raised her eyebrows in question. It's a cooling charm, Granger. Don't you know this one?
She smiled, No, I don't, but it's wonderful. Will you teach it to me so I can return the favor?
It's in chapter 3 of the 7th year Defense Against the Dark Arts book. Do you mean to say I've worked further ahead than you have this year?
Hermione was surprised because she had already read the chapter, I guess so. But isn't that a strange place for that kind of material?
Draco then pointed his wand at himself to cool down. It's actually a freezing curse that I've modified. I'm sure it doesn't take someone of your intelligence to figure out the kind of damage this could do to someone without the modification.
Hermione thought for a moment. So it's not a charm, and it's not in chapter three at all, the defense against it is. He pointed the wand at her again and let her feel the cool breeze on her neck and her skirt. She opened her robe and lifted her wool sweater a bit to let the cool air hit her white shirt.
Whomever decided magic should labeled as good or bad or a curse verses a defense was an idiot. I just cast a so-called curse on us and I don't know about you, but I feel a hell of a lot more comfortable now.
Hermione wondered if he was trying to tell her more than what he was actually saying. She was about to respond when the wave of latecomers began their decent on platform 9 3/4. She saw Ginny, Harry and Ron for the first time in over six weeks. Hermione ran to them and hugged each in turn and gave Ron a quick kiss. Ginny spoke first, Hermione, we missed you so much! Why couldn't you spend some time with us this past month? Ginny snuggled close to Harry and placed her head on his chest.
Hermione stammered a bit, it was the last summer I could spend time with my parents before going off on my own. Ithought it would be best. Hermione watched as Harry's arm circled Ginny and his hand caressed her waist.
Ron spoke up, Well, we had better get on the train. He looked at Harry and Ginny. Harry, if you could detach yourself from my sister, we have a Prefect's meeting to attend. Save us a seat, will you?
Hermione hadn't expected that. She knew that since she was Head Girl, an additional 7th year Prefect had been selected from Gryffindor. It never crossed her mind that it wouldn't be Harry. Harry gave Ginny a quick kiss goodbye and Ron and his sister ran to the train to go to the prefect's car. She looked into his green eyes not sure what to say. Dumbledore didn't select you again? she asked simply.
Harry shrugged, I can't say I'm happy about it. I guess, in his wisdom, he feels I still have too much to do for the Order. Hermione quickly looked around to make sure Malfoy was out of hearing distance. She should have known that she didn't need to double check. Malfoy was in the middle of a very tender greeting with Pansy. She nodded. Ron really missed you, you know. I think he was hoping to move your relationship along
The train whistle overpowered his next words. We had better board, we're the last people out here. Hermione answered, ignoring the comments about Ron.
As they climbed on board Harry didn't let the subject drop. You only owled him twice, the guy is a wreck.
Maybe I'm not ready for more, Harry. She looked down the corridor. I have a meeting to run. She walked away. Under her breath she muttered, Every couple in the world isn't smiles, sunshine and sex like you and Ginny.
Harry found a seat and thought of all the great comebacks he could have said. Are you sure you are ready for anything?' or maybe a play on words about how she had a meeting to run' and was she running from Ron? Ron had been in love with Hermione for so long and he had expected to be able to spend time with her at the Burrow this past summer. Harry had been ready to attack Hermione with words, until he heard what she said about his relationship with Ginny.
Seeing Harry and Ginny so happy together had just torn Ron up. At first, Ginny was oblivious to it. She kept making Ron promise that he wouldn't marry Hermione until Ginny graduated so the four of them could have a double wedding. This was before Hermione decided not to visit the burrow in August, and it also didn't take something else into account. Harry had never said the word marriage to Ginny. Ever. It was also a word Hermione had never spoken to Ron.
Oh, Harry liked Ginny a lot. He thought that he might be able to love her someday. She was wonderful to touch and hold and kiss. And she was hot little thing. He wasn't sure he could count how many times she snuck into his bedroom at night, but he knew the number of times she came in equaled the number of times he sent her right back to her own room. The very last time she snuck in, he thought he was having a very erotic dream, and he woke seconds before climaxing to find Ginny wearing nothing but tiny pink panties with a little white bow finishing off his first blowjob. She cried so hard when she realized he wasn't happy about it. She knew he kept sending her back to her room, but she had thought maybe he just needed her to be a bit more aggressive. He didn't kick her out right away this time, but wrapped her up in his robe and held her close. He then crawled in bed under the covers and pulled her next to him, covered by his robe and a hand knit afghan her mother had made, but didn't let her under the covers with him. He let her cry herself to sleep for a bit. She woke up in his arms an hour later and at first thought her dreams had come true, but then the events of the night came flooding back.
Why don't you want me, Harry? Ginny had asked.
I do want you, hun, Harry answered honestly.
Ginny was confused, Then why won't you make love to me? Harry didn't answer, so Ginny continued. We kiss and cuddle, we can talk for hours about anything. We play Quidditch together and if we were both on Firebolts, I'd kick your arse in a race. He gave her a quick look that said, You Wish!' but she continued. You fondle my breasts, and when we snog, sometimes I can feel how hard you are. And the heat! Your body throbs against me, what's stopping you from continuing?
Harry tried to find a logical answer, I just don't want to hurt you, he stated referring to her feelings if they ever broke up. Or if he was ever forced to leave her forever for some reason he didn't want to think about...
Ginny tried to reassure him, Harry, it's OK. I trust you. Besides, it's not like I've never done it before. It's been a long time since it hurt.
Maybe you should go back to your own bed, Ginny. I really should get some sleep. Harry needed some time alone to think and was totally oblivious to the poor timing of his request. Ginny nodded and Harry gave her a gentle kiss. What she didn't notice was that during the kiss, he grabbed his wand and performed a morning after birth control charm, she was too busy trying not to cry in front of him again. He knew enough about biology to know that even though they hadn't had actually sex, with as little as she was wearing and with what her hands had touched, there was a slight possibility of pregnancy and he just wasn't going to be forced into being a father. What he didn't notice was humiliation that showed in Ginny's eyes.
Harry was jerked back to reality by the food trolley. He bought his usual fill of treats, and wondered how much longer the prefect meeting would last. He ate a Cauldron Cake and continued his thoughts about her.
He desperately had wanted a male friend to talk to about Ginny and why he was unwilling to physically move their relationship further, and even though over a year had past, that night he shed tears for Sirius for the first time in six months. He then realized he was being selfish because the tears were for him. He couldn't imagine anyone he could talk to. He used to be able to talk to Hermione about this kind of thing. She had given him good dating advice about Cho in the past, but last year she had changed the subject each time he tried to bring it up. Ron was out as well. Somehow waking Ron to have a conversation started out, I had been uncomfortable with how fast your sister wants to take things, but now that I know that she's a slut He stopped himself. She said she had a few partners before him, two to be exact. If the situation were reversed, she wouldn't be calling him names like that. She was more experienced than he was; she was not less of a person for this. Experience, or lack there of, had nothing to do with why he was hesitating. He wished Fred and George still lived at home. Somehow he knew that they'd understand even though Ginny was their sister, but then, if they had been home, he wouldn't have been cursed with a private room in the first place.
The next day at the Burrow was very strange. It was a weekend, so Arthur was home. Harry was used to being attacked with questions about the muggle world, but this time the questions were so inane and repetitive, the entire household did everything they could do to get away. Molly went outside to work on the garden, and Ron asked permission for Harry, Ron and Ginny to take the floo network to visit Fred and George's store. Three sets of eyes looked at Mr. Weasley pleadingly. Ron, Ginny, go ahead. I still have more questions about the machine muggles use to watch the telly for them. The VRC or something.
Harry decided to spare Ron and Ginny. Don't worry, you guys go on without me. I'll explain the wonders of television to your dad one more time Ron and Ginny didn't even show any pretense of waiting behind. They barely said goodbye as they each grabbed handfuls of floo powder escaped to Diagon Alley.
The moment Ron and Ginny left, Harry and Arthur were the only people left in the house. Harry started to talk about television but Mr. Weasley had other plans. He dragged Harry's chair back, lifted him by his shirt and shoved him against the wall. Harry's wand was still on the table, too far away to reach. Arthur held his own wand to Harry's face. For a moment, Harry wondered why his scar didn't hurt, as he was sure Voldemort had taken the form of Arthur Weasley. There was no way a man Mr. Weasley's age could have such strength! But once he spoke, Harry knew it was not the Dark Lord speaking. What the HELL did you do to my daughter last night, Potter? Harry tried to talk, but he couldn't get a word in. I don't believe you. I've taken you into my home like a son and though I'm sure millions owe their lives to you, you are not getting paid back with my daughters flesh!
Harry tried to talk, But I didn't
Anything you say, I'll know you are lying. Molly caught Ginny early this morning. She was leaving your room wearing nothing but your robe and she was in tears. When Molly tried to talk to her, she went into hysterics
Arthur made a fist, but restrained himself from violence. The Order still needs you so we may have to cross paths at times, but don't expect me EVER to allow you in my home again!
At this point, Harry almost screamed in terror. He had heard the sound of an adult female clearing her throat, and he instantly flashed back to Professor Umbridge. Molly had entered the room. Arthur, let go of Harry, she spoke gently, but deliberately.
Molly, you're the one that spent half the night comforting our daughter and you want me to let him go?
Yes, Arthur. Let go. Ginny and I had another talk once she calmed down and there is much more to the story than you know. And not only that, I promised Ginny you would never know unless she chooses to share it with you herself. All you need to know is this boy has done absolutely nothing inappropriate with our daughter.
Arthur let go of Harry, but continued to argue. How do you know she just wasn't telling you want you wanted to hear?
A mother knows these things. Now Arthur, I need to talk to Harry. She noticed he was just standing there. Alone! I know there has got to be something outside that needs doing. Go find it! Arthur knew there was no arguing with his wife when she spoke like that.
Harry began to wonder if he was in for something worse, but Molly made a gesture for him to sit back down at the table. Arthur left the house and Molly began making tea. Once Molly knew it was safe, she said something that calmed his fears. Thank you for not taking advantage of my daughter, Harry. Harry noticed she had tears in her eyes.
Ginny and I had quite a talk and she told me some things I would have preferred never to know about her. Molly sighed. Harry heard the water boiling. He stood up, gestured to a chair for her to sit, and he prepared the tea for the two of them.
Ginny told me that she's been sneaking into your room at night, but no matter what she says or does, you send her away. As a mother, I can't tell you how much this means to me.
Harry's lips formed a pained smile, I'm just not ready to take things any further.
Molly then surprised Harry. I'm going to switch roles now and talk to you as a woman. I don't think the mother in me can say these things. Ginny let me know that she isn't exactly the innocent little girl I thought she still was. It seems Hogwarts isn't quite as locked down as it was when I was a student. Harry started to interrupt, but Molly wouldn't let him. Don't worry, I know you aren't responsible for any of her lack of innocence. Molly sipped her tea. Please let me get this all out at once because I'm not sure how I'll get through it if I stop. Harry just nodded. Ginny told me that she has had sex with two boys. The first she didn't even like that much; he was persuasive and made her feel like she was the only one not doing it. Molly closed her eyes tightly for a moment to hold back the tears. She wished she could have said the right thing for Ginny not to have fallen for that old line. The second she really liked a lot. She told me she was in love with him. I doubt she really was, but I believe she thought she was at the time. Molly drank more of her tea. Ginny is madly in love with you and as you can tell, she would do anything for you. Last night, she told me she wished she was dead. Molly broke down and cried. Outside of funerals, Harry had never seen an adult cry like that before and had no idea how to react.
Harry was so confused with this as a mother, as a women talk that he asked the only question that he could think of. He spoke quietly So, as a woman, you think I should move a little faster with Ginny? I just don't think
Molly was still quite upset, but Harry's confusion allowed her tears to stop for a moment and she drank more tea. Molly reached out and tenderly messed up Harry's hair and they both smiled. This touched Harry deeply. He was sure that if he had grown up with a mother and father, they would have touched his hair just like that as well. Molly took a deep breath before continuing. My daughter thinks you'll never be able to love her because you won't be her first. My husband cannot know that, I think he would kill those other boys. Ginny isn't really suicidal, but she's really regretting not saving herself for you. She's loved you since she first saw you when she was 10 years old, she just got tired of waiting.
Harry tried to work around this whole mother/woman thing because he realized he had figured something out. Mrs. Weasley...
She interrupted, You can still call me Molly.
No, right now I'm talking to Mrs. Weasley, Ginny's mother. I'll talk to Molly, the person, in a moment. She smiled with understanding. Mrs. Weasley, if I survive this whole Voldemort ordeal, perhaps I could fall in love with your daughter someday and her past doesn't matter to me. Harry thought for a moment and took a deep breath before continuing, I might even love her now, I just don't have a clue what that really means or should feel like. Harry switched gears, Molly, there is a young woman I care for very much, and if we took the physical part of our relationship further physically it might heal some of her wounds and make her realize that she is not damaged goods' but a wonderful person who is richly deserving of love.
Molly felt quite strange; she was starting to think that perhaps Harry should make love to her little girl. Her baby. But Harry continued. Be that as it may. No matter how much I fight it; I've spent the past 6 years of my life in a fight to the death for humanity. I have no reason to believe that this year or any year will be any different. If you think your daughter hurts now, imagine picking up the pieces after the number one target of the most fiendish monster ever known has been taken out. I'm not planning on losing but you heard the prophecy last year. It's him or me. As long as Voldemort walks the earth I refuse to do anything that could possibly make her love me more. Molly was crying again. Your husband was right in some ways. You should remove me from her life. At least until we know I'll be able to stay in it.
Molly did her best to speak. Let Ginny know, Harry. Don't let her go on feeling like she doesn't deserve you Molly had the fear of her daughter having sex with even more partners because she felt that it didn't matter anymore anyway. Gods, she hoped Harry could get through to her. Ginny wouldn't believe it from anyone else.
It crossed Harry's mind that there had been a certain simplicity to spending his summers in the cupboard under the stairs. I'll do my best.
The train continued north as he nodded off while waiting for his friends to return from the Prefect's meeting.
