CHAPTER 13
HIS ANGEL
It was the same night that Dumbledore had made his announcement on, and the news of the attack on the Ministry of Magic still hadn't fully sunk in with the wizarding population. Voldemort hadn't gone into the Ministry with a reason, with a purpose, he wanted only to cause as much trouble and panic as he could, showing the whole world that he was back with a vengeance.
Harry and Ginny lay together in bed that night after the announcement, pictures of the shocked faces of the students mingling with the many injured people he had helped the previous day. He closed his eyes and tried in vain to clear his head of the swirling mass of images, the only comfort to him know was that he could feel Ginny curled up next to him. He moved his hand and it found hers of it's own accord and squeezed it tightly; she looked up at him with her caring green eyes, that were partially hidden behind a curtain of her lustrous red hair.
"Are you alright?'' she asked him softly, noticing that he had been quiet all night, she usually had to struggle to stop his wandering hands, a symptom she described as randyitus. "You're really quiet tonight.''
"I thought I'd lost him you know?'' Harry said, his voice sounded strained.
"Sirius?''
"Yeah, I was so scared. He's the closest thing to a father that I've ever known.'' Harry explained to her, forcing his voice to remain level.
"I know, but he's back now Harry, it's alright.'' Ginny said sympathetically wrapping her arms around Harry, he was grateful to feel her warmth against him; it made him feel safe and secure.
"It just feels like everyone I love always ends up leaving me.'' Harry confessed, he was embarrassed to be saying all of this in front of Ginny; he was supposed to take care of her not the other way around.
"I'll never leave you. Not ever. I love you.'' Ginny said as Harry pulled her closer to him.
"I love you too angel. Always.'' Harry replied breathing in the scent of flowers from Ginny's hair and sighing contently. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you.''
"You're not going to lose me, I promise.'' Ginny answered, leaning up from his chest and kissing him softly and tenderly on the lips, a lingering kiss that was sweet and innocent. She pulled away and smiled shyly at him, before resting her head once again on his bare chest, breathing in his familiar scent that she couldn't sleep without.
At breakfast the next morning Ron sat with Harry and Ginny waiting for Hermione to arrive, she had run quickly to the Library to quickly grab a book that she wanted to read that day. It was eight in the morning and Ron couldn't exactly work out why Hermione would want to read before lessons when they would be spending all day reading, but then again he'd only known her for almost seven years and he knew that even if he knew her for seventy he'd never be able to work out everything about her. Its what he loved about her, he never got bored when he was around Hermione, and she was always showing him a new and mysterious part of her, always kept him enthralled. The girl was amazing.
Hermione walked into the Great Hall, her Gryffindor scarf wrapped around her neck and a pair of red gloves covering her hands, that were holding a thick book entitled 'Elementorial Magic for Beginners', she slid into the seat next to Ron and pecked him lightly on the cheek, before turning to a bowl of porridge that he had placed in front of her and smiled gratefully. It was the little things like that, which she loved about Ron. He had been the one to insist that she wore her scarf and gloves to the Library, not wanting her to catch a cold, and getting her breakfast for her, and always listening when she had a problem, always knowing exactly how to touch her and kiss her.
The four friends sat eating their breakfast, when as was custom in Hogwarts the post owls arrived swooping down in to the Great Hall, their feathers ruffled and out of place. A brown owl swooped down and drooped a letter in front of Ron, Ginny looked at the owl and smiled, she recognised the owl, it was Hermes, Percy's owl. Ron quickly tore open the envelope addressed in his mother's loopy handwriting.
*Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Harry
Hope you are all well, I just wanted to write and let you all know that your father is fine, he will be getting out of St Mungo's today. I know you all wanted to come to the hospital but I'm not risking taking any of you out of school, this is your most important year.
Arthur has told me about what happened, Percy was the person who saved him, he took on and killed two Death eaters to save your father. I'm so proud of him, he is also fine; he's back at the Burrow where I am taking care of him. Percy wants to apologise to you all for the trouble he caused the family, and he hopes that you will all forgive him.
Love you
Mum*
"I'm so glad dad's alright.'' Ginny sighed as she finished reading the letter. "And Percy. I think he was so brave saving all of those people.''
"Yeah.'' Hermione said. "He must've been terrified.''
"Excuse me have you all forgotten what a prat he was.'' Ron exclaimed loudly. "What he said about Harry.'' He said staring fixedly at Ginny.
"Of course we remember.'' Ginny snapped back. "But he risked his life to save others, and he saved our fathers life. People make mistakes Ron, he's apologised and I for one am ready to forgive him.''
"I suppose.'' Ron said looking at the floor, knowing that if Percy weren't there his father would be dead. "I forgive him too.''
"Good, well I'm going to write a quick reply to mum before I have to go outside in Artic conditions to take care of a biting plant in the greenhouses.'' Ginny said happily as she got up from her seat, she turned to leave the Great Hall before Harry grabbed her wrist and pulled her back around to face him. He was pretending to pout and he looked up at her sadly with puppy dog eyes. Ginny smiled to herself and rolled her eyes, before she kissed Harry quickly on the lips and walked to her room.
"What have we got now?'' Ron asked through a mouthful of his second bowl of porridge.
"We've been back in school for almost three months and you still haven't memorized your timetable.'' Hermione said incredulously.
"I have more important things on my mind.'' Ron said smiling at Hermione suggestively.
"I know full well what's on your mind Ronald Weasley.'' Hermione said coolly, although she couldn't help but smile.
"When you two have finished, I'd like to get to class, by the way what class do we have Hermione?'' Harry asked, smiling as Hermione muttered something about 'boys and their simple minds' before she replied.
"Defence Against the Dark Arts.''
"Great, lets go.'' Harry said getting up from his seat, ignoring Ron's complaints that he hadn't finished eating.
The trio arrived outside Defence Against the Dark Arts five minutes early and Destiny invited them all into the classroom out of the chilly corridor and into the warm classroom that was lit and heated by flaming torches. Before Harry could ask about Sirius, Neville, Dean and Seamus turned up and sat down in their usual seats, wands out and ready.
"How's Professor Hounding?'' Harry asked in what he hoped sounded like a voice that was just making casual conversation.
"He's alright, back to his usual tricks.'' Destiny replied smirking and rolling her eyes. The class was starting to get quite full and Destiny stood at the front of the class, waiting for everybody to settle.
"Right then, when everyone's quite finished talking I'll tell you what we'll be doing in class today.'' Destiny said, her cool commanding voice silencing the class in seconds. "Thank you, now you're all going to hate me for this, but today's lesson is going to have to take place outside.'' A loud groan filled the classroom as student's heads flickered over to the window and saw the branches of trees swaying in the wind, and the frost covered ground. "But it is essential, we are starting to learn Elementorial Magic, we will be starting with fire. You have five minutes to go and get your scarves and things. We will meet outside the castle doors, close to the greenhouses.''
"Why is it essential that we be outside?'' Dean questioned before the class was dismissed.
"As I said we are working with fire I don't want us to burn the castle down.'' Destiny replied as she pulled on a white fluffy hat over her shiny raven hair. "Now go.''
The class rushed out, with Hermione tutting, she looked smug because she already had her things, but Ron insisted that she go back to her room anyway to get a thicker cloak.
"Whats the problem my love?'' Ron asked as they walked together to their room, with Harry.
"Honestly, has no one read 'Hogwarts a History'. You can't burn down Hogwarts, or damage it in anyway, it is protected by all sorts of spells from any disasters.'' Hermione replied.
"Why should we bother reading it when you can recite it off by heart.'' Ron answered back cheekily, grinning at Harry. He earned himself a playful slap from Hermione for that comment, something that amused Harry greatly. They got down to the grounds by the greenhouses quickly and found the rest of the class congregating there, wrapped up in scarves and hats. Destiny stood at the front of the group in a white hat, white gloves and a long white scarf that accentuated her tanned skin and black hair.
"The spell that we are going to be learning today is 'Eruptolaze' It will form a huge shield of flames around you and your surroundings, if the spell is said by a large group of wizards the size and intensity of the flames will increase. This work will tie in with the work that you will be doing in Care of Magical Creatures soon, so it will benefit you if you can get it right today.''
The class split up to practice. Pretty soon small walls of fire, about half a foot in height were forming around various students. Neville was extremely pleased that on his fifth attempt the wall started to get higher and the fire was burning more intensely around him. Although no one had managed to beat Hermione who managed to conjure a wall around seven feet high all around her and was burning so brightly that it scorched the ground where she stood.
"Great job Hermione.'' Destiny called through the roaring flames, "Now start to walk.''
Hermione tentatively took a step forward finding that she got no closer to the flames, they were moving with her, she could see out clearly through the flames and she walked around for a while encompassed in fire before dropping the shield and staring at the black scorch trail on the grounds, watching as instantly new grass grew to cover up completely the line that had only moments ago been so prominent.
Ginny looked up from the plant she was supposed to be re-potting with Colin Creevy her partner and saw a high wall a flames moving around amongst the students that were on the grounds close to the greenhouses. She smiled to herself as the flames disappeared to leave Hermione standing perfectly unruffled beaming at Destiny. 'Trust Hermione to be the first one to get it right.' Ginny thought fondly to herself as she watched her best girl friend. Out of habit her eyes scanned the group of people outside the greenhouse, she immediately found Harry and watched as he too produced a huge fiery shield all around him and walked around her dropped the shield an was grinning madly as he rushed over to Hermione who was helping Neville, to show her.
Ginny was pulled out of her thoughts about how gorgeous Harry looked when he smiled by the voices of two Ravenclaw girls on the next table, who were obviously doing just what she had been doing minutes earlier.
"Look at him, he's so gorgeous.'' The tallest girl said, she had short, thin brown hair and a small mouth; her blue eyes were fixed on Harry. "I love his smile, it's perfect.''
"Yeah, do you think he has a girlfriend?'' The other girl asked, she was shorter than Ginny and quite plump, her curly black hair had a Snapeish look about it and her face was pale.
"He does, but I don't think that their that serious, He's with that Ginny Weasley.'' The tall girl whispered, making no obvious effort to lower her voice even though Ginny was on the next table. "He doesn't seem to like her that much.'' Ginny grinned to herself, if they only knew the half of it, if they only knew that every night Harry held her in his arms and told her how much he loved her and how special she was to him.
"So they shouldn't be that hard to split up then.'' The girl with greasy black hair said, smiling sappily as she watched Harry and Ron conjure their fire shields and walked into each other to see what would happen.
"No I reckon it'll be easy to get him to leave her, she's ugly anyway, with her freaky red hair.'' The tall girl replied nastily. Ginny just ignored them, but even though she knew she shouldn't let it get to her, the ugly remark really hurt her. What if she was too ugly for Harry? What if he did hate her and her horrible hair? 'No' she told herself 'He loves you.'
After the Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson ended, Harry rushed down to the greenhouse that Ginny was currently in and waited anxiously outside the door for her. When she came out he hugged her tightly and kissed her softly on the lips, he was smiling at her with his lop sided grin, the one that made her go weak at the knees and she forgot all her doubts. The two Ravenclaw girls walked past then, flicking their hair and trying to look appealing, only succeeding in looking stupid. The short, round girl with greasy black hair smiled at Harry and winked, even though she could see Ginny was standing right there. Harry smiled back awkwardly and watched with a confused expression on his face as the girl turned and left. He looked back at Ginny who was watching him closely as though trying to gauge a response from his features.
"What was all that about?'' Harry asked as they both started to walk up to the castle hand in hand.
"One of your fan club.'' Ginny replied dryly. "She's going to try and split us up so that she can get with you.''
"Oh, great.'' Harry said happily smirking. Ginny slapped him on the arm. "Oh come on Gin, why would I want her when I have got you. God she looks like Snapes long lost daughter or something.'' Harry said cupping Ginny's face in his hands. "I love you remember, their going to have a very hard time splitting us up.''
"I know.'' Ginny replied.
"Are they bothering you? Do you want me to go and talk to them?'' Harry asked seriously, taking his scarf off and wrapping it around Ginny's neck after feeling her shiver.
"No, it's just something they said that's all.'' Ginny said pulling the scarf tighter and looking into Harry's bottle green eyes.
"What did they say?'' Harry questioned.
"They said we'll be easy to split up because I'm ugly anyway and have freaky red hair.'' Ginny said, cursing herself for letting that comment affect her so badly, it wasn't even s if she cared what they thought of her.
"Ginny angel, please don't think that you're ugly, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and your hair is amazing, I love it and I wouldn't have it any other way. Don't listen to them.'' Harry said firmly but lovingly. "They're not exactly super models are they.'' He said, glad to see that Ginny was smiling again. "Now hurry up, Snape's going to kill me I'm late.'' Harry said as they rushed up to the castle, Harry running down into the dungeons while Ginny rushed to Charms, thankful that the two Ravenclaw bitches weren't in her class.
Lupin sat in Tonk's room as she walked back and forth mentally going over the lesson that was planned to take place that night, she stumbled over the corner of the pink rug that covered to solid wooden floor of her room, bringing her out of her reverie and making Lupin smile.
"You should be careful.'' He said getting up and walking slowly over to where she stood blushing.
"I can't help it, it's not as if I go looking for things to fall over.'' Tonks said defensively, smiling slightly as Lupins arms snaked around her waist and he stepped closer to her, he lowered his lips down onto hers, kissing her slowly, sensitively. She sighed as he pulled away, and looked up dreamily at his handsome face, his amber eyes and his greying hair. She smiled up at him and kissed him quickly on the lips. "You're not helping mind.'' She said cheekily, reluctantly wriggling out of his grasp. "I'm trying to concentrate.''
"I know, I'm going now anyway, I have to go and ask Snape for more potion.'' Lupin said sadly. "I'll see you tonight, after your class ok?'' Lupin said as he kissed her cheek quickly.
"Alright then, I'll see you later.'' Tonks said watching his back as he left the room, when he shut the door behind him she let out an audible sigh, but quickly forced her mind away from Remus and onto the lesson that was only an hour away.
As the students congregated in the Great Hall waiting for Tonks and Kingsley to arrive and begin the lesson, Harry and Ron could be found standing a few feet away from Hermione and Ginny, whispering and shooting furtive glances at the girls to see if they were listening, luckily for them, Hermione and Ginny were deep in conversation with Parvati and Lavender.
"I know, I don't want to either, I want to learn to do this properly and I won't be able to practice properly if I'm with her.'' Ron said quietly, looking over his shoulder to see what Hermione was doing.
"Tell me about it, I don't want to hurt her, but I want to really practice this.'' Harry admitted as he too checked what Hermione and Ginny were doing.
"So what do we tell them?'' Ron asked quietly.
"We'll just say that we don't want to work with them incase we hurt them.''
"It was alright working with Hermione in the DA because she could easily kick my ass, but this is more about strength, we can't go hurting them.''
"I know, so we'll tell them what I said yeah?'' Harry asked hopefully.
"No way am I telling Hermione I don't want to work with her incase I hurt her, she'll hate me, she hates it when people think that girls can't do exactly the same as boys, says its sexist. She'll probably beat me up for even mentioning it.'' Ron said smiling fondly.
"Right, we'll tell them that we want to work together because we never do anything together anymore.'' Harry said, shooting Ron a warning glance as Hermione and Ginny walked over to them, with Parvati and Lavender.
"Hi babe.'' Ginny said as she walked over to Harry and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Listen I don't want to hurt your feelings or anything but, I'm going to be partners with Hermione from now on, we are going to have a girls practice group, so you'll have to work with Ron is that alright?'' Ginny asked and smiled hopefully at Harry.
"Well I was going looking forward to working with you.'' Harry said, "But I understand, me and Ron will work together.''
"Good, thank you.'' Ginny said as she kissed Harry again and started to make her way to the front of the Hall with Hermione, Parvati and Lavender.
"Well that went well.'' Ron said grinning; obviously pleased he didn't have to tell Hermione that he didn't want to work with her.
After the lesson finished, everyone left the Great Hall battered and bruised, they had started to learn how to fight with weapons that day, and Harry and Ron hadn't held back. Harry was clutching at his ribs that he claimed were probably broken, and Ron was sporting a black eye from the time Harry accidentally hit him in the face with his stick. Ginny and Hermione looked pleased with themselves, but Harry knew they hadn't really hit each other hard as neither of them was in visible pain.
Harry and Ron struggled to get back to Ron's room, and collapsed on the large soft red sofa, Harry wincing as he sat down, waiting for their girlfriends to come back and make a fuss over their injuries. But when Hermione and Ginny came back it was only to grab their pyjamas, because they were all sleeping in the Gryffindor seventh year dormitories that night for some girl talk.
"But, I'm hurt Gin, you can't leave me, I need you to take care of me.'' Harry whined, as Ginny was about to walk out.
"It's your own fault.'' Ginny replied coolly. "You and Ron were taking it too seriously, you were hitting each other as if you hated each other.''
"Mione, please stay with me, I can't see out of one eye, what if I walk into something.'' Ron pleaded desperately.
"You and Harry can look after each other, me and Ginny are going to meet Parvati and Lavender, good-bye.'' Hermione said grinning at the two boys and walking out, Ginny blew a kiss to Harry and followed suit. Leaving Harry and Ron staring after them with open-mouths.
That night in the Gryffindor seventh year girl's room, four girls sat in a circle on one of the beds that Hermione had magically enlarged talking, gossiping and laughing. Hermione looked around the room and smiled, she remembered when she had first slept in the same bed as Ron, it felt like it was only yesterday and now they lived in the same room and were talking about getting married.
"So Hermione what's it like practically living with Ron Weasley?'' Parvati asked slyly, noticing the starry look in Hermione's eyes.
"It's great, he's so sweet and loving. It's amazing.'' Hermione confessed, blushing under the incredulous looks on her friend's faces. "I mean we still have rows, but now making up is so much better.'' Hermione said grinning.
"I can't believe that Ron is like that.'' Lavender said shocked. "He doesn't seem the type to be so caring.''
"That's not what you were saying in fourth year Lavender.'' Parvati said, smiling evilly, earning her self a piercing glare from her best friend.
"Don't Parvati, I'll tell them about you.'' Lavender warned.
"Oh stop it.'' Ginny shouted. "Look you can tell us, it won't get repeated outside these walls.''
"Fine.'' Lavender huffed. "I used to have a crush on Ron.'' She admitted, noticing the shocked look on Hermione's face. "It was in fourth year before you were together I promise, please don't tell him, I'd be so embarrassed.'' Lavender pleaded.
"I won't tell him, he's bigheaded enough as it is.'' Hermione said smiling. "I just can't believe it, I didn't think he was your type.''
"Who do you think is my type?'' Lavender asked incredulously.
"Seamus.'' Ginny said quickly as Parvati and Hermione laughed. Lavender just blushed, "How did you know?''
"I didn't know, but I do now. How long have you liked him?''
"We've been together since the start of the holidays. I finished with my boyfriend for him, he sleeps in here every night.'' Lavender admitted, and as Hermione looked around she saw that there were obvious male touches in the bedroom.
"But how? He can't get up the stairs.'' Hermione asked logically.
"The stairs don't seem to be a problem for him, I think it's because we are seventh years. I don't know.'' Lavender admitted shrugging, all she cared about that was he could get up to the room.
"What about Parvati, doesn't she mind, she can't sleep in with her Ravenclaw boyfriend anymore, he left last year." Ginny asked confused.
"Oh Parvati doesn't sleep in here anymore do you Parvati?'' Lavender said grinning.
"No I don't, I sleep in the boys dormitory. With Dean. My ex boyfriend finished with me he said he couldn't carry on dating a schoolgirl now he works for the Ministry. I'm better off without him anyway! I'm with Dean now'' Parvati answered proudly.
"You're with Dean.'' Ginny squealed. "Oh my God I never knew. But what about Neville? Where does he sleep?''
"He stays with Luna in her prefects room.'' Parvati answered nonchantly.
"Good grief, it's like musical rooms.'' Hermione said smiling.
The girls stayed up late into the night talking about boys, school work and the teachers, and about what they wanted to do after they left Hogwarts, until they fell asleep around three a.m. Luckily for them the next day was a Saturday, so there were no lessons that they had to get up early for.
At breakfast on Monday morning, Dumbledore rose from his seat and tapped the side of his water goblet with a silver spoon and waited until silence fell over the Great Hall, he cleared his throat and began to speak.
"As most of you will probably now, there is a Hogsmeade weekend coming up soon.'' Dumbledore said, and Harry and Ron looked at each other and smiled, a chance to get out of school, go to the three broomsticks, and replenish their supply of sweets. "What you don't know is that a party has been planned for just before everyone leaves for Christmas. It will be a Christmas party, although no formal dress or robes will need to be worn. Thank you.'' Dumbledore said as he sat back down, content in hearing the laughter and shouts of the students, excited and happy about something. He smiled sadly to himself, if what he feared was about to come to pass, they would need as much as they could to be happy about because he knew when Voldemort recovered from his loses at the Ministry, there would be precious little to be happy about.
That was why he had planned the party, the students needed something to look forward to, something to think about other than the threat of Voldemort that was always hanging over them all, especially Harry, who Dumbledore knew would soon have to take the final stand against Voldemort.
It was a cold blustery day, when all of the third years and above made their way down into the village of Hogsmeade, carriages were provided, but Harry Ginny, Ron and Hermione always preferred to walk. Ginny loved the winter, she loved the cold and having to wrap up warm in scarves and hats, and today was no exception, she had on a blue hat with a matching scarf and gloves and was snuggled in closely to Harry. Hermione, who was walking behind the pair with Ron, was also wrapped up warm, in a deep red hat scarf and gloves.
They reached the Three Broomsticks, ready for a butterbeer that would prepare them for the day ahead of them. Harry and Ron went up to the bar to get four butterbeers while Hermione and Ginny grabbed them a table, in the already busy pub.
"So what shall we do next?'' Harry asked as he and Ron joined the girls at the table, setting all four bottles of butterbeer down at once.
"Well we don't know about you two, but me and Ginny are going dress shopping.'' Hermione said, grinning at the shocked looks on Harry and Ron's faces.
"What!? Why didn't you tell us you weren't going to stay with us? What are we going to do now?'' Ron shouted, earning several curious stares from some of the regulars in the Three Broomsticks who weren't accustomed to Ron and Hermione's shouting matches.
"Look we're sorry alright, but we only found out about the party a few days ago, and we need something to wear. You understand right?'' Ginny asked Harry, successfully diffusing the upcoming argument that was sure to take place if Ron and Hermione started, for people who were so in love, they sure argue a lot, Ginny thought as she smiled sweetly at Harry.
"Of course we understand.'' Harry replied, unable to resist giving Ginny whatever she wanted when she smiled at him. Ron stared at him incredulously.
"Under the thumb.'' He coughed under his breath. Harry just shrugged, thinking that if either of them was under the thumb it was Ron, who would jump through flames if Hermione so much as hinted that she wanted him to.
So after a few Butterbeers in the friendly atmosphere of the Three Broomsticks, Ginny and Hermione rushed out into the cold and up to "Sarah's" The clothes shop, that sold both muggle and wizard wear, and perfect party wear according to Ginny. Leaving Harry and Ron sitting in the Three Broomsticks trying to decide what they should do, they hadn't planned on spending the day with each other, but Ron's mood was lightened when Hermione whispered promises into his ear about what they would do together that night. After a while, they decided that they needed to go to Honeydukes to top up their dwindling supplies of sweets and chocolates, they were half way along the road when Ron suddenly stopped walking and groaned.
"What's the matter?'' Harry asked, watching as Ron ran his hand through his hair.
"I left my scarf and hat back in the pub.'' He said sounding frustrated. "I have to go and get them.''
"I'll come with you.'' Harry replied nonchalantly.
"No it's alright, you go ahead, I'll meet you in Honeydukes. Grab me some chocolate frogs before they all go.'' Ron shouted as he jogged back up the road to the Three Broomsticks.
Harry strolled along, with his gloved hands stuck firmly into the pockets of his thick black cloak, looking around and occasionally smiling at one of his classmates, when a girl ran up to his side and started to walk along with him, he turned and looked and saw that it was the same plump girl with greasy black hair that had smiled at him that day when he met Ginny after Herbology. He looked down at her questioningly, and she just smiled up at him.
"Where are you going?'' She asked in a girly voice, smiling what she must've thought was a sweet smile up at Harry.
"To buy some sweets.'' He replied dully, hoping that she would take the hint that he did not want to talk to her, instead she let out a shrieking laugh and slid her hand down his arm, giving him shivers for all the wrong reasons, he did not like her at all, why was she laughing? He hadn't said anything funny.
"Oh sweets, you're so funny Harry.'' She said, letting his name linger on her tongue. "Why are you alone? Did you finish with your girlfriend?'' She said the last word with distaste and resentment, but still smiled and batted her eyelids.
"No actually she's off with her friend buying a dress to wear to the party that I'm taking her too.'' Harry said, not caring anymore if he sounded rude, this girl was trying to come between him and Ginny and she wasn't about to succeed. Harry looked up the road and sighed a sigh of relief. "And I'm not alone, here comes Ron, so if you don't mind I'm leaving now. Goodbye.'' Harry said walking briskly to meet Ron and ducking quickly into Honeydukes, with Ron craning his neck to see whom Harry was trying so hard to get away from.
"Bye Harry.'' She called after his retreating back. "I'll see you around.'' And with that she ran back over to her friends who were watching from inside a shop window and they all started giggling simultaneously.
"Who was that?'' Ron asked snickering as the fat girl waddled back over to her friends. "Looks like a Snape wannabe.'' Ron said laughing at the look on Harry's face.
"She's just this girl, I don't even know her name. She's trying to break me and Gin up.'' Harry explained, shuddering when he remembered that she had actually touched his arm.
"Why?'' Ron asked confused.
"I think she likes me.'' Harry said, slapping Ron who burst out laughing hysterically.
After Harry and Ron had re stocked on sweets chocolate and pranks, they walked up to the clothes shop that Ginny and Hermione had entered earlier to wait for their girlfriends, luckily they both came out about ten minutes after the boys had arrived, with one small carrier bag each.
"Why didn't you buy that much?'' Harry asked as he looked at Ginny's bag. "You were there ages.''
"Well maybe I'm not wearing that much to the party.'' Ginny answered winking at Harry who didn't know whether he should be pleased or extremely worried.
"I don't think so young lady, over my dead body will you go out dressed like a whore.'' Ron shouted angrily.
"Oh relax.'' Ginny said sounding exasperated. "They're magic bags, inside they're really huge. Anyway it's not what I'm wearing you should worry about. You should see what your girlfriends bought.'' Ginny said winking at Ron, knowing exactly what buttons to press to wind him up.
"Don't you'll only make him worse.'' Hermione said to Ginny, rolling her eyes, while linking arms with Ron and leaning her head against his shoulder. "Now lets go to Honeydukes, I fancy something sweet.''
"But I'm right here.'' Ron protested as Hermione started dragging them back down to Honeydukes. She groaned and shook her head, before turning around and kissing him on the lips. She pulled away and ran her tongue over her lips.
"Not sweet enough, I'm afraid.'' Hermione said, laughing at the indignant look on Ron's face, and turning to walk down to Honeydukes again.
"Wait Mione.'' Ron said as she started to pull him along again. "I've already bought you some chocolate and sweets.'' Ron said, handing Hermione a bag with the Honeydukes logo emblazoned across the front.
"Aww thank you Ronnie.'' Hermione said, kissing him on the cheek. "Isn't he sweet Gin?''
"You've got him well trained.'' Ginny replied laughing.
"I resent that.'' Harry said crossly. "I bought you sweets too, but I won't give them to you, if you think I'm your little dog or something.'' Harry said holding the bag up so it was just out of Ginny's reach.
"Oh, I'm sorry baby. Your not my trained puppy, its sweet.'' Ginny said smiling as Harry lowered the bag, only to pull it away as she was about to grab it.
"Not so fast, what's it worth?'' Harry said, leaning in for a kiss. Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled before she kissed him hard on the lips, shocking Harry so much that he lowered the bag, she saw it out of the corner of her eye and grabbed it, laughing at Harry's shocked face. "I don't care, it was worth it for that kiss.'' He said happily as he looped his arm around Ginny's waist and started to walk back up to the castle.
A group of men stood, shrouded in darkness and shadows, camouflaged in their dark cloaks watching and waiting as crowds of Hogwarts students walked past them back up to Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.
"Which one is she?'' A man growled in a deep voice.
"The fat one. Black hair.'' Another replied, watching as a group of giggling girls walked past.
"You'd think Potter would be able to get a better girlfriend with his celebrity status.'' The man growled again, laughing a low rumbling laugh.
"It's his choice, maybe he likes them large.'' The man answered lowering his voice as a group of girls walked towards them, all crowded around a girl in the centre who seemed to be telling them a very funny story as they were all laughing like hyenas. "It's her, the one in the middle, get her.'' He said sharply and watched as four of his fellow Death Eaters broke out of the shadows, sending the girls scattering in all directions, grabbing the girl with the greasy black hair, and returned into the shadows with her kicking and screaming, to reach for the portkey that would transport them all out of Hogsmeade to a more secure location.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were just walking up to the Gryffindor common room, when they heard several people screaming running along the corridor, they turned around to see who it was and saw several Ravenclaw girls including the tall girl with thin brown hair, all pelting towards Dumbledores office all were clearly distressed. Harry immediately ran after the followed closely by Ron, and the n Hermione and Ginny. He saw the girls pounding their fists furiously against the stone gargoyle but it refused to move. Hermione finally caught up with them and pushed her way past them all.
"Move over, I'm the head girl I know the password.'' She panted as she pushed past the hysterical girls. "Ice Mice.'' She said and watched satisfactorily as the gargoyle jumped aside letting them all through and up the staircase to Dumbledores office.
Once they were all inside and Dumbledore had managed to settle them all down. He asked quickly and sharply for an explanation, the tall girl with brown hair stepped forward and spoke up, her voice was shaky and her face was tear stained, and even after all the horrible thing that she had said, Ginny felt sorry for her.
"Death Eaters, they came, they jumped out, they took Gwen Nicholson, they took her away, they grabbed her.'' She said, breaking down into sobs, another girl reached out her arm to her and pulled her into a hug.
"Leave it with me.'' Dumbledore said as he called Fawkes to his side and threw powder into the Fireplace, watching as it turned red and called into it 'Gwen Nicholson' Then stepped into the bright red flames, leaving a bunch of very confused students in his office.
"What was that?'' Ron asked looking at the sparkling red ashes in the fire.
"It's like Floo powder.'' Hermione answered. "Only instead of appearing at a place, you appear by a person. But there are problems you can only use it if you know where the person is.''
"But how does Dumbledore know where she is?''
"I don't know.'' Hermione admitted. "We'll have to wait to ask him that when he returns.''
After half an hour of tense waiting in Dumbledores office, Harry was starting to get nervous, what if Dumbledore couldn't find her? What if her had been caught or worse killed? Just then the door to the office burst open and Dumbledore appeared looking as if he had just been for a stroll around the grounds not fighting Death Eaters and getting a kidnapped student back. "Girls, Miss Nicholson is in the Hospital Wing, she is going to be fine, she's just a bit shaken up.'' And upon Dumbledores words the girls hurried out of the office together and down to the hospital Wing.
"Where was she professor?'' Harry asked anxiously. "How did you know where to look for her?''
"She was in an abandoned warehouse, a few miles south from Hogsmeade, and I knew she was there because we managed to put a magical tracking spell on one of the Death Eaters, that survived the attack on the Ministry.'' Dumbledore answered, not hesitating about telling them this.
"So you'll always be able to tell where he is, that means they can't surprise us ever again.'' Ron said hopefully, but Harry could tell from the look in Dumbledores eyes that it wasn't as easy as that.
"Unfortunately not. The Death Eater in question was killed when the roof of the warehouse caved in and the others apparated before I could place the spell on them.''
"Why did they take Gwen professor?'' Ginny asked timidly.
"I don't know." Dumbledore answered, but he didn't meet Ginny's eyes directly, she didn't notice and just shrugged, but Harry noticed and he knew that Dumbledore was hiding something from them. "Now if you don't mind I have a lot of owls to send.'' Dumbledore said and smiled as they all nodded politely and turned to leave. "Oh Harry, could you stay behind a minute?'' Dumbledore asked, watching as Harry nodded and told Ginny he'd meet them all in the common room.
"What is it professor?'' Harry asked as he heard the gargoyle snap back in place indicating hat Ron, Hermione and Ginny were out of earshot.
"The reason Miss Nicholson was taking, was because they had gotten the idea into their heads that she was your girlfriend.'' Dumbledore explained softly. "Is there any reason they might have thought that?''
"No.'' Harry replied quickly. "Although she did come over and talk to me in Hogsmeade, maybe they were watching and took it the wrong way.'' Harry said thoughtfully. Dumbledore just nodded.
"Probably. Thank you Harry, that's all.'' He said before dismissing Harry from his office politely.
Harry started to walk back to Gryffindor tower slowly; his mind was racing with what he had just found out. Gwen was taken just because she was seen talking to him. Did that mean everyone he spoke to was potentially in danger? Did that mean that everyone who knew him could be taken at any minute? His thoughts focused on Ron and Hermione, it was too late for him to try and protect them, everybody knew that they were best friends and the closest people to Harry, but not many people knew about Ginny, they couldn't otherwise they wouldn't have taken Gwen that day. That meant he could still save her. He could still protect her, even though it meant practically killing himself. He was going to have to finish with Ginny, the only girl he ever loved, the only girl he ever would love, the only one he ever could love. His angel.
(A.N Thanks for reviewing everyone, I got loads for the last chapter, I'm so glad that you all liked it. I hope you like this one too. Please read and review. Thank you. Love you all loads x x x x x x x x)
HIS ANGEL
It was the same night that Dumbledore had made his announcement on, and the news of the attack on the Ministry of Magic still hadn't fully sunk in with the wizarding population. Voldemort hadn't gone into the Ministry with a reason, with a purpose, he wanted only to cause as much trouble and panic as he could, showing the whole world that he was back with a vengeance.
Harry and Ginny lay together in bed that night after the announcement, pictures of the shocked faces of the students mingling with the many injured people he had helped the previous day. He closed his eyes and tried in vain to clear his head of the swirling mass of images, the only comfort to him know was that he could feel Ginny curled up next to him. He moved his hand and it found hers of it's own accord and squeezed it tightly; she looked up at him with her caring green eyes, that were partially hidden behind a curtain of her lustrous red hair.
"Are you alright?'' she asked him softly, noticing that he had been quiet all night, she usually had to struggle to stop his wandering hands, a symptom she described as randyitus. "You're really quiet tonight.''
"I thought I'd lost him you know?'' Harry said, his voice sounded strained.
"Sirius?''
"Yeah, I was so scared. He's the closest thing to a father that I've ever known.'' Harry explained to her, forcing his voice to remain level.
"I know, but he's back now Harry, it's alright.'' Ginny said sympathetically wrapping her arms around Harry, he was grateful to feel her warmth against him; it made him feel safe and secure.
"It just feels like everyone I love always ends up leaving me.'' Harry confessed, he was embarrassed to be saying all of this in front of Ginny; he was supposed to take care of her not the other way around.
"I'll never leave you. Not ever. I love you.'' Ginny said as Harry pulled her closer to him.
"I love you too angel. Always.'' Harry replied breathing in the scent of flowers from Ginny's hair and sighing contently. "I don't know what I'd do if I lost you.''
"You're not going to lose me, I promise.'' Ginny answered, leaning up from his chest and kissing him softly and tenderly on the lips, a lingering kiss that was sweet and innocent. She pulled away and smiled shyly at him, before resting her head once again on his bare chest, breathing in his familiar scent that she couldn't sleep without.
At breakfast the next morning Ron sat with Harry and Ginny waiting for Hermione to arrive, she had run quickly to the Library to quickly grab a book that she wanted to read that day. It was eight in the morning and Ron couldn't exactly work out why Hermione would want to read before lessons when they would be spending all day reading, but then again he'd only known her for almost seven years and he knew that even if he knew her for seventy he'd never be able to work out everything about her. Its what he loved about her, he never got bored when he was around Hermione, and she was always showing him a new and mysterious part of her, always kept him enthralled. The girl was amazing.
Hermione walked into the Great Hall, her Gryffindor scarf wrapped around her neck and a pair of red gloves covering her hands, that were holding a thick book entitled 'Elementorial Magic for Beginners', she slid into the seat next to Ron and pecked him lightly on the cheek, before turning to a bowl of porridge that he had placed in front of her and smiled gratefully. It was the little things like that, which she loved about Ron. He had been the one to insist that she wore her scarf and gloves to the Library, not wanting her to catch a cold, and getting her breakfast for her, and always listening when she had a problem, always knowing exactly how to touch her and kiss her.
The four friends sat eating their breakfast, when as was custom in Hogwarts the post owls arrived swooping down in to the Great Hall, their feathers ruffled and out of place. A brown owl swooped down and drooped a letter in front of Ron, Ginny looked at the owl and smiled, she recognised the owl, it was Hermes, Percy's owl. Ron quickly tore open the envelope addressed in his mother's loopy handwriting.
*Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Harry
Hope you are all well, I just wanted to write and let you all know that your father is fine, he will be getting out of St Mungo's today. I know you all wanted to come to the hospital but I'm not risking taking any of you out of school, this is your most important year.
Arthur has told me about what happened, Percy was the person who saved him, he took on and killed two Death eaters to save your father. I'm so proud of him, he is also fine; he's back at the Burrow where I am taking care of him. Percy wants to apologise to you all for the trouble he caused the family, and he hopes that you will all forgive him.
Love you
Mum*
"I'm so glad dad's alright.'' Ginny sighed as she finished reading the letter. "And Percy. I think he was so brave saving all of those people.''
"Yeah.'' Hermione said. "He must've been terrified.''
"Excuse me have you all forgotten what a prat he was.'' Ron exclaimed loudly. "What he said about Harry.'' He said staring fixedly at Ginny.
"Of course we remember.'' Ginny snapped back. "But he risked his life to save others, and he saved our fathers life. People make mistakes Ron, he's apologised and I for one am ready to forgive him.''
"I suppose.'' Ron said looking at the floor, knowing that if Percy weren't there his father would be dead. "I forgive him too.''
"Good, well I'm going to write a quick reply to mum before I have to go outside in Artic conditions to take care of a biting plant in the greenhouses.'' Ginny said happily as she got up from her seat, she turned to leave the Great Hall before Harry grabbed her wrist and pulled her back around to face him. He was pretending to pout and he looked up at her sadly with puppy dog eyes. Ginny smiled to herself and rolled her eyes, before she kissed Harry quickly on the lips and walked to her room.
"What have we got now?'' Ron asked through a mouthful of his second bowl of porridge.
"We've been back in school for almost three months and you still haven't memorized your timetable.'' Hermione said incredulously.
"I have more important things on my mind.'' Ron said smiling at Hermione suggestively.
"I know full well what's on your mind Ronald Weasley.'' Hermione said coolly, although she couldn't help but smile.
"When you two have finished, I'd like to get to class, by the way what class do we have Hermione?'' Harry asked, smiling as Hermione muttered something about 'boys and their simple minds' before she replied.
"Defence Against the Dark Arts.''
"Great, lets go.'' Harry said getting up from his seat, ignoring Ron's complaints that he hadn't finished eating.
The trio arrived outside Defence Against the Dark Arts five minutes early and Destiny invited them all into the classroom out of the chilly corridor and into the warm classroom that was lit and heated by flaming torches. Before Harry could ask about Sirius, Neville, Dean and Seamus turned up and sat down in their usual seats, wands out and ready.
"How's Professor Hounding?'' Harry asked in what he hoped sounded like a voice that was just making casual conversation.
"He's alright, back to his usual tricks.'' Destiny replied smirking and rolling her eyes. The class was starting to get quite full and Destiny stood at the front of the class, waiting for everybody to settle.
"Right then, when everyone's quite finished talking I'll tell you what we'll be doing in class today.'' Destiny said, her cool commanding voice silencing the class in seconds. "Thank you, now you're all going to hate me for this, but today's lesson is going to have to take place outside.'' A loud groan filled the classroom as student's heads flickered over to the window and saw the branches of trees swaying in the wind, and the frost covered ground. "But it is essential, we are starting to learn Elementorial Magic, we will be starting with fire. You have five minutes to go and get your scarves and things. We will meet outside the castle doors, close to the greenhouses.''
"Why is it essential that we be outside?'' Dean questioned before the class was dismissed.
"As I said we are working with fire I don't want us to burn the castle down.'' Destiny replied as she pulled on a white fluffy hat over her shiny raven hair. "Now go.''
The class rushed out, with Hermione tutting, she looked smug because she already had her things, but Ron insisted that she go back to her room anyway to get a thicker cloak.
"Whats the problem my love?'' Ron asked as they walked together to their room, with Harry.
"Honestly, has no one read 'Hogwarts a History'. You can't burn down Hogwarts, or damage it in anyway, it is protected by all sorts of spells from any disasters.'' Hermione replied.
"Why should we bother reading it when you can recite it off by heart.'' Ron answered back cheekily, grinning at Harry. He earned himself a playful slap from Hermione for that comment, something that amused Harry greatly. They got down to the grounds by the greenhouses quickly and found the rest of the class congregating there, wrapped up in scarves and hats. Destiny stood at the front of the group in a white hat, white gloves and a long white scarf that accentuated her tanned skin and black hair.
"The spell that we are going to be learning today is 'Eruptolaze' It will form a huge shield of flames around you and your surroundings, if the spell is said by a large group of wizards the size and intensity of the flames will increase. This work will tie in with the work that you will be doing in Care of Magical Creatures soon, so it will benefit you if you can get it right today.''
The class split up to practice. Pretty soon small walls of fire, about half a foot in height were forming around various students. Neville was extremely pleased that on his fifth attempt the wall started to get higher and the fire was burning more intensely around him. Although no one had managed to beat Hermione who managed to conjure a wall around seven feet high all around her and was burning so brightly that it scorched the ground where she stood.
"Great job Hermione.'' Destiny called through the roaring flames, "Now start to walk.''
Hermione tentatively took a step forward finding that she got no closer to the flames, they were moving with her, she could see out clearly through the flames and she walked around for a while encompassed in fire before dropping the shield and staring at the black scorch trail on the grounds, watching as instantly new grass grew to cover up completely the line that had only moments ago been so prominent.
Ginny looked up from the plant she was supposed to be re-potting with Colin Creevy her partner and saw a high wall a flames moving around amongst the students that were on the grounds close to the greenhouses. She smiled to herself as the flames disappeared to leave Hermione standing perfectly unruffled beaming at Destiny. 'Trust Hermione to be the first one to get it right.' Ginny thought fondly to herself as she watched her best girl friend. Out of habit her eyes scanned the group of people outside the greenhouse, she immediately found Harry and watched as he too produced a huge fiery shield all around him and walked around her dropped the shield an was grinning madly as he rushed over to Hermione who was helping Neville, to show her.
Ginny was pulled out of her thoughts about how gorgeous Harry looked when he smiled by the voices of two Ravenclaw girls on the next table, who were obviously doing just what she had been doing minutes earlier.
"Look at him, he's so gorgeous.'' The tallest girl said, she had short, thin brown hair and a small mouth; her blue eyes were fixed on Harry. "I love his smile, it's perfect.''
"Yeah, do you think he has a girlfriend?'' The other girl asked, she was shorter than Ginny and quite plump, her curly black hair had a Snapeish look about it and her face was pale.
"He does, but I don't think that their that serious, He's with that Ginny Weasley.'' The tall girl whispered, making no obvious effort to lower her voice even though Ginny was on the next table. "He doesn't seem to like her that much.'' Ginny grinned to herself, if they only knew the half of it, if they only knew that every night Harry held her in his arms and told her how much he loved her and how special she was to him.
"So they shouldn't be that hard to split up then.'' The girl with greasy black hair said, smiling sappily as she watched Harry and Ron conjure their fire shields and walked into each other to see what would happen.
"No I reckon it'll be easy to get him to leave her, she's ugly anyway, with her freaky red hair.'' The tall girl replied nastily. Ginny just ignored them, but even though she knew she shouldn't let it get to her, the ugly remark really hurt her. What if she was too ugly for Harry? What if he did hate her and her horrible hair? 'No' she told herself 'He loves you.'
After the Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson ended, Harry rushed down to the greenhouse that Ginny was currently in and waited anxiously outside the door for her. When she came out he hugged her tightly and kissed her softly on the lips, he was smiling at her with his lop sided grin, the one that made her go weak at the knees and she forgot all her doubts. The two Ravenclaw girls walked past then, flicking their hair and trying to look appealing, only succeeding in looking stupid. The short, round girl with greasy black hair smiled at Harry and winked, even though she could see Ginny was standing right there. Harry smiled back awkwardly and watched with a confused expression on his face as the girl turned and left. He looked back at Ginny who was watching him closely as though trying to gauge a response from his features.
"What was all that about?'' Harry asked as they both started to walk up to the castle hand in hand.
"One of your fan club.'' Ginny replied dryly. "She's going to try and split us up so that she can get with you.''
"Oh, great.'' Harry said happily smirking. Ginny slapped him on the arm. "Oh come on Gin, why would I want her when I have got you. God she looks like Snapes long lost daughter or something.'' Harry said cupping Ginny's face in his hands. "I love you remember, their going to have a very hard time splitting us up.''
"I know.'' Ginny replied.
"Are they bothering you? Do you want me to go and talk to them?'' Harry asked seriously, taking his scarf off and wrapping it around Ginny's neck after feeling her shiver.
"No, it's just something they said that's all.'' Ginny said pulling the scarf tighter and looking into Harry's bottle green eyes.
"What did they say?'' Harry questioned.
"They said we'll be easy to split up because I'm ugly anyway and have freaky red hair.'' Ginny said, cursing herself for letting that comment affect her so badly, it wasn't even s if she cared what they thought of her.
"Ginny angel, please don't think that you're ugly, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen and your hair is amazing, I love it and I wouldn't have it any other way. Don't listen to them.'' Harry said firmly but lovingly. "They're not exactly super models are they.'' He said, glad to see that Ginny was smiling again. "Now hurry up, Snape's going to kill me I'm late.'' Harry said as they rushed up to the castle, Harry running down into the dungeons while Ginny rushed to Charms, thankful that the two Ravenclaw bitches weren't in her class.
Lupin sat in Tonk's room as she walked back and forth mentally going over the lesson that was planned to take place that night, she stumbled over the corner of the pink rug that covered to solid wooden floor of her room, bringing her out of her reverie and making Lupin smile.
"You should be careful.'' He said getting up and walking slowly over to where she stood blushing.
"I can't help it, it's not as if I go looking for things to fall over.'' Tonks said defensively, smiling slightly as Lupins arms snaked around her waist and he stepped closer to her, he lowered his lips down onto hers, kissing her slowly, sensitively. She sighed as he pulled away, and looked up dreamily at his handsome face, his amber eyes and his greying hair. She smiled up at him and kissed him quickly on the lips. "You're not helping mind.'' She said cheekily, reluctantly wriggling out of his grasp. "I'm trying to concentrate.''
"I know, I'm going now anyway, I have to go and ask Snape for more potion.'' Lupin said sadly. "I'll see you tonight, after your class ok?'' Lupin said as he kissed her cheek quickly.
"Alright then, I'll see you later.'' Tonks said watching his back as he left the room, when he shut the door behind him she let out an audible sigh, but quickly forced her mind away from Remus and onto the lesson that was only an hour away.
As the students congregated in the Great Hall waiting for Tonks and Kingsley to arrive and begin the lesson, Harry and Ron could be found standing a few feet away from Hermione and Ginny, whispering and shooting furtive glances at the girls to see if they were listening, luckily for them, Hermione and Ginny were deep in conversation with Parvati and Lavender.
"I know, I don't want to either, I want to learn to do this properly and I won't be able to practice properly if I'm with her.'' Ron said quietly, looking over his shoulder to see what Hermione was doing.
"Tell me about it, I don't want to hurt her, but I want to really practice this.'' Harry admitted as he too checked what Hermione and Ginny were doing.
"So what do we tell them?'' Ron asked quietly.
"We'll just say that we don't want to work with them incase we hurt them.''
"It was alright working with Hermione in the DA because she could easily kick my ass, but this is more about strength, we can't go hurting them.''
"I know, so we'll tell them what I said yeah?'' Harry asked hopefully.
"No way am I telling Hermione I don't want to work with her incase I hurt her, she'll hate me, she hates it when people think that girls can't do exactly the same as boys, says its sexist. She'll probably beat me up for even mentioning it.'' Ron said smiling fondly.
"Right, we'll tell them that we want to work together because we never do anything together anymore.'' Harry said, shooting Ron a warning glance as Hermione and Ginny walked over to them, with Parvati and Lavender.
"Hi babe.'' Ginny said as she walked over to Harry and kissed him lightly on the cheek. "Listen I don't want to hurt your feelings or anything but, I'm going to be partners with Hermione from now on, we are going to have a girls practice group, so you'll have to work with Ron is that alright?'' Ginny asked and smiled hopefully at Harry.
"Well I was going looking forward to working with you.'' Harry said, "But I understand, me and Ron will work together.''
"Good, thank you.'' Ginny said as she kissed Harry again and started to make her way to the front of the Hall with Hermione, Parvati and Lavender.
"Well that went well.'' Ron said grinning; obviously pleased he didn't have to tell Hermione that he didn't want to work with her.
After the lesson finished, everyone left the Great Hall battered and bruised, they had started to learn how to fight with weapons that day, and Harry and Ron hadn't held back. Harry was clutching at his ribs that he claimed were probably broken, and Ron was sporting a black eye from the time Harry accidentally hit him in the face with his stick. Ginny and Hermione looked pleased with themselves, but Harry knew they hadn't really hit each other hard as neither of them was in visible pain.
Harry and Ron struggled to get back to Ron's room, and collapsed on the large soft red sofa, Harry wincing as he sat down, waiting for their girlfriends to come back and make a fuss over their injuries. But when Hermione and Ginny came back it was only to grab their pyjamas, because they were all sleeping in the Gryffindor seventh year dormitories that night for some girl talk.
"But, I'm hurt Gin, you can't leave me, I need you to take care of me.'' Harry whined, as Ginny was about to walk out.
"It's your own fault.'' Ginny replied coolly. "You and Ron were taking it too seriously, you were hitting each other as if you hated each other.''
"Mione, please stay with me, I can't see out of one eye, what if I walk into something.'' Ron pleaded desperately.
"You and Harry can look after each other, me and Ginny are going to meet Parvati and Lavender, good-bye.'' Hermione said grinning at the two boys and walking out, Ginny blew a kiss to Harry and followed suit. Leaving Harry and Ron staring after them with open-mouths.
That night in the Gryffindor seventh year girl's room, four girls sat in a circle on one of the beds that Hermione had magically enlarged talking, gossiping and laughing. Hermione looked around the room and smiled, she remembered when she had first slept in the same bed as Ron, it felt like it was only yesterday and now they lived in the same room and were talking about getting married.
"So Hermione what's it like practically living with Ron Weasley?'' Parvati asked slyly, noticing the starry look in Hermione's eyes.
"It's great, he's so sweet and loving. It's amazing.'' Hermione confessed, blushing under the incredulous looks on her friend's faces. "I mean we still have rows, but now making up is so much better.'' Hermione said grinning.
"I can't believe that Ron is like that.'' Lavender said shocked. "He doesn't seem the type to be so caring.''
"That's not what you were saying in fourth year Lavender.'' Parvati said, smiling evilly, earning her self a piercing glare from her best friend.
"Don't Parvati, I'll tell them about you.'' Lavender warned.
"Oh stop it.'' Ginny shouted. "Look you can tell us, it won't get repeated outside these walls.''
"Fine.'' Lavender huffed. "I used to have a crush on Ron.'' She admitted, noticing the shocked look on Hermione's face. "It was in fourth year before you were together I promise, please don't tell him, I'd be so embarrassed.'' Lavender pleaded.
"I won't tell him, he's bigheaded enough as it is.'' Hermione said smiling. "I just can't believe it, I didn't think he was your type.''
"Who do you think is my type?'' Lavender asked incredulously.
"Seamus.'' Ginny said quickly as Parvati and Hermione laughed. Lavender just blushed, "How did you know?''
"I didn't know, but I do now. How long have you liked him?''
"We've been together since the start of the holidays. I finished with my boyfriend for him, he sleeps in here every night.'' Lavender admitted, and as Hermione looked around she saw that there were obvious male touches in the bedroom.
"But how? He can't get up the stairs.'' Hermione asked logically.
"The stairs don't seem to be a problem for him, I think it's because we are seventh years. I don't know.'' Lavender admitted shrugging, all she cared about that was he could get up to the room.
"What about Parvati, doesn't she mind, she can't sleep in with her Ravenclaw boyfriend anymore, he left last year." Ginny asked confused.
"Oh Parvati doesn't sleep in here anymore do you Parvati?'' Lavender said grinning.
"No I don't, I sleep in the boys dormitory. With Dean. My ex boyfriend finished with me he said he couldn't carry on dating a schoolgirl now he works for the Ministry. I'm better off without him anyway! I'm with Dean now'' Parvati answered proudly.
"You're with Dean.'' Ginny squealed. "Oh my God I never knew. But what about Neville? Where does he sleep?''
"He stays with Luna in her prefects room.'' Parvati answered nonchantly.
"Good grief, it's like musical rooms.'' Hermione said smiling.
The girls stayed up late into the night talking about boys, school work and the teachers, and about what they wanted to do after they left Hogwarts, until they fell asleep around three a.m. Luckily for them the next day was a Saturday, so there were no lessons that they had to get up early for.
At breakfast on Monday morning, Dumbledore rose from his seat and tapped the side of his water goblet with a silver spoon and waited until silence fell over the Great Hall, he cleared his throat and began to speak.
"As most of you will probably now, there is a Hogsmeade weekend coming up soon.'' Dumbledore said, and Harry and Ron looked at each other and smiled, a chance to get out of school, go to the three broomsticks, and replenish their supply of sweets. "What you don't know is that a party has been planned for just before everyone leaves for Christmas. It will be a Christmas party, although no formal dress or robes will need to be worn. Thank you.'' Dumbledore said as he sat back down, content in hearing the laughter and shouts of the students, excited and happy about something. He smiled sadly to himself, if what he feared was about to come to pass, they would need as much as they could to be happy about because he knew when Voldemort recovered from his loses at the Ministry, there would be precious little to be happy about.
That was why he had planned the party, the students needed something to look forward to, something to think about other than the threat of Voldemort that was always hanging over them all, especially Harry, who Dumbledore knew would soon have to take the final stand against Voldemort.
It was a cold blustery day, when all of the third years and above made their way down into the village of Hogsmeade, carriages were provided, but Harry Ginny, Ron and Hermione always preferred to walk. Ginny loved the winter, she loved the cold and having to wrap up warm in scarves and hats, and today was no exception, she had on a blue hat with a matching scarf and gloves and was snuggled in closely to Harry. Hermione, who was walking behind the pair with Ron, was also wrapped up warm, in a deep red hat scarf and gloves.
They reached the Three Broomsticks, ready for a butterbeer that would prepare them for the day ahead of them. Harry and Ron went up to the bar to get four butterbeers while Hermione and Ginny grabbed them a table, in the already busy pub.
"So what shall we do next?'' Harry asked as he and Ron joined the girls at the table, setting all four bottles of butterbeer down at once.
"Well we don't know about you two, but me and Ginny are going dress shopping.'' Hermione said, grinning at the shocked looks on Harry and Ron's faces.
"What!? Why didn't you tell us you weren't going to stay with us? What are we going to do now?'' Ron shouted, earning several curious stares from some of the regulars in the Three Broomsticks who weren't accustomed to Ron and Hermione's shouting matches.
"Look we're sorry alright, but we only found out about the party a few days ago, and we need something to wear. You understand right?'' Ginny asked Harry, successfully diffusing the upcoming argument that was sure to take place if Ron and Hermione started, for people who were so in love, they sure argue a lot, Ginny thought as she smiled sweetly at Harry.
"Of course we understand.'' Harry replied, unable to resist giving Ginny whatever she wanted when she smiled at him. Ron stared at him incredulously.
"Under the thumb.'' He coughed under his breath. Harry just shrugged, thinking that if either of them was under the thumb it was Ron, who would jump through flames if Hermione so much as hinted that she wanted him to.
So after a few Butterbeers in the friendly atmosphere of the Three Broomsticks, Ginny and Hermione rushed out into the cold and up to "Sarah's" The clothes shop, that sold both muggle and wizard wear, and perfect party wear according to Ginny. Leaving Harry and Ron sitting in the Three Broomsticks trying to decide what they should do, they hadn't planned on spending the day with each other, but Ron's mood was lightened when Hermione whispered promises into his ear about what they would do together that night. After a while, they decided that they needed to go to Honeydukes to top up their dwindling supplies of sweets and chocolates, they were half way along the road when Ron suddenly stopped walking and groaned.
"What's the matter?'' Harry asked, watching as Ron ran his hand through his hair.
"I left my scarf and hat back in the pub.'' He said sounding frustrated. "I have to go and get them.''
"I'll come with you.'' Harry replied nonchalantly.
"No it's alright, you go ahead, I'll meet you in Honeydukes. Grab me some chocolate frogs before they all go.'' Ron shouted as he jogged back up the road to the Three Broomsticks.
Harry strolled along, with his gloved hands stuck firmly into the pockets of his thick black cloak, looking around and occasionally smiling at one of his classmates, when a girl ran up to his side and started to walk along with him, he turned and looked and saw that it was the same plump girl with greasy black hair that had smiled at him that day when he met Ginny after Herbology. He looked down at her questioningly, and she just smiled up at him.
"Where are you going?'' She asked in a girly voice, smiling what she must've thought was a sweet smile up at Harry.
"To buy some sweets.'' He replied dully, hoping that she would take the hint that he did not want to talk to her, instead she let out a shrieking laugh and slid her hand down his arm, giving him shivers for all the wrong reasons, he did not like her at all, why was she laughing? He hadn't said anything funny.
"Oh sweets, you're so funny Harry.'' She said, letting his name linger on her tongue. "Why are you alone? Did you finish with your girlfriend?'' She said the last word with distaste and resentment, but still smiled and batted her eyelids.
"No actually she's off with her friend buying a dress to wear to the party that I'm taking her too.'' Harry said, not caring anymore if he sounded rude, this girl was trying to come between him and Ginny and she wasn't about to succeed. Harry looked up the road and sighed a sigh of relief. "And I'm not alone, here comes Ron, so if you don't mind I'm leaving now. Goodbye.'' Harry said walking briskly to meet Ron and ducking quickly into Honeydukes, with Ron craning his neck to see whom Harry was trying so hard to get away from.
"Bye Harry.'' She called after his retreating back. "I'll see you around.'' And with that she ran back over to her friends who were watching from inside a shop window and they all started giggling simultaneously.
"Who was that?'' Ron asked snickering as the fat girl waddled back over to her friends. "Looks like a Snape wannabe.'' Ron said laughing at the look on Harry's face.
"She's just this girl, I don't even know her name. She's trying to break me and Gin up.'' Harry explained, shuddering when he remembered that she had actually touched his arm.
"Why?'' Ron asked confused.
"I think she likes me.'' Harry said, slapping Ron who burst out laughing hysterically.
After Harry and Ron had re stocked on sweets chocolate and pranks, they walked up to the clothes shop that Ginny and Hermione had entered earlier to wait for their girlfriends, luckily they both came out about ten minutes after the boys had arrived, with one small carrier bag each.
"Why didn't you buy that much?'' Harry asked as he looked at Ginny's bag. "You were there ages.''
"Well maybe I'm not wearing that much to the party.'' Ginny answered winking at Harry who didn't know whether he should be pleased or extremely worried.
"I don't think so young lady, over my dead body will you go out dressed like a whore.'' Ron shouted angrily.
"Oh relax.'' Ginny said sounding exasperated. "They're magic bags, inside they're really huge. Anyway it's not what I'm wearing you should worry about. You should see what your girlfriends bought.'' Ginny said winking at Ron, knowing exactly what buttons to press to wind him up.
"Don't you'll only make him worse.'' Hermione said to Ginny, rolling her eyes, while linking arms with Ron and leaning her head against his shoulder. "Now lets go to Honeydukes, I fancy something sweet.''
"But I'm right here.'' Ron protested as Hermione started dragging them back down to Honeydukes. She groaned and shook her head, before turning around and kissing him on the lips. She pulled away and ran her tongue over her lips.
"Not sweet enough, I'm afraid.'' Hermione said, laughing at the indignant look on Ron's face, and turning to walk down to Honeydukes again.
"Wait Mione.'' Ron said as she started to pull him along again. "I've already bought you some chocolate and sweets.'' Ron said, handing Hermione a bag with the Honeydukes logo emblazoned across the front.
"Aww thank you Ronnie.'' Hermione said, kissing him on the cheek. "Isn't he sweet Gin?''
"You've got him well trained.'' Ginny replied laughing.
"I resent that.'' Harry said crossly. "I bought you sweets too, but I won't give them to you, if you think I'm your little dog or something.'' Harry said holding the bag up so it was just out of Ginny's reach.
"Oh, I'm sorry baby. Your not my trained puppy, its sweet.'' Ginny said smiling as Harry lowered the bag, only to pull it away as she was about to grab it.
"Not so fast, what's it worth?'' Harry said, leaning in for a kiss. Ginny rolled her eyes and smiled before she kissed him hard on the lips, shocking Harry so much that he lowered the bag, she saw it out of the corner of her eye and grabbed it, laughing at Harry's shocked face. "I don't care, it was worth it for that kiss.'' He said happily as he looped his arm around Ginny's waist and started to walk back up to the castle.
A group of men stood, shrouded in darkness and shadows, camouflaged in their dark cloaks watching and waiting as crowds of Hogwarts students walked past them back up to Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.
"Which one is she?'' A man growled in a deep voice.
"The fat one. Black hair.'' Another replied, watching as a group of giggling girls walked past.
"You'd think Potter would be able to get a better girlfriend with his celebrity status.'' The man growled again, laughing a low rumbling laugh.
"It's his choice, maybe he likes them large.'' The man answered lowering his voice as a group of girls walked towards them, all crowded around a girl in the centre who seemed to be telling them a very funny story as they were all laughing like hyenas. "It's her, the one in the middle, get her.'' He said sharply and watched as four of his fellow Death Eaters broke out of the shadows, sending the girls scattering in all directions, grabbing the girl with the greasy black hair, and returned into the shadows with her kicking and screaming, to reach for the portkey that would transport them all out of Hogsmeade to a more secure location.
Harry, Ron, Hermione and Ginny were just walking up to the Gryffindor common room, when they heard several people screaming running along the corridor, they turned around to see who it was and saw several Ravenclaw girls including the tall girl with thin brown hair, all pelting towards Dumbledores office all were clearly distressed. Harry immediately ran after the followed closely by Ron, and the n Hermione and Ginny. He saw the girls pounding their fists furiously against the stone gargoyle but it refused to move. Hermione finally caught up with them and pushed her way past them all.
"Move over, I'm the head girl I know the password.'' She panted as she pushed past the hysterical girls. "Ice Mice.'' She said and watched satisfactorily as the gargoyle jumped aside letting them all through and up the staircase to Dumbledores office.
Once they were all inside and Dumbledore had managed to settle them all down. He asked quickly and sharply for an explanation, the tall girl with brown hair stepped forward and spoke up, her voice was shaky and her face was tear stained, and even after all the horrible thing that she had said, Ginny felt sorry for her.
"Death Eaters, they came, they jumped out, they took Gwen Nicholson, they took her away, they grabbed her.'' She said, breaking down into sobs, another girl reached out her arm to her and pulled her into a hug.
"Leave it with me.'' Dumbledore said as he called Fawkes to his side and threw powder into the Fireplace, watching as it turned red and called into it 'Gwen Nicholson' Then stepped into the bright red flames, leaving a bunch of very confused students in his office.
"What was that?'' Ron asked looking at the sparkling red ashes in the fire.
"It's like Floo powder.'' Hermione answered. "Only instead of appearing at a place, you appear by a person. But there are problems you can only use it if you know where the person is.''
"But how does Dumbledore know where she is?''
"I don't know.'' Hermione admitted. "We'll have to wait to ask him that when he returns.''
After half an hour of tense waiting in Dumbledores office, Harry was starting to get nervous, what if Dumbledore couldn't find her? What if her had been caught or worse killed? Just then the door to the office burst open and Dumbledore appeared looking as if he had just been for a stroll around the grounds not fighting Death Eaters and getting a kidnapped student back. "Girls, Miss Nicholson is in the Hospital Wing, she is going to be fine, she's just a bit shaken up.'' And upon Dumbledores words the girls hurried out of the office together and down to the hospital Wing.
"Where was she professor?'' Harry asked anxiously. "How did you know where to look for her?''
"She was in an abandoned warehouse, a few miles south from Hogsmeade, and I knew she was there because we managed to put a magical tracking spell on one of the Death Eaters, that survived the attack on the Ministry.'' Dumbledore answered, not hesitating about telling them this.
"So you'll always be able to tell where he is, that means they can't surprise us ever again.'' Ron said hopefully, but Harry could tell from the look in Dumbledores eyes that it wasn't as easy as that.
"Unfortunately not. The Death Eater in question was killed when the roof of the warehouse caved in and the others apparated before I could place the spell on them.''
"Why did they take Gwen professor?'' Ginny asked timidly.
"I don't know." Dumbledore answered, but he didn't meet Ginny's eyes directly, she didn't notice and just shrugged, but Harry noticed and he knew that Dumbledore was hiding something from them. "Now if you don't mind I have a lot of owls to send.'' Dumbledore said and smiled as they all nodded politely and turned to leave. "Oh Harry, could you stay behind a minute?'' Dumbledore asked, watching as Harry nodded and told Ginny he'd meet them all in the common room.
"What is it professor?'' Harry asked as he heard the gargoyle snap back in place indicating hat Ron, Hermione and Ginny were out of earshot.
"The reason Miss Nicholson was taking, was because they had gotten the idea into their heads that she was your girlfriend.'' Dumbledore explained softly. "Is there any reason they might have thought that?''
"No.'' Harry replied quickly. "Although she did come over and talk to me in Hogsmeade, maybe they were watching and took it the wrong way.'' Harry said thoughtfully. Dumbledore just nodded.
"Probably. Thank you Harry, that's all.'' He said before dismissing Harry from his office politely.
Harry started to walk back to Gryffindor tower slowly; his mind was racing with what he had just found out. Gwen was taken just because she was seen talking to him. Did that mean everyone he spoke to was potentially in danger? Did that mean that everyone who knew him could be taken at any minute? His thoughts focused on Ron and Hermione, it was too late for him to try and protect them, everybody knew that they were best friends and the closest people to Harry, but not many people knew about Ginny, they couldn't otherwise they wouldn't have taken Gwen that day. That meant he could still save her. He could still protect her, even though it meant practically killing himself. He was going to have to finish with Ginny, the only girl he ever loved, the only girl he ever would love, the only one he ever could love. His angel.
(A.N Thanks for reviewing everyone, I got loads for the last chapter, I'm so glad that you all liked it. I hope you like this one too. Please read and review. Thank you. Love you all loads x x x x x x x x)