A/N: 3 months later: Hello you guys. I know you all hate me so much for not updating in forever, but there isn't much I can do about it now. I'm really sorry. I've had a horrible case of writer's block. I have things that I want to do in my fanfic, but I have no idea how to get there. Hopefully these next chapters will come more smoothly. Thanks to everyone who wished me a nice time in Mexico, although I ended up getting sick and not being able to go. Yeah sad I know. I just got home from the beach, because I am on Spring Break. I also went to a Clay Aiken/Kelly Clarkson concert on Monday! It was so bomb. :) Well without further adue the thank yous, and chapter you have all been waiting for. Thanx to:
Tiffiany-45: Hey. Thanx for saying I sounded English. I love English people, like Orlando Bloom. :)
morgan: OH! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in forever. Thanx for still lovin me!
michelleywelley: Read this chapter and I think you'll see something I did in honor of you. :)
Natalie Potter731: Dumbledore always does get the good stuff, doesn't he? He rox hard!
Magnolia Lane: Thanx!
Le Poseidon: Sounds good, go read it again. Thanx for waiting.
Penelope Richmond: Yeah I live in Bakersfield and considering nobody has ever heard of it, you most definetly have not ;) The person who was competing AI from here, got kicked off last week, which totally sucks because she was WAY good. It was a fluke...:)
Cheese Diva: Hello? Who is this? Who is this? Cameron has a very high voice! :)
Ron's Best Mate: Thanx yet again, for makking me update. If it wasn't for you I would probably be sleeping right now. :)
SarcasmSage: Thanx. I hope you continue to read!
Disclaimer: "Anyone who thinks I own Harry Potter needs to be slapped, like three times. Not like one time, but like three times."-A revised quote from a person who shall remain nameless.
Chapter 4: Too Much On One's Plate
Harry found himself sitting at his desk late that night. He had his head buried in a huge stack of books, and was carefully reading by the light of his wand. He felt like he was 11 years old again sneaking around in the Restricted Section of the library. It then occurred to him that he had been researching things for Hermione then too. The thought made him chuckle as he continued to look through the giant tome Hermione had showed him earlier in the day.
"This is pointless," Harry mumbled to himself. "Hermione has found out everything one can from this book, and I have no idea where to look from here."
*Click*
Harry's body tensed, as his eyes flicked to his office door. He was the only one in the building. Everyone had to have gone home by now. He stood up slowly and gripped his wand tightly in front of him.
"Nox," he whispered, and the tip of his wand extinguished. Groping his way along the wall in utter darkness, his eyes strained to see anything that could have made the sudden noise.
As he looked down the hall he saw a small light moving around in the shadows. It looked as though it was coming from a wand, but he could not see it or its owner. The stranger stumbled and kicked over a rubbish bin with a loud clang.
"Bloody thing," a voice mumbled. It continued to scramble around in the dark, apparently trying to upright the damage it had already caused.
"Lumos," Harry muttered, his wand tip flared, and he could see the outline of a person. They seemed to be looking towards him. "Don't move!" he said menacingly, and flicked the wand light into the figure's face.
"Ow! Merlin, Harry, don't blind me!"
Harry felt his heart rate reducing, as he let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. "Ginny what are you doing here?"
Ginny scoffed. "I could ask you the same question." With a flick of her wand she turned on the lights in the room. Harry squinted in the light.
'Why didn't I do that?' he thought to himself.
Ginny was staring at Harry with her hands on her hips, evidently wanting an explanation.
"No owl, no nothing. You just...decided to stay late?" It was more of a statement, rather than a question.
"I can explain," Harry said, walking over to help her into his office.
"You don't have much of a choice, boy."
"It's a long story," Harry said with a sigh. "Here I'll explain in my office."
Ginny reluctantly took hold of Harry's hand, obviously still peeved with him to say the least, and allowed him to lead her to his office. It had been a good decision too, as she almost tripped over the sea of books that greeted her upon arrival.
"What in the name of all that is good still left in the world is this rubbish?" She managed to choke out as Harry conjured a chair for her to sit in.
"I visited Hermione at lunch today," he offered as an explanation.
"Why?" Ginny asked, thoroughly confused.
Harry took a deep breath and launched into a watered down rendition of his visit to Hogwarts. When he finished he searched Ginny's eyes for an answer, but there was none. Her eyes were those of utter shock and terror.
"She's an Optipsyche? I had no idea that she...I just thought she was very in touch the world around her or something. I didn't think-"
"No one thought, Ginny. It's that rare! The only other living one is Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore? Why am I not surprised?" Ginny said her eyes slowly shrinking to their normal size.
Harry shrugged. "Anyway that's why I had to stay late. I was doing a little bit of research for Hermione. It appears that since I have had some experience with Occlumency, I can help her. Only God knows how though. I haven't been able to find a thing in these bloody books."
Ginny stared at Harry with a slight smirk on her face. She shook her head, trying to hide her growing grin.
"I fail to see what is so funny, Ginny," Harry said rather crossly. It was late and he hadn't had anything to eat since tea with Hermione earlier on in the day. The thought of it made his stomach growl.
"I just...well if Dumbledore is the only living Optipsyche besides Sarah...then why don't you just go talk to him?"
Harry closed his eyes wishing he would evaporate on the spot. How could he have been so daft? That was the perfect thing to do! Why hadn't he thought of it before? In fact why hadn't Hermione thought of it to begin with instead of sticking him with these heavy, old, dusty volumes all day?
"Ginny I am unworthy to be your husband. Please spare me the embarrassment and just leave me now," he said, his eyes still closed. He began to knead his temple with his fingers.
Ginny laughed. "Don't be ridiculous. You've had quite a shock and just weren't thinking clearly."
Harry shook his head at his own stupidity and pushed the giant book away from him. He continued to massage his head with the tips of his fingers. He felt Ginny's cool hands taking his own away from his forehead.
"Look at me," he heard her voice say. He obliged and stared into her brown eyes.
"Don't even think about giving me the poor defenseless boy act," she said, with a hint of amusement in her voice. "I've known you for 10 years and this is not how Harry Potter acts. Tomorrow you can go back to Hogwarts and speak with Dumbledore. As of now, it's late; let's go home."
Harry stood up with a sigh. He flicked his wand and the lights went out, then the two of them Apparated home.
***********************************************************************
The next morning Harry woke up to the sound of Ginny being quite ill in the bathroom. He jumped out of bed and to her side, where he found her sitting on her knees on the lavatory floor. She seemed to have finished, but looked pale and was trembling. Harry took her hands and helped her to her feet.
"Bloody morning sickness," she said, leaning on Harry for some support.
Harry eased her back into bed and went downstairs in silence. Within moments he had whipped up a fizzy drink and brought it to her.
"Something your Mum taught me how to do," he said shrugging. "It's supposed to improve an upset stomach.
Ginny took a sip of the fixing liquid without hesitation. Immediately, Harry saw color returning to her cheeks. She smiled.
"Harry what I do without you?" she asked with a grin.
"Probably be married to Malfoy or something." He shuddered at the thought. (A/N: I will never understand Draco/Ginny. It just doesn't make sense. No offense to any D/G shippers out there. R/Hr is my main ship anyway!)
Ginny grimaced and downed the rest of the drink in one gulp.
"Well I've got to be going to work," she said standing up and heading to go take a shower. Did you make arrangements to speak with Dumbledore today?"
Harry closed his eyes remembering the conversation he had with Ginny the night before.
"I'll go speak with him today," he answered, taking a pair of regular black robes from the closet.
"Alright that's good," Ginny said, coming out and straightening Harry's robes and smoothing out the creases. "You look nice this morning."
"Not as nice as you," he said giving her a swift kiss on the cheek.
Ginny blushed. "Oh, go talk to Dumbledore you flirt," she said, amusement lingering in her voice.
Harry blew her a kiss before Disapparating.
***********************************************************************
Harry arrived at the edge of the Hogwarts grounds, just as he had the day before. He walked up to the huge oak doors, not wasting any time to look at the scenery around him. He knocked twice.
The door swung open and Harry entered swiftly without a noise. The halls were buzzing with students as they hurried to the Great Hall for breakfast. As he walked past many of the students stopped to stare at him. He walked into the Great Hall ignoring the whispers he was attracting from many of the pupils.
Spotting Dumbledore was no problem, as he was seated at the Head Table. He looked as cheerful as he had four years ago when Harry had attended Hogwarts himself. Stepping through the sea of astonished children he managed to make his way up to the table.
"Harry!" Dumbledore said opening his arms in welcome. "What a pleasant surprise."
"Hello, Professor," Harry called him in utter respect. "I was hoping I could have a word with you."
"Well, of course Mr. Potter. Can it wait until I have finished my meal, however? You know breakfast iis/i the most important meal of the day." He chuckled to himself.
"Oh, by all means," Harry said grinning. His stomach gurgled at the sight of all the glorious food, and he remembered vaguely that he had left without anything to eat.
"Would you care to join us?" Dumbledore asked motioning to the overflowing table of food. "I dare say the house elves have made enough."
Harry grinned. "I'd love to, if it isn't a huge inconvinence."
Dumbledore waved a hand to dismiss the matter. "Not a problem at all, Harry. Please have a seat."
Harry seated himself in a chair that Dumbledore had conjured in his presence, and filled his plate with scrambled eggs and sizzling sausages. (A/N: So hungry!) He began to cut them just as many of the students were leaving the Great Hall.
"Anything left to eat?" Harry heard a voice say from his right. He turned to see a very frantic looking Hermione taking a seat. She didn't seem to have noticed Harry.
"I was up until all hours of the night working on lesson plans. Teaching can really get to you after a while. I fell asleep at my desk, and wake up until about 15 minutes ago.
"It's no problem Hermione," Harry said dishing her some eggs. "Have something to eat. It'll help trust me."
"Thank you, Harry. I-" She turned to face Harry and stared at him in confused silence for a few moments. "Harry? What are you-?"
"I needed to speak with Professor Dumbledore," he explained, before she could continue.
"Oh," Hermione said bringing her fork down onto her eggs in a slow daze.
Harry chuckled at the look on Hermione's face. She was obviously sleep deprived and frazzled.
"Hey Harry!"
Harry looked up from his food in the direction of the voice. A girl was smiling back at him. Her blonde hair was pulled back in two French braids.
"Hi Sarah!" Harry called back to the girl. She waved exuberantly and made her way down to the staff table. Harry stood up so he could greet her.
"What are you doing here?" Sarah asked through a big hug from Harry.
"I just have some...business to discuss with Dumbledore," he answered.
"Oh..."Sarah said, her face changing slightly to that of confusion. "How is Ginny doing?"
"She was kind of ill when I left the house but she should be ok now."
"Oh that's too bad. Well I have to get to Herbology," she said. She turned and began to walk out the door.
'Still the same as when I left,'Harry thought.
"I'll always be the same," Sarah hollered back, and hurried out of the Great Hall.
Harry felt his face turn pale.
***********************************************************************
"Now tell me, Harry, what is it you wished to see me about?" Dumbledore said taking a seat in his high-backed chair. His office was still exactly like Harry had remembered. The old headmasters "snoozed" in their frames, little intricate things covered the rooms to create an organized clutter, and Fawkes stood on his perch in his beautiful scarlet glory.
"Well," Harry said taking a seat in a chair across the Dumbledore's large desk. "I'm not sure if anyone told you this already, but Sarah Adams is, well, she's-"
"An Optipsyche?" Dumbledore finished.
Harry felt his stomach give a lurch. Having to be sitting in the same room with someone who could read minds was rather strange.
"Yes. How did you know?" Harry asked somewhat stupidly.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Harry, I am also an Optipsyche. Although, I have a feeling you knew that."
"Yes I did," Harry said feeling his cheeks turn scarlet.
"So Harry what is it that you want?" Dumbledore said.
"Well," Harry began feeling that this conversation was actually going nowhere. "Hermione and I looked up some things in a few books, but truthfully they haven't gotten us anywhere. Hermione said that since I have hands-on experience with Occlumency, then I should be able to do something to help Sarah. I couldn't find what I needed in the books, and then Ginny pointed out that I could come see you."
"Yes...and how is Ginny by the way? I heard about the exciting news. So sorry I couldn't send my congratulations in person."
Harry's mood brightened at the thought of Ginny. "She's doing alright. Morning sickness and things like that, but she's fine."
"That's good to hear," Dumbledore said pressing the tips of his fingers together. "Now about Sarah. Hermione is right. Occlumency and gifts such as Sarah's are very closely linked. Seeing as how in Occlumency you were forced to drain your mind completely and keep anything from entering. Well that is along the lines of what Sarah must do, only opposite."
Harry's head was spinning. Did Dumbledore ever make sense?
"She must learn to open her mind and also open the minds of others. Very much like what Voldemort did to you in your 5th year. Only Voldemort was never an Optipsyche I can assure you."
"Oh, so how would one go about teaching Sarah to do this?"
"Well it could be helpful for another Optipsyche to be teaching Sarah how to do the things that she must do, but under the circumstances, I think it would be excellent for you to work with her."
"Under the circumstances, sir?"
"Well yes," Dumbledore continued, "with your experience with Occlumency I think it would be terrific for you to train her. Also Optipsyches, particularly in the early stages, are not very apt to trust someone. They are afraid of their own shadow, because they don't know what is going on with them. Hearing voices, as you know, can be a horrifying thing. Sarah knows you very well, and I think she would be more willing to work with you then say with me."
"But sir," Harry tried to protest. "You're the headmaster. Doesn't she trust you?"
"Like I said, Harry, it's a matter of knowing someone better. I think that given time you could make tremendous progress with her."
Harry dropped his head into his hands. Why was he always given the jobs that meant every bit of effort he possessed? It seemed like he never had a minute to call his own. First the new job with Luna, then the baby, now this? It seemed like his mind would explode if he had to take on one more thing.
"I know if seems like a lot, Harry, but you can handle it," Dumbledore said, cutting through his thoughts like a knife. "Just remember that everything has a purpose and even now, something may be needing your attention."
Harry looked up at the professor and shook his head to clear it. "Yes sir."
Dumbledore's wrinkled face broke into a wide beam. "Very well, Harry. I'll notify Hermione about the upcoming changes. She should be able to let Sarah know about her gift. It might come to her as bit of a shock, and Hermione seems like the kind of person who could handle such a thing."
Harry nodded and stood up. He shook the Headmaster's hand before leaving the room. His hand was the just about to turn the door handle when the Headmaster's voice broke through the air.
"Do send my congratulations to Ginny," he said, with a smile. "I have a feeling you two will be terrific parents."
Harry stared at Dumbledore wondering just how much he knew, and then smiled.
"I'll definitely do that," he said, and with a swish of his cloak he left the room.
A/N: Yeah, I know this chapter seemed sort of pointless, but I needed to have some sort of transition chapter. I hope that I can have some R/H pretty soon, but I still need to have some other things in here. Fanfics are so hard to write. And the results of the poll are: *drumroll* 6 people participated and 2 said Long w/ fluff, 2 said short & fluffy, and 2 said both or they didn't care. As for me it depends what mood I'm in. Ok for this chapter's poll I want you to send me your poll questions, because I've run out of ideas! Woo hoo! :) Well until next time.
Love,
'Mione Weasley
Tiffiany-45: Hey. Thanx for saying I sounded English. I love English people, like Orlando Bloom. :)
morgan: OH! I'm so sorry I haven't updated in forever. Thanx for still lovin me!
michelleywelley: Read this chapter and I think you'll see something I did in honor of you. :)
Natalie Potter731: Dumbledore always does get the good stuff, doesn't he? He rox hard!
Magnolia Lane: Thanx!
Le Poseidon: Sounds good, go read it again. Thanx for waiting.
Penelope Richmond: Yeah I live in Bakersfield and considering nobody has ever heard of it, you most definetly have not ;) The person who was competing AI from here, got kicked off last week, which totally sucks because she was WAY good. It was a fluke...:)
Cheese Diva: Hello? Who is this? Who is this? Cameron has a very high voice! :)
Ron's Best Mate: Thanx yet again, for makking me update. If it wasn't for you I would probably be sleeping right now. :)
SarcasmSage: Thanx. I hope you continue to read!
Disclaimer: "Anyone who thinks I own Harry Potter needs to be slapped, like three times. Not like one time, but like three times."-A revised quote from a person who shall remain nameless.
Chapter 4: Too Much On One's Plate
Harry found himself sitting at his desk late that night. He had his head buried in a huge stack of books, and was carefully reading by the light of his wand. He felt like he was 11 years old again sneaking around in the Restricted Section of the library. It then occurred to him that he had been researching things for Hermione then too. The thought made him chuckle as he continued to look through the giant tome Hermione had showed him earlier in the day.
"This is pointless," Harry mumbled to himself. "Hermione has found out everything one can from this book, and I have no idea where to look from here."
*Click*
Harry's body tensed, as his eyes flicked to his office door. He was the only one in the building. Everyone had to have gone home by now. He stood up slowly and gripped his wand tightly in front of him.
"Nox," he whispered, and the tip of his wand extinguished. Groping his way along the wall in utter darkness, his eyes strained to see anything that could have made the sudden noise.
As he looked down the hall he saw a small light moving around in the shadows. It looked as though it was coming from a wand, but he could not see it or its owner. The stranger stumbled and kicked over a rubbish bin with a loud clang.
"Bloody thing," a voice mumbled. It continued to scramble around in the dark, apparently trying to upright the damage it had already caused.
"Lumos," Harry muttered, his wand tip flared, and he could see the outline of a person. They seemed to be looking towards him. "Don't move!" he said menacingly, and flicked the wand light into the figure's face.
"Ow! Merlin, Harry, don't blind me!"
Harry felt his heart rate reducing, as he let out a breath he didn't know he had been holding. "Ginny what are you doing here?"
Ginny scoffed. "I could ask you the same question." With a flick of her wand she turned on the lights in the room. Harry squinted in the light.
'Why didn't I do that?' he thought to himself.
Ginny was staring at Harry with her hands on her hips, evidently wanting an explanation.
"No owl, no nothing. You just...decided to stay late?" It was more of a statement, rather than a question.
"I can explain," Harry said, walking over to help her into his office.
"You don't have much of a choice, boy."
"It's a long story," Harry said with a sigh. "Here I'll explain in my office."
Ginny reluctantly took hold of Harry's hand, obviously still peeved with him to say the least, and allowed him to lead her to his office. It had been a good decision too, as she almost tripped over the sea of books that greeted her upon arrival.
"What in the name of all that is good still left in the world is this rubbish?" She managed to choke out as Harry conjured a chair for her to sit in.
"I visited Hermione at lunch today," he offered as an explanation.
"Why?" Ginny asked, thoroughly confused.
Harry took a deep breath and launched into a watered down rendition of his visit to Hogwarts. When he finished he searched Ginny's eyes for an answer, but there was none. Her eyes were those of utter shock and terror.
"She's an Optipsyche? I had no idea that she...I just thought she was very in touch the world around her or something. I didn't think-"
"No one thought, Ginny. It's that rare! The only other living one is Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore? Why am I not surprised?" Ginny said her eyes slowly shrinking to their normal size.
Harry shrugged. "Anyway that's why I had to stay late. I was doing a little bit of research for Hermione. It appears that since I have had some experience with Occlumency, I can help her. Only God knows how though. I haven't been able to find a thing in these bloody books."
Ginny stared at Harry with a slight smirk on her face. She shook her head, trying to hide her growing grin.
"I fail to see what is so funny, Ginny," Harry said rather crossly. It was late and he hadn't had anything to eat since tea with Hermione earlier on in the day. The thought of it made his stomach growl.
"I just...well if Dumbledore is the only living Optipsyche besides Sarah...then why don't you just go talk to him?"
Harry closed his eyes wishing he would evaporate on the spot. How could he have been so daft? That was the perfect thing to do! Why hadn't he thought of it before? In fact why hadn't Hermione thought of it to begin with instead of sticking him with these heavy, old, dusty volumes all day?
"Ginny I am unworthy to be your husband. Please spare me the embarrassment and just leave me now," he said, his eyes still closed. He began to knead his temple with his fingers.
Ginny laughed. "Don't be ridiculous. You've had quite a shock and just weren't thinking clearly."
Harry shook his head at his own stupidity and pushed the giant book away from him. He continued to massage his head with the tips of his fingers. He felt Ginny's cool hands taking his own away from his forehead.
"Look at me," he heard her voice say. He obliged and stared into her brown eyes.
"Don't even think about giving me the poor defenseless boy act," she said, with a hint of amusement in her voice. "I've known you for 10 years and this is not how Harry Potter acts. Tomorrow you can go back to Hogwarts and speak with Dumbledore. As of now, it's late; let's go home."
Harry stood up with a sigh. He flicked his wand and the lights went out, then the two of them Apparated home.
***********************************************************************
The next morning Harry woke up to the sound of Ginny being quite ill in the bathroom. He jumped out of bed and to her side, where he found her sitting on her knees on the lavatory floor. She seemed to have finished, but looked pale and was trembling. Harry took her hands and helped her to her feet.
"Bloody morning sickness," she said, leaning on Harry for some support.
Harry eased her back into bed and went downstairs in silence. Within moments he had whipped up a fizzy drink and brought it to her.
"Something your Mum taught me how to do," he said shrugging. "It's supposed to improve an upset stomach.
Ginny took a sip of the fixing liquid without hesitation. Immediately, Harry saw color returning to her cheeks. She smiled.
"Harry what I do without you?" she asked with a grin.
"Probably be married to Malfoy or something." He shuddered at the thought. (A/N: I will never understand Draco/Ginny. It just doesn't make sense. No offense to any D/G shippers out there. R/Hr is my main ship anyway!)
Ginny grimaced and downed the rest of the drink in one gulp.
"Well I've got to be going to work," she said standing up and heading to go take a shower. Did you make arrangements to speak with Dumbledore today?"
Harry closed his eyes remembering the conversation he had with Ginny the night before.
"I'll go speak with him today," he answered, taking a pair of regular black robes from the closet.
"Alright that's good," Ginny said, coming out and straightening Harry's robes and smoothing out the creases. "You look nice this morning."
"Not as nice as you," he said giving her a swift kiss on the cheek.
Ginny blushed. "Oh, go talk to Dumbledore you flirt," she said, amusement lingering in her voice.
Harry blew her a kiss before Disapparating.
***********************************************************************
Harry arrived at the edge of the Hogwarts grounds, just as he had the day before. He walked up to the huge oak doors, not wasting any time to look at the scenery around him. He knocked twice.
The door swung open and Harry entered swiftly without a noise. The halls were buzzing with students as they hurried to the Great Hall for breakfast. As he walked past many of the students stopped to stare at him. He walked into the Great Hall ignoring the whispers he was attracting from many of the pupils.
Spotting Dumbledore was no problem, as he was seated at the Head Table. He looked as cheerful as he had four years ago when Harry had attended Hogwarts himself. Stepping through the sea of astonished children he managed to make his way up to the table.
"Harry!" Dumbledore said opening his arms in welcome. "What a pleasant surprise."
"Hello, Professor," Harry called him in utter respect. "I was hoping I could have a word with you."
"Well, of course Mr. Potter. Can it wait until I have finished my meal, however? You know breakfast iis/i the most important meal of the day." He chuckled to himself.
"Oh, by all means," Harry said grinning. His stomach gurgled at the sight of all the glorious food, and he remembered vaguely that he had left without anything to eat.
"Would you care to join us?" Dumbledore asked motioning to the overflowing table of food. "I dare say the house elves have made enough."
Harry grinned. "I'd love to, if it isn't a huge inconvinence."
Dumbledore waved a hand to dismiss the matter. "Not a problem at all, Harry. Please have a seat."
Harry seated himself in a chair that Dumbledore had conjured in his presence, and filled his plate with scrambled eggs and sizzling sausages. (A/N: So hungry!) He began to cut them just as many of the students were leaving the Great Hall.
"Anything left to eat?" Harry heard a voice say from his right. He turned to see a very frantic looking Hermione taking a seat. She didn't seem to have noticed Harry.
"I was up until all hours of the night working on lesson plans. Teaching can really get to you after a while. I fell asleep at my desk, and wake up until about 15 minutes ago.
"It's no problem Hermione," Harry said dishing her some eggs. "Have something to eat. It'll help trust me."
"Thank you, Harry. I-" She turned to face Harry and stared at him in confused silence for a few moments. "Harry? What are you-?"
"I needed to speak with Professor Dumbledore," he explained, before she could continue.
"Oh," Hermione said bringing her fork down onto her eggs in a slow daze.
Harry chuckled at the look on Hermione's face. She was obviously sleep deprived and frazzled.
"Hey Harry!"
Harry looked up from his food in the direction of the voice. A girl was smiling back at him. Her blonde hair was pulled back in two French braids.
"Hi Sarah!" Harry called back to the girl. She waved exuberantly and made her way down to the staff table. Harry stood up so he could greet her.
"What are you doing here?" Sarah asked through a big hug from Harry.
"I just have some...business to discuss with Dumbledore," he answered.
"Oh..."Sarah said, her face changing slightly to that of confusion. "How is Ginny doing?"
"She was kind of ill when I left the house but she should be ok now."
"Oh that's too bad. Well I have to get to Herbology," she said. She turned and began to walk out the door.
'Still the same as when I left,'Harry thought.
"I'll always be the same," Sarah hollered back, and hurried out of the Great Hall.
Harry felt his face turn pale.
***********************************************************************
"Now tell me, Harry, what is it you wished to see me about?" Dumbledore said taking a seat in his high-backed chair. His office was still exactly like Harry had remembered. The old headmasters "snoozed" in their frames, little intricate things covered the rooms to create an organized clutter, and Fawkes stood on his perch in his beautiful scarlet glory.
"Well," Harry said taking a seat in a chair across the Dumbledore's large desk. "I'm not sure if anyone told you this already, but Sarah Adams is, well, she's-"
"An Optipsyche?" Dumbledore finished.
Harry felt his stomach give a lurch. Having to be sitting in the same room with someone who could read minds was rather strange.
"Yes. How did you know?" Harry asked somewhat stupidly.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Harry, I am also an Optipsyche. Although, I have a feeling you knew that."
"Yes I did," Harry said feeling his cheeks turn scarlet.
"So Harry what is it that you want?" Dumbledore said.
"Well," Harry began feeling that this conversation was actually going nowhere. "Hermione and I looked up some things in a few books, but truthfully they haven't gotten us anywhere. Hermione said that since I have hands-on experience with Occlumency, then I should be able to do something to help Sarah. I couldn't find what I needed in the books, and then Ginny pointed out that I could come see you."
"Yes...and how is Ginny by the way? I heard about the exciting news. So sorry I couldn't send my congratulations in person."
Harry's mood brightened at the thought of Ginny. "She's doing alright. Morning sickness and things like that, but she's fine."
"That's good to hear," Dumbledore said pressing the tips of his fingers together. "Now about Sarah. Hermione is right. Occlumency and gifts such as Sarah's are very closely linked. Seeing as how in Occlumency you were forced to drain your mind completely and keep anything from entering. Well that is along the lines of what Sarah must do, only opposite."
Harry's head was spinning. Did Dumbledore ever make sense?
"She must learn to open her mind and also open the minds of others. Very much like what Voldemort did to you in your 5th year. Only Voldemort was never an Optipsyche I can assure you."
"Oh, so how would one go about teaching Sarah to do this?"
"Well it could be helpful for another Optipsyche to be teaching Sarah how to do the things that she must do, but under the circumstances, I think it would be excellent for you to work with her."
"Under the circumstances, sir?"
"Well yes," Dumbledore continued, "with your experience with Occlumency I think it would be terrific for you to train her. Also Optipsyches, particularly in the early stages, are not very apt to trust someone. They are afraid of their own shadow, because they don't know what is going on with them. Hearing voices, as you know, can be a horrifying thing. Sarah knows you very well, and I think she would be more willing to work with you then say with me."
"But sir," Harry tried to protest. "You're the headmaster. Doesn't she trust you?"
"Like I said, Harry, it's a matter of knowing someone better. I think that given time you could make tremendous progress with her."
Harry dropped his head into his hands. Why was he always given the jobs that meant every bit of effort he possessed? It seemed like he never had a minute to call his own. First the new job with Luna, then the baby, now this? It seemed like his mind would explode if he had to take on one more thing.
"I know if seems like a lot, Harry, but you can handle it," Dumbledore said, cutting through his thoughts like a knife. "Just remember that everything has a purpose and even now, something may be needing your attention."
Harry looked up at the professor and shook his head to clear it. "Yes sir."
Dumbledore's wrinkled face broke into a wide beam. "Very well, Harry. I'll notify Hermione about the upcoming changes. She should be able to let Sarah know about her gift. It might come to her as bit of a shock, and Hermione seems like the kind of person who could handle such a thing."
Harry nodded and stood up. He shook the Headmaster's hand before leaving the room. His hand was the just about to turn the door handle when the Headmaster's voice broke through the air.
"Do send my congratulations to Ginny," he said, with a smile. "I have a feeling you two will be terrific parents."
Harry stared at Dumbledore wondering just how much he knew, and then smiled.
"I'll definitely do that," he said, and with a swish of his cloak he left the room.
A/N: Yeah, I know this chapter seemed sort of pointless, but I needed to have some sort of transition chapter. I hope that I can have some R/H pretty soon, but I still need to have some other things in here. Fanfics are so hard to write. And the results of the poll are: *drumroll* 6 people participated and 2 said Long w/ fluff, 2 said short & fluffy, and 2 said both or they didn't care. As for me it depends what mood I'm in. Ok for this chapter's poll I want you to send me your poll questions, because I've run out of ideas! Woo hoo! :) Well until next time.
Love,
'Mione Weasley