Note: I changed the ending of this chapter because I though it was crappily done, on my part. I did have a better ending here that I would have used but it had them going to dinner twice in the same day, so instead I made Remus and Ginny talk a bit more before saying goodnight. Hope this is better than my other ending :D
Ginny's eyes widened. This boy was not Harry. But how could he not be Harry? He looked exactly like him, except he didn't have a lightening bolt scar on his forehead. No, Ginny thought as she looked at him a moment. No this couldn't be him, his eyes are brown. Not like Harry's, no eyes could compare with Harry's.
"You're not Harry?" she said looking around nervously, not knowing where she was or who these boys were.
"Nope, I guess you're not Evans." She shook her head. "Eh," he shrugged while running his fingers through his dark hair. "Coulda fooled me."
"Well then who are you?" she asked.
"James, and this is Remus." He said pointing to the other boy. She turned the shorter boy with messy sandy hair.
"Lupin?" she inquired, starring at him.
"Yes. Remus Lupin," he told her with a strange look on his face. She knew he was wondering how she knew his name. Ginny turned back to the other boy. Professor Lupin? Remus Lupin? Standing right there. In front of me now? As a teenager? She couldn't help noticing that he was somewhat attractive. STOP THAT! Ginny scolded herself. This is Professor Lupin, my teacher and friend of the family who is nearly twenty years older than I am! This is Remus Lupin, and he looks like he's sixteen then .... James.... this must be James Potter! she thought. That means I've gone back in time!! But how?
"James Potter?" she asked. The boy with messy black hair grinned.
"That's me," he replied. "Have we met?" he said obviously curious about how Ginny knew his full name. "Ginny stood, silently staring at them. James and Remus as kids....then that must mean....
"Uh – no, I've just heard those names somewhere . . . not sure where. Um . . .this may sound weird but what year is it?" asked Ginny. The two boys exchanged confused looks. Was this girl playing a trick on them?
"1967. Er—don't mind if we ask, but who are you?"
"Ginny Wea—"she began, then thought she should change her last name—just in case. "Weston. Ginny Weston."
"Okay... so how did you get here? I don't recognize you at all!" said James. "But you are in Gryffindor, as you are wearing Gryffindor colors. Did you just come today? Are you a transfer?"
"Er—yes, that's what I am! A transfer!" said Ginny quickly, while thinking. So she had come back to Hogwarts the year of 1967. That was the year of the Marauders, her friend's parents, her parents! This was going to be interesting. But how on earth did I get here?
"What is that in your hand?" questioned James pointing to the fist Ginny made. Ginny looked down at her hand, completely forgetting that she had been clutching the necklace that had taken her back in time. Of course, the necklace! But how?
"Oh, that thing. It's just a necklace," she said, hoping they believed her. She could've sworn she heard Remus mutter under his breath, "Girls and their jewelry." James grinned.
"So Ginny, maybe you should see Professor Dumbledore—"he began. Ginny let out a gasp. Professor Dumbledore was here as well! Maybe he would know what was going on.
"What, what's wrong?" asked Remus. Ginny shook her head.
"Oh, nothing. Yes that is a good idea, my Mum told me to go straight to him after I unpacked," she told them, trying to be as convincing as possible, though she thought she was failing miserably. She brushed past them, heading for the portrait of the Fat Lady. She opened up, and Ginny stepped out and looked around. Things were much different around the castle then they were in present day. She looked back at James and Remus who were still staring at her with the strangest look on their face. "Would you two mind showing me the way?" she asked politely.
"Not at all," said Remus glancing at James who was shaking his head.
"Alright, you take her. I have to go to apologize to you-know-who," said James, putting a special emphasize on the last three words. Ginny gasped.
"You have to go apologize to Voldemort?" she asked in a hushed whisper. As soon as she said the word, she clapped a hand over her mouth. This made James and Remus only look at her more strangely.
"What's a voldemort?" asked James, his face scrunched up in confusion. He looked at Remus, who shook his head in confusion as well.
"It's—it's—oh, it's just another name for a—it's the uh, name for the loo" said Ginny, stifling a laugh.
"Oh, well if you say so. Hey, maybe Lily's in the voldemort! Thanks Ginny, see ya Moony!" said James, clapping her on the back. He wandered off down one of the corridors, searching for the nearest girl's bathroom.
"Okay, well Professor Dumbledore's office is down this way," Remus said, pointing to a corridor. Ginny nodded, remembering this corridor as the one she always took to go to Professor McGonagall's office. Remus led the way. Some things were different, thought Ginny. Very different.
"So what school did you come from," asked Remus conversationally.
Without thinking, Ginny said the first thing that popped into her mind other than Hogwarts. "Beauxbatons," she said. Then she thought, Oh crap, was that made then? She felt reassured when Remus nodded his head.
"Oh yes, I've heard a lot about that school," he said while studying her face. "You don't look very French though."
"Yeah, I er – I was born in England, but uh moved when I was eight, we moved to France, so uh I don't really have the accent," she said stumbling through her words. Remus looked slightly unconvinced but he decided to accept her answer which was possible, though it sounded a bit choppy. Ginny went in to McGonagall's office before McGonagll had been here. Professor Dumbledore, (who now had a much shorter beard and more gray in his hair was sitting at his desk.) Like his office in her times it was filled with many strange silver instruments.
"Professor Lu -"she started as looked towards him, but realized he was no where year becoming a Professor. "uh I mean Remus, would you mind if I spoke to Professor Dumbledore alone for a bit." She asked hoping she'd be able to explain to him about her little accident.
"Oh sure, I need to get to Potions anyway. Enjoy you're stay here," he said looking slightly disappointed but he turned around and walked down the hallway. She walked in and in a shaky voice ask "Professor Dumbledore?" He looked up from his book.
"Hello there, what can I help you with?" he said placing the book down on the desk.
"This may sound a bit weird but I'm from the future." He took his spectacles off and looked at her briefly.
"Ah, yes, I have been expecting you. I know.," he finally said.
"You do? But how?" He smiled at her
"Miss Weasley, time is a very complicated thing. I have to tell you there is a reason you've been sent back. Everything has a purpose and don't worry, when the time is right we can send you home again."
"But what am I suppose to do?"
"You will spend the rest of the here, and finish your 6th year. Don't worry, your brother and his friends will know. I will tell them."
"But why me? Why have I been sent back?"
"These are things I am unsure of. All I am certain of is time meant for you to be here. Hopefully you'll find out what exactly the reason is."
"But, what do I tell everybody?"
"Exactly what you told Professor Lupin," he shifted through some parchment and then looked up at her. "Try your best to keep everything you know from your time a secret. Especially Voldemort." Ginny's eyes opened.
"I'll – I'll try, Professor sir." She said.
"Excellent, now shortly I'll give you your schedule. And as for your other belongings, they should be arriving shortly."
"From where?"
"Your present obviously."
"But-"she started, sounded extremely confused.
"Don't worry it will all explain itself in time. Now go to the Gyffindor Common Room and don't leave til I come back."
"Yes, Professor," said Ginny obediently. She walked back to the Common Room, only turning down the wrong corridor once, but soon finding her way back. She confronted the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Treacle Tarts," she said, while not really thinking. The Fat Lady shook her head.
"That is not the password, please try again." Ginny looked up confused, and then realized her mistake. She had used the password of the present.. but what was the password of the past? She groaned inwardly at her stupidity of not asking Dumbledore.
"Um... Bubblegum Pop?" she asked, hopefully. The Fat Lady shook her head again.
"Cinnamon Spices?" No. "Licorice Wand?" No. "Cauldron Cakes?" No. "Pumpkin Pasties?"
"NO! You're a Slytherin aren't you?" asked the Fat Lady suspiciously. "I know the likes of you! Always trying to get into the Gryffindor Common Room! Well this time I am not going to be persuaded!"
Ginny sighed and shook her head. She would simply have to wait outside until another Gryffindor came that knew the password. She sat down and rested her head on the thick marble banister behind her. A minute later she heard arguing voices.
"But I apologized-"began a boy's voice, but he was interrupted by a rather angry girl's voice.
"You think I'm just going to forgive you like that? Do you really? Well James, I have news for you! I am not going to forgive you at all. You ripped my shirt open for heavens sake!!" Ginny gave a small gasp and heard the girl continue. "I don't want to look at your face—get out of my SIGHT!"
"But Lily, please—"he tried again.
"NO! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU FOR A LIFETIME!! I HATE YOU JAMES POTTER! NOW GO, AWAY!" screeched the girl who was named Lily. Ginny, still half hidden behind the banister sneaked a peek. She saw a girl with long, wild red hair and green eyes shove James into a wall. She then ran off. James sighed loudly, and saw Ginny looking at him.
"That was Evans. Lily Evans," he explained, walking up to Ginny. He ran his fingers through his untidy black hair. "I don't understand girls for the life of me." He sighed again and then looked at Ginny as though he had only just realized she was there.
"So you talked to Dumbledore? Good, then. Why are you standing out here when you should be in class?" he asked her.
"I was about to ask the same thing of you," she asked, smiling. James slowly grinned.
"Well, I don't normally skip class," he told her, putting on an innocent face. "But every now and then...things happen." Ginny couldn't help but laugh. James reminded her so much of her two older brothers, Fred and George.
"Well, I was ordered to go back to the Common Room but I don't know the password. I was wondering...?" began Ginny.
"Oh, no problem. Fizzing whizbee," said James. The portrait opened, scowling as Ginny went in, followed by James. Ginny went and sat down on the couch, James standing nearby.
"Oh, you don't have to wait for me, you should be in class," said Ginny. James looked at the clock on the wall. "Eh," he said shrugging. "I don't think I really want to go back. Most likely Lily will be there, just waiting to bite my head off again. I think I'll hid out in here a bit 'til Dinner."
"Well okay," she said as he took a seat on the couch adjacent to her. He plopped down and starred at the fire.
"So you like her?" Ginny asked him. "Who, Evans?" he said looking at her. "Oh sure, she's got those eyes, and that beautiful hair. I've been trying to get her to date me for some time now." He said looking at the fire. "She's a pistol all right that one. Sometimes I think she likes Moony." He said some-what scowling.
"I don't think she likes Remus," Ginny said quietly. James looked at her funny. "How do you know about Moony's nickname?" he said suspiciously. "Er –"said quickly. "I heard you call him I before."
"Oh" he seemed to be a bit more relaxed. They conversed a bit more, about Quidditch Teams (Ginny was careful to mention only the ones around then) and a few other things. Shortly after Gryffindors came flooding in, chattering loudly. A small boy with blondish hair and a rat like face joined James. Pettigrew, obviously. Shortly after Remus came in carrying a great deal of books. After that, a boy with black hair, that looked fairly untidy (not quite as untidy as James) arrived whom was surrounded by girls. After shooing them away he came over to join James, Lupin and Pettigrew. Ginny was certain this must be Sirius at a younger age.
"Hi Evans," he grinned at her. James and Remus looked at him. "This is not Evans." They said in unison. Sirius looked hard.
"Goodness, you're right. Her eyes are brown. You can't be Evans."
"My name is Ginny, I just moved here." She said putting out her hand to shake. He grasped it hard and shook it madly. "Watch it there Padfoot," Remus said to him. "You'll rip her arm out of her socket."
"Well if she's half as tough as Evans, I think she can handle it, right?" he said looking at her. She nodded, grinning slightly. "Well we best be headed to dinner now," he said to all of them. The four boys got out of their seats and walked towards the door. "Aren't you coming?" Remus said to her.
"No, I have to wait here 'til Professor Dumbledore comes back." He looked a bit disappointed. "Okay then see you around." He said as he went out through the portrait hole. Ginny decided she'd try to nap for a bit as more and more Gyffindors filed out to go to dinner. She needed a rest. She stretched out on the couch and listened as the fire cracked in the evening. She didn't really sleep, but she very extremely drowsy when felt someone shake her.
"Hello?" a familiar voice said. Ginny woke up to find a pair of emerald green eyes starring at her. Those were Harry's eyes. She'd know them anywhere. Ginny yawned and stretched her arms out. "Hello there," she said to the girl James had been talking to before, Harry's mum.
"I couldn't help but notice but you don't look very familiar and –"
"Oh I see," She said sitting up slightly.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you up, but I just wanted to make sure you weren't maybe a Slytherin in disguise. We've actually caught a few doing it before. But if you were, the Polyjuice potion would have worn out ages ago."
"Well you're right. I'm definitely not in Slytherin. I'm a transfer, I just moved back to England recently. I just got sorted into your house." Ginny said showing Lily the Gryffindor Robes she had actually had for years.
"Oh hello then, glad to see you were sorted into Gryffindor. You must be very brave," she said smiling. "All though," the grin faded. "I can't say everyone in Gryffindor is brave, or for that matter good for anything," she said drifting off. Ginny knew she spoke of James. She seemed to snap out of it when the fire crackled.
"Well anyway, My name is Lily, Lily Evans. I'm a prefect here."
"Hello," Ginny said shaking her hand. "I'm Ginny Weston."
"I hope you like Hogwarts so far, what year are you in anyway?" she asked.
"Oh sixth," she said as Lily sat down next to her. "Really? Me too, you'll probably sleep in my dorm then."
"So do you have any siblings," Ginny asked, trying to make polite conversation.
"Oh yes, one sister. She's a muggle though. What about you?"
"Six brothers. Yeah but, they don't go here they're all too old." Lily looked astonished. "Wow," she said. "You've been living with six boys your whole life?" Ginny shrugged. "Yeah they kind of turned me boyish in some ways."
"Well to be honest, my sister kind of . . . well she hates the fact I'm a witch, she says I'm a freak and all so it's almost like I have no sibling at all."
"Say," Ginny said. "Perhaps you're like the sister I always wanted. I mean after all, everyone has been mistaking me for you today."
"Really?"
"Uh huh." Lily smiled.
"I think we're going to be really good friends." She said to Ginny. "Me too." Ginny said in return.
A few more hours passed before Professor Dumbledore arrived in the Common Room. Seeing as it was rather late only a few students remained. The Marauders were in corner doing something that looked somewhat secretive. Lily was introducing some of her friends in her year. A head girl, with long orange hair, a little on the plump side was telling some second years to go to bed and a few fifth years were studying in the corner for their O.W.L.s
Dumbledore entered the Common Room, with Ginny's trunk levitating behind him. The remaining people in Common Room stood up at their Head of House's presence. He said to the lingering Gryffindors, "I would like you to meet our newest edition to the Hogwarts family. She has just moved her with her family from France. I hope you will all be kind in showing her some of the things we do at Hogwarts. Please say hello to Miss Wea- er" Everyone turned to look at her and she went slightly red.
"Weston, Professor Dumbledore," she said. He nodded to her. Her bewitched truck wandered over to her and plopped down in front of her. Inside were her books, extra cloaks, magazines and newspaper clippings, clothes and other assorted items. Dumbledore wandered over to Ginny, Lily and the other sixth year girls.
"Miss Weston will be sleeping in your dorm. Since there aren't enough beds we had to bewitch the room a bit to let space in for another bed. I hope you don't mind." He said looking at all of them. They shook their heads. All of them seemed to like Ginny quite a bit. "Oh," he added quickly. "Here is your schedule," he handed her a piece of parchment with her former schedule written on it. Only problem was different teachers. Professor Flitwick was still there. Well, she thought a moment. At lease I have a new potions professor. No more Snape taking off points because he doesn't like me . . . Snape . . he should be here shouldn't he? He was in Harry's mum and dad's year. I just can't get away from that slimey git! She thought angered slightly. Maybe I won't run into him. . . she thought hopefully.
"What classes do you have," asked Lily, interrupting Ginny's thoughts. Ginny handed her the schedule, while Lily held it up to hers comparing the two.
"Well," she said. "We have everything together except for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Would you like to partner up for the rest of the year? For anything and everything we need partners for?" Lily gave her a warm smile. Ginny nodded gratefully.
"I would like that a lot," she told the red-headed girl. Lily gave her back her schedule and she studied it for a minute more. Suddenly, a name leapt out onto the paper that she had not noticed before. Ginny went white as a parchment as the schedule dropped from her hands.
"What's wrong?" asked Lily worriedly.
Ginny opened her mouth but no words came out. Finally, when she trusted her mouth to speak she said softly, "Nothing, just had a cramp." Lily nodded sympathetically then excused herself. Ginny slowly picked up the schedule and held it before her eyes as though she would see a different name this time. No, it was still there. Oh my god, this is not happening! Tom Riddle—Defense Against the Dark Arts. A million questions began running their way into Ginny's head, all of which she could not answer. How can this be? What if he knows who I am? What if . . . he tries to do the Chamber thing again? She turned helplessly to Dumbledore, knowing he was watching her. He gave her a sad smile and made a small gesture to join him over in the corner of the room, away from peeking eyes.
"Now, Ginny I want you to listen to me," he began. He studied her face for awhile before continuing. "I understand you have... had experiences with this Tom Riddle. I'm going to ask you to put that all aside—for now. You will soon meet a different Tom Riddle. He is young, smart, and will have to be your teacher in Defense Against the Dark Arts. He won't know who you are—yet. Again, act naturally as you would if he was any other teacher." He stopped when he saw Ginny's pleading glare. "I know that you may be afraid, but you are going to have to forget about your fear of him. He cannot harm you. This is his past. He has not turned to the Dark side yet, well not completely anyway." "I also want to tell you to act like you would at Hogwarts in your present time. Make friends, do your homework, obey your teachers, and be active in class. I expect from you only what you expect from yourself. Again, do not let any information of the future be heard by anyone here. Time is a very powerful but dangerous thing. We cannot make any mistakes." He nodded. Ginny knew a dismissal when she saw one. She turned to go, but she heard Dumbledore whisper to himself, "Oh, yes." She faced him again. In a voice filled with power and all-knowingness he told her, "You will know when it's time to go." He nodded again, as if he was agreeing with himself then brushed past her and out of the Common Room.
Ginny stood still, trying to remember everything he had just told her. It was a lot to absorb in the few minutes he had spoken. Only after a bit did she realized that the Common Room was nearly silent. She came out of the corner and looked around. Everybody must've gone to dinner, she thought.
Then she heard snickering coming from behind the couch. Warily, she moved closer. More snickering. She looked over the couch and was surprised to see four heads, two dark, two light, peer up at her looking startled. The four Marauders immediately began to fumble with something that looked like a piece of parchment. She heard Sirius mutter something under his breath. Ginny grinned. Of course, she thought. The infamous Marauders Map.
"Don't do that!" shouted James, looking accusingly at Ginny. The others muttered their agreement.
"You scared us." Ginny just continued to grin.
"What have you got there?" she asked, trying to sound casual. James stuck the piece of parchment up his shirt.
"Nothing," he replied.
"You're not a very good liar," she told him. Remus gave a small laugh that was silenced with the look on Sirius's face. "I could've sworn I saw a piece of parchment." Ginny moved towards James's back. He instinctively jumped back. As he did so, the map fell on the floor.
"Oh," said Ginny, who was now smirking. "Look at that." James tried to pick it up, but Ginny was quicker. "It looks oh so normal," she said dryly.
"Give it here," snarled James. Ginny took out her wand.
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good." As soon as she said those words, inky black lines began to form on the map. In under ten seconds she saw the entire Hogwarts castle, and all the teachers within. James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter stared at her in complete shock. She looked up and grinned. "Oh, get off it, you boys aren't that sneaky."
"H-h-how.....how did you...?" asked James, eyes shocked, but voice accusatory. Ginny was about to open her mouth, but something made her freeze. Dumbledore had just told her to not say anything about the future. Her only explanation of her knowledge of the map would not only confuse the four boys, but would cause serious problems in the future, and even affect the lives of her and her friends. James made to open his mouth again, but Remus cut in.
"She must've overheard us? We weren't being too careful this afternoon, were we?" said Remus quietly. Ginny, desperate now for an explanation, began nodding vigorously. The other three boys thought for a minute, until this sunk in. Just when they were beginning to believe Remus, Sirius opened his mouth.
"Hey! But she wasn't with us—"he began, but Remus interrupted him.
"Right, Ginny? Was that how you found out?" asked Remus, putting a strong emphasize on the sentence. Ginny nodded again.
"I still don't trust her with this information," said James, a smirk beginning to form on his face. He took out his wand. "Conticesco! "he cried, before Ginny had time to react. Her mouth sealed shut. She tried to move or open her lips, but they stayed clamped together, tight as if she had glued them. She looked helplessly at the four boys, three who were now grinning, despite their shock, and one who was frowning. "Well, I don't expect to see you at dinner tonight," James said to Ginny. He turned to his friends. "Come on, let's go to bed. I'm tired." Sirius and Peter murmered their agreement, only looking back once at Ginny. They walked leisurely up the staircase. The only one remaining in the room was Ginny. And Remus. He took out his wand, which made Ginny step back.
"Dictio," said Remus, sighing. Ginny's mouth slowly began to unglue itself. In seconds she was able to talk again.
"Thank you," she said, unable to meet Remus's eyes. Why is he being so nice to me? Why did he help me back there? Why? thought Ginny. She meant to find out. She cleared her throat, getting ready to speak, but Remus spoke first.
"I helped you because you needed it," he said simply, as though she had already asked him her question. She looked up in shock. He smiled at her. "I feel as though my friends can be a bit stupid sometimes. . . I'm sorry they put that curse on you." Ginny still said nothing, just continued to look at him in shock. "I know that you couldn't have found out about the map this afternoon---there was no one with us, we made sure of that," he started again. "But how did you find out about it? The truth."
Ginny looked down at the ground and gulped. Now what am I going to say? she asked herself.
"I'm sorry, Remus, but I cannot tell you that," she told him, finally looking up to meet his eyes. He looked back into hers, confusion clearly visible. There was a few minutes of silence.
"But why?" he asked.
Ginny smiled in spite of herself. "I can't tell you that either." Remus gave a small laugh, but then became serious again.
"You have to promise on your honor not to say anything about our map to anyone or anything. If you do..." he began but paused. "Well, what you just experienced a few minutes ago was just a minor taste of James's curses. He could and has done far worse. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."
Ginny let this sink in. She nodded her head at Remus in agreement, who looked quite relieved.
"Good, then," he said. Ginny could tell he was very tired. He had bags under his eyes and his hair looked somewhat frazzled. Ginny laughed a little at the thought, and he looked at her. "What's so funny?" he said, crossing his arms over his chest. Ginny shook her head.
"Nothing, I just thought of something funny." She said with a wave of her hand. He didn't look completely satisfied with her answer, but he was obviously too tired to argue. "Well," he started, looking back at the boys staircase. "I better be going to bed." He said with an added yawn.
"Well then good night," she said, not wanting to be alone. But he need his rest, so she didn't protest his leaving. "See ya tomorrow," he said as he went up the staircase. She watched him disappear up the stairs. She felt a very odd feeling in her chest, something she has never really experienced, however she was quite unsure what it was. She realized that she too was incredibly tired and needed some more sleep after the day she had. The one hour nap she had earlier would definitely not do. She gave a slight yawn and sat down on one of the couches in the common room. In almost no time Ginny fell asleep to the sound of the fire crackling. She dreamed of the events that had taken place that day.
Ginny's eyes widened. This boy was not Harry. But how could he not be Harry? He looked exactly like him, except he didn't have a lightening bolt scar on his forehead. No, Ginny thought as she looked at him a moment. No this couldn't be him, his eyes are brown. Not like Harry's, no eyes could compare with Harry's.
"You're not Harry?" she said looking around nervously, not knowing where she was or who these boys were.
"Nope, I guess you're not Evans." She shook her head. "Eh," he shrugged while running his fingers through his dark hair. "Coulda fooled me."
"Well then who are you?" she asked.
"James, and this is Remus." He said pointing to the other boy. She turned the shorter boy with messy sandy hair.
"Lupin?" she inquired, starring at him.
"Yes. Remus Lupin," he told her with a strange look on his face. She knew he was wondering how she knew his name. Ginny turned back to the other boy. Professor Lupin? Remus Lupin? Standing right there. In front of me now? As a teenager? She couldn't help noticing that he was somewhat attractive. STOP THAT! Ginny scolded herself. This is Professor Lupin, my teacher and friend of the family who is nearly twenty years older than I am! This is Remus Lupin, and he looks like he's sixteen then .... James.... this must be James Potter! she thought. That means I've gone back in time!! But how?
"James Potter?" she asked. The boy with messy black hair grinned.
"That's me," he replied. "Have we met?" he said obviously curious about how Ginny knew his full name. "Ginny stood, silently staring at them. James and Remus as kids....then that must mean....
"Uh – no, I've just heard those names somewhere . . . not sure where. Um . . .this may sound weird but what year is it?" asked Ginny. The two boys exchanged confused looks. Was this girl playing a trick on them?
"1967. Er—don't mind if we ask, but who are you?"
"Ginny Wea—"she began, then thought she should change her last name—just in case. "Weston. Ginny Weston."
"Okay... so how did you get here? I don't recognize you at all!" said James. "But you are in Gryffindor, as you are wearing Gryffindor colors. Did you just come today? Are you a transfer?"
"Er—yes, that's what I am! A transfer!" said Ginny quickly, while thinking. So she had come back to Hogwarts the year of 1967. That was the year of the Marauders, her friend's parents, her parents! This was going to be interesting. But how on earth did I get here?
"What is that in your hand?" questioned James pointing to the fist Ginny made. Ginny looked down at her hand, completely forgetting that she had been clutching the necklace that had taken her back in time. Of course, the necklace! But how?
"Oh, that thing. It's just a necklace," she said, hoping they believed her. She could've sworn she heard Remus mutter under his breath, "Girls and their jewelry." James grinned.
"So Ginny, maybe you should see Professor Dumbledore—"he began. Ginny let out a gasp. Professor Dumbledore was here as well! Maybe he would know what was going on.
"What, what's wrong?" asked Remus. Ginny shook her head.
"Oh, nothing. Yes that is a good idea, my Mum told me to go straight to him after I unpacked," she told them, trying to be as convincing as possible, though she thought she was failing miserably. She brushed past them, heading for the portrait of the Fat Lady. She opened up, and Ginny stepped out and looked around. Things were much different around the castle then they were in present day. She looked back at James and Remus who were still staring at her with the strangest look on their face. "Would you two mind showing me the way?" she asked politely.
"Not at all," said Remus glancing at James who was shaking his head.
"Alright, you take her. I have to go to apologize to you-know-who," said James, putting a special emphasize on the last three words. Ginny gasped.
"You have to go apologize to Voldemort?" she asked in a hushed whisper. As soon as she said the word, she clapped a hand over her mouth. This made James and Remus only look at her more strangely.
"What's a voldemort?" asked James, his face scrunched up in confusion. He looked at Remus, who shook his head in confusion as well.
"It's—it's—oh, it's just another name for a—it's the uh, name for the loo" said Ginny, stifling a laugh.
"Oh, well if you say so. Hey, maybe Lily's in the voldemort! Thanks Ginny, see ya Moony!" said James, clapping her on the back. He wandered off down one of the corridors, searching for the nearest girl's bathroom.
"Okay, well Professor Dumbledore's office is down this way," Remus said, pointing to a corridor. Ginny nodded, remembering this corridor as the one she always took to go to Professor McGonagall's office. Remus led the way. Some things were different, thought Ginny. Very different.
"So what school did you come from," asked Remus conversationally.
Without thinking, Ginny said the first thing that popped into her mind other than Hogwarts. "Beauxbatons," she said. Then she thought, Oh crap, was that made then? She felt reassured when Remus nodded his head.
"Oh yes, I've heard a lot about that school," he said while studying her face. "You don't look very French though."
"Yeah, I er – I was born in England, but uh moved when I was eight, we moved to France, so uh I don't really have the accent," she said stumbling through her words. Remus looked slightly unconvinced but he decided to accept her answer which was possible, though it sounded a bit choppy. Ginny went in to McGonagall's office before McGonagll had been here. Professor Dumbledore, (who now had a much shorter beard and more gray in his hair was sitting at his desk.) Like his office in her times it was filled with many strange silver instruments.
"Professor Lu -"she started as looked towards him, but realized he was no where year becoming a Professor. "uh I mean Remus, would you mind if I spoke to Professor Dumbledore alone for a bit." She asked hoping she'd be able to explain to him about her little accident.
"Oh sure, I need to get to Potions anyway. Enjoy you're stay here," he said looking slightly disappointed but he turned around and walked down the hallway. She walked in and in a shaky voice ask "Professor Dumbledore?" He looked up from his book.
"Hello there, what can I help you with?" he said placing the book down on the desk.
"This may sound a bit weird but I'm from the future." He took his spectacles off and looked at her briefly.
"Ah, yes, I have been expecting you. I know.," he finally said.
"You do? But how?" He smiled at her
"Miss Weasley, time is a very complicated thing. I have to tell you there is a reason you've been sent back. Everything has a purpose and don't worry, when the time is right we can send you home again."
"But what am I suppose to do?"
"You will spend the rest of the here, and finish your 6th year. Don't worry, your brother and his friends will know. I will tell them."
"But why me? Why have I been sent back?"
"These are things I am unsure of. All I am certain of is time meant for you to be here. Hopefully you'll find out what exactly the reason is."
"But, what do I tell everybody?"
"Exactly what you told Professor Lupin," he shifted through some parchment and then looked up at her. "Try your best to keep everything you know from your time a secret. Especially Voldemort." Ginny's eyes opened.
"I'll – I'll try, Professor sir." She said.
"Excellent, now shortly I'll give you your schedule. And as for your other belongings, they should be arriving shortly."
"From where?"
"Your present obviously."
"But-"she started, sounded extremely confused.
"Don't worry it will all explain itself in time. Now go to the Gyffindor Common Room and don't leave til I come back."
"Yes, Professor," said Ginny obediently. She walked back to the Common Room, only turning down the wrong corridor once, but soon finding her way back. She confronted the portrait of the Fat Lady.
"Treacle Tarts," she said, while not really thinking. The Fat Lady shook her head.
"That is not the password, please try again." Ginny looked up confused, and then realized her mistake. She had used the password of the present.. but what was the password of the past? She groaned inwardly at her stupidity of not asking Dumbledore.
"Um... Bubblegum Pop?" she asked, hopefully. The Fat Lady shook her head again.
"Cinnamon Spices?" No. "Licorice Wand?" No. "Cauldron Cakes?" No. "Pumpkin Pasties?"
"NO! You're a Slytherin aren't you?" asked the Fat Lady suspiciously. "I know the likes of you! Always trying to get into the Gryffindor Common Room! Well this time I am not going to be persuaded!"
Ginny sighed and shook her head. She would simply have to wait outside until another Gryffindor came that knew the password. She sat down and rested her head on the thick marble banister behind her. A minute later she heard arguing voices.
"But I apologized-"began a boy's voice, but he was interrupted by a rather angry girl's voice.
"You think I'm just going to forgive you like that? Do you really? Well James, I have news for you! I am not going to forgive you at all. You ripped my shirt open for heavens sake!!" Ginny gave a small gasp and heard the girl continue. "I don't want to look at your face—get out of my SIGHT!"
"But Lily, please—"he tried again.
"NO! I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF YOU FOR A LIFETIME!! I HATE YOU JAMES POTTER! NOW GO, AWAY!" screeched the girl who was named Lily. Ginny, still half hidden behind the banister sneaked a peek. She saw a girl with long, wild red hair and green eyes shove James into a wall. She then ran off. James sighed loudly, and saw Ginny looking at him.
"That was Evans. Lily Evans," he explained, walking up to Ginny. He ran his fingers through his untidy black hair. "I don't understand girls for the life of me." He sighed again and then looked at Ginny as though he had only just realized she was there.
"So you talked to Dumbledore? Good, then. Why are you standing out here when you should be in class?" he asked her.
"I was about to ask the same thing of you," she asked, smiling. James slowly grinned.
"Well, I don't normally skip class," he told her, putting on an innocent face. "But every now and then...things happen." Ginny couldn't help but laugh. James reminded her so much of her two older brothers, Fred and George.
"Well, I was ordered to go back to the Common Room but I don't know the password. I was wondering...?" began Ginny.
"Oh, no problem. Fizzing whizbee," said James. The portrait opened, scowling as Ginny went in, followed by James. Ginny went and sat down on the couch, James standing nearby.
"Oh, you don't have to wait for me, you should be in class," said Ginny. James looked at the clock on the wall. "Eh," he said shrugging. "I don't think I really want to go back. Most likely Lily will be there, just waiting to bite my head off again. I think I'll hid out in here a bit 'til Dinner."
"Well okay," she said as he took a seat on the couch adjacent to her. He plopped down and starred at the fire.
"So you like her?" Ginny asked him. "Who, Evans?" he said looking at her. "Oh sure, she's got those eyes, and that beautiful hair. I've been trying to get her to date me for some time now." He said looking at the fire. "She's a pistol all right that one. Sometimes I think she likes Moony." He said some-what scowling.
"I don't think she likes Remus," Ginny said quietly. James looked at her funny. "How do you know about Moony's nickname?" he said suspiciously. "Er –"said quickly. "I heard you call him I before."
"Oh" he seemed to be a bit more relaxed. They conversed a bit more, about Quidditch Teams (Ginny was careful to mention only the ones around then) and a few other things. Shortly after Gryffindors came flooding in, chattering loudly. A small boy with blondish hair and a rat like face joined James. Pettigrew, obviously. Shortly after Remus came in carrying a great deal of books. After that, a boy with black hair, that looked fairly untidy (not quite as untidy as James) arrived whom was surrounded by girls. After shooing them away he came over to join James, Lupin and Pettigrew. Ginny was certain this must be Sirius at a younger age.
"Hi Evans," he grinned at her. James and Remus looked at him. "This is not Evans." They said in unison. Sirius looked hard.
"Goodness, you're right. Her eyes are brown. You can't be Evans."
"My name is Ginny, I just moved here." She said putting out her hand to shake. He grasped it hard and shook it madly. "Watch it there Padfoot," Remus said to him. "You'll rip her arm out of her socket."
"Well if she's half as tough as Evans, I think she can handle it, right?" he said looking at her. She nodded, grinning slightly. "Well we best be headed to dinner now," he said to all of them. The four boys got out of their seats and walked towards the door. "Aren't you coming?" Remus said to her.
"No, I have to wait here 'til Professor Dumbledore comes back." He looked a bit disappointed. "Okay then see you around." He said as he went out through the portrait hole. Ginny decided she'd try to nap for a bit as more and more Gyffindors filed out to go to dinner. She needed a rest. She stretched out on the couch and listened as the fire cracked in the evening. She didn't really sleep, but she very extremely drowsy when felt someone shake her.
"Hello?" a familiar voice said. Ginny woke up to find a pair of emerald green eyes starring at her. Those were Harry's eyes. She'd know them anywhere. Ginny yawned and stretched her arms out. "Hello there," she said to the girl James had been talking to before, Harry's mum.
"I couldn't help but notice but you don't look very familiar and –"
"Oh I see," She said sitting up slightly.
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you up, but I just wanted to make sure you weren't maybe a Slytherin in disguise. We've actually caught a few doing it before. But if you were, the Polyjuice potion would have worn out ages ago."
"Well you're right. I'm definitely not in Slytherin. I'm a transfer, I just moved back to England recently. I just got sorted into your house." Ginny said showing Lily the Gryffindor Robes she had actually had for years.
"Oh hello then, glad to see you were sorted into Gryffindor. You must be very brave," she said smiling. "All though," the grin faded. "I can't say everyone in Gryffindor is brave, or for that matter good for anything," she said drifting off. Ginny knew she spoke of James. She seemed to snap out of it when the fire crackled.
"Well anyway, My name is Lily, Lily Evans. I'm a prefect here."
"Hello," Ginny said shaking her hand. "I'm Ginny Weston."
"I hope you like Hogwarts so far, what year are you in anyway?" she asked.
"Oh sixth," she said as Lily sat down next to her. "Really? Me too, you'll probably sleep in my dorm then."
"So do you have any siblings," Ginny asked, trying to make polite conversation.
"Oh yes, one sister. She's a muggle though. What about you?"
"Six brothers. Yeah but, they don't go here they're all too old." Lily looked astonished. "Wow," she said. "You've been living with six boys your whole life?" Ginny shrugged. "Yeah they kind of turned me boyish in some ways."
"Well to be honest, my sister kind of . . . well she hates the fact I'm a witch, she says I'm a freak and all so it's almost like I have no sibling at all."
"Say," Ginny said. "Perhaps you're like the sister I always wanted. I mean after all, everyone has been mistaking me for you today."
"Really?"
"Uh huh." Lily smiled.
"I think we're going to be really good friends." She said to Ginny. "Me too." Ginny said in return.
A few more hours passed before Professor Dumbledore arrived in the Common Room. Seeing as it was rather late only a few students remained. The Marauders were in corner doing something that looked somewhat secretive. Lily was introducing some of her friends in her year. A head girl, with long orange hair, a little on the plump side was telling some second years to go to bed and a few fifth years were studying in the corner for their O.W.L.s
Dumbledore entered the Common Room, with Ginny's trunk levitating behind him. The remaining people in Common Room stood up at their Head of House's presence. He said to the lingering Gryffindors, "I would like you to meet our newest edition to the Hogwarts family. She has just moved her with her family from France. I hope you will all be kind in showing her some of the things we do at Hogwarts. Please say hello to Miss Wea- er" Everyone turned to look at her and she went slightly red.
"Weston, Professor Dumbledore," she said. He nodded to her. Her bewitched truck wandered over to her and plopped down in front of her. Inside were her books, extra cloaks, magazines and newspaper clippings, clothes and other assorted items. Dumbledore wandered over to Ginny, Lily and the other sixth year girls.
"Miss Weston will be sleeping in your dorm. Since there aren't enough beds we had to bewitch the room a bit to let space in for another bed. I hope you don't mind." He said looking at all of them. They shook their heads. All of them seemed to like Ginny quite a bit. "Oh," he added quickly. "Here is your schedule," he handed her a piece of parchment with her former schedule written on it. Only problem was different teachers. Professor Flitwick was still there. Well, she thought a moment. At lease I have a new potions professor. No more Snape taking off points because he doesn't like me . . . Snape . . he should be here shouldn't he? He was in Harry's mum and dad's year. I just can't get away from that slimey git! She thought angered slightly. Maybe I won't run into him. . . she thought hopefully.
"What classes do you have," asked Lily, interrupting Ginny's thoughts. Ginny handed her the schedule, while Lily held it up to hers comparing the two.
"Well," she said. "We have everything together except for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Would you like to partner up for the rest of the year? For anything and everything we need partners for?" Lily gave her a warm smile. Ginny nodded gratefully.
"I would like that a lot," she told the red-headed girl. Lily gave her back her schedule and she studied it for a minute more. Suddenly, a name leapt out onto the paper that she had not noticed before. Ginny went white as a parchment as the schedule dropped from her hands.
"What's wrong?" asked Lily worriedly.
Ginny opened her mouth but no words came out. Finally, when she trusted her mouth to speak she said softly, "Nothing, just had a cramp." Lily nodded sympathetically then excused herself. Ginny slowly picked up the schedule and held it before her eyes as though she would see a different name this time. No, it was still there. Oh my god, this is not happening! Tom Riddle—Defense Against the Dark Arts. A million questions began running their way into Ginny's head, all of which she could not answer. How can this be? What if he knows who I am? What if . . . he tries to do the Chamber thing again? She turned helplessly to Dumbledore, knowing he was watching her. He gave her a sad smile and made a small gesture to join him over in the corner of the room, away from peeking eyes.
"Now, Ginny I want you to listen to me," he began. He studied her face for awhile before continuing. "I understand you have... had experiences with this Tom Riddle. I'm going to ask you to put that all aside—for now. You will soon meet a different Tom Riddle. He is young, smart, and will have to be your teacher in Defense Against the Dark Arts. He won't know who you are—yet. Again, act naturally as you would if he was any other teacher." He stopped when he saw Ginny's pleading glare. "I know that you may be afraid, but you are going to have to forget about your fear of him. He cannot harm you. This is his past. He has not turned to the Dark side yet, well not completely anyway." "I also want to tell you to act like you would at Hogwarts in your present time. Make friends, do your homework, obey your teachers, and be active in class. I expect from you only what you expect from yourself. Again, do not let any information of the future be heard by anyone here. Time is a very powerful but dangerous thing. We cannot make any mistakes." He nodded. Ginny knew a dismissal when she saw one. She turned to go, but she heard Dumbledore whisper to himself, "Oh, yes." She faced him again. In a voice filled with power and all-knowingness he told her, "You will know when it's time to go." He nodded again, as if he was agreeing with himself then brushed past her and out of the Common Room.
Ginny stood still, trying to remember everything he had just told her. It was a lot to absorb in the few minutes he had spoken. Only after a bit did she realized that the Common Room was nearly silent. She came out of the corner and looked around. Everybody must've gone to dinner, she thought.
Then she heard snickering coming from behind the couch. Warily, she moved closer. More snickering. She looked over the couch and was surprised to see four heads, two dark, two light, peer up at her looking startled. The four Marauders immediately began to fumble with something that looked like a piece of parchment. She heard Sirius mutter something under his breath. Ginny grinned. Of course, she thought. The infamous Marauders Map.
"Don't do that!" shouted James, looking accusingly at Ginny. The others muttered their agreement.
"You scared us." Ginny just continued to grin.
"What have you got there?" she asked, trying to sound casual. James stuck the piece of parchment up his shirt.
"Nothing," he replied.
"You're not a very good liar," she told him. Remus gave a small laugh that was silenced with the look on Sirius's face. "I could've sworn I saw a piece of parchment." Ginny moved towards James's back. He instinctively jumped back. As he did so, the map fell on the floor.
"Oh," said Ginny, who was now smirking. "Look at that." James tried to pick it up, but Ginny was quicker. "It looks oh so normal," she said dryly.
"Give it here," snarled James. Ginny took out her wand.
"I solemnly swear I am up to no good." As soon as she said those words, inky black lines began to form on the map. In under ten seconds she saw the entire Hogwarts castle, and all the teachers within. James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter stared at her in complete shock. She looked up and grinned. "Oh, get off it, you boys aren't that sneaky."
"H-h-how.....how did you...?" asked James, eyes shocked, but voice accusatory. Ginny was about to open her mouth, but something made her freeze. Dumbledore had just told her to not say anything about the future. Her only explanation of her knowledge of the map would not only confuse the four boys, but would cause serious problems in the future, and even affect the lives of her and her friends. James made to open his mouth again, but Remus cut in.
"She must've overheard us? We weren't being too careful this afternoon, were we?" said Remus quietly. Ginny, desperate now for an explanation, began nodding vigorously. The other three boys thought for a minute, until this sunk in. Just when they were beginning to believe Remus, Sirius opened his mouth.
"Hey! But she wasn't with us—"he began, but Remus interrupted him.
"Right, Ginny? Was that how you found out?" asked Remus, putting a strong emphasize on the sentence. Ginny nodded again.
"I still don't trust her with this information," said James, a smirk beginning to form on his face. He took out his wand. "Conticesco! "he cried, before Ginny had time to react. Her mouth sealed shut. She tried to move or open her lips, but they stayed clamped together, tight as if she had glued them. She looked helplessly at the four boys, three who were now grinning, despite their shock, and one who was frowning. "Well, I don't expect to see you at dinner tonight," James said to Ginny. He turned to his friends. "Come on, let's go to bed. I'm tired." Sirius and Peter murmered their agreement, only looking back once at Ginny. They walked leisurely up the staircase. The only one remaining in the room was Ginny. And Remus. He took out his wand, which made Ginny step back.
"Dictio," said Remus, sighing. Ginny's mouth slowly began to unglue itself. In seconds she was able to talk again.
"Thank you," she said, unable to meet Remus's eyes. Why is he being so nice to me? Why did he help me back there? Why? thought Ginny. She meant to find out. She cleared her throat, getting ready to speak, but Remus spoke first.
"I helped you because you needed it," he said simply, as though she had already asked him her question. She looked up in shock. He smiled at her. "I feel as though my friends can be a bit stupid sometimes. . . I'm sorry they put that curse on you." Ginny still said nothing, just continued to look at him in shock. "I know that you couldn't have found out about the map this afternoon---there was no one with us, we made sure of that," he started again. "But how did you find out about it? The truth."
Ginny looked down at the ground and gulped. Now what am I going to say? she asked herself.
"I'm sorry, Remus, but I cannot tell you that," she told him, finally looking up to meet his eyes. He looked back into hers, confusion clearly visible. There was a few minutes of silence.
"But why?" he asked.
Ginny smiled in spite of herself. "I can't tell you that either." Remus gave a small laugh, but then became serious again.
"You have to promise on your honor not to say anything about our map to anyone or anything. If you do..." he began but paused. "Well, what you just experienced a few minutes ago was just a minor taste of James's curses. He could and has done far worse. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you."
Ginny let this sink in. She nodded her head at Remus in agreement, who looked quite relieved.
"Good, then," he said. Ginny could tell he was very tired. He had bags under his eyes and his hair looked somewhat frazzled. Ginny laughed a little at the thought, and he looked at her. "What's so funny?" he said, crossing his arms over his chest. Ginny shook her head.
"Nothing, I just thought of something funny." She said with a wave of her hand. He didn't look completely satisfied with her answer, but he was obviously too tired to argue. "Well," he started, looking back at the boys staircase. "I better be going to bed." He said with an added yawn.
"Well then good night," she said, not wanting to be alone. But he need his rest, so she didn't protest his leaving. "See ya tomorrow," he said as he went up the staircase. She watched him disappear up the stairs. She felt a very odd feeling in her chest, something she has never really experienced, however she was quite unsure what it was. She realized that she too was incredibly tired and needed some more sleep after the day she had. The one hour nap she had earlier would definitely not do. She gave a slight yawn and sat down on one of the couches in the common room. In almost no time Ginny fell asleep to the sound of the fire crackling. She dreamed of the events that had taken place that day.