Ginny Weasley:

The Lion-Snake Prophecies

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter … I merely worship JKR!

Heyo everyone!

Bells: thanks for reading the chapter, even though you didn't review! But you've been so good, you may just get that cookie yet!

jcd1013: does that stand for something, btw??? Don't worry about painfully short! Any review is a good review! Though if you do have more time, I would love to hear what you say in a "long" review, since you say a lot in a short! Glad you like Hiss, he really is my one proud character in this story, the only one I can claim as my own! Well, from who you've seen so far! Even though you said to take all the time I need, this next one is out pretty quick, and I've already got three pages done of the next!

Hope you all enjoy it,

Light love laughter!

Rain

Chapter Six

Ginny caught the Quaffle thrown to her by George, ducked under Fred's hurled Bludger and threw the Quaffle as hard as she could over Ron's outstretched hands. George cheered and Ron cursed good-naturedly. Harry was a dark streak against the green trees as he dove in behind the make-shift hoop, caught the Quaffle with one hand and threw it back into the game, before returning to his section of the pitch. He was not really participating in the game himself, but was practicing one-on-one with the Snitch closer to the tree-line.

Ginny took a moment to catch her breath and couldn't resist watching him, forgetting she was mad at him, forgetting the accusations he had hurled and the expedition they would take, as she watched him launch the Snitch over and over again into the air. He would give it a two second head-start; allow it the brief flash of freedom, before streaking after it with an expert eye and a tight, fast fist. Ginny almost felt bad for the Snitch, it never had a chance to travel more than a few feet unless he let it. Even after almost an entire year without practice, he still hadn't lost his natural knack for the game.

"Oi, Ginny! Catch!" Fred laughed at her from across the paddock and Ginny tore her eyes off Harry to leap after the Quaffle. She caught it expertly in one had, and for once, it wasn't falling apart from use. She was glad the twins were doing well at work, if only so they could continue feeding their siblings obsession with Quidditch, purchasing not-exactly-new-but-hardly-indecent equipment for the family's enjoyment. If she were good, they often teased her; she might just get a new broom for her birthday.

Together the family zipped and zagged all over the small paddock, and Ginny felt the stress of the world lift off her shoulder's as she caught and threw the Quaffle, and even had a turn as Beater when Fred was called for a few minutes back into the house.

"Mum said dinner's in a half an hour," he called out to the group as he swung back on his broom, catching the Quaffle from George and ducking a Bludger from Ginny. The announcement added a new spur to the game, and even Harry finally joined in, abandoning his lonely obsession with the Snitch to play Chaser against Ginny for a while.

On her part, Ginny did her best to the keep the friendly competition … well, friendly. George played for her 'side' while Fred played for Harry's. Both tried to score on Ron, who was against whichever team came at him. Hermione, sitting comfortably on the ground with an unidentifiable textbook in her lap, kept score and smiled encouragingly every now at everyone. Twice Ginny thought she caught her friend looking pained and clutching a little at her stomach, but both times the instance seemed to pass, and so Ginny tried to pay it little mind.

Harry was, after all, fierce competition, and she really couldn't spare many glances. He turned and wove as a Chaser with the same inborn talent he applied as Seeker, but Ginny was more accustomed to the larger Quaffle, and had better aim at the hoops. Still it was a close game, and when mum finally did call them in, even Hermione wasn't sure who was winning.

Everyone, except Hermione of course, was tired and sweaty after the game, but even Hermione seemed to share in the brimming sense of contentment that filled the group. Ginny felt more relaxed and at ease than she had in a long time; it was as if the constant knot of tension in her spine had been loosened, and even Harry was finally smiling. It was only a small, content smile, but it was encouraging to all.

Even mum's stern glare had softened at that relaxed look. She was waiting with dad, Moody, Tonks and Mundungus at the garden tables as the group trudged back to the Burrow, and everyone caught waiting looked both hungry and impatient. Still, at the sight of Harry for once this summer not scowling, the group contained their impatience and harsh words and the children settled in at the table without too much hassle.

Ginny for one was starved. She had forgotten how at once exhilarating and draining Quidditch could be. Luckily the food was delicious, as always, and between heaping mouthfuls dinner proceeded smoothly – the twins animating Ron's rather spectacular fall again and again for the three Aurors, and anyone else who would listen – until about halfway through the meal Mrs. Weasley looked up at Ginny and remarked, "I wish you'd keep that snake out of the garden, Ginny, it keeps burrowing little holes in around the bushes and the gnomes are moving closer and closer to the house."

Ginny nearly dropped her fork. Though the noise level around the table didn't change, she felt instantly as if the entire family had stopped and stared at her. A quick glance showed that no one had apparently taken interest in the remark, until she noticed that Harry had stopped eating, his spoon paused in the air, half raised to his mouth.

Willing herself to sound nonchalant, Ginny took another forkful of salad and asked, "What was that, mum?"

Mrs. Weasley herself didn't seem to think much of the incident. She took another bite of potato and remarked, "That green Gardner snake that follows you everywhere; it keeps putting holes in the backyard. Tell me you have noticed it, my dear." And now her mother sounded so worried, so concerned, that it was all Ginny could do to only begrudgingly nod.

Immediately her mother brightened. Ginny hadn't wanted to realize it, but her mum had been a bit more concerned about her than usual this summer, especially after that horrible coma she had slipped into briefly after the Department of Mysteries disaster. "It must be that bacon you kept in your pocket, last week Ginny. Use Grandma Prewett's black soap to wash out your cloak and put a piece of garlic in your pockets for a week. That should make it leave you alone."

Ginny flashed her mum a sheepish smile, "Your right, sorry mum. I just love your bacon. That's a good idea though – I'll try it tomorrow. The garlic is above the stove, right?"

She knew perfectly well where the garlic was, but watched from the corner of her eye as Harry paused a moment more over his dish before taking another bite. Ginny resisted the urge to sigh in relief, and instead nodded at her mother's answering directions.

Dinner continued as usual then, though Ginny had to put down her fork a few times more to wipe her sweaty palms dry against her pants. She couldn't believe that mum had noticed Hiss, or that she could be so careless! She was lucky he hadn't been caught riding around on her ankle, or sleeping next to her in bed, or the fat really would have hit the frying pan.

Harry had seemed to accept her mum's explanation, but Ginny couldn't help but noticing the guarded expression that once again ruled his face. She sighed into her plate, for a while there … he really had seemed happy.

And then once she realized Harry was being careful did Ginny remember why – the letter, Dumbledore's warning and, of course, their journey tonight. Sweat broke out fierce on her brow and Ginny quickly again wiped her palms against her thighs. She was going to have to remain calm – no one else could notice a thing. Taking a deep breath, Ginny turned deliberately to Tonks and managed to finish dinner with a rather intriguing conversation over the few limitations placed on a Metamorphmagi. By the time desert was done and the table's occupants sat stuffed in their seats, Ginny had almost managed to convince herself that dinner would never end.

But of course it did. Moody and Tonks were the first to rise, saying they would "inspect the perimeter" before turning in to bed. Fred and George were next, explaining they had to check on their newest shipment to both Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade – their stock was carried at both – and would be back within an hour. Ginny watched as mum and dad both nodded, mum warning them to be careful and not to stay out too late, before they, too, rose from the table. Mum performed a quick charm and the dishes orderly moved themselves to the kitchen, while dad started rearranging the picnic tables. Hermione offered to help; obliviously eager to learn new charms, but mum tutted them all off to bed. Ginny rose from the table, under the watchful eye of Harry – who was back to glaring at her now, staring as if daring her to try and run away.

Like I could, Ginny thought glumly, watching the two Aurors as they moved to opposite sides of the lawn, testing the defenses. Mundungus, in a surprising move, actually offered to help with the dishes, and sounding shocked, mum gladly accepted.

Hermione and Ron had already moved inside. Ginny followed, with mum, Mundungus, dad and Harry all following after her. Ron and Hermione paused in the kitchen, but Ginny strode past them both to the stairs, resisting the urge to stop and look back.

She had already decided that her bedroom would be the safest place to perform the charm. Harry was sharing with Ron, and Ginny definitely didn't want her brother watching while the two of them dove in her most private thoughts. Dealing with Harry was going to be bad enough without compounding the audience.

There may have been a time when Ginny and Ron shared everything, but even with his recent protective behaviour, this was no longer it. Yet the regret was an old one, and stung a little less each year.

Hermione was staying with Tonks in Percy's old room. Even though the Ministry had finally smartened-up, he still refused to come home. Mom wouldn't even talk about it, though she still set a place for him every night at dinner, and during all meals in between. Ginny knew it was the last thing she had told him, before he had broken the last communication – that he was always welcome to stop by, and would always have a table place ready. Ginny herself wasn't quite sure how she felt about the whole situation, but was glad Hermione was still allowed to have Percy's old room, since it allowed her and Tonks to wake up the several times they needed to each night, to properly administer Hermione's continuing potions.

Ginny went first to the washroom before going to her room, already mentally preparing herself for the coming task, before she remembered that Hiss was still outside. The thought pained her, but if she went back out now not only would Harry notice but Moody and Tonks would too. Bloody hell. Hiss she definitely wanted present … Ginny battled with the thought for a moment.

Maybe she could risk it. Carefully, Ginny opened her door and peered out into the hallway. A creak in the house told her Hermione, and hopefully Ron and Harry, had already gone upstairs. Mum was still in the kitchen with dad … but maybe she could make up some kind of excuse. Thinking quickly, Ginny stepped out into the hallway.

"Where do you think you're going?" Harry's voice sounded cold. Ginny turned to see him standing behind her, having obviously just stepped out of his invisibility cloak. Damn! She'd forgotten about that particular possession. For the second time that evening, Ginny tried to sound nonchalant, "To the garden."

"Why?" the question sounded more like an accusation.

"To get something!" Ginny snarled, turning back to the stairway. Who the hell did he think he was anyway …?

A hand tightened on her shoulder, "I don't think so."

Then Ginny did something that surprised herself: she laughed; a cold, hard chuckle that seemed to come from the pit of her stomach. She didn't bother turning around to reply, "If I'm not back in five minutes you can call the Daily Prophet, alert Dumbledore and do anything else you think is necessary to do round up a rogue spy. Hell you can even rush out after me yourself; lunge headfirst into danger the way you always do. Oh wait, the last time you did, someone died."

There was a pause from behind her. Ginny herself held her breath. In a way, she couldn't believe she had just said that, but even as she confirmed the words had been hers, she was curiously unsurprised to feel no stab of guilt, and no automatic 'sorry' came to her lips. Instead, Ginny felt a surprising rush of … pleasure? … as Harry stiffened behind her. The feeling scared her, and as soon as the pressure on her shoulder lessened, Ginny tore off his grip and rushed down the stairs.

She stumbled into the kitchen and spun out towards the garden, barely noticing Moody and Tonks as they waked past her into the Burrow. Blinking back sudden tears, Ginny walked the few feet to where her sandcastle had once been built and at the sight of Hiss waiting there for her on the sand, burst into tears.

Hiss rolled his tail in a snake's gesture of in-comprehension. Wisely, he didn't speak, only slithered over to his friend, comforting her with his presence.

Ginny coughed, the sudden fear she had felt – at herself! – took her breath away. She tried to stop the flow of tears, but only managed to smear them around her face

"Oh Hiss," she whispered in parseltongue, too low for anyone not within two feet of her to hear, "are you sure I'm not possessed?"

Hiss flickered his tongue at her, once, twice, and kept silent. His eyes told her what she needed to know though, and the answer was the same as it had been earlier that afternoon. There was no outside force to blame - it was only her inner anger, her inner fury, which had spoken out of turn.

Ginny knew she had a temper, and had learned years ago to control it – or thought she had. Hateful things had she said in the past, but had been sure that part of her had been forgotten, dismissed, or at least, buried in some deep dark corner of her mind.

Only Harry had always managed to reach deep into every dark part of her with barely a glance or a notice. Ginny once again resigned herself to what – and who – she was. In a lot of ways, just one messed up kid. Nodding to Hiss, she lifted her pant leg and he carefully crawled under. Standing up, Ginny gave her head a shake, dried the last tears from her eyes, and set back off towards the kitchen.

Passing it, she saw that the dishes had been put away and her parents gone up to bed. Harry was waiting for her at the table, leaning against its sturdy surface so he could watch her as she came it. Ginny straightened her back and met his death-set glare. She shook her head when he indicated for her to sit down, and instead lead the way to her room.

Though Harry had obviously always known where her room was, she didn't think he had ever been inside of it. For a moment Ginny looked at the familiar scene with a stranger's eye: the furniture was Bill's old hand-me-down wooden set, but she had worked her own personality into it. The desk-top had been painted a deep, brilliant red, only slightly worn down by time. The bed covers were well patched but clean, and the window was left open. The white curtain she had sewed herself was pushed back to let in the full escape of the stars, and the floor was reasonably tidy, with books and homework piled if not neatly, then at least squarely near the walls. All in all it was a small room, but lovingly cared for. A quiet refuge from a noisy home.

Harry paused in the doorway, and Ginny had to turn towards him. "Come on, you've got your cloak in case anyone storms in. Ron and Hermione know, I take it?" She waited for Harry's answering nod, his features unreadable, set in stone. "Then you've nothing to worry about. No one else comes in here, anyway."

She waiting patiently for him to enter the room, and when he finally did, she reached around him to carefully close the door. "Where do you want to sit?" she asked, trying to cover her own sudden nervousness, "on the floor or …?"

Harry actually cleared his throat, "Um, there doesn't seem to be much room." That much was true, Ginny realized, looking around again. Her room was actually quite small.

"All right then," she bustled, trying to feel suddenly like her mum, "on the bed then. Don't worry, I won't bite." And with that she went over and sat down by the foot of her bed, the soft mattress suddenly feeling like a stranger's.

Harry eyed the comforter warily, then straightened his back and sat down. He seemed surprised at the softness of it, and Ginny realized he must be used to Ron's room. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence, and then Harry spoke up, his voice again cold. "You know the charm then?"

Ginny shook herself, "Yes, um – yes I do. You'll have to perform it though, since I'll get expelled. I'll … well I'd better write it down then, since Dumbledore said it's pretty powerful. I don't want to activate it by accident." Ginny reached over to her desk and pulled out a quill and a piece of parchment. She quickly scrawled out the phrase, and then looked over at Harry. "You know a good binding charm?"

He nodded and pulled his wand out from his pocket. "Yes, Hermione taught me a good one." He held her gaze, "It will allow me to tell anyone information I may need to defend myself against, but will allow me to speak no other details. Agreed?"

Ginny found herself nodding, "I guess that's all I can ask for. Agreed."

Arranging herself on the bed, Ginny got comfortable and tried to make sure Hiss had enough room without being obvious about it, before handing the scrap of parchment to Harry. She wasn't surprised to see her hand was shaking, but hoped he didn't notice.

Harry likewise made himself comfortable, glanced at the phrase on the parchment, and looked over. "Do you know what's going to happen?"

Ginny shook her head, willing her goosebumps to go down. "No, I've …well I've never actually tried it, even by myself. Let alone with two people."

Harry nodded and closed his eyelids, seeming to concentrate for a second before he looked up, green eyes blazing, and pointed his wand at her saying, "Abscondi gnaritas. Peragro praesentia!"

Ginny felt the words flow over to her; they swam to her ears, reverberating a little in her brain, but didn't stop there. Taking her consciousness with them, they sank down into her, passing through her body and flesh, and into her spirit, her soul, her mind Dimly, Ginny could feel the words lighting the way ahead of her, and even more dimly could she feel Harry, his own consciousness caught, as he followed from behind ….

Hey All,

I have to admit – I laughed out loud over my own words. What Ginny yells to Harry? I went: OUCH! Tehehe… it's always good when an author does that to herself.

Not many changes here. I'm thinking of majorly chaning the chapter after the next. You'll see when you get there. And I'm not sure how far this goes … fourteen chapters. Wow!

Oh, and when I switch to Hermione's voice later on? Yeah, thinking of changing that too. It was such a different point of view .. and I'm not sure if 1) I was Hermione-on, or 2) if it was really needed. I thought it was at the time, but now I'm not so sure. I'll have to check ..