Chapter 2 – Return to Hogwarts
The morning of September the first arrived and surprisingly the Burrow was for once not a scene of panic and chaos. Harry and Ginny weren't worried about forgetting anything because they could pop back to the apartment with their rings if they needed too and Hermione was packed and ready to go as usual. Ron was still packing but Hermione was helping him so no one was worried about missing the train for once.
Remus arrived at the Burrow with Ministry cars arriving not long after. The cars were sent courtesy of Minister Fudge for the couple-who-defeated-he-who-must-not-be-named and it wasn't long before they arrived at Kings Cross Station.
As Harry and Ginny stepped through the barrier onto platform 9 ¾ pandemonium broke out. Everyone was clapping and whistling and trying to push their way forward to talk to the now famous couple and thank them for saving the wizarding world. Harry and Ginny blushed embarrassed by all the attention. After an enjoyable and relaxing week at the Burrow they had completely forgotten the rest of the wizarding world was celebrating their defeat of the Dark Lord. Finally with a lot of help from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Remus, Ron and Hermione they managed to make their way onto the train and into an empty compartment.
Flopping down on the seat next to Ginny, Harry set a small Padfoot on the floor who curled up under one of the benches. Letting out a long sigh of relief Harry exclaimed, "That's nuts!"
"Yeah, hopefully it will pass before long." said Ginny.
"It's almost time for the train to leave so I want all of you to be good at school you hear?" said a teary eyed Mrs. Weasley as she pulled each of them into a hug.
"Take care of my little girl Harry." Mr. Weasley added causing the young couple to blush.
"Dad, stop it." his daughter replied.
Remus stepped in to give Harry a hug and whispered in his ear, "As your guardian I need to tell you to be good, but as Moony I'd say 'but not too good.'" Stepping back grinning Remus said his goodbyes to the rest of the teens.
Not long after the adults left the whistle sounded and the train began to roll down the tracks towards Hogwarts. Hermione and Ron left for a prefects meeting a few minutes later leaving Harry and Ginny alone. It wasn't long however before the door to their compartment opened and the flood of visits began. It seemed like everyone on the train wanted to stop by to visit with the pair.
After an agonizing two hours the number of visits seemed to decline and they finally had a few minutes to themselves.
Noticing Harry seemed a bit stressed about all the visits and additional unwanted fame Ginny moved to sit in his lap wrapping her arms around him. After placing several soft kisses on his lips she pulled back looking into his eyes. "It'll get better Harry."
"I know. I just get so tired of it all. I guess I'll never get to be normal eh?" Looking back at his girlfriend he managed a half hearted smile.
"I like you just the way you are."
She could see his smile brighten a little at her words, a smile that was now just beginning to reach his eyes. Leaning towards each other they began to share another kiss when the door to their compartment slid open again. Sighing in frustration they turned to face their guests when two spells rang out.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Malfoy and Nott yelled together.
Harry and Ginny's body's stiffened their eyes frantically searching the compartment for help that wasn't there. Nott slid the door closed as Malfoy stepped closer to the pair his eyes radiating hatred and malice.
"Not so tuff now are you Potter." His eyes moved to Ginny raking up and down her slender form. "And the Weaslet, I think I'm going to enjoy this."
Anger swelled up within Harry but he was helpless to do anything. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Ginny's face and the fear that shown in her eyes.
Nott was smirking in the background as Malfoy removed two small vials of potion from within his robes. "You took our fathers and now you're going to pay. This one is for you Potter it will keep you from remembering this little visit after I'm gone. But first," he said uncorking the other vial, "I thought you might like to watch the effects of this one on the Weaslet. I can't wait to see the look on your face when she leaves you for me."
From seemingly nowhere a large dog appeared in the compartment taking Malfoy and Nott completely by surprise. A low menacing growl escaped the depths of his throat as Padfoot slammed into Malfoy throwing him into Nott. The potions went flying both shattering on the floor of the compartment. Malfoy tried to raise his wand only to have it bitten in half by the large grim. Nott scrambled to open the door and found himself greeted by the wands of several DA members who had heard the commotion and came to check.
As the pair of Slytherin's were led away from the compartment at wand point towards the teachers compartment at the front of the train Padfoot turned to see a silvery mist rising from the floor underneath Harry and Ginny where the two potions had been spilled. He began barking loudly to draw the attention of the students in the hallway but it was too late. The mist wrapped around the young couple and their eyes closed as they both passed into unconsciousness.
Harry groaned loudly as he woke with a throbbing headache. As he opened his eyes he groaned again at the sight of the all too familiar ceiling of the Hogwart's hospital wing.
"Mr. Potter?" Harry heard from across the room.
"Madam Pomphrey?" Harry asked confused, though his headache passed almost immediately his mind was still a bit fuzzy.
As the matron approached his bed he thought she looked especially nice today. "How do you feel Mr. Potter?" she said as she began waving her wand over him muttering various incantations.
"Harry." he said.
"Excuse me?" she asked a curious look on her face.
"Harry. Please call me Harry." he said smiling warmly at her.
"Mr. Potter," she annunciated clearly, "What is the last thing you remember."
Harry became thoughtful. He found it difficult to concentrate through the lingering fuzziness and her presence. "I remember getting on the train, a lot of people visiting, and… and… Malfoy!" he finished sitting upright. All the strange feelings and fuzziness left him completely as the memory came rushing back. "Ginny!" he said worriedly.
"It's ok. She's sleeping just as you were." she said placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.
Calming considerably he let himself be laid back down. "How long was I asleep?"
"Not long. You were brought here by portkey the train hasn't even arrived yet. Please, tell me what happened with Mr. Malfoy.
Harry nodded beginning to feel funny again as he looked at her. "I was alone with Ginny," as he remembered his girlfriend the feelings went away again, "Malfoy and Nott came in and used 'Petrificus Totalus' on us. Malfoy was going to give me a potion so I wouldn't remember them stopping by and give Ginny a potion to make her leave me for him. Padfoot attacked them and I woke up here."
"Padfoot? You don't mean Sirius Black?" she asked with a look of shock on her face.
Harry smiled at the look on her face and the feelings began to return again. "Not exactly, it's a statue of his dog form that can grow to his actual size. It also changes into a wizarding portrait of Sirius so when he's in his dog form it acts just like he did."
Madam Pomphrey nodded in understanding and thought about what had happened and the strange signals she had been picking up on and off throughout their conversation. "I will need to speak with him when the train arrives. Hopefully he will be able to provide us with additional detail as to what happened after you passed out."
"Thank you for taking such good care of me Poppy." Harry said sending her a bright smile.
Yes, she would definitely need to speak with Sirius and Draco Malfoy as well. Sighing she pulled a chair up to Harry's bedside and sat down. "Harry, I'm going to ask you a rather personal question and I need you to give me an honest answer, ok?"
Harry nodded still smiling. "Anything."
"How do you feel about me Harry?"
A blushed appeared on Harry's cheeks and it was all she needed to know. As he began to speak she cut him off.
"Harry, you don't really feel that way about me, I believe your having a reaction to the potions though I don't understand why just yet." She became thoughtful for a moment before continuing, "Think about Ginny."
As Ginny's face appeared in his mind the feelings faded again and a confused look appeared on his face.
"How do you feel about me now Harry?" she asked.
"It's gone now, I don't understand." said a very embarrassed Harry.
"It's ok Harry. As I mentioned before I believe the potions are affecting you somehow, though we will need to know what the potions were and determine what the effect of combining the two is before we will be able to determine a treatment."
Harry felt sick at the implications of what she was telling him. "What about Ginny?"
"I don't know Harry. Come with me."
Madam Pomphrey led Harry to the other side of the infirmary where Ginny was. The feelings had been returning as he was led across the ward but left again at the sight of his girlfriend.
"Before we wake her I would like to try something."
Harry nodded. "Ok, what do you need me to do?"
"First I would like you to look at her and tell me what you feel."
Harry looked at the woman he loved and felt all the familiar feelings rush into him. "I love her." he said shyly. "I'm worried about her, but I love her."
"I know it's hard for you to talk about these things with me, but it is important. Know that I will not betray your confidence in these matters, anything you tell me will stay between the two of us." Harry took a deep breath and nodded. With a reassuring smile Madam Pomphrey continued. "Concentrate on the feelings you hold in your heart for her, do you feel any different about her than you did this morning or yesterday? Do you feel anything less or more for her?"
Harry continued to gaze at Ginny. "I love her more every time I look at her but no, it's no different. I'm just a little more worried about her now than I was."
"That's good Harry, now turn back towards me and let me know when the feelings return."
Harry looked nervously at the matron and it wasn't long before he nodded his head indicating they had returned.
"Ginny." said Madam Pomphrey.
"There gone again." replied a curious Harry.
"Now, I would like you to hold Ginny's hand and face me again, but let all thoughts of her leave your mind. Try not to even think about holding her hand."
Harry nodded again and after taking her hand returned his gaze to Madam Pomphrey again. Several minutes passed and there were still no strange feelings. "Madam?"
"I believe I'm beginning to understand what's occurring. Why don't you wake Miss Weasley while I summon the Headmaster, she is probably similarly affected and will need to hear this as well." Madam Pomphrey sent a reassuring smile towards Harry as she left.
"Ginny?" Harry said softly as he shook her shoulder lightly.
Slowly Ginny came around finally realizing she was in the hospital wing at Hogwarts.
"Harry? What happened? Why am I here?" she asked still feeling a bit groggy.
"We were attacked by Malfoy and Nott on the train. Do you remember?"
Her face was a combination of worry and fright as her memories of the attack returned. "What happened Harry? Did he give me the potion?" she asked softly, her voice filled with fear.
"No." Harry said as he stroked her hair. "Padfoot saved us. Something still happened though. I've been talking to Madam Pomphrey about it. She went to get Dumbledore before she explains what's happened."
Relief flowed over Ginny as Harry told her she hadn't been given the potion and she wondered what else had happened to them. Before she could ask Madam Pomphrey returned with Professor Dumbledore.
"I'm glad to see you are both awake." smiled the ancient Headmaster.
"Madam Pomphrey, what's going on? Harry said you knew but he didn't get a chance to tell me before you came back." said Ginny.
Taking a deep breath she began. "First, Harry if you could please step aside for a few moments." Harry stepped back from Ginny understanding that she needed to be tested.
"Ginny," began Pomphrey, "I would like you too look at Professor Dumbledore for a moment."
Odd feelings began to fill her and she began to blush slightly as she looked at him. Shocked at what she was feeling she turned her gaze towards Madam Pomphrey to question her when she caught sight of Harry and the feelings towards her professor vanished. Her gazed moved back and forth between the three not understanding what was going on. "What…?" she began to ask.
Harry returned to her side and took her hand in his knowing it would ground her from the odd emotions.
"It would seem you are affected similarly to Mr. Potter." Turning towards Dumbledore Madam Pomphrey continued. "Could we please speak with Sirius now?"
The headmaster nodded and retrieved a small Padfoot from within his robes. Setting him on the floor he quickly grew to his full size. "Padfoot, show me Sirius."
"Hey kiddo, Ginny, Quite a day we've had huh?" said the portrait.
"Mr. Black could you please tell us of the events on the train this afternoon." said Dumbledore.
"Well, that little oinker Malfoy and a buddy of his cursed Harry and Ginny. He was going to give a memory potion to Harry and some sort of amorous potion to Ginny. I attacked him before he could but the potions smashed on the floor during the fight. Some of the other kids finished off the two and when I turned around I saw a silver colored mist rising up from the spilled potions which enveloped Harry and Ginny. They both passed out and here we are."
"We'll need to know what those potions were Albus." said Pomphrey.
"I have already sent Severus to the train to see what he can determine from their remains in the compartment and will be interrogating Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Nott as soon as I am able."
Madam Pomphrey nodded in the affirmative to the Headmaster and turned towards Harry and Ginny. "It appears you both have been affected by an unknown derivative of an amorous potion. Fortunately it appears to have been a relatively weak version however this does not diminish the fact that either of you could be easily taken advantage of at the current time. Is either of you familiar with these types of potions? Do you know how they work?"
Both teens shook their heads no.
"They work by eliciting a hormonal reaction to a preset stimulus. Typically the potion includes a component from the giver who then becomes the target of the hormonal reaction." seeing looks of confusion she reformed her thoughts. "Basically the person giving the potion puts a piece of themselves in the potion and whomever they give it too is attracted to them."
Harry and Ginny's looks of confusion changed to that of understanding and she continued. "In this case the mixture of two non related potions has caused an alternate effect to come into being. It appears the potion no longer has a specific target. It's fortunate the effect is mild. In your case the feelings you share for one another seem to be strong enough to counter the effect. As long as you are in physical contact you do not display any symptoms. Also the mere thought of the other seems to override the artificially created feelings."
The teens looked down hearted and lost as they absorbed the information. After a few moments a thought occurred to Harry. "Madam Pomphrey, you mentioned a piece of the giver is in the potion. What's going to happen when we get near Malfoy?"
A look of concern appeared on her face as she addressed the question. "I don't know, and I think its best that we don't find out."
"I would agree with that assessment." Dumbledore added, "Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Nott have attacked students with intent to harm using illegal substances. They will both be expelled and never allowed on Hogwarts grounds again. As soon as I am able to determine what potions were used they will be handed over to the ministry for prosecution."
"Thank you." said Harry.
Ginny then spoke up voicing a question she had. "Professor, there are hundreds of people in the castle. How are we going to live like this?"
Professor Dumbledore felt a pang of sadness at the tone of her voice but his eyes began to twinkle as he proposed his solution. "I believe, and correct me if I'm wrong Poppy, that the best solution would be to assign private quarters to the two of you and alter your schedules so that you may attend classes together."
Pomphrey looked as if she wanted to deny that was the best thing to do but she had no alternatives to offer.
"We could do that?" asked Harry.
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes Harry we can provide you with a small dorm of your own. You would have separate bedrooms and your own common room and bathroom. We will of course have to speak with your parents and guardian but with their approval I believe everything can be worked out."
"Thank you Professor." Harry and Ginny said.
"Why don't you two run along and join the feast which should be starting any moment now and I'll contact Arthur, Molly and Remus. Please come to my office after the feast."
Harry and Ginny nodded and after thanking Madam Pomphrey left the infirmary hand in hand.
"Are you ok Gin?" asked Harry as they walked through the empty hallways.
A smiling Ginny looked back at Harry. "I'm fine. I wish this hadn't happened but at least we still get to share an apartment."
Harry returned her smile. "Makes me wonder if I want them to find a cure or not."
The sorting was under way as they entered the Great Hall and everyone stopped to look at the new arrivals. As everyone realized who it was a round of applause began once again causing Harry and Ginny to blush brightly as they made their way to seats Hermione and Ron had saved for them. Once they were seated the applause died down and the sorting continued.
Hermione looked at the pair with concern. "Are you both alright? I heard you were attacked by Malfoy and Nott. What happened?"
"Later." Harry whispered.
Dumbledore entered the Great Hall and took his seat shortly before the sorting ended. As the hat and stool were removed he stood and addressed the students. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. As I am sure you are all very hungry I think it wise to save my ramblings for a later time. Tuck in." Clapping his hands as he finished the tables were immediately filled with a variety of dishes.
Throughout the feast Harry and Ginny were careful to maintain contact with one another. Ron was lost in his own little world as he shoved as much food as he could through the large grin on his face. Hermione seemed more pensive and kept casting furtive glances towards Harry and Ginny. Finally the many meats, side dishes, cakes and puddings were finished and after clearing the tables of everything except the goblets the Headmaster stood.
"It's good to see so many smiling faces have come to spend another year in our care. I would like to remind you all that the Forbidden Forest as its name implies is forbidden. Also, several items that are not allowed in the castle have been added to a list which can be viewed in it's entirety on the office door of our caretaker Mr. Filch." Dumbledore paused and smiled at a number of mischievous grins he was seeing around the hall.
"If you would all raise your glasses I would also like to take this opportunity to honor and give my personal thanks to Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley for their brave and selfless acts which resulted in the defeat of a great evil."
"Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley" the entire hall chanted as one.
Harry and Ginny's grip on each others hand tightened and they blushed as Dumbledore led his toast.
"Have a nice evening everyone. Prefect's please lead the first years to their dormitories."
Ron and Hermione left to help with the new students and Harry and Ginny made their way to Dumbledore's office.
"Lemon Drops." "Peppermint Imps." "Sherbet Lemon." "Cockroach Clusters." "Ton Tongue Toffee."
Harry and Ginny were having a good time trying to guess the Headmasters password. They were both laughing at Ginny's last attempt when a voice spoke from behind them.
"Why don't you try 'Canary Creams'." The gargoyle leapt aside at the mention of the infamous Weasley Twin's treat and Harry and Ginny turned to find a grinning headmaster standing behind them.
"Awe," said Ginny, "we were about to get it."
Harry laughed and still holding her hand led the way up the staircase.
The three entered the office to find Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and Remus Lupin waiting for them. As the three worried adults rushed towards the teens to greet them Albus stepped in front of the pair raising his hands in front of him.
"Please calm down. Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley need to remain holding hands for now so please take care with your greetings." Stepping aside as he finished the three guardians approached in a much calmer but still very concerned manner.
During the greetings Severus Snape, Poppy Pomphrey and Minerva McGonagall arrived at the meeting. After hellos, hugs and handshakes were shared the group took a seat around the Headmaster's desk.
An exceptionally worried Molly Weasley began. "Albus what's happened? You mentioned there was an attack."
"Yes I'm afraid there was. Harry and Ginny were alone in a compartment on the train when they were attacked by Draco Malfoy and Theodore Nott." he said.
Dumbledore and Pomphrey with a little help from Harry and Ginny went on to explain what occurred during the attack and the effect the mysterious mist was having on the pair.
After a long explanation the room became quiet until Severus decided to speak up. "I was able to obtain the glass fragments from the broken vials which contained the potions and have been able to determine that the memory potion was the 'Occursus Memoria' potion. It erases the time period during which a meeting occurs from the mind of the one it is given to. In this case had it been given to Mr. Potter he would have never remembered Mr. Malfoy or Mr. Nott entering the compartment."
Everyone in the room looked contemplative as they absorbed the new information.
"And what of the amorous potion Severus?" asked Dumbledore.
After sharing a quick look with Pomphrey Snape continued. "Unfortunately there were not enough residues left to determine which potion was used. We have been able to determine some of the ingredients however this still leaves about two dozen possibilities some of which..." Severus trailed off with an odd look of concern on his face which was mirrored on Poppy's.
"Some of which are what Professor?" Harry asked softly dreading the answer.
He continued to show concern as his eyes met Harry's and then Ginny's. Severus had gained a large amount of respect for Harry and Ginny having been freed from his servitude to the Dark Lord by them and honestly hated to tell them what he knew. "Some of which have effects that are permanent."
Harry and Ginny slumped in their chairs feeling like they had been punched in the gut. Feeling her begin to shake Harry wrapped a comforting arm around his girlfriend.
Molly looked devastated and Arthur and Remus didn't look much better.
Dumbledore sighed heavily. "We still may be able to find out more from Mr. Malfoy."
Severus shook his head slowly. "I wouldn't count on it. He is a passable Occulmens and unfortunately the ministry officials have already arrived so we may not be able to administer veritiserum. In other words we may not be able to force the information out of him and given his hatred for Harry which appears to be at an all time high I would not expect him to voluntarily answer our questions."
Even though the situation was extremely serious Harry managed a small smile as he realized Snape had used his first name though Harry knew he would probably never admit to it.
The Headmaster sat behind his desk with his hands steepled in front of him deep in thought. "I will do what I can to obtain answers from Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Nott. Severus I would like you to set up an additional lab in the dungeons and begin synthesis of the Occursus Memoria potion and all of the possible amorous potions. Perhaps through experimentation we can determine which combination produces the silvery mist Sirius described. When you are ready to begin let me know and I will assist you in securing the lab."
Severus nodded. "If you could obtain a sampling of Mr. Malfoy's hair during your inquiries it would be best to use his component in the potions to maintain the integrity of the experiment. I will also need to leave the castle, possibly for a few weeks. Some of the ingredients are very rare and will be difficult to acquire." Severus hesitated before finishing. "You should also know that the Occursus Memoria potion will take six months to brew."
Everyone in the room seemed to take a deep breath and Harry and Ginny squeezed each other a little tighter at the realization they would probably have to deal with this for at least six months, possibly longer… possibly a lot longer.
"Severus I would like you to leave right away. Poppy, if you could please setup the lab while he is gone and let me know when it's ready. I would also ask that you teach potions while Severus is absent."
"Yes Headmaster." Severus and Poppy said as they stood to take their leave. As they walked out of the office they were deep in a conversation outlining what needed to be done.
Dumbledore returned his attention to the remaining occupants of his office as the pair left. "I assure you we will do everything we can to resolve this issue. In the meantime however we need to discuss Harry and Ginny's living arrangements. I think we can all agree having them live in Gryffindor tower with the other students is not practical in their current condition." Looking around the room he could see agreement with his assumptions and a bit of anticipation in Harry and Ginny's eyes which made him smile internally.
"What do you propose Albus?" asked McGonagall.
"Of course this will require the permission of Arthur, Molly and Remus however I have taken the liberty of having the elves prepare a separate set of living quarters for Harry and Ginny. They each have their own bedroom and will share a bathroom, common room and an additional room for the potions training they are to receive. I would also propose that only Harry, Ginny, Minerva, Severus, Poppy, their potions instructor and I have access to their quarters." Turning towards Harry and Ginny he added, "I'm afraid I would have to insist that no students including Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger be allowed into your rooms. Please understand this is for your safety."
Harry and Ginny nodded not entirely happy about the details of the situation.
Dumbledore smiled. "Not to worry, you will both still be members of Gryffindor and have full access to that common room." Returning his gaze to the room in general he continued. "We will also need to make changes to their class schedules as they will need to attend classes together."
The group began working out the details of the new class schedules for Harry and Ginny. They were nearly done when they were interrupted by Dobby appearing with a small pop.
"Master Dumbledore sir. The rooms is ready for Mr. Harry Potter sir and his Miss Wheazy." the small elf said bouncing up and down with excitement.
"Thank you Dobby." said Professor Dumbledore.
Running over to Harry, Dobby latched onto his legs giving him a huge hug. "I is glad to sees yous Mr. Harry Potter sir. If yous or your Miss Wheazy is needing anything yous call Dobby and I is helping you sir."
"Thank you Dobby. I appreciate it." a smiling Harry answered.
Beaming with delight Dobby bowed so low his nose touched the ground before he disappeared with another pop.
Dumbledore was chuckling at the house elf's antics. "I've asked Dobby to look out for you two and he seemed most eager to accept the position. No doubt there will be many times you wish to skip meals in the Great Hall, just call Dobby and he will take care of you. I would only ask that you please join us for feasts and special occasions."
Harry and Ginny nodded thankful for the thought Dumbledore seemed to be putting into their new living arrangements.
"I believe we're pretty much finished up here. If you would all like, I believe we should go have a look at Harry and Ginny's new quarters." Dumbledore said. Words of agreement were heard around the room and the seven left to see where Harry and Ginny would be living this year.
"Come on you lot, hurry it up." Ron said waving his hand towards the group of first years that were trailing behind him and Hermione.
"Be nice Ron." Hermione said in an authoritative voice.
"Sorry." Ron replied sheepishly. "What do you think is going on with Harry and Ginny?"
Hermione sighed. "I don't know but I plan on waiting up for them to get back and find out."
"I'll wait with you." Ron smiled receiving a smile back from his girlfriend.
After taking the new students to their dormitories and answering a barrage of questions Ron and Hermione found an empty seat in front of the fireplace in the Gryffindor common room and sat down to wait.
Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall led Harry, Ginny and their guardians down the hallway from Dumbledore's gargoyle to where it met up with the main hallway. Just before reaching the main thoroughfare which led to the Great Hall he stopped at a portrait of a regal looking Griffin.
"Bubble Gum." the Headmaster muttered just loud enough for everyone in the group to hear.
Entering through the portrait hole Harry and Ginny were greeted by a moderate sized but very comfortable looking common room which was done up in Gryffindor colors. There was a large fireplace on one wall with a couch and several comfortable looking chairs situated around it. A large table dominated the other half of the room surrounded by wooden chairs with velvet cushions on them.
On the wall opposite the entrance there were three doors which they found out were Harry and Ginny's bedrooms and the bathroom. The bedrooms were roomy and comfortable with squashy queen sized beds, nightstands, desks and armoires. Each one also had a wizarding window which appeared to be looking out over the quidditch pitch. The teens noticed their trunks were already in their rooms. The bathroom was very nice. It reminded Harry of a small version of the prefect's bathroom.
The wall opposite the fireplace held another door which contained the most incredible potions lab anyone in the group had ever seen save perhaps Professor Dumbledore. The room was large and airy with several windows displaying a variety of views from outside the castle. It was nothing like the cold dank dungeon Harry and Ginny were used to working on potions in. there were several large work tables spread throughout the room with all manner of strange devices setting on shelves under the tables and around the walls. A door on the far side of the room led to a storage room for ingredients. There were numerous bookshelves, tables and closets scattered around the room containing more different types of ingredients than Harry and Ginny thought existed.
"Wow." "Amazing." said Harry and Ginny as the tour finished.
Dumbledore was grinning happy they liked their new home. "I'm glad you approve. I would however recommend you stay out of the lab until Christopher arrives. It contains several pieces of equipment that are quite dangerous."
"Yes sir." said Harry as Ginny nodded along with him.
After another goodbye resembling the one earlier in the day at Platform 9 ¾ the adults left leaving Harry and Ginny alone.
"What do you think Gin?"
Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry and kissed him firmly before snuggling into his chest enjoying the feeling of his arms wrapped around her. "I think," she replied grinning mischievously up at him, "that we're going to have to thank Mr. Malfoy."
Harry laughed at her joke but as the laughter passed they both found themselves clinging tightly to each other. Kissing Ginny on the top of her head he began stroking her hair. "It's going to be all right Gin. We'll figure this thing out."
Ginny squeezed Harry even tighter. "I know. I'm just glad you're here. I don't know what I'd do without you."
"I'm not going anywhere. I love you Gin."
"I love you too."
Albus Dumbledore was not smiling and there was no twinkle in his eyes as he stalked down a dungeon corridor towards where his two soon to be former students were being held. Several aurors were positioned outside the cells including Head Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt who had been awaiting his arrival.
"Hello Professor." Shacklebolt said as he approached.
"Hello Kingsley. I apologize for keeping you waiting but I had other matters to attend to which I felt took priority."
"No problem Professor. Who would you like to speak with first?"
Dumbledore thought for a moment before responding. "I believe I'll start with Mr. Nott first and see where he leads us."
Nodding in agreement Kingsley removed a wand from within his robes and handed it to Dumbledore. "Nott's wand." he said simply. Nodding he accepted the wand and the pair entered the first cell.
Theodore Nott sat up straight scared by the sight of Dumbledore entering the cell looking more intimidating than he had ever imagined the Headmaster could be. He swallowed heavily as the professor began.
"Mr. Nott, I would like to hear your version of the events that led up to and occurred on the Hogwarts Express today." The displeasure and command in Dumbledore's voice was clear and Theodore wished he could be anywhere but here right now.
"Malfoy pulled me into a compartment after the train started moving. We talked about our fathers and how we wanted to get back at Potter and Weasley. He said he had come up with a plan and wanted me to help him. After he told me what he wanted me to do we waited for people to stop visiting with them and entered the compartment. We cast Petrificus Totalus on them so they couldn't fight back and then Malfoy was going to give them each a potion when we were attacked."
Dumbledore continued to look at Nott with undisguised anger. "What potions did Mr. Malfoy use on Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley?"
"I don't know sir. I only found out what they were supposed to do after we were in the compartment."
Dumbledore was upset. He had been hoping Nott would be able to provide the information they needed. During the interrogation he had been performing minor Legilimancy on the young man and knew he was telling the truth. Theodore Nott did not know what potions were used.
"Theodore Nott. As headmaster of this school I hereby expel you from this institution for attacking two students with the intent to commit grievous harm using illegal substances." Pausing in his speech he held Nott's wand in both hands and snapped it over his knee. "You are here forth not allowed to attend any wizarding schools or perform magic of any kind. Shortly you will be taken into custody by aurors and moved to a detention cell at the Ministry of Magic where you will be held accountable for you crimes in a wizarding court."
Nott was shaking and crying as Dumbledore and Shacklebolt turned and left the cell. As the door closed Dumbledore handed the broken wand back to the Head Auror who then handed him Malfoy's wand which had been bitten in half during the fight.
Walking down the hall to the next door the pair entered Draco Malfoy's cell.
Malfoy looked up as they entered but anger showed in his eyes and he didn't seem the least bit intimidated by their presence.
"Mr. Malfoy please tell us your version of the events that led up to and occurred during the attack on Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley on the Hogwarts Express today."
Malfoy made no move to answer his question instead remaining quiet and staring back defiantly. Dumbledore tried Legilimancy but as Snape had feared was unable to penetrate his shields without a full on assault which would be deemed illegal by the ministry.
"Mr. Malfoy it would be in your best interest to cooperate with us. As it stands you are looking at spending many years in Azkaban Prison for what you have done."
Still the Headmaster received no response other than the look of hatred he had been receiving since he entered the cell.
"Very well," he said, "Draco Malfoy, As headmaster of this school I hereby expel you from this institution for attacking two students with the intent to commit grievous harm using illegal substances." He then held up the broken pieces of Malfoy's wand. "You are here forth not allowed to attend any wizarding schools or perform magic of any kind. Shortly you will be taken into custody by aurors and moved to a detention cell at the Ministry of Magic where you will be held accountable for you crimes in a wizarding court."
In the Gryffindor common room a young man sat on the sofa in front of the fireplace leaning against the arm rest. A young woman sat next to him leaning against his shoulder their arms wrapped around each other. As they slept peacefully neither realized that their friends had not returned and the fire had gone out long ago.
