Disclaimer: J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and its various publishers own Harry Potter. No money is being made and no copyright infringement is intended.
A/N: I moved the notes to reviewers to the end of the story because I had so much to say. Thanks to everyone who reviewed!
Chapter Twelve
A New Start
The following morning, bright sun streamed through the common room windows promising a fair weather start to the new term. Coming down the stairs into the light, Ginny held her head high with a confidence that she wasn't feeling. The girls in her dorm had blasted her decision to break up with Dean, calling her crazy for giving up one of the hottest blokes in the sixth year.
Hermione had been more understanding, but even she seemed unsure. "I just want you to be happy, Ginny," she'd said.
When they'd spoken through their little mirrors, Harry had been as agreeable as ever. The awkward subject of her break up with Dean never came up. Harry will hear it through the Gryffindor grapevine,' she thought.
Turning these thoughts over in her mind, Ginny reached the Great Hall for breakfast. Pausing briefly near the Slytherin table, she knelt down to pull something out of her bag. Just then a loud noise was heard, drawing everyone's attention to the staff table. Peeves had knocked over a dish that crashed to the floor and shattered. The pesky poltergeist raced off toward the exit, cackling, while Mr. Filch stomped after him.
Calmly sticking her hands in her robe pockets as they passed her, Ginny smiled and walked to the Gryffindor table to take her seat among the other fifth years as breakfast returned to normal. A few minutes later, as Professor McGonagall began making her way down the table, handing out the students' timetables, another disturbance occurred.
A large pink cloud appeared over the Slytherin table near the entrance. For a moment, no one could see the students sitting there because the pink vapor was so thick. When the air cleared, the students who emerged were pink from head to toe. Their clothes were pink. Their hair and faces were pink. Laughter and applause rang through the Great Hall. Professor Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling on overdrive, but he maintained a calm expression.
Unfortunately, Professor Snape, who was handing out timetables like McGonagall, was also pink, hot pink, and very angry. Seething with rage, he said, "Whoever is responsible for this, come forward!"
Not surprisingly, nobody moved. The only sound was another insane giggle from Peeves who made a brief reappearance before beating a hasty retreat. Faced with the Potion Master's anger, the students quieted down. Instead of laughing out loud, most were smiling down at their breakfast. Snape left the hall, taking the pink students with him, presumably back to the dungeons until the spell wore off.
"Thanks for reminding me to bring my camera to breakfast, Ginny," said Colin Creevey. "That was lucky!" He patted his camera happily.
It's a start,' she thought, as Luna Lovegood dropped into the seat next to her, throwing a bit of blank parchment onto the table. "Happy coincidence for someone that Snape was walking by at that precise moment," Luna said.
Ginny giggled softly then bit her lower lip. She tried to adopt an innocent look before her eyes shifted to the people around her as if she was gauging their reaction. No one was listening to them.
Never taking her eyes off of her friend, Luna withdrew her wand from behind her ear and pointed it at a slip of paper. "Engorgio! " she said, sounding bored. The paper grew into the latest copy of the Quibbler. "I thought you might be interested in knowing that Stubby Boardman has disappeared. No one has seen him since last June. Do you still doubt that he and your friend Sirius are one and the same person?"
Ginny dropped her hands over the Quibbler, glancing around to see if Harry was anywhere near. "You have to promise me that you'll never mention this to Harry," she said.
"All right. If that's what you wantbut why all the secrecy? Are we going on another mission?" Luna asked.
Before Ginny could answer, they were interrupted by Neville quietly coughing behind them. Both girls looked up at the sixth year boy. He was shifting his weight from one foot to the other. He was red in the face and clearing his throat like he was working up the nerve to speak.
"Do you need the loo?" Luna asked. Ginny turned her laugh into a cough and looked away.
Neville held still, his eyes blinking. Swallowing hard, he looked at Luna and stammered, "Ilibrary." After a moment's pause, he added, "to study."
Luna smiled dreamily and said, "How about after dinner, Neville?" Looking relieved, he nodded and walked away.
Hermione and Ron arrived together and sat across from Ginny. As Ron filled his plate with food, Hermione opened up her copy of The Daily Prophet. On the front page was a large photo of Professor Umbridge, her toad-like face simpering and smiling. "Have you seen this witch?" was written boldly underneath. According to the newspaper story, Cornelius Fudge, the Minister of Magic, had tried to cover up her disappearance last July. She had last been seen talking to herself in the lobby of St. Mungo's.
Disgusted at the sight of her old Defense Professor, Ginny asked, "Why do you still take that rag, Hermione?"
Pressing her lips together, Hermione said, "I like to keep up on things."
Ron leaned over her shoulder, and read aloud. "The Prophet on Prophecies. What modern British Divination experts are saying about your future? Rubbish, I say." Ron had decided to take Beginning Muggle Studies as an elective instead of continuing to take Divination.
Luna said, "The Quibbler ran a piece last month on how to tell if your Seer is really helping? It said Modern Divination is a misunderstood art." Everyone looked over at the dreamy-eyed Ravenclaw.
Hermione seemed surprisingly interested. "Well, after what we saw last June, we can't doubt that prophecies are real. What else did the article say, Luna?" she asked.
Nodding at Hermione's comment, Luna answered, "They interviewed some of the people who actually knew the Oracle of Bristol. They proved that the Oracle of Bristol was actually a witch kept under the influence of a potion that made her rant insanely. People were convinced that she could tell the future because her husband would charm them so what she prophesied would come true, at least some of the little stuff. Like she would say they would have an unexpected visitor that evening and he would make it happen. So word spread she could actually tell the future, for a price. It was all just a moneymaking scheme."
Firing her questions one after the other without waiting for a response, Hermione asked, "What about real Seers? Did the article have some modern day examples? How can you really tell if a prophecy is true? If they are true, are they inescapable?"
Looking up from his food, Ron looked incredulous. This was the girl who'd stomped out of Divination third year?
Luna answered enigmatically, "If a prophecy is real, perhaps it's not so much that it's inescapable, but that a prophecy could be interpreted in different ways. Some predictions are so vague that they only appear to have come true. Of course, the only real way to tell if a Seer is a fake is to tie a kangaroo in a sack using a rope made of the Seer's hair and see how high the kangaroo jumps."
"And where are you going to get the kangaroo?" asked Ron, nodding his head as though he was sympathizing with her idea. Hermione elbowed him.
Ginny just stared at them all. She couldn't remember Hermione ever giving credence to something Luna had to say before. It was odd. She couldn't tell if her brother was really agreeing with Luna, or was just trying to mock her friend.
Deciding that the prophecy discussion could only end badly, she tried to change the subject by reading another headline, "Should the Unforgivables be forgiven? What about this story? Fudge is thinking of authorizing the use of dark magic to his Aurors. That could change things." The others murmured their responses, presumably still lost in thought about kangaroos and prophecies.
Everyone startled as Harry's arm swooped over Hermione's shoulder to grab a few pieces of toast, muttering under his breath as he did. "Terrible day to oversleep. Can't believe I'm going to be late the first day." He smiled at Ginny as their eyes met and managed a civil, "Good morning, everyone," before disappearing as quickly as he had arrived. His robes flapped behind him as if he was being carried on the wind.
Ron jumped up suddenly and said, "We'd all better go. Don't want to lose points in our first class."
Hermione gulped down her pumpkin juice and tucked her copy of the Prophet into her bag. Terry Boot arrived behind her. "Can I walk you to Arithmancy, Hermione?"
She looked nervously over at Ron before agreeing. After all, Ron was headed out to Muggle Studies in another part of the castle. "See you all later," she said softly. Ron hustled to follow them out of the Great Hall.
With hundreds of teenagers living under the same roof, this year is never going to be dull,' thought Ginny. She didn't see Harry again until the evening. She went straight to dinner from Charms class with some of her friends. They sat near the staff table.
When Harry walked into the Great Hall, his eyes scanned the Gryffindor table, looking for Ginny. He flashed her a bright smile when he caught her eye, but followed Ron and Hermione to some empty seats at the other end.
Feeling disappointed, Ginny looked down at her plate. So much for him throwing himself at my feet,' she thought, not really listening to the story Colin was telling her about his summer.
Glancing carefully through her lashes down the table at Harry, she was astonished to see Susannah Martin come up behind him. How did the biggest flirt in Hufflepuff even know Harry? The pretty, blonde seventh year girl had loosened her tie and undone the top few buttons of her uniform shirt. First, she laid her hand on Harry's shoulder. Then she leaned over him slowly. Harry looked up at the girl briefly, then stared determinedly at his plate. His face turned bright red.
Hermione gave Susannah a disgusted look, while Ron just seemed amused. Ron's expression changed as he leaned in to say something to Harry, who turned and looked down the long table toward Ginny.
Just as she noticed Harry looking her way, Ginny felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, she looked up at Dean who smiled softly and offered her a single pink rose. "I charmed this so it would never wilt, Ginny. It'll stay fresh for as long as you want."
She couldn't help but smile at his sweet gesture. Taking the flower, she said softly, "Thanks, Dean. But you shouldn't be doing things like this." She continued gently, "This doesn't change anything."
"You can't blame a guy for trying," he said with a broad grin. "Can I sit down?"
Ginny nodded. The table around her was extremely crowded, but Colin moved over to make room for Dean.
Meanwhile, Harry, Ron and Hermione were having a conversation of their own. "Are you sure, Ron?" Harry asked, keeping his eyes fixed on Ginny as she smelled the rose in her hand. "She and Dean seem pretty together to me."
Just moments before, Ron had watched his friend stare at his plate in embarrassment when Samantha had shown him a little cleavage. As she'd leaned over Harry, touching his shoulder, she'd asked, "Are you finished with that bowl of mashed potatoes, Harry? We're all out at the Hufflepuff table."
Ron had thought it was pretty funny until he saw the look on Harry's face. That's when he blurted out that Ginny had broken things off with Dean the night before.
The timing of Ron's announcement couldn't have been worse. The image of Ginny accepting the flower from Dean with a smile convinced Harry that, despite Ron's words, something was still going on between them.
Seeing Harry's face fall, Hermione decided to try. "Appearances can be deceiving. Ginny told me last night that she told Dean she just wants to be friends." Harry just shrugged at her words, concentrating on his food.
Ron said cheerfully, "Ohthe old we can always be friends' line. Ouch. Well, I guess it's for the best."
Harry's face masked his feelings. Refusing to discuss this subject any further, Harry asked, "Do either of you want to go to the library after dinner?" Of course, Ron scowled and Hermione smiled.
***
So the new term began. The first month of school was unusually warm for Scotland. The leaves of the Forbidden Forest stayed green. The skies stayed blue. Hogwarts became a busy place as everyone settled into their autumn routine.
Hermione was taking more classes than everyone else which made her happy. Harry worried that she might be too busy to help him research the contents of his carved box, but she had agreed enthusiastically. Feeling a little guilty about putting her to the trouble, he said, "You don't have to do this if you're too busy, Hermione. The book may not have anything important in it."
The carved box was a link to Harry's heritage. It was a part of his inheritance. She knew that he longed for information about his family. "I found a translation charm which seems to have workedalthough it had some minor problems," she announced.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked, sounding worried. She handed him the book. It wasn't in the best of shape. Some of the pages were crumbling and missing. On the front, written in gold letters was "Myrddin's Torch" with a small gold drawing of a peculiar looking tree. It appeared to be a collection of poems, spells and drawings.
"Some of the poems are cryptic -- almost riddles." Hermione explained exuberantly, her springy curls bouncing as she spoke. "The parchment is in such bad shape that some of the writing is unreadable. I guess the translation spell can't work if it can't make out the original meaning. It mentions places I've never heard of. Perhaps they are the old names. The book seems so ancient." Tsking and shaking her head, Hermione seemed lost in thought. She was really enjoying this.
"Have you had time to read the translation? Is there any mention of a black phoenix? Or any of the other things that are in the box?" Harry asked.
Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she explained, "Nothing in particular about a black phoenix, but there is one poem about a sword and another one that mentions all sorts of magical creatures that live in a forest. You found that sword in the place that's carved on the front of the box. It would seem to be linked somehow."
"I haven't touched the sword in a while. How much use can a sword be anyway? If I were to choose a Muggle weapon to defend myself, I'd choose a gun." Harry looked thoughtful.
"Your sword seems more magical than Muggle, Harry." She paused to think before asking. "Don't you use your sword in your fencing lesson, Harry?"
"We fence with an epee. It has a lightweight, thin blade. Dumbledore warned me not to use the sword from the cave for now. I guess he wants to check it out first," Harry answered, looking through the book at the translations.
Her attention shifting back to the book, she said, "It's going to take a while to really look this over. I think we should start by cross-referencing the place names. We can find out what period of time this was written by identifying when those names were used for those places. There are two maps, one of Scotland and one of Wales. It's a start."
"You're so good at this, Hermione. I'd never've thought of that. Thanks," Harry said as they left the library.
****
Harry was working hard to prepare himself. No one ever spoke to him about Voldemort, but Harry could feel his presence. He was out there planning his next attack. Only Dumbledore and Ginny knew that Harry would eventually have to kill or be killed. Neither of them ever mentioned it to him, but the thought stayed fresh in his mind.
So far, Dumbledore hadn't told him anything about the Order. Harry remained firm in his resolve to take charge of his future. He was going to make his own plans. He would do anything in his power to defeat Voldemort. Until that day, he'd never really be free to live his own life.
His classes were demanding both physically and mentally. The fencing lessons had started off badly. He'd had no idea how much physical work went into fencing and Rhys Powell was a relentless instructor. After teaching Harry some basic moves in early lessons, they'd begun sparring. Harry always lost.
He wasn't fit enough to keep up with Rhys. While he had been in a routine of taking a morning run at the Dursleys, he had slacked off at the Burrow. He'd felt like he was on holiday while he was there. Despite the fact that Quidditch training was in full swing, he added an early morning run to his day to increase his fitness level for fencing.
Spending every morning with Mad-Eye Moody was a treat. Between teaching classes, Professor Moody would tell Harry all sorts of stories about his life as an Auror. He also was continuing to train Harry in stealth and protection. Most mornings, they had about an hour alone for practice and instruction. Unlike his predecessor, Moody never used class time to have students read the textbook. As his assistant Harry was able to fit in a fair amount of practice with the more advanced Defense classes.
In addition to his own Defense training, Harry enjoyed teaching the younger students. Initially, working with them was weird. Some of them stared at his scar. Some of them called him Professor Potter. He laughed and said, "Just call me Harry. I'm an assistant. Professor Moody is your professor."
Helping with the older classes was awkward. On Wednesday morning, the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff Defense class filed in. "Good morning, Professor Potter," purred Sarah Wildes. She was a fifth-year Hufflepuff and very mature for her age. Ginny was right behind her and gave him a sympathetic smile. Colin Creevey's camera flashed.
Harry was saved from responding by Mad-Eye Moody calling, "Get to your seats! I'll take that camera, young man. Who gave you permission to take a photo here?" He opened the back of Colin's camera and pulled out the film in a rush of smoke. "From now on you will all be in your seats on time and ready. Believe me when I say, you all need to prepare. The forces of evil are gathering all around us. CONSTANT VIGILANCE is your only hope! Get your wands ready."
With a little help from Professor McGonagall, Ron was allowed to take N.E.W.T. Potions so Harry and he were taking all the classes they needed to become Aurors. Hermione was right; the advanced classes were really difficult. Ron and Hermione were in all of Harry's classes except Care of Magical Creatures. Since Hagrid was Harry's first friend in the wizarding world, Harry was glad to keep taking his class. He suspected that Ron dropped the course because Hermione wasn't taking it.
Professor Snape was the same as he had ever been, putting Harry down every chance he got, and favoring the Slytherin students over everyone else. "Lowering our standards to include students who didn't make the grade doesn't mean I won't hold everyone here to the same high standards that my N.E.W.T. Potions classes have always maintained. If you can't keep up, then you will be out of this class. I suspect half of you will be gone by Halloween."
Ron had received a high E on his Potions O.W.L. He deserved a chance to be here. But, Harry could just imagine what grade Crabbe and Goyle had received, and they were in the class. They were probably the reason that Snape had to relent and let Ron join. Harry continued his campaign of being extremely formal with Snape although he struggled to keep his composure in the face of the colossal unfairness of the man.
Harry and Ginny kept in contact with their double mirror. They had agreed to "meet at the mirror" every night around eleven. Harry loved the chance to have a few minutes relaxing and going over the events of the day. It helped clear his mind for his Occlumency exercises before he slept.
Harry was extremely grateful to be playing Quidditch again. Flying was fun. He felt like he was back in his element with the wind flowing around him. He was in charge in the air.
The Gryffindor team was coming together. A fifth year named Elizabeth Howe became the third Chaser. She, Katie and Ginny looked good, flying new formations to surprise their opponents. Ron was working with Kirke and Sloper to improve their aim with a Bludger.
The extra bonus of Quidditch was watching Ginny fly. She never held anything back. She wore her hair pulled back in a ponytail that always came down before the end of practice. The sight of her long red hair wildly flying in all directions in the afternoon sun, the sound of her shouting and laughing with the other chasers, Harry just soaked it all in. She looked so happy and carefree.
Ginny loved Quidditch practice, too. She loved to fly, and she loved to spend time with Harry. It was the perfect combination. Since school started, she hadn't seen as much of him as in the summer. Even though they sometimes studied or ate together, they were never alone. At Quidditch practice, she could count on being with him.
After watching them during Quidditch practice one Sunday afternoon, Ron formed a plan. He'd already tried the direct approach, announcing to Harry on the first day of classes that Ginny had broken things off with Dean the night before. Unfortunately, due to Dean's untimely romantic gesture, Harry needed more convincing.
"Hermione, you know I'd do anything for you, right?" asked Ron in a whisper when the two of them were sitting in the library with Harry later that evening. Harry sat at the far end of the table, pretending not to notice that his two best friends were doing more canoodling than studying. "And we'd both do anything for Harry. Isn't that right?" he continued before letting her answer. Since he was so close to her ear, he gave it a soft kiss. One of her springy curls tickled his nose.
Puzzled, Hermione asked quietly, "Is there a point to this? Are you wondering about the contents of his wooden box? I haven't found anything about a Merlin's torch in any of the books I've read. And none of the poems in Harry's book say exactly what sort of torch it is. Just that the torch 'offers protection.' Or something like that. Is it a torch like a light on the end of a stick? Or is it a torch, like you 'carry a torch' for someone. Maybe it's just a metaphor. It could be anything. But since we have that essay due for Flitwick, I've been pretty busy lately."
"Metaphor," Ron repeated quietly. "You're so adorable when talk about schoolwork and stuff," he whispered in her ear giving her a couple more soft kisses on her neck just below her earlobe. Slowly breathing in the citrus smell of her shampoo, he said, "I know you've been busy. I wasn't thinking about any of that. I was thinking about Harry and Ginny. They deserve to be happy -- like you and I are. We should fix them up."
Hermione's mouth dropped open. She turned and put her lips near Ron's ear so Harry wouldn't be able to hear. Breathing in his soapy scent, she said quietly, "Do I need to point out that Ginny's been surrounded by boys since she broke up with Dean?"
He answered in a low tone. "Exactly, Hermione. I'm the only big brother she has at Hogwarts now. I can't fight off the swarm of males circling around her single-handed. Besides what about Harry?" Ron tried to look the part of a concerned friend.
Hermione raised her eyebrows questioningly. Her answer was more like a hiss. "Harry seems fine with things. Obviously he's happy being Ginny's friend. And do you really think Harry needs us to fix him up? I'm pretty sure Harry could have his pick of the girls at Hogwarts. Don't you notice how they all try to flirt with him? Even the little first year girls give a sigh as Professor Potter' passes by them. He's the biggest heartthrob since Lockhart."
"Watch this one, Ron." Hermione was pointing subtly at the approaching figure of Hannah Abbott who dropped her book behind Harry. Still breathing into Ron's ear, she quietly commentated. "Now watch as she bends down, then flips her hair back while flashing a sweet smile, a very impressive combination, Miss Abbott." Without speaking, Harry smiled politely at Hannah, stood up and went to search for a book on a far shelf.
Smiling at Hermione's rare moment of levity, Ron said mysteriously, "I think there is a big reason that Harry doesn't flirt back." Ron began nuzzling her ear and again putting light kisses down her neck toward her buttoned up collar. She was finding it hard to concentrate.
Hermione's forehead knitted into a little frown and her eyes narrowed. "You don't mean?" she began.
"Don't mean what?" asked Ron. "It's obvious to me. Harry already has someone on his mind, someone unavailable."
She looked confused. "Cho? You mean Harry is waiting around for Cho because we all know her brother threatened him to stay away from her? Of course, that's it. Harry is pining away for Cho Chang just like last year," she said, satisfied that she had figured it all out.
Ron looked at her incredulously. "What happened to Hermione knowing all the answers? You used to be right about everything. Is it my kissing? Does snogging scramble your brain." He smiled at the thought before he continued, "Harry hasn't fancied Cho since last year. Nah...she's out of his system. It's someone else, a close friend of his." Speech over, he went back to snuggling into her neck.
Her mouth dropped open in shock. "You don't mean me. Do you, Ron? Harry did stare at me all during Defense class last week." Ron shook his head and Hermione's eyes widened. "Not you?"
He rolled his eyes. In a low voice he said, "Your brains are jumbled. It's Ginny. Harry fancies Ginny. Remember how they were at the Burrow? It's only been a month. You should have seen him at Quidditch practice today. He was explaining the new Waverman maneuver to the Chasers. He stopped in mid speech, and stared at Ginny while she pulled her hair up into a ponytail. He just stopped talking and stared. We had to call him back to the real world. Am I really the only one who sees it?"
Ron paused to see what effect his words were having on Hermione. She seemed lost in thought for a moment, twisting a lock of her hair around her index finger unconsciously. Then she looked at him and said, "I thought the same thing when we were at the Burrow, then so many things happened and nothing ever came of it. When you think about it, they always seem to know everything about each other. Couldn't you just talk to Harry?"
"And say what? He'd just change the subject. As long as Dean is hovering around Ginny, Harry will do the noble thing and stay away. He won't put any moves on her unless he's sure it's the right thing." Ron was satisfied that he had brought Hermione to this stage in his logic. It had been surprisingly difficult.
"Does Harry have any moves?" Hermione asked, smirking apologetically. "Remember the Cho Chang incident?"
Ron grinned and asked, "So you think I should show him some of mine?" He gave her a dark look that was meant to be sexy and provocative. She giggled.
Taking that as a no, Ron cleared his throat and looked normal again. Looking around to make sure Harry was still across the room, he continued, "So now we just need to find someone who does fancy Dean. He'll leave Ginny alone and Harry can ask her out and they can live happily ever after -- except for the whole You-Know-Who wanting to kill him thing."
"Meddling in other people's lives is a bad idea, Ron. You should know better," said Hermione.
"We aren't meddling. We're helping. Helping Dean. Helping Parvati. Helping Harry and last, but not least, helping my sweet sister," said Ron.
"You've already given this a lot of thought, Ron. Wait, how did Parvati Patil get into this conversation?" Hermione asked.
"Just think about all of this Hermione. Watch everyone at dinner tomorrow. You'll see. Now maybe we should find someplace where we won't be interrupted -- someplace where I can confuse you some more. I think I like being the smart one for a change," Ron said stroking her cheek and gazing into her beautiful brown eyes.
Hermione melted. Her misgivings about meddling forgotten with the feel of his rough hand on her cheek. They left to find an empty classroom.
***
At dinner the following day, Hermione planned to do as Ron had suggested. She arrived early and situated herself toward the center of the Gryffindor table so she'd get a good view. She propped her Charms book against a serving dish full of carrots so she could pretend to read while she spied on everyone. No one showed for a long time.
Finally Dean came in with Seamus and Neville. Neville was saying "As soon as the Arabidopsis Malapropria flowers in the spring, we can use the" His voice trailed off as their group passed by. The trio found seats at the far end of the table near the teachers.
Ginny came in next, laughing at something Colin Creevey was saying. Without even a glance toward Dean's end of the table, she sat down with Hermione. Ignoring the fact that her friend was obviously reading a textbook, she said, "Colin was just telling me the funniest story. Seems that Jacob Henderson was "
Hermione wasn't listening to her. Ron had arrived asking, "Where's Harry?"
Putting carrots on her plate, Ginny answered, "His fencing lesson ran late today. He should be here soon." She didn't explain how she would know. Ron arched an eyebrow at Hermione knowingly.
****
"Had enough?" Harry asked. Breathing hard with the effort, he parried and thrusted toward his fencing instructor. Their practice sessions were lasting longer and longer, sometimes ending in a draw. Rhys laughed at Harry's suggestion.
"Why should I concede when I have you retreating?" he asked, as he attacked Harry with renewed energy forcing him to back up. Seeing an opening, he lunged at Harry. His thrust should have ended their duel. Instead Harry nimbly leapt out of the way and with a quickly placed flick of his epee, he yanked Rhys' weapon away from his hand by the handle. It clattered across the floor.
Holding his own weapon to his instructor's throat, he asked, "Do you yield?" with a grin. He had only won a handful of matches against the young Welshman.
"I yield," said Rhys, shaking his head. "You tempted me by appearing to let down your defenses, very good. You're improving. Tomorrow we'll switch to broadswords. You're ready for a new challenge."
"Thanks! I'll look forward to that." Harry undid the first few buttons of his fencing jacket. The high neck always bothered him. The lightweight fabric was enchanted to shield against accidental cuts of their swords. It was all white and fit snugly, tunic style over white pants. Glancing at the clock, Harry said, "I'd better hurry if I'm going to make it to the Great Hall before they stop serving dinner. Thanks for everything, Mr. Powell."
"Call me Rhys!" the instructor called after Harry's retreating figure.
Harry was delighted to find his friends all sitting together in the Great Hall. Before showering and changing into his uniform, he'd called Ginny to let her know he'd be late, hoping that she would take the hint and wait for him. As he walked in, he imagined what it would be like to walk up to Ginny, cover her eyes and say, "Guess who?" Then he could kiss her cheek and she'd. He stopped himself, deciding he should just be glad that she wasn't sitting with Dean. Her eyes met his.
Watching Harry stride purposefully into the Great Hall, Ginny noticed he had a small smile on his face as he kept his eyes on her. Between Quidditch practice and fencing, Harry was looking fit. Ginny wanted to run her fingers through his damp hair. She shook that thought off, glad that no one could read her mind. He stopped beside her.
"All right there, Harry?" said Lavender Brown from behind him, her voice purring like a cat. He turned to see Lavender and Parvati. Lavender was leering at Harry. She looked him over; taking in the fresh from the shower thing he had going on. Parvati was trying to look around him toward the people sitting at the end of the table.
Harry smiled at the two girls and said their names in greeting before turning his attention back to Ginny.
"When's the first D.A. meeting, Harry?" Lavender asked, still blatantly looking him up and down.
"There's a notice on the board," he answered, taking his seat next to Ginny. "We'll meet this Wednesday at seven in the Room of Requirement. Hope you can make it."
Parvati pulled on her friend's arm and said, "C'mon. Seamus is down on the end." Obviously, so was Dean.
"Ron, you're really gifted," whispered Hermione as her dormmates walked away. She had taken in every nuance of the dinnertime interchange. "Only one thing I don't understand. How did Ginny know that Harry's fencing lesson ran late?"
Ginny blushed and looked away. Hermione might have been whispering, but they could all hear her. Helping himself to steak and kidney pie, Harry said, "All the Weasleys are gifted. Ginny has the gift of sight. She's a true Seer." He knew she was about as good at Divination as he was. If Ginny had still been looking, she would have seen Harry smiling shyly in her direction, his face clearly showing his admiration.
Realizing that she'd embarrassed Ginny, Hermione said, "Yeah, that must be it." The look on Harry's face wasn't lost on her. A quick plan had formed in her mind and she changed the subject. "So Harry, Ginny, do you want to go to Hogsmeade with us? The first Hogsmeade weekend is this Saturday. What do you say? We'll go as a group unless you already have plans."
Ron was looking at her, puzzled by her sudden idea. Then he caught up and added, "What a great idea! Ginny and I should really check out Zonko's latest for Fred and George. Here's our chance to spy on their competition. Harry, you're their financial backer so, of course, you'll want to help. It'll protect your investment."
Now it was Harry's turn to be confused. Ron had been telling him that he was looking forward to going to Hogsmeade so that he could have his first real date with Hermione. Now he was begging Harry and Ginny to come along. Dean would probably want to come too. The thought of going to Hogsmeade tagging along with two couples was too much for him. He blurted out, "What about Dean?" Then he turned his attention abruptly back to his dinner, stabbing a piece of treacle tart a little more forcefully than was necessary.
Ginny wasn't much better. She was shocked, first by Hermione's sudden desire to include them on what she had been calling her "first real date" with Ron, then by Harry mentioning Dean. She thought, Maybe he's sick. He does look a little flushed. Maybe it's his scar.'
Her concern for him overtaking her other thoughts, she leaned toward Harry and asked softly, "Are you feeling all right?" She rubbed his upper back as she spoke.
Harry stiffened at her touch. He just wasn't expecting it. Growing up with the Dursleys, he had never been accustomed even to casual touches. Maybe that's why her simple gesture of concern felt like it was sending waves of pleasure down his spine. He held utterly still hoping she'd never stop, but self-consciously wondering if everyone could tell how she was affecting him.
When her hand dropped away, Harry looked up into her face. A tender look crossed his features before Harry regained control. He swallowed hard and said, "Thanks, I'm fine. Just tired, I guess."
None of this went unnoticed. Ron nodded to Hermione as if to say, told you so.' She made a face at Ron, then asked Ginny, "Why would Dean mind if you go with us?"
Looking a little confused, Ginny answered, "It's none of Dean's business what I do. I'd like to go, but only ifwell, Harry, is that what you want to do?" She tried to sound casual, like the plan was no big deal.
Harry hadn't taken his eyes off of her. His face broke into a smile at the thought of a day spent with Ginny. He nodded his approval before rising to leave. "Until Saturday," he said.
To be continued
A/N
Nightwing 509: Thanks for reviewing. I'll keep trying to update frequently!
Lourdes: Thanks for all of your comments! Those are all really good questions. You are a good guesserHarry will be forced to explain about Cho in an upcoming chapter, but not before some other things happen. Can you really blame Harry for thinking the worst? Nobody could be as thick as Ron was about Hermione. Hermione is having difficulty concentrating. Ron is a bit of a distraction to her. I think this chapter will explain some things. At least I hope it will.
athenakitty: Thanks for reviewing! The Dursleys are really background characters in this fanfic. Beyond the first chapter, they are not a part of the action. Yes, Moody will eventually sneak up on Harry more than once. Cho is a year ahead of Harry so she's a seventh year.
Junior1544: Thanks for spending your morning reading and then reviewing! I'm glad you like the thing about Harry and Ginny holding back because they both think the other one just wants to be friends. I've seen it happen in real life more than once. Good suggestion on how to have Ginny get a clue. Harry's life is complicated. Trouble will find him wherever he is. Moody is Harry's only Defense teacher in this story, but he does have time alone with him every morning. I figure the classes last for one or two hours leaving Harry and Moody at least an hour alone together. Because Lupin is Harry's new guardian, he will be involved, just not on a daily basis. Due to the life Harry leads, they will be in contact with each other more than most Hogwarts parents. Have I said too much?
Jade: Thanks for you nice comments. I will try update soon!
PrincessSkywalkerOrgana: Ron had to wise up sometime Thanks for reviewing!
kmagarden: Hello again! It's nice to hear from you as always. Good to know the don't want to ruin the friendship' scenario rings true with you. Anyway, it's fun to write. Soon they will get a little help from their friends. Also with all his friends helping, Harry will figure out what he's inherited in the box. Then he has to think about what to do with it
A/N: Want to tell me what you think? Please review!