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: Notes to reviewers are at the end of the story. I am interested in what people have to say. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read and review!
Chapter Fifteen
The Best Laid Plans
In the cold gray light of morning, Ginny stretched her legs as she woke up wondering where she was. She'd been having a great dream about Harry. Closing her eyes, she tried to recapture that feeling of being all wrapped up safe and warm.
Opening her eyes, she realized she was in the common room. The hearth was cold. She was only warm because someone had wrapped a Hogwarts robe around her. She breathed in a familiar scent. It had to be Harry's. She gave a little gasp as she noticed the small white lily on her pillow. "Hello, Harry," she said aloud as she picked up the flower and brushed it along her cheek. She hurried upstairs to get ready for the day.
Arriving at breakfast late after his morning run, Harry slipped quietly into the seat next to Ron and began filling his plate with eggs and bacon.
Hermione had the Daily Prophet propped in front of her. Harry wondered if there was any news about Pettigrew, but he wasn't sure he wanted to begin the day with loads of questions, even from his friends. At least the Prophet hadn't spread the news of Pettigrew's kidnapping attempt. Perhaps the day would go smoothly after all.
Breakfast was fairly quiet. Ron was busy eating. Hermione was busy reading. Harry had let Ron know what happened the night before back in the dormitory and Ron had filled Hermione in before they came down to breakfast. They'd already agreed to find Ginny at lunchtime and go somewhere they could discuss the details. So far, she hadn't made an appearance at breakfast.
From the head table, Dumbledore was motioning to Harry.
As he approached the Headmaster, Professor Snape stopped him. "Missed you in detention last night, Potter. What do you have to say for yourself?"
Before Harry could answer, Snape continued, "What can possibly excuse you for blatantly ignoring a detention? That will be another fifty points from Gryffindor and detention every eve"
Dumbledore interrupted. "I am so sorry, Severus. This was my fault really. Harry was unavoidably detained last night. I would have informed you, if I'd known you were expecting him. Please accept my apology and excuse his absence." He smiled at the Potions Master and turned to Harry.
"Ah, Harry. Good morning." Dumbledore looked Harry over from head to toe, not liking what he saw. The boy looked tired and tense.
Deciding the less said to Snape, the better, Harry nodded his response and mumbled, "Good morning, Professor." He was more than a little uncomfortable at being summoned to the Headmaster's table. He felt like everyone was watching him. After yesterday's roller coaster of emotions, he was hoping today would be quieter. Seeing Dumbledore hesitate, Harry asked, "What's the problem?"
Snape rolled his eyes at the boy's impertinence.
"Professor Moody has been called away on business. Could you cover the Defense classes today, perhaps spend the day reviewing?" When Harry just looked puzzled, he continued, "You'll be excused from your afternoon class with Professor Hagrid, but you should be finished in time for your fencing lesson."
It seemed to Harry that Dumbledore was dismissing him. He wondered if he was back to square one with the Headmaster keeping him in the dark about what was really happening — even after all that had happened last night. Speaking very deliberately, he asked, "What happened to Professor Moody?Or can't you saySir." Harry added the sir' in an effort to cover his annoyance.
Professor Snape stared at him with thinly veiled contempt, but Harry persisted, keeping his voice quiet. "What about the Ministry? Did you find out whether or not Pettigrew will stand trial?"
Dumbledore's expression relaxed. He said, "AhI see. You want a full explanation of last night's activities." It was more a statement than a question.
Sighing, he continued, "Alas, part of me still hopes to shield you from the problems facing us all — to keep you safe."
Although softened by this admission, Harry still looked straight into Dumbledore's eyes and said, "This affects my life. I can't take care of myself if I don't know what's going onWhat happened at the Ministry?"
Sighing, the Headmaster said, "This isn't a subject to discuss openly in front of students and faculty. You could perhaps defer your questions until a more suitable time and place." His tone held an air of finality.
Harry looked around at the Great Hall. There were probably two hundred students clustered around the various tables. Maybe Dumbledore had a point. Ignoring Snape's contemptuous stare, Harry said, "Of course, no problem. And don't worry about the Defense classes."
Dumbledore nodded his approval and went back to his seat.
Harry turned to leave. As he passed Snape, the Potions Professor said, "Not so fast, Potter. The Headmaster may have excused you from further punishment, but I believe you still have last night's detention to make up. I'll expect you at eight this evening."
Harry knew protesting was futile. In as even a tone as he could manage, he said, "I'll be there, Professor."
The rest of the day went smoothly. He met Ginny, Ron and Hermione at lunch to fill them in on what had happened the night before. Teaching kept Harry too busy to worry about what might be happening at the Ministry. He arrived at his fencing lesson feeling relaxed and eager for the exercise.
Finding the practice room empty, Harry reached inside his fencing bag for the broadsword he'd been using during his lessons. Next to it lay the sword he'd recovered from the cave. Dumbledore hadn't mentioned it in ages. Maybe it would be all right just to go through some of the motion drills using the real sword.
He pulled the sword out of its scabbard and stood in the center of the room. The salon was empty except for a few chairs pushed against the stone walls. The room had a high ceiling and arched windows along one side. Other than a few portraits near the entry, the walls were bare. On the far side of the room, double doors led out onto the Hogwarts grounds near the greenhouses, but these were always kept locked.
As Harry examined the designs on his sword, he thought over what McGonagall had said. On one side, the symbols stood for strength. A Dragon and a Griffin, together they would be a powerful force. On the other side were symbols of a phoenix and a serpent. She'd said serpents weren't always thought of as dark creatures. Since a phoenix represented rebirth, perhaps in this case, so did the serpent.
There was still no sign of his instructor so Harry started to go through the sword drills that he'd learned. What harm could it do?' he thought. As he sliced through the air with his sword, he began to hear a low hum.
As he went through his paces in the fencing room, he began to think about facing Voldemort. He focused on the image of that evil, snakelike face. It became the only thing on Harry's mind as he swung the heavy sword. He imagined what it would be like to battle face to face, although a real battle with Voldemort wasn't likely to be a sword fight. Harry would have to think of a workable approach. Maybe Ron could think of something.
He remembered what Ginny had told him about Merlin. Why not try to trap Voldemort within a cave just as Ninianne had done all those years ago to Merlin? Trap him, render his magic useless, contain him within the walls of a mountain where he could no longer spread his evil throughout the wizarding world. If only he knew how.
Moving swiftly with the blade while adding the foot movements, Harry was so focused on what he was doing that he didn't hear anyone come in. As he spun around and made a down stroke motion with his sword, a lightening bolt of power came out the end of it. The streak of white light shot across the length of the room and struck the wooden doors that led to the greenhouses.
"Bollocks," he said to himself as he ran across to inspect the damage. Harry laid his sword across a chair. Then he bent down next to the doors for a closer look. The two large, heavy wooden doors were cut in two. The cuts were smooth, as if the doors had been severed by a laser instead of a blade.
"All you can say is 'Bollocks?' What happened? Where did you get that sword?" Rhys, his fencing instructor, caught up with him at the back doors.
Laughing, Harry answered, "Don't you recognize it? That's the sword I found in the cave. Weren't you there when McGonagall was talking about it? That's the first day I met you."
Frowning, Harry looked at the broken doors. "I suppose I better tell someone. Even with a repair spell, they'll want to know. Filch will be furious if he has to replace these. Reparo!" The two young men jumped back as the doors magically rejoined their hinges.
"They look all right for now," Harry said. As he turned, he saw Rhys reaching for the handle of his sword. Before he could yell, "No!" Rhys had grabbed the hilt.
"Arghh," the fencing instructor fell to his knees in pain. Dropping the sword, he clutched his hand. "What is it? Did you charm it to sting like that?"
"No. Of course not. I'm so sorry. I should have warned you. It came that way. I'm the only one who could pick it up. That's why I got to keep it. Are you going to be all right?" Harry's forehead was furrowed with concern. "Let me see your hand?" He took the other man's hand in both his own, muttering a healing charm as he rubbed the skin around the burn mark for a moment, then let go.
"Wow, that's much better. You have a healing touch." Rhys was looking at Harry oddly.
"Thanks. I'm just sorry about not warning you. Are you going to be able to work out today? Maybe we should call off the lesson." Harry had been looking forward to sparring with Rhys, but he didn't want him to be in further pain.
"I'm all right now. Thanks." He looked like he wanted to say something else.
"What is it?" Harry asked. "Is there something on my face?" He rubbed his cheek.
"I just don't know how to tell you this." Rhys shifted uncomfortably, keeping his eyes on the floor.
Harry answered, "Ohwhatever it is, just say it."
Rhys still seemed reluctant to speak. After a long pause, he said, "My brother was one of the Death Eaters who was captured yesterday along with Peter Pettigrew." The silence grew.
Concealing his surprise, Harry answered softly, "Did you know about their plan?"
Shaking his head, Rhys said, "No. Nothing. I didn't even know he was a Death Eateralthough I should have guessed. Maybe I shouldn't have come." He met Harry's stare, feeling like those green eyes could see right through him.
After a few moments, Harry gave him a small smile. "You probably should have taken today off. This must have been a big shock for you."
Feeling relieved, but confused, Rhys stared at the younger man. He was amazed by his attitude. He'd just admitted that his brother was not only in league with Voldemort, but involved in the plot to kidnap and probably kill Harry. Sympathy had been the last thing he had expected.
As if he understood the question, Harry said, "I can see your arm is clear of the Dark Mark. You didn't have to tell me about your brother, but you did. Why shouldn't I trust you? Do you have other family?"
"Just a mother and a sister. They don't know about Tecwyn. We haven't heard from him in a while. He left to see the world right after he graduated from Hogwarts. Last we knew he was in Amsterdam. I took the fire call from the Ministry this morning, but I haven't had the heart to tell my Mum. Telling you was difficult, but telling her"
Rhys and Harry sat in the middle of the practice room until the light in the windows faded and the torch lights came on. They agreed to cancel the fencing lesson. Instead they just talked, getting to know each other better and speculating about what would happen to the captured Death Eaters.
Talking with Rhys for so long made Harry miss dinner. He wasn't hungry anyway. It had been a busy day and he still had detention with Snape. He climbed the stairs to the tower feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. He knew that the large pile of homework on his desk hadn't shrunk while he covered the Defense classes all day. At least it was the weekend.
The common room was alive with noise and confusion. He smiled as he noticed that Ron and Hermione were at their usual place near the fire. A bright flash of red hair caught his attention as he noticed Ginny flanked by Colin and Dennis Creevey. They were playing Exploding Snap at a table by the window.
Ginny didn't see Harry heading straight for them because the cards near her had begun to smoke. "Dennis, help! It's your turn. Save me..." She laughed delightedly as the deck exploded, showering her with soot.
Harry laughed with her.
"Good timing, Harry. Did you make that deck explode?" Ginny smiled at him.
"Wasn't me. I just got here. Must have been a Creevey." Harry said as Dennis and Colin looked less than impressed with the attention Ginny was giving the newcomer.
Harry joined their game for a couple of rounds. He couldn't remember the last time he'd played Exploding Snap. Ron and Hermione came over and watched. For at least a short while, Harry relaxed and enjoyed some time with friends. It didn't hurt that one of them was Ginny.
"Do you want to play another game, Harry?" she asked.
Looking into her shining brown eyes, Harry wished he could stay, but he reluctantly answered, "No, I still have detention with Snape. In fact, I better go. Wouldn't do to be late. He's already mad because I missed it last night."
Ginny glanced around the table briefly at the Creeveys, Ron and Hermione, suddenly wishing they would disappear. It was frustrating. She had so much to say to Harry, but she didn't know where to begin or how to phrase things.
Instead Harry disappeared off to the dungeons to find Snape. The halls were deserted. Harry didn't even encounter one of the ghosts as he wound his way into the belly of the castle. The door to the Potions classroom was open and light shone into the corridor.
"Professor Snape?" Harry called. There was no answer. The room seemed empty. He moved toward the open door to Snape's office.
When he'd almost reached the entry, he heard a deep voice behind him say, "Stay out of there, Potter. My private stores are off limits to you." Professor Snape stepped out of the shadows in the back of the classroom.
"Sorry, Professor. I didn't see you there." Harry was determined to maintain a polite tone.
"I heard you calling, Potter, but I was in the midst of counting jars and didn't want to start over just for the pleasure of jumping when you called." Snape wasn't going to make being polite easy.
Seeing that Harry wasn't going to rise to the bait, Snape said, "The cauldrons by the fire need scrubbing, Harry — the Muggle way. No scouring charms allowed." He folded his arms and stared at Harry as though he'd lit a fuse and now expected the young man to explode.
"Thank you, Sir," Harry answered. It took a supreme effort to keep the sarcasm out of his tone.
Frowning, Snape returned to the desk at the front of the room and Harry settled into scrubbing. They both worked in silence for an hour. Harry was almost finished with the cauldrons. Behind him, he could hear the scratch of Snape's quill.
As he reached the end of his detention, Harry was startled to find Snape standing right behind him. Momentarily thrown, Harry paused in his work and looked worriedly over his shoulder.
Quietly, Snape said, "Don't turn around, Potter. Keep cleaning and act as though I'm simply inspecting your work. The walls have ears, Potter, and I needed to speak with you alone. There's something you need to know."
Harry wondered briefly if that meant that Snape gave him an unwarranted detention on purpose so that he could speak to him without raising suspicion. Raising whose suspicion?
"Voldemort is out for your blood. Literally. He needs your blood. That is why he is trying to kidnap you." Snape said quietly.
"Do you mean he's become a vampire or something? Why would he just need my blood?" Harry asked, confused.
Snape answered. "I'm not sure. It has nothing to do with nourishment or the fact that he used your blood to regain his body. He needs your blood to find something."
Harry didn't know what to say. He could only think of more questions.
"What do you know about Blood Charms, Potter?" Snape asked as he held up one of the cauldrons Harry had finished cleaning and handed it back to him.
Before Harry could answer, someone coughed loudly behind them. Pansy Parkinson and Draco Malfoy stood at the entrance to the Potions classroom looking amused.
Snape smiled at the Slytherins and said, "Out for a Friday night date? How charming."
Giving Harry a withering look, Malfoy said, "I came by to see if you have that Potion we discussed, Professor."
Snape turned to Harry and said, "You're dismissed, Potter."
Harry took off toward the door.
As he passed Draco and Pansy, he heard Snape say, "As I told you earlier, I cannot possible provide such a Potion for you." Malfoy didn't look pleased.
The pre-dawn sun lit the mist rising off the lake just enough to make everything a pale blue. The air smelled clean and fresh. Harry kept running at a brisk pace winding around the path near the lake. As the sun rose in earnest, he ran back up the hill toward the castle. It was easy to forget that an evil wizard wanted to kill him on a morning like this.
The only thing on Harry's mind was going to Hogsmeade with his friends. Maybe it wasn't a real date, but it would be like it was at the Burrow last August. Ginny and he would finally have some time alone. Ron and Hermione would be too caught up with each other to notice.
Quickly showering, Harry spent some extra time trying to get his hair to lay flat. As usual, it was a lost cause. He put on some of the new Muggle clothes he'd purchased last summer and a clean robe. Feeling like he'd done what he could to make himself presentable, he hurried to breakfast.
His friends were already eating. Harry slid into the seat beside Ginny. His heart filled with happiness when she smiled shyly at him, and said, "Good morning, Harry." She looked like her usual beautiful self. Her hair was pulled up into a ponytail, the way he liked it best with the little curly tendrils showing along her neck. She wore blue jeans and a tailored white shirt under her Hogwarts robe.
"Did everyone sleep well?" Harry asked as he enthusiastically helped himself to breakfast food. This was a beautiful day and he was going to spend it with a beautiful girl. Somewhere, he just knew Sirius was smiling at him.
Ginny's fan club was circling. Dean slowed as he passed her and gave a silent wave before moving to the other end of the table. Colin Creevey and Harold Dingle sat opposite her. Was it Harry's imagination or did Harold and Ginny exchange quiet looks as though they'd just asked and answered a question. Harry shook his head. He must have imagined it. They weren't exactly friends.
Harold Dingle was a Gryffindor seventh year who was well known for supplying the younger students with Firewhiskey and other banned substances. Why would Ginny want anything like that? Besides, Harold had been going out with Heather MacNaughton for ages.
Thoughts of Harold Dingle were forgotten as Michael Corner came up and tapped Ginny on the shoulder. "Can I talk to you for a moment, Ginny?" he asked.
Harry was shocked. I'm sitting right here!' he thought. Then he remembered that he'd kept all his emotions to himself. Everyone thought he was just Ginny's brother's friend. Ginny didn't even know how he really felt. Telling himself he had no right to be upset, he focused on letting go of the jealous feelings that threatened to overwhelm him. It helped, but he still didn't trust himself to speak.
"Sure, Michael. What is it?" answered Ginny.
"Privately. Could we talk privately?" he began to turn red.
Ginny looked at Harry whose face had become a mask of calm. She couldn't tell what he was thinking. She sighed and said, "Sure, we can step into the entryway." As she followed Michael to the doors of the Great Hall, she looked back over her shoulder at Harry. He was staring darkly at her retreating figure.
"They don't even let her eat breakfast," complained Ron. He was staring at Harry, thinking, Why don't you put a stop to all of this? Tell her how you feel. Chase these guys away.' Testing the twins' new invention, Talking Truth Taffy, on Harry was beginning to seem like a good idea.
Hermione watched Ron practically glaring at Harry and shook her head.
Exasperated, Ron asked, "What? Can you believe the nerve of that guy?"
Harry looked at his best friend and thought, Ron doesn't think anyone is good enough for Ginny. What would he think if he knew how I really feel?' Aloud he said, "When do you two want to leave?" He hesitated and then continued, "That's if you still want to go. Tell you what, if Ginny doesn't come back. You two go on alone. I have plenty of studying to do today."
Hermione studied Harry's unruffled face. She thought she understood his mask of indifference. She'd seen the way he looked at Ginny when he thought no one could see. For one of the most powerful wizards alive, he could be incredibly insecure. And he didn't seem to have any idea how he affected Ginny. With a sympathetic look, she said, "What are you on about, Harry? She'll be back in a moment."
"Of course, she will," added Ron.
Just then, a loud roar came from the crowd at the Slytherin table. Fifteen or so Slytherin students crowded around each other. Harry glanced over to see what was causing the commotion.
Snape was hurrying over from the staff table. "What's the meaning of this?" he demanded. Turning to face their head of house were at least twelve students wearing the same face. Snape gasped. It was his face. While their heights and clothes varied, they all had the same greasy hair, black eyes and hooknose of the Potions Professor.
After a few seconds of stunned silence, Snape asked, "Is this meant to be some form of flattery or have you all been the victims of a cruel hoax?" Pansy Parkinson burst into tears, her Snape-like face scrunched up. Two big, rather wide, Snapes shuffled their feet and patted her back trying to comfort her.
"When I find out who's at the bottom of this, they'll be sorry." Snape was well known for his favoritism for members of his house. They could get away with any sort of cruel taunts, but he would punish anyone severely for embarrassing them.
Whether someone had muttered a quiet Finite Incantatum! or the charm had simply worn off, the Snape look alikes were changing back to their normal selves one by one. The excitement was over.
Ginny came back to the table with a big grin on her face. Is that smile because of Michael Corner,' Harry thought. He'd stopped worrying about Dean, now Michael Corner was back in the picture? She definitely raised her eyebrows at Harold Dingle as she caught his eye. Harold Dingle?' Harry's thoughts were running wild.
"Are you ready to go?" Ginny asked smoothly, looking at Ron and Hermione.
"As though we're the ones that have been holding things up. Any idea what happened over at the Slytherin table?" Ron asked his sister.
Shrugging her shoulders, she stared at the floor. Then she turned to Hermione and asked, "Where do you want to go first?"
As the group started toward Hogsmeade together, Harry felt a little self-conscious around Ginny. He couldn't help but wonder how she felt about him. She seemed to have so many boys that were just friends.
Of course, she was great at putting him at ease. Soon he joined in the conversation. They shopped for school supplies and candy. Then Ginny and Hermione went into Madam Malkin's to look at robes while Harry and Ron went into the Quidditch supply store. The village seemed to be full of people today, not just students. Harry wondered if Aurors or perhaps members of the Order were on hand in case of trouble.
Mr. Zonko recognized Ginny and Ron when they came into his joke store. "Checking out the competition, eh? How are your brothers? Out of good ideas already? Well, I can sell you these new Dry-Start Flying Fizzies. Not as dramatic as fireworks, but just as guaranteed to stop class. Great for getting out of boring lectures."
Ron answered, "Thanks, we're just looking." Ron and Hermione both looked a little uncomfortable about spying on the nice shopkeeper.
Mr. Zonko moved over to Harry and Ginny. "Mr. Potter. I hear you have a financial interest in Fred and George's establishment. Is the rumor true? Would you like to invest in their competition? Hedge your investment?" Mr. Zonko didn't really want Harry's money. He just wanted to gauge the young man's reaction to find out if he really had given the twins their start. He liked the twins and respected Harry for helping them -- if it was true.
Thinking that here was proof positive that nothing was secret in the wizarding world, Harry looked at the floor and stammered. "II'm sure I don't know where you get your information, sir. I don't have any money to invest." Recovering slightly, he said, "Besides, business appears to be booming for you." He began to look around for something to buy.
Ginny nodded her approval. She had chosen several things for purchase. "I'm still a customer, Mr. Zonko," she said cheerfully, adding some purple Dry-Start Flying Fizzies to her pile.
Back on the street, they decided to head over to the Three Broomsticks. It was long past lunchtime and they were hungry. As they moved down the street, they heard a drawl behind them, "You won't get away with it, Weasley. Professor Snape is going to find proof."
They turned to see the usual gang from Slytherin plus a pouting Pansy Parkinson. Ron set his feet apart, drew his chest up and looked down his nose at the much smaller Draco Malfoy. "Can't you just leave us alone, Malfoy? Must you lurk around every cornerGet away with what? I have no idea what you're talking about and I don't want to know. We were having a nice day without you."
"I don't mean you Weasley, I'm talking to your sister -- the prankster. You think you can make fun of us and just walk away? That's not how things work in Slytherin House." Crabbe and Goyle were standing on either side of Malfoy trying to mirror his sneer with their facial expressions.
Ginny burst out laughing. "You're saying you're afraid of me, Malfoy? What could you possibly fear from me, the youngest of the Weasleys? What am I supposed to have done?" Her giggle was infectious. Harry and Ron smiled back at the Slytherin gang.
"You know what you did. There's no sense denying it. Watch your back, Weasley." Malfoy was getting redder in the face.
Hermione had watched the whole interchange without smiling. She said, "That's a threat, Malfoy. I'm reporting you to Snape and McGonagall. You can't go around threatening people even if you aren't a prefect anymore." Malfoy had lost his prefect status after Ernie MacMillan and several other D.A. members complained that they had to stop him from attacking Harry on the train ride home last year.
"We're going now. Have a nice day!" Harry said as he waved his hand and muttered something. The four Slytherin students remained frozen on the sidewalk as they moved away.
"And what spell was that, Harry." Ron just loved all the new defensive spells that Harry was learning from Professor Moody.
"Tempus Freezus!" Harry said. "They're frozen, but only for a moment or two -- a minute at the most. Long enough for us to get away without worrying about Ginny's back, anyway. What did you supposedly do to them?"
"They must think I had something to do with this morning's prankActually, I'm calling it Ode to Snape'. It's performance art really." She had a self-satisfied grin plastered onto her face.
"So you are responsible for the Snape look alike contest at breakfast," said Hermione. "I wondered. And you had Harold Dingle help you somehow." Nothing gets by Hermione.
Ginny giggled and said, "He slipped a new Fred and George product into their hangover potion. Apparently there are a lot of drunk Slytherins on Friday nights. Harold sells them the Firewhiskey and the morning after potion. I'm surprised they figured out I had anything to do with it. I thought they'd just blame poor Harold. They can't accuse him openly because then they would have to admit to drinking." Ginny had thought this through. She couldn't read the look Harry was giving her — an odd mixture of admiration and relief.
Ron said, "Awesome, Ginny. Fred and George will be so proud. The tradition lives on. Why Snape? I can't see that catching on. Why not develop a charm to make people look like Celestina Warbeck or someone like that?" He couldn't see someone taking a Snape look alike potion on purpose.
Ginny answered, "The same potion will work for anybody. You can use any person that you want. It isn't as good as Polyjuice obviously. It only changes hair and facial features for a few minutes. Fun at parties, don't you think?" Ron nodded in agreement.
Hermione wasn't happy. Ginny and Ron were acting like they were discussing the weather. "Do you ever think like a prefect, Ron? You shouldn't be condoning this. She could get in a lot of trouble for a prank like this. And you, don't you ever get tired of detention?"
Ginny was in detention at least once a week for her various pranks. The only teacher who never gave her detention was Professor Flitwick, the Charms teacher, who seemed genuinely pleased that she had developed some of Fred and George's skills.
Ron looked hurt by Hermione's admonition. She hadn't been lecturing him as much this year. "You're not suggesting we tell on my sister. Are you, Hermione? Because there's such a thing as loyalty. Ginny's family. I seem to remember a real Polyjuice Potion incident."
"Oh, Ron. I'm not going to tell on her. You're right, our Polyjuice escapade broke more rules than this. I just worry. Malfoy is mean and much angrier than he used to be. I think he's capable of doing something really bad. We should keep an eye on him." Hermione slipped her hand into Ron's as she spoke. Reaching up on tiptoe, she gave him a swift kiss on the cheek.
They reached the Three Broomsticks. It was still crowded with Hogwarts students despite the fact that it was after lunch.
Since there were no free tables, the group joined some other Gryffindor's by the window. Neville, Dean, Seamus, Lavender and Parvati had been drinking butterbeers since noon. Madam Rosmerta came over and took their lunch order.
Dean made Seamus trade places with him so he could sit next to Ginny. Here we go again,' thought Harry. Dean was whispering something in her ear. Harry fumed, wishing he could think of something to whisper so he could have his lips that close to Ginny's ear.
An owl arrived for Harry. He used the excuse to leave the table, not wanting to watch Ginny with Dean any longer. Stopping near the entrance doors to open the envelope he'd just received, he felt Ron's hand on his shoulder.
"Harry, stop. Why are you leaving? Don't give up so easi" Ron's voice was cut off in mid-sentence as both boys disappeared.
A Portkey, someone had sent him a Portkey. Feeling that familiar, nauseating tug on his navel, Harry sensed that Ron was coming with him. He had been touching his shoulder at just the right moment. Or was it the wrong moment?
The boys landed in a bare, stone room with an iron door. Dim light came from a barred window high above. They seemed to be alone. Harry moved quickly, dropping the letter he had been holding, and then grabbing Ron's hand and picking it up again. He hoped to reactivate the Portkey. Nothing happened.
Ron mouthed the words, "Wands ready?"
Harry nodded. His friend's words were reminiscent of Cedric's in the graveyard. He quickly put a Disillusionment Charm on Ron, then himself.
Ron's eyes widened as he felt the cold slip down his spine. Then he understood as he watched the spell turn Harry into a chameleon. Now they both blended into their surroundings.
They checked the door. It was locked. Harry whispered, "Alohamora!" Nothing. It was still locked. They must be warded inside the cellar.
He felt Harry's hand lead him against a far wall. For an hour or more, they waited in silence, leaning against the cold stone. Finally, they heard footsteps and voices approaching the door.
"When do you think our letter will be delivered, Jonathan?" a reed thin voice asked as they heard a key turn in the lock.
"Soon. We should get ready for him. If we can capture him, they can't refuse to make us Death Eaters," said a second voice.
Death Eater wannabees? Whatever next!' Harry thought. As the two men entered the cellar where he and Ron were hiding, they noticed the letter they had sent as a Portkey on the floor. "It didn't work!" said the reedy voiced boy. He was rather short.
"Yes it did. It's here. Isn't it? Wha" the taller boy said, looking confused.
Harry elbowed Ron and yelled, "Stupefy!" aiming his hand at the brains of the outfit. Jonathan dropped like a stone.
Ron dropped the other boy with his own stunner.
They looked down at the two unconscious boys. Neither looked to be more than twenty. Harry quickly put his own locking spell on the door and a silencing charm on the room. He bound and gagged both of their would-be kidnappers and said, "You don't happen to have a Portkey on you, do you, Ron?"
Ron laughed, keeping his wand pointed at the unconscious kidnappers. "I left all my Portkeys in my other robes, Harry. Any ideas?"
Harry removed their Disillusionment Charms and pulled a mirror from his pocket. "I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Hang on." Clearly and distinctly, he said, "Ginny Weasley."
Back at Hogwarts, Ginny and Hermione had not had an easy afternoon. When Ron and Harry disappeared right in front of their eyes, they had been the only ones to notice. Ginny had been watching Harry's retreating figure and Ron's chase. Hermione had seen it, too.
At first, no one believed them. The students closest to the door said they thought the boys had just gone up the stairs. Ginny had her hands on her hips and was about to let them have it when Professor Moody appeared and said, "I saw it, ladies. I've been keeping an eye on things from outside." Moody's magical eye could see through the walls of the pub. "We'd best get back to Hogwarts and see what Dumbledore makes of this."
They were silent as they walked past the gargoyle guarding his office. When they were seated, the Headmaster said calmly, "So, do you have something you wish to tell me?" They both gave vivid descriptions of the disappearance. Ginny mentioned that Harry had just received an owl.
"Thank you, girls. You may wait here until we receive word. Were you able to finish your lunch? I can arrange for a tray." The Headmaster was really good in a crisis.
Both girls politely declined.
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled as he said, "There appear to be a number of concerned friends waiting outside my office with your things. I believe Mr. Thomas has your rucksack and packages, Miss Weasley. Would you like to await news back in the common room since so many seem to want to join your vigil?"
"Maybe I could just go get my bags, Professor. If it's all right with you, I'd like to stay here. You'll know what's happened before anyone." She was too upset to hide her feelings well. The boys could be dead. She was panicking.
Dumbledore smiled sympathetically. "Allow me to retrieve your things for you." With a wave of his hand, he produced a cup of tea, "I think you should drink this. As I said, I'm glad for you to wait here in my office for word about your brother and Harry. I will be contacting your parents." He left them alone for a few minutes.
Ginny looked around his office, setting the teacup down on a nearby table with shaky hands. The portraits of former headmasters seemed to be sleeping, some snoring quite spectacularly. Her mind was racing. What could she do? How could she find them?
Seeing how uneasy her friend was, Hermione said, "We can't do anything right now except wait. Dumbledore's right. You should drink the tea." Hermione suspected that he had put a calming draught in it for her.
"Do you have ice in your veins, Hermione? I can barely think They could be dead! Right now We could have lost them forever." She was concentrating on breathing slowly so she wouldn't hyperventilate.
"OhI know, GinnyIt's justwell, we can't believe the worst until we have more information. Dumbledore doesn't seem all that worried. He probably knows when to panic. As long as Dumbledore's calm, we should be calm." She hoped all of that was true.
Maintaining his steady demeanor, the Headmaster returned carrying both girl's packages, as well as Ron and Harry's things. "Since we may be in for a long wait, what would help pass the time? Do you want to talk or perhaps read?" Dumbledore asked kindly, indicating his bookshelf. Both girls chose books and pretended to read.
The next hour passed slowly. The girls stared at their books and tortured themselves with "what ifs."
Dumbledore heard his name being called from the fireplace and went to answer it. Watching Dumbledore kneel into the fireplace, Hermione shrugged her shoulders at Ginny as if to say, "I have no idea what he is doing."
When he returned to his desk, he explained, "When Remus Lupin went missing last August, we found him with the help of a little mirror that Sirius had charmed to communicate with Harry." Both girls already knew this story. They looked at the Headmaster expecting more. "He still hasn't heard anything yet, but I asked Remus to keep checking in. He's every bit as worried as we are."
After a moment, Ginny said excitedly, "Of course! How stupid of me! Harry could use the mirror to contact us." She stuck a hand inside her small rucksack to finger the little mirror she shared with Harry.
Amused, Dumbledore asked, "Do you have something to tell us, Miss Weasley?"
Hermione watched her friend, thinking she was acting peculiar. Didn't she realize that this was bad news? If Harry hadn't contacted Remus yet, that meant the two boys were in some difficulty or had been killed the moment they arrived wherever that Portkey had taken them. She didn't trust herself to speak.
Palming the little mirror, Ginny excused herself to go to the loo. Dumbledore indicated a private door. Once inside, she said very clearly into her mirror, "Harry Potter." Nothing. No sound. No Harry's nose. Nothing. Tears began to pour down her face. He must be gone. She stared in the mirror for a long time.
"Ginny Weasley?" she startled at the sound. Wiping her cheeks, she answered her mirror.
Smiling at her excitement, Harry explained their predicament. "If we can find a fireplace, I have some floo powder. Are you still in the Three Broomsticks?"
Ginny laughed softly through her tears. "No, of course not, we raised the roof when you disappeared. People are looking for you everywhere. We're back at Dumbledore's office. II'm in the loo." She finished shyly.
Harry bit his lip to stop himself from laughing. Instead he said, "Do you think you could hand the mirror to Professor Dumbledore, Ginny?"
Ginny paused. "Shouldn't I just relay the message, Harry? If I give him the mirror, then they'll all know we have them. I think enchanted two-way mirrors are on the list of 745 banned items that are posted on Filch's door."
"I didn't think anyone ever read that listDon't worry. If they confiscate these, we'll just enchant new mirrors." She could see Harry grinning.
Ginny shook her head and scolded, "You need to focus, Harry. You're not out of trouble yet."
"Constant Vigiliance! I never thought I'd hear that from you." Harry was still giving her that grin, the one that made her insides melt.
She took a deep breath and agreed to give the mirror to Dumbledore.
"Our cover is blown anyway, Gin. Ron is standing right next to me wondering how I was able to contact his little sister so easily." Ginny cringed at the little sister' remark. But she left the bathroom with the mirror still activated.
Hermione couldn't believe that Ginny came out of the bathroom with her hand mirror. Of all the times to worry about her appearance.
Ginny smiled at Hermione, but addressed the Headmaster, "ErSir, Harry has been able to contact us." Her heart showed in her eyes.
Dumbledore took the mirror without comment, but his eyes were twinkling merrily as he took the mirror from her and spoke with Harry.
At Moody's suggestion, Harry carried emergency floo powder. He had enough for all of them. Opening the door of the cell, they levitated their prisoners and walked cautiously down a narrow hall and up some stairs, passing several empty rooms. They seemed to be alone in some sort of stone farmhouse. The stairs led to a room with a large table and a dozen chairs. It also had a large fireplace.
Glad they hadn't met anyone else. They each grabbed some floo powder and an unconscious prisoner. In turn they stepped into the fireplace and shouted, "Hogwart's Headmaster's Office!"
A relieved Ginny and Hermione greeted them as they came through Dumbledore's fireplace. The teenagers were exhilarated at the ease of their escape. Kingsley Shacklebolt was there within a few minutes to take custody of their prisoners. He left with them quickly, promising to come back soon to take their statements.
"Perhaps I could contact Remus, Professor Dumbledore. May I use your floo? He's probably really worried." As Harry explained to Remus what had transpired, Ron joined him in the fire.
Ron snorted. "It was a walk in the park. Harry hid us before those bumbling fools even showed up. Even if they'd been real Death Eaters, we could have taken them. Some first date, huh, Harry."
Remus' eyes widened with interest. "You were kidnapped while you were on a date, Harry?"
"Ron was on the date. I was just tagging along." Harry shifted uncomfortably. He wondered if Ginny was listening. She and Hermione were still conversing with Professor Dumbledore.
"You just wanted it to be a date. Right, Harry?" Ron teased. It wasn't lost on him that Harry and Ginny had been contacting each other through those little mirrors for who knows how long. He was delighted.
Embarrassed and worried about being overheard, Harry promised to owl Remus in the morning with more details.
Ron positively beamed as he rejoined Hermione. They all knew this kidnapping attempt was nothing to get upset over. They'd been in more difficult scrapes.
Dumbledore said, "Two kidnapping attempts foiled in just a few days. I think that's cause for celebration. Perhaps the Gryffindor common room would be a good place for a welcome back celebration -- a feast."
"Thanks, but I think everyone's tired after their ordeal." Hermione's forehead was knitted into a frown.
"Nonsense, 'Mione," said Ron. "It's Saturday night. We can rest tomorrow."
Hesitantly, Harry sat down next to Ginny. She smiled at him. "I'm so glad to see you, Harry." Her heart was in her eyes again.
He took her hand in his, staring back at her. "I'm always glad to see you, Ginny," he said softly.
Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Did either of you find out who your captors were?" he asked.
Ron answered, "Two young men rejected by their local Death Eaters. They hoped to capture Harry and deliver him to You Know Who in exchange for membership in his ranks. Who knows what they thought they'd get in return? Power? Money?"
Harry shook his head and said, "If Voldemort has a price on my head, I should expect this sort of attack more often. I shudder to think what Professor Moody will have to say."
Remembering what Snape had said about Voldemort wanting his blood, Harry thought about asking Dumbledore what that could mean, but just then Kingsley Shacklebolt returned. Dumbledore smiled as the teenagers explained the whole story. They agreed to keep most of the details of their experience to themselves. No sense giving anyone ideas. The Auror promised to do what he could to keep the story out of the Daily Prophet although it would be difficult since this was the second kidnapping attempt in one week.
Back in Gryffindor tower, all of their friends had been waiting. Seamus had transfigured water into an interesting, if weak, rum punch which most of the upper classmen in the crowd had been sampling. As they came through the portrait hole, the crowd cheered.
Ron was glad to see that the Fred and George tradition of Gryffindor rule breaking hadn't departed with his brothers. Hermione relaxed when she saw his enthusiasm. After all, she could have lost him today. If necessary, she could plead ignorance tomorrow. Tonight, they should have a little fun. He draped one strong arm across her shoulders and kept it there for most of the evening.
The party was loud. By eleven, Hermione made everyone under fourth year go to bed, but the remaining students made up for it by beginning to sing. Seamus started it. Apparently in his family there was a large selection of traditional Irish drinking songs. A few of the other students knew some of the words. Most had had so much punch that they didn't care whether or not they knew the words, they sang anyway.
Harry was fairly quiet. He was counting his blessings. Glad to be alive. Glad to be back at Hogwarts. Ginny kept getting pulled away from his side although Harry never took his eyes off of her. Harold and Neville insisted they needed an impartial referee in their game of Exploding Snap. Colin Creevey and another blond fifth year named Clive Burroughs wanted her to decide who had the best hair.
Ginny was the life of the party. It was her idea for all the singers to compete for the Gryffindor marshmallow cup, a quick trophy pulled from the refreshment table. Watching her having fun, Harry was struck by how many people must feel the same thing he felt for her.
She was wonderful. People couldn't help but adore her. She smiled at him from across the room and wiggled what looked like a Canary Cream behind her back before suggesting to Seamus that he have a quick bite of sandwich before singing his next song. Of course he loved her, it looked to him like everyone did.
To be continued.
Notes to reviewers:
Nightwing 509: Thanks for all of your comments! I will try to update quickly.
Gryphonmistress: Thanks for reading and reviewing!
hart-break: You should write the story of Peter being haunted. Good story idea! Thanks for writing a review. It makes a difference to hear from people.
athenakitty: I'm going to have to figure out that infertility spell. Thanks for your review!
Jaquelyne: Thanks, as always, for reading and reviewing. Famtabulous is such a great word. Next chapter, Harry is going to start trying to tell Ginny how he feels, but as so often happens in life, events and people conspire against him. Nowdon't you have a story to update?
Lily and James Potter: OK, Lily it is! I like the MWPP era as well. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
bEaNZ: Good luck to you, too!
HappySnakes Rule: I like Tonks for Remus, too. Like Harry, he needs someone to cheer him up. Tonks is such a fun character. Thanks for writing!
Lord of Darkness13: Thanks for reading and reviewing! It really does help.
Pegasus: Thanks for your kind comments. My own Monday's often need brightening. Thanks for your review!
Lourdes1: You always think of something nice to say. Thanks for reviewing!
Charmone: I'm not convinced you meant to be helpful, but thanks for your trouble.
Wildcat: Thanks for your comments. When I read your review, I needed some encouragement so I really appreciate you taking the time.
KEmperor: Thanks for your enthusiasm. I hope you continue to enjoy the story. And I won't be abandoning it. The original storyboard has about ten more chapters. Thanks for reviewing!
Charybdis2: I loved your MARMITE suggestion. I have a friend who lived in Britain for about a year and she appreciated it, too. Thanks for brightening my day!
dragonclawz54: Thanks for writing! Another Remus and Tonks fan! Thanks for saying the Voldy/ silver hand/ Portkey plot was believable enough. I think he's capable of many complicated and tricky things. He's just so deliciously evil.
aschowin: Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like the plot. You are very kind.
A/N: Want to tell me what you think? Please review!