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: Fluff Alert! Thanks to everyone for taking the time to read and review! Notes are at the end of the story.
Chapter Seventeen
It's Raining Men
A bank of fog hung over the lake. The air was still as the early morning light gradually turned the blue mist into the pink glow of sunrise. The only sounds Harry could hear were his own ragged breathing and the pounding of his feet hitting the ground as he ran along the now familiar path. Birds skittered through the brush in front of him.
Harry stopped and stretched, turning back to watch the sun bathe the castle with warmth. Hogwarts looked like a dream, rising on a rocky outcropping above the foggy lake. From this perspective, the place appeared to be untouchable, safe from the world and all its conflicts.
Resuming his run back toward the castle, he thought, Appearances can be deceiving.' He knew that the people within the dreamy castle walls struggled with the same conflict between good and evil as the rest of the wizarding world. Someday soon they would all have to choose sides.
Ginny waited in the Great Hall for breakfast to start. For weeks, she'd been arriving early in hopes of having some time with Harry, who began most days at dawn with a run along the lakeshore. Early to bed and early to rise was not really her style.
As the food began to appear, a tall figure came up behind her. "You're up early, Ginny," said Terry Boot. He couldn't help but notice the pretty redhead's presence at breakfast. His voice made her jump. "Don't get up. Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. II've seen you in here most mornings. I've been meaning to say something. Get to know you better. Do you mind if I sit down?"
He sat next to her without waiting for an answer and continued speaking. "Most girls think they need their beauty sleep, but you, well, you're one of the prettiest girls here, yet you get up early for a healthy breakfast." He paused to see her reaction to his compliment.
Not really quite awake, Ginny hadn't taken in all that he had to say. She caught his "one of the prettiest girls" comment, but she didn't really get why he was telling her this. Wishing they could start this conversation over so she could figure out what he meant, she said, "Good morning, Terry."
He took this as encouragement and leaned over to speak to her more intimately, but he was interrupted by the arrival of Dean Thomas. "Terry," said Dean, rather curtly. He was still determined to convince Ginny that he would make a good boyfriend if she would just give him another chance, although weeks of persistent attention hadn't changed anything.
Dean had thought his rival was Harry Potter. Ginny and Harry seemed to have become close friends over the summer. Ever since the Quidditch match a couple of weeks ago, she seemed to spend a lot of time with Harry in the common room. Yet here she was with Terry Boot cozying up to her at breakfast.
They looked up at him. "Morning, Dean," said Ginny, wishing they would all leave her alone until she'd had some more tea.
Dean greeted her pleasantly and sat down to pour himself some coffee. He eyed Terry suspiciously.
Terry just glared back at Dean. He'd heard that Ginny and Dean had broken up. Maybe he was wrong. He decided to be cool, show Ginny what a gentleman he was. Good breeding will show. Still staring Dean down, he asked, "Can I get you some toast, Ginny?"
Already holding a piece of toast in her hand, she said, "Thanks anyway, Terry. I'm all set."
A flash of light announced that Colin Creevey had arrived, camera in hand, his younger brother Dennis in tow. "Wow! Look at the Slytherin flag, everyone!" Their eyes followed to where he was pointing. Someone had changed the Slytherin crest on their house flag hanging near the house points board. Instead of an evil looking snake, the crest now showed a rather harmless looking flobberworm. Grins and laughter broke out among the breakfast gathering, including Seamus and Neville who had just arrived. Ginny didn't join in, but she did have a small smile on her face at the prank.
"Good grief. What's everyone doing up at the crack of dawn?" asked Neville as he sat down next to Dean. "Aren't you usually the last one out of the dorm, Dean? Something special happening today?"
Seamus sat down across from them and said, "What's that about a crack, Neville? Is it the annual greet the dawn in the buff lakeshore swim? Did I miss something?" He smiled at everyone. No one knew what he was talking about. What annual swim in the buff?
Ginny didn't want to know. She poured herself another cup of tea and looked toward the entrance, wondering what happened to Harry this morning. She watched as Ron and Hermione entered the Great Hall.
Ever since his Quidditch injury, Hermione had insisted that Ron get to bed early. Although he'd recovered quickly, she wanted to take good care of him. Seeing the crowd around Ginny, they exchanged glances, as if to ask each other what's going on. They both shrugged and sat down. Ron piled breakfast foods on his plate. Hermione poured two cups of tea, one for Ron and one for herself, then looked over at Ginny who was staring into her teacup like it was a crystal ball. "Seeing the future in there, Ginny?" she asked.
Ginny smiled sleepily at her friend. "More like avoiding the future, Hermione. I'm not quite ready to face the day. How bout you? When did you finally get to bed last night?"
She had left Hermione in the common room last night with about six books open around her. She was busy trying to connect some of the references in Harry's little book, looking up the archaic place names and historical allusions.
"Yeah, thanks for all that help, Ginny. You're so strict about getting to bed at eleven." Hermione was the sort that kept asking about something until even the little details made some sense. She knew that Ginny had some little secret. Trying to trick it out of her while she was too sleepy to think seemed like a good plan.
Harry answered instead, "As Captain, I'm glad to hear that Ginny takes her training seriously." Moody's stealth training was working. No one had known he was there until he spoke. He arrived with his black hair still damp and stuck to his neck from a quick shower after his run. He looked healthy and fresh.
Ginny smiled sweetly at his praise. Harry wished he could sit next to her, but she was surrounded so he joined Ron and Hermione a couple of seats away. He concentrated on his food. Always hungry after his morning run, he especially liked the Hogwarts breakfast. He made an effort to catch up with Ron, avoiding even looking at Ron's beautiful sister.
"Death Eaters Get Life Sentence!" announced Hermione, reading the headline off the front page of the Daily Prophet. Under the headline was a photo of the balding Peter Pettigrew and the two young men that had been involved in the attempt to kidnap Harry. Harry wondered which one of the younger men was his fencing instructor's brother.
Ginny stopped as she was leaving and said quietly, "See you in class, Harry." She had Double Defense class with the Hufflepuffs that morning. Harry was looking forward to it. Feeling like he had let her down somehow, he looked at Ron who gave him a little shrug as if to say, "If you don't know, I can't explain it."
Others at the table watched her go, then exchanged glances before rising to follow. Dean caught up with her first, then Terry. She looked surprised, looking at one boy, then the other. Dean took her bag for her. Terry offered her something. The three of them left the hall together as Harry watched with a scowl.
Ron cleared his throat and said, "Hermione, didn't you tell me that Ginny broke up with Dean Thomas?"
"Yes, Ron. I did. She broke it off the minute we got back to Hogwarts — almost two months ago," she answered, looking through her lashes at Harry.
"Seems like he's still around," said Harry dryly. Talking about Ginny's love life was making him nervous. "Don't we have something more important to think about? Sheshe has more important things on her mind. And so do we. Have you found anything out lately, Hermione? I think I've made some progress with the sword." Harry and his fencing instructor had been working on using the magical sword without exploding the doors of the practice room. He could control it fairly well now.
Dropping their plan to provoke Harry into just admitting his feelings for Ginny, Ron and Hermione agreed to meet that night in the common room to discuss things. They went their separate ways.
Harry made his way to the Defense classroom. As he turned into the corridor he saw Dean Thomas step back from Ginny. He'd been close enough to kiss her. Overwhelmed with jealousy, Harry felt his cheeks burn. He told himself there couldn't possibly be anything to be jealous about, but as Dean passed him, it was all he could do not to hex him.
The fifth years were studying the protection spell, Protego! Professor Moody asked Harry to move about the class and help students practice the correct wand motion. Ginny and some of the other Gryffindors had already studied this spell in the D.A. last year so he wouldn't have to go near her.
Ignoring her was working pretty well until he heard her call his name. "Harry!" she said, sounding sweet. His eyes locked onto her smiling brown ones. He swallowed hard; hoping no one could see how he felt.
"Miss Weasley," he said, trying to sound formal and professional and failing utterly.
She giggled and moved over to where he was standing. "Can you show me how to do this? Am I holding my wrist correctly?" What was she playing at? She knew this spell cold.
He was close enough to smell her hair. It was heavenly. "You're doing beautifully, Ginny," he said quietly. "You know this spell."
She liked having an effect on him. His ears were turning red. She smiled. "You could probably still show me a thing or two."
Just then Colin Creevey let out a shriek. "Help him!" he cried. Pointing at Ian Fitzpatrick who was dodging objects right and left, Colin and the others ducked under nearby desks. Bags and books, quills and inkbottles were flying toward the fifth year.
"Finite Incantatem!" shouted Harry in a loud clear voice. "What did you say?" he asked Ian with a grin. Papers were still floating down from the ceiling. Moody peered out from his office door to see that order had been restored although the classroom looked like a hurricane had struck.
"I, uhI think I said um" Ian's answered.
"He said Projecto!" said Colin Creevey climbing out from under the desk. Soon the whole class was laughing and sorting out the debris.
Harry put his hand on the shoulder of the younger Hufflepuff boy and said, "A slip of the tongue turning protect me' into throw things at me.' It could happen to anyone." He smiled, thinking about the defensive possibilities of this lovely little spell that Ian had discovered. It certainly held the element of surprise.
At the end of class, Ginny waited for Harry to come out of Moody's office. Smiling, Harry was pleased to have a moment alone with her. No one could think anything of his walking his best friend's sister to lunch. He offered to carry her bag.
They walked into the Great Hall together for the second meal of the day to find Ron surrounded by Dean Thomas, Terry Boot, Colin Creevey and Michael Corner. "Glad you could make it to lunch, Ginny, Harry," he said in clipped tones. Both Dean and Colin offered Ginny the seat next to them. She looked at Harry expectantly.
Startled by her look, Harry said, "Oh, here you are." He handed her book bag over to her and sat down across from Ron.
She watched him begin to load food on his plate. With a sigh, she took the closest seat that the other boys were offering her which happened to be next to Dean. He gave Colin a triumphant look. Smiling at them, she helped herself to lunch.
Ron couldn't help but notice that while Harry seemed very interested in his plate, his friend kept a close watch on Ginny, stealing glances out of the corner of his eye. When she threw her head back laughing at something Colin told her, Harry just looked like he wished he could join them, but when Dean rested his hand on Ginny's arm, Harry's mouth pressed into a thin line and his jaw clenched like he wanted to punch something.
To an outside observer it may have seemed that Harry was just eating lunch, lost in moody contemplation. But to Ron, it seemed that his friend was near the breaking point. Despite the busy lunchtime activity of the Great Hall, Ron was sure he felt that familiar crackle of energy that signaled Harry's anger was rising.
Leaning across the table so only Harry could hear, Ron said, "You could do something about this, you know."
Harry looked surprised and confused, "What are you on about?" Their heads were close together.
"All those guys trying to date my sister" Ron tilted his head toward Ginny and her admirers.
Harry paled, as it became clear that Ron was trying to enlist his help in keeping anyone from dating his little sister. Hoping he was hiding his own feelings about Ginny, Harry swallowed hard and answered carefully, "I think she's old enough to make her own decisions. Don't you want her to behappy?"
"None of them can make her happy. She can dobetter. Don't you think?" Ron asked, finishing his plea with a sigh. Harry would never take the hint.
Brown curls joined the conspiratorial huddle. "Don't you think what?" Hermione asked.
Breaking into a smile, Ron said, "Just the usual lunchtime dilemma. Now that you're here, you can help us come up with a way to get rid of all those guys hovering around my sister."
Hermione made a face and said, "Maybe a good strong love potion in Millicent Bulstrode's breakfast porridge? Or some simple sneezing powder mixed into the Shepherd's Pie? Or Harry could just freeze them in time for a minute and whisk Ginny out of the Great Hall." She loaded her plate quickly and began to eat.
"You're still a little scary sometimes. How'd you come up with all of that off the top of your head?" Ron was proud of his diabolical girlfriend.
Harry added, "I'm glad you're on our side, Hermione."
"Speaking of our side, Harry. Any word on the Order? Did you finally talk Lupin?" Hermione was referring to the Order of the Phoenix. Harry wasn't yet an official member, but Dumbledore and Lupin were pretty good about keeping him informed.
Harry nodded. "There's a meeting late tonight. Moody's going. Lupin said he's glad Pettigrew's going to Azkaban. Said it gives him closure."
Hermione patted her friend's arm, thinking Lupin wasn't the only one who needed closure. "How was Moody this morning?"
"He promised to teach me to Apparate!" Harry said, excited at the prospect. "He said that while Apparating without a license is illegal, studying Apparating isn't. I suppose I won't be able to practice much, but we'll see. The Ministry couldn't detect any of the magic I did last summer. As long as I don't use my wandI should be fine."
Ron seemed just as excited. "Wow! First making Portkeys and now Apparating. You're so lucky."
Hoping his friend wasn't jealous, Harry smiled and said, "I promise I'll teach you whatever Moody teaches me." The old Auror had taught Harry how to make a Portkey after the kidnapping in Hogsmeade few weeks before. Harry had immediately taught his friends.
Hermione frowned and shook her head. "Shhhyou two should be more careful where you talk about these things. These walls have ears."
Harry's fencing lesson in the afternoon was a grueling workout. Neither of them brought up the sentencing as they settled into sparring with broadswords. Thankfully, the weapons were charmed to keep them from cutting each other's arms off while they trained. Knowing that they couldn't really injure their opponent helped them be more aggressive as they fought. Anyway, conversation was usually reserved until after they trained.
The final sparring match ended with Rhys sending Harry flying onto his backside. His sword clattered across the practice room floor. Sore, but otherwise uninjured, Harry stood up said, "All right. I yield. You're unstoppable today."
Sweat pouring off his face, Harry undid the buttons on his white fencing tunic. He was still catching his breath. Carefully sheathing his practice sword in the scabbard he carried inside his practice bag, Harry wasn't sure he should bring up the Death Eater's trial. Obviously, Rhys must be upset about it. Instead he asked how Rhys' mother and sister were doing.
Not really surprised at Harry's compassion for his family, Rhys said, "Mum will never get over this. She's grieving as though Tecwyn died. My sister was really too young to have that much to do with him. First he was at Hogwarts, then he lived abroad. She's just worried about my motherlike I am."
"I'm sorry, Rhys." Harry said simply, wishing he knew what to say. "Wherenever mind." He didn't want to intrude.
"What is it? Go ahead and ask your question." Rhys thought Harry deserved to know all about his brother since he was one of the Death Eaters who tried to kidnap him with Peter Pettigrew. Maybe it would make things up to Harry in some small way.
Instead Harry asked, "Where in Wales do you live exactly?
Surprised, Rhys answered, "That wasn't the question I was expecting. We live just outside of Carmarthen. It's the largest wizarding enclave in Wales. It's part of the Muggle town, but the Muggles don't really notice us. It's not as private as Hogsmeade, but it's a place where a wizard can be a wizard without exciting the local constabulary."
"So you must know all about Merlinbeing from the area where he lived. What do the locals say about him? There must be local legends."
Puzzled, Rhys shrugged and said, "Well, the town is named after him, but I suppose the locals say the same thing about Merlin that everyone does — he was a great wizard."
Harry nodded, wondering if he should tell the young Welshman about his torch mystery. He was still trying to find out anything he could about the box his family had held onto for so many years. But something held him back. He'd only known Rhys for a couple of months. While he thought he could trust him, how could he be sure? So instead of bringing him into his confidence, he clapped his instructor on the shoulder, thanked him for the lesson and said goodbye.
As he hurried to shower before dinner, Harry called Ginny with his mirror. The pressures of the day melted away as he saw her freckles appear in the small glass. She was alone in the library, finishing her Charms homework after an early dinner. "I wanted to finish everything before the D.A. meeting tonight, Harry." She sounded tired.
"I won't be able to see you until then," Harry said. Then he explained that he'd found out that Rhys lived near Myrddin's Den, the cave where Harry had found the sword. They spoke for a few minutes. Then Harry went off to shower.
As he ate his dinner alone, he thought about how relieved he'd been to find her alone. Watching Ginny constantly pestered with male attention was getting old. Not that he blamed people for crowding around her. She was beautiful, fun and easy to talk to.
Later that evening, the crowd was back. By the time the D.A. meeting started, the pretty redhead was again surrounded with admirers. Colin, Dean, Terry and Michael were all trying to stand near her. Everyone was working on a new spell that Harry had found.
The spell camouflaged the caster with a flowering shrub. Of course, actually transfiguring yourself into foliage required a level of skill and magical power far beyond most Hogwarts students. This spell wasn't too difficult as Transfiguration spells go. It required the use of a handkerchief.
Harry was amused when he found the spell since so called Muggle magicians often used handkerchiefs in their illusions. Here was a real spell that used one. Basically, the spell transformed the square of cloth into a large flowering shrub for the witch or wizard to hide within. Of course, you could use the clothes you were wearing, but that could have unfortunate results if you hadn't practiced enough. It was definitely not a good idea in a room full of inexperienced teenagers.
As the session began, Terry Boot came over to Ginny and offered to be her partner, but she had already agreed to work with Colin. Then Harry demonstrated the spell they'd be learning. Since they didn't need a partner tonight, Terry said he'd stick close by so he could help her. Michael and Dean were watching nearby.
As students began to practice, Harry circulated around the room to help wherever needed. As he approached Ginny, it was all he could to do to be civil to the boys jockeying for a position close to her.
"Since you already know this one, Ginny, could you help the fourth years?" Harry asked, waving his hand toward a group of younger students. They were able to change their handkerchief into some kind of shrubbery, but were having difficulty enlarging it at the same time.
Before she could agree, Terry said, "I could use a little help, too. What was that wand movement again?"
"Let me show you," Harry said patiently, stepping over so that he and Terry Boot were facing the same direction. As he demonstrated the wand motion again, Ginny moved off in the direction of the younger students with a small smile on her face.
Harry made his way around the room. As he passed Neville, he overheard him talking to Luna who was hidden within a rather large purple azalea. "That's good, Lunayour shrub has really pretty flowers." Thinking, Ron strikes again,' Harry moved on.
Sophie Moon was working with Blaise Zabini. They were the only two sixth years from Slytherin. At least she'd finally talked someone into joining her. Harry greeted them both pleasantly. Blaise said, "Great spell, Harry. Sometimes a simple defense is best. Right?"
"Something like that. Although I have to say, this is sort of an outdoor spell." Harry had an image of someone trying to camouflage themselves in their kitchen as a flowering shrub.
He liked the quiet Slytherin. Blaise was the sort of person that often blended into the background — just a normal, average looking boy. Harry respected the fact that the two Slytherins came to the D.A. meeting despite the attitude of most of the older students in their house. At least they were willing to make a stand against the Death Eater children.
Cho had mastered the spell easily. Her huge flowering shrub had delicate white blossoms and a cloying heavy smell. Smiling, he said, "You're a quick study, Cho. Why don't you see if you can help some of the others?"
She looked at Harry appreciatively. This was the first time he had spoken to her in a week. "Thanks. I guess I had a good teacher. How are you, Harry?" It still seemed to Cho that Harry might be hiding a secret crush, but since he barely ever looked her way, she had no real evidence beyond wishful thinking.
Before Harry could answer, Hannah Abbott came up behind them. Flipping her blonde hair behind her shoulder, she said, "Could you show me how to flick my wand, Harry? You're so incredible." Without waiting for an answer, she stood in front of Harry expectantly practically leaning against his chest.
Her hair smelled like lilac making Harry wonder briefly if she would turn into the flowering purple plant. Politely ignoring the way she was brushing against him, Harry showed her the wand movement. The Hufflepuff girl was pretty and the feeling of her leaning on him was certainly pleasant, but she wasn't Ginny. Almost involuntarily his eyes searched the room until he found her, laughing with a fourth year girl whose feet were hidden by a tiny Rhododendron bearing one large red bloom. They looked like they were having a nice time.
As he moved away from Hannah, he bumped into another Hufflepuff, a seventh year named Susannah Martin. "Oophwhat the" he said, turning toward the obstacle in his path.
"Sorry, Harry. Hope I didn't bump anything important," she said, running her hands across his shoulders and down his arms as though she were checking for broken bones. With a smoldering look, she said, "Everything feels all right to me."
Harry just nodded and moved away from her. As he left, he heard Cho say, "You're wasting your time, Susannah."
"Speak for yourself Cho. Just cause your brother won't let you date him, doesn't mean that I can't." She said, putting her hands on her hips indignantly.
Cho pursed her mouth and said, "He's obviously not interested. Besides, my brother just thinks it's dangerous to date Harry. It's not like he disapproves of him or something."
Susannah answered, "Maybe the danger is what makes him so hot — or the sense that he's barely controlling himself. Makes a girl want to"
Harry didn't hear the rest. He was appalled. Girls like Susannah only saw him as the famous Harry Potter. They just admired someone they'd conjured out of their own imaginations. It wasn't real. Moving out of earshot, Harry again sought out Ginny in the crowd. Now she was flanked by two fourth year boys. They were hanging on her every word as she demonstrated the spell.
As the meeting broke up, Harry's friends helped him put things away. Ron was sensitive to the fact that Harry had followed Ginny with his eyes through most of the evening. He thought it might be good to give them a little time alone. "Let's go to the library, Hermione," Ron said, pulling on her arm. "Don't tell me I have to twist your arm to get you to go to visit the books? Are you feeling all right?"
She laughed softly and let Ron lead her out the door of the Room of Requirement. "Just promise me you'll fill us in on what Moody tells you, Harry," she called over her shoulder. Ron reached back to shut the door only to have his efforts stopped by Harry's foot.
Opening the door wider so he and Ginny could walk through, Harry said, "I'll go with you. I need to pick up a book. Then I have to take these essays down to the Defense classroom. Coming, Ginny?"
Ron was shaking his head at Harry in disbelief. Taking that as a hint, Ginny smiled and said, "No, I finished my homework earlier. See you later." Giving Harry a sweet smile, she headed off toward Gryffindor tower with a wave over her shoulder.
Finally noticing the withering look Ron was giving him, Harry said, "OhI guess I'll check out that book tomorrow. I didn't realize how late it was." Without waiting for a reply, he bounded down the stairs to go to Moody's classroom.
Watching Harry's retreat, Ron said, "He'll never get anywhere with her unless we help him, Hermione."
"Maybewell, maybe he's just a bit too busy to think about anything else, Ron. You can't push these things. Look how long it took for us to get together." She smiled and put her hand into his as they continued toward the library. "We better hurry. The library closes in a few minutes."
Down in the Defense classroom, Harry put the graded essays on Moody's desk and picked up some that had just been turned in. Behind him he thought he heard the scrape of a chair. His face relaxed into the first happy smile of the evening. "That was quick," he said.
"I had your cloak in my bag," Ginny answered, stepping out of Harry's Invisibility Cloak. "I've been right behind you all the way down the stairs." She giggled.
Harry waved his hand at the door, locking it and putting wards in place to keep people away from the Defense classroom. Stepping close to Ginny, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her gently. "I've wanted to do that all day," he said softly, keeping her close for a moment.
"You looked like you were going to hex Dean before class this morning." Ginny smiled. Then she looked as though she just remembered something and hit him lightly on the upper arm. "What about you? What am I supposed to think when Hannah Abbott tries to wear you like a sweater"
He rolled his eyes and said, "What gets into girls like that?" Seeing her amusement, he said, "Don't answer thatlet's not waste our time talking about them. Tell me about your day."
He cast a cushioning charm and sat down on Moody's desk. Ginny joined him. They talked for the next half-hour leaning on each other and laughing. Talking in their mirrors was nice, but for the last couple of weeks, they'd been meeting alone like this. Both relished the time alone, away from crowds and prying eyes.
"I think Ron's on to us, Harry." Ginny had just finished explaining the awkward dinnertime conversation she'd had with her older brother.
"So what if he is. I told you, I'm willing to face your overprotective brothers if you areBesides, Ron's still worried about Dean." Harry wasn't really sure he wanted to face Ron who seemed to dislike all of Ginny's boyfriends. He was just trying to be supportive.
Harry was relieved when Ginny answered, "Well I'm not ready to face anyone. Besides, you said it could be dangerous if anyone finds out."
He looked at her young innocent face and thought about the pain she would go through if Death Eaters kidnapped her. It was only luck that had spared her at the Burrow last summer. He pulled at the edge of her sleeve. "I just want you to be safe. But Voldemort is the one I'm worried about, not Ron."
Ginny smiled. "We just have to find the right moment to tell him. And don't worry. I'm sure he'll be all right about it. Ron wants us to be together. He's always hinting at it."
"I don't knowAt breakfast he wanted me to help him get rid of anyone who wants to date you. He says no one's good enough for youI think I agree with him." He reached over and put a strand of her hair behind her shoulder. "You're amazing," he said quietly, leaning his forehead against hers.
"Ohyou just like my freckles," she said softly, thinking he was definitely getting better at the compliments. She couldn't resist the urge to tease him a little.
"The freckles, the hair, the nose, the mouth" said Harry, lightly kissing each feature as he listed them, ending in a good night kiss that left them both a little breathless. "I better walk you back to Gryffindor before Moody comes back from the Order meeting."
Right on cue, they heard someone in the Defense Office call, "Potter? What are you doing here so late at night."
They jumped off the desk and Ginny scrambled to put on the Invisibility Cloak. Harry stopped her and said, "Don't bother. He can see right through it."
As Moody entered the classroom from his office, Harry said, "Good evening, Professor. How was the meeting? I just brought down some graded essays for you and picked up the next batch. Ginny's just keeping me company." The two teenagers tried to look innocent.
Amused at their discomfort, Moody grumbled, "Is that what they're calling it these days?" He raised his eyebrows and smirked at them. "Well, thanks for helping me grade things, Potter. I'll see you tomorrow morning. Best get off to your dormitory. It's good that you aren't walking alone at night, even in the castle. Even Dumbledore doesn't know everything about Hogwarts. These walls can still hold surprises so mind how you go." With that warning and an absentminded wave, he dismissed them.
Relieved that the old Auror hadn't questioned them further, they left in a hurry. It wasn't until later that night when he was trying to fall asleep that Harry realized Moody hadn't said a single word about the Order meeting — maybe because Ginny was there. Finding it difficult to sleep, he promised himself that he would get someone, probably Lupin or Moody, to tell him what happened.
The following evening, Harry, Ron and Hermione relaxed in front of the fire. Ron watched the chessboard carefully. He wasn't planning his next chess move. He was considering how to help Harry and Ginny. Aloud he said, "Bishop to E5." His bishop walked slowly over to Harry's knight and decapitated it, ending the game.
Hermione looked over the top of her Ancient Runes book and smiled at them. Harry was one of the few people who would still agree to play chess with Ron. It was a measure of their friendship, considering that Harry seldom won. They were almost alone in the common room. Some first years were engrossed in a game of Exploding Snap at a table by the window.
"Do you want to play, Hermione?" asked Ron hopefully.
"Do you mean chess, Ron?" Hermione answered somewhat suggestively arching her eyebrow as she leveled her gaze at him. Since she had endured weeks of Harry and Ron teasing her about how she couldn't think clearly after kissing Ron, she was starting a tease of her own. Two could play at this. She would say and do things, just to send Ron a little off balance.
Ron's eyes glazed over thinking about what else they could play. Completely distracted, his face soon matched his hair.
Harry looked at his friends and shook his head. He had the feeling they wanted to be alone. Sighing, he said, "I just remembered I still have to check out that book from the library. Thanks for the game, Ron."
They were glad to see him go, but not for the reason Harry thought. Once he disappeared through the portrait hole, Ron sat next to Hermione on the couch. "Now we can talk. I think it's time for action. We need a plan — or maybe we should just slip Harry some of Fred and George's Talking Truth Taffy. Apparently, it makes you say everything you think out loud. You have to tell the truth. We can give it to Harry and make Ginny sit nearby. From the looks he gives her, it wouldn't take long for him to spill."
Hermione looked worried. "I don't know, Ron. That could really backfire. Harry's a complicated person. He could say something awful. Or talk about things that are supposed to be kept secret."
Ron put his arm around her shoulder reassuringly. "You're right. Don't worry. We'll stick to non-magical resources. Have you had a chance to sound out Parvati yet?"
She set her book down completely and leaned her head on Ron's shoulder. "Parvati has never been shy about telling us all about the men in her life. You would blush to hear what she said about you and Harry fourth year. She's been pretty secretive about how she feels about Dean -- for her. But she's already working on Dean. We don't need to do anything more about that." She was talking animatedly, clearly enjoying her subject. Ron was thinking about how cute she looked when she was excited about something.
She turned toward Ron and placed her hands, palm down on his chest. Hermione noticed his gaze was fixed on her lips. Their faces were only inches apart, but she kept talking. "But are you sure we should interfere with Harry and Ginny? They seem to be getting along just fine. Maybe they have more going on than we know about. I mean, they must have been using those mirrors to speak in secret for months." Hermione finished with a sigh like she wasn't really sure of things.
Ron had listened carefully while she spoke, but now she was so close he couldn't resist. He leaned in swiftly and gave Hermione a sensual kiss on her mouth. She made a little sound of appreciation, suddenly aware that they were almost alone. All thoughts of Ginny and Harry were gone as she put her arms around Ron's neck.
Ron broke the kiss and continued the conversation. "You're right. Our efforts have paid off so far. How could we have known Harry and I would get kidnapped if we arranged a double date? I think we need to arrange for Harry and Ginny to be alone together. It worked last summer. Now that we are back at school, Harry is always busy and Ginny...well, she always has a bunch of blokes around her. We have to put a stop to that. Have you thought of anything?"
Hermione was now watching his lips as he spoke. He put his finger under her chin and lifted her gaze up to his eyes. She swallowed hard. She realized that Ron wanted her to focus on something. "I think you have a good plan, Ron," she said, thinking that she had a fifty-fifty chance of that being an appropriate response.
"You weren't listening were you?" Ron couldn't hide his smirk. I must be good at this kissing thing,' he thought. Aloud, he asked, "How can we give Ginny and Harry a chance to be alone?"
Blocking out the feel of his hand now cupping her cheek, she tried to think. "Too bad, Harry doesn't need to rescue her. He likes that sort of thing," she said.
"Brilliant! You're right, Hermione. We just have to arrange for Harry to think she needs rescuing and that will draw him out. It won't matter that it isn't a real rescue. It will only matter that they have a private moment. Nature will do the rest." Ron looked at her with such appreciation; it took a great effort for her to concentrate on their conversation.
So they agreed that Ron would arrange for some extra Quidditch practice the following night. While Harry and he were working out on the pitch, Hermione would send a mysterious note saying that Ginny was missing.
Hermione was assigned to keep Ginny from going with them to Quidditch. She was supposed to need Ginny to meet her by the lake to talk about something important where they couldn't be overheard. Hermione thought the Astronomy Tower would be a more romantic spot, but Ron wasn't really ready for his sister to be alone with Harry in the most popular snogging spot of the school. He wanted them together, but not too together. Besides, Harry might be suspicious.
In Hermione's opinion, Ginny would definitely be suspicious, but who was she to argue with the mastermind? Especially when he was so adorable.
The first part of the plan went pretty well. Parvati was definitely being more forward with Dean. In fact, she kept him completely preoccupied at dinner. Ginny didn't seem to notice.
Harry sat across from Ginny laughing about a story she was telling about Robbie Johnson in Herbology. Robbie was a Muggle born who never ceased to find the wilds of Greenhouse three daunting. His curiosity was always getting the better of him so he'd poke into something that he had no business poking into. He would wind up being choked by a Fingertip Vine or trapped by a Thimbleberry bush.
Ron tried to distract Harry about five times, but with little success. He nodded in Hermione's direction. She gave a little shrug, thinking maybe their plan wasn't necessary. Finally, he tried the direct approach saying, "Harry, if you're done eating, I want to show you those new goalkeeping moves I was telling you about."
Brow furrowed in confusion, Harry responded, "I don't remember..."
Ron cut him off. "No one listens to me anymore!" he said, sounding really exasperated. "The Gruton move...the Sratton feint...sounding familiar now?" Ron was making this up as he went.
Hermione smothered a smile, shaking her head at Ron's audacity. Harry bought it. He looked genuinely contrite and said, "Sorry, Ron. I've been so busy lately. I guess I haven't been listening. Of course we can go practice, just the two of us. I'm finished. We can leave right now if you like." They left the table to change and get their Quidditch gear.
When the two girls were left alone, Hermione asked, "Do you have some free time tonight, Ginny?"
"I have piles of homework, Hermione. No time to play. Don't you have to study?" she asked. Hermione was usually buried in work.
"Yes, but I think I've found a clue about Harry's torch mystery. I needI mean Harry needs our help. Your help," Hermione said, mentally kicking herself for not preparing a speech.
She was surprised when Ginny narrowed her eyes and asked, "Is this about the Enchanted Forest?" She liked the sound of an Enchanted Forest and one of the poems was about a forest with golden snidgets or some such thing. It sounded beautiful.
"I'm not sure." Looking around the Great Hall suspiciously, Hermione lowered her voice to a whisper and said, "I don't think we should talk about this here. Could you meet me at the tree by the lake where we had that picnic last summer? I'll go up to my room and get my book and we can go over the passage I found then. I'll meet you there in half an hour. Anyone might be listening here."
Ginny looked confused. Hermione tried to give her a knowing look and a nod. "All right, Hermione, but I expect a full explanation when we meet at the tree. Why all the secrecy? I don't think anyone is listening to us here."
"Shhh..." added Hermione, reacting to her answer with exaggerated concern. "You just never know."
Hermione went upstairs slowly. The plan was for her to send a note to Ron that said Ginny had suddenly gone missing. She took her time climbing to the owlery so that the note wouldn't arrive too soon. Ginny needed time to get down to the tree by the lake. She looked at her watch. Almost time.
Down on the Quidditch pitch, Ron was gamely trying out his new fake moves. Harry wasn't convinced they would be any help in a real game situation, but he tried to give Ron a good workout.
Then one of the school owls flew onto the pitch and headed for Ron. Harry flew over next to him. He recognized Hermione's handwriting. "What's going on? Getting love notes from Hermione in the middle of Quidditch training? She just saw you at dinner. Can't she wait an hour or two?" Harry smiled at his friend and flew away so Ron could read his note in private.
Ron gave a shout. "It is from Hermione, but it's about Ginny! She's gone missing and Hermione is worried because she left all her stuff in the Great Hall. No one knows where she is? She wants you to get the Marauder's Map and find her."
Suddenly realizing that he hadn't slipped his little blue mirror into his Quidditch clothes, Harry panicked. "Where could she have gone? What could have happened? Hogwarts is supposed to be safe!"
Ron answered, seeing the panic on Harry's face, "I don't know. These days who can tell? Go get the map, Harry. I'll take care of everything else. Don't waste time." As Harry flew away toward the entrance to the school, Ron yelled, "Hurry, Harry!" Then he chuckled to himself.
The sun was getting low in the sky by the time Ginny made it down to the tree. There was a nice view of the hills surrounding Hogwarts and the lake. The castle lights were beginning to shine and the light in the air was golden. Ginny was glad for a breath of fresh air. She leaned her chin on her fist and watched the quarter-moon rise over the hills.
Lost in thought, she didn't hear anyone arriving until a twig cracked loudly. She looked up to see Vincent Crabbe looking sheepish while his two companions stared at him derisively. Turning his attention to Ginny, Draco Malfoy said, "All alone out here, Weasley?"
In a flash she had drawn her wand. "Leave me alone, Malfoy! You and your goons keep your distance!"
The Slytherin trio, drew their wands in return. "Three against one, Weasley. What can a little girl like you do against us?" Malfoy answered. His two hulking friends smirked at her and nodded.
"So you've forgotten last June, have you?" Ginny answered, sizing up her options. Her eyes were searching the path toward the school for Hermione.
"On the contrary, I remember your stupid little spell very well. But I'm not one to hold a grudge." Draco drawled his reply. He was tapping his wand in his hand and leering at her. "Now that I have my chance to talk to you. Maybe we could just get to know each other better." He smiled softly, trying to look charming with his perfect blond hair and immaculate clothes.
Ginny felt a cold shiver run up her spine. Where are you, Hermione?' she thought.
Draco sat down on a large rock and made himself comfortable, pulling a bag of cookies out of his bag. He helped himself to one. "Mmmthese are great," he said. Crabbe looked like he wanted one, but Goyle elbowed him and shook his head.
Reaching for another one, Draco said, "Mum sends me these every week. They're delicious. Chocolate covered marshmallow with a crumbly cookie center. Would you like one?"
Ginny stared in disbelief at the peace offering Malfoy was holding out. Why would the most evil Slytherin in the sixth year want to make friends with her? Until now, he'd never done anything but insult and threaten her.
Harry pushed his Firebolt as fast as he could go to the main entrance to the castle. Once inside and past the main doors, he got back on his broom and flew up the stairwell to Gryffindor. The map was in his trunk. He found her name quickly. She was down by the lake. Relieved he decided that maybe she'd just taken a solitary walk. He pulled out his mirror and said, "Ginny Weasley," fully expecting to see her face appear. Nothing happened. He tried it again. Nothing.
Back to panicking, he flew out the open window toward the lake. He flew as fast as he had ever flown. Every minute could matter. The dot on the map had clearly shown her by the lake. Why wouldn't she answer him? Suddenly it occurred to him that she might not be alone. He slowed down and pulled out the map again. Sure enough, Malfoy and his goons were with her.
Pushing the Firebolt back up to full speed. He arrived at the tree by the lake, landing silently at a reasonable distance. She was surround by the three Slytherins, looking furious. Crabbe and Goyle were holding her arms and Draco was holding something under her nose.
Harry sent off two stunners, dropping the big goons like stones. The moment they fell, Ginny leapt into action. First she grabbed whatever Malfoy was holding up to her, then she kicked him in the shins. When he cried out in pain, she shoved whatever it was into his mouth, shouting, "You like it so much, you eat it!"
"Ginny!" Harry cried out, running toward her. Malfoy was still standing inches from the angry redhead, probably preparing some horrible retaliation.
Reaching her side, Harry realized that Malfoy had more to fear from Ginny than she had from him. In fact, the slim blond boy didn't seem angry with her at all. He was standing in front of her with a dreamy, eyes-glazed expression.
Watching Ginny with her hands on her hips, looking around for her wand, Harry was glad she wasn't mad at him. Quietly, he summoned her wand and handed it to her. "How about you finish him off with a Bat Bogey Hex, Gin? I've always wanted to see that one."
Her lips were trying to work into a smile at Harry's arrival, but she was still fuming from the anger she felt toward Malfoy and his buddies. She was amazed to see Harry, grinning at her with admiration. He seemed to have arrived out of thin air. She took a little bow and said, "Glad you find this entertaining, Harry."
"I'm so relieved to see you, Ginny. You had us all worried." Harry reached up and put a stray lock of hair behind her ear, wishing they were alone.
Realizing that Malfoy was still staring at Ginny with a goofy grin on his face, Harry asked, "What's wrong with Malfoy?" He waved his hand in front of the Slytherin's face without getting a reaction.
"What did you do to him, Harry?" Ginny asked.
Harry laughed incredulously. "Me? I didn't do anything. You were the one who was fighting with him. I'm just an innocent bystander. "
Pointing to the two big lumps that were unconscious on the ground, Ginny said, "Innocent? I don't think soyou had to have been the one to stun these two. I didn't even have my wand."
Harry shrugged his shoulders and said, "I had to do something. It looked like they were trying to hurt you. What were they doing, Ginny?"
She waved her hand in front of Malfoy's face, too — still no reaction. "It was kind of silly as Malfoy conversations go -- none of the usual threats. Instead, he offered me one of his Mum's chocolate cookies and when I refused, he went kind of crazy. Crabbe and Goyle held my arms and he tried to make me eat the cookie."
Turning to Harry, she looked affectionately into his eyes. "Then you showed up to rescue me. Thanks." She reached up and kissed his cheek.
At this Draco Malfoy sprung into action. He threw himself down on his knees at Ginny's feet and grabbed her hand. "You're so beautiful -- the perfect woman. Forget about him. You and I were meant to be together." Then he clapped his hand over his mouth. His pale blue eyes were wide with panic.
His pleading couldn't have surprised Ginny and Harry more. Their eyes went wide, too. She tried without success to pull her hand away. Harry yelled menacingly, "Let go of her, Malfoy!" He couldn't think what the Slytherin could be playing at, but he knew that in all his years at Hogwarts, Malfoy had never done or said anything nice.
"No!" Draco shouted still clinging to her hand down on his knees. "Ginny, I'll do anything you say. You've only to ask. You're so amazing — a goddess." He stuffed his free hand into his mouth and grimaced as though he were in pain.
Ginny rolled her eyes. This was too much. He must be just making fun of her. She shouted at him, "Then let go of my hand, Malfoy. Who said you could touch me?"
Surprised that Draco immediately complied, she turned to Harry and said, "This is too weird. Let's get out of here."
Holding out his broom, Harry said, "Sounds good. I brought transportationIt's a two-seater." He smiled at her winningly.
"Sure it is, Harry," said Ginny, laughing at him. She was really so relieved that he showed up. She wasn't sure her legs would work. The Firebolt was a welcome sight.
"Shall we?" Harry said, offering her his hand.
She climbed onto the back of his broom. Breathing in that scent that was unique to Harry, she relaxed and wrapped her arms around him. This was where she belonged.
Harry patted her hands, which were clasped around his waist and said, "Hold on tight." As they took off, they could hear Malfoy shouting something, but neither of them looked back.
Flying with Ginny! Harry had dreams like this, really pleasant dreams. Putting Malfoy's bizarre behavior out of his mind, he flew high and looped into a spiral dive, then he took them up to buzz the Astronomy tower.
Ginny didn't complain. Harry was a really good flyer. She trusted him completely. She felt wonderful.
The stars were beginning to shine as the sky darkened to a deep teal blue. The feel of the wind in his hair and Ginny's soft, musical laughter in his ear was the best feeling in the world, not to mention her arms clasped around him and her warmth pressed up behind him. He took an extra trip past the tower just to lengthen his time with her before landing gently near the front entrance.
Ginny was still laughing and smiling as she stepped off his broom. "Thanks for the ride, Harry," she said. He held her hand as they turned toward the castle.
As they reached the steps leading to the entry, Harry stopped. Still holding her hand, he said, "Wait, we won't have a moment alone when we walk back through those doors." He turned so they were facing each other.
Her eyes widened as she saw the intense expression on his handsome face. Suddenly her heart was beating wildly, so wildly, she wondered if he could hear it. She forced herself to look into his eyes. She saw the same vulnerable look she always saw. It calmed her. This was the same Harry she had come to know so well. She smiled at him.
That small smile was all the encouragement he needed. Without a word, he leaned in and brushed his lips against hers, softly, like a he had after the Quidditch match.
With her hair shining gold and red as the castle torches began to burn, and her eyes bright with happiness, he searched her face as though memorizing it. "Malfoy was right about one thing," he said. "You're so beautiful."
Ginny found her voice. "Idon't know what to say, Harry. I" she brought her mouth back to his without finishing her sentence. Pressing her lips gently to his, a rush of warmth ran through them both.
When they broke the kiss, Harry pulled her gently into his arms and held her. She was too important for him to take any risks. In her ear, he whispered, "You can count on me, Gin. I'll keep you safe."
Sheltered in the circle of his arms, she knew it was true.
Thanks! Your reviews are important to me. Notes to reviewers:
Lourdes1: Thanks for your encouragement. My hands have improved. The sympathy really did make me feel better. At least I have this older computer so I can keep going. I appreciate your kind words about my story. Thanks for reviewing!
Happy Snakes Rule: Thanks for your review! Hope you liked the fluff in this chapter. There will be more action next time.
Nightwing509: Thanks for writing! Voldemort is still out there, but this chapter was mainly about Harry and Ginny. The action/ adventure aspect of this story heats up in the next chapter.
Wytil: Thanks for the sympathy. It really made me feel better. Two fingers are still healing, but otherwise my hands are fine. The computer is a gonner. I can't imagine how you managed with the sewing machine software computer. You must be a computer whiz. Thanks for reviewing!
athenakitty: Thanks for writing! Ron recovered easily from the head injury, but he's getting himself all worked up over Harry and his sister. Harry is keeping his growth spurt in magical power to himself for now. Soon he'll have to use those powers in front of people. That will blow his cover.
Gryphonmistress: Ginger and Bolt, eh? That does sound cool. They will start being more of a team in this story, and there will be pranks Thanks for reviewing!
Hikuro Hoshi: Thanks for your kind comments. Hope chapter 17 was fast enough. Thanks for writing a review!
sambow24: Thanks for your review! Everyone does need a place. I'm glad you agree.
Hadas: There will definitely be more Harry/Ginny and Ron/Hermione moments. Now Malfoy has to be sorted out. Thanks for writing a review!
Hunta: Thanks for your review! There is a Merlin connection, but maybe not an obvious one. Harry wised up some in this chapter, but it will take a while to live down the freckle thing.
Iluvatar: I'm tryingThanks for writing!
tifenn: Thanks for reviewing! There will be some more pranks. I like them, too.
Lily and James Potter: Thanks for your nice comments. Ron is such fun. He's trying to be a good friend and brother. What they have is a failure to communicate. Thanks for reviewing!
Ted M. Hammett: Thanks for commenting on Luna's kangaroo theory. I think you're the only one who has. I hope this chapter helped relieve some of the Harry/ Ginny frustration. There will be more to their story. I'm sorry you lost that girl. It is sad. Thanks for reviewing!
Sakura Sayoran: Thanks for your reviews! I needed the encouragement. You made my day. Hope you liked the Harry/Ginny progress in this chapter.
harry potter (junior): Thanks for writing a review! Good suggestion about Harry and Dean dueling. You may see something like that soon. The next chapter does have more action!
Cicatriz: Thanks for the good advice. I definitely do not plan to have either character become jealous of other people. You're right about that plot line wearing thin. Thanks for reviewing!