"Don't Stop Believing"
Chapter 03
July 31, 2005
Harry was staring out into the bright sky when Hedwig returned with a letter. He gave her some water and opened the letter to find nothing fell out. Maybe Ginny hadn't responded.
He opened the letter to see Ginny's handwriting, and smiled.
Harry,
Ron wasn't around to open you're letter. He and Hermione were holed up in his room looking through books. Well that was their excuse anyway. Those two were snogging. I caught them in the hall this morning myself. Two in the bloody morning and I was getting some water, when I saw Hermione standing in Ron's doorway, with his dress shirt on and Ron in his boxer's. I called that one months ago though.
It's good that some people haven't let this danger affect their feelings. I know you meant well when you broke up with me, but Harry, I miss you like crazy. I dream of you, and I can't stop thinking about you. You know that when it comes down to it, I'll be by your side anf fighting like hell to kill the bastard. You're not through with me yet, Potter.
Oh, thought I should tell you, that Lupin has suggested that you come to the Burrow tommorow. McGonagall approved it and they'll be there at eight in the morning. Don't tell anyone I told you, as it was going to be a surprise. I simply overheard it, while accidently putting my ear up to the door of Dad's study. I can't wait to see you. I must get some sleep now, so that I don't look completely horrible tomorrow when you arrive.
Love,
Ginny
Harry jumped at the thought of leaving to go to the Burrow. He quickly threw things in his trunk, and was packed within minutes. He glanced at the clock and saw that it read 07:49. He couldn't believe that he was leaving. He went down the stairs to see Uncle Vernon leaving for work.
"I won't be here when you return," Harry said, trying not to smile.
"And why not?" Uncle Vernon said, as he pulled on his coat. Dudely was now standing at the top of the stairs, listening intently.
"Someone will be arriving to escort me to a friend's house."
"I don't want any magic in my house Potter. If I return and find that one thing is out of place, I will--"
There was a crash and a giggle, and then Tonks and Lupin appeared in the hall.
"You'll what?" Lupin said, as he glared down at Vernon. Vernon was silent, but the growing anger was noticed by the many shades of red his face was taking.
"What? Where? Why are you two here?" Harry said, faking surprise. Lupin saw right threw it.
"She told you I presume? I've got to do something about Ginny's eavesdropping. That girl," Lupin said and began to mutter to himself.
"How did you know?" Harry said while the amusement danced in his eyes.
"Harry, it you had heard a crash like that, you would have had you're wand out, ready to stun us," Tonks said, smiling. She glanced up at Dudley, who was not sitting a few steps farther down the stairs.
She closed her eyes, and her bright pink hair became brown, and she took on a pointed face, until she looked exactly like Aunt Petunia. Dudley screamed, and ran to his room, slamming the door.
"Tonks, woman, quit scaring the child," Lupin said, supressing a smile, as Tonks returned her appearnce to normal.
Harry was not beaming, and went upstairs to get his trunk. He pulled it down the stairs and held onto Tonks arms. The feeling of being shoved from all sides hit, and the next thing he knew he was standing in the Burrow living room. Lupin arrived moments later, and then they both apparted back to the Ministry.
"Harry! Oh Harry, I've found all sorts of things about the Horcruxes. There is a --" Hermione began, before Harry cut her off.
"Later, Hermione, I want to settle for a moment before jumping into something that I am already neck deep in," Harry said, as she looked almost saddened by his words. She closed the book, and for a moment it looked as if she was going to throw it at him. Instead, she threw her arms around him, and kissed his cheek.
"Better watch it. Ron might get upset," Harry said, as Hermione pulled away, and turned scarlet.
"How did you know? Ginerva Weasley! I cannot believe you," Hermione said, as she went into the kitchen.
"Harry. How are things?" Ron said as he moved from the couch to in front of Harry, where they shook hands.
"As well as can be expected. How are things with you?" Harry said, nodding his head in the direction of the kitchen, where Hermione was now shouting at Fred for something.
"Good. Things are good," Ron said, as he sat back down on the couch.
"No surprises? Any news?" Harry said, as he sat down in the chair across from Ron.
"None. It's been completely quiet since Dumbledore--" Ron said, but quickly shut up and lowered his head.
"Well, I suppose most would consider that good. We know it's not thought. He's planning something Ron. I know he is, and we've got to stop this. I've got to stop this," Harry said, quietly.
"You had it right the first time mate. We've got to stop this," Ron said, returning his eyes to Harry's.
"Where's your mum?" Harry said, in an attempt to change the subject.
"She's gone to the ministry. She spends several days there helping out. She knows we can take care of ourselves now, and she needs something to fill her time. I think it's simply because she see's dad more often," Ron said, rolling his eyes.
"I see. Where is everyone else?" Harry said, eyeing the stairs.
"If you mean Ginny, she's outside. Shall we go find her?" Ron said, as he stood.
"Sounds good," Harry said, as he quickly made his way towards the back door.
Harry saw Ginny sitting in the shade, reading a book, and drinking tea. They sat their for a few minutes chatting about the gnome that had tripped Ron on their way out. Harry noticed Ginny glancing up. They walked over to her and Harry sat down next to her.
"Harry Potter. Didn't think you'd ever come looking," Ginny said smiling.
"Well, you know," Harry said, as he turned slightly pink.
"Oh relax, I wasn't flirting or anything. It was simply a statement," Ginny said, as she went back to the book.
"I'm going to go find Mione," Ron said, as he turned around and walked back towards the house.
Harry said for a moment, just staring at Ginny, until she looked up, and smiled.
"Well.." Ginny said.
"I...it's hard Ginny. I'm sorry if I'm embarrasing you," Harry said, looking away.
"Embarrasing me? Do you know how many girls would die if you looked at them, like you were just looking at me?" Ginny said.
"Well, you know," Harry said, as he gave a silly look at her.
"Potter, you are so full of yourself," Ginny said, as she closed the book.
"You did it. You've fancied me since I was eleven. You build a guy up and then make him insanely jealous with other boys," Harry said.
"It took you too long. You finally got me though. Took you bloody long enough," she said, playfully batting him on the arm.
"Yes, well I was never one to jump right in," Harry said, looking into her eyes.
"You had no problem jumping out though," Ginny said, the smile leaving her face. She stood up, threw the book at him, and walked into the house. Harry was getting up to follow her, when he heard her scream. He heard a male voice, and then the man shouting the words, "Avada Kedavra!"