Author's Note: It's finally done (the chapter I mean)! I told you all I would continue and I have! It isn't a terribly long chapter but some better than none. Again, I'm so sorry it's taken me so long to update but school and such has been taking up a lot of my time. Next update will be much quicker, I swear. So, all the little previews I told you about are in here and I was able to get some 'reasons and excuses' in the chapter for the author note/chapter title. My better titles will start again next chapter. Well, enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 26: Reasons and Excuses
When Harry returned from his talk with Neville, Ginny sat up in her bed, waiting anxiously for him.
"Harry! Oh, Harry I've just realized I don't have my bracelet! What happened to it? Is it still at the Riddle House?" Harry paused and stared at her. He'd forgotten about his Christmas gift to her. What had he done with it? He thought back to the night at the Riddle House.
"No…it isn't there anymore. I used it to bring me and Hermione back…it must still be in your room! I probably dropped it when Hermione fell off my shoulder. I can't believe I didn't think to bring it to you."
"I can't believe I didn't think of it this whole time."
"Well, we've been busy with…not very much stuff," he wrinkled his eyebrows.
"Will you go get it? See if anyone is in the common room that can go up to my room for me."
"Yeah, okay. I'll be back." He turned and left again.
The common room looked the same as it did when he'd left it ten minutes earlier. Neville had left somewhere but Seamus sat by the main window with Parvati and Lavender. Harry hurried over to them.
"Hi, Harry! How are you?" Parvati asked.
"Fine, but could you or Lavender go up to Ginny's room and look for a bracelet with an H and a G on it?"
"Sure Harry." She looked at him for a moment. "You mean Ginny lost the bracelet you gave her?"
"Well, no, it's my fault. Could you just go look for it?" She nodded and bounded up the stairs. Harry looked around awkwardly then sat in Parvati's abandoned chair.
"Do you know what happened to Neville?" Harry asked Seamus.
"I think he might still be in our room." Harry nodded and looked over to Lavender, who seemed to be purposely avoiding his eye. Harry turned back to Seamus questioningly but he gave no sign of explaining. It was evident he knew what was wrong though.
"Alright Lavender?" She nodded her head without looking at him. "Did I do something?" he asked Seamus. He looked at his girlfriend and rolled his eyes.
"Just tell him already! Enough of this staring at the floor stuff." Harry cocked his eyebrow at her.
"What did I do?" She sighed and her lip began to tremble.
"Nothing! It's my fault, okay? I did it and I shouldn't have but you were such a prat and I decided I should tell her but then this all happened and…and…" She sobbed and covered her face with her hands.
"What did you do? What are you talking about?" Her hands dropped and she stared at him like he was mad.
"I told on you to Ginny!" she exclaimed, dark lines streaming down her face from her makeup.
"What's that got to do with anything?"
"Well, let me bloody finish! I told Ginny about you and Cho Chang and then she got mad at you and then she went and hexed Cho and left the Great Hall and then she disappeared! If I hadn't said anything and just let you tell her or she hadn't been told at all, she would have been with you that morning and nothing would have happened! I couldn't keep my fat mouth shut and she got taken by You-Know-Who! She could've died because of me!" Harry stared at her completely lost for words. Seamus snorted softly, grinning, and Lavender smacked him in the arm so forcefully he nearly toppled off his chair.
"Hey!"
"Don't you laugh at me Seamus Finnigan; this isn't funny!" Seamus was about to retort but Harry interrupted him.
"Lavender, this wasn't your fault. Ginny's kidnapping had been planned all along and whether you'd told me or not, she'd have been taken. I talked to Hermione and she said you were right to tell Ginny about Cho and…well, it's not your fault. It would have happened anyway." She hiccupped lightly.
"Really?"
"Yeah, really. How come you weren't worried about this when you visited us?"
"Because I just thought of it today! Parvati and I were talking and she said how Ginny would've been with you if she hadn't yelled at Cho at breakfast and I realized she was yelling at her because I blabbed!"
"Just don't worry about it, okay? Ginny's fine and you didn't do anything wrong."
"Thanks, Harry. What are you shaking your head for?!" she shot at Seamus, her calmed demeanor gone.
"Because I told you the exact same thing and you told me I had no idea what I was talking about!"
"Well, who am I going to believe? You or Harry?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize Harry was the last word on everything! My advice and opinion counts for nothing!"
"Oh, shut it! I never said that! You just…" but Harry wasn't listening anymore as he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned. Parvati held Ginny's bracelet in front of him, smiling triumphantly (now I'm guessing something that's turned into a portkey doesn't suddenly stop being one but for my purposes, a trip to one place and a trip back is all it does. Otherwise, Parvati would be at the Riddle House right now and that's not what I want. It'd be interesting though…j/k, I'm not gonna do that). Harry stood and took it from her gently.
"Thanks," he said, pocketing it.
"No problem. Sorry it took so long but a house-elf (or the elf would be at the Riddle House) must have cleaned up and put it in her bedside drawer. I was looking on the floor and on her bed first."
"It's fine. I'm just glad it's found."
"What's going on?" she asked, indicating the pair behind Harry, now standing and shouting at each other.
"She feels guilty-"
"Yeah, I know. Why is he yelling at her though?"
"'Cause she believes what I said about it not being her fault but she didn't believe him."
"Ah. I'll just watch," she said, smiling at the prospect of viewing a fight and sat down.
"Uh, right."
Harry returned to the Hospital Wing where Ginny was twiddling her fingers while she waited.
"Did you get it?"
"Yeah, Parvati went up for me and found it in your bedside table. We suppose a house-elf put it there." He pulled it out of his pocket and walked forward to her. She smiled happily at seeing it again. He kneeled down beside her and took her hand. The two charms jingled very lightly together as he slid the bracelet onto her wrist.
"That feels much better. My wrist isn't so naked now," Ginny joked.
"Looks beautiful as always," he said softly, admiring it. She leaned forward and kissed his forehead.
"Thank you." He smiled at her and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Harry and Ron went back to class the next day, much to their chagrin. Each day after lessons, Ron took his schoolwork to St. Mungo's and Hermione would help him. Well, he would ask her questions and she would tell him to figure it out himself. Occasionally, she would give him a clue. Occasionally. Tuesday, Ron brought Hermione a book (after she threatened to hex him once she regained possession of her wand if he didn't) called, Wanda Wangle's Solutions To All Hair Care and Beauty Catastrophe's. The deep look of annoyance and anger she gave him when he presented it to her could have frightened away a dragon.
"What is this?" she said sharply.
"A book," he answered, not looking right at her.
"Thank you, I wasn't aware of that."
"Well, you asked."
"You know perfectly well what I meant. Why would you bring me this of all books?"
"You know…a little change of pace, something not so academic. If you think about it, you're on holiday! Read something fun and different."
"I'm on holiday?" Her nostrils flared dangerously. "You call lying in a bed in a little room in hospital a holiday? Are you mad?! That isn't a good excuse!"
"All right, all right, I forgot to go to the library and I didn't have time so I found this by Ginny's bed and I brought it."
"Ginny let you bring this to me?"
"No, she was asleep. I'm sorry, but I didn't want to come here without a book and then have you mad at me for that. This was sort of a last resort."
"Oh honestly, you should have just not brought anything."
"Well, sometimes I don't know what will make you madder."
"What, do I get angry that often? Does everything suddenly anger me?"
"I-apparently."
"Apparently!"
"You're mad now at everything I've been saying!"
"Because everything you're saying is ridiculous!"
"What's the matter with you?"
"Nothing's the matter with me! All I asked you to do was bring me a book and you bring me this? Do you know me at all?"
"I said I was sorry!"
"Oh, just stop. I don't want to talk anymore!" She snatched up Wanda Wangle's novel, opened it up to a random page, and stuck her nose into it. Ron huffed and ripped his Charms book out of his bag.
Wednesday he brought her Hogwarts: A History. She was happier about this one. Then on Thursday, Hermione came back to school. Madame Pomfrey came and portkeyed with her to a bed in the Hospital Wing. To say the least, Ron was thrilled to have her back with him. Hermione was thrilled as well, Hogwarts was her home after all. Her countless numbers of flowers were also sent, making the infirmary look like a flower shop.
It didn't take long for Ginny to walk around without feeling tired. Hermione's legs, however, didn't seem to want to support her. Like the year before, she was taking a plethora of potions to ensure her body would continue to work properly. Madam Pomfrey said to give it a few more days and then she could try again. To avoid complete boredom, Ron brought her schoolwork to her, even stopping into her classes he didn't take. Since Ginny was healthy again, she decided to go back to class and to her dorm, disappointing Hermione a bit but she understood the need to attend class. Since Ginny was no longer staying in the Hospital Wing, Harry also went back to Gryffindor Tower and Ron forced to as well. Madam Pomfrey wouldn't let a girl and a boy who were dating stay alone together.
Harry visited Lupin a few more times during the week. He heard various stories about his dad and the other Marauders' antics during school, effectively brightening Harry's mood. Ginny soon brought Harry the journal she'd got him. It was a small but thick book with Harry's Journal written in the center of the cover. Harry had yet to write in it.
He continued to have nightmares of Ginny in the Riddle House, of facing Voldemort, of Hermione collapsing next to him. He often woke in the middle of the night, his scar prickling slightly. Though no one knew it, Ginny also had nightmares. They didn't make her call out or cry in her sleep as dreams of Tom Riddle had years ago but they were awful all the same. No one saw her having the dreams and randomly bringing them up seemed strange so she hadn't told anyone, not even Harry. She hadn't told anyone about dreams of Tom Riddle before, she had always felt very secretive of them.
The first day of March was Ron's birthday. A few days before it, Hermione and Ginny made plans for a surprise party. The first fell on a Tuesday so the girls planned the celebration for the Sunday before so it could go on longer and also made it more of a surprise. First, they had to get permission from Madame Pomfrey who took quite a bit of convincing. The party would have to be held in the Hospital Wing since Hermione couldn't get up. After much persuasion and promise that the party would be kept under control, she consented, only after assuring them they would be punished severely if they failed or if Hermione became too tired from the festivities. Then, Ginny sent notice to all those who were invited such as their Gryffindor friends and members of the D.A. Harry went to the kitchens and asked Dobby for a cake and snacks to serve.
On Sunday morning, Harry took Ron outside for a broom ride, despite the very cold temperatures, to allow the Hospital Wing to be decorated. At one point, Ron tried to go back inside, feeling sorry for bedridden Hermione, so Harry had to make up a reason to stay outside.
"Come on Ron, stay out here! We've been through some, you know, tough shit these past couple of weeks and we deserve a fly!"
"Harry, I think Hermione's been through some tougher shit. Uch, that sounds disgusting. But anyway, she doesn't get to come outside so why should I?"
"That's very cavalier of you but-he checked his watch, the girls had said they needed at least an hour-come on! It'll only be an hour or so!"
"Harry, why's it such a big deal?"
"Because I want to fly and do some…male bonding." Ron wrinkled his nose.
"Male bonding? Wasn't bawling in hospital enough bonding for you?"
"No, so get on your bloody broomstick and stop badgering me!" Harry got on his own and rose into the air before zooming off toward one of the goals. Ron looked at him oddly but shrugged and jumped on his broom.
Truth be told, it only took the girls twenty minutes to set up because Dobby had brought the food up already and Neville had come to help. They put up a few decorations saying 'Happy Birthday Ron!' and 'Happy Seventeenth!' that Dean Thomas had drawn up, moved the other beds to the sides of the walls as food tables, and set up a WWN radio for music. Ten minutes before Ron and Harry were due to come in, the other partygoers including their fellow sixth years and members of the D.A. came to be ready to surprise Ron.
Ginny waited by the door to watch for the boys and when she heard their voices, she motioned for everyone to hide as she turned out the lights and shut the door all the way. A moment later, Ron opened the door and seeing it so dark said, "What the-" when the lights blazed on and everyone jumped out screaming "Surprise!" Ron yelled and ripped out his wand, making the people closest to him move back in alarm.
"Oh!" he exclaimed as he realized what was happening. "Sorry! I thought I was being attacked!" Everybody laughed, save the few who he'd actually frightened.
"No you git, it's a birthday party!" Ginny scolded him, swatting his arm.
"Wow, thanks!" he said, shocked. "I haven't had an actual party for a long time!" He turned to Harry. "You didn't really want to bond, you were stalling me!"
"Yeah, and ended up looking like a sissy," Harry laughed. Ron shrugged.
"Don't deny who you are mate," he clapped Harry on the back and received a punch back on the shoulder. Ginny intervened before they began a friendly wrestling match and kissed Ron on the cheek as she hugged him.
"Seventeen and yet, you still seem like a second year," she teased smiling. He mock glared at her.
By now music was playing and the snacks were being eaten. Ron went over to see Hermione.
"Thanks, love, this is great!"
"You're welcome, happy birthday! Well, in two days."
"I'll go get us some food, ok?" She nodded and he went off hungrily.
Everyone ate and many danced to the music. When they had a chance, people went to wish Ron a happy birthday. He didn't bother with candles but dug right in to his cake. A pile of gifts lay on one of the beds by the wall so an hour or so into the party he pushed them over near Hermione and everyone gathered round. He got a few Quidditch supplies, new quills, a new pack of Exploding Snap, candy, a navy jumper from his mum ("It isn't maroon!"), some cards, and a large box from the twins. He opened it suspiciously to find a large, black jack-in-the-box.
"Bloody Hell, who knows what could jump out at me," he muttered. Slowly turning the lever on the side, he leaned back worriedly as a little song began playing. It sounded oddly like the twins humming…BANG! It suddenly popped open and two little Fred and George replicas attached to springs bounced out toward Ron's face. Two arms stuck out sideways on each one and they grabbed one of his cheeks each and kissed them. Then the little mouths opened up and sang in high-pitched versions of the twins voices:
"Ronnie, Ronnie, Ronnikins
It is your birthie-day
We could not see you face-to-face
You're too damn far away!
Instead we sent our mini-selves
We know you'll love them so
But don't get too attached to them
In case it does not flow!
We hope your party is top notch
Though it's not our biggest concern
We've far too much to worry about
Of which you will soon learn!
If you lift the lid, you will find
The real gift underneath
But you must open it alone
Or we'll knock you in the teeth!
So, have fun on your special day
Don't snog Hermione long
She was just in hospital you know
You need to get her strong!
We'll be in touch soon, don't worry
Now we must go, we're in a hurry!"
The song now finished, the little dolls kissed his cheeks one more time then flew back into the box. Everyone laughed and clapped as the lid snapped shut and Ron sat there, a shocked expression on his face.
"That was the strangest thing I've ever gotten, even from them!" Ginny took it from him rather quickly and began to gather the rest of the gifts up. "Ok, thanks everyone!" Ron called out.
Within half an hour, everyone had said their good-byes and only Ron, Ginny, Harry, and Hermione remained. Ginny brought out Fred and George's jack-in-the-box and sat down by Hermione's bed, motioning for the boys to abandon eating the rest of the food.
"We need to listen to this again," Ginny said.
"Yes, did you catch all those warnings?" Hermione asked. Ginny nodded worriedly.
"I only heard one," Ron said and Harry nodded in agreement. "Where they said they had other things to worry about, but couldn't that be the large store they run?"
"No, there was much more than that, and for what reason would you not be allowed to open this except by yourself?" Hermione said.
"I don't know…maybe it's inappropriate."
"No, I think they know something and you need to be informed of it as well. Maybe they put information in as the gift," Ginny suggested.
"Maybe," Hermione agreed. "We should listen to this again, maybe write it down. It was a very simple poem but we need to read between the lines."
Author's Note: Well, there's a little cliffhanger for you all. I won't take three months to post again; that was a bit ridiculous on my part so I apologize again. I do have homework but there were times I could have worked. Anyway, I hope it wasn't too boring of a chapter. I know in my last Author's Note I said that certain people would be walking again, but I've postponed Hermione walking for a bit longer. Ginny is up again though, so what I said was partially true, though I had planned for a walking Hermione before. Oh well. I have plans for that too. Ok, no thank you's again because it's been so long, it's really pointless. But please review because I want to know what you think and I won't leave out individuals all the time, I plan to do them next chapter. Well, I love you all for waiting as patiently as possible and just for reading! Thanks! Until next time!!
Michelle