Chapter 2

Unexpected Company

It is a quiet night, in a dark room, Ginny Weasley dreams

It was a hot balmy day, weeks before the finals. The castle bell had rung announcing the end of the class period. As students and teachers alike began gathering their materials, Ginny Weasley remained in her seat in the Transfiguration Classroom. She had been contemplating a request for a meeting for weeks with her Head of House. Professor McGonagall, wearing her rather dark robes and looked up at her from her desk through her half moon glasses. She too had contemplated asking Ginny to remain after class, for both shared a common instinct. They knew something was amiss, dark and would happen sooner then either wished. Ginny was always fond of this professor, mostly because they could talk and she would not be rebuffed as an idle schoolgirl. Ginny also found transfiguration one of her most enjoyable classes, although she did do very well in each. Well, maybe all with the exception of Divination. She really did not have much tolerance for that Professor Trelawny, and funny enough nor did this professor. As the last student departed the room, the teacher flicked her wand in a smooth fluid motion. The door closed, the windows opened, and tin of biscuits with tea appeared on her desk. With another wave, two very comfortable looking chairs and sitting table appeared were once stood two old school desks. In silent communion, both moved to the chairs. Ginny gathered the tin, poured tea and set them on the sitting table before moving to the remaining seat. There while still sitting elegantly, she curled her legs and feet on to the chair.

Ginny contemplated where to start. There was a light buzz and she caught sight of a fly streaking across the room. It was reminiscent of a snitch for some odd reason. As the Professor set her teacup on the saucer distractingly, she awoke from her reverie. This of course was her mentor's means of announcing that the conversation had started.

"I think we both know something is wrong." She stated flatly. No question, introduction nor explanation for the statement, but none seemed needed. As she turned to gaze upon the Professor, the hairs on the back of her hair tingled, as they had done so many times before. She knew it was a foreshadow of darkness. She could recall when she first time she noticed the occurrence. It was when Harry had returned to the Burrow just this past summer. There was a fog in the middle of the day. It nasty tasting, like old food rotting in a enclosed room. Bill had commented that it was the dementors. They were mating and gathering in strength. Days later they learned that the Dark Mark had been cast over a neighboring town. Her mother told her it was a sign she was coming into her inherit powers.

As the teacher regarded her she said softly "The Headmaster is dead Ginny. I think we both feel something even worse is coming. Harry feels his burden and so do you. Have you been having the dreams again? Have you told him yet?", she asked while her eyes bore into the young girls head.

"He is not afraid anymore. I believe he will want to do this alone, but he doesn't understand, but then nor do I. He hasn't confided in me, but that is not new. He is going to hunt for something. It's evil what ever it is. In my dream, there is a gold cup, a old fashioned necklace with a snake on it forming letter "S" and funny clasp. My senses tell me these all hold evil in their core. Sometimes I see a shadow over me too, like the evil is inside of me. Then I see Harry and the darkness goes away." she said wearily.

The concern her voice emitted, made Ginny pay closer attention to the Professor" I had spoken to the Headmaster about this and he believed you are a key to Harry's future. Where he goes, you go. You two are bonded by some magical means. He couldn't explain it, but said he was certain..."

The sun shown heavily into my room, and I awoke feeling tired and drained. These dreams and memories were getting the best of me. For three days I had the same dream in my head.

'The locket. That heavy ugly locket. I've seen it before. I just can't think of where. I know this is something that Harry needs, but what does it mean?' These and other thoughts crossed her mind as a yawn escaped my mouth. Standing up and I looked into the mirror.

"What a sight you are my dear" proclaimed the mirror. She gave the mirror a nasty gesture with her hand as she turned around. How she hated mornings. Her bed was torn to pieces, pillows on the floor and sheets everywhere. She changed her cloths opting for something cooler, rushed to the bathroom and cleaned up.

As she brushed her teeth, she could hear the unmistakable sound of Fleur singing softly to Bill. Bill was at least looking better, and she really had to admit, after a while, Fleur had begun to grow on her. If there was one thing she did really admire about that woman, it was that she was faithful and really loved to her brother.

She followed her nose to the smell of fresh coffee. 'Yes, that's what I need. Maybe then I can remember." Her mother was fixing breakfast and humming to herself. "Mum, high spirits this morning", she said more as a statement then a question. She just poured a cup when the fireplace ignited. Her mother pulled her wand at the ready, and out fell Hermione with her parents.

"Seal the floo! Quick Molly." And with a flick of her wrist, the fireplace closed. "Our house was attacked," she sputtered while coughing and helping her mom to her feet. Her father climbed on the couch and was rubbing his head. There was a nasty cut just to the side of his cheek, but other then being shaken up, they looked all right. In only moments, Aurors from the Ministry surrounded the house. The unannounced flight had tripped some of the sensors.

Mad-Eye Moody walked in the back door and asked how everyone was. He turned and dispatched troops to Hermione's house. "They will be back with a report in a moment Mr. Granger" with some authority. "Ginny, get some blankets for them. Hermione, why don't you come tell me what happened while Molly tends to your parents." These were orders rather then requests. I really didn't mind. He really didn't scare me, but someone needed to take charge and he was good at it. I knew that I would hear the story later and that Moody just wanted me out of the room to save them any embarrassments. That was fine with me. Hermione would tell me everything later.

I ran up stairs and woke Ron. He practically ran me over as he left his room. Then I grabbed some blankets and walked back downstairs. The Grangers, minus Hermione were sitting together on the couch. I covered them and went to get some warm drinks. Mum followed and put a spot of calming potion in each cup of tea. This would help with the shock. As I brought the drinks out, Hermione was whispering to Ron as she caught my eye. She understood that the drinks were spiked. She'd been around Mum long enough to know better. Reluctantly she agreed and biting her lips, she nodded, giving me the OK. After passing out drinks, I hugged her and returned to the kitchen.

One of my best friends and confidants attacked. 'Just wait till Harry hears about this,' I thought to myself. Thinking of Harry brought the ugly locket back into my thoughts. I'd bet Hermione or Ron would remember it if I described it. I closed my eyes and wished that my Harry were here. There was a bang at the door. Turning my head. I opened my eyes and…

"Harry?"