A/N: Well, thank you everyone who reviewed! Hopefully if I can keep it up, the updates should be more often now. Enjoy!
The book of the day award goes to: Dante, the Inferno.
Chapter 17: The Howler
Harry blew carefully on the wet ink in front of him while massaging his hand. He'd been busy trying to make a map of the dungeons as he remembered it from previous nocturnal explorations – but found that there was a great deal that he probably didn't know about its formation. Well, what good is an Invisibility Cloak if you don't use it? He smirked to himself. He hadn't had a good wander around the castle after curfew since term began. Then he frowned, then again, with my dreams, I wonder if Madam Pomfrey's spells can trace me wherever I go? That would suck. That would really suck. Oh, yeah, I can see it now. While wandering down the corridors, be suddenly set upon by the rabid Head Nurse. Oh yeah. Harry sighed and rubbed his eyes, pushing his glasses up onto his forehead. His eyesight had been bothering him lately. I've never really studied or read this much before, Harry admitted to himself. Maybe I should see if there're any eye doctors in Hogsmeade. I should really get my prescription checked. He let his hands drop and blinked a few times at the spots dancing in front of his eyes. Then he settled his glasses firmly on his nose and capped his ink well.
Harry checked the time and noticed it was almost noon. He chewed on his bottom lip as he thought about what Draco had said to him. Will he really put me on the team? I mean, it's really not that fair to the rest of the players…he let his thought trail off as he gathered up his DADA and Potions textbooks. He intended to go to the Library after lunch and try to get some studying in. Professor Montevay was a good teacher, if tough, and the upcoming quiz she had warned them about had Harry studying doubly hard for it. He wanted good grades this year, especially in DADA. Finally we get a DADA teacher that seems somewhat normal, Harry groused to himself, thinking back on the previous teachers they had had. He lingered fondly on Professor Lupin and shuddered at the memory of Professor Lockhart. Maybe Professor Montevay will actually stick around for more than a year, we sure could use her.
He stood, slung his rucksack over his shoulder and headed for the door. He paused just before leaving, considering whether or not to put up any locking charms. This isn't Gryffindor, he argued to himself. And I doubt there's anyone in the Slytherin dorm that wants to get at my stuff. Still…he considered the doorway carefully before finally pulling out his wand. One charm wont hurt, he rationalized, ignoring the little voice in his head that was telling him that he was being far too paranoid. He carefully cast a charm that would inform him of any and all people who entered his room; he'd check it later when he came back. If it was clear, then he wouldn't bother with any further privacy charms. But if it wasn't…then hello grumpy Harry-ville. Not that I'd actually do anything about it though. The last thing I need is to get kicked out of two Houses this year.. He snorted at his childish sounding inner voice and headed for the common room.
Draco was lounging in front of one of the large fireplaces when Harry arrived. The blond was sitting slumped on a couch, watching the flames twist behind the grate. Harry paused at the edge of the couch, staring at the other boy. He seems so different here, away from public view, Harry mused. Draco glanced over at him and waved for the smaller boy to join him on the couch.
"No correct posture here?" Harry teased lightly. Draco wrinkled his nose at the dark haired boy.
"That's the Great Hall. Slytherins have a reputation to uphold, you know. We're the ones that keep the old traditions and etiquettes alive. We're honor bound to keep up pretenses, even if it kills your back and after an hour you want to shoot the Headmaster for rambling on and on and on. Really. There should be a limit to how long the old wizard can talk. I mean, does he realize how much it sucks to sit up straight on those abominable benches? Really," Draco huffed, a sardonic smile crossing his face. Harry chuckled at the blond, set his rucksack on the floor and took a seat next to Draco on the large, plush couch. It dipped a little in the center, and Harry found his shoulder bumping Draco's slightly. He tried to move away, but Draco didn't seem to mind, so Harry let it go. They stared into the fire for a long moment, enjoying the flames.
"You wanted to talk to me about the quidditch team?" Harry finally murmured. Draco nodded, sighing slightly.
"I want you to be the seeker. Adrian, one of the seventh year players, wants to focus on his schoolwork instead of the team this year. He's been putting it off until we could find a replacement for him – but no one really has the talent for it. So, I'll move you to seeker and I'll take Adrian's place. It all works out." Draco blinked sleepily at the flames, shifting slightly on the couch, his shoulder bumping against Harry's as he did so.
"And no one's going to mind that I just waltz onto the team?" Harry asked, a hint of disbelief coloring his voice. He turned his head slightly and regarded the blond with wide eyes. Draco snorted and crossed his legs lazily, lacing his hands together on his stomach.
"No, they wont. We lost a good many of our players to their families when they withdrew them from the school. Having you on the team merely locks us in as the Quidditch Cup champions. And everyone's happy about that," Draco shrugged, unconcerned. "Besides, I've always wanted to play Chaser. It looks like fun," the wolfish grin on the blonde's face spoke volumes. Harry almost felt sorry for the poor blokes that would have to go up against him. Well, no, not really, his inner voice chimed in. Kill pussycat, kill! Harry had to duck his head slightly to hide his sudden grin.
"Well, good." Harry kept his eyes on the fire, blinking sleepily. He had been getting tired at the oddest hours lately, but he chalked that up to the poor sleep he'd been getting. He yawned and shifted lower onto the seat, feeling his eyes grow heavy. He let himself drift off into a light nap, hoping that he might be able to catch some blessedly dreamless sleep this time.
Draco noticed Harry's yawn and kept still, watching the dark haired boy fall asleep next to him. He looks so tired, Draco thought as he turned to study the other boy fully. He hasn't been sleeping well, he noticed. Draco ran his eyes over Harry's face; the skin under the other boy's eyes was marked with a bluish tinge, making the area look bruised. There were also faint lines still etched into the skin around Harry's mouth, as though even in sleep he felt pain. I wonder if the Vision Potion is still affecting him at night? Draco knew Severus was on call for Harry during the night, should the frail looking boy need help, but the Potions Master had yet to say anything about the visits. Well, we'll more than likely find out tonight, Draco shrugged philosophically.
Harry twitched in his sleep, a slight frown creasing the skin between his eyes. Draco watched him carefully, ready to wake the smaller boy up, if need be. Harry muttered something and sighed, the small frown easing from his face as his head came into contact with Draco's shoulder. The raven-haired boy rubbed his forehead against Draco. It's his scar, Draco noted absently, it must be bothering him. He watched as the action seemed to sooth the irritated skin on Harry's forehead. A noise from the hallway alerted Draco to the approach of his Housemates, and he debated whether or not to wake Harry before they entered. Neville's appearance in the common room took the decision from him.
Neville spied the two sitting on the couch and approached quietly. His eyes widened when he saw Harry asleep, and for a moment Draco wondered if Neville was going to freak out about it. But to his surprise the ex-Gryffindor made shushing noises at Draco when the blond was about to speak, his eyes on Harry's sleeping form. Draco frowned slightly at the new Slytherin, silently inquiring. Neville beckoned Draco to follow him silently, and the blond reluctantly eased Harry down onto the couch from where the dark haired boy's head was comfortably resting on his shoulder. He then proceeded to follow Neville across the room. They stood in a small alcove near the boy's hallway, half hidden in the shadows.
"How long has he been asleep?" Neville asked quietly, eyes glancing back to the couch occasionally, fidgeting absently with his robes. Draco's frown got deeper.
"Just a few moments. Why?" The blond asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Neville shifted on his feet, nibbling on his lower lip. He seemed to be arguing with himself. Finally he looked up at Draco seriously.
"I was Harry's roommate for the last week. Well, ever since he took that potion, he's – well, he hasn't slept the night through yet. He keeps waking up screaming. It's pretty awful, really, and it's just – if he can get a few minutes of uninterrupted sleep, then great. He's pretty good at hiding it, but…" Neville trailed off as Draco stared at him incredulously. He hasn't slept the night through once? What the hell is happening to him? Draco glanced over to where Harry lay, peacefully asleep on the dark couch, his pale skin a sharp contrast to the hunter green cushions.
"This has been going on all week?" Draco asked, clarifying. Neville nodded quickly. "Does Severus know about this?" Neville eyed the blond carefully at his use of Snape's first name.
"Professor Snape has been flooing into the room almost nightly. He didn't come last night – only Madam Pomfrey came. But before that, he'd arrive before the Headmaster did…"
"The Headmaster?" Draco interrupted him, eyes wide. Neville shrugged helplessly.
"Draco – it was bad, alright? He'd wake up screaming and trying to claw his own eyes out. And he refuses to take the Dreamless Sleep potion because it only means he wont wake up when a vision hits." Neville sighed and ran a hand through his hair, reflexively glancing over at Harry. The pale form was still peacefully asleep on the couch, and Neville let out a small, relieved breath.
"I've had to learn how to break down his silencing charms because he'd cast them around his bed when he thought I'd gone to sleep – just to make sure I wouldn't hear him when he woke up screaming. The prat seems to want to suffer through this all alone. It's like he doesn't really believe that I – that we're here for him at all. It's like he's afraid to rely on us, incase we suddenly disappear – like Ron and Hermione did." Neville snorted softly and crossed his arms across his chest, a flash of anger crossing his face when he mentioned the two Gryffindors that had hurt Harry so badly. Draco felt his jaw tighten. I am going to take great pleasure in making that bloody House, and especially those two, suffer, Draco snarled mentally.
"Well, we'll just have to keep telling him that we wont disappear, now wont we?" Draco said, eyes gravely serious. Neville looked at him closely for a moment and nodded slowly.
"Yes, yes we will," he agreed. A sudden, soft noise made them both look over at Harry and they noticed that his face was now twisted in pain, his hands balled into fists at his sides. Draco took a step towards him, but was too late. Harry jerked once, eyes flying open, gasping for air. He turned and buried his face into the cushions, away from the other Slytherins, trembling slightly. Draco and Neville hurried over to his side.
"Harry? Are you alright?" Draco asked softly, crouching down next to the smaller boy. Harry nodded, face still hidden. He drew in a shaky breath and uncurled his hands. Small bloody crescent moons decorated his palms.
"'M fine," came the muffled response. "Just – a bad dream, 's all." Draco snorted and reached out for Harry's shoulder. The dark haired boy flinched when the blond touched him, and Draco withdrew his hand quickly.
"Harry –," Draco began. Harry raised his head from the cushions and focused blurry eyes on the blond. He'd knocked his glasses off at some point and they lay next to him on the couch.
"I'm fine," came the quiet response. It was followed by a glare – that wasn't terribly effective since Harry could barely make out the blurry forms in front of him. "I think what I need is food," he said, lying through his teeth. He knew, intellectually, that he needed to eat – but at the moment food sounded particularly nauseous. He fumbled for his glasses and slid them on, finally able to focus on the forms of Draco and Neville in front of him. He pushed himself upright, trying to smooth down his unruly hair as he did so.
"Food, right? Lunch, Great Hall, you know, the place where everyone gossips and plots? That area?" Harry said, looking at Draco pointedly. He didn't want to talk about the fact that he'd had a mini nightmare in the middle of the common room. The blond looked at him sharply.
"I am perfectly aware of where we eat lunch, Harry. But I really think –," Draco began, standing after a moment and looking down at the dark haired boy crossly. Harry shook his head sharply, cutting Draco off as he stood.
"Nope. Not gonna talk about it," he said flatly, eyes narrowing.
"Going to. Not gonna," the blond corrected automatically, raising an eyebrow at the smaller boy. The blond didn't back away and the two stood close together, the edges of their robes brushing against each other. Harry shrugged and picked up his rucksack.
"Whatever. Food. Now." He slung the pack over his shoulder and tried to edge around the blond. Draco caught the strap of the book bag and halted him. Harry sighed.
"Fooooood," the dark haired boy said, drawing out the word. Draco clutched the strap tightly for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then a smooth smile flowed onto this face.
"Alright. Food. But you will talk about these dreams at some point. It's not healthy to bottle them up inside," Draco said, tugging on the strap to emphasis his point. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Yes, mother. Now, can we go?" he asked in his best whine. Draco sighed dramatically and gestured for Harry to lead the way. As the smaller boy led the way out of the common room, Draco shared a concerned look with Neville. They had to get the boy to talk, somehow. Maybe Veritaserum, or a healthy dose of liquor…Draco mused as the common room door slid shut behind them. Anything that gets him talking will do. He can't keep bottling all this up inside – it'll drive him mad. Draco shivered slightly, a foreboding feeling running down his spine. Harry needed to trust them, needed to believe that they weren't about to go anywhere and abandon him. But how? Draco sighed and shelved the worry for later. At that moment he had to make sure Harry actually ate at lunch this time.
*_*_*_*
Harry sighed as he finally shut his bedroom door. Draco had watched every single bite that he'd taken at lunch, had followed him to the library, and then coddled him at dinner. It was so strange to be watched that closely – he rather hoped the blond would get over it soon. While he grudgingly liked the attention and the protective attitude the blond was displaying, it was getting a bit much. I mean, really, one of these days when I come to expect that level of attention and what not, he'll be gone. I really can't get used to this type of attitude. Harry dropped his rucksack on the floor and eased himself onto his bed. He had a mild headache and while all he really wanted to do was sleep, he was tired of having nightmares every time he closed his eyes.
He tucked his legs under himself and withdrew his wand, pointing it at his fireplace. A quick spell had a roaring fire going, beating off the chill in the room. He shivered slightly, dropping his wand next to him on the bed and rubbing his upper arms lightly. He got up and crossed over to stand in front of the fire, letting the heat soak into his thin frame. He sighed with pleasure as his extremities started to warm up. His fingers seemed to be perpetual blocks of ice lately – along with his feet, which made for uncomfortable sleeping. He didn't want to wear socks to bed, but had been forced to the last couple of nights. His feet never seemed to want to warm up, and he didn't want to plague Madam Pomfrey about the slight discomfort. The last thing she needs is me fussing about my feet. She already sees me too much as it is, he snorted to himself as he closed his eyes contentedly. He let out a long, stuttering breath, rolling his neck from side to side, delighting as the cracks and pops eased the tension in his neck. If I had known being in Slytherin meant bloody perfect posture in any and all social settings I would have begged the damn Hat to send me to Ravenclaw. Harry smiled at his silly thoughts, knowing that there was no other real place for him except Slytherin.
After a long moment of soaking up the fire's heat, he opened his eyes and returned to his rucksack. He picked it up and crossed over to his desk, setting it down with a small clunk. He flipped the top open and withdrew his books, placing them neatly on the shelf, and then got out his homework. He flipped through it casually, double-checking to make sure it was all finished. Great good gods above, I'm turning into a right bookworm. Maybe I should go romping around the castle halls tonight or something. He considered the thought for a long moment, his eyes straying over to his trunk. Perhaps not tonight. I am tired. Tomorrow then. Nodding to himself firmly, he turned back to his papers.
He carefully set down his homework, and then pulled out his other notes. Sirius's book had been quite – thorough, but Harry still wanted to expand some of the projects he'd found in the slim volumes. Like trying to get that tail growing potion to grow only rat tails. I'd love to slip that into Ron's drink. Maybe I should pay a visit to Dobby when I finally get it figured out. Maybe he'd help me, Harry smirked, eyes narrowing with pleasure as he imagined Ron running about with a large rat's tail. It'd serve him right, it would. That bastard, Harry's smile turned into a snarl. He closed his eyes briefly and took a deep breath, trying to get rid of the anger building up inside himself. Getting angry right now won't do anything except make you throw up – again. So quit it and relax, he chided himself.
Slowly he felt the anger ebb away and he tried to focus on something else. His stomach clenched again when his thoughts returned to Sirius. How was his godfather going to take his getting booted from Gryffindor and relocation into Slytherin? Will he hate me? Will he have anything to do with me? Harry gulped and pulled out his chair, sitting in it heavily. Should I write to him? Let him find out tomorrow via the Daily Prophet? Send smoke signals and then barricade myself in my room? Away from his wrath? God, I don't know what to do. Harry could feel his breathing start to pick up as he contemplated Sirius's possible reactions and in vain, he tried to even it out. All he ended up doing was getting spots in front of his eyes. A letter then. I'll write him a letter. Mind made up Harry set his prank-pulling notes aside and withdrew a clean sheet of parchment. He chewed on the tip of his quill as he gazed on the blank sheet in front of him – he didn't really know how to start.
Dear Sirius, that was good. A lot like his normal letters. Maybe I should just throw it in there in between the 'Oh, I pranked Ron and Dean today. Did you know I got kicked out of Gryffindor? Yeah, the Headmaster was very calm about it. The Hat re-Sorted me into Slytherin. So, Hufflepuff beat Ravenclaw on Friday, can you believe it?' Harry's forehead hit the desktop in front of him as he contemplated his letter. I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. He sighed and raised his head, his mouth forming a tight line as he resolutely dipped his quill into the ink well and began to write.
Dear Sirius,
I thought I'd write and tell you about some of the things that have been going on lately. If I don't do it now, then you'll find out from the newspapers – and that wouldn't be good, so here I go. I'm not really sure how to say this, so I'm going to be blunt. Gryffindor kicked me out of the dorm. They petitioned and everything, and Dumbledore agreed. He had me re-Sorted and the Hat put me into Slytherin. I'm not really all that shocked or anything about it. The Slytherins have been really nice to me lately and have accepted me into their ranks without a complaint. Even Malfoy's been nice to me, making sure I eat and protecting me from Ron and the others. The only people from Gryffindor that stayed friends with me were Ginny Weasley and Neville Longbottom. And when Gryffindor kicked me out they decided to petition to be re-Sorted too. So now they're with me in Slytherin.
I hope you're not too angry with me. I – I don't want you to hate me. Professor Snape has been more than decent with me, so there're no problems in that department. Of course, you don't like him anyway, but it does help.
I just thought I'd tell you personally about this before the Daily Prophet runs the article tomorrow, as I'm sure they will. I hope you're well and safe. Say hello to Professor Lupin for me please.
You're godson (hopefully still),
HarryHarry let out a long breath as he reread the letter. It wasn't the best piece of literature ever written, but it got what he wanted to say across. Now, to get it to him before the newspapers do. Harry bit his lip and thought swiftly. It wasn't curfew just yet. If he hurried, he might be able to make it to the Headmaster's office and back before it was time for him to be in his room. And when did I get so paranoid about being out after curfew? Wasn't I just planning on sneaking out tomorrow night? Harry shook his head at his thoughts and blew on the ink to dry it quicker. When he was sure it was dry, he sealed the letter carefully and slipped out of his room.
The Headmaster was more than happy to post the letter for Harry. The dark haired boy knew that Dumbledore had a more immediate way of communicating to his godfather and Professor Lupin. He hoped the letter got there soon – and that his godfather would stay his godfather after he read it. He gulped as he made his way back down to the dungeons – after correcting himself twice as his feet automatically tried to take him to Gryffindor Tower. Please, please don't be mad at me Sirius, Harry mentally begged as he slipped into the Slytherin Common room. I don't want to lose you too. He looked around the dark room and noticed only a few people still up and around the dorm. From a far couch Pansy and Millicent smiled at him and waved slightly. Hesitantly Harry waved back, edging towards his room. The girls made him nervous – they kept eyeing his robe in a predatory way. Thankfully the girls returned their attention to the magazine in front of them and Harry let out a breath.
Gratefully he escaped to the boy's hallway and into his room. He set up a silencing spell, not sure if the thick walls would be enough to silence his screams. Better safe than sorry, he thought a touch bitterly. He shrugged out of his robe and into his pajamas. As he got ready for bed, his thoughts kept turning back to Sirius and his possible reactions. Please, he begged – not really sure to whom, just that he was. Please don't let me lose him too. He slipped in between his sheets, a tired feeling of dread coming over him as he fell into a light sleep. He was so tired of the nightmares that plagued his sleep.
Harry was dreaming. The scene was sickeningly familiar. The little girl watched him from a far corner of Voldemort's torture chamber, her one good eye staring at him accusingly. She made no move to come closer and Harry felt his face twist into a pained, pleading expression. He tried to go over to her, to finally gather her up in his arms and tell her that he would do everything in his power to avenge her, to make sure Voldemort would pay – but found that he was frozen in place.
His feet were stuck to the floor and no matter how much he tried to free them, they wouldn't come loose. His hands were suddenly bound and hooked above him, stretching his body tautly. A whimper escaped from his throat as he realized how the nightmare was beginning to turn out. A stripe of pain along his back had him gasping in pain. He blinked painful tears from his eyes and struggled to look over his shoulder, to snarl and spit at his dream-Voldemort. But when he finally caught a glimpse of his attacker, the words died unspoken in his throat.
Instead of Voldemort, Ron stood behind him, dressed in impeccable auror's robes. Hermione stood next to him with a sneer on her face. Behind them both stood rank upon rank of students and teachers, all watching avidly as Ron raised his arm for another lash.
"You have no one to blame but yourself," Hermione said as the whip whistled through the air. The tip exploded across Harry's back and he jerked heavily. "You deserve nothing but pain and death. You're a useless, hopeless, betraying failure and you know it. You failed Cedric and you have utterly failed to stop the deaths of countless others." Her words ripped into Harry's soul and he bowed his head as her poison washed over him. When she stopped talking, Dean picked up the litany, then Colin, then Seamus. Then Professor McGonagall, then Professor Flitwick. Harry screamed as two lashes racked his body and he broke, finally, hating himself for it and hating himself even more for his failures. Soon all he could do was sob and scream, pleading for forgiveness, for understanding. For another chance to make it up, to avenge the people he let down. If they would only give him another chance…
Severus Snape groaned as the small warning alarm went off in his chambers, informing him that blood had been spilled in his dorm. He looked up, and cursed when he realized that it wasn't a minor scuffle in the Common Room that was triggering the alarms. It was coming from Harry's room. He stood up quickly, knocking his chair over in the process.
He flooed into the boy's room and crossed quickly over to the wailing figure on the bed. Harry was jerking spasmodically, hands twisted in the covers, bloody scratches running down his arms, the source of the alarms. Severus sat on the edge of the bed, his larger weight making the mattress dip slightly. Carefully he healed the scratches and wondered why Madam Pomfrey wasn't there already. I'll have to ask her tomorrow, he decided. He reached out and touched the boy's head, smoothing the sweaty hair back and revealing the lightly irritated scar.
"Shh, Harry. You're having a nightmare. Wake up now, come on," Severus glanced around the room, making sure he was alone. The last thing he needed was Albus or Poppy to see him being concerned. They'd expect him to be nicer more often – and then he'd never get anything done in his classes. Harry had flinched slightly when the Potions Master first touched him, but after a moment the dark haired boy began to relax. While Harry didn't wake up as the older wizard wanted him to, he did fall into a more peace slumber. Severus regarded the boy sadly, noting the pale skin and the deep bags under the boy's eyes. Sleep Harry, Severus told the boy silently as the nightmare seemed to pass. We'll watch over you now, don't worry. The tall, lanky man sat for a while longer in the dark room, making sure the nightmare didn't return.
As he left, several hours later, he cast one last look over his shoulder. Harry was curled up on his bed, almost lost in the expanse of material. When he had gone, Harry rolled over in his bed, new tears beginning to leak from the corners of his eyes – nightmares returning as the comforting presence left. While no longer violent, his nightmares were plagued by his memories of the tortures he had seen and the people he had failed to save. He whimpered softly in the dark room, wrapping the comforter around himself more securely. In a dim recess of his mind, he wanted the soft, deep voice to return, to tell him everything was going to be alright.
*_*_*_*_*
Ginny waited for Harry in the Slytherin Common room. She was hungry, but she wanted to go down with Harry to the Great Hall – both for his protection and her own. She did not want to meet up with her brothers on her way there alone. She fidgeted nervously with her robe as she waited. It was quite shabby, compared with the ones her dorm mates had on. She smoothed a small hand over the faded black material and chewed on the inside of her lip. I wish I had enough money for new robes, she thought wistfully, a small sad smile crossing her face briefly. One of these days I'll have enough money to buy new robes whenever I want, she vowed to herself, the litany easily rolling off of her mental tongue. She was determined to do well for herself, so that she'd never have to skimp and save like her parents did.
She glanced up when she heard a murmur coming from the boy's hall. Harry exited the darkness with Draco at his side. He doesn't look good, she noted worriedly. Harry was drawn and pale, with a permanent line residing between his eyes. He looks as though he didn't sleep at all last night. She frowned fiercely at the thought. Well, he's going to bloody well eat and eat well today, she thought to herself. And then I'll drag him back here after classes and chain him down to his bed if I have to. He needs sleep, good sleep and a lot of it. She stood as Harry drew near, taking note of Neville and Blaise as they emerged from the hallway behind Draco and Harry.
"Hey Ginny – shut up Draco. No correcting my grammar before breakfast. It's way too early in the morning for it," the dark haired boy said before the blond could even open his mouth. Draco looked affronted and cast a scathing look at Harry – but stayed silent. Ginny hid a snicker. You go Harry, she though silently. She smiled brightly at the boys, her eyes searching Harry's face carefully.
"Ready for breakfast?" she chirruped. Harry glared at her blearily and she had to duck her head to hide her smile. Harry really wasn't a morning person. He needed a good cup of tea to wake up fully Ginny had found. And he positively despised morning people – something that Ginny took great delight in exploiting. A grumpy Harry was often highly amusing in the mornings – if sometimes dangerous to ones ego. Neville and Blaise joined them after a moment and they all trooped off to breakfast.
Not heading for the Gryffindor table was – odd – Ginny noticed as she slid into her seat between Pansy and Neville. The petite blond girl turned and smiled at her, before returning to her conversation with Millicent. Ginny smiled back at her briefly and then turned her attention to the food surrounding her. She found Pansy to be quite different than how she'd originally thought the other girl would be. Pansy had been very pleasant with her, quite nice and bubbly, making Ginny feel right at home in the girl's dorm. Millicent was less chatty, but still warm and inviting. They're all so different in private, Ginny thought as she loaded up her plate.
Half way through breakfast the post arrived. A torrent of owls swooped in through the windows – most all of them clutching a copy of the Daily Prophet in their claws. Ginny eyed them almost fearfully – as did Harry, she noted after a moment. She was about to ask him if he was expecting a letter when a familiar owl caught her eye.
Errol crashed into a plate of eggs as he tried to land on the Slytherin table. Ginny felt her face heat up, expecting the Slytherins around her to start laughing at her family's old owl. Instead Blaise calmly picked Errol up and straightened him out, as well as taking off the red envelope tied to his leg. Ginny felt her stomach drop as she eyed the howler. I really, really, really don't want to know what it has to say, she thought miserably. She took a deep breath and resolutely picked it up. Immediately it began to scream.
VIRIGINA WEASLEY! HOW DARE YOU DISGRACE THE WEASLEY NAME AND HONOR IN SUCH A MANNER!!! YOU UNGRATEFUL, SPITEFUL, DISOBEDIANT GIRL! YOU WERE WARNED, YOUNG LADY!!! YOU WERE TO STAY AWAY FROM THAT POTTER BOY OR SUFFER THE CONSEQUENCES AND LOOK WHAT YOU DID! YOUR POOR FATHER WONT BE ABLE TO LOOK ANYONE IN THE EYE! I'M ASHAMED TO FLOO THE NEIGHBORS – YOUR DISGRACE MADE THE FRONT PAGE OF THE DAILY PROPHET! YOU HAVE DONE THE INEXCUSABLE – YOU HAVE SIDED WITH THAT MAD POTTER, THAT DARK LORK IN TRAINING! NOW YOU HAVE TO REAP WHAT YOU SOW – SINCE YOU'VE CHOSEN THAT – THAT – THING OVER YOUR FAMILY LET HIM BE YOUR FAMILY INSTEAD!!! YOU ARE NO LONGER A WEASLEY! YOU ARE GINNY NOBODY – I WASH MY HANDS OF YOU. THE PAPERS HAVE BEEN SIGNED AND SENT TO THE MINISTRY AND DUMBLEDORE. YOU ARE HEREBY HOMELESS, FAMILY-LESS AND PENNYLESS. I HOPE YOU'RE HAPPY. NEVER CONTACT THIS FAMILY AGAIN. THERE IS NO EXCUSE FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE – I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU AND NEITHER WILL YOUR FATHER! YOU ARE NEVER TO DARKEN OUR DOORSTEP AGAIN!
And with that the Howler burst into flames. Ginny sat frozen, staring at the place where the letter had been, her face completely white. Dead silence reigned in the Hall as everyone stared at her. Harry reached over the table and touched her hand gently, his face stricken. She started violently and raised brimming eyes to meet Harry's gaze.
"I – they – they publicly disowned me Harry –," she whispered, her hands beginning to tremble. Harry frowned slightly, not understanding. "Ginny Nobody," her breath caught on the new last name, the wet rattle almost pushing her tears over her eyelids. Harry tightened his grip on Ginny's hand. She stiffly turned her hand over and gripped Harry's tightly. Pansy wound a cautious arm around her shoulders, and that was all it took for her to begin to cry. She crumpled in on herself, crying silently, one hand covering her mouth and nose as her eyes over flowed. Whispers began to pick up in the Hall, as everyone began to gossip and speculate about Ginny's fate.
Severus Snape couldn't believe his ears. That Molly Weasley would turn her back on one of her own children – he knew her fanaticism had become problematic, but to think that it had gone so far…the Potions Master glanced down the Head Table to where Dumbledore was sitting. The old wizard looked particularly haggard that morning. His blue eyes weren't twinkling and his gaze never wavered from where Ginny sat, sobbing in the arms of her fellow Slytherins. A loud snicker drew Severus's attention to the Gryffindor table. Ronald Weasley sat in a knot of his fellow Housemates, vicious eyes trained on his ex-sister.
"Oh, lookit her shed those great big tears. Nice performance, don't you think?" While his expression wasn't completely vindictive, Ron's words seemed to hammer even more wounds into Ginny's already battered heart. Severus leap to his feet, seeing red. Ginny was a Slytherin now, and no one spoke about his children in such a manner…Severus got ready to give the redhead a tongue lashing he wouldn't forget when someone else beat him to it.
"Ronald Weasley, one hundred points from Gryffindor for such spiteful and hateful words! You are never to say such things in my hearing ever again!" Minerva's sharp voice echoed through the Hall. Gryffindor table stared up at their Head of House in shock, unable to believe that she would take away so many points because of one measly comment about a Slytherin…
Severus caught Minerva's eye. She looked at him expressionlessly for a moment, the faint lines around her mouth and eyes betraying her emotions. The Transfigurations Professor was deeply shocked and outraged at Molly Weasley's behavior, even if she would deny it to anyone that asked. Severus nodded once to her, pushed his chair back from the table, and headed for Ginny.
He reached the small redhead just as she fainted. She was slight enough that Pansy was able to keep her on the bench, but she slumped to one side heavily. A general gasp arose from the Hall and Severus sneered at the vultures. Curtly he motioned for Pansy to let go of the girl and he scooped her up into his arms. With a glare he warned his Slytherins to stay put. Harry rose silently from where he was sitting, but Severus shook his head slightly. Harry set his mouth in a determined line and narrowed his eyes at his new Head of House. Severus upped his glare at him and Draco pulled slightly on the dark haired boy's robe. Harry looked at Draco silently.
"She'll be out for a while, Harry. We'll visit her after Transfiguration, don't worry," the blond said quietly. Harry turned pained green eyes to Severus, who nodded tersely in agreement. Harry sat slowly, his eyes now resting on Ginny's still form that was hanging limply from the Potions Master's arms. Severus looked at him for another long moment and then strode out of the Great Hall, perfectly aware of the gossip and rumors that were about to start flying in his wake. He grimaced as he thought of some of the more spiteful gossip mongers in some of the Houses; poor girl, he thought, his mouth twisting unpleasantly as he recalled his own run ins with Hogwarts gossip. You poor, poor girl.
*_*_*_*_*
Ronald Weasley watched the Potions Professor stride out of the Great Hall with calm eyes. It hurt to see his sister – no his ex-sister fall to such depths of depravity. She shouldn't have sided with Potter, Ron thought sadly. We tried out best, but that – that monster took her from us. Now she's lost – lost completely to us.
He sighed and Hermione covered his hand with her own. "Will you parents take her back if she repents?" she asked quietly. Ron shook his head, his eyes meeting his older brothers' for a moment.
"No. They publicly disowned her, Hermione. It means she's not a Weasley anymore – you see it's a type of spell, or ritual. She and her descendants are cut off completely; she'll have no rights to our name or its history. She'll be denied the status of a pureblood witch – not that we really had anything to do with that nonsense anyhow, but in some places that status could have gotten her far. She is also denied any talents the Weasley line holds – such as the talent we have for water-finding. It's not much, I know, but all pureblood lines have one or two talents they can call their own, special family gifts. Ginny has nothing now – she is truly Ginny Nobody – no family, no history, no name," Ron said sadly. "Mum and Dad couldn't take it back even if they wanted to – the ritual is done, completed. There's no way to revoke it." He shrugged. Hermione bowed her head, letting her hair fall in front of her face.
"I – I had hoped we'd be able to save her, with time…" the frizzy haired girl whispered from behind the curtain of her hair. Ron reached up and pushed the thick locks away from her face, trailing a finger along her skin gently.
"Hermione – she was lost already. She's in Slytherin now – there's no returning from that. I'll mourn the sister I had, but I won't waste my time with the person Ginny has become. Buck up, Hermione. It'll be ok. Concentrate instead on the House – we have to protect them from any further influence on Potter's part. If he could do this to Ginny, then what else can he do? And McGonagall will be of no help – she's lost to us now, too – you heard her. We have to be strong, Hermione. We have to show them all the truth," he said fiercely, his eyes blazing with a fervent light. Hermione sniffed delicately and brushed her free hand across her cheeks, dashing away the few tears that had fallen. She raised her head fully and took a deep breath.
"Yes, we have to be strong. For the others, for the House," she began to smile as a positive course of action was laid out in front of her. She pursed her lips slightly as she began to plan. Ron felt his heart swell as Hermione rose to the occasion, that's my Hermione, he thought. That's my girl. His brothers caught his attention and quietly they began to talk, remembering the girl that had been their sister. The redhead never noticed two sets of eyes watching him silently from across the hall – one was coolly appraising, while the other shot daggers in his direction. The redhead paid no attention to either stare, content in his own world, oblivious to anything outside of his sphere of influence.
End Chapter 17
Review Responses:
Elessar: Thank you for reviewing! I'm glad you're enjoying the fic!
Athenakitty: That whimper was from Severus =) and Bill's going to scream and shout, once I finally get him into the fic…and I'll try and include Charlie too =) Thank you again for the wonderful review!
Xikum: More prank playing, with full Slytherin help on the way =) Thank you for the awesome review!
Creamy Mimi: =) You're welcome.
Stormy1x2: lol, I'll try to keep updating asap, but I dunno if I can crank them out one a day. Thank you for the wonderful review!
Fiera: Harry will be on the Quidditch team =) I don't know if I'll pair anyone up with Ginny – right now she's a little too young for me to really think seriously about developing a romance for her, and two, there's well, going to be complications upcoming for her. But in the end it all works out =) Thank you for another lovely review!
Caela: Yeah, Neville really stepped forward in this fic – I was actually surprised, cuz the handwritten version of this fic is in a somewhat different voice. But I'm happier with this version of it, so all's well that ends well. Thank you for the wonderful review!
Leelu: Faith will have a definite end, and that's at the end of fifth year. But, I plan on sequels =) I'm glad you're enjoying the fic! And I'll keep posting updates on glassesreflect =)
Rayvern: Thank you for the lovely review! Revenge incoming =)
Rhiannon: I am in total agreement with you about the Weasleys. Especially Molly. I've never liked her – she puts my teeth on edge. Thank you for the wonderful review!
Redrum: Thank you for the awesome review! Neville has, for me at least, some great one liners when he's in my head. He's also good for a little humor in the chapters =) I'm glad you're enjoying the fic!
Usagi Serenity Yui Cosmos: Charlie is more on Ginny's side than Ron's. He's more of a neutral character atm, but that might change. Slytherin all the way!!
Kristine Thorne: there should be some bonding scenes upcoming. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! Thank you!
H: I liked the story of Madam Bovary – but personally I wanted to smack the ever living crap outta the woman. I've no idea where Rouen is, though I have been to Paris. Thank you for the awesome review!
The Shadow Bandit: Thank you for the wonderful review!
Siobhan: Thank you!!
Lu: Thanks for the input =) And for another lovely review!
Lady FoxFire: Sirius steps up, quite well. I'm very proud of him in my fic (normally I can't stand the guy). Thanks for the awesome review!
Carshaa: Thank you =)
Pseudonym: I refuse to spend almost thirty dollars on a book that I want to burn. But, that doesn't mean I wont steal my friend's copies and read it, all the while threatening to tell them the end =) Get too much coffee in me and oh lord…I liked the parts about Neville (that I read at least) in Ootp. And I'm thoroughly convinced Draco is merely a misunderstood youth, and Snape is still my favorite character. I've always wanted to beat Sirius and Remus up and down the block for what they did to Severus – hell, I'd be as, if not more, bitter than Severus for what they did! But then again I am a vindictive bitch. Rawr =). Thanks for another wonderful review!
Thistle5: Thank you for the lovely review! Bill is definitely on Ginny's side. And Neville and Blaise will hook up – I'm just not sure when =/ I'm glad you're enjoying the fic!
GY: A Lucius follow will come soon, thanks for reminding me! And thank you for a wonderful review!
Nox: Thank you for the lovely review! And yes, Neville fancies Blaise =)
Redredredred: Well, I'll try to lengthen the chapters then =)
Silvrei: Well, Hermione might be the one to catch on first, but she'll never be forgiven. And Bill will show up to Hogwarts to yell in person =)
Frizzy: Yes, this will be slash (eventually) between Draco and Harry. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter =) Thank you for the awesome review!
Potter-Freak123: Thank you!
Belle: =) Thank you for another wonderful review!
Fataloine-The-Grinning-God: Agree. Thank you for the review! Have fun!
Jamie Lynn Potter: Thank you for the lovely review!
Kira: =) Oh yeah. Harry wont be going back, and as for Ginny and Neville, their fates are still up in the air. Thank you for reviewing!
Crystal*Fantasy: LOL, I'll try =)
Saber: sorry about the formatting – the story looks a hell of a lot different in word that it does as a web page /sigh. I'll try and fix it for later chapters =). And ::smacks self on forehead:: I hate getting the names wrong. Thanks for pointing it out.
Dodo: Thank you for reviewing!
Renee Fay: Thank you for the feedback and for the awesome review!
Moonfairy2000: Thank you!
Azntgr01: LOL and thanks for the feedback =)
No Idea: ::bangs head on keyboard and mutters balefully about spell check:: /sigh. Thanks for pointing that out. I swear, when I finally think I've got all the little bugs out of the chapter…Thank you for the lovely review =)
IceTastesNice: Thank you very much!
Tanya: Thank you for the awesome review! I think I've touched on most of the questions you had, but if you have any more, keep 'em coming! Thanks again!
Shaelynn: =) thank you for the lovely review!
Kickedoutofthegoblet: lol =)
DaOnlyWolfGurl: You hit it right on the nose! Thank you for reviewing!
SparkySparkles: Hope this chapter answered your question! Thank you for another lovely review!
Rosie: Since I'm a sucker for happy endings, the fic will have one. Ginny does catch a break, but in a few chapters. Thank you for the wonderful review!
Ysabell: LOL thank you for the lovely review!
AngelofShad0ws: I hope this chapter answered some of your questions =) Thanks for reviewing!
Delfeus: Thank you very much!!
Phoenix Tears: I'm working on chapter 18 atm, don't worry =) Thank you for a lovely review!
Dillon: I have read the Last Herald Mage series and it's all that woman's fault that I like slash. I still reread that series and it still makes me cry sometimes. I'm glad you're enjoying the fic! Thanks for the review!
MalfoySlave: Thank you for reviewing!