Chapter 16
Charlie met Harry and Amelia at the entrance to the dragon reservation. The reservation itself was quite impressive. It was built like a fortress surrounded by high walls with towers and gigantic metal gate bearing the words 'nunquam interpomo agito dracos aio aticulus acen aliquantus odor.' Amelia looked at the sign and cast a questioning look at Charlie.
"Well it is true." Charlie countered with a grin.
"He does have a point there." Harry agreed as they follow Charlie through what seem like a small village on the way to the paddocks. They were a short distance away from the paddocks when a thunderous roar erupted followed by another. Amelia took off at a run in the direction of the uproar.
"What is she doing? She could get killed." Charlie cried running after her followed by Harry.
Amelia entered the paddocks to see a pair of metallic grey dragons with very long talons and deep red eyes thrashing about while about a dozen keepers tried to control them. The dragons were uncontrollable at this point and the keepers were running out of options. They stood back and withdrew their wands and fired a barrage of stunning spells at the two dragons. Charlie watched in awe as Amelia waved a hand and deflected the spells as easily as swatting a fly. The keepers realizing that their spells were deflected made to fire a second set but was stopped by an angry voice.
"STOP DOING THAT. WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU?"
They watched stunned as the slender girl walked of to where the two dragons were busy snapping and breathing fire at each other and started speaking to them.
"Excuse me, may I have a word with you please?"
But the two dragons kept on fighting among themselves.
"WILL YOU TWO BE QUIET FOR ONE MINUTE AND GIVE SOMEONE ELSE A CHANCE TO SPEAK?"
The two dragons mouths snapped closed immediately as they turned and looked down at the person who dared to speak to them in that tone.
"Now that's more like it. So do either of you mind telling me what you two are arguing about?"
"Is this human addressing us?" The larger of the two dragons asked turning to his counterpart.
"I believe she is."
"Of course I am, you are the only two arguing around here."
"You understand us?" The smaller one asked, bowing his head to get a closer look at the human that understood dragons.
"Of course I do."
"But that's impossible, the last person to have mastered our tongue died over a millennia ago. So how is this possible?"
"You're right about him being gone for more than a millennia, but I am his heir and therefore have inherited a few things from him. Allow me to introduce myself I am Amelianddra Dina Emrys."
"Please to meet you Miss Emrys, I am Romulus and my young friend here is Argus. What can we do for you?"
"Well first you could tell me what you two are fighting about?"
"It is of little consequence." Answered Romulus.
"Yeah sure little consequence indeed and I'm a little lizard." Countered Argus sarcastically.
"Not to be rude or anything Argus but to some you would be considered a little lizard." Replied Amelia gaining a chuckle from Romulus.
"See little one even the human knows you're too young."
"What do a mere human know about the affairs of dragons?"
"You watch your mouth, this is no ordinary human. She is our matriarch and you will treat her as such."
"How can you be so sure she is who she claims to be? Didn't all the prophecies about the coming of the new leader say that whoever it is should bear the mark of the twin dragons? So where is the mark?"
"I am sure of who she is because she smell like one of us, she as our blood."
"I am sure that there must be spells and potions out there that could combined our blood with theirs so her smelling of us do not prove anything."
"You're right," Amelia interrupted before Romulus could reply. "How can you be sure that I am who I say I am? But just for the records there are no spells or potions out there to combined dragons blood to human's that wont kill the human in question. Don't get me wrong human use dragon's blood in a few potions but there is now way for them to combine the cells and make them coexist. That is something you have to be born with. And as for the mark is this proof enough for you?" Amelia finished, pulling off the black trench coat she was wearing to reveal what looked like an intricate tattoo of two dragons wrapped around her left arm all the way up with one head resting above her left breast and the other in the back on her shoulder blade. Everyone was staring at her including Harry who've only heard about the impression on her arm but have never seen it. Romulus and Argus had brought themselves down to her level upon seeing the mark and all three where engaged in a deep conversation.
Charlie watched the interaction between Amelia and the dragons for a while before turning to Harry.
"Harry she's amazing, tell me are you two dating? Or is she free and single?" Charlie asked turning to look Amelia over another time.
"Yes Charlie we are dating and I would appreciate it if you stop undressing my girl with your eyes." Harry began, punching Charlie in the arm.
"Sorry mate, but you have to admit it's kind of hard not to look." Charlie laughed at the scandalous look on Harry's face.
They looked up in time to see Amelia coming towards them.
"Charlie I would like to see the other dragons please."
"Certainly Amelia anything for you." Charlie replied offering his arm.
She took his arm and he led her further into the paddock followed by Harry, Osirus, Romulus and Argus. The inner paddock where all the dragons rest was like a great circular room complete with dragon size caves going all around it. They entered and Amelia stood in the center of the room with Romulus, Argus and Osirus. Romulus addressed the room in a thunderous voice.
"The Lady Emrys request an audience with the elders."
"And what is so special about the Lady Emrys that we should grant her an audience?" Came the reply from a black dragon with bronze horn and spikes on its tail.
"Because she is our matriarch and we are bound by blood." Osirus answered stepping forward.
"How can you be so sure that she is the matriarch?"
"Because I say I am and I bear the mark." Replied Amelia removing the coat that she had slung over her shoulders and revealing the mark of the twin dragons once more. There was a moment of silence as the dragons inspected the marks on Amelia's arm. Afterwards nine dragons the size of Romulus came forward and encircled her.
"The elders are assembled my lady, what may we do for you?"
"I am here requesting your help. We need guards for the wizard prison Azkaban and I wondered if you would help. There is a war taking place and the former guards for the prison have abandoned their post to join with the enemy."
"This war do not concern us," began the dragon with the bronze spike. "Why should we take part in a war concerning humans?"
"Because the war not only concern humans it concerns everything and everyone living on this planet no matter what realm you live in. The balance has been shifted and the ultimate evil is preparing its forces to conquer us all. The outcome of this war here will decide the fate of the world. If we allow the enemy to win this war then the balance will be shifted in favor of evil and we are all as good as dead."
"We know you speak the truth and we agree to guard your prison and in the event of a war we will fight alongside you. But in turn you must inform the humans that we do have feelings and wish to be treated with more respect."
"It will be done."
"Very well then, your guards will be at their post by the time you get back. Farewell my lady until we meet again." Romulus replied and they all gave her a slight bow
"Until we meet again then." Answered Amelia returning the gesture.
Once outside Amelia turned to Charlie her eyes blazing.
"Charlie I want you to gather all the other keepers first thing in the morning I wish to speak to them."
"Why? Have we done something wrong?"
"Yes Charlie you most certainly have."
"What did we do?"
"First let me ask you this Charlie. What I witnessed here this evening is that common practice?"
"I don't understand, what did you witness?"
"Charlie what I'm asking is if it is common practice for keepers to stun their charges?"
"Well, yes what is wrong with that?"
Amelia looked as if she was about to hex Charlie right there. Harry seeing the look in her eyes hurriedly stepped between her and Charlie.
"Amelia calm down, I'm sure he had no idea. So why don't you calm down and explain everything to him."
"Explain what to me?"
"About dragons Charlie and the way they are being treated. You fail to realize that they are highly intelligent living creatures that deserve to be respected and treated with dignity. Not bossed around and stunned whenever they behave according to their natural instincts."
"What are you talking about? We only use stunning spells whenever they become uncontrollable."
"That is my point exactly Charlie dragons were not made to be controlled. They are terrifying and awe inspiring carnivores who like to hunt. Being in confinement is hard on them but they understand and accept that it is for their own good. And all they ask in return is to be treated with respect. What you consider to be uncontrollable behavior is actually normal everyday behavior for them. Don't you notice that whenever they fight with each other they always do it outside in the open? Don't you ever wonder about that? Their arguing and fighting is a part of their learning experience, if they get too loud all you have to do is ask them to keep it down. You may not understand them but they understand you perfectly."
"So what if they wont listen?"
"Charlie a stunning spell is supposed to be a last resort. And if you are having trouble with any particular one you can always send for me."
"Okay Amelia I'll make sure that everyone follows your directions."
"Good Charlie because if anything like this evening ever happens again I wont hesitate to hex each and every last keeper on this reservation."
Charlie looked over at Harry who in turn nodded then whispered, "she is dead serious about that."
Charlie swallowed visibly and looks over at the girl now talking to Osirus. She appeared to have calmed down somewhat, she finished talking to the dragon and Osirus took off. She turned and looked at Charlie her eyes now playful.
"By the way Charlie I want to thank you for that compliment earlier."
Charlie was taken aback, he didn't remember complimenting her. Then realization dawned on him as his ears turned pink with the famous Weasley blush.
"You heard what I said?"
"Every last word." Amelia replied, smiling at his embarrassment. Harry was finding the situation very entertaining. Amelia walked over to where Charlie was standing.
"My my Charlie what's the matter? You've gone speechless on me, is it something I said? Or would you rather I took the coat off again?" She finished, placing a kiss on his cheek.
Charlie was now beet red with his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. This was too much for Harry who fell on the ground laughing and holding his stomach.
Charlie took them to his home located in Sighisoara overlooking the Tarnava Mare River on one side with lush gardens on the other. The house itself was very impressive. It was large but not too much so and made entirely of wood. The inside was warm and had a homey lived in feeling to it. Charlie showed them to their suite on the side of the house over looking the river. Their suite was made up of two rooms on either side of a common room with a large fireplace and comfortable wooden sofa covered with chenille cushions in a deep wine red color. The bedrooms were decorated in shades of sage and pale yellows and contained a four poster bed made of dark wood and a dresser, armoire and night stands made of the same dark wood.
"You two get settled then meet me in the kitchen, I'm going to round us up something to eat then we can sit and talk for awhile." After settling in and freshening up the headed back to the kitchen. Charlie had made up a tray filled with all kinds of cheese, cold cuts, vegetable spread and rolls. Charlie filled their goblets with wine while they update him with all the happenings of the previous day. They ate and talked for hours discussing ideas about the upcoming war until Charlie announce that he had a early day ahead and needed to get some sleep. Harry and Amelia also retired to their rooms for the night. Harry was laying awake in bed when his door opened and Amelia walked in wearing a short black kimono style dressing gown.
"Amelia," Harry began, getting out of bed. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh no, nothing is wrong." She began as she slowly undid the belt of the dressing gown. "I was just thinking that since we are no longer at school," she continued slowly opening the dressing gown. "That maybe we should take this opportunity to spend some time together." She finished at the same time the dressing gown fell to the floor revealing black lace bra and matching black lace boy shorts underwear. Harry was staring open mouth at Amelia, his eyes went over the gentle swell of her breast down her flat stomach and all the way down those long shapely legs and back up to stare into her eyes. He was speechless, Amelia was standing in his room almost naked with her hands on her hips looking ravishing and all he could do was stare at her. He walked over to where she was standing and pulled her into his arms and kissed her hungrily. She responded with her own hunger molding her body to his and kissing him back with as much fervor. He pick her up gently still kissing her and brought her to the bed, the passion between them was fever pitch and threatening to overpower and consume them if they didn't ride its waves.
Harry awoke feeling extremely relaxed and contented, the reason for his relaxed feeling was laying next to him with her head resting on his chest and a mass of copper colored hair splayed out around her head. Harry smiled to himself he didn't want this moment to end. Everything felt perfect, her hair across the pillows, her head on his chest, her legs wrapped around his and even the way she would snuggle into him whenever he moved it all felt so perfect. He wished this war was already over that way he wouldn't have anything to worry about except showing her how much he loved her. He just had to think of a way to rid himself and this world of Voldemort because they can't be totally happy while Voldemort remained a threat. Harry shook his head to clear it. He didn't want to think about Voldemort right now. All he wanted to do right now was savor this moment laying here with Amelia in his arms. He wasn't going to let Voldemort ruin this for him, Voldemort had taken away too much from him already and he's not about to let him take anymore. Amelia stirring brought Harry out of his musings.
"Good morning beautiful," he began as he pulled her hair away from her face and placed a kiss on her forehead. "I trust you slept well."
"Oh I don't know let me think." She began with a wicked grin. "Let's see I just woke up in your arms totally naked and I can't help but wonder what I would be doing in bed naked with you. What about you, do you have any ideas of what we could be doing here? Let's see if you're naked too." She laughed as she held up the covers to look. "Oh my, I see you're as devoid of clothes as I am and i take it you do have some ideas." She smiled as she replaces the covers and started to slide slowly to the other side of the bed.
"And just where do you think you're going?" Harry asked grabbing her hand before she could get away.
"Nowhere, I just thought that maybe you needed some space to sort out your ideas."
"Don't worry I need only a little space but I do require a lot of help though." He finished. Pulling on top of him and proceeded to tickle her unmercifully until she surrendered. Then he pulled her down to him and claimed her lips passionately.
At first Charlie thought he'd made a mistake but it was no mistake he was standing at Harry's door looking at Harry and Amelia in bed snogging each other senseless among other things. He'd come to wake them for breakfast when he saw Harry's door already opened and had walked in intent on pulling a prank on him. But what he saw stopped him dead in his tracks. The pair looked as if they'd spent the entire night together. Charlie backed out of the room and shook himself, he stood in the common room and called.
"Harry, Amelia time to get up breakfast is ready."
"Alright Charlie, we'll be there in a minute." Harry called back.
They got up and Amelia went back to her room to get dressed telling Harry she would meet him there. Harry took a quick shower then pulled on a pair of blue jeans, a gray t-shirt and a pair of gray and black trainers and went ahead down to the kitchen.
"Good morning Charlie."
"Don't good morning Charlie me. Just what do you think you're doing, I am so disappointed in you. I would have expected this sort of behavior from Bill or the twins maybe but not from you."
"Charlie, Charlie calm down, what are you talking about? What did I do?"
"Don't tell me to calm down you know bloody well what you did. I saw you with Amelia just what do you think you were doing. Do you realize you could ruin your lives behaving that way?"
"What are you going on about? I wouldn't do anything to ruin Amelia's life, she means too much to me."
"And you don't call having premarital sex ruining her life?"
"Yes I would call it that, but Amelia and I never had premarital sex."
"Oh come off it Harry I saw you together this morning when I came to get you two for breakfast and I know what you were doing, I wasn't born yesterday you know."
"Charlie I'm not saying you didn't see what you saw I'm just saying that Amelia and I couldn't have premarital sex because we are already married."
It took Charlie a moment to realize what Harry had said. And all he could do was stare at him open mouthed.
"Charlie close your mouth before something decides to move in."
Charlie shook himself trying to digest the information. "You and Amelia are what? When did this happen? Does mum know about this?"
"Married, in Alfheim and no."
"I'm sorry Harry but why didn't you say anything? Aren't you two a bit young to be married?"
"That's exactly why we didn't tell anyone, well except for Remus. Everyone keeps telling me that I'm too young for this or I'm just a kid. But if you count the years I'm almost as old as you, I'm not a kid anymore Charlie and I wish everyone would see that."
"I'm sorry Harry but when are you going to tell everyone that you two are husband and wife and not just boyfriend and girlfriend?"
"Well Ron, Ginny, Hermione, Neville, Luna and Professor Dumbledore all found out yesterday so the only people I have to tell is your mum and dad, the twins and Bill. But I'll be the one to tell them I don't want your mum taking my head off because she didn't hear it directly from me. So please promise me you won't say anything to her."
"I promise but you better tell her soon because she has ways of finding these things out."
"Don't I know it? We'll just have to make a small detour on our way back to Hogwarts."
"Good Morning," came Amelia's voice from the door. "And what could possibly have the two of you so deep in conversation this early in the morning?"
"Funny you should ask," Charlie began with a lopsided grin. "Since we were discussing you. I guess congratulations are in order?"
"You know? How did you find out?"
"It was hard not to, after the display I witnessed this morning." He grinned at her.
"Oh well I guess it's better this way, thanks Charlie I was getting rather tired of keeping it a secret anyway." She smiled and hugged him then sat down and started piling bacon and sausages on her plate. Charlie looked over at Harry questioningly he was sure he had her after what she did to him last night, but she didn't even take the bait.
"Sorry mate but you would probably have an easier time brushing a dragons teeth than trying to bait her." Harry laughed at the look on Charlie's face.
"Oh now I get it." Began Amelia. "You were trying to get me back for yesterday. I'm sorry but you're going to have to try harder, living with Aldoran and Dalkyn and the others have taught me well. You'll find that I'm not so easily baited."
After breakfast they went with Charlie back to the dragon reservation to speak with the other keepers about their treatment of the dragons. They were saying goodbye to Charlie when an owl swooped down towards them and held its leg out to Harry. Harry removed the note from its leg and offered it a sausage that he'd save just for this occasion.
"What's that Harry?" Asked Charlie.
"Oh nothing, just a note from your mum agreeing to have lunch with Amelia and myself today."
"Oh well good luck then, you know you can always blame everything on Amelia so she wont yell at you as much."
"WHAT?"
"Let's face it Harry you're one of us now so mum will yell at you but she won't yell at Amelia. Kind of like when you and Ron got into trouble she would yell at Ron and not at you. But now the tables have turn and now to mum you are one of her sons so get use to it because the girls are always right, just ask Ginny."
"I see your point. Well I guess we should get going then, no use delaying the inevitable."
They said their goodbyes to Charlie and teleported to The Burrow to meet with Mrs. Weasley for lunch. They arrived at The Burrow in time to help Mr. Weasley prepare lunch. They'd just appeared without warning in the kitchen startling Molly.
"My stars, how did you two get in here without setting off any of the alarms?"
"You don't have any anti-teleportation wards in place."
"Right, I guess I still need to get use to you two doing that. Come over here and have a seat, what is so important that you had to tell me now." Molly asked looking from Harry to Amelia. She'd seen the way they behaved around each other and she was just hoping that Amelia wasn't pregnant.
"What time is dad getting here? I would rather say this to the both of you at the same time." He answered as he started to pace back and forth in the kitchen.
"Harry dear would you please stop doing that? You're making me nervous." Began Molly as she watched him intently. Something was making him nervous, he'd called Author dad without even realizing it. Dear Merlin please don't let Amelia be pregnant. Just then the flames in the fireplace flared and Mr. Weasley stepped out.
"Harry, Amelia great job with the dragons, if Dumbledore hadn't informed us ahead of time I would have sworn Azkaban was under attack. It was a spectacular sight, they flew in just as the sun was coming up and circled around a few times then landed in courtyard and took up their post around the prison. I wouldn't have missed a scene like that for the world. Now what is it that you wish to discus with us?" Author asked taking in seat at the table and helping himself to a couple of sandwiches.
"Well sir what I have to say concerns both myself and Amelia and I would like to first ask you not to get too upset with us."
"Sweet Merlin you got her pregnant." Cried Mrs. Weasley causing Amelia to spit pumpkin juice all over the table.
"NO! I mean Amelia is not pregnant."
Both Author and Molly breathe a visible sigh of relief.
"Well at least I don't think she is. Are you?"
"Don't make me hex you." Amelia began but was cut off by Molly.
"HARRY JAMES POTTER THAT IS NOT SOMETHING TO JOKE AROUND WITH. HAVING A CHILD IS A SERIOUS MATTER."
"Mum calm down please," he interrupted her before she worked herself into a right state. Molly mouth snapped shut immediately and tears welled up in her eyes. He'd just called her mum.
"It's nothing like that Amelia is not pregnant. All I wanted to tell you is that Amelia and I are married." The silence that followed his announcement was deafening. Author and Molly just stared at the two in disbelief for what seemed like an hour but was in all actuality only a few minutes.
"I'm sorry Harry I don't think I heard you correctly, do you mind repeating that dear?" Molly asked, getting up from her chair.
"Sure, I said that Amelia is my wife."
"That's what I thought you said. HARRY JAMES POTTER HOW DARE YOU RUN OFF AND GET MARRIED WITHOUT SAYING ANYTHING TO ANYONE. WHEN DID THIS HAPPEN? HOW COULD YOU KEEP US IN THE DARK LIKE THAT? WHAT DO YOU TWO KNOW ABOUT MARRIAGE ANYWAY? BESIDES YOU ARE WAY TOO YOUNG TO BE MARRIED. WHAT WERE YOU THINKING I THOUGHT I TAUGHT YOU BETTER THAN THAT? HOW COULD YOU DO SOMETHING SO SERIOUS AND NOT LET YOUR FAMILY KNOW ABOUT IT?"
Mr. Weasley was watching them quietly the whole time his wife was screaming. He calmly got up from his chair and walked over to where Molly was standing over the two lecturing them about responsibilities."
"Calm down Molly, give them a chance to explain themselves. I'm sure they didn't just get married on impulse. Did you?"
"No sir we didn't just get married on impulse, I've actually thought about it for years before I asked her to become my wife."
"Did you say years?"
"Yes sir, I knew Amelia for six years and we dated for about two of those before I asked her mother and brother for her hand-"
"That is beside the point." Molly interrupted.
"I don't understand." Harry began but was cut off my Amelia.
"I do, Mrs. Weasley here is feeling cheated. One of her kids got married and she wasn't involve in the event."
"Exactly, why couldn't you have waited until after school, that way everyone would have been there to celebrate and share in the special event?"
Harry's heart broke with the hurt look on the face of the woman he'd come to think of as a mother.
"I'm sorry mum, it wasn't my intention to hurt you. It's just that the situation didn't permit me to prolong the engagement."
"What do you mean the situation didn't permit? What's going on Harry?"
"I'm sorry but there are a few things that I'm not ready to talk about yet but I promise that as soon as I am able I'll tell you everything."
"Harry dear what's going on? Was this an arranged marriage?" She asked, turning cold accusing eyes on Amelia.
"I resent the implication that I would force someone into marrying me." Amelia began, meeting Molly's eyes.
"Well if the shoe fits-"
"I'm going to pretend you didn't say that based on the fact that you're upset right now, but for future reference I tr-"
"Amelia, I'm sure mum didn't mean anything by that. I think we should all calm down before one of us say something we will come to regret." Harry began as he pulled Amelia over to sit by him. "Yes let's." Amelia smiled tightly.
"As I was saying," Harry began once more. "When I asked Amelia to marry me I had to follow the Elvin traditions and that's why we had to get married before we came back."
"Well maybe if you were told of these traditions ahead of time then you would've been able to make a knowledgeable decision regarding your marriage and-"
"That's it," Amelia started, getting to her feet. "I refuse to sit here and listen to these ridiculous insinuations. Harry you speak to your parents I'm leaving." She finished, fixing Molly with a cold stare and was gone before Harry could stop her.
Molly cringed inwardly at the look that came into Harry's eyes. She wished desperately that she could take back what she'd said.
"Okay, I hope you are happy," Harry began evenly. "All I came here to do was inform you of our marriage and Amelia wanted to ask you to help her plan the ceremony for here since her mother wont be able to make it until the last minute. But what do I end up with? You upset and a wife I have no idea of where she is."
"Harry I'm sorry," Molly began but was cut short by Harry's upheld hands.
"No I'm sorry, this is all my fault and I'll figure out a way to fix it. You know I thought you would've been the one to understand but I guess I was wrong. If you'll excuse me I'm going to find my wife." He finished and was gone before either of the elder Weasley's could stop him.
Harry searched for Amelia in all of her usual quiet places but she was nowhere to be found. He was beyond upset by the time he got back to Hogwarts. He'd teleported to the gate and walked the rest of the way up to the school. He was hoping the short walk would help him blow of some steam, he'd just started to calm down a little when he ran into Snape. "This is so not my day." He thought to himself as he strode pass Snape and towards the marble staircase.
"Potter why aren't you in class?" Snape asked disdainfully. Harry kept on walking as if he hadn't heard him. He knew that if he stopped he was going to be rude to Snape and he'd promised Dumbledore to at least show him the same respect he would a professor.
"Potter don't you hear me talking to you?" Snape asked climbing the stairs behind Harry.
"Potter you arrogant prat, you hear me talking to you." Snape continued as he reached out an arm towards Harry.
Harry turned around just as Snape was about to grab his arm.
"You touch me and I will rip your goddam arm off." Harry growled at Snape causing him to snatch his arm back as if Harry was a steaming hot caldron. Snape was taken by surprise by Harry's tone and the look in his eyes. All he could do was stand there speechless staring after him. Harry had to admit that the look on Snape's face was worth every point Gryffindor was about to lose. Relief overcame him when he entered the Founders Courtyard and saw Amelia in the practice ring sparring with about a half a dozen dummies. His exhilaration was quickly replaced by guilt when he saw her hair. She only shorten her hair like that when she was really upset. Her hair had gone from luxurious long copper curls to really short pixie cut that reveals the slightly pointed ears that mark her as half elf. Harry was so lost in his thoughts that he hadn't heard his friends talking to him until Ginny tapped him on the shoulder.
"Harry what happened? Amelia has been practicing for over two hours now and she won't talk to anyone or even let any of us close enough to say anything. I tried going over there to talk to her but it's as if she's erected some sort of shield around the entire practice area. And look what she's done to her hair."
"Harry did something happen in Romania? Asked Hermione, concern in her voice.
"Yeah mate did you two have a row or something? Asked Ron.
"Nothing happened in Romania, and we didn't have a row."
"Harry you're not making any sense." Began Hermione. "If nothing happened in Romania and you two didn't have a row then why is Amelia demolishing every last practice dummy?"
"I don't know where to start."
"Why not from the beginning?" Asked Luna, glancing over to where Amelia was in the process of eviscerating another dummy.
"Okay I guess that's the best place." Harry began, and then proceeded to tell them the whole story from meeting with the dragons to Charlie finding out about him and Amelia all the way up to when Amelia left the burrow.
"I can't believe mum would say something like that. I'm going to have to talk to her, no wonder she's been ripping the heads off those things all afternoon." Said Ginny
"No offense Harry," Neville began. "But if Amelia had to force someone into marrying her she could've done a whole lot better." He finished with a grin.
"Good one Neville, I think you've been hanging around with Ron too much he's starting to rub off on you. But seriously though if truth be told she was probably forced into marrying me."
"What do you mean?" Asked Hermione and Ginny together.
"Well, when I first asked Amelia to marry me she walked out without giving me an answer. And when I asked her why she didn't answer she told me that I should find someone better to marry. Because she would just end up ruining my life."
"She did? So what changed her mind?" Asked Ginny.
"I don't know all I know is that when I asked her a month later she said yes."
"Actually it was a month and a half later, because I kept avoiding him at every chance." Amelia answered startling them.
"AMELIA!" Cried Ginny. "Are you alright? I'm sorry about my mum, she's just mad because she wasn't able to plan the wedding. She'll come around soon I can promise you that."
"I know Ginny, I just needed to vent a little."
"So what made you change your mind about marrying Harry?" Luna asked in her usual dreamy voice.
"My mother."
"Llanderia?" Asked Harry incredulously. "How?" he asked staring into her eyes. Amelia felt as if she would drown in those green green pools.
"She told me I was being a fool worrying about what will be and not thinking of what is now. She told me that I should stop worrying about what will happen and to claim any joy that life offers me, as these things have a way of working themselves out. Then she told me to imagine what my life would be like without you in it." She answered staring into his eyes.
"And did you?" Asked Harry, moving towards her.
"I did."
"And?" He asked, tilting her face up so he could look in her eyes.
"It was worst than death itself." She answered softly tears rolling down her cheeks. "I didn't want to live in it."
Harry gently brushed her trembling lips with his before claiming them in a soul-searching kiss, which only ended because Ron was busy clearing his throat. They'd forgotten that they weren't alone. They turned to see their friends staring at them, and Hermione, Ginny and Luna had tears in their eyes.
"That was beautiful." Sobbed Hermione while Ron rolled his eyes at her and proceeded to mimic her behind her back then stuck a finger in his mouth and pretended to throw up. Amelia couldn't help it and started giggling at Ron's antics. Hermione turned in time to see Ron in the middle of mimicking her
"Ronald Weasley you're such a prat." She scolds at him and punched him in the ribs.
"Ow, was that really necessary?"
"You two are hopeless," Ginny began, shaking her head. "Oh I almost forgot, Professor Dumbledore wanted you two to report to his office as soon as you returned. And Draco woke up this morning but he hasn't been allowed out the hospital wing. I think he's still in shock."
"Did he say anything?" Harry asked.
"Not really, he asked for you though."
"Me, for what?"
"I don't know, something about why did you save him."
"Well I guess there's only one way to find out. Coming Ginny?"
Professor Dumbledore was waiting for them in his office with Draco. Malfoy was sitting on a chair across from Dumbledore staring intently at the floor. He didn't even look up when the three newcomers arrived.
"Draco it's good to see you up and about again." Amelia began as she walked over to where he was sitting. "How are you feeling?"
Draco looked up at Amelia incredulously, he was expecting a lot of things from her but this certainly was not what he had in mind. He'd expected her to start yelling and screaming and threatening to hex him two ways from Tuesday, not sitting next to him asking how he was feeling.
"I'm doing okay, what happened to your hair?"
"What, don't you like it?
"No I think I like you better with long hair."
"Yeah me too, but I'm sure you didn't come up here to discuss my hair."
Draco looked down at his hands lying in his lap, he didn't know where to start or what to say. There were just too many questions.
"Amelia I'm sorry." He whispered softly. He'd said it so low that if she hadn't been paying attention she would have missed it. Then he looked up at her and continued in a slightly bolder voice. "I had no idea what my father had planned. I thought it was a blood quill. I thought that I would just let Potter get a few scars and that would be it. I never knew that he was to be taken away and killed. Even though I don't like Potter I wouldn't try to kill him. In fact I hate his guts but that's no reason for me to kill him, I'd much rather make his life miserable and get him into trouble it's more enjoyable seeing him squirm anyway."
Harry, Ginny and Dumbledore were watching the exchange between Draco and Amelia intently. Dumbledore was particularly interested in how comfortable Draco was talking to Amelia. This is the most he'd said since he woken up, he'd tried getting answers from him about what happened yesterday to no avail. And now here he was just pouring out his heart to Amelia as if they were life long friends.
"I get it you wouldn't want to kill Harry even though he is your arch rival simply because you enjoy the thrill of competing with him for everything." Amelia stated simply.
"Exactly, he can't just die. Where would the fun be in that?"
"Where indeed?"
"But I don't have to worry about that anymore now, do I?"
"Why? What are you talking about?"
"Amelia don't you understand? I have been trying to get away from my father now for a long time, and for a moment I thought I did. But then he escaped from Azkaban and now it seems that I will be following in his footsteps and spending my life in Azkaban for his murder." There was a sharp intake of breath as Ginny turned to look at Dumbledore.
"Professor he can't be serious. Are they really going to send him to Azkaban for murder? But it was an accident, he didn't mean to kill him it was an accident. This is entirely my fault, if I hadn't been there then none of this would have happened. I mean how can you send him to Azkaban for saving my life?"
"Miss Weasley if you would be so kind as to calm yourself. No one said anything about sending anyone to Azkaban."
"What are you saying professor? Of course I'll be sent to Azkaban. I killed my father, isn't that considered murder?"
"I very much doubt that anyone will send you to Azkaban because you saved an innocent person's life."
"Professor it doesn't matter why I did it. The fact is I did it."
"I can't believe I'm about to say this." Harry began, walking over to where Draco was sitting. "Malfoy you are one of my least favorite people in the entire world but even I could tell that you didn't mean to kill him. It was an accident."
"What do you know Potter? You don't understand any of this. When my father went to Azkaban I thought I was finally free but then he came back and I had to pretend that everything was just fine. And now he's dead and I hate to say it but a part of me is happy that he's dead, and that part is having a conflict with the other part that sees me as a cold blooded murderer."
"I don't understand why would you be happy that your father is dead?"
"I don't expect you to understand what it is like to live with someone who sees you as a complete failure." Draco began scornfully. "Not perfect Harry Potter, the Wonderful Boy Who Lived. How could you possibly understand anything about me when you're nothing but a pampered, spoiled, arrogant, selfish, self centered prat who've been famous all his life and have people gushing over him and waiting on him hand and foot so how could you understand what it is like living like a slave in your own home. Being beaten and locked in the dungeon whenever you did something that was considered below your standard. Or being told that you're not good enough to be called a Malfoy because your marks aren't high enough or because you couldn't beat famous Harry potter at something. So yes Potter I am happy he's dead."
Harry was staring at Draco in disbelief. He'd thought Draco was a lot of things but he'd never pictured him as the abused child of a lunatic. To him Malfoy was the spoiled, rotten prince of Slytherin.
"Did I shock you Potter? I see you're speechless, I bet you thought everyone had it as easy as you did, didn't you?"
"WHAT?" Harry began in disbelief. "Are you daft or something? Do you honestly believe that I had a pampered life? Well let me enlighten you a little about my life Malfoy. Your idea of my life couldn't have been further from the truth. I didn't even know anything about my parents or myself until I came here to Hogwarts. I spent my whole life being told that my parents were good for nothings who'd gotten themselves killed in a car accident and left me to be a burden on my relatives. My whole life was spent being a slave for those people. I lived inside a cupboard until I was ten and the only reason they made me move out of there was because they thought the other freaks like myself were spying on them and they didn't want them to do anything abnormal to the. I've never worn a suit of clothes that was new. I never had friends until I came here. Do you have any idea what it is like living with people who consider you less than dirt? Do you know how many times I wanted to die? How many times I wish I were dead? How many times I tr-"
"Harry," Amelia whispered wrapping her arms around him. "Harry its okay." She had tears rolling down her face. She knew all about his childhood and all that he'd been through. She'd relived every moment with him by accident and it wasn't something she would soon forget.
Draco was staring open-mouthed at Harry, was the famous Harry Potter standing here before him revealing a childhood not unlike his own. He didn't know what to say, he'd always thought of Harry as a pampered spoiled brat and now he was finding out how wrong he was about him. Everything that he'd thought he knew and had come to believe was falling apart in front of his very eyes. He couldn't handle this right now he had to think of something else.
Dumbledore was watching the two boys closely. He knew that Harry had endured a lot in his life and he wished he could go back and changed it somehow but at the time Voldemort was the danger and he had to protect him from Voldemort, but at what cost? Mr. Malfoy's revelation on the other hand came as a complete shock to him. He had no idea that Lucius was treating his own son in that way. It was appalling he just hope that it wasn't too late for young Mr. Malfoy to recover and become a productive part of society.
Ginny was staring from Harry to Draco she'd known that Harry's relatives were horrible be she hadn't realized how bad they've treated him. It is a miracle that he grew up with such a tremendous capacity for love. A lot of people in Harry's position would hate everyone and everything but instead he is one of the most compassionate people she knew. Draco Malfoy on the other hand was a paradox. Out toward he appeared to be the embodiment of everything that Voldemort stood for, but now sitting here listening to him talk he was nothing but a scared little boy trying to live up to his fathers expectations and failing miserably. But that still didn't explain why he'd save her life and that was the question she needed answered at this moment.
"Draco," Ginny began. "Do you remember everything that happened yesterday?"
"I believe so," Draco began warily. "Why?"
"Well I'm a bit confused as to why did you go out of your way to save my life?"
Draco knew it was only a matter of time before he would be asked that question. Well what did he expect? He'd just gone against everything the name Malfoy stood for and protected a Weasley, he took a deep breath and began. "I didn't go out of my way, I just couldn't stand by and watch an innocent person murdered is all." He finished softly and looked away then quickly changed the subject, but not before everyone had seen the look that passed between him and Amelia.
"Potter I have a question for you, all those things you said yesterday are they true or were you just trying to piss my father off?"
"Everything I said is true."
"So you are telling me that You-Know-Who is not a pure blood as everyone believes?"
"That is exactly what I'm saying."
"And how did you come by that information? I guess he told you himself didn't he? That would explain why you know and everyone else seem to have no clue."
"As a matter of fact he did."
"What? Are you trying to tell me the You-Know-Who just came out and told you that he really is?"
"Something like that."
Draco was staring at Harry in disbelief. He was beginning to see why the Daily Prophet had reported that he was unstable because he had to completely off his rockers if he thought he was going to buy this wild story of You-Know-Who telling him who he was.
"Potter you're even dodgier than I thought if you expect me to believe what you're trying to tell me."
"I don't expect you to believe anything, I'm just answering your questions."
"So you're telling me that You-Know-Who just walked up to you and said hey Potter guess what? I'm not really a pure blood like I let on, as a matter of fact I'm a crazy half blood maniac." Stated Draco as waved his arms around wildly.
"Not exactly in that manner but basically." Harry answered calmly.
"Oh for the love of Merlin Potter will you come off it?"
"Look Draco I can see you're not going to believe me and I really don't have all night to try and explain everything so how about I just show you?"
"Why don't you do that Potter?"
Harry turned to Dumbledore who looked a bit amused. "Professor may I use your pensieve?"
"Sure Harry." Dumbledore answered waving the pensieve over placing it on his desk. Harry walked over to the pensieve with wand in hand. Leaning over the pensieve he tapped his temple and withdrew a silvery thread and placed inside the stone basin, after prodding it a few times he motioned for Draco to take a look.
At first Draco was confused, he was standing in a chamber of sorts. He was just trying to figure out where he was when he saw Harry coming towards him. But something wasn't right, this wasn't Harry as he appeared now this was a younger Harry. This Harry ran pass him as if he didn't even see him and knelt next to the motionless form of a girl. Draco moved in to get a closer look and was seized by a feeling of dread when he saw who was lying on the floor. Draco felt as if someone and kicked him the stomach and knocked all the air out of him. He fell to his knees looking at the pale form of Ginny lying on the cold floor and reached out to touch her hair, which shone bright red next to her pale skin. What was happening? How could Ginny be dead this didn't make any sense he just saw Ginny in Dumbledore's office. That's when it hit him, this wasn't happening now this was Potters memory but why was Ginny laying here so pale. He was brought out of his musings by the approach of someone else. It was someone he didn't recognize but Potter had called him Tom. Could this be You-Know-Who? Hadn't Potter say his name was Tom Riddle? But he didn't have time to think about it because Harry and the newcomer were talking and he'd just said something about Ginny dying so he can live and about not understanding how a mere child as Potter could have defeated the greatest wizard who ever was. Then Potter asking him what Voldemort had to do with him since he was after his time, to which the newcomer replied, "Voldemort is my past present and future." While using Potter's wand to write TOM MARVOLO RIDDLE in the air then with a wave of the wand he rearranged the letters to spell; I AM LORD VOLDEMORT. Draco felt as if is legs were going to give out, he couldn't even breathe he was so much in shock that he didn't even hear the rest of what Tom Riddle or Voldemort was saying. He felt as if he was drowning, drowning in the realization that Potter was right all along and his father had blindly followed a mad man. He stood in shock and watched as Riddle set the basilisk on Harry, he was rooted to the spot. He didn't even blink when Harry came running back followed by the now blinded basilisk or when Potter pulled the sword from the hat. He just stood and watched the whole thing in a sort of daze. He stood rooted to the same spot until he felt the scene starting to fade and he was back in the headmasters' office. Draco finally shook himself and looked around at the people staring at him.
"Was that for real?" He asked Harry in disbelief. "You, Voldemort and Ginny and I take it that was inside the Chamber of Secrets?"
"Yes and yes." Harry answered as he picked up the silvery thread of memory and placed it back where it belonged.
"So Voldemort is actually Tom Riddle? And you've know this for let's see the chamber was open in our second year, so that means you known this for about four years now and you didn't say anything? Don't you think it would've been a good idea to let people know what's going on?"
"First of all maybe you should stop ranting and raving and secondly I did try to tell people about Voldemort and him being back and you saw what happened. I was ridiculed in the papers and made to look like an unstable, attention-seeking idiot, which I'm quite sure you remembered. So don't go all noble on me now because I'm really not in the mood."
"All I was trying to s-"
"Save it Malfoy I don't have time to argue with you about whether or not I was right about Voldemort and who I should've told about it. If you still have questions about Voldemort you can always talk to Professor Dumbledore he knows all about Voldemort. I'm sure he won't mind filling you in, but I have to be somewhere right now and as it stands I'm already late." Harry finished bluntly. He knew he didn't have to be anywhere since Hermione had sent out the notice canceling the DA meeting for the day but he was getting tired of trying to explain things to Malfoy. He was happy even grateful that Malfoy had saved Ginny but he still didn't trust him and he sure as hell wasn't about to sit here and play nice with him as if nothing had happened. He couldn't just up and accept Malfoy like that and pretend as if he hadn't been a royal prick the whole time he'd known him. No if Malfoy wanted him to trust him he was going to have to prove himself more than just once, he knew that Amelia was going to be disappointed but he couldn't just forget about what Malfoy had stood for. Harry left Dumbledore's office with Ginny and Amelia and headed to the Founders Courtyard in silence each of them deep in thought. Amelia left them and headed towards Gryffindor tower after saying she would meet them in the courtyard. Harry and Ginny told the others what had happened in the Headmaster's office. By the time they were finished Ron looked as if he was about to explode.
"Who the bloody hell do he think he is? So he thinks that because he saved Ginny we're just suppose to forget what a bloody git he is and start fawning over him."
"Ron I'm quite sure he doesn't think that," began Hermione. "Besides he could have changed, maybe we should give him a chance."
"WHAT! HAVE YOU LOST YOUR BLOODY MIND? GIVE Malfoy A CHANCE? ARE YOU CRAZY? WHY DON'T YOU JUST GO AHEAD AND HAND HIM THE KNIFE SO HE PLUNGE IT IN YOUR BACK WHILE YOU'RE AT IT?"
"RONALD WEASLEY THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR YOU TO YELL. YOU'RE ACTING AS IF I WAS TELLING YOU TO BECOME HIS BEST FRIEND OR SOMETHING."
They were both staring at each other breathing heavily. Then Ron continued in a somewhat calmer voice.
"Okay fine, if you want to give him a chance go right ahead but don't expect me to just forget everything he's done."
"Honestly Ron I don't understand how you can be so pigheaded sometimes."
"Let's face it Hermione sometimes you can be downright naïve for someone so smart." Ron spat back at her then turned and walked out before anyone could say anything to him.
Ron stormed down the corridor fuming, how could she just sit there and try to tell him to give Draco a chance after every nasty thing he's done to them in the past five years. Ron was so deep in thought that he hadn't noticed Amelia walking towards him until he'd almost bumped into her.
"Excuse me Amelia I didn't see you."
"What could be so compelling that you didn't see me?" Amelia asked with concern.
"Oh nothing I just had a row with Hermione I need some time to think."
"I don't see anything that would cause you to row with Hermione."
"It wasn't her fault I think I just took out my frustration on her and now I have to think of a way to make it up to her."
"Okay Ron but don't stay away too long, I have something I would like to share with everyone." Amelia smiled.
"I won't I'll only be a minute." Ron answered as he walked away.
Amelia was smiling to herself wickedly, this was going to be almost too easy.
Hermione was still a bit upset with Ron and turned her back on him when he walked back into the Founders Courtyard a few minutes later. What he'd said about her being naïve had really hurt her and she decided she wasn't going to speak to him. She was standing in front of one of the bookshelves with her back to him pretending to look for a book. She hadn't heard Ron walking towards her until she felt his hand gripped her arm and spun her around throwing her against his chest. The whole thing was so unexpected that she didn't have time to react and the next moment Ron was kissing her fiercely. At first Hermione tried to fight but he only deepened the kiss and pretty soon she was lost in it. This wasn't like any of the other kisses she'd received from Ron. This kiss was more erotic and stirred things deep within her. It was tender and fierce at the same time, and when his tongue brushed the roof of her mouth her legs gave out and she sagged against him lost in that kiss that threatened to drink her soul. Hermione was so lost that she hadn't realized that everyone was staring at her and Ron with wands pointed at them. She only recovered when she heard someone yell her name that sounded vaguely like Ron. Hermione pulled her lips away from Ron's reluctantly and turned to see who'd called her name. Her body froze against Ron's as she stood looking at a very pissed off looking Ron.
"Ron? Two of- but how- what-" Hermione stuttered looking from one Ron to the next. They where completely identical except the one next to her was wearing a boyish grin while the one across from her had a murderous look in his eyes. Hermione tried to pull away from the smiling Ron but he held her close to him pressing his lips to her forehead.
"You wish to leave me after we've shared such passion?" Smiling Ron asked, purring the word passion against her skin drawing a slight whimper from her.
"Who are you?" Hermione asked managing to pull herself out of his embrace.
"I am wounded that my love does not know who I am." Ron replied reaching out to brush her cheek. Hermione pulled away from the hand. This was definitely not Ron. Ron most certainly would not say anything like that. She looked toward her friends who were all staring at her and the two Rons and she thought she saw Harry smirked just a little but it was so brief she wasn't even sure she'd seen it. Hermione was confused, she looked from one Ron to the other and she couldn't get over how much they looked alike. She was certain someone was using polyjuice potion but she couldn't think of who would do something like that and why. She was starting to get upset now. She was sure that the person who'd just kissed her wasn't Ron because Ron didn't say things like I'm wounded or my love. That just wasn't Ron. She now had her wand pointed at the imposter but he only smiled at her and shrugged.
"Who are you and what do you want?" Hermione asked stepping closer to the imposter.
"You already know who I am," he began as he took a step closer still smiling at her. "And as for what I want, let's just say you know that already since we both want the same thing." He finished standing only inches away from her and staring in her eyes.
Ron was getting more than a little peeved. Who the hell was this guy and what was he doing to Hermione. She was just staring into his eyes like some lovesick puppy. That was it he was going to pound his face into mush. Ron took a step towards Hermione and the fake Ron but Harry held him back.
"What are you doing Harry?"
"Stopping you from making a big mistake."
"Mistake? I'm not the one making the mistake here, it's that guy who think he can just walk in here pretending to be me and grope my girlfriend in front of my face and get away with it. That's who is making a big mistake."
"You're right and normally I would be right with you kicking his arse but I think Hermione has to be the one to handle this."
"Harry are you crazy?"
"Ron trust me on this, let her handle it."
"Okay Harry but if I see she can't handle it I'm going to pummel him and them I'm coming after you."
Harry smiled at his friend and they both turned to watch what was happening with Hermione.
Hermione shook herself and took a step back from the Ron imposter. It was hard to think straight with him right next to her.
"What do you mean I know who you are and we want the same thing?" Hermione asked.
"Because you do and I can prove it to you."
"How?"
Before she could say anything else he was in front of her and she was in his arms getting the most amazing kiss of her life. She'd tried to struggle but gave up after his tongue dart between her lips. She closed her eyes and her arms moved up around his neck and she kissed him back intertwining her fingers in his hair.
Ron was rooted to the spot. He'd made to go and help Hermione but had stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her kissing the imposter back.
Ginny was speechless all she could do was stare at the couple open mouth. So were Neville and Luna. Everyone was watching the two in disbelief. Then as if it couldn't have gotten any more weird the imposter Ron began to change slowly as they kissed. First the body got slimmer then the hair started growing then it dawned on those watching what was happening.
Hermione had felt the person starting to change in her arms. She opened her eyes and found herself staring into the blue green ones of
"AMELIA," Hermione scream pulling away from the laughing girl. She looked at the others and found that they were all starting to laugh.
Ron's look went from one of hurt and disbelief to amazed amusement.
Hermione didn't see the humor in all this.
"I can't believe you did that. That was just wrong on so many levels I can't even begin to think about them. I can't believe you all just stood there and let me fall for a prank like this."
"We didn't know anything about this." Began Ginny. "This was all Amelia's doing."
"Oh yeah, are you telling me that not even you knew about this Harry?" Hermione asked.
"I honestly didn't know she was going to do this, but I did figure it out when Ron came in also."
"Oh I get it," began Ron. "You knew it was Amelia that's why you came up with that cockamamie story about how Hermione had to deal with this herself."
"So if you'd figured it out why didn't you say something?" Hermione asked, coming to stand in front of him.
"Because Hermione you had it coming to you."
"What do you mean I had it coming to me?"
"Oh come off it Hermione," Ginny began. "You know the way you've been acting towards Amelia, I'm just surprised that all she did was kiss you I probably would have hexed you."
"Now, now Ginny," Amelia began, coming to stand next to Hermione. Everyone knows that there is more than one way to skin a cat. I chose this one because it is one our Hermione will not soon forget." She finished looking in Hermione's eyes causing her to blush.
"You know I was thinking," began Ron.
"Don't even think about it." Harry started cutting him off.
"I'm with Ron on this one Harry." Added Neville.
"NEVILLE!" Cried Harry turning to look at the boy. "Don't encourage him."
"Encourage him with what?" Asked Luna.
"With the usual male fantasy that involves two girls and a guy." Answered Ginny, rolling her eyes at her brother.
"Ginny, how'd you know about such things." Ron asked his sister incredulously.
"Don't Ginny me I live with you remember, don't you think I hear what you lot talk about when you all get together."
Ron's ears were now pink as he stared at his sister.
"It's okay Ron," Amelia began with a mischievous smile. "I'll be happy to bring your fantasy to life." She grinned and reached over to Hermione.
Hermione had a bewildered look on her face as she backed away from Amelia. Amelia kept stalking towards her with a wicked grin on her face.
"Don't tell be you despise me now after what we've just shared." She purred as she stalked towards Hermione.
"Amelia don't, I'm sorry about everything that I've said and done. And I'll try my best not to let it happen again. Just please don't do that again." Hermione pleaded the whole time backing up.
Amelia was having a hard time keeping a straight face. The look on Hermione's face was too much the others have already dissolved in laughter and if she didn't quit she would too.
"Okay Hermione just stop looking like that." Amelia answered as she dissolved into laughter. "Come on Hermione," Amelia called breathlessly as she tried to control her laughter. "I accept your apology and will try not to mess with you anymore tonight besides we have a lot of things we need to discuss pertaining to everything that's happened."
Hermione walked back with Amelia over to where the others were sitting trying to compose themselves.
"Okay then," Harry began. "Now that we've all gotten that out of our systems, we have a lot of things to discuss such as what does the prophecy means and what is Malfoy playing at?" He finished looking around at everyone and remained staring at Amelia.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Amelia asked, meeting his gaze.
"Oh no reason, I have a sinking feeling that you know a lot more than you're letting on."
"I have no idea what you're talking about." She answered raising her chin defiantly.
"You know exactly what I'm talking about. I saw the knowing look that passed between you and Malfoy when Ginny asked him why he'd saved her."
"I was surprised at his answer."
"Everyone was a bit surprised by his answer," began Ginny. "But that was not what passed between you two, it was as if you know something and he didn't want you to tell."
"Well if you believe that I know something he doesn't want revealed why are you asking me to reveal it?"
"Amelia please," Harry began, turning her to face him. "It's late and I'm tired so why don't you just tell us what it is that Malfoy is trying to hide."
"I don't know what it is you wish me to tell you."
"Blasted elf," muttered under his breath then continued. "Amelia, will you please tell us what you know of the reason behind Draco saving Ginny? I think that is a straightforward question and you can't go around it and I know for a fact that you can't lie."
Amelia took a deep breath and took a seat. "Okay fine, you know sometimes you can be downright exasperating. You're just lucky I love you."
"Amelia stop trying to change the subject and just tell us what you know."
"Okay, okay. I don't know for certain but I think Draco saved Ginny because he has a crush on her." She finished. Everyone just stared at her in silence.
"WHAT? ARE YOU TRYING TO TELL US THAT SLIMY, NO GOOD GIT HAS THE HOTS FOR MY SISTER?"
"Yes that is exactly what I'm telling you."
"Amelia are you sure about this?" Hermione asked before Ron could start yelling again.
"Yes"
"But how can you be sure?" Ginny asked.
"Because he started having a crush on you ever since you slapped him at the beginning of term."
"He told you this?"
"Part of it, the other part I figured out for myself."
"How long have you known this?" Ginny asked.
"Since the Saturday before start of school."
"What? How did you come to that conclusion? He wasn't even acting differently."
"As a matter of fact he was acting differently you just didn't see it."
"Amelia could you please explain to us without beating around the bush how did you know that Malfoy had a crush on Ginny?" Harry asked, rubbing his temples. He was beginning to get a nasty headache and he couldn't deal with Elvin riddles right now.
"Okay fine, I figured out that Draco had a thing for Ginny after she'd slapped him. I would catch him staring at her sometimes when she wasn't looking, and all the time he would have this look as if she mesmerized him as if he was trying to memorize every line of her feature. Then after he and I became friends every time we have a conversation it always somehow lead to Ginny. So I put the pieces together and came to the conclusion that he likes you." Amelia finished turning to Ginny.
"Stranger things have happened I suppose." Luna started, breaking the silence that had followed Amelia's announcement. Hermione rolled her eyes at her and turned to Amelia.
"Amelia if you knew this why didn't you say anything to us?"
"Because it is not about you besides look at the way you acted when I said he wasn't as bad as you thought. It is about Draco and Ginny, and I didn't say anything to you Ginny because I figured he would let you know in his own time."
"I'm not upset with you for not telling me besides if you had I probably would have thought you were crazy or something. You have to admit though it is a bit creepy having Draco Malfoy liking me."
"Well if that slimy git thinks he's going to lay a finger on my sister he has an-"
"Shut up Ronald," Amelia snapped cutting him off. "If anything was to happen between Draco and Ginny I don't think that there is much you could do about it, besides Ginny is not a child and it is up to her to make her own decisions concerning her life which I'm sure she is more than capable of doing."
They were all looking at her incredulously. This was the first time any of them had heard her snap at anyone something must be bothering her.
"Amelia is everything alright?" Ginny asked, concern evident in her voice.
"I'm fine, I'm just tired and I have this overwhelming feeling that we are missing something."
"Well if we missing something I suggest that we figure it out after we've gotten some well deserved rest." Harry stated coming around to rest his hands on her shoulders. He had the same feeling of missing something but he didn't want to think of it right now. All he wanted now was to cuddle up next to her warm body and sleep. He didn't want to think about Malfoy and his game or Voldemort or anything except Amelia nestled close to him. But he'll have to settle for the dormitory and Ron's snores, oh well at least he'll get some sleep.
Draco lay awake in his bed listening to the other boys snoring around him and thought about all the things he'd just discovered. He couldn't get over how much he and Potter had in common and yet how completely different they were. He never would have guessed that the great Harry Potter, the boy who lived, the boy who destroyed you-know-who was treated worse than a doormat growing up. He'd always thought that the wonderful hero of the wizarding world grew up being spoiled and pampered. He'd never guessed that his life was in fact the complete opposite from that. Looking back now he realized that if he hadn't been so caught up in out doing Harry he would have noticed the signs, but he'd been too busy trying to please Lucius by proving he could be better that Harry and always failing miserably. Draco sighed and turned on his side, he was still reeling from everything that had happened in the past couple of days. His reality had been shattered into a million pieces over the course of that time. Everything that he'd come to believe turned out to be the ramblings of a mad man. And his father he was the most disappointing of all, after all the abuse he'd endured trying to please the man and prove to him that he was worthy of the name Malfoy only to see him grovel and licked the boot of the very thing he claimed to hate. "I'm sorry father but I will not bow down to anyone especially not to a self-hating madman." He felt the anger beginning to rise inside of him thinking of all the things his father had put him through. He got out of bed and went to the common room and sat in one of the chairs by the fire, there was no way he was going to fall asleep now. There were too many unanswered questions, the most confusing of them being why did he save Ginny Weasley? He was totally confused when it came to her. "Oh Merlin what am I to do? I'm so drawn to her even though I know I shouldn't be, I think about her all the time she even manage to invade my dreams at night. What is wrong with me? I'm acting like a lovesick puppy but I know I'm not in love with her, I mean I'm a Malfoy she's a Weasley for crying out loud, that would never work. I admit she is pretty especially when she's mad but that's about it. If that was all then why is it that I can't seem to stop thinking about her? And why is it that I always have to see her even going out of my way to get a look at her? And why did I go against father for her? What if he hadn't flown into the wall? What if the spell had gone as I'd intended and I'd succeeded in just disarming him? What would have been my excuse for saving her? He would have quite possibly killed me, Merlin knows he's come close a few times and only my mother begging him had stopped him. But mother wasn't there this time, if he'd lived he would have surely killed me." He shuddered at the thought and pulled his dressing gown closer around him. He sat there staring in the fire thinking until the sky started turning gray when sleep finally claimed him.