Chapter 31 : Curious, very curious
"It is odd." Said Hermione.
"You're telling me." Said Ron.
"And what did the twins say when you told them?"
"Er…" muttered Ron, almost completely silently.
"You have told them, haven't you?" asked Hermione, even though she knew the answer by observing Ron's evasiveness.
"Ron. They have a right to know. You should have told them." Hermione stated bluntly.
"Me? Why me?" demanded Ron, angrily.
"Because you're their …" began Hermione but her voice trailed away.
"Harry." Said Ron, loudly and dramatically as Harry walked down the stairs from the sixth year boys' dormitory to the Gryffindor common room.
"Harry, it's so good to see you." Said Hermione as she embraced him and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.
Harry looked at Ron and was surprised to see him clenching his fists, his knuckles white, his breathing laboured.
"Ron, mate, it's good to see you." Harry moved towards Ron and was surprised when Ron flung his arms around him as though he were a drowning man clinging on for dear life. While still in Ron's arms, Harry nervously patted Ron's back while over Ron's shoulder he could see Hermione holding back tears, one fist held up to her mouth.
Silently Harry mouthed the question 'What's going on?' to Hermione, his forehead creased in worry. His reply was an equally silent 'Later!' back to him.
The two friends separated and Ron started talking fifteen to the dozen while Hermione sat in atypical stony silence.
"McGonagall said you'd be back now and she sent us out supposedly on prefect business but really so we could be here when you arrived so we could fill you in and give you your new timetable etc., Of course Gryffindor's got two new prefects, Colin Creavey's one and so is Ruth Pelta."
Ron rabbited on and on, hardly pausing long enough to take a breath. Before anyone else had returned to Gryffindor Tower, Harry had been given the first week of term almost blow-by-blow by Ron.
Still Hermione did not speak.
At last the bell rang denoting the end of the day's classes and a distant rumble like thunder could be heard as classes were dismissed. Within a couple of minutes students began pouring through the portrait hole and into the common room.
Harry's eyes raked the stream of students looking for one particular redhead but he could not fail to notice that this year's first years seemed both smaller in size and number.
"Noticed have you?" said Hermione, breaking her silence at last. "It seems that a lot of parents were reluctant to allow their children to be far away from home now the ministry have been forced to acknowledge the return of Voldemort."
"What worried them most though?" asked Harry, "Being far away from home, or being near me?" He had no doubt that although he had officially been cleared of the charges fabricated against him there would always be an element of the 'there's no smoke without fire' attitude among the general wizarding populace.
"Harry, I'm not going to trot out well worn phrases like 'no-one who knows you believes that rubbish' because I know they do little to heal the pain you felt at being pilloried so publically. What I will say is that you are strong and resillent and you can overcome the petty and juvenile behaviour of others. They are beneath contempt." As she spoke, Hermione gave Harry a small smile.
As he looked into her eyes he saw how tired and drained she looked and marvelled that despite everything that had happened to him, and all that she had experienced trying to help Ron's recovery, she still had the strength and willpower to think of his needs before her own.
Harry was still reflecting on Hermione's resilience when he heard, "Harry!" and found his arms and lap full of Ginny.
It was a good thing that Harry had been sitting on the big couch in front of the fire as he reckoned that if he'd been standing up Ginny's enthusiastic welcome would have sent him flying. Ginny squirmed around until she was sitting on Harry's lap properly, his arms around her waist.
Harry nuzzled the side of Ginny's neck breathing in the scent of the apple and cinnamon shampoo she favoured. It was one of Harry's favourite scents in the world. "Mmm, you smell like an apple crumble." Said Harry, without really thinking.
Ginny pretended to bash him in mock indignation. "Oh, thanks. That's just what every girls yearns to hear from their fella!" but there was a smile on her face and in her voice.
"You actually smell good enough to eat." Continued Harry as he pretended to take a bite out of Ginny's neck. But as he pulled the neck of her school blouse aside he spied a fine cord around her neck. His curiosity piqued, Harry pulled at the cord, wating to see what it was.
Ginny reached up and held Harry's hand still. "Don't Harry." She whispered.
"What?" he asked, puzzled. "What is it?"
"I'll show you later. I promise." Said Ginny emphasising the word 'promise'. There was an unspoken agreement that the word 'promise' meant just that, a definite and not mis-used pact. A promise made was a promise kept. Consequently Hary let the subject drop knowing he would be told precisely what the cord meant.
"Harry. Mate. Good to see you!" The rest of the sixth year Gryffindor boys were climbing through the portrait hole. Dean, Shamus and Neville walked over to the couch where Harry sat, Ginny still in possession of his lap. Neville plonked himself down on the couch while Shamus balanced himself on the over-stuffed arm. Dean stood with his back to the fire.
"When did you get back?"
"Have you seen your new timetable?"
"What about …?"
The questions came thick and fast making Harry's head hurt; he could feel a headache forming behind his eyes.
Ginny sensed his pain almost as soon as Harry had. "Harry, I almost forgot. Madam Pomfrey wants to see you after classes end. Why don't we go now and then meet everyone in the Great Hall for dinner?" said Ginny.
"Good idea." Agreed Harry, immediately. "Catch you guys later OK?" said Harry trying not to screw his eyes up against the pain.
By the time he got to the hospital wing he couldn't conceal it anymore and he was actually leaning on Ginny for support.
"Good lord, Potter. This must be a record, even for you. You've only been back an hour!" chided Madam Pomfrey.
"It's only an ordinary headache, I think. One of your headache cures should do the trick." Said Harry as he sat on the edge of his usual bed. Ginny kept his hand held tightly in hers.
"Let me be the judge of that, young man." Came Poppy Pomfrey's response. She muttered an incantation and passed her wand up and down Harry.
"Mm. I concur with your diagnosis 'Doctor' Potter." Said the nurse with a smile as she handed Harry a goblet of the cure. "Two concussions in as many months, you're bound to have a few headaches for a while I'm afraid Harry."
Harry went to nod his understanding but quickly stopped as it aggravated the pain. "Just sit quietly for a few minutes while that takes effect." This came not from the school nurse but from Ginny. "I'll be right back." She added as she kissed his forehead.
Harry lay back on the cool bed and closed his eyes. He cleared his mind of thought and relaxed. He could hear distant noises from students calling to each other out on the grounds … birdsong … Hagrid's boarhound, Fang, barking … Filch yelling at someone, somewhere and … Madam Pomfrey's voice and crying …
"That's it. Nearly done. Concentrate now Ginny, you've nearly finished." But the Nurse's words were punctuated by harsh, heartfelt sobs.
What on earth was going on? Thought Harry The sounds making his heart leap into his throat.
"Ginny?" Called Harry urgently swinging his legs off the bed, the motion making his head pound worse than ever.
Damn potion! Thought Harry as he made his way to the side room off the main hospital ward. Moving sluggishly again and holding on to furniture Harry called again, "Ginny? Are you OK?" His query was urgent now, a definite tone of panic in his voice.
"Out Potter!" Came Madam Pomfrey's voice and her tone permitted no debate.
"What's wrong?" demanded Harry.
"Nothing that you can help with." Stated the nurse bluntly as she pushed him back towards his bed. At that moment Ginny appeared from behind the nurse and in the same no-nonsense voice issued instructions which she fully expected to be obeyed.
"Harry. Go and lie down this instant. That potion needs at least 30 minutes to work properly."
"But I heard crying? I thought you …" blustered Harry.
On seeing the anguished look in his eyes, Ginny's tone softened. "Oh, Harry. I've been helping Madame Pomfrey look after Cynthia. You remember who she is, don't you?"
Harry screwed his eyes up as he tried to remember, it aggravated his headache but then he recalled. "Oh. Remus brought her and her brother from Malfoy's place. She got hit …"
"…by a Reductor Curse. Yes, you recall correctly. Miss Weasley here has been a great help to me in looking after that young woman's horrific injuries. She'll make a fine Healer one day. And if she wants a letter of recommendation to St.Mungo's I'd be more than willing to write one."
At these words from Madam Pomfrey Harry looked at Ginny and saw her blushing to the tips of her ears. "It's nothing, really, I'm used to helping mum when any of the boys were sick or hurt. It's just what makes sense. Honestly." Said Ginny self-deprecatingly.
"Being able to empathise with a patient and detect what they need rather than what they say they need is a gift my dear. Do not decry a very real talent. We have few enough emphatic healers in this world and your gift should be nurtered and developed." Madam Pomfrey was smiling as she added, "I'm sure your parents and the Headmaster will agree."
"Please, Madam Pomfrey, don't say anything to them." Ginny's voice was now pleading and Harry was confused once more but it was the nurse who expressed her confusion.
"I will not speak of it if you don't wish me to to, but Ginny, think about it. Think about the good you could do, the number of people you could help?" The nurse looked from Ginny to Harry and both teens knew exactly what Madam Pomfrey meant. Ginny's healing skills could be used to help Harry.
"I will think about it. I promise." Said Ginny, quietly.
"That is all that I ask." Said the nurse as she smiled at the two Gryffindors before turning and leaving the ward.
After a short but awkward silence, Harry asked, "how's she doing? Is she going to be OK?"
"She's doing find. Have to change the dressings on her legs – stumps I should say – twice a day unfortunately and it's not a very pleasant experience for her as you can imagine. She also has to take that horrible blood replenishing potion that dad had last year. The skin is beginning to grow nicely over the wound and then we can help her sort out what kind of legs she wants."
"What kind? You mean there are different sorts?" queried Harry.
"Oh, yes" said Ginny, "most of the legs are almost indistinguishable from the real thing. They don't have to be wooden like Moody's you know. I think he sticks to that sort to be a bit more dramatic, almost like a pirate. I did manage to make Cynthia smile a bit earlier on, when I told her she could be what height she wants now. 6', 6'3" or even 7' if she fancied."
Even Harry had to smile at that thought. "Then Hagrid would be able to have a dance with her if they have another ball." Joked Harry before he added, "But how's her brother doing? Is Remus helping him?"
"Yes. In some ways he's got the harder task. He's gone through his first change – the worst one you know – Remus stayed with him. Professor Dumbledore prepared an unused dungeon here for them both to use. He cast loads of wards and charms to protect them and us. The charms also contain the noise. It must have sounded awful. But, apart from a few scratches and bites, it was not too bad. They'll both take Wolfsbane potion next month. That should make things easier and quieter for both of them but it can't be used during the Prima Mutato." Looking up at Harry's face, Ginny added. "What's up Harry?"
"Just thinking. Remus's changes must be lonely now compared to when he was at school with my Dad and …"
"Sirius." Ginny added. "Yes, I've thought that. They were all so closeandsupported each other so much. It's sad but at least Remus still has you."
"But I can't change into a stag during the full moon!" added Harry forlornly.
"Have you ever wondered what it's like?" asked Ginny.
"What? Being a werewolf?"
"No, silly, being an animagus?"
"I've thought about it, sure, but well it's really hard and I wouldn't know where to begin." Said Harry.
"Well, to begin with you have to learn to look inwards, find your centre and focus on it." Ginny said, but then abruptly changed direction when she became aware that the school nurse was within earshot.
"If you're feeling up to it Harry, do you think you'll be OK to come and eat in the Great Hall or would you rather stay here for the time being?" asked Ginny.
"I'm feeling much better. I think I'll be OK to go down for dinner." Replied Harry.
"If you don't need me any more Madam Pomfrey, I think I'll go to dinner. I'll call in tomorrow before class, OK?"
"Thank you Ginny. See you tomorrow." Replied the school nurse before adding, "Don't forget, Harry, if you need anything …"
"… I know where you are. I won't forget, I promise. Goodnight." Came Harry's response.
As they walked hand-in-hand down the many stairs to the Great Hall, Harry asked Ginny what she thought of their new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.
Ron and Hermione were rather reserved about the dour Scot called Fletcher Finlayson and he was eager for a second opinion.
"Oh, he seems competent enough but it's really hard to judge as we've only had one lesson with him so far." Said Ginny.
"Did he give the standard OWL year speech?" queried Harry.
"Well, yes I suppose you could say that. His emphasis though seemed to be more on safety and living post-Hogwarts. He must have been told about the DA though 'cos he asked how many of us were members. Then he asked those who said they had been, to demonstrate for the rest of the class." Answered Ginny.
For some reason that Harry didn't fully understand, this worried him. "Did you put your hand up?" he asked but breathed a sigh of relief when she said, "No. As far as I am concerned that information is private and I would have to trust and respect anyone I tell. Fletcher is an unknown as far as I am concerned."
Harry put his arm around Ginny's shoulder and whispered, "Good for you" and kissed her lightly on the cheek.
At that moment a snide remark, in a familiar drawl, met their ears.
Harry's face drained of colour as he turned, his arm still around Ginny, to face Malfoy.
"I just wanted to congratulate you two as I understand you're now joined at the hips. How totally appropriate, two losers together." The Slytherin sneered as he spoke.
Ginny looked swiftly at Harry where his hand was on the top of her arm he was gripping her painfully hard. It was all she could do not to react. Harry met her eyes, 'ignore him, he's not worth the effort.'
Harry heard Ginny's words but no one else had. 'OK, Gin but promise me I can squash the little bug when I meet him next time.' Came Harry's thoughts in reply.
'Leave it for the Quidditch pitch, the first match is against Slytherin in four weeks.' Responded Ginny.
'Great idea.' Replied Harry.
While this dialogue had been taking place, Malfoy and his goons, Crabbe and Goyle, had stood as if they had been frozen in position. They were ignored by Harry and Ginny as they turned to continue their walk to the Great Hall.
But Malfoy didn't like being ignored. He reached out to grab Harry but before he could make contact there was a bang and Malfoy shot back into Crabbe and Goyle, knocking them over like a bowling ball scoring a strike.
This same thought had crossed Dean Thomas's mind as he descended the staircase on his way to dinner. Dean shouted "STRIKE! Game to Harry Potter."
Unfortunately Professor Snape was approaching at the same moment and considered the scene far from amusing. "POTTER." He bellowed.
Dean motioned to stay as a witness for Harry but a shake of the head told Dean he should go and not get involved. "Yes, Professor." Said Harry in a fair attempt at politeness.
"What did you do to Malfoy? Ten points from Gryffindor for inappropriate wand use in the corridors."
"Professor, I'm afraid I don't have my wand on me at the moment. It's still in my trunk in Gryffindor Tower." Harry stood arms away from his sides "You can check if you so wish." His face and voice were neutral but Ginny could feel his anger building up to dangerous levels.
"Professor, perhaps Mr. Malfoy tripped?" said Ginny sweetly.
"He did not trip, as you very well know. It was a deliberate and unprovoked attack …" But Snape stopped suddenly when the headmaster appeared looking his usual calm, unruffled self.
"My, my. I see I am not the only one who is late going down to dinner." Dumbledore peered at Snape over the top of his half-moon glasses. "Is there a problem here Professor?"
"Headmaster, Potter here attacked Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle," replied Snape, "but I have the situation in hand. Thank you."
The Headmaster's gaze moved from Snape to Harry. "Is this true Harry?"
Harry still had unresolved issues with Dumbledore but now was neither the time nor the place to address them. Harry took a calming breath and replied in as diplomatic a tone as he could muster. "I'm afraid both Professor Snape," Harry's sneer at the title went almost unnoticed, "and Mister Malfoy are mistaken Headmaster. They believe I cast a hex but I don't even have my wand on me as I was just leaving the hospital wing with Miss Weasley here, and we were going to dinner in the Great Hall."
"He's lying." Shouted Malfoy. "He must be."
Dumbledore looked at Harry again and Harry saw a strange glint in his eye. "Harry, think very carefully, ae you sure you didn't use your wand accidentally?"
What was going on? It almost seemed like Dumbledore was siding with the Slytherins against him. Harry felt his temper rise even further but as it did Ginny's presence in his mind became stronger until he heard her words loud and clear.
'Don't know why but Dumbledore's got a reason for this Harry. Take the blame. I know, I know." She added quickly, "It's unfair but we won't find out standing here. Trust Dumbledore Harry, I'm sure it's the right thing to do."
Ginny looked at Harry who visibly slumped before raising his eyes to meet the Headmaster's once more.
"I'm sorry, Professor Dumbledore, but I think you are right and that I must have accidentally hexed Mr. Malfoy. Madam Pomfrey gave me a headache cure but it hasn't worked fully yet and I am afraid I was a little confused. It seems I do have my wand after all. Sorry." Said Harry in an almost perfect display of contrition.
"A likely story. A deliberate and wilful attack is what I call it. Potter is always strutting around as thought he owns the place." Snape was barely controlling his temper but his choice of words just caused Harry to become more irate. It was Dumbledore who broke the tension.
"Mr. Potter you will serve detention with me tomorrow night 6 o'clock in my office." Dumbledore's strict tone allowed for no argument or debate.
"Yes, sir." Acknowledged Harry meekly but squeezing Ginny's hand so tightly she thought it would break.
"Now I suggest we all go in to dinner. Severus, Miss Weasley, gentlemen…" Dumbledore gestured for the group to proceed to the Great Hall.
As the seven made their way downstairs, Harry and Ginny could almost see Malfoy's smirk as they hung back allowing the others to move out of ear shot.
"It's so unfair." Stated Ginny but this time it was Harry who stopped her and pulled her into an alcove.
"Ginny. When Dumbledore was talking I felt something. I don't know how or why but he conjured a wand into my robe pocket. My wand is still in my trunk but he put this one…" he pulled the wand out with a flourish "into my pocket." As Harry held the wand out for Ginny to see, it turned into a rubber chicken then, with a flick of the wrist, it was a wand again. A perfect copy of Harry's wand no less.
Ginny couldn't help but smile for an instant before she replied more seriously "Here's hoping you'll find out why tomorrow night."
"I hope so." Acknowledged Harry as his stomach gave a noisy rumble. "Come on. Let's go eat."
As they descended the marble staircase into the entrance hall, Harry and Ginny could hear the normal sounds of hundreds of students enjoying their evening meal but as Harry stepped over the threshold the noise suddenly stopped.
All eyes turned to Harry. His stomach dropped and at the same moment he felt Ginny squeeze his hand. The pair started the long walk along the Gryffindor table to where Ron and Hermione had saved them seats. Before they got there, however, Katie Bell stood up. She looked Harry straight in the eye and said in a clear carrying voice, "Welcome back Harry. It's good to see you. I'm Gryffindor Quidditch Captain this year, so you're back on the team as Seeker." She turned to look at the teacher's table "Harry's ban has been lifted, am I right Professor Dumbledore?"
"Quite right, Miss Bell. Welcome back Harry." Said the Dumbledore.
"Welcome back Harry." Echoed Professor McGonagall raising her glass. Then Harry could hear dozens of fellow students echoing her sentiments.
Harry looked at Katie and said quietly, so that only she and Ginny could hear, "Thanks Katie."
Katie nodded her head, smiled at Harry and Ginny then resumed her meal. As Katie sat down the room assumed the normal level of dining hubbub.
As Harry placed the first mouthful of steak and kidney pie into his mouth, he realised just how much his acceptance back into Hogwarts' society had meant to him. He knew that if Katie had not spoken as she had done and Malfoy had made some comment instead, he could just as easily have been ostracised and made to feel a parish, as had happened back in second year.
The rest of the meal passed pleasantly enough but with frequent interruptions from DA members asking if it was going to continue. Harry truthfully said he hadn't yet decided but would let members know by the next weekend.
Harry's mind was still undecided about the future of the DA but something happened immediately after dinner that gave him much to think about.
Harry had been talking to Ron about the upcoming Gryffindor/Slytherin Quidditch match as he stood up to return to Gryffindor Tower, when he felt a small but insistent had placed on his right arm.
Harry turned to see Cho Chang looking at him with tears in her eyes. His stomach turned over but he was astonished when she stood on tiptoes to give him a peck on the cheek in front of everyone. If Harry had been confused before it was nothing to how he felt now. To his relief Ginny appeared at his side and slipped her hand possessively into his and spoke first.
"Hello Cho. How are you?" she asked politely and calmly but the message was unmistakable, 'no one gets to Harry but by me.'
Cho's response floored Ginny however as well as Harry. Cho stepped to Ginny and kissed her on the cheek.
"I'm so happy, I can hardly speak." She muttered at last. At their confused looks the Ravenclaw explained.
"I went to stay with my grandfather for a few days during the holiday. One evening, after dinner, we went for a walk to the churchyard to put fresh flowers on my grandmother's grave. On the way home a Dementor attacked us. Harry, thanks to you I was able to conjure my Patronus and drive the horrid thing away. If it hadn't been for the DA we would probably have been kissed. Thank you." She finished and gave Harry another peck before heading off to her common room.
Harry was stunned.
"Sorry to hear of Anna's death. First rate dueller and a mind as sharp as a rapier but then so was her tongue. Hah!"
These words had come from Ron. Hermione smiled weakly at Harry and Ginny and pulled Ron determinedly towards the marble staircase.
Sorry to my regular readers for the inordinately long wait between chapters. Real life has been manic of late, working 12 hour days. Weekends have been times of recharging the batteries leaving little time for my story. Have managed to write during lunch-hours (good escape tactic!) and when in bed at night. Have written up to chapter 45 now.
Your reviews, as ever, are much appreciated. It seems I have, as intended, led quite a few readers up the proverbial garden path with regard to the last interplay between Tonks and Harry. I have no intention for this story to be a Tonks/Harry fic. You will need to think again what motives Tonks might have for discouraging the relationship between Harry and Ginny!