Disclaimer : I don't own Harry Potter, only a fool's wish! LoL!
Chapter 18
Unexplainable Fear's
Enjoy!
Harry and Ginny met up on the stairs. Harry had only hesitated when he considered waking Ron up, but thought second on it. Ron was sleeping silently for the first time ever, and Harry didn't want to disturb him from what he thought might turn out to be the best sleep in his life thus far. Harry greeted Ginny with a hurried kiss and together they entered the kitchen and both gave a slight jump when they saw Hermione and Ron sitting at the table
"I thought you were sleeping?" said Harry
"Yeah I was, but Hermione knew that Ginny would want to try the spell as soon as she could and got me up about fifteen minuets ago." said Ron
"Well, I was right, wasn't I?" said Hermione crossing her arms and sending a satisfied look at Ron.
"Okay fine, but I agreed! I knew Ginny would want to, she is after all my sister, I'm the one who knows her best after all!" said Ron
"Actually I wouldn't say that you know me best, dear brother! I would say Harry knows a lot more than you do" said Ginny breaking into the conversation, as Harry's face went hot.
"Ginny! I thought we agreed that we wouldn't say anything" said Ron his ears going pink
"I'm not saying anything Ron, I'm just stating the obvious, Harry knows more of my secret's and he knows how to calm me down, he knows how to cheer me up and he knows when I need him" said Ginny
"Oh if that's what your talking about" said Ron with relief spreading across his face, but Harry didn't miss the mischievous smile on Ginny's lips, as she continued
"Well, he knows what kind of kiss I want, he knows where I want him to touch and how hard, he knows how to-"
"GINNNY!" shouted Ron standing to his feet, and glaring at both them
"She's just playing with you" said Harry sending a smile at Ginny in spite of himself
"Honestly Ron, you can't expect her to-" began Hermione from her chair, but Ron cut her off
"I know Hermione, I just don't want to hear about it, it's all" said Ron
"Okay, let's go!" said Harry changing the topic and leading the way out of the Burrow and into the field next to them. Harry had a strange feeling, he looked at his ankles, to his surprise the garden gnomes that he, Ron, and Hermione had knocked out earlier were dancing merrily, giggling and hugging each other, when they saw the four standing their watching them in amazement they immediately started climbing there pant legs. Harry saw one climbing Ron fairly fast and before Ron even had a chance to register the fact, the gnome was kissing his ear and holding onto him, and then to Ron's horror and Harry and Ginny's amusement it started singing to him.
"Get away from me, you-"
"RON! There feeling the effects from the charm, I think there adorable" as Hermione picked one up and cuddled it. Harry and Ginny burst out in laughter.
"Come on!" said Harry he left Ron and Hermione to find there own places around the field, and walked Ginny to the middle. He sensed her nerves and smiled reassuringly "Don't worry wildfire, I know you'll get it, just don't let that famous Weasley temper get in the way, and try to think of nothing but love, okay"
"I think I need to be reminded again" said Ginny seductively and Harry smiled and pulled her into his waiting kiss.
"Hey can you two stop doing that!" shouted Ron Harry raised his wand and sent a non-verbal silencing charm at Ron and brought Ginny's lips to his again, he deepened it and brought her waist closer to his. She wiggled her hips against his, and Harry groaned softly. Upon hearing himself, Harry pulled away gently and smiled.
"You know what to do right? The incantation?" Okay then, let's see the 'Wrath of Merlin' "said Harry seeing Ginny nod. Her eyes were dancing Harry gave her another short kiss. Released her and then released Ron of the charm and went to stand in his spot, in front of Ginny. She looked nervous and Harry could see her take a deep breath and prepare herself.
Harry heard her try the spell time after time, and to no avail. She met Harry's eye's across the field and Harry smiled and winked and sent a hand through his hair. As she smiled back. Her hair was dancing like true flames in the light wind and Harry was having trouble concentrating on anything but Ginny. He heard her cry out and was not at all surprised to see Ginny's purple beam shoot through the air and shape the umbrella size dome, Harry quickly sent a silencing charm over to the Burrow, and hoped it wouldn't wake anyone up.
The ground rumbled and then broke, the already singed furniture crumbled to dust and once again the garden gnomes fell unconscious to the ground. Harry saw Ginny's wide eyes and ran to met her. He closed his arms around her and swung her around and laughed hearing Ginny squeal. Ron and Hermione were close by trying to avoid the swinging of Ginny's legs. As she was still laughing.
"Harry since it didn't take Ginny long, do you think I could try it again?" asked Hermione as Harry set Ginny on her feet and nodded as Ron gave Ginny a soft hug. Harry saw the pride in his face, and laughed again knowing full well that he held the same enthusiasm.
They walked the grounds and Harry watched Hermione's pink beam shoot the air and the following effects. Hers was stronger than Ron's though not nearly as strong as Ginny's had been, who had only been just shy of meeting Harry's power. Ron walked to the middle and shot his green beam in the air, and Harry watched in pride as Ginny tried it again, having caught her breath, and succeeding on the first attempt. Which sent her laughing madly in the excitement.
'Dumbledore was right' thought Harry 'Ginny's power almost matches mine, she's an amazing girl. No! Not girl, Women, Ginny is a women and at the age of sixteen. She's wise, gentle, caring, loyal, hard headed, beautiful, seductive, and her body...whew!' Harry laughed as he listened to his thought's. Merlin he regretted not making love to her yesterday, but he loved her, he would make anything as special as she was to him.
"Harry did you want to try it again?" asked Ginny sending his thought's not to far from his mind as she was looking at him as if she knew what he was thinking. He looked at her and she raised her hand which was glowing blood red in the moonlight. Harry blushed.
"Yeah sure, once then we need to get inside, alright." Harry said receiving three nods he walked to stand in the middle and had no trouble of remembering his love for Ginny. The blue beamed and then domed, and fell. Harry felt exhausted, but renewed as he felt Ginny's arm's wrap around him, moments later.
Setting back across the field Harry released the Burrow from the silencing charm and his arm went around Ginny's waist bringing her closer, so that when they walked, her hip was constantly brushing up against his. Ginny was smiling.
When they entered Harry saw Hermione replace the locks and they all sat at the table. Ginny prepared some Hot cocoa and they drank it in happily, feeling the warmth in his stomach Harry leaned over into Ginny's chair and kissed her cheek.
"Thanks for the hot chocolate"
"Your welcome my prince" whispered Ginny and shot a smile at Hermione who grinned back.
A sudden creak on the stairs told them that someone was approaching and Ginny waved her wand over all four of them and Ron, Hermione and Harry was even surprised to find them in pajamas. In time that Mr. Weasley peaked his head around the corner.
"Oh sorry, didn't think anyone would be up at this hour, couldn't sleep either?"
"No, not really" said Harry "I was the first one up and then-" said Harry
"I came down wondering where Harry had gotten to and that's when-" said Ron
"I came down, soon before Hermione joined us" said Ginny. Harry knew that Hermione had trouble lying to adult's she respected, but was amazed when Hermione nodded her head in agreement.
"Hot cocoa, Mr. Weasley?"
"Sure, sure alright?" He stared into the brown flavored water "Got any of those muggle white things?" he asked
"Marshmallow's?" offered Harry
"Yes that's them!" said Mr. Weasley excitingly as Hermione flicked her wand and marshmallows appeared in all their mugs. Mr. Weasley gave another cry of excitement and drank half his mug quickly
"What brings you down here Dad?" asked Ginny raising the mug to her lips.
"Well, some order business has my mind reeling, to be honest, but can't talk about it with anyone except you four of course" he gave a small smile, he flicked his own wand and sent silencing charms on the room " We might know were another Horcrux is"
"Really that's exciting!" said Hermione setting her mug down
"Where?" asked Harry incredibly "and further more how?"
"Excellent question's Harry, first no one knows of your mission beside Minerva, Dumbledore's portrait of course and you four, but we keep our ear to listen to any rumor's that have flung around the ministry and even at the order meeting's, some are actually quite hilarious, but other's are downright terrifying." He stopped talking and drank more hot chocolate, Harry thought he looked like he was collecting his composure. "Remember you-know-who came from an orphanage?" he asked Harry but didn't say anything when all four nodded their heads.
"The orphanage! A place he held a connection to!" said Harry smacking his hand to his forehead
"No one is a know it all, beside maybe Hermione" said Ginny teasing her friend, then ignoring Hermione's glare, removed Harry's hand from his head and held both under the table giving him warmth.
"Yes, well, we're trying to think of a way to get there, as I haven't seen the place, so I can't apparate, it's proving difficult even further because Minerva's got the school and two new teacher's to hire"
"Oh right" said Hermione comprehending
"Why can't we just do it?" asked Ron "I mean we've seen the place and Harry could take Ginny so we could apparate there"
"That's brilliant Ron" said Hermione kissing his cheek and Ron went red at being shown affection in front of his father.
"I couldn't let you all do this, Molly would have a fit" said Mr. Weasley
"Not if she doesn't know about it" said Ginny
"What? How?" asked Hermione clearly once again her mind on the conversation at hand.
"Well, we could say Professor McGonagall wanted to see us and we floo to Hogwarts, walk into Hogsmead and apparate from there" said Harry cottoning onto Ginny's train of thinking.
"Exactly" said Ginny her eyes dancing mischievously.
"Are you all sure, I mean I really hate keeping Molly out of this and I really would hate even more to pull her into this" said Mr. Weasley
"Yeah" said Ron "Could you imagine, she'd never let us leave our room's ever again, much less the house" Mr. Weasley gave another small smile.
"I'll talk it over with Minerva tomorrow, another meeting I'm afraid" said Mr. Weasley grimly sitting back into his chair
"Great, in the meantime I'm hungry" said Ron, rubbing his stomach
"You'll just have to wait" said Hermione
"Hermione I need food, if I'm expected to go back to sleep"
"Fine, she waved her wand and some biscuits flew from the cupboard and landed on the table, in the middle. Followed by milk from the icebox and glasses from another cupboard.
"Thanks Hermione" said Ron grabbing a handful of biscuits and shoving one in his mouth. Mr. Weasley smiled and laughed a little and joined them in their mid night snack.
It had been a week since the kitchen, and Harry was sitting in the living room with Ginny, both cuddled in the couch reading Dumbledore's book. It was taking a while to get through it as most spells were useful and most if not all used the emotion of love.
Mr. Weasley had hardly been home and most the week Harry had been awoken by the sounds of his footsteps on the stairs, just to wake up and find him already gone. Harry glanced at Mrs. Weasley She was knitting listening to the wireless. She had her feet propped up, and while she may have looked comfortable, her face, Harry noted was not one of leisure. Her eyebrow's were cut and her eyes kept wondering to the clock that held all nine Weasley faces on each hand. Although this clock was totally useless if you were in search of the time, it was highly useful if you wanted to locate a Weasley.
Percy who was still acting like a prat, with highest guard, and his clock hand was consistently pointed at 'Mortal Peril' Bill's stayed on 'traveling' or on 'Holiday'. Since Charlie had left earlier in the week, his hand was pointing to 'work' Although Charlie promised to be back for the wedding.
Mr. Weasley's hand was still at 'work' and Mrs. Weasley gave an audible sigh.
Ginny wordlessly got to her feet and entered the kitchen and brought her some hot tea, Mrs. Weasley whom seemed grateful and patted her hand. Ginny came to sit back over with Harry, who put his arm's around her. She laid her head against his chest and picked the book back up off his lap. Harry kissed her head, and Mrs. Weasley just sent a small smile his way, and Harry returned it, absentmindedly playing with the end's of her hair.
"This one look's interesting" whispered Ginny
"Mmm?" said Harry
"It's suppose to control all energy of your foe and turn all emotion their feeling into love. Kind of like the imperious isn't?" asked Ginny Harry cut his eyes at the page. Reading the meaning underneath the incantation.
"Yes it does, although interesting, we should put that near the top to learn, how long does it last? asked Harry their voices were to lo low for Mrs. Weasley hear them and she smiled again, clearly thinking they we're just having a sweet conversation that Harry had known most young couples like Ron and Hermione to have, like they were now, sitting on the opposite couch along the opposite wall. Harry smiled at his friends
"What?" asked Ginny tilting her head and Harry gave her a small loving kiss before replying
"I was just thinking back to when Ron and Hermione always fought" Harry laughed when Ginny cocked her eyebrow "You know what I mean, they were constantly bickering, never letting the other win the argument, resorting to any means to win"
"And it's different now?" said Ginny with an amused look on her face and Harry laughed appreciatively
"Yes, you saw it, Ron let Hermione win several time's this week, and instead if fighting her, he would just hug her, it's weird isn't it?" said Harry glancing back at his friends
"Yeah I guess it is, but love will do that" said Ginny smiling at her best friend and brother, who was smiling at each other, then Hermione went back to her book, while Ron rubbed her shoulder's.
"Tell me about it" at Ginny's cocked eyebrow at him Harry smiled "Last year I wanted to keep you safe, basically taking the fact that ignorance is bliss, I didn't want you to know that I had to either kill of be killed, but being alone like that left me without the feeling of wanting to live, and then when we got together, I wanted to breath as much of your life as I could, but after Dumbledore died, I didn't want anything to happen to you, so playing the part of not wanting you to get hurt, or worse" Harry shuddered involuntarily, and Ginny touched his cheek and he continued " I would give everything for you Gin, your my love, my wildfire, I don't know what I wou..." but Harry stopped talking as Ginny's lip's were pressed to his. Then pulling back from him, she whispered
"Your not going to have to find out, hopefully" Harry smiled and brushed his lips against hers before sliding a little bit more into the couch and Ginny rearranged herself against him, they were now more comfortable.
"Oh" Mrs. Weasley hurriedly pushed her stuff away with her wand, and jumped from her chair, as Mr. Weasley came out of the fireplace. "Arthur, please tell me your home for the night" she cried as she hugged him greatly.
"Yes Molly dear, not to worry, I was able to finish quite earlier than planned" said Mr. Weasley
"Good, now I'll go to prepare a good dinner for us all" she kissed her husband and disappeared into the kitchen.
"Excellent! Now do you all mind if we talk?" at four head shakes and a slight murmur of no's Mr. Weasley sat down in the chair recently vacated by Mrs. Weasley and heaved a great sigh as he placed silencing charms around the room, Harry immediately knew it was something important "I had a talk with Minerva today at lunch, she agreed on Albus's urging's that we acknowledge that this is your mission, and we're just here to assist you anyway we can"
"Thanks Mr. Weasley" said Harry as Mr. Weasley smiled and continued
"Now, I asked her to try an obtain a way that would allow Ginny to use magic, in only serious situation's, of course, but something is better than nothing"
"Will I be able to practice spell's here?" asked Ginny perking up
"Well, that will be in the agreement if Minerva can pull it off, she had the best mentor after all" said Mr. Weasley
"We all did" said Harry quietly
"To right you are mate" said Ron and Hermione beamed with tears glistening in her eyes. Harry tightened his hold on Ginny as she held onto him too.
"So that might, take care of that, As far as getting there. Minerva will be sending an owl and arrange for you four to come to the castle on school business apparently and someone will walk you to Hogsmead from there"
"Excellent How much time will we have?" asked Harry
"Well, we're hoping for a full day, but actually it's leaning more towards a half of a day. Which isn't much, but we're hoping that you'll at least figure if there's any magical traces there, like the one's you sensed at Grimmauld Place"
"Hang on, how did you know about that?" asked Harry
"Dumbledore passes as much information to me as possible" said Mr. Weasley indifferently wiping a sheen of perspiration off his forehead with a red rag and replaced it in his pocket
"Mr. Weasley I have to ask another favor?" Harry hesitated but Mr. Weasley smiled
"Anything Harry just ask, well almost anything" Harry smiled
"I don't want to worry Mrs. Weasley anymore than we have to, she doesn't know as of yet, and I would like to keep it that way" upon seeing Mr. Weasley's look Harry spoke again adding "I can tell Mrs. Weasley is already under a certain amount of stress, and if she knew that her two youngest and Hermione and I were going off to unknown destination, and killing parts of Voldemort's soul she would be in need of more than a calming potion." Harry finished he noticed that Mr. Weasley had flinched only slightly at the name.
"I see your point Harry, I just hate to keep thing's from her, but still..." said Mr. Weasley peering into the kitchen
"Mr. Weasley, it's not really like we don't want to tell her, it's just she seems already a bit stressed, doesn't she?" said Hermione
"Yeah she's got a mission under her apron already, and if she knew about you're plan's... yeah it might be best" said Mr. Weasley
"Mission? What kind of mission?" asked Ron curiosity on his face
"Sorry, but I am unable to say just yet, but it keep's her busy a few night's a week" said Mr. Weasley
"You mean she leaves at night?" asked Ginny
"Only about two night a week, She's always so tired now a day's" said Mr. Weasley "But hey now don't be getting idea's, your mother might be tired, but she wouldn't hesitate to kill me if she knew you lot knew" Harry laughed and Ginny giggled along with Hermione but Ron had a suddenly series expression which was odd to Harry and sobered him up almost immediately.
"Do we know the Horcrux is actually there? asked Ron
"Well, we suspect it is, but we don't know for sure, Dumbledore was working on it before, and was unable to finish his research on it" said Mr. Weasley
"We'll get it if it's there" said Ginny confidently
"Absolutely" chimed Hermione
"No doubt about it" agreed Ron, as the confidence level in the room rose and Harry couldn't help but smile at his friends and peck Ginny's lip's with a kiss.
"I think that about wrap's it up" said Mr. Weasley standing up and clapping his hand's He waved his wand, and the charms died out, as he disappeared into the kitchen with Mrs. Weasley
"Right we better prepare for this one, anything could happen" said Hermione
"What do you suggest?" asked Ginny looking not at all surprised at Hermione
"Reading" said Hermione simply and Harry and Ron groan out loud "What? You have to read to learn"
"That's not true Hermione" said Ginny countering her
"What? Of course it is" Hermione snapped looking thoroughly insulted
"No, there are some subject matter that requires hand's on learning experiences, rather than learning from any book" Ginny said and Harry blushed and hid his face in her hair, as she laughed.
Harry didn't need to look up to know that Hermione's face looked shocked at Ginny's brazenness, or Ron's look of disgust that his sister was getting hand's on experiences by way of Harry, even if he wasn't the one to start it.
"Anyway!" Harry heard the hardness in Hermione's tone of voice as she continued. "We'll need to prepare, catch up on simple spell's too"
Harry lost concentration as Hermione went into a long winded speech about there preparations. Harry was being distracted, and Ginny was the distraction. His lung's were full of her scent. He pulled back and she smiled up at him, and he noticed that both there union rings were red again. They shared a knowing smile, but broke when Mrs. Weasley hollered them for dinner.
Ron wasted no time in pulling Hermione, who's mouth was open in mid sentence received a shock when Ron kissed her rather hard and told her to shut up for a while. Hermione's mouth remained open in shock, but she closed it softly and allowed him to pull her into the kitchen.
Harry and Ginny shared a snicker as they were prying them self's off the couch, as they made to follow them, but instead Harry pulled Ginny off to the side, and she caught his meaning instantly, and claimed his lip's. Harry tilted her head and deepened the kiss. His hands where on her sides, running the length from her thigh up to the side's of her breast, and back again. Ginny moaned as her hands intertwined around his neck her finger's in his hair. Her throat was issuing small noises that no one but Harry could hear, due to his closeness to her. The feeling's Harry got from just her simple kiss, left him windless and happy, as he pulled away from her lip's and hugged her tightly to him. Only letting go when they heard Mrs. Weasley asking where they had gotten to.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley, Miss Granger, Mr. Weasley" said Professor McGonagall, curtly acknowledging the four teenagers.
"Good afternoon Professor" the four teenagers replied
"Now I will be taking you into Hogsmead shortly, also I expect you to return by four o'clock. Understood?"
"Yes Professor'" said Harry "We'll be fine"
"I'm not that worried I have been reassured that you know what your looking for, and that you'll know how to obtain it" said Professor McGonagall giving Dumbledore's frame a furtive glance.
"Yes Professor" replied Harry again.
"Thank you Professor" said Hermione earnestly, and McGonagall gave a rare small smile.
"Remember Harry time is of the essence" said Dumbledore from his frame.
"Yes sir, we'll stay on time" said Harry
"I know you will, Miss Granger's to precise to allow any mischief" He said and added a wink at Ginny, who blushed and smiled, Harry smiled at her rosy cheek's.
"I would also like to hold a conversation when you get back about your beast within, I sense within all of you" Dumbledore added. McGonagall looked curiously at each one, before nodding her head curtly.
"Yes, sir" said Harry, not intending to hide the fact that knew what there Animagus forms where.
"Well, off you go then, and be safe" said Dumbledore, echoing McGonagall, while she stood by the door, waiting on them.
"Now I want you four to be careful, here's some muggle money, just in case" she shoved the money at Hermione. "I don't know if you'll need it or not, but just in case." she looked down at her nose at the muggle pounds disappearing into Hermione's pocket "Now I don't think I need to stress the importance of what is about to happen" she paused for the three head's to answer, which gave nod's of understanding and she seemed to relax a bit. "Fine, off be with you then"
She lead them into a patch of tree's just outside Hogsmead and Ginny placed her arm in Harry's and with a small grin at her, he apparated thinking of the spot in the pensive.
A tightness surrounded him and then finally letting go, and Ginny fell into him slightly he placed his arm around her waist to steady her. Hermione and Ron popped up a few second's later, and Harry stood with his friends starring opened mouth at the building that had been the home of Tom Riddle was now a remolded and was a Museum for Artifacts and Especially Weird Finding's.
Harry exchanged glances with Ron, Hermione and Ginny.
"Okay, this complicates thing's a bit. Makes it easy to get in, but makes it harder to get what we're needing." said Harry getting slightly irritated. They weight of the world was upon him again, and they had only the afternoon to get in and back, before Mrs. Weasley would start getting worried and with worry comes suspicion.
It was suppose to be simple, they would carry on as if waiting for school to start back up and then go about their normal activates. As normal for anyone who attended Hogwarts, anyway. His promise with Neville weighing on his mind, he wanted to avenge Sirius's killer himself, but Neville had lost two parent's, while he had lost one guardian, Neville's pain was worse than his. Harry was going to make sure to put his own to sense in the fight to, but Neville if capable enough would get the last shot, if Harry could only assist than it was better than nothing. Sirius memory could finally rest in peace.
Harry glanced at the building again.This was not going to be easy, no way he worked it in his mind was this going to be easy! There were security guards, and everything!
"Harry, how are we going to do this? asked Hermione "We got money so we can buy tickets, that's not a problem, but what about when we get in?"
"I know Hermione, I'm working on it" said Harry his irritation growing. Ginny slipped her hand into his. Harry's breath caught in his throat, he found himself looking into her brown eyes, and he immediately felt like he had taken a calming potion. He smiled gratefully at her, and she smiled back, relaxed, but he could have sworn he heard her say "Don't worry it'll work out, my prince." Harry smiled wider, but was thrown a little when Ron was suddenly talking with enthusiasm.
"Strategy distraction and destroy!" said Ron beaming his eyes were lit up in his excitement.
"What is that?" asked Hermione
"Okay, Harry, Ginny you still carry your invisibility cloaks right?" at both their nod's yes, Ron punched his fist in the air and exclaimed "Alright! Here's what we do." he turned to Hermione suddenly "Hermione would you like to go on a date?"
"A...a...d-date? Ron this is not-!" said Hermione crossly looking as if he had lost his marbles.
"No...its prefect, Hermione and I will go on a date, I'll take her to a place I know she'll like, like oh I don't know ..a... museum, maybe, and we let Harry and Ginny go and search for the...yeah...and Hermione and I will act as if we're their for no other reason, but-"
"A date!" cried Hermione, clearly relived that Ron had indeed not lost his marbles.
"Exactly!" said Ron looking pleased with himself
"Brilliant Ron" said Harry grinning at his best mate.
"Well done" agreed Ginny
"Okay, let's go behind this building, so you two can get ready, Hermione a little snogging for show, and do try and remember we're on a date" said Ron sounding nervously excited
Harry and Ginny ducked behind the building and pulled their cloaks on. They could have easily gone under one, but they needed to make sure they weren't seen, they needed to be versatile, just in case. Harry reached out to where Ginny had just disappeared and finally finding her arm, he grabbed her hand in his, so they could stay together. He tapped Ron's shoulder, hard with his free hand.
"Easy mate" Harry whispered and stifled a laugh when Ron jumped slightly and when he turned he was blushing and Hermione looked pleased as Ron took her hand and lead her to the museum.
Hermione handled the money transaction, as it had cost them seven pounds each to just enter. Ron made a great display of opening the door for Hermione, as Harry and Ginny ducked through with another tap on Hermione's shoulder this time to tell her they were in.
Ron and Hermione split up from Ginny and Harry, who was currently going over the step's he had followed in the pensive that would eventually lead to Tom's room. Ginny's hand tucked firmly in his.
A pair of steps came in view and Harry was relived to see they had also been replaced with a set of metal one's, but there was also now a velvet rope across them with a hanging sign in the middle that read 'PERSONAL ONLY'
"Great how do we get passed this with out magic?" hissed Harry so only Ginny could only hear him.
"I don't...wait, Harry look!" She jerked his arm in a sweeping motion that told him of the direction up the stairs. Harry turned and saw someone was coming down. A muggle women with big dried out frizzed hair, that looked like if it had been free of its ponytail it would have been bushier, than Hermione's. Come to think of it Hermione's hair wasn't that bushy anymore. Harry silently, and vaguely wondered if she was using some kind of spell or potion.
As the women stood in front of them on the opposite side of the rope. They watched as she reached down and unlocked the metal clasping that held the rope in place, but before she could re-clasp it Ginny suddenly moved and Harry watched startled as the women stack of paper's she had been holding went flying into the air. As the women sighed in frustration Ginny pulled Harry up the stairs, eager to get this over with Harry went with her without hesitation.
Harry took the lead as they topped the stairs and he began retracing his steps again.
"I'll get him for you Dumbledore, I promise!" Harry vowed, but as his mind came back to reality he found himself standing in front of a metal cream colored painted door. A tag on the door read 'STORAGE AND SUPPLIES' Harry felt himself grin in spite of himself. He heard Ginny trying the door, but found it locked. Harry wondered if they could chance some magic, or apparate inside. Harry looked around making sure no one was near them or even in the hall. There wasn't, making up his mind and reaching for his wand.
Just then the door opened and an older man and a slightly younger looking women were suddenly filling the doorway. Ginny quickly pulled him out of their way. The man leaned out and looked up and down the hallway, the women adjusted her skirt making Harry awfully glad that he hadn't jumped at the chance and apparated.
They leaned back into the open room were the man nodded and lunged for the women's lip's again. He pulled back and started whispering
"Tomorrow, then?"
"Yes" the women replied as the man kissed her again and walked out into the hall. When the women left a few second's later, Harry put his foot in the doorway to stop the door from locking again.
"That was so gross" said Ginny. Harry smirked. If she thought that was gross, he wondered what she would say to the thing's he dreamt at night. "Didn't you see it?" asked Ginny at not hearing him respond. " He was married no wonder they were hiding from everyone" Ginny spat
"Well, that puts it in more of a perspective, okay come one" said Harry pulling Ginny into the storage room. As the door closed softly behind them Harry and Ginny took a look around to make sure no one else was in here. Finding it empty they removed their cloaks and looked around more closely.
"Dad would be in heaven right about now" said Ginny causing Harry to grin in amusement. As he looked around at the paper's, stapler's, and paper clip's.
"Oh!" said Harry stopping so suddenly that Ginny bumped into him.
"Sorry Harry. What's...oh" Ginny stopped talking. As their eyes met in surprise, and astonished that sensing the magic, and finding it's location was that easy.
The wardrobe was still in the same corner that Tom had, had it in.
"Well, that kind of makes it obvious" said Ginny
"Yeah, but its a little to easy" said Harry remembering the flying insect keys they had to capture when they went in search for the stone in his first year.
"Can you feel the magic radiating off it?" asked Ginny already knowing the answer. Harry nodded, but that's not what held his attention, now.
"There's a live thing in there" said Harry attentively
"What do you suppose it is? A creature? Or a witch or wizard?" asked Ginny going slightly ridged. Harry suppose she was remembering the Chamber all over again.
"Defiantly a creature, of some kind" said Harry although he knew this wasn't much comfort to her. He squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"I'll bet he put a permanent sticking charm on the wardrobe" said Ginny her voice not faltering once, and Harry breathed a sigh of relieve.
"Yeah, or the muggle's would have moved it" said Harry summoning up the bravery and courage that was suppose to run through his Gryffindor vein's, he was after all a griffin, was he not?
"Are we ready?" asked Ginny
"How" thought Harry "Could she be so calm?" but as he noticed her hand in his, her voice was calm, but her palm was a bit clammy or was that his? Harry wasn't sure. "What do you expect Voldemort to be in there?"
"Maybe?"
"Or how about his secret hideout?" his fears were starting to surface in his thoughts
"No! then you wouldn't be able to sense it much less see it!"
"See! Nothing to worry about!"
Harry gave his mind a sharp prod and took a confidant step towards the wardrobe. Bringing Ginny behind him, he wasn't letting go of her, until...well, he'd think about that later.
Harry stepped up and placed a slightly shaken hand on its handle, but was stopped again as he heard something talking.
"Who comes there?"
Harry heard the voice and recognized the Parseltongue.
"I've come to collect what you keep safe" Harry hissed back through the door's. Ginny was staring at him with an odd expression on her face, but Harry squeezed her hand again, and she softened a little, but didn't go off guard, Harry didn't want her to.
"Yes, do come in"
Suddenly the wardrobes doors opened on their own and revealed an empty closet.
"Make you're sacrifice" the bodiless voice hissed
"What kind?" Harry had a memory of Dumbledore and blood that had to be smeared on the stone walls of the cave, in order for it to open. Harry pulled a knife out of his pocket and, he could tell Ginny knew what he must do as she looked away. Harry placed the knife to his upper arm and felt the cold metal slice through him, but he refused to wince and be made a wimp in front of Ginny. She turned back to him and smiled and he grinned back as the pain started to numb his arm. He reached out and smeared his blood against the back wall. It shone bright and seemed to glow for a few seconds before disappearing, and the wall faded to allow them entrance.
Ginny gasped in surprise and Harry pulled her to him. They were now looking into and abandon room, with a pillar in the center, on it resting the cup of Helga Hufflepuff.
Harry and Ginny climbed in through the wardrobe together, they had barley walked four feet in when the door behind them shut with the sound of a gunshot and before them bright green eyes came out of the large crack that he could now see.
"So you're blood was innocent blood after all" hissed the snake
"What must we do to obtain the prize?" hissed Harry at the snake slithering on the floor in front of them.
"I will give you a clue you solve it, and I'll give you another, you solve that and you receive my prize"
Harry translated this to Ginny, who smiled back encouraging him.
"Well, got nothing better to do" she teased, trying to lighten the tense mood.
"Let's hear you're first clue" Harry hissed the snake hissed gleefully
"Come in closer and listen to my song
Can't go back your way is closed
Answer my rhyme
Or you'll pay with you're time"
Harry translated this to Ginny as the snake continued to hiss his glee again. "And either we try or we're going to die, so what do you say?" asked Harry knowing there was little choice in the matter.
"We sure the bloody hell didn't come here for nothing!" replied Ginny Harry smiled and winked at her before focusing his attention on the task at hand.
"We'll take you're challenge"
The snake licked it's tongue as if making sure they were not wasting its time, then started hissing again as it sang it's riddle.
"We come from a place filled naught but with sand
Eagle like talons and full neck of mane
Greatness lies in riddles, and our liking for puzzles
Easy we are to anger, so best not closely linger
Last of all and best listen here
A face like a man, but we can give quite a good scare"
Harry repeated this to Ginny who immediately started scratching her head.
"Where's Hermione when you need her!" said Harry slightly flustered.
"She's on a date remember " Ginny snapped "and bedside's I'm not far behind her level of intelligence" Harry swallowed hard.
"I'm sorry, Gin I didn't mean it like-"
"It doesn't matter, okay the first line again?"
"We come from a place filled naught but with sand" said Harry repeating what the snake had said while he was trying to keep an eye on it.
"Okay...think...think.." Ginny started pacing three steps from him then three steps back. Her face was set in concentration, and determination. "Obviously it has to be somewhere full of sand right?" Harry nodded that part he already figured out, but didn't open his mouth to say this. "Where is there full...of course...Egypt! Were looking for a creature that originated out of Egypt!" Ginny cried out.
"Egypt?" asked Harry sounding dumbfounded
"Yeah, know anyone who has been to Egypt Harry?" asked Ginny sweetly
"No...hang on...you did!"
"Very good, Harry you're cottoning on" Ginny snickered as Harry cut his eyes at her "Okay what was the second line?" Harry repeated it then the third and all the way up till the final line. Her eyes of excitement. "Okay now the last line"
"A face like a man, but we can give quite a good scare" Ginny beamed at him, and Harry began thinking through the line, ignoring Ginny's smile.
"I love you Harry"
"I love you too, but Ginny now is defiantly not the time" said Harry
"Okay, but I already know the answer" she said nonchalantly
"WHAT? What is it then?" asked Harry grabbing her hand and pulling her to stand still beside him.
"Simple..a sphinx!" She said
Harry starred flabbergasted. "A sphinx" A flash of a picture were he was in the third and final task of the triwizard tournament. Where he had to answer a riddle then too! Ginny was right the riddle sounded just like them. Harry turned his full attention back to the snake. "My answer...is...a sphinx"
The snake licked his tongue as if testing the air and started to slither towards them, instantly Harry pushed Ginny behind him, but by the time it go near enough to them, it transformed into a full grown sphinx. The one Harry had met in the maze had a womanly face, while this one held something more manly about it.
"Very good" When the sphinx spoke it's voice seemed to come within himself and it did indeed sound like a male. Much deeper somehow. His face was hardened, though Harry couldn't read it properly.
"Alright, let us hear you're second riddle" said Ginny. The sphinx smiled at her and Harry frowned pushing her fully behind him now. Harry saw the sphinx's eyes light with fire at his action. Harry didn't want nothing to happen to Ginny and if he had to he would kill this creature in front of him. Then take the cup,"Mmm at least I got a back up plan if we can't solve his damn puzzle." thought Harry savagely.
The sphinx stood completely still and boring its eye's into Harry's. It had been here for at least fifty years now, and Harry knew it was in no hurry, even if they were.
"Fine, but you will answer correctly or you will die!" said the beast, sneeringly at Harry. He tried to remember if sphinx's could hear wizard's thought's, but couldn't think of anything, but to get Ginny and himself out of here. Harry felt Ginny shiver behind him, in fear. Harry fought the urge to give into his own fear and break out in Goose bumps, but he willed himself to be Ginny's strength this time, and he intended to succeed. Harry squeezed her hand again and nodded grimly at the sphinx. Though he did not smile, instead he started in with his puzzle.
"Look around and you'll not find it here
Unless of course you are a seer
A life worthy of your death
If you can not show me just yet
So best get your other, tis best to be near
The answer lies each time you kiss your dear."
"Look around, you'll not find it here" Harry thought the word's and quickly started looking around the room they had been standing in for at least the last half an hour. The gray stone wall's, to the same gray stone floor. Thee only light coming from three torches that hung around the circle room. Upon closer inspection Harry noticed that the brackets holding the torches were severed house elf arm's. Harry swallowed the hard lump that had formed in his throat. The only table was the pillar holding the cup in the middle, thee only hole in the wall was a crack that the snake had, first appeared from and though Harry didn't need to see up close to know it was just that a crack, nothing more, nothing less. Harry suddenly closed his eyes and felt the room yell to him in heated discussion, and he gave an involuntary shiver. He opened his eyes to see Ginny who had oddly seemed to do the same thing that he had.
"This room hold's a lot-" she began, but Harry already knew
"Of anger" finished Harry for her and she nodded her head.
"Harry, of course" Harry looked back at her again "What else would be worthy enough to die for?" Ginny was smiling as Harry's face dawned comprehension "What do you feel right before a kiss?" She whispered leaning into him and Harry let his eye's drift to a close before he felt Ginny's warm, soft lips brushing his. Harry pulled her to him and immediately as the kiss deepened he felt a number of thing's, that all lead back to just one thing. She pulled away from him and smiled. "Now my sweet prince, what did you feel?
"Love" Harry's voice was a whisper as Ginny stood in front of him now, and Harry's green eye's met hers as a desire flooded through them, replacing the cold from the room, with heat. "The answer's love"
"That's what I thought too" said Ginny smiling still, as Harry turned to face the sphinx, Harry thought he saw his eye's flare again, but Harry paid no mind. They were almost out of here, he hoped.
"Our answer is.." Harry turned back to Ginny, she nodded at him just once, and Harry turned back to the sphinx before adding "Is love, always love"
The sphinx gave what was an unmistakable smile and gestured with his hand to the cup. "Have you're prize you've beaten me at my best, be gone from here soon, or you might face another test"
Harry walked away from Ginny slowly at first. The sphinx was beside the pillar. He didn't like being this close to it, without his wand out and ready, but he knew drawing it out could easily anger him. Harry hurriedly grabbed the cup and fled grabbing Ginny's hand as he passed her. The door had opened for them to escape, but was closing rather quickly. Harry pushed Ginny through and the sphinx gave a almighty growl in frustration, Harry didn't need to turn around to see the sphinx heading towards them, it paws pounding the floor and echoing strongly, Harry climbed through the wall as it closed, and Harry leaped from the wardrobe as the door's banged shut. Ginny helped him to his feet and he and her both had their wands at the ready, just in case.
No sound came from the wardrobe again, however and after standing there waiting they lowered their wand's, pushed them into their pant's and pulled out their invisibility cloak's and had them on. Neither one noticed that they seemed to move as one, and didn't pay attention as they were able to reach out an take each other's hand's without fumbling trying to locate each other. Harry had the cup in his jacket for safe keeping. As they headed out wordlessly to locate Ron and Hermione. They jumped over the rope this time without to much effort, "being on Gryffindor Quidditch team does have its advantages" thought Harry equally proud that Ginny was too!
They soon found Ron and Hermione in a room titled UNEXPLAINABLE BOOKS. Harry heaved a deep sigh as Ginny let loose a small giggle, each truly thankful that they were back into normal reality. Harry saw Hermione deeply immersed in a book she looked halfway through and Ron looked deeply bored. "A typical muggle's first date" thought Harry.
Harry crept up behind Ron, Ginny still holding his hand. He didn't want Ron to be startled and jump as it would look weird. "Though people would probably think he's just waking up" thought Harry failing to hold his snicker "Were ready to leave, let's move" whispered Harry
"Okay, sweetheart, what do you say we head back to my place and get a little more comfortable?" said Ron trying to sound silkily in a deeper voice. Harry wondered if he was trying to be seductive, and the thought made him bubble with laughter inside. His side already aching from with holding it, he felt Ginny through their hands shaking in silent giggles. Hermione however cut her eyes at him before agreeing and they walked hand in hand, Hermione talking in a loud whisper about the book. Harry wondered if she was trying to make their date seem real, or if it had truly interested her. Knowing Hermione probably the latter.
They approached the front exit door's and Ron made another grand show for opening the door for his date, Hermione awarded Ron who conventionally kept hold of the door, as Hermione kissed him and Harry lead Ginny through, he tapped Hermione's shoulder to tell them they were through and all four walked away from the museum and found the same cafe' they had hid behind before Harry and Ginny took off their cloaks revealing themselves.
"Well?" asked Hermione
"We got-" started Ginny, but Harry cut her off
"Not here wildfire"
"Wildfire?" asked Ron and Ginny blushed profusely
"Never you mind Ron, let's go" said Hermione who did not seem to surprised that Harry had given Ginny a nick name, he wondered if Ginny told her, this thought made Harry blush remembering his private word's to her when he dubbed her 'wildfire'. They nodded their head's as Ron and Hermione took a step, turned and vanished, before Harry vanishing with Ginny, their destination, Hogsmead.
AN:
Hey all! I hope all is well! Another long one, sorry did this bother anyone? I really don't mean to make them long, I just start typing and through the week, it get's to were it is now. I want to apologize a head of time, for any out of context, and, or misspelled word's, I do hope I'm getting slightly better! What did you think about the Horcrux?
I have received question's concerning Ron's Animagus form, but I'm afraid I can not reveal anything at this time. You will indeed find out soon as to why.I would also like to thank each person individually for posting reviews I would name you all, but I think I went to long on this chapter as it is, so until next chapter. Take care!
Thanks
HogwartsAngel101