Disclaimer : I don't own Harry P- Potter.
Chapter 28 ( wow )
Modred Magnus
Enjoy!
Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione all stood outside the Burrow with Moony. Harry watched as Moony raise his wand and called for the knight bus. A few moments later Harry herd the familiar loud bang, before the purple bus made it's actual appearance.
"Welcome to the Knight Bus. Emergency Trans-... Arry? Hey Ernie it's Arry!" Stan Shunpike stood before him. His few months in Azkaban had played it's tool on him. His dark eye's bore the undeniable sure signs of dread. The bluish twinge of color on his eyelids, and his skin seemed to have gained a grayish color as it had grown quite sallow.
"Good to you see you Stan" said Harry holding out his hand to the slightly older wizard. "Kind of surprised that you're working for the Ministry"
"Got to do my part 'Arry. Against the Ministry, and you-know-who" said Stan leaning towards him to whisper as he shook his hand. "Well, can't stand around all day, can we Ernie? We've got to get Mr. Bomplishire to London" Stan made way for them to pass, but held Ron back "After you Mrs. Potter" Stan allowed Ginny to enter, as she giggled. Harry handed the necessary galleons before climbing in after Ginny. Ron scowled, but no one even tried to bother to correct Stan. It was practically a lost cause anyway.
Moony allowed them to sit anywhere within eyesight and took a seat in the front to watch them all. Talking on the bus was impossible as with the first bang. Ginny's chair collided with his and Harry instinctively reached out and held her waist, so she wouldn't fall off. Ron was having to do the same, though Harry thought it looked more like Hermione trying to hold Ron up. Ginny laughed.
The trip lasted a whole fifteen minuets as they had to let a wizard off that seemed to have spewed a bit of a stinky mess on the second level, as the smell was waffling down upon them. Ginny wrinkled her nose, and Harry laughed.
"Now, if any of you need anything, don't hesitate to ask, okay?" said Moony as they stood outside the road leading into Hogwarts School. "And watch what you put in writing"
"We'll be fine Moony, thanks" said Harry sincerely shaking his father's friends hand. Ron also shook his hand, but the girls leaned in and kissed both cheeks, Moony blushed and gave Harry a look. Harry smiled back as Ginny took his hand. Hermione said a final goodbye, and with that Moony loaded the bus again and was gone with another bang. They made their way to the castle slowly and was slightly surprised when he entered the dormitory and saw Dean had received his poster and was hanging it in the spot of the old one.
"Harry" he said
"Dean. Good to see you got the poster" said Harry stiffly. It wasn't a question.
"Yeah, thanks. Listen Harry I'm sorry if I did anything wrong. I don't know what got into Seamus" Dean said. Ron shot him a furtive look behind Dean's back.
"Yeah, whatever" said Harry He still had a sore spot where Dean was concerned. The image of Ginny and him in a deserted corridor. Sent cold shivers down his spine. As Seamus walked in wearing his new shoes.
"Heya Harry, thank for the shoes. Me Mam was going ballistic when I told her they had been ruined, but when I opened these she relaxed a bit"
"Good to hear it Seamus" said Harry dryly. He put his trunk by his bed and followed Ron down to the Great Hall.
They joined Ginny and Hermione at the table. Ginny was in a discussion with Lavender. Harry looked at Ron and his face was dead set on his gold plate. Hermione was looking through a book. Harry saw Ron shoot a nervous glance at Lavender, who met his eye's before returning to Ginny. A slamming of a book brought Ron's gaze back to her. Along with everyone around them. Hermione looked cross and Ron's head slumped a little. Hermione and Ron were starring at each other intently and Harry wondered what was going on.
' The worms Harry. They must be working ' said Ginny amusedly.
' Oh. Hey! We won't have to hear them argue anymore! ' thought Harry
"Grow up Ronald, how could you even think that!" said Hermione.
"I didn't, I was just... err... It slipped that's all" stuttered Ron. Hermione let out a groan of anger and looked up at the teacher's table where several Professors were walking in.
' You were saying? ' snickered Ginny, Harry gave a mental groan. Ginny giggled out loud causing Lavender to look at her weird, before she turned her attention on Ron and Hermione again. Who was smiling at each other again. Ron leaned over a gave her a kiss on her cheek and Hermione blushed, then Ron's ears turned red.
"May I have your attention please" said McGonagall standing up. "Seventh years please note, that due to events that had taken place at the end of term last year, Seventh years were unable to take their N.E.W.T.S.. So all seventh years will be attempting there test at the end of this term together. Please welcome back our old seventh years as they join in classes tomorrow. Thank you" As she sat back down food appeared on the table. Ron began grabbing food.
"Hey Harry. Wasn't Cho Chang a seventh year last year?" asked Ron. Hermione dropped her bun on her plate and Ron gave her a look. "I'm not tackles, just asking a question. Serious Hermione you need to relax a bit, you know" Harry just settled for a shrug of his shoulder and started eating.
' Does it bother you she'll be back? ' Ginny asked not meeting his eye's, but starred at her plate instead.
' Nope we got along fine last year. We ignored each other. So what will make this year any different? '
' The fact that this term you'll actually be around each other, in classes. ' said Ginny not meeting his eyes still. Harry gave a mental sigh.
' Gin, you have nothing to worry about. I love you. Plus you'll have her in Defense and possibly Potions as well. So you'll have her too! '
' Yeah I guess '
' Gin, I'll be with Ron and Hermione the whole time. And it's not like you can't hear my thoughts anyway! ' Harry pointed out the obvious.
' Yeah, you're right. I'm sorry '
' Don't be. What was it you said to me at the beginning of the year... have a little bit of trust in me, to test my love for you, then If I need your help. I'll holler ' said Harry as he placed his arm around her waist. Ginny finally looked him in the eye. ' I love you Gin. Trust in that at least ' Harry begged.
' I do trust in our love and in you, I'm sorry, and I love you too! ' Harry smiled and winked as he met her lips in a sweet kiss, that earned them an awe for Lavender.
"Honestly Ron you act like you haven't seen them kissing all summer" snapped Hermione
"Well, a brother never gets used to it... and stop saying I'm tactless" grumbled Ron
"Well, you are" said Hermione now buttering her bun. Harry and Ginny smirked at each other and relaxed and watched their entertainment as they ate.
"Am not..." said Ron grumpily.
"I cant believe you had the nerve to bring that up!" said Hermione indignantly. "Honestly Ron it's not like I'm in the library all the time."
"Are too, and you had to go and meet up with...-" said Ron now piling another helping of kidney pie onto his plate.
"Oh that's rich, coming from the person who last year was snogging... " said Hermione
"So you're going to bring that up are you? Well, how about... "
"Ronald! How can you dream about me like that last night and say something like that and then move on to say..." said Hermione turning in her seat to meet Ron's face.
"I can't control my dreams Hermione and it's not like... " said Ron turning red in the cheeks.
"You still do even after..." said Hermione her voice calming down affectedly.
"You know I do and it's not like we won't..." said Ron pushing a strand of bushy hair that had fallen out of her ponytail, behind her ear. "I know, I like doing that too"
"Oh Ron, How can we both be... " said Hermione sheepishly.
"Hey I'm only thick sometimes, and it's not like I don't..." said Ron as he shifted closer to Hermione.
"I know I love that too..." said Hermione
"Hermione shut up!" said Ron as he kissed her. Hermione gasped around his mouth and finally gave into the kiss.
"Hey mate we really don't want to see that" said Harry.
"What? Oh" said Ron as he let Hermione go and they both went back to eating and both looking a little flushed.
"Did I miss something, or was I only hearing half of a conversation?" asked Lavender. Not bothering to hide the fact that she had been eavesdropping.
"No you must not have been reading between the lines." said Ginny "They've been arguing like that most of the school year" Ginny turned a glare at her brother and best friend. "I suggest that you two make full use of Harry's and mines Christmas gifts"
"Oh sorry" said Hermione sheepishly.
"Don't be they take a little getting used to" said Harry. "Just try and remember them in the future."
"What did you two get them?" asked Lavender.
"We got them-" began Harry trying to do some quick thinking.
"Shock rings" said Ginny instantly.
"Shock rings?" said Lavender looking stunned.
"Mm, they shock you if you insult the person you love" said Ginny adding an indirect insult on Hermione's behalf.
"Oh, I've never heard of them" scoffed Lavender
"Fred and George made them" said Ginny ' Thank Merlin I heard them talking about them this summer' Harry silently agreed.
"Don't they make anything that won't cause bodily harm?" asked Seamus with a grin. Harry smiled, and knew it had not reached his eye's.
"In the words of Fred and George. What fun would there be if it didn't?" said Harry smirking.
"Here, here" said Ron lifting his fork that held treacle tart in cheers. Harry grinned.
The next day Hermione learned that Cho would be in their Defense, Potions, Charm's, and in her Ancient Runes, and Arithmancy classes. All the necessary classes for a curse breaker. Harry found that part interesting as he would have never guessed. He quickly changed his thoughts though when Ginny looked at him curiously. He leaned over and kissed her cheek reassuringly. She gave a grim smile. Ginny still wasn't all that pleased, or relaxed when Harry, Ron, and Hermione all trudged up to Charms and she out to Herbology.
The day passed by roughly as Cho was sending winks and small smiles his way at every turn. Ginny was ready to Bat-Bogey-Hex her by the end of the day. Harry sat at dinner that night with his arm around Ginny. And from what Hermione could tell Cho was sending death glares at them. As they had their backs turned to her. Ginny flicked her hair over her shoulder and it tickled Harry's hand. She laughed when he did and placed a longer than needed kiss on his mouth. Ron said Cho stabbed her potato a little to hard, as it rolled off her plate and into the floor.
"What do you seriously think has gotten into her. She was never like this before" said Harry. Later that night in the common room. They were sitting in there chairs in front of the fire doing two feet for Charms. Ginny had no homework and was just curled up beside Harry listening to the occasional interesting outburst that would come from Ron or Hermione.
"Oh don't you see Harry. Oh probably not. Cho is jealous of what you and Ginny got. She knows it was within her grasp and she ruined it. She'll probably get a lot worse than this too" said Hermione mater of fact.
"How much worse can you get" snapped Ginny.
"A lot worse. Trust me" said Hermione her eyebrows raised.
"Ginny's right. She's already openly flirting with him in public. The whole school sees it" said Ron.
"That's the point. With the things the papers have been writing, I think she's hoping to get in on the story." said Hermione
"Why?" asked Harry
"Harry your popular weather you want to be or not. Your name brings a lot of honor In most places and respect in even more." said Hermione
"You mean she's just trying to bank in on Harry fame" said Ginny incredulously.
"And thanks to the new witch weekly, I'd say his money too" said Hermione lifting the magazine from her pile of books. It said that Harry was now the third richest wizard. Right behind two blokes Harry hadn't even heard of. Krum turned about to be seventh and Malfoy was fifth. Harry groaned in frustration.
The next day didn't go smoothly either. Every time Harry turned a corner Cho was waiting. She was everywhere it seemed. Never before had the castle felt so confining. He felt like a toad trapped in Snape's dungeon knowing that one wrong move will get him disemboweled. So by the third day Harry's already short patients was running on thin shaved ice. Every time he saw Cho, which was everywhere. He got little more angered along with Ginny. Hermione had started shooting them apologetic looks, but it's not like it was her fault. Ron would just look weary. It was this day that Cho decided to talk to him.
"Hey Harry", Harry turned around to see Cho calling for him. Marietta was beside her. The closer they got Harry could make out the pimples that still said SNEAK. Harry found this amusing and so did Ginny, judging by the fact that she had heard him and was giggling.
"Hey Cho. Good to see you again" said Hermione with a false brightness to it
"Oh hello Hermione. I didn't see you there" Cho replied. "You remember Marietta don't you?"
"Oh yes of course. How could I forget. The D.A. right?" said Hermione with the false sweet tone again.
"You wouldn't happen to know the counter curse would you?" asked Cho directly to Hermione.
"Why of course, see I never use a charm unless I know how to get myself out of it. See it saves a lot of-"
"That's great and all, but we need it" said Marietta sharply.
"If Hermione could find it, then you could too! All the spells she's learned came from the library I suggest you start there" said Ron "Come on Hermione". Hermione smiled smugly and stepped into the classroom behind Ron. Harry turned to follow them.
"Harry, I wanted to talk to you" said Cho. Marietta disappeared into the classroom with a hardened disgusted look on her face.
"What is it?" said Harry harshly.
"I wanted to ask you about your summer? Was it good?"
"The best I've ever had" said Harry "And it's all thanks to Ginny, she knows me better than I know myself, I think" He heard Ginny agree with him, as he was letting her hear everything he said.
"Oh, you two are still going out then?" asked Cho flicking her blue-black hair over her shoulder.
"Yep, don't see no end in site either" said Harry.
"That's really ...err... great Harry" she said bating her eyelashes at him. Harry smirked.
"Have you got something in your eye, or are you trying to flirt Cho?" brazened Harry.
"Oh it's just a lash, can you see it?" Cho leaned close to him, but Harry was already stepping away from her.
' I'm going to hex her with every curse I know, then I'll let Pomfrey heal her, then I'll do it again ' said Ginny angrily as Harry was trying to repeat what Cho was saying.
"Don't! Don't even try, don't even think you could try and start anything up with me. You hang around riffraff that don't even know what true friendship means. Then you turn around and get me to ask you into Hogsmead then when we get there you act like a crazy mad women trying to make her date jealous over a dead guy. Cho I know loosing Cedric was hard, I was there and I remember it quite clearly, but I'm done with you trying to replace him with me. And I'm defiantly done with you!" said Harry as he turned on his heel and headed into the classroom, hearing Ginny cheer him on all the way!
By the fourth day it was clear that Cho had not taken anything to heart of what Harry had said. Harry was at his wit's end with her. She would smile, he would scowl. She would wink, he would look away. He told her off even! Wasn't he being obvious?
' Oh, you're being obvious ' said Ginny angrily ' She's just being persistent '
' Persistent? I'd say she's being overly determined ' said Harry.
' I am so going to hex her ' Ginny vowed. Harry sighed. He knew there was no stopping the Weasley blood that flowed through her veins. Once it started to boil, it roared. And Ginny's was boiling to the point of sudden explosion!
It all came to that point in Defense class. Ginny had thrown Seamus against the wall for the third time. Noviskie was thoroughly amused at the small girls power and magical ability.
"Okay Miss Weasley let's give Mr. Finnigan a rest shall we? Let's put Mr. Finnigan with Mr. Weasley. Miss Granger with Miss. Edgecombe and Miss Chang with Miss. Weasley. There this out to be fair. I should think" he added with a mild content look at Ginny. Harry who had Dean unconscious and hanging in air, sent him to the ceiling and glued him up there. Ginny smiled and laughed a little, though didn't look up. Harry smirked. As all eye's turned to Ginny and Cho. The whole school knew of Cho's persistence and Ginny's short temper.
"Okay seems like we have a friendly duel" said Noviskie as he noted that the whole class and even the Slythrin's had turned to watch the duel take place. Ginny walked ten paces and turned as Cho did the same. She raised her wand, as did Cho. A yellow beam flew out of her wand and Ginny sprang to action.
' Protego, Densaugeo, '
Harry laughed as Cho's spell was easily diverted and Ginny flung a spell back at her making her teeth grow, much like Hermione's had. Except Cho's teeth were growing in sharp jags. Cho grabbed her face in clear pain.
' Furnunculus ' said Ginny as red and yellow hardened boils began coming up all over Cho's face and arms. And Harry was sure everywhere else too!
' Mobilicorpus ' Cho was all of a sudden stuck in one spot still clinging to her face as tears began to spring from her eye's.
' Gin point proven, I think that's enough ' said Harry, but the second Ginny shrugged her shoulders Cho had raised her wand and Ginny was hit by the tickling charm. ' Gin concentrate, Impedimenta, say it Ginny, Impedimenta ' Harry urged as a new wave of anger came over him.
' Impedimenta ' said Ginny though she was laughing out loud. The spell hit Cho as she was still stuck in one spot. ' Serpensortia ' Ginny placed a snake around Cho who was crying again in fear of the snake, her attention focused on it instead of Ginny. Who's jinx was already wearing off.
' Incedium Flameriura Roperpus ' A whip of fire leaped out of Ginny's wand and wrapped around Cho's ankles. Ginny flung her wand up towards the ceiling where she glued Cho next to Dean who was waking up and let out a scream, as he held a fear of height. The class burst in applause and laughter on Deans part as he was screaming worse than a girl.
"Well done Miss Weasley. Thirty five points for you and Gryffindor, Now Mr. Potter can you please let Mr. Thomas down before I get a headache" Harry laughed with the rest of the class. He flicked his wand and Dean started to fall from the ceiling, but just before he could smack against the hard wooden floor. Harry transfigured a fly into a couch to catch him. Dean sat up and rubbed his face as he had landed on it. Harry smirked as he transfigured the couch back into the fly he had seen. And Dean landed square on his bum. Making the whole class erupt in laughter again at Dean's puzzled expression. "Thank you Mr. Potter and very good transfiguration, I shall have to pass that on to Professor McHaley" Harry shrugged his shoulders. He really didn't care what McHaley thought about him.
' What don't I get a congratulations Gin, or Well done wildfire, or a that a baby, or that's my girl ' said Ginny smirking slightly. Harry laughed out loud.
' How about something better? ' Ginny raised a questioning eyebrow at him from across the room. ' Accio Ginny '
"HHHHAAARRRRYYY! … Hello" said Ginny landing in his arms. The whole class was looking on at them, but Harry didn't care. He leaned forward and planted a huge kiss on Ginny's lip's and as Ginny deepened it, for what he was sure, was for good measure, a few wolf whistled. Harry broke from the kiss, and placed Ginny back to her feet smiling. Noviskie was smiling with amusement.
"Well, now that we've all had a lesson in Love" said Noviskie as two more wolf whistles were heard and Dean glared at them. Harry smiled and Ginny blushed. "I think it's time for homework, two rolls of parchment about the fire spells and it's many uses. Also if anyone is interested in extra credit..." Noviskie let the sentence hang as Hermione straightened a little straighter. "Thought so, takes a lot of work to keep up to these two" he said pointing to where Harry and Ginny stood. Hermione and Ron shared a look. "I will give out more credit and points for anyone who can tell me the incantation for the electric charm and it's uses, let's say... oh... about another six inches at least." Noviskie flicked his wand at the ceiling and Cho floated down and landed on her back. "Miss. Edgecombe will you please escort Miss Chang to the Hospital wing, courtesy's of our Miss Weasley" Ginny beamed in pride. The bell rang out and everyone was glad for another day's end. "Oh Mr. Potter, Miss Weasley please stay behind will you"
Harry and Ginny said a hurry goodbye to Ron and Hermione before approaching the Professor.
"Yes Professor." said Ginny.
"Excellent spell casting today" said Noviskie
"Thank you sir" said Ginny. Harry felt like he was mainly talking to Ginny here as she had indeed performed well. So he remained quiet.
"Unfortunately your little extra lesson was inappropriate. I shall dock Gryffindor twenty points and you both shall serve detention tonight. I will have you scrubbing the armor in the corridors. Over watched by Mrs. Norris I should think" said Noviskie thoughtfully.
"Please sir, almost anyone but Mrs. Norris" said Harry pleadingly
"No I think the care takers cat would do excellent" said Noviskie "I shall expect you to start after dinner lets say about seven this evening"
"Yes sir" said Harry "But really it wasn't Ginny's fault I summoned her to me"
"I know, if Miss. Weasley wants out of it she may do so freely-" began Noviskie
"NO! I mean no sir. I'll serve the detention with Harry, it was my fault too!" said Ginny.
' Gin, really It was my fault '
' Tough bogey's I'm serving it too. At least I get to be with you ' Harry couldn't argue that. He wanted to be around Ginny by any means.
"Excellent, you may go. Oh by the way Mr. Potter. Well done on your spells we shall have to find you a new partner I think. Twenty points to Gryffindor" said Noviskie. Harry and Ginny smiled as they were dismissed and joined in the last minute stragglers heading to dinner.
"You can't really blame Professor Noviskie for giving you two detention" said Hermione "It's extremely against the rules"
"I know. I just wanted to say good job, well done, excellent wildfire" said Harry beginning to grin again at Ginny. He noticed that Cho wasn't in the Great Hall, and knew that Ginny more than likely had put her in the hospital wing for the night.
' Are you complaining? ' entered Ginny.
' Nope not at all, but where in the world did you learn that fire spell? '
' Just a book I read over the summer. I just remembered the incantation. I really didn't think I could control it ' said Ginny thoughtfully.
' Must be your magical increase ' said Harry.
' Must be - ' began Ginny but Ron and Hermione had interrupted again.
"That's not true" said Ron "Anyway's I did... So?"
"That's it Ron... do you think we could... well of course later... " said Hermione her cheeks blushed.
" Alright" said Ron "Ginny and ... Perfect"
"Excuse me" snapped Ginny at hearing her name.
"What?" said Hermione and Ron
"Indoor voices are appreciated. You're doing it again" she snapped.
"Oh sorry" said Hermione.
"Err... how much did you hear?" asked Ron nervously
"Only that you are planning a get away tonight, but don't worry you didn't say where" said Ginny as Ron and Hermione exchanged a dark look.
"Oh we have to go Gin. We'll see you later" said Harry getting to his feet. They bid a farewell to Ron and Hermione and left to go back to the Defense room.
"Glad you could make it" said Noviskie. He had been standing outside his room waiting for them. "You may not use magic to clean, but these instead." said Noviskie pointing to rags, hand buffers and all mess cleaner behind him. "Good luck and enjoy yourselves. Oh you may not finish until all corridors between levels four through seven are done. And Mrs. Norris knows the time too. I already checked." said Noviskie as he disappeared back into his room. Harry gave a grunt as Mrs. Norris appeared around the corner. Red eyes were glowing malevolently at them.
"Well, let's get started" said Ginny. They decided to work from the fourth level up and at first laughed about the things they could do to Mrs. Norris, mentally of course. No conversation was heard.
' Is this your first detention? ' asked Harry changing the subject.
' No, I got caught in fourth year with Fred and George trying to get a toilet seat from the girls bathroom '
' What? Why would you want- '
' It was when Umbridge was here. Thankfully she wasn't Headmistress at that time, or I would be bearing scars around my earlobes, just like Dad ' said Ginny as she gave out another giggle. Harry smiled. ' We learned that she used the same chamber pot every morning '
' You know I think you've spent too much time around Fred and George ' said Harry grinning and trying not to laugh.
' There fun to hang around. Besides who else was there. You were busy saving the wizardry world again ' Ginny smirked.
' I wish I would have gotten with you a lot sooner ' said Harry earnestly.
' Me too! But things happen the way there suppose to happen ' said Ginny with a sigh as they trudged up to the sixth floor. Mrs. Norris hot on there ankles.
' Yeah I guess. Your beautiful you know that '
' No but Harry let's get this done it's already eleven thirty '
' Especially when there's dirt smudged on your nose ' said Harry ignoring her protest
' What? Harry! '
' Don't worry I'll get it ' smirked Harry as he leaned over and rubbed her nose gently. Ginny gave a mental sigh and Harry gave her a quick kiss before turning to another suite of armor.
' Aggghh! How many of these are there? '
' Don't know, but if you want a guess I would have to say a thousand and some. For a correct number see Hogwarts A : History, or just ask Hermione ' teased Harry. Ginny gave another laugh. Merlin he laughed that laugh. Ginny sobered up and smiled and winked before returning her attention at the suite of armor.
"Ah Miss. Weasley, Mr. Potter still at it I see." Noviskie had come around a corner caring a cage.
"Yes sir. Just like you told us to be" said Ginny
"What's in the cage sir?" asked Harry
"Oh it's the snake Miss. Weasley here created." said Noviskie "I'm just taking it out to be released in the forest "
"Please don't take me away" hissed the snake in a begging tone.
"Sir can I hold it" asked Harry attentively.
"Harry this is a Python they grow large and can be deadly." said Noviskie
"Harry's a Parseltongue" said Ginny "He wouldn't ask if he thought it would hurt anyone"
"I heard that about you Mr. Potter, I just didn't want to believe gossip, but if you think It won't hurt you" said Noviskie as he sat the cage down and Harry walked over to it.
"Why don't you want to go outside?" hissed Harry as he concentrated on the snake. Noviskie gave a gasp, but Harry ignored it.
"I like the castle" hissed the snake simply.
"Unless you're a pet they won't allow you to stay inside. I'm sorry" hissed Harry
"A pet you say?" Harry nodded "You can understand me, can I be your pet?"
"Oh um...err I already have an owl and a Poppyworth" hissed Harry thoughtfully.
"I give you my word of honor, I will not hurt your owl or this Poppyworth." hissed the snake. Harry nodded.
"Sir, do you think I could have this snake?" asked Harry
"Mr. Potter this is a great responsibility. Snakes are usually not welcomed, but seeing as you can control it" said Noviskie hesitantly. "I suppose it's alright, but one problem and it's gone, understand?" Harry nodded and Noviskie walked off without the cage, and leaving the snake.
"Harry are you sure about this?" asked Ginny as she walked up to his side.
"Gin, he wants to be a pet" said Harry
"Sometimes I think you're as bad as Hagrid" smirked Ginny. "Do you think that it wants out of there?"
"I don't know, but it's a he Gin" smirked Harry
"What's he's name?" said Ginny. Harry shrugged.
"Okay you're my pet, but any problem and it'll be your death got it?" hissed Harry and the snake raised his head and nodded. "Right, you want out of that cage?" again it nodded so Harry raised the lid and watched as the seven foot snake slither out of the cage and around Harry climbing his body as he went. Harry shivered slightly as it did this, but made no move to stop it.
"Who's she?" hissed the snake
"He's asking about you" said Harry and Ginny stepped closer nervously. "That's my girlfriend, Ginny"
"She's pretty, I like the red" hissed the snake. Making Harry laugh
"What did it say?" asked Ginny
"He likes your hair" smiled Harry
"Harry I think this snake is you, just in snake form" teased Ginny as Harry stuck his tongue out and wiggled it. The snake mimicked him. Making Ginny laugh.
"Music to thy ears, a tune worthy of my soul" hissed the snake
"Watch it she's mine" hissed Harry, then laughed as he realized this was after all a snake.
"What now" said Ginny smiling fully now.
"I'm fighting for you, with a snake" said Harry laughing again, and Ginny joined in. "What is your name?" hissed Harry once he gained control of himself.
"They call me Modred Magnus, or you can change it now" hissed the snake.
"His names Modred Magnus" said Harry. Ginny scrunched up her nose.
"Let's just call him Magnus" said Ginny and Harry agreed
"We'll call you Magnus then, and I'm Harry" hissed Harry
"Nice to meet you master Harry, and Master's girlfriend Ginny" hissed Magnus.
"Just Harry and just Ginny, okay?" hissed Harry and Magnus agreed. They worked quicker from that point on and Harry had fun talking to Magnus and Ginny and relaying questions and answers between the two. Magnus was enthralled with Ginny and had come to rest on her shoulders as they finished up. Ron and Hermione appeared around the corner.
"Hey Harry. AGGHH GINNY" screamed Ron as he noticed Magnus
"Quiet down Ron it's just a snake" snapped Ginny as Magnus raised his head and Ginny stroked his chin carefully. Magnus looked content.
"Just a snake! Ginny that's a Python" said Hermione nervously.
"Yep and his names Magnus" said Harry moseying up to pet on the snake too.
"Harry is he...err " stuttered Ron
"Yep, he's Harry's new pet" said Ginny.
"This is my best friends Ron and Hermione" hissed Harry
"Pleased to meet them, the red one looks scared, the bushy one looks curious" observed Magnus. Harry snickered.
"He says you look scared Ron, and Hermione looks curious" translated Harry and Ginny snickered a giggle.
"I'm not scarred, just caught me by surprise, that's all" said Ron.
"I smell the cat again" hissed Magnus.
"Mrs. Norris is coming" said Harry just as he saw Mrs. Norris turned the corner and gave a meow. Ron jumped slightly and Harry's eye's widened as Ron was shrinking and turning into his spider. When Ron had turned he went barreling off after Mrs. Norris. Harry, Hermione and Ginny complete with Magnus started to run after Ron.
"RON" shouted Hermione
"Hermione don't shout his name" snapped Ginny. Harry ran around the corner and ran into Mr. Filch.
"That's a big spider after..." his face went pale as he realized the spider that was not normal was chasing after his cat. Filch grabbed his broom and went fleeing after Ron, who was still after Mrs. Norris. "I'll get you for that, I'll hang you by the ears, even without permission" shouted Filch.
"Come back here" yelled Hermione. Who now, thoroughly looked nervous at Mr. Filch running after Ron with a broom handle. Mrs. Norris ran into corridor after corridor, until finally hiding in a suite of armor that Harry distinctively remembered cleaning.
"Ron change back quickly" whispered Hermione. Ron's spider started to shake.
"Why's he shaking for?" asked Ginny looking thoroughly perplexed. Filch's yells were heard at the beginning corridor. Harry thought quickly.
"He can't transform back, we need to get him to McGonagall. Ron sorry about this" said Harry ' Mobilurbus ' Ron was under Harry's control as Harry went running in the opposite direction of Filch. Ginny and Hermione not far behind. Leaving the scared and now terrorized looking cat of Mrs. Norris behind stuck in the armor.
Harry ran to McGonagall office and gave the password, but it didn't work. "Cockroach lemon Feint, err... Lemon drop Wronski.. err"
"Wronski Cockroach" offered Ginny and the Gargoyle leaped aside. Harry smiled and started climbing the moving stairs, with Ron under the control of his wand. Hermione looked anxious. At the top of the stairs Harry knocked with the golden Griffin.
"Enter" came McGonagall's sharp voice. Harry entered.
"I'm sorry about this Professor, but Ron changed and I don't think he can turn back" said Harry as he set Ron on the floor and released him of the spell.
"Quite alright, oh dear girl what have you got?" said McGonagall clasping her hand to her chest at the site of Magnus.
"Err... this is Magnus" said Ginny
"And why do tell, have you got a snake in this school, and how did you get it in here?" asked McGonagall.
"Err.. I created it in Defense, and when Professor Noviskie wanted to release it, it didn't want to be so Harry decided to keep it as a pet" said Ginny looking at Harry who nodded in return.
"Why Mr. Potter have you got a snake?" said McGonagall.
"Just like what Ginny said. Magnus didn't want to be outside in the forest so It asked to be my pet and I agreed." said Harry.
"Oh what am I going to do with you two. See Albus, worse then the Weasley twins these two" said McGonagall. as she raised her wand and Ron appeared again. He was sitting on the floor and his hair was ruffled, and he looked a bit ghastly. .
"Ron!" Hermione flung herself at Ron who looked taken back. Harry heard laughter and looked up to see Dumbledore chuckling merrily in his frame.
"Pardon me Harry, but it seems that Magnus is more Ginny's than yours."
"Err... yeah he said her laughter was like music to his soul." said Harry looking at the snake, as Ginny was already rubbing his chin again. Ginny flashed him a smile, that Harry returned.
"Fine, you can keep this snake, but one problem-" began McGonagall
"That's what Noviskie said, one problem and he's gone" said Harry "But he promised he wouldn't be"
"Fine, now we need to get another meeting for you're animus training set up I see" said McGonagall looking sternly at Ron who smiled sheepishly. "Let's meet tomorrow night after dinner shall we?" they all nodded and Harry lead Ginny by the hand to the door. "Mr. Potter, Miss. Weasley I think you'll be needing these, as these two are a prefect and our Headgirl" Harry nodded as a piece of parchment flew out and he took hold of it. It was a pass in case they were stopped by Filch. Which luckily didn't happen all the way back to the Gryffindor common room. Harry reckoned he was still trying to get Mrs. Norris out of the armor.
Harry took Magnus off Ginny as it licked her cheek and Harry placed him on the couch while he kissed Ginny goodnight. Once upstairs Magnus made himself cozy at the foot of his bed, while Harry and Ron laughed at it, and got into their pajamas.
Everyone was interested to learn how Harry and Ginny had gotten the snake. Harry kept telling people that Ginny had created it, and it was sort of a gift. Ginny kept blushing, as Magnus hung between their shoulders during breakfast. The table laughed when they saw it ate vegetables instead of mice, and drank orange juice instead. But shook his head at the toast and offered sausages. Magnus seemed overly fond of eggs though. Neville worked up the courage to touch it finally and Magnus took no notice. When Dean touched it. Magnus turned quickly and licked his tongue. Dean stumbled back so fast he fell and tripped into the Hufflepuff table. The whole great hall was in hysterics. Even McGonagall managed a smile before hiding her face with her tea cup. Noviskie was laughing quietly so, but Hagrid walked right up to them, beaming in pride.
"Hey Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione. What have you got there" said Hagrid happily.
"He's names Magnus Professor" said Harry smiling.
"Great! He got any fangs?" asked Hagrid hopefully. The great Hall seemed to still as Harry hissed to Magnus to show his fangs at Hagrid. The snake did so, and even kept his mouth open while Hagrid squeezed into the bench and examined him.
"He's a healthy one alright" said Hagrid. "Excellent species isn't Harry" said Hagrid clearly fascinated by the fangs of Magnus. "See the marking on 'em Harry" said Hagrid. Magnus held a white-yellowish belly, and the top of him was almost orange. The markings were a rusty brown and they were odd shapes and even saw what looked like a diamond on his tail. "This ones an albino Harry, a truly wonderful creature" Hagrid rose out of the bench and placed Magnus on Ginny's shoulder again. Magnus curled around Ginny's waist and then up on her shoulders where he laid his head buried in her hair. Harry smiled amusedly. The snake wasn't heavy and he knew Ginny wasn't minding him. When they split for classes Magnus went with Harry, except on the classes that he shared with Ginny where Magnus would always return to her. The Professor's didn't mind Magnus in attendance, as long as he sat quiet.
"Are you sure Harry?" asked Neville nervously later that evening.
"Yes, Neville he'll be fine, just make sure he doesn't get into any trouble please?" said Harry as Ron and him stood up in the dormitory.
"Sure Harry. I'll take care of Magnus while your with McGonagall. I'm not afraid of snakes you know. You find them all the time in the greenhouses." said Neville. Harry grinned that was why Ginny had talked him into asking Neville to begin with.
"Thanks Neville I owe you one" said Harry as he and Ron left the dormitory and joined up with the girls. They ran all the way to the room of requirement where McGonagall was already waiting.
Within a half hour Hermione was able to transform into her owl and after another fifteen minutes a phoenix joined Fawkes they both joined the owl. Harry smiled as he watched the three birds and he desperately wanted to fly again. Harry concentrated all his might on his griffin and let it come out. When Harry opened his eye's he was a full griffin.
The phoenix 'Ginny' gave a note and Harry leaped in the air feeling the sudden wind ruffle his feather's. The owl and phoenix's came up on each side and Harry thoroughly enjoyed the flying. He looked down Ron had managed to change into his spider form. Harry landed gracefully beside Ron and bent his knees so Ron could climb up on his back. Ron made his way up on the giant spike between his shoulder and Harry took off in the air again, and was soon playing a game of tag with the owl and two phoenix's. The owl won, only because she was the tiniest.
After a while McGonagall called them down and Ron descended from Harry's back and under order's they all started concentrating on becoming themselves again. Ginny was the first followed by Harry, then Hermione. As they all sat down waiting on Ron to transform back into himself. After about twenty minuets he'd managed it and McGonagall gave him a pat on the arm and a smile. Ron left grinning ear to ear. Neville was in the common room reading to Magnus a book on the importance of algae. Harry smirked as Neville said goodnight and Harry gave two galleons to him before he could leave.
"Honestly Harry you don't have to-" stammered Neville.
"I know Neville. I'm just taking care of my pet properly, and paying the babysitter" Harry teased. Neville laughed and headed upstairs to bed. A few moments later they all followed to tired to do any homework, even Hermione.
Term had been started a full week and Harry sat in the common room. They didn't have Animagus training tonight as McGonagall was too busy. Cho had finally left them alone for the main point, though thoroughly annoyed with Magnus, especially when she had come back the next day and Magnus was slithering from his to Ginny's shoulder's. Homework was done and Harry now sat with Ginny with Magnus curled on her lap sleeping peacefully.
Harry was wracking his brain again about the list of possibility's of the last Horcrux. The newly constructed list of possibility's held tight in his hand. There was a necklace and a headpiece that Rowena had favored. There were also things like bracelets and rings. But Harry kept going back to the golden Quill that Godric gave her. What he need was someone to confirm this thought. That way he knew what had to be done,. It was his greatest goal. ' It neither gives us strength, nor knowledge ' Harry remembered Dumbledore guiding him clear back in his first year. All the time they had wasted when they could have been searching for the Hurcrux's. ' I show not your face, but you hearts desire ' Yeah well what he really desired right now was that damned Horcrux, or the knowledge of it's existence and what the bloody hell it was. Thought Harry angrily. Ginny shifted in her seat beside him. His hearts greatest desires?
"That's it!" said Harry loudly.
"What's it?" asked Hermione over her parchment where she sat doing the extra work for Noviskie.
"I show not your face, but your hearts greatest desire" said Harry as Ginny was stretching and Ron looked perplexed up at him. "Don't you understand it?" said Harry jumping up out of his seat and pacing in front of the fireplace thinking.
"What's the Mirror of Erised?" asked Ginny picking up Magnus and shifting his position.
"Wait, Harry that thing won't help us now, plus it lies. I never became Headboy" said Ron. "Or Quidditch captain, come to think of it"
"Ron it showed your hearts greatest desire back then" said Harry "It doesn't show you the future"
"So how is suppose to help us then?" asked Hermione as she had finally put down her quill and was listening with interest.
"It shows your hearts greatest desire, so I find it again, look in and see the last Horcrux, or Ginny but it's worth a try" said Harry as Ginny smiled.
"Maybe Ginny holding the last Horcrux" said Ron standing up and walking to Harry in front of the fireplace.
"Yes, that's all great but we don't even know where Dumbledore sent it" entered Hermione. Harry dug in his pocket since the common room was empty and it was a Friday night. Harry opened Dumbledore's frame.
"Professor Dumbledore?" said Harry
"Ah, Harry up late I see" said Dumbledore
"Yes sir, we all are. I had a question, about the Mirror of Erised." said Harry
"Harry I have told you do not seek it out. Men have wasted away in front of it" said Dumbledore
"No sir, I was hoping it would show me the last Horcrux. You know my hearts greatest desire" said Harry. Dumbledore froze. He stood still in his frame and Harry shifted he's feet impatiently. After about ten minutes of Dumbledore looking at him like a muggle puzzle to be worked out he sighed.
"Harry I think you are ingenious. Your hearts greatest desire would be to rid the world of Voldemort, the mirror would of course show you the way. But if it does not, I will inform the Headmistress of it's location and it will be removed from Hogwarts in it's entirely" said Dumbledore.
"Sir, I hold no desire to look in the mirror and try and find nothing else but the last location of the last Horcrux." said Harry firmly.
"Very well, Harry. I had it placed to the one spot that students could not get to it. The chamber of Secrets" said Dumbledore "But Harry please be careful, and take me along. If you get in trouble I will contact the Headmistress immediately."
"Thanks Professor, goodnight" said Harry
"Good luck Harry" said Dumbledore. Harry closed the frame and replaced it in his pocket.
"So should we go now" said Ginny looking much awake, and Magnus picking up on her excitement started to curl around her waist and shoulders.
"Wait. We can't go tonight" said Hermione anxiously
"Why not?" asked Ron.
"Well because-" began Hermione
"Hermione you can finish your work later." said Ron.
"This is about our mission Hermione, we need to destroy the last Horcrux and to do that, we first need to find it. It's our only lead" said Harry and Ron nodded his head. Harry knew he was talking mentally with her.
"You're both right, what will we need.?" asked Hermione after a few moments. She stood up and forgot her extra credit, for now.
"The marauders map, I think." said Harry "and the invisibility cloak"
"But Harry all four of us can't fit under that thing now" said Hermione
"No, but what if two of you could fly up a head near the ceiling out of site and the other two can hide under the cloak" said Harry smartly.
"Excellent" said Ron
"Were not suppose to use those forms outside of the meetings Harry. You know that" said Hermione sternly.
"What not even to save the wizarding world Hermione" said Ginny standing up and Magnus licked the air.
"Well, if it is used for that then-" she began
"Great I'll get the map and cloak" said Harry as he quickly ran upstairs and grabbed the cloak and map, and was back downstairs again in all about two minutes.
Ginny handed Magnus over to Harry. Magnus immediately understood and curled around Harry's waist and shoulders now. Hermione and Ginny exchanged looks and within a minute they both were flying. Harry smiled up at the Phoenix.
"Bird of my heart. Sustain this emotion that burst within me" hissed Magnus.
"We need to have an understanding that Ginny's mine and not yours" Hissed Harry teasingly.
Harry found their way into Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, shutting the door after the Phoenix and the owl flew in and turned back into Ginny and Hermione. Harry removed the invisibility cloak. Ron straightened back up to his full height.
"Remind me never to go under that thing again" grumbled Ron "I'm just too tall for it now."
"I could have easily used Reduico to shrink you" said Harry then laughed at the horror expression Ron wore.
"Who's there... oh it's you, the murder" Harry turned around to find moaning Myrtle floating in the U-bend.
"I'm not a murder. Draco Malfoy is still alive" said Harry looking up at the ghost thoroughly disgusted.
"Really?" Myrtle asked. Though Harry couldn't tell if she was happy about this or not.
"Well, not for long, see when I find him and his dad I'm going to kill them both" said Harry through gritted teeth, and Magnus hissed adding the effect. Myrtle looked at the snake meeting Magnus's yellow eye's and gasped as she shirked and dived into a toilet. Ron rushed over and flushed it.
"That'll keep her busy for a while" he said smugly. Harry secretly hoped he was right. Ginny flashed an amused smile at Ron. Harry knew that Myrtle had to have a fear of snakes, speaking on how she died.
"I Harry Potter command you to open" Harry hissed at the faucet that held one difference to all the others. A small etched version of a snake. Thee only difference. So small, but held a whole other world below. The facet leaped aside and showed the tunnel leading down into the depth of the chamber.
Hermione and Ginny changed and flew down through the hole and Ron shrugged before sliding down and Harry soon followed, Magnus hissed all the way.
They moved the rocks blocking the way, using Wingarderum Levisoa, making the hole slightly larger than the one Ron had made when Harry had brought Ginny out from the chamber, six years prior. When Hermione and Ginny saw the snakeskin still lying there both girls gasped.
"Harry is that what you fought?" asked Hermione her eye's wide.
"Yeah, but it's gone so let's keep moving" said Harry passing it off with a wave of his hand. He was momentarily surprised when Ginny grabbed him in a quick hug.
' Err... Ginny not that I'm complaining by an means, but what was that for? '
' You had to fight that thing because of me, to save me ' said Ginny as her bottom lips trembled. Harry reached out and took her hand.
' I'd have fought it every year if it meant saving you Gin, but I also did it to help Hermione and Justin, and all the rest that had been petrified. ' said Harry.
' Oh Harry I didn't mean to make it sound... you know what I mean.' Ginny said rolling her eye's playfully. Harry smiled as he headed up to where two good sized snakes held emeralds for eye's and Harry swallowed knowing full well what lay behind this last door. Magnus looked interested at the two snakes.
"I command thee to open" hissed Harry and the snake began it's run around the door and finally releasing the latch that held it tight. The door swung forward on it's own and Harry stepped in through it. Hermione followed looking curious, Ron after her and Ginny stepped one foot in and stopped. Harry had a mental flash of a eleven year old Ginny laying on the cold wet stone. Harry felt suddenly uneasy, but it was not his feeling. Harry turned Ginny seemed composed, but as Harry met her eye's he saw it. Fear. Remembrance of that fateful night so many years ago still played fresh in her mind. Harry walked back to her and gathered her in his arms. He nodded at Ron that she would be alright. And Hermione lead Ron away by the hand.
Ginny silently sobbed into his chest and he even felt his own eye's cloud with it's own wetness. Harry kept seeing Ron shot him furtive looks and Harry nodded every time to reassure him, that Ginny was going to be alright. Why had he let her come?
' Gin maybe this was a bad idea ' Harry thought.
' NO! It's fine ' she sent back mentally. Harry met Hermione's look and he understood it.
' No it's not, come on- ' but Ginny stopped him, by putting her hands up between them and pushed away from him. Out of his arms. Harry felt a cold wave of sadness.
' I'm not going anywhere Harry! I can handle this. I just need a moment ' Ginny snapped in his mind. Harry gave into her, and nodded. He walked back up to her attentively. He paused to push her hair off her forehead as his eye's met hers once again.
"I know you can handle this" whispered Harry "You're a Weasley for now anyway. You're the strongest women I know. I have no doubt that you can get through this wildfire" Ginny gave him a small smile through her tear stained cheeks.
"Even when my last name does change, I'll still be a Weasley" smirked Ginny
"Mmm no doubt about that either" said Harry returning her smile.
"Any idea what my last name will be, when it does change?" Ginny teased. Harry smiled back mischievously.
' Maybe Finnigan, or Longbottom, or- owww- ' Harry said as Ginny slapped him in his chest. "Alright, alright. Merlin! You and I both know it'll be Potter" Harry said gathering her closer in his arms and placing a sweet calming kiss on her lip's.
"Better Mr. Potter" whispered Ginny
"Well, in that case maybe I should try again" whispered Harry as he captured her lips again.
"Harry you're not going to believe this" Ron yelled. Harry groaned and turned toward where Ron and Hermione stood.
"I was kind of in the middle of comforting Ginny, but wait... is that it?" asked Harry pointing to a large object covered in a dusty white sheet of fabric. Ron had it pulled back and was looking underneath. Hermione and Ginny pulled the cloth and Harry swallowed as he was once again looking at the Mirror of Erised.
"Erised stra ehru oyt ube cafru oyt on wohsi, what does that mean?" asked Ginny
"I show not your face but your hearts greatest desire." said Harry. "What Dumbledore told me" he added at the confused look on Hermione's face.
"Shall we all look in, or just Harry" said Ron trying to peer into the frame from the left.
"I don't know" said Hermione. Harry could tell she was curious at to what the mirror would show her and portray her as, but knew Dumbledore's warning to Harry too! Harry shrugged. Ron walked forward and stepped in front of the mirror. Harry saw his face grow enlightened as a huge grin played his face. Harry allowed him a minuet before grabbing his shoulders and bringing him away from it's refection. Ginny repeated the process and gave a squeal as she was beaming into it.
' What do you see? ' asked Harry, his curiosity risen.
' Us, holding twin girls ' said Ginny ' Hey and my hair don't look bad either ' she smirked. Harry laughed as he reached up and pulled her away, just like Ron. Hermione walked nervously up and immediately started smiling, and again Harry repeated the process for her. He had allowed the same amount of time for each one. Harry uncoiled Magnus and Ginny took him. Magnus gave a lick at her cheek and Harry smiled. He kissed Ginny before heaving a deep breath and walked in front of the mirror.
The image was clear. Though not only now did he see his parents and a few generations back. He saw Ginny in a white wedding gown, and Sirius was beside her waving. Dumbledore was off to the right as his blue eye's sat twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles. Harry smiled. What he need right now was his family and friends to give him advice. What he needed was them. Harry wished they where here with him. Suddenly the image leaped out to him. With invisible hands as cold as ice. Clasped him around the shoulders and Middle. His legs flew out from under him. Harry was being dragged into the Mirror, screaming all the way!
AN :
I entirely went and added something I had no plans on, yes I'm referring to the snake. So do you like Magnus? Or should I start thinking of a way to get rid of him? I made him not like a normal snake. For instance, he doesn't eat mice, he like's scrambled eggs, and orange juice. I thought that added a nice distinctive touch to his character. As you may of cot on, he talks like a poet most of the time. I think he sounds kind of cute! But if you want him out let me know.
Questions, questions, questions... err.. yes.
About the Communicator worms. No, Harry could only hear Ginny, Ron can only hear Hermione, and Fred can only hear George. And vice-versa. Their 'Twin' worms, if you will. The 'mates' can only hear each other. ( I use the word mates loosely ) LOL!
As for a chapter from Ron and Hermione's POV. Not highly likely. Only because the real HP books are mainly told from Harry POV. So following in that footstep I'm keeping this straight Harry's POV. Maybe in another book. I could use that and Voldemort having a daughter. Now there's an idea! ;) Give me more practice! How did you like the broken conversation though? I laughed when I was writing it. Thinking in how many way's it could be taken.
Alienating Harry? No you weren't harsh, I'm just slightly confused. I don't really see where I've made Harry alienate his friends, R/H. But hey, we all have our own opinions, if anyone else feels like this drop a letter to tell me where, I'll try and work on that.
Is Charlie ever going to meet back up with Bella? Should he? Of course! I just can't you when! I know I can have an evil streak in too. I think it's the Italian in me. ( Mmm, yeah it has to be )
I hope this answer's some of your questions. I hope everyone has a Happy Holiday and a great New Year. I hope to have another chapter or two out before next year, but we'll see.
Until next chapter, as always take care. Please Review!
HogwartsAngel101