Disclaimer : I don't own Harry Potter.
Chapter : 37
Casus Belli
Enjoy!
"Morning Headmistress. Anything I could do for you?" asked Regulus as he fell into the couch facing the fire. Harry could see the bedroom with the bed's rumpled clothing. A pile of books beside the bed and some more were scattered through out the sitting room. Harry briefly wondered what he had been reading up on. Harry, Ginny, Ron, and McGonagall who had agreed to let Harry have a talk with Regulus. Hermione had chosen to go to the library instead. She was still searching the property's of Horcruxes. Trying desperately to figure out the order of them.
"Yes in fact there is. Mr. Potter here need's your assistance. And I dare say find he shall get it" said McGonagall crossly.
"Of course" sneered Regulus. "Well, let's see Potter what can I assist you on?"
"The Horcruxes" said Harry simply as he strode over to stand in front of the fire place.
"I'm afraid I've told you all I know" said Regulus.
' He's lying ' said Ginny. Harry shot her a look of agreement. "Remind us" she said to Regulus. Regulus looked over at her, then his eyes flew to Magnus.
"A pet snake?" said Regulus smiling.
"Something like that, oh and he's mine." said Harry. Regulus snapped his attention back to Harry with a look in his eyes that Harry couldn't quite place. It wasn't fear, nor was it amusement.
"Seems like a little more of him went into you than even he knows." said Regulus. He drew his legs up and rested them on the table in front of where he sat. McGonagall looked like she wanted to say something. Instead she pursed her lips and remained quiet.
"Yeah, seems like a little more did, but that's not why we're here and that's not why you're in hiding" said Harry getting the subject back on the main topic.
"Alright I'll level with you, a bit more anyway. I am in hiding if the dark lord knew I was here. He would be here in a matter of hours with his army that certainly out numbers yours" said Regulus.
"I'm about to do something that will bring him here anyway" said Harry and watched as a slight fear enveloped his eyes. "Afraid?"
"Not of him. Let's just say I'm curious as to who will truly win?" said Regulus. Harry met his eyes. Sirius's eyes. "If you're wondering if I know, I do"
"Know what?" asked Ginny.
"I know, but does she?" said Regulus pointing his finger to Ginny, but keeping his eyes on Harry.
"She's not your concern. Is she. But I'll play your game. She knows what I know" said Harry.
"Everything?" sneered Regulus. Harry stared back with what he hoped was an expressionless face. "Even the prophecy?"
"Bloody hell not that piece of rubbish again" said Ginny sighing dramatically. Regulus looked at her stunned. "Yes and I'm still with him" Regulus looked momentarily confused.
"Power the dark lord knows not" he whispered. Harry smiled smugly.
"Yes, I can love. Imagine that" said Harry.
"A power the dark lord underestimates. I warned him. I warned him, that you could easily fall... I warned him, and you did" Regulus said incoherently.
"Okay now that we've established that. I told you a piece of information. Now you tell me" said Harry. Regulus raised his eyes he still seemed dazed.
"Strength like I said. Is thee only way to penetrate the lockets defenses" said Regulus.
"And?" said Ron.
"I tried everything in my birth right to attempt this. I was not strong enough." said Regulus.
"I think Harry will have enough strength" said Ginny sending a wink at Harry.
"What after the strength?" asked Harry.
"You need a spell that will tear the object the Horcrux rest in, apart" said Regulus.
"Like what?" asked McGonagall.
"It would have to be as powerful as the object. Take the locket, the power of the spell has to be the same amount of power in the locket" said Regulus as if this was the most obvious thing in the world.
"What kind of spell?" asked Harry.
"I answered one of your questions, now answer one of mine" said Regulus. "What did the red head mean by you've got enough strength?"
"I have the power of the four elements. Given to me by love" answered Harry. He knew it wasn't the smartest thing in the world to be divulging his information he did have, but if he wanted to learn how to kill Voldemort. This was thee only way.
"Four elements?" asked Regulus. He sat up quickly and his feet went back to the floor. "The simple power of that enables you to do a world of magic you would not otherwise"
"Yeah, I know." said Harry. Making light of the powerful symbol on his chest. Regulus looked incredibly on at him. "Now my question"
"Err..." said Regulus as he still seemed shocked at Harry's power. Harry watched him give a shake of his head before continuing. "The locket, I found the simple Reductor curse will work. Now when the soul gets bare. Shown, it will be more difficult... err... for a normal wizard anyway" said Regulus. Harry raised his eyebrows at him. Did he just admit that he was better than most wizards?
' More like just powerful ' said Ginny. Harry allowed a smile to tug at the corners of his lips.
"Please continue" said Harry with an amused expression. Regulus gave a throaty cough.
"Now I know of the golden broach. It was last made. I know this because I witnessed the scene that confirmed what I was told" said Regulus. He had gritted his teeth over the last four words and Harry gave another slight smile. "I saw Severus holding a wizard-"
"Who?" entered Harry.
"Caradoc Dearborn" said Regulus. Harry cut his eyes at him. "Know of him?" asked Regulus with slight interest.
"I've heard of him." admitted Harry. "He was a part of the original Order. Never found, if I'm not mistaken" McGonagall looked at him with tears in her eyes. Ginny and Ron looked wondering at him. ' Moody told me ' He saw Ginny's face dawn with comprehension.
"That's right. The dark lord used him to make the broach." said Regulus. "Now if you take that Horcrux, you will need a different spell. That matches it's power see?" Harry nodded.
"How do you know this?" asked Ron. Regulus looked smugly up at him.
"I spent the last sixteen years in seclusion. All I had was my books and lab. Did you find that as well?" he asked looking at Harry.
"Yes" said Harry. It was Regulus's turn to look wondering. "I sensed the magic you had on it. Oh and the defensive spell you had on it. Never fazed me. Sorry" said Harry with a smirk of his own. Regulus cut his eyes at him.
"I put a lot of power into that spell" said Regulus indignantly.
"So it would seem" said Harry indifferently.
"How? How did you get past the charm?" asked Regulus as he sat back into the couch again with awe written on his face, though it couldn't have been clearer he did not want to be willingly impressed. Yet he was.
"I have been given a magical increase" said Harry.
"Increase?" said Regulus. "Of course. Love. True love" He shot a look at Ginny who smiled smugly back at him defiantly. "That would mean you received one as well"
"That would not be your concern. You will direct your questions at me. And only me" said Harry he was sure he must have looked angry, because the next thing was Regulus snapped his attention back to Harry and then to the floor. "Now" said Harry breathing in deep to steady himself. "What comes after that. When the souls are bare. Are shown"
"There are only two ways to kill a piece or a whole soul Potter" said Regulus quietly. His eyes still on the ground at his feet.
"And that is?" asked Harry.
"One would be the dementor's, but there at the dark lords command" said Regulus. "And the second... "
"Avada Kedavra" said Harry. Hermione had been right. Judging it all by the look Regulus was giving him.
"With the purity of your heart" he said sneeringly. "I think that would be your worst problem right there"
"No it's not" said Harry. "For when I cast it. I won't be killing a person. I'll be killing nefariousness" Regulus raised his right eyebrow.
"You think so, do you?" Regulus asked.
"Yes. He may not be the last dark art pursuer. But I will make sure it's the last of him" vowed Harry.
"Potter, keep a few things in mind. I may help you. But make no mistake I am not your ally. I will not fight alongside of you. I am only helping you because a half blood as gotten too powerful for my liking" said Regulus.
"By the sound of this ones tone, you'd think he were trying to convince himself of the same thing." hissed Magnus.
"No, he's trying to be the exact opposite of his brother" hissed Harry. He noticed that Regulus did not flinch, but rather looked on with interest.
"Brothers by blood, but never by true heart" hissed Magnus. Harry agreed.
"I do not expect anything out of you. Sirius didn't and neither do I" said Harry. Regulus snorted.
"Oh yes, he was your godfather wasn't he?" sad Regulus. "We have the same eyes you know"
"You may have the same eyes, but you've neither the same heart or soul" snapped Harry. His annoyance with the man growing to a feverish peak.
"No we are at different ends of the world on that one." said Regulus prideful. "Just making sure we're on the same page at least"
"We will never be on the same page. You and I may want a world free of Voldemort" said Harry noticing the way Regulus flinched at the name. "But if another should rise after, I will be there to stop them. Make no mistake" Regulus smiled again.
"Then after the fall of the dark lord, may we meet again on the battle field" said Regulus.
"And what makes you think, that you will live to see another battle?" asked Ginny. Her wand pointed at Regulus's chest. Regulus looked at her wand than at her, Harry then back to the wand.
"I was just stating that if Potter here kills the dark lord, I will help another rise, a pureblood" said Regulus.
"She's right. What makes you think that we'll let you leave her unscathed?" said Ron. Who had drawn his wand and had it pointed to Regulus.
"Now, now. Wouldn't want to get to quick on the drawl in front of your headmistress now would you?" taunted Regulus.
"I have temporarily gone blind" said McGonagall a look of irritation on her face. Regulus cut his eyes.
"See Regulus? I have friends that will make sure there will never be another who rises after your dark lord" said Harry as Ron and Ginny came to stand on either side of him.
"Foolish friends" sneered Regulus.
"Friends that act on heart and not on fear" said Harry. Regulus met his eyes again.
"What would you know about fear Potter?" said Regulus with a look of contempt.
"Lets see... Mmm... I have faced Voldemort four times." said Harry.
"Loads of Death Eaters" said Ron.
"Loads of menacing creatures" entered Ginny.
"I back you up as well, on whatever it is their saying" hissed Magnus. Harry felt grateful.
"Nope wouldn't know anything about fear" said Harry. He took a moment to enjoy Regulus's stunned expression. "Next question... How did you know about the prophecy?" Regulus allowed a sneering smile to come across his lips.
"The dark lord wasn't so... diligent about letting his followers know about it. Though he didn't know it's entirely. Actually he seemed to find it rather amusing" said Regulus laying back again in the couch and putting his legs back up on the table. "Something tells me you know it's full content?"
"And why would he do that?" asked McGonagall. Harry ignored the remark of the prophecy. That was one thing he was not willing to divulge. Not yet anyway.
"Back then it did seem rather odd. To actually think that a baby could defeat an older wizard and at the age of one. It was unheard of. Laughable even" said Regulus.
"So you all sat around and banged your knees over it, did you?" said Ron.
"Something like that" said Regulus.
"So tell me are you laughing now?" asked Ginny as her wand had not wavered from Regulus.
"What do you think?" sneered Regulus.
"The order of the Horcruxes" said Harry. He visibly saw McGonagall grow rigged, but remain quiet.
"How about you answer another one of my questions" said Regulus. Harry nodded his head once. "What four elements do you posses?"
"Compassion, Wisdom, Strength, and Vindictive" answered Harry.
"Compassion, not at all surprised there. Wisdom, heard that about you, you did after all get through the triwizard tournament" said Regulus. Harry was instantly reminded of the scrap book Regulus had made about him. "Strength, well again not surprising you are afar all a Gryffindor. Vindictive huh? Well, now that is surprising, though not so much... You do after all possess character traits of the dark lord" said Regulus. "So it appears that the Hogwarts Four have returned"
"So I've heard" said Harry trying to not let the annoyance show on his face. He was tired of people reminding him of this. It seemed as if they were expecting too much of him. Ginny sent him a look of love and understanding.
"Don't seem to thrilled though, and yet I wonder why?" asked Regulus looking at Harry as if trying to see through him.
"That's a separate question" said Ron on Harry's defense. Regulus shrugged his shoulder in what would appear absentmindedly.
"What order do the Horcruxes go in?" asked Harry.
"That I really do not know" said Regulus. Harry stared doubtful at him. "Now really Potter why would I lie? I have nothing to gain if you loose"
' He does have a good point. If I did loose he would be killed by Voldemort ' observed Harry.
' So he must be telling the truth ' said Ginny. ' Hermione and I will get together to discuss this one further. We have dad bringing some more research material later on. If we need more information. It's not like he's going anywhere '
' True ' said Harry. "Fine, so what can you tell us to further assist you in your one request of killing Voldemort" Regulus flinched again at the name.
"Nothing else. That is all I know" said Regulus.
"One more thing then. Why would Lucius go back with Voldemort, if he knew that you were out to take Tom down? said Harry.
"The dark lord has his son. No matter what you assume of Lucius, he will always put his son first." said Regulus.
"Why? Their both bloody cowards" said Ron.
"His son is his heir." said Regulus simply.
"He wants to make sure the Malfoy line continues" said Ginny. Regulus nodded with a smile.
"That is all I know." said Regulus. "So what do you think?"
"I would say that you followed Mummy and Daddy's advice to be the hero of the Black family. Another way to out do your brother. Then found yourself in a world full of dung. A place you weren't too happy to be in. Then low and behold an old man drops by, safes you from your brother, and offers you a name. A name that you decided to look into, and discover that Tom was nothing more than a half blood. You use it as your escape. I don't think you could have done what Voldemort was ordering you to do anyway, so it was easy bale. An easy way out so you wouldn't make yourself look too bad. Stop me if I'm getting close" said Harry. Regulus sneered.
"You think it have it all down" said Regulus sneeringly. "But in truth your self assurance will kill you"
"And you would know something about this?" said Harry. His annoyance at full brim.
"Intelligibly" said Regulus. Harry didn't care to know Regulus's meaning. He gave him one last hard look before heading through the portrait hole. He was soon joined with the others. The portrait closed.
"Headmistress, Shall I give my full report?" said the painting. Harry looked up and found a man with a short silver hair that was still streaked with black. His face was round and hard. His eyes a cold blue gray. They sent chills down Harry's neck.
"Fine, go on" said McGonagall.
"At first there was nothing. He showered and then went to sleep and slept a long time. But last night a stranger came. They wore a black hooded cloak and they had the password so I let them in. But when they got inside they walked up to him and just stood there. Even touched his face once, before leaving again." the painting said.
"And who was this visitor?" asked McGonagall.
"I'm afraid I do not know" said the painting. "They had the password, I just figured it was you or someone you would allow in"
"Thank you, but from now on, if I am not in attendance no one gets in or out" said McGonagall the painting bowed his head and stilled. McGonagall looked crossly at the three in front of her.
"Don't look us Professor" said Harry. "We didn't come back"
"Don't be silly Mr. Potter. Of course you didn't" said McGonagall.
"Then who would?" asked Ginny.
"I do not know Miss. Weasley." McGonagall said as she relaxed her face a little bit and immediately looked tired and exhausted.
"Professor? I have to ask you something?" said Harry.
"Go on then Mr. Potter if it is important enough" said McGonagall.
"It is. Who gave Sirius the word that Regulus was dead to begin with?" asked Harry. McGonagall heaved a deep breath and looked at him apologetically.
"It was a member of the then order, someone on the inside" she said. Harry met her eyes and knew at once who she meant.
"Snape" Harry said. McGonagall nodded her head. "Ma'am do you think that Snape is really a Death Eater or a member just too far under cover to risk contacting us?"
"I'm afraid I do not know. Albus thinks that he is undercover." said McGonagall.
"And you? What do you think?" asked Ginny.
"I am torn. I look at his portrait and think he should be behind that desk, not me." said McGonagall looking tired and mournful. "But I know he would have it no other way in case of his death. But still Severus is the reason isn't he?" McGonagall looked up at Harry who had been watching her. She was looking for reassurance in what he had witnessed. Harry nodded his head in reply. She took a steadying breath patted his shoulder and together they entered back into the main corridor. She bid them a farewell and Harry watched her leave.
"Hermione's waiting for us in the library." said Ron. Harry nodded and together the three of them walked to the library.
"So which do you suppose came first?" asked Harry for the umpteenth time that week.
"I don't know" said Hermione shaking her head from side to side. Her eyes never leaving the pages of the book she held.
"But we're working on it" said Ginny. "We had McGonagall tell dad to bring a list of a few things from the burrow and he's suppose to bring them later."
"Like what kind of things?" asked Ron.
"Remember those scrolls from Grimmauld Place" said Hermione smartly. She finally marked her page and laid it down in her lap.
"If Regulus isn't telling us the truth it would sure to be in them scrolls" said Ginny.
"And Ginny and I left them in a place that Mrs. Weasley could easily find them, as long as we told her the location" said Hermione. Harry stared dumbfounded at the girls. They never ceased to surprise him. What things they figured out when they started thinking together was amazing.
In potions they had managed to keep their Felix Felicis successfully brewing. There potion was thee only one left. Slughorn was mildly shocked. As was Harry and Ron. Harry had briefly wondered if they could use ol' Felix when Voldemort came running, but Professor McGonagall checked into it and found Slughorn didn't have any made up and Ginny, Hermione, Ron, and Harry's Felix wouldn't be prepared for another two months. As it takes almost half the year to successfully make. They simply couldn't wait that long to finish this.
"What if he was telling us the truth" said Ron.
"I don't really think he was" entered Hermione.
"I do" said Harry. Hermione snapped her head to look at him so fast, it almost made Harry dizzy.
"What?" she said.
"Hermione think about it. He would've had to known that the Black house passed to Sirius. I'm thee only one Sirius considered family. Right? So it would only make since for Sirius to give the house to me" said Harry.
"He does have a point Hermione. Regulus didn't seem that surprised when he mentioned not being able to get back inside. Much less find the place." said Ginny.
"True, but-" began Hermione.
"Hermione" said Harry calmly. "I know that he don't like you, and you don't like him. I understand that"
"I didn't say I don't like him" snapped Hermione.
"You really didn't have too" said Ginny tilting her head to the side and looking at Hermione.
"You do have to acknowledge the facts. Regulus did help us on the train to Hogwarts. Regulus did help us on the attack on Hogsmead" said Harry. Hermione looked defiant. As she crossed her arms over her chest. Ron looking confused, wisely stayed out of it. Harry couldn't blame him. The look on Hermione's face was livid.
"Hermione. We love you all in different ways. Obviously" said Ginny looking at Ron then back at Hermione. "We know what Regulus thinks, but we need to take all the information into account. You know we don't think that way." Hermione sighed and let a breath out. Harry thought she looked like she was deflating.
"You're right of course. It's just sometimes it can really get on your nerves" said Hermione. Harry recognized the sign of defeat.
"Get used too it Hermione. Zabini on the platform, Regulus this week. Death Eaters in a few days" said Harry trying to make his friend see light. Hermione nodded her head and laid down in Ron's lap. Ron wasn't about to complain as he started stroking her hair.
"It's just sometimes you know, can really get to a girl" said Hermione.
"Woman" said Ron and Harry together. Causing them all to smile as Harry saw Ginny and Hermione exchange knowing glances.
Ron had finally master Occlumency, which left him thrilled and made for a quiet night in the common room. Without bickering going on between Ron and Hermione, several fourth years and up had given them odd looks all evening. Harry and Ginny had fun sitting back and watching the stunned faces of their fellow Gryffindor's. The ball was the next evening and Harry knew that Ginny was excited and this feeling echoed into him through her. He really couldn't wait to see Ginny in the blue green dress and cloak. He knew that Ginny was modifying it in a few places, cause she had asked his permission first. Harry had snickered at this. Then finally told her that the dress was hers to do with what she wanted. And Harry was sure she did. Hermione was even acting all girly about it. After Regulus's sudden appearance there only seemed to be one thing left for them to figure out. The order of the Horcruxes.
Ginny and Hermione had been going over the scrolls from Grimmauld place. When they had once again retired to Dumbledore's private library. But all they found out was everything that Regulus had already told them. Surprised by Ron, it had been the complete truth of what he knew about them. Harry had a growing suspicion that he hadn't lied to them. Regulus was in a battle for his life as well. Though the only big difference was he didn't have to fight for his. Harry did. But not only for his own life, plus Regulus's, not that he cared about the bloke anyway. He was fighting for his friends. For Ginny. For happiness, and love. He had a true reason to fight now. To survive.
Harry took a breath and prepared his mind again. He was rapidly changing from his Animagus form of the griffin. To a elemental power. He had gotten used to his new wand, so much in fact that his old wand that he had grown quite fond of over the last six years. Seemed to have gotten weak overnight. Ginny felt the same with her own old wand. Both had been carrying both wands with them at all times. There new wands hidden in there cloak. Their old wands ready and at hand should the case call for it. They also still carried the invisibility cloaks. Harry reckoned they would for the rest of there lives.
"Okay so first it was the diary when he was seventeen" said Hermione. Harry stopped practicing to watch. She had a black board conjured and floating in mid air. She wrote 'diary' at the very beginning of the long line that ran through the middle of the board.
"Then the ring" said Ginny as she wrote 'ring' a few paces down from where Hermione had wrote 'diary'.
"Then there was either the locket of the cup" said Hermione making two short lines that said both cup and locket.
"Right so that leaves the broach" said Ginny writing 'broach' next.
"Then the final one, Nagini" said Hermione as she wrote in the last Horcrux. Harry looked back over the board. They had written several small notes along the way and the board was covered in chalk. But Harry could see past the obvious, they had written down the life of Tom Marvolo Riddle. Not his doings, Harry didn't think there was enough black board in the world to do that. But they did write in when a Horcrux was made and the guessed date. Or rather how old they thought Voldemort would have been. Ron looked over the board with complete confusion.
"It's complicated Ron. So rest your mind" said Hermione. Harry and Ginny snorted behind there hands and Ron's face turned red.
"It's not easy having a girl in your head all the time" muttered Ron to Harry. Harry smirked. He remembered a conversation taking place with Ginny very similar too. Though Hermione ignored his comment and continued on cross-referencing the board with the scrolls.
"Hermione" entered Harry. "Why do you think that Ginny and you don't have a capable body? I mean I wouldn't want either of you doing the killing curse even for Voldemort, but why would you say that?"
"Simple we don't possess enough strength. We're strong yes" Hermione said adding this on, because Ginny had sent her a glare. "But we have no way near the amount of strength it would take. Besides it's obvious that since you have that elemental power, that's what it's going to take. Though I'm still working on how much truth there was in Regulus's simple spells idea"
"Okay, I would like to do it as soon as possible. We need to get rid of him soon" said Harry feeling impatient and restless.
"I know Harry we're working on it" said Ginny. She placed a loving kiss on his lips and walked back over to where a pile of scrolls rested and picked one up.
"There" Hermione said as she and Ginny stepped back and ran there eyes over the black board. Harry stood up from where he had sat down what seemed like hours ago. Walking up behind Ginny, he wrapped his arms around her middle and set his chin on the top of her head lightly.
"Got it?" asked Harry.
"Yes, we think so" said Hermione. Harry roamed the board with his eyes again.
"The locket came first then?" he commented.
"Yes, it had to of. It had a lot more history to it. Besides he was a Slythrin. Do you honestly think he would allow Hufflepuff to come before Slythrin?" asked Hermione.
"No way" said Ron. "Slythrin's are to thick"
"Exactly what we thought" said Ginny.
"Slythrin greatest of the Hogwarts four" whispered Harry.
"What?" asked Hermione.
"Nothing, just something I remembered Tom saying. So how did you confirm it was the locket first?" asked Harry.
"Given the history of the locket and the fact that it is a family heirloom" said Hermione.
"Where as the cup meant nothing, except for the fact that it had once belonged to a Hogwarts founder." said Ginny.
"It was obvious that Voldemort would make it first, he may have even used Hepzibah's life form to make the descendent of Hufflepuff a Horcrux for a Slythrin" said Hermione.
"Sounds twisted enough" agreed Ron.
"Yes, we thought so too" said Hermione grimly.
"So it was the diary, then the ring-" said Harry.
"-the locket then the cup-" said Ginny.
"-the broach, then Nagini" said Hermione
"And next comes him" finished Ron. They all stood in silence for a long time. Just staring at the board that told them when Voldemort had truly begun his reign of terror.
"So what kind of spells do we need?" asked Harry.
"Well, that would be simple, if it was not for needing different spells for each one" said Hermione.
"Why do we need different spells?" asked Harry.
"Yeah why can't he use the same one?" said Ron.
"Because their different sizes. Like the cup and the broach are two different sizes. They will need two separate amounts of power and strength" said Ginny turning around in Harry's arms. "Regulus was right, again"
"So what kind of spells do we need?" asked Harry. He was learning that when the two women thought about something together, they were hardly ever wrong.
"There simple spells we're sure of it, just what Regulus said" said Hermione sourly as she walked over to the table.
"Regulus said that the Reductor curse would most likely work on the locket." said Ginny also walking over to where Hermione stood with her book in hand.
"So we're thinking that maybe there all simple spells. So all we have to do is go with the task that Regulus set and continue from there" said Hermione as she sat in the couch and brought a pile of books near her with her foot. Ron went over and pushed them to her and sat beside her. Ginny smiled a little before grabbing another pile and sitting down on the opposite couch. Harry looked back at the board. It was rather odd. So much time he could have been learning about who Voldemort truly was and now, he felt he barley had days left to uncover it all.
"That's because you don't only have days" whispered Ginny. Her arms circling around his middle. Harry brought her around to him. He looked into her brown eyes. Tracing a finger over her soft skin and trailing over her cheeks, chin, ears and lips.
"I will get my life back" vowed Harry. "And when I do, I want to spend it with you. Forever"
"Forever" vowed Ginny back.
"What's next?" asked Ron from behind them. Making them both turn around to face their best friends.
"What are you two doing?" said Harry.
"We're trying to search out spells to get rid of those unpleasantries" said Hermione impatiently.
"So why don't we just ask Dumbledore?" said Harry. Hermione looked up and Ron's mouth dropped.
"Well, I kind of forgot about him knowing" said Hermione. "Guess now I know why I didn't get a O in my Defense Against the Dark Arts class last year"
"Bloody hell you're not still on about that are you" said Ron. Harry winced and spotted his mistake as Hermione looked up at him lividly, smacked him across the back of the head and walked to the table.
"How about we have a chat with Dumbledore" said Harry quickly as he pulled out the small trinket frame. Ginny sent him a look as if he couldn't hurry with it any faster than what he was.
With the three simple spells written on a piece of parchment. The next day Hermione had begun lecturing Harry on them all day between classes. Harry kept his mouth shut and allowed her to rant. At lunch Ron, Ginny and Harry sat through another lecture about the three spells. By time they were heading down to dinner Harry was about to bust.
"Hermione, lay off. He knows what to do. He's known these spells since second year" snapped Ginny.
"I'm just trying to prepare him Ginny" Hermione said defensively.
"And yet all your managing to do is annoy the bloody hell out of all of us" said Ginny. Hermione went to open her mouth when Ron stepped in.
"Hermione, Harry knows what he's got to do. Trust him, he'll do it right. He's got better aim, a stronger body. Thanks to his elements, and his mind couldn't be anymore ready than what it is. So give him a rest before he actually has to do it, okay?" said Ron bringing Hermione's hand to his lips, where he kissed the top of it and let it dangle between them. Hermione seemed flabbergasted by Ron's plain romantic maneuver that they all fell silent. As they finished making their way to the great hall for a well deserved quiet dinner. Harry and Ginny thanking Merlin all the way.
Harry stood in the middle of the room of requirement. His nerves were running amuck, his palms were sweating profusely. His friends and McGonagall, Moony, and Noviskie were all standing near. Hermione's look of anxiousness betrayed her emotions. Ron looked green and Harry knew that Ron was wishing there was something he could do to help. In all truth Harry wished there was another way too, but there wasn't. McGonagall looked nervous. Harry knew she was wondering what the effect it would have on the school, and Harry. Ginny held a look of complete and total confidence and love. She nodded her head once and Harry could only star at her. Ginny understood immediately for she ran to him and Harry hugged her tightly to him. They all wished that he didn't have to do what he was about to do.
"I know you can do this griffin. I have never ending faith in you" she whispered in his ear. Harry nodded again. Leaning back, Ginny placed a small smile on her lips that told Harry she was just as nervous as he. Though he could tell just by her feelings and emotions that were coming from her strongly. Ginny knew her feelings betrayed her, because Harry saw her step up on her tip toes and place a kiss to his lips. Harry let her comfort pour in to him through her kiss. Till he finally tore his lips away from hers and with another small smile, watched her walk back to her place behind the shield Noviskie had put in place for them. Noviskie was staring worriedly next to Moony, they were there in case something would go wrong. The very thought of this made Harry wipe his sweaty palms on his jeans before fumbling to try and get his new wand out.
Harry fingered it, taking in it's smooth dark texture, the ridges from the designs that had been carved into it. Harry saw that one side a dragon had been etched into it, a phoenix beside it and then a griffin forming a circle of power around the wand. And at the very end of the wand his rune of the four elements seemed burnt into the fine wood on two sides. Harry looked down on it's greatness and immediately realized that this wonderfully made wand was about to do something that he himself six years ago when he first entered the wizardry world, thought never to imagine. Harry swallowed hard, as a lump had formed in his throat.
Looking up at the wooden pillar that stood paces from him. Holding the silver locket. Harry could sense the magic inside. He could see the curvy S on it's front. Marking it the real Slythrin locket heirloom. A simple locket holding something it should never had held, a piece of a soul it should never had known. Gathered with his friends, though not in celebration or joy, but in anxiety and nerves. He was about to do an unforgivable. But not only once, no! He was going to have to do it a total of four times. Three would take place today, and the final one... that would take place when Voldemort came for him. Harry wasn't even counting on the spell that would kill Voldemort. Harry sighed.
Breathing in deep he concentrated all his power on his elements, then singled out strength. Allowing it to fill and reshape him. Harry opened his eyes. He had called so much strength into him that not only was his physical body muscle out, but his neck was thick. His arms had ripped his shirt he'd worn. His legs seemed heavy, but a fact seemed to come to mind that he could run all day and never grow tired. Harry shot a look back at Ginny.
' Doesn't fit you, but if it gets rid of Tom ' she sighed. Harry smiled grimly. Looking back at the Locket and raising his wand. The tip was quivering slightly from his nerves. But Harry couldn't do anything about it. Not yet anyway.
"REDUCTO" yelled Harry. The spell hit with perfect aim as the wooden pillar got blasted out of the way and flew into bits and pieces, from the simple backlash of the spell. The locket however stayed in place. It now hovered in air. Harry watched in stupefaction as the locket absorbed the spell and began to glow silver. Suddenly the locket burst and sent shards of metal throughout the entire room. Harry brought up his shield just in time.
' What is that? Is that it? ' asked Ginny
Harry didn't need to answer because his eyes had never left where the locket had hovered. Now in it's place floated a silver orb surrounded by a black swirling smoke. Harry now knew why black smoke had poured from Aragog. It was Voldemort's evil that protected the orb. Nothing else would purify it, but death. The bared soul showing in it's true form. His heartbeat pounded his ears as he realized the room was quiet. The silence made him deaf with it's suppressed speechlessness. The orb with it's black density reminded Harry of a moon and clouds rather than a soul laced with an evil. An evil unlike anything the world had yet to associate with. Breathing a deep steadying breath Harry tried to prepare himself for what was about to come. As he allowed his element of strength to fade away completely.
' I'm sorry Ginny '
' Harry do what you must do. I'll love you anyway ' promised Ginny. Harry couldn't turn to meet her eyes.
"Harry do it! You must do it now!" yelled Hermione. Harry sighed in defeat and called upon his element of vindictive. When his mind was flashing with terrible things he wished he could Obliviate from his mind, Harry opened his eyes. He was once again taller, his fingers long and skinny. His skin paler, and he knew he was a site. Harry raised his wand. There was only one way to return to normal.
"Avada Kedavra" he shouted. His voice echoing back to him as his wand tip came to life with a green beam and it flew straight at the silver orb. Scattering the black smoke from it's place around it, evaporating it. The green beam made contact and Harry's wand started to vibrate. He clung to his wand, as his mind grasped out and struggled to keep hold of the element of vindictive. A pulse of magic lured him forward a step or two, before blasting him back. Harry picked himself up off the floor as he heard Ginny holler for him, both mentally and out loud. He willed his vindictive side to go away as he returned back to normal and Ginny ran to him. He stood to his knees as she came sliding into him, knocking him over again.
"Oh Harry are you alright?" said Ginny as she clung to him even though he was laying flat on the floor. Harry nodded and kissed her. He needed to renew the love he felt he'd drained from his heart. There would be a time and a place for rejuvenation, and it was not now. So Harry only half satisfied pulled back and both he and Ginny got to there feet.
"Harry you did it" said Hermione coming to stand beside him.
"Knew you could, which is actually pretty scary" said Ron
"That's not funny Ronald" snapped Hermione. Ron shrugged. Harry smiled slightly to show Ron he knew he was kidding.
"I know you may not want to hear this Harry, but well done" said Moony softly and he patted his shoulder. Hermione and Ron looked cautiously at him.
"I'm fine everyone, lets just move to the next one." said Harry.
"Are you sure you're well enough?" asked McGonagall. Harry nodded.
"He's sure. If he could face what he's faced before then now is no trouble, though Headmistress, just a little suggestion. Maybe Mr. Potter should be given the day off?" said Noviskie. McGonagall quickly agreed. Well, thought Harry. At least there's one perk.
' Maybe I could give you another ' said Ginny. Harry turned his head from where Hermione and Ron were now setting up the Hufflepuff cup and conjuring another wooden pillar. He stared into Ginny's brown eyes.
' Oh and what's that? ' said Harry playing Ginny's game of tease.
' Two words Mr. Potter. Prefects Bathroom ' said Ginny smiling.
' You know the password? ' asked Harry. Trying not to feel the temptation that was already plaguing him.
' Would I suggest it otherwise? ' said Ginny teasing again.
"We're ready" said Noviskie. Harry winked at Ginny and he walked forward to resume his place. And Ginny disappeared behind the shield that Noviskie had just reinforced. Harry turned to make sure they were all safely behind the shield. Hermione, Ron and Ginny nodded at him almost in unison. Harry nodded back, making Moony, Noviskie, and McGonagall nod in return at him. Harry turned and found the Hufflepuff cup with it's yellow glowing badger facing him. Harry breathed in and let his element of strength to take him over again. It came quicker this time and Harry had his wand pointed at the cup.
"Incendio" shouted Harry. A mix of two threads beaded together one blue and was lightening, the other a red orange, fire. Blending together as it made impact with the cup. Though this time the pillar crumbled to finer partials than dust and blew away in the air that the cup was causing as it absorbed the spell. Once again the cup blasted sending shards over the room and Harry wasn't so lucky to bring up his shield this time and a shard sliced into his left arm. He winced into the pain, and heard Ginny cry out for him behind him.
' I'm fine, stay where you are, Gin ' he sent her. If he knew Ginny and he did, she would try and get to him. Even if it was the simplest of wounds. When you compare it to the countless of times he's been in the hospital wing.
The soul showed it's self and Harry now recognized the familiar silver orb hidden in the layer of black tenuity. Harry let his element of strength go and called solely upon vindictive and once again allowed it to fill him and when Harry opened his eyes he spotted the pale long and skinny fingers that held his wand.
"Avada Kedavra" shouted Harry for the second time. The green beam flew out and made contact with the orb. Once again killing the blackness that swirled around it before meeting the silver orb. Harry was pulled in again and then blasted back as another piece of Tom's soul was destroyed. Harry picked himself up off the floor much slower this time. His left arm hurt.
"Episkey" said Hermione waving her own wand over the cut and Harry watched it as it healed itself.
"Tergeo" said Ginny right after Hermione as she cleaned the blood off of him. Harry smiled at them both. He didn't expect this part to go smoothly and was surprised to find it was going alright. He muttered his thanks to both, as they both surprised him and hugged him. Ron shot a weird look at him.
"Oh don't be ridicules Ronald" said Hermione as she leaned up and kissed his lips quickly. Ron gave a goofy grin. Harry and Ginny exchanged amused glances.
"Two down one more to go" said Moony.
"For now" said Noviskie grimly. As they both set up the golden broach on once again a wooden pillar. Harry steadied himself as Hermione placed the broach on the pillar and all stepped behind the shield that had been once again been reinforced. Harry called his strength and was soon once again muscled out. This was a smaller object. It needed the least power fullest of the three spells.
"Deletrius" shouted Harry and what seemed like lava pour out of his wand and zoomed in a straight beam across the room. It made contact with the golden broach and Harry brought up his shield. Little good it did him as the spell broke through the defensive charms and sent a powerful shock wave over the room. Harry behind his own shield wasn't protected enough and was instantly blown back. He vaguely saw Moony restraining Ginny and Hermione had her face hid in Ron's chest though she was still able to see what was happening. The shards came flying and Harry felt four enter his skin. Two in his stomach. One in the exact place in his left arm. The last his chest, but Harry was shocked as it didn't penetrate his skin. Harry realized that the scar now bore into his skin from Ginny. Making sure the rune of the four elements couldn't ever be tampered with.
Getting shakily to his knees. Harry summon his vindictive element and when he saw his fingers grow and pale he raised his wand.
"Avada Kedavra" Harry shouted for the last time that day. The green beam met the silver sphere and Harry was instantly pulled near it. Then he was sent blasted across the room. Further than any of the others. Harry laid crumbled on the floor, a hot pain erupted in his scar. Harry's eyes watered as he felt Ginny come to his side. Hermione and her quickly took care of the cuts from the shards of metal. But Harry still not get up.
"What is Harry?" asked Moony's voice. For Harry couldn't see from the tears that still clung to his eyelashes, and streamed down his cheeks.
"He knows." whispered Harry. "Voldemort knows" That was all he could say before blackness overcame him and Harry gone with it.
Harry awoke in the hospital wing. He recognized it's smell and the feel of the sheets way before he was actually able to open his eyes. Slowly he opened them and took a glace around at the dimly lit room that did indeed make the hospital wing. His hand automatically reached for his glasses and he found them easily enough. Pushing them up the bridge of his nose he looked around. It was in the middle of the night. He smiled as he saw Ron sitting in a chair with his head thrown back. Hermione hunched over with her head in his lap. One arm draped a crossed his lap also and thee other hung off to the side. Her finger tips almost touched the ground at Ron's feet. Harry looked to his other side. Ginny was curled up in her chair. She hugged her knees and looked like she had been crying as her cheeks were tear stained and her eyes seemed puffy. Harry smiled at her devotion.
' Ginny '
' Mmm '
' I miss you ' Harry said. She was clearly asleep and he intended to let her sleep. But at this Ginny's eyes flew open and she quickly scrambled to her feet and threw herself at him. Fresh tears came to her eyes. "Shh it's okay, Gin. I'm okay"
"Oh Harry I was so worried... I thought-" began Ginny but Harry placed his finger to her lips to quiet her. He looked over at Ron and Hermione. Though they looked uncomfortable, he didn't want to wake them up either. Harry patted the empty space next to him and Ginny smiled and laid down beside him as Harry covered them both up. He laid behind her and held her in his arms.
"I love you Gin. Thanks for sticking by me through my worst days" said Harry as sleep came for him again.
"I'll always be here Harry, my sweet griffin" whispered Ginny as Harry's eyes fell.
"Are they up yet?" Harry heard Moony's voice bound out to his ears. He stirred slightly as Hermione answered him.
"No, but Madam Pomfrey suspects that they should be...Oh hello Harry" she said Harry shot her a smile and looked at Moony who was still looking weary.
"It's okay, I'm fine" said Harry trying to reassure his fathers friend.
"Are you sure? You took a nasty fall? Though you probably had worst falling off your broom back in your third year" said Moony adding a teasing note at the end. Harry smiled. He looked down and saw Ginny was still asleep. He scooted back to the headboard to prop himself up and brought a still sleeping Ginny between his legs and to rest against his chest. Ginny only whimpered his name in her sleep, causing Harry to grin, as her arms wrapped subconsciously around his waist. Harry looked up and saw Moony, Hermione and Ron all giving him funny looks.
"What she's tired?" said Harry in a defensive tone.
"Now don't get all worked up Harry. It's just so... cute" said Hermione.
"I don't find it cute. I find it disturbing" said Ron.
"Oh Ron, do you expect Ginny to not have the same feelings that you've got. She is a woman you know" snapped Hermione.
"Good to see you too... I feel fine thank you for asking... No I don't recall much about the events that transpired... Oh it sounds horrible... Sorry to put my best friends through that... Thank you for staying with me through the night" said Harry smiling and laughing slightly.
"Oh Harry I'm sorry, are you really alright?" said Hermione. Harry laughed.
"Sorry mate, didn't mean to" mumbled Ron. Harry laughed again.
"It's alright. I've been in here loads of times for you two to especially to know that I'll be fine" said Harry giving another laugh.
"Still will always make me worry about you" said Ginny as her eyelids fluttered open and she smiled up at him. Harry smiled back down at her. It was hard not too.
"Don't worry Ginny, you'll get used to it" said Ron, but again didn't spot his mistake till Ginny had her wand drawn at him and his face was covered in the bat-bogy-hex. Hermione shaking her head from side to side. Harry trying desperately not to laugh. Moony look amused.
"Never tell a witch not to worry about her wizard when she's in love Ron." said Moony.
"What's going on here?" Madam Pomfrey came around the white screen and with a flick of her wand Ron's face was back to normal though looking slimy. He quickly left to go take a shower but not before throwing a scowl at Ginny. "Awake are we Mr. Potter?"
"Yes." answered Harry.
"Good then, lets cheek you over. Miss Weasley if you would please" said Pomfrey. Ginny nodded gave Harry a soft kiss. Before climbing out of bed and standing near. Moony, Ginny, and Hermione all watched Pomfrey wave her wand over his body and pronounce him all good, yet again.
"I ran into Mr. Weasley and he said you were awake. How do you feel?" asked McGonagall as she made her appearance just as Pomfrey was finishing up.
"Fine thank you for asking" said Harry sending a smirk at Hermione and Moony gave a soft chuckle. Hermione shot him another apologetic look and Harry shook his head and smiled.
"Good to see we're all in high sprits. Because I want to talk about a few things with you" said McGonagall. Ron made a reappearance with wet hair that was still dripping. Hermione rolled her eyes and sent a drying charm over him. His hair was fine and feathered back when she was done. Harry though Ron never looked so... clean.
"Okay, I'll answer what I can" said Harry. McGonagall waved her wand over the area to allow for privacy. As Pomfrey left.
"First the spells you were using" said McGonagall.
"Dumbledore gave us two of them after Regulus insisted that with enough strength, ordinary spells would work" said Harry.
"Though they had to be the exact amount of power as the magical item the soul was hidden in." said Ginny as she sat back down in Harry's bed. Harry took her hand in his.
"So that would explain why the spells were more powerful" said McGonagall.
"Yes, with Harry's element of strength behind them. They were sure to be stronger. That's why ordinary, common spells were used. Anything much more powerful could have damaged the school in some way" said Hermione.
"Or even hurt Harry or anyone else in the room for that matter" said Ron.
"So that explains why he was calling out normal spells with different effects" said Moony. The four teenagers nodded there heads. "You four really did your homework on this haven't you?"
"Hermione and Ginny did most of it" said Harry and Ron nodded as he held Hermione from behind.
"There bloody brilliant" said Ron. Moony smiled again.
"Now about what you said in the end" said McGonagall. Harry knew what she was meaning and lowered his eyes to the clean white sterile sheet beneath him.
"Voldemort knows that I've destroyed the broach." said Harry quietly.
"Wait that would also mean he knows that you've destroyed the others as well" said Hermione.
"It would seem so" said Ginny. "There is one thing that has came to my mind"
"And what is that Miss. Weasley?" asked McGonagall.
"Well, when we had that dream about Voldemort during the summer. He didn't recognize me. Why not?"
"It was just a memory" said Harry. He raised his eyes to look at her as he spoke.
"What do you mean?" asked Ron.
"The diary. Tom said when he was starting to reform that he preserved the image of his seventeen year old self in it's pages. He didn't make it a communicative device and a simple image can't hear or record new events. He didn't know that his diary was used till the beginning of my fourth year. Right after Lucius already used it" said Harry.
"That would make sense" said Hermione. Ginny met her eyes and they stared at each other for a moment or two. Before Ginny nodded her head and decided that this was the most sensible, and most realistic way of looking at it.
"Okay then that is settled. You four can rest today. I'm giving you all the day off. So use it wisely" said McGonagall.
"Professor don't forget. Constant Vigilance. We might have two days at the most" said Harry. McGonagall nodded her head anxiously.
"Don't forget the ball is tonight" said McGonagall as she pursed her lips and straightened her hat before she left. Ginny snickering quietly behind her hand.
"You are allowed to be released Mr. Potter" said Pomfrey coming back out of her office and drawing the curtains back around Harry's bed and shooing everyone out before closing them fully.
"I brought these for ya mate" said Ron as the curtains snapped shut. Harry turned and sitting on a chair was a pile of clothes. He gladly put them on and left the hospital wing with orders from Pomfrey not to come back for at least another month. Harry smiled, he had done it. They may have two days, but Voldemort was almost mortal again. He was almost fully Tom Riddle once more.
Leaving Hermione and Ron snogging in the corner of the common room. Harry and Ginny sneaked under their invisibility cloaks. All the way to the prefects bathroom. Harry was already wondering in his anticipation. Every since Ginny had said it when he was destroying the Horcruxes he had barley kept it off his mind. Which had made for an odd conversation with himself.
He's going to be coming, I've got to prepare.
Did Ginny always show that much leg before?
He's going to bringing his army with him.
Merlin did he love her smell of flowers
He'll have trolls, Death Eaters...
Ginny's driving me mental with those suggestive looks
Dementor's, and Merlin knows what else.
Did she have to sit on his lap, and wiggle down into him.
Ginny finally took pity on him, or she finally had him where she wanted him, because she took his hand and lead him to where they were now. Harry stood behind Ginny and watched as Ginny looked around to make sure no one was near them.
"Lemony clean" she said quietly. The door clicked and Ginny opened it and quickly pulled them both in. Harry tried to keep the smug smile off his lips. Ginny had never been in here till now and she gaped at the pool size tub. Harry snuck up and waved his wand over the portrait of the mermaid. She slid of her rock and most the way into the water under the stupefy charm. He looked back at Ginny who was removing her cloak as he removed his own. Harry filled the bathtub with perfumed bubbles, soap and water. As Ginny was looking around the room, and getting towels out for them. Harry walked up to her, their eyes making contact. She waved her wand across her stomach and Harry smiled.
Their eyes met again and started speaking words and volumes that they both understood. Harry leaned forward and kissed her. Letting her lips take him away to her paradise she offered in her simple kiss. In her lips she held a promise. Harry could sense it. A promise of a future to come. A future he wanted to live to see, to experience, to live. Bringing his hands up to cup her face he tilted her head and deepened the kiss. Letting his tongue touch and graze her bottom pouted lip. Ginny opened her mouth and allowed him access to her sweetness. Harry took it, and savored every stroke of their tongues. He felt dizzy. He was spinning and Ginny, Ginny was his mainstay. His pillar of strength, his protagonist. She was refilling all the love in his heart he felt he'd lost earlier.
Harry danced his tongue with hers and tangled his finger tips into her hair. Ginny had her hand on his hips bringing him closer. There bodies were touching and even through the clothes he could feel her heat and desire coursed through him. Harry groaned and Ginny had her hands under his shirt feeling his skin. Harry thought he would explode at her simple touch. Harry moved his kisses to her neck and nibbled lightly. Ginny moaned and Harry felt her controlled passion. He wanted her to release it. Wanted her to come alive for him.
"Harry" Ginny whispered. Harry heard his name, and knew it was not a question, but rather a plea for more. Her tone had been whimsical, enticing him. Alluring him into a world of passion that only she could cure. She was his, and he was hers. It was simple, they loved and promised. Harry undid the tie of her robes and let her outer cloak fall to the ground at there feet. Harry ran his hands down the smooth thin, toned arms of her and smiled inwardly when he felt Ginny shudder under his touch. Harry claimed her mouth again and Ginny was the first to deepen it this time and Harry made no move to stop her. She had his cloak off in a matter of seconds, or had it been hours?
The rest of there clothing soon met the floor at there feet until they were clad in only there undergarments. Harry smiled as his eyes took in Ginny. Yes, she had definitely grown. Her breast were swelling daringly over the tops of her silk purple bra she wore. Her barley there panties were matching in color, also held the lining of the conjecture of her thighs. Harry swallowed. No matter how many times he had her. Always left him exhausted, but anxious for the next time. She stood in front of him and let him look. Harry loved looking at her. He let his hand stroke her cheek and his thumb ran over her lips. She drew his thumb in her mouth and sucked lightly, her eyes boring into his. Harry gasped as his body responded. She sucked again before she allowed him to remove it. Trailing his finger tips down her chin and under the smooth inlay of her throat, down between the creamy soft mounds, and when Harry got to her satiny smooth stomach he fell to his knees, and continued his trail.
He let his hand work over the silk panties. Harry swallowed again. It was growing hot and Harry was starting to burn. He brought his other hand up to her as both ran down a thigh. First he ran a hand over the outer thigh then slowly brought them inward. He heard Ginny gasp at his touch but he kept on. He let his hands slide down and graze her inner sides down to her knees then her ankles, before letting his hands work there way back up to her conjecture. he slide his hand over her center and Ginny moaned, but Harry kept going. He slide back up her stomach and now as he stood to his feet again, both hands sailed over her breast and Ginny moaned again, Harry smiled as Ginny had her eyes closed and her mouth opened slightly. His hands went up both sides of her neck to cup her face again. He knew that if he turned to leave right now, that Ginny would all but beg him for her release that he could tell was building up. But he didn't want to leave. He wanted to stay. He wanted to make her pant, and scream.
Harry smiled as he brought her lips back to his and with a lovers gentleness he kissed her as if it would be there last. As if he got his very life force from her. Ginny was moaning in the back of her throat and Harry felt his hair on his neck stand on end out of sheer anticipation when Ginny brought her hands to rest on his hips, but then she slowly worked a path up to his neck and teased the fine hair that was tingling under her touch. It was Harry's turn to groan. Harry let himself the pleasure of her fingers and hands before turning her around in his arms, and Ginny gave a startled gasp. Harry brought his arms around her middle and continued to trace patterns on her skin as one hand brought her face back to his. Harry deepened the kiss almost immediately. His urgency for her was growing painfully and his body was seeking it's own release.
Harry brought one hand around in between them and unclasped her bra and let it fall from her shoulders to the floor below. Ginny moaned as the slightly cold air hit her and Harry had his hands covering each breast. Both hands tweaked, rubbed and squeezed. Ginny was moaning in his kiss. He left her mouth and placed hot kisses on her neck and shoulder as his hands brought her breast firm and her buds hardened under his touch. Harry smiled as his body was demanding the same thing as hers. They were aching with the power of their want. Hungry from the sheer anticipation. Thriving for their need to be satisfied, but still they continued to taunt, play and tease.
"I want you so bad it hurts" whispered Harry his voice husky with such emotion.
"Then take me... oh Merlin Harry!" Ginny cried as Harry squeezed her buds again.
"No love, not yet" Harry said as he knelt behind her and removed her last piece of article that she had left. Her defenses gone again. Harry stood and let his boxers fall to the ground. He lead Ginny over to the pool sized bathtub, and got in. Ginny still standing on the side looked amazing. Harry dunked his head under the water. Coming back up Ginny let out a laugh as Harry offered his hand and was slightly surprised when she took it. Harry pulled her in and together they fell under the waters and in a moment Harry had his lips pressed to Ginny's. Their bodies circling each others. They were floating, if only under water they were floating, and flying. Gliding on a fluffy cloud that whisked them off to their dream world. Coming up for breath, they barley let a gulp of air in before their bodies were touching and grinding against each others.
Harry backed her up against the side of the bathtub, finding her hips he lifted her with ease and sat her on the side. He pulled himself up to kiss her lips once more before pushing her down tenderly and trailing kisses down her wet body. Harry found the conjuncture at her thighs and with the tiniest of licks. Ginny moaned and Harry smiled. Letting his fingers part her folds, Harry blew a breath of hot air on her, Ginny's hips reacted slightly, letting his tongue taste her again. Ginny was moving against him before long, and when Harry stuck his tongue inside her Ginny buckled under him and screamed his name. Harry smiled as he could taste her climax with his tongue, but Harry didn't stop. He trailed kisses back up her stomach sucking in several droplets of water that had sprinkled her flesh.
Ginny slide off the side and landed on him. Harry recovering from the slight shock was even more excited when Ginny moved her hand down his chest and grasped him. Harry let out an involuntary groan as she pulled and pushed on him. Teasing him to no end. Her kisses of passion and fire on his lips while his hand sought her breast and the other trying desperately to get her hips near his, enough to thrust. Ginny finally took pity on him and smiled and pressed her hips down on his. Harry groaned and Ginny let out a rattled breath. There body's too awake to do anything but feel the pleasure only the other could bring. Feeling the end nearing all to soon. Harry pushed Ginny off him, and turned her around and had her up against the inside wall, in a matter of seconds. Ginny gave a startled gasp.
As Harry stood behind her and with a swift move buried himself inside her again. Ginny screamed at the pain and pleasure as Harry continued to pound into her going as deep into her as he could. Harry placed one hand on her hip and the other on her breast. He squeezed and plucked it hard and Ginny was panting for breath, and screaming for more, and Harry gave it. He shoved his body harder and harder into hers. Ginny was screaming with every thrust and Harry was groaning every other. Sweat mixed with the perfumed water, and the bubbles around them did little to hide the slapping noises made between them as their bodies clashed hard against each others. Harry felt Ginny pour her climax around him and Harry banged into her harder. Ginny squealed his name and this took Harry over the edge of reasoning as his desire broke and ecstasy came for him. Exploding his release inside her with a shout of his own.
Soft white spots filled his eyes and pulling himself out of Ginny, he turned her around. He found her eyes dark and still passionate. Harry smiled slightly and kissed her lips tenderly. Ginny brought her arms around him and held him there for the longest of time. Each enjoying the emotion that had just rolled through them from act of which they'd just shared. They finally got around to taking their intended bath and even swam a few laps for an hour before they left. Ginny needing four hours to prepare. Harry would have rolled his eyes had he not found this amusing and definitely worth the wait.
Harry stood in the common room, he was pacing the fireplace and had been for the past twenty minuets. Ron had finally stopped waiting at the girls dormitory door and sat down on the couch.
"You know if you get your clothes wrinkled Hermione's going to have something to say" said Harry. Ron scowled but got to his feet anyway. He paused halfway up though and Harry smirked as he followed his eyes.
Hermione was standing at the girls door and she looked stunning. She wore a lavender satin dress and matching cloak. She wore makeup and her cheeks were highlighted with a slight pink. Her lips were rosy glossy pink, her eyes were lined and smoky looking. She wore a jewel on the corner of her left eye. That highlighted her features brilliantly. Harry smiled as he looked at Ron to find him still stuck in the same position. He gave him a slight push from behind. Ron stumbled on the hem of robes as he awkwardly stood.
"Evening Ron" said Hermione as she had yet to move from her spot.
"Err...I ... err... Her.. ..Wow . ... Herm-mion-ee " stumbled Ron. Harry tried hard not to laugh as he watched his best friends. Ron had been wanting to dance with Hermione since the Yule ball and now they finally had the chance. He couldn't be happier about it. Hermione finally grew impatient, which unsurprisingly didn't last long and walked up to where Ron was still trying to find his voice.
"You look really handsome Ron" she said. Harry could have sworn he'd seen Hermione do the most un-Hermione thing ever. She giggled and blushed.
"Err... yeah... You look really beautiful Hermione" said Ron as he found his voice. Hermione looked at Harry and he nodded his head and smiled. She blushed again. Before Ron offered his arm and together they left slowly through the portrait door. Harry shook his head.
' Harry? '
Harry turned his head and felt his own jaw drop. Ginny glowed from head to toe. Her hair was piled in a bunch of curls that was all held up by the comb that he had sent her. The jewels shone brightly against her hair. Her face held beauty as she shined. Her makeup a colored hues of rose and pinks. Her pouted lips were painted and shined though not glossy like Hermione's, but still glowed. Her eyes lined and made her eyes stand out against her pale skin. Her shoulders were bare and the straps of her gown scalloped around her upper arms. The heart shaped neckline emphasized her chest, allowing for a little cleavage to show. Harry swallowed hard.
The dress had another alternation. It held a tight bodice and nipped in at her waist. Leaving no imagination as to where her womanly curves were. Harry blinked to bring moisture back to his eyes from staring so long. The gown flared with her hips and hung in a silk pool at her feet. She had made a slit in the dress that went all the way up to her thigh and from there Harry could see her high heeled slippers she wore that had been dyed to the exact color of the dress. Her leg was shown and Harry allowed his eyes to travel the lining till the dress covered her again. His breath hitched in his throat. She held the cloak in her arms.
"Merlin Ginny" whispered Harry in a forced controlled tone, that still managed to make his voice shake with emotion. She was gorgeous. A splendid perfect picture. Harry swallowed.
"You look great" said Ginny. Harry had the sudden picture of Ron's goofy grin when he had seen Hermione and gave himself a mental shake.
"You are going to drive me mental tonight you know that?" said Harry. Ginny smirked and raised her eyebrow. Harry took the cloak out of her hand and held it out for her. She turned around and Harry couldn't help but let his eyes wonder up the back side or her. The color highlighted her bodily features splendidly. He draped the cloak over her bare shoulders feeling the soft skin as he did. Reaching around her he tied the tassels that hung there. He kissed her neck before pulling back and Ginny turned around to face him. Harry met her smile and together they went through the portrait hole, and this time Harry offered his hand to help her through. And this time Ginny took it gratefully.
The great hall had only been decked out to the hilt once before for the Yule ball. Harry had gone with Parvati Patel and he remembered feeling as if he had been put on display. Tonight was different in all ways.
He had a beautiful red head beside him, that didn't want separate attention. Didn't waltz him around like he was a trophy to behold. She was by far, if not the most stunning in the whole school. To Harry she was. And the great hall was not dressed up in frost and snow. Instead it was a star filled sky. Showers of soft glowing stars fell down, but before it could reach their heads disappeared into thin air. Shooting stars were gliding across the sky every now and then.
The walls had been decked out in a curtain of roses, that were either pink red or the occasional white. The circle tables had been put back in place, but under the white table cloths a color of either red or a deep pink could be seen near the hem. In the middle of each table a soft stone colored cherub had been placed. Throwing confetti that seemed to be heart shaped. Though it only came to land in the middle of the table and not on the golden plates that shimmered with a sparkle near the glass goblets that glistened in the moonlight. The tables circled a dance floor and where the teachers table had been, a stage now resided. Harry felt the usual drop in his stomach as he thought about dancing. He doubted that he would ever get used to it.
With Ginny's hand in the crook of his arm, Harry lead her to a table where Ron and Hermione were already sitting. Ron was still gaping at Hermione, who was blushing profusely. They looked happy. Smiling Harry held out a chair and Ginny slid into it. Harry sat next to her.
"This place looks fantastic" said Ginny as she watched the cherub blow a kiss up at her, she laughed.
"Yeah, Ernie Macmillan was all for the roses on the wall" said Hermione. "McGonagall was a little apprehensive" Harry laughed, he knew McGonagall wasn't one for letting her hair down on any occasion.
"Hey everyone, mind if we join you?" Harry looked up to see Neville with Luna. Neville was dressed in a dark blue dress robe. Where Luna was sporting light pink robes that had glitter lining along the bodice. She wore long dangly earrings in her ears that sparkled. Her long hair fell down her back and she had combs pushing back the sides. Harry thought she looked pretty. Ginny placed a hand on his thigh, and Harry smiled back reassuringly, though he was slightly amused by her possessiveness.
"You look beautiful Luna" said Hermione. Luna didn't blush but sat in the seat next to him that Neville was holding out for her.
"Thanks, I was doubtful to wear rhinestones. You do know that they can sparkle to the point that they blind your date and possess him with lust" said Luna. Hermione looked shocked while Ron, Harry, and Ginny were laughing appreciatively. Only Luna.
"Oh I'm sure Neville won't have any problem with that" said Hermione looking at Luna unsure of the girl.
"Well, I don't think it would be the rhinestones if he was possessed by lust" snickered Ginny. Harry and Ron exchanged amused looks. Neville cheeks were flushed.
"I don't know" said Luna doubtfully at Neville. "He looks as if the process has already started" Harry couldn't help it, he busted out laughing and was slightly relieved to see that he wasn't thee only one as Ron was laughing as well.
"Excuse me. May I have your attention please" Harry turned and saw Noviskie. He wore a gray dress cloak that had a black velvet color that went high on his neck. "I would like to welcome everyone to the Valentines Ball, that the headmistress has so kindly allowed us to have" The great hall clapped and sent cheers to McGonagall. "I would like to say first that my fellow professors and I know that you will conduct yourselves appropriately"
"DON'T COUNT ON IT" someone shouted behind them in the back of the room. Harry and Ginny looked at each other with smiles. Ron laughed out loud. Hermione cut her eyes in the direction of the voice.
"Yes you will, or you will be sent to your dormitory for the night" said Noviskie pointedly. "This is a ball for rest and relaxation and some good natural fun. So please enjoy yourselves. Now help me welcome a witch who's songs are as romantic as the holiday itself, Celestina Warbeck" Harry clapped with the rest. As a black woman made her way to the stage. She wore a gown of ivory and gold trimming. Harry thought she looked very regal. She had an elegant face and her hair curled around her chin. Though it was still mostly piled on her head.
"Look at Noviskie" whispered Ginny elbowing him in the ribs gently. Noviskie looked as if their was suddenly no one else in the room. His mouth was opened as he absentmindedly helped her onto the stage. She must have thanked him because Noviskie bowed his head slightly, kissed the top of her hand that he had taken and Harry was sure Celestina must have been equally impressed as her other hand fluttered to her chest. Harry exchanged amused looks with Ginny, then Ron and Hermione. All had been watching the exchange. Celestina took the stage and a song floated out across the great hall.
Harry and Ginny first ordered there food that worked the same system as the Yule ball. Harry and Ginny both ordered pork chops and laughed silently when Luna ordered pie and chips. Hermione a steak and Ron steak and kidney pie. Neville roast beef. They ate happily and drank in the pumpkin juice that filled there glasses. Harry enjoyed the pleasant conversation that took place, but passed on dessert for now, as his stomach was starting to feel slightly queasy. He had noticed Ginny was eyeing the dance floor. Neville and Luna were the fist to leave the table to head for the dance floor, and Harry breathed in deep and stood to offer his hand to Ginny.
Ginny accepted it and stood. She began fiddling with the tie of her cloak and Harry wrapped his arms around her from behind to assist her. Taking the cloak off her and draping it on the back of her chair, they both ignored the oomph sound coming from Ron and Harry took her hand again and lead her to the floor. Some whistles came from separate tables, and whether or not they were for Ginny, Harry was proud to have her beside him.
He laid one hand on her hip and the other he kept in his hand. They danced and swayed together. Ginny's skirt flying around his legs left the feeling of warmth in his stomach. Ginny was actually a good dancer and he was sure that even though it looked as if he was leading her, it was really her heart telling him what to do. Several songs later they stopped and went back to the table to find it empty. They sat with their drinks of ice cold pumpkin juice Ginny had moved her chair so she could lay back against Harry's chest. He held her hand that was placed on her lap.
Harry and Ginny laughed and smiled, as they watched Luna and Neville graze across the dance floor. They looked professional as Neville even dipped Luna and brought her up expertly. Ginny gave a whistle, that no one but Harry seemed to have heard. Ron and Hermione were dancing nearby, their eyes locked in an embrace that only they knew. Harry and Ginny reckoned they were having a silent conversation, or not. Noviskie was near the dance floor trying not to be obvious that he was starring at Celestina still singing. Harry thought he saw Celestina's eyes look in Noviskie's direction more than that was necessarily. Ginny smirked.
McGonagall was dancing with Slughorn and Professor Sinistra a wizard that Harry didn't know. Ernie Macmillan and Susan Bones were holding each other really close and were whispering to each other. Barley moving at all. Colin Creevey was dancing with Bethany and both were moving quiet vigorously by over extracting each move. Harry laughed. Zabini and Pansy were dancing though Blaise seemed to not be paying attention to Pansy as his eyes were glued to the doors. Harry wondered if he just felt odd holding onto what he was sure was still Draco Malfoy's girl. Gary Zabini was not in site, as neither was Crabb or Goyle. Harry laughed remembering that neither could find dates for the Yule ball and must have just chosen to ignore this dance.
Harry looked around at the tables. He found Seamus and Parvati making out, Dean and Lavender was holding hands on the table as he was whispering in her ear. Lavender was blushing. He saw fellow Gryffindor's, Ravenclaw's, and Hufflepuff's. It was then that he noticed that not many Slythrin's were in the great hall period.
"Ginny do you find it weird that hardly no Slythrin's are here tonight?" asked Harry as Ron and Hermione sat back down at the table.
"I thought that too, when we were eating" said Hermione. Harry narrowed his eyes.
"Maybe they just don't posses the correct emotion for a valentines ball" said Ron as he picked up his goblet. He had just taken a drink when a terrible screech came into and filled the air around them. Everyone crammed their hands over their ears. Some more screaming was heard and Harry turned to see some students running in from the corridor. Harry looked at Noviskie and as if by one. Noviskie, Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione ran toward the front doors.
When Harry arrived there he was surprised to see a screaming banshee on Hogwarts grounds. It looked like a woman, but her skin showed her skeleton form as her dead black hair flowed in the air along with her tattered and torn black robes. She was wailing a terrible song. McGonagall gasped as she caught up and this was followed by several terrifying screams behind them. Noviskie pulled out his wand and a beam of purple flew and banished the banshee on spot.
"Wasn't that a ...a..." stammered Neville from somewhere beside him.
"A banshee" said Hermione grimly.
"But aren't those signs-" began Ron.
"Yes" said Hermione.
"Signs of what?" asked Neville nervously.
"Signs of death to come" whispered Ginny. Harry heard all this, but his eyes remained on the spot the banshee had been. He was coming. They were not going to have as much time as they had hoped. Voldemort was coming for him and that was his warning. Harry once again silently prayed that fate was behind him. As his destiny was meeting him, and the full filling of the prophesy was soon to begin.
AN :
Okay, the order as been said, the destruction as been done, the ball now technically over. So what do you think? I hope I met your standards, that each of you have set for me. I had trouble at first writing this chapter as I knew it would mark the end, but my muse helped me, even though he may have not known it. Thank you muse, You're awesome!
Okay the following list is everyone who wrote in there ideas of the order of the Horcruxes, or an idea pertaining to so here we go...
SystemOverload, RobiWan Kenobi, Potterlover4, Sweetie 813, Patch13, Cathy, maquiquill9, HP4ever2000,Oineby, Alex, hermionelovesron ( please forgive me if I missed your name )
These reviewers either suggested the locket or an idea that came into light while making up the history, timeline, who died for it, and etc...
Please forgive my spelling errors, and the fact that I had to put another 'goodie scene' in it. I couldn't help adding one more. Blame my muse... lol... Sorry Mystery Man you know I appreciate you for all that you are... lol
If anyone is wondering about the title Casus Belli means... the beginning of war. Thought that was neat...
Please review, as the chapters are coming to an end, tell me what you liked, tell me what you hated. But please review. This next chapter will take me a bit to work on, as I want it to be what I hope for it to be...so please review as I will need them.
Until next chapter, take care,
HogwartsAngel101