Chapter 10: The Ghost of Tom Riddle's Diary Return?

Could his day get any worse? Harry though as he walked with Ron and Hermione towards their second period class. Defence Against the Dark Arts was next and he was not looking forward to it, especially now that he had heard that May was in the hospital wing. Professor McGonagall had come in to see him and Alex, after Potion class to tell them. Upon hearing the news Alex had just walked off.

'Well?' asked Hermione as she looked straight at Harry. 'Aren't you going to go to the Hospital Wing to see her?'

'After class.' answered Harry quietly, which only gained him a raised eyebrow from Hermione.

HB

May awoke, startled. She had the blasted dream again and there was nothing she could about it. Her body was still shaking with horror as she remembered every single detail. A simple reminder that she was not supposed to be alive but decomposing along with Regulus, who had been her only ally among the Death Eaters in the blasted war against Voldemort.

'Are you feeling alright?' asked Sirius lovingly as placed a hand on her forehead checking for a fever.

'Where are we?' May asked, finally realizing that they were not longer in their room.

'Hospital Wing.' Sirius informed her as he sat up straight in his chair to look at her.

May could tell that they had been in this place for a few days because Sirius was now sporting a bit of stubble under his chin. 'How long?'

'Three days but it will be almost four…once it is morning, but who is counting. You really gave me a scare, you know. For a moment I thought…that I was going to become a widow at such a young age.' mumbled Sirius as he concentrated on the colour of her complexion.

May lifted an eyebrow and then rolled her eyes as soon as she heard the first few words that came out of Sirius' mouth.

'I can just imagine that field day the Daily Prophet would have had with the news. I can see the headline now.' Sirius muttered as his eyes glazed over, as he did a dramatic pause. 'Sirius Black the most wanted man in the world… has just return to being the most eligible Bachelor once again!' Sirius's eyes twinkle as he continue, 'Think of the fan mail I will get from wooing women wanting to take your place as my wife.'

May's jaw dropped not believing what she was hearing. Maybe she should just let Regulus take him to his grave but then again Sirius's ego might have outlive him.

Sirius then chuckled and proceeded to kiss her left cheek, before attacking her lips. 'You are such a silly little old bird, I could never replace you.'

'OLD?' gasped May in horror as she absent minded touched her face, not hearing the rest.

Sirius grinned as he gently touched her face, to make her look at him. 'I just love to teased you.' Sirius declared before going for another kiss. 'Even if you were old enough to be my mother I would still love you.'

Before May could respond she heard her daughter's voice, which left her no choice but to show her husband old later.

'MOM' screamed Eliza with delight as she threw herself at her mother.

May chuckled as her youngest child embraced her in a great big bear hug. 'I glad to see you too sweet heart.' May confessed as she placed a kiss on her forehead.

May blinked as she saw Alex come in with at great big bouquet of red roses with Harry, who was not far behind. She couldn't believe how much they had grown in the past few days she had not see them. Her heart sunk just thinking of how full would have been her joy had her eldest son been here with them. Helemon would have been in his Seventh year at Hogwarts and preparing for his Newts. Sadly enough even after all this years she had never been over his death. Voldemort still needed to pay for the death of her unborn son!

As if reading her thoughts, Sirius placed a hand on her shoulder gave her a light squeeze as if to assured her that everything would be fine. May smiled at Sirius as she let go of Eliza, who had just seen the flowers that Alex was carrying.

'I'm glad you are okay! Harry and I pinched in to get you this. I hope it is to your liking.' said Alex, as he place the roses on the small nightstand and then proceeded to kiss his mother on the forehead.

'I love them! Thank-you.' May exclaimed between tears as she placed a kiss on her son's hand and then motion for Harry to come over.

Harry looked reluctant at first and didn't see like he would move anytime soon. May could tell that he would rather leave than to be near her. May then smiled in surprise as she saw her daughter push Harry towards her. Harry looked embarrassed to have Eliza push him from behind.

Eliza was able to get Harry near enough Sirius, who took the hint from his daughter and gave Harry one final push. It would be enough to say that Harry found himself in predicament that he would have never imagine and neither did May, as Harry lift his face away from her chest. May gave Sirius a warning look as she saw him try to hide a smirk.

Harry's face was a red as the Gryffindors colour he wore. 'Sorry.' Harry apologized as he fixed his now skew glasses and tried to stand up but he didn't get far, for May had hug him in her most motherly embrace as she placed a big kiss on his cheek.

May chuckled as Harry's face grew even redder, but the smile that was on his lips, was the smile that made May feel that all this heartache had been worth it. May reached for Harry's right hand but he quickly pulled away. May blinked away the new set of tears that threaten to spill as she looked at Harry, who avoided her gaze. May smiled sadly. He still hates me. May thought.

May was about to look away when she saw Harry run his left hand over his right one as if to cover something, but he had not been quick enough. May had seen the redness of irritated skin grace the top of his right hand and now she knew why he had pulled away from her. She wanted to say something but she knew that Harry would tell her in his own due time but right now she was not going to do anything to spoil the moment.

'You won't guess who is teaching your class?' said Alex trying to take May's attention away from Harry.

Alex never knew of how much of his mother's attention he got, after May had seen the looked of discuss and anger that had quickly had passed over Harry's eyes at the mention on her replacement.

'Umbridge!' Eliza stated with disgust.

May eyes narrowed. That Toad!

HB

It was almost eleven and Tonks was down in the kitchen. Everyone had gone to bed except for Remus, who had offered to stay with her. Tonks had never been able to figure Remus out and she still wasn't close. Remus was a mystery to her and Molly.

Poor Molly was still in shock about what had happen a few nights ago. The poor woman had not been to the kitchen since. Molly and Arthur were leaving Grimmauld Place and moving back into the Burrow. Tonks couldn't blame Arthur for wanting to move back.

Tonks always kept her wand ready just in case the monster showed up again. May could have at least had warned them about such a being before leave them the house in their care. thought Tonks as she continued to cut some of the vegetables she needed for her special soup.

'You need to go to bed.' Tonks heard Remus declared in his usual teaching voice. A tone of voice she did not like at all, at first she had founded it to be charming; but now it was downright annoying, especially when he was telling her what to do.

'I can't specially now that they are leaving. They will need some nourishment and I am not going to let them go hungry.'

'Once Molly gets home she is going to be her old self again and will start cooking in no time.' Remus tried to assured her as he got up from his table and walked towards her.

Tonks was about to protest when she felt him hug her from behind and began to place very light kiss right behind her right ear and then down her neck. Tonks whispered as she felt the need to be with him. She was now so caught up in his ministrations that she almost cut her own finger in the process.

Remus chuckled and continued to proceed with his ministrations. 'Coming to bed?' he whispered in her ear, making Tonks heart jump right up to her throat

After the lecture she had received from him a few days ago that they could never be together. He had lecture her about finding someone better than him and that what had happen between them need to stay in the past. Tonks had been heart broken and almost gave up her dream in being Mrs. Lupin. But now she didn't know what to think. What was there to think, really? The only thing she needed to know right now was that Remus Lupin wanted her.

'I'm almost done.' Tonks informed him as she put her vegetables in the now hot boiling pot that was just a bit to her left.

'Whatever your cooking sure smell delicious.' Remus asked as he made the right shoulder the perfect nest bed for his head.

'An old family recipe that my father had perfected after tasting my mother's soup.' Tonks stated simply.

'Oh? Does Sirius know about this old and improved family recipe?'

Tonks chuckled, 'Not really, he is likely to hate it just because it as old Black family recipe…even if it has been perfected by my father.'

'He wouldn't need to know what kind of soup it is. In fact…I have a good source that says that he would eat anything in front of him.' Remus said mischievously

'The soup is almost done.' Tonks whispered as she tested the softness of the vegetables.

'The sooner the better, for it has been a very long day.' Remus whispered into her ear as he place another kiss near her earlobe and continue to kiss her down her neck. Each kiss that he planted in her skin was more passionate than the first, leaving her skin yearning for more of his touch. Tonks turned to looked him and found herself lost in his eyes. Tonks licked her lips in anticipation of the kiss that she was about to give him, when she saw Remus eyes grow wide in surprise.

A second later Remus had pulled away from her and was pointing his wand towards her, much to Tonks dismay. Tonks frowned in frustration. This really took the snitch! She thought bitterly. She really must be mental to have fallen in love with a man like Lupin. Not only he had some little problems, which she didn't mind at all but that he now happens to suffers from mood disorders, was a whole different story. This was too much for her to handle. She curse under her breath as she thought of the quickest way to disarmed him without killing him…or…him her with the killing curse.

'Fura Espimalti!' he said as a bright green light left his wand and went straight for the cooking pot. Tonks blood had drain from her face and at the end she was relief that he had missed her.

It took a moment for Tonks to realize the spell that Remus had used. Tonks turned around just to hear the growl of a wolf emitting from her pot of soup, which had now began to bounce up and down as it spilled all of its contents out. 'Move!' Remus ordered her as he still held his wand firm in place.

HB

Ginny walked right beside Harry as they made their way back to the Gryffindor Tower. They had stay in the Library until closing time looking for books for her Ancient Runes assignment. To Ginny's rotten luck, it seems that upon hearing that May was well…Umbridge had stopped her detentions sections with Harry, especially when Dumbledore informed her that May would be taking over classes and detentions. In many a times, Ginny would have been happier to have Harry with her but today she wished he had detention.

Why did Michael have to get sick today! Ginny thought. It was not like she minded being with Harry but she didn't want him to think of her as a child, specially now...when he had began to notice her as a friend and not just Ron's little sister.

Another reason why she didn't want Harry with her was because she didn't want to be babysat or felt sorry for. Since the beginning of this term she had began to have dreams about Tom Riddle and the Chamber of Secrets. She had the dreams before during her second and third year but this year, they seemed to scare her even more. She had told Hermione about her dreams and how Tom Riddle always killed her at the end. Now with Voldemort back, Hermione suspected that because of Tom Riddle's diary, she might have been linked to him someone how. In truth, Hermione was someone how right because in my dreams he calls me and beckons for me to come to him.

Ginny narrowed her eyes as she remember the looked that had passed between the three friends, when she told them that she was going to the Library by herself. The looked was an obvious sign to Ginny that Hermione must have blab about her to Ron and Harry. Hermione had some explaining to do tonight.

Ron had been happy to hear the news that Michael had cancelled their date tonight and asked if Harry would come with her. Of course Ginny protested in how unfair it was for Harry and also for her.

'I prefer that you would be with Harry instead of that scoundrel.' Ron had voiced out. 'That way, I know you are safe and with Harry around no one can touch you!' If things couldn't get any worse Harry had agreed with Ron...to Ginny's terror so did Hermione.

At the end Ron had won the discussion by stating that if he refused to obey, he would have no choice but to spread the word that she and Harry were dating. Both Ginny and Hermione had found the whole ridiculous but apparently not to Harry, much to their dismay. Hermione tried to talk Ron into reasoning but it was Harry that stated that he liked a girl in Raveclaw and if Ginny didn't co-operate with them, then she would have spoiled his chances with this girl. It was apparent that Harry and Ron had joined forces and had stuck their heels into the ground when it came to her safety, even to driving her into a guilt trip or blackmail.

If the situation was not bad enough, Harry had not said a single thing during the whole time they left the Gryffindor Common Room. He must really think I'm a baby! Ginny shuddered at the thought and then became mad. If I'm that bothersome, then why did he offer to come with me! Merlin knows I told them I could take care of myself and that a trip to the library was not a big deal! It was not like she was going to pick up any more enchanted books that could talk and had a mind of their own or anything that might take her to Voldemort!

'You didn't have to come with me,' began Ginny, trying to sound cheery as she hid the anger rising up in her.

'Don't worry about it.' stated Harry as they took the third floor staircase. 'I promise Ron that I would look after you as he and Hermione made their rounds.'

'Listen Harry, I don't need a baby-sit-ter' Ginny trailed off as she saw something dark and cold move above them. She though it had been one of the staircases that had shifted above them, but the staircases where in the same position as before. Someone how she felt like she had been through this before but where? Then it hit Ginny like a ton of bricks, she was reliving her dreams.

'Harry did you see it?' Ginny asked as her heart began to pound, knowing that Tom Riddle would soon come for her and hoping that she was being delusional.

'Ginny hurry!' exclaimed Harry grabbing her by the hand.

Ginny soon found herself running as far as her legs could carry her along side Harry. Her heart skipping a mile an hour as she and Harry held hands. But before they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Ginny saw the face of Tom Riddle with long black hair and pale blue skin; emerge from the shadows of the wall.

'Ginny!' Tom Riddle mouthed over and over again beckoning her to come to him. Ginny found herself in almost walking towards the creature but was quickly stopped by Harry who had grabbed her.

Harry was holding her left arm which such a strength she had never felt before and it hurt. Harry then pulled her towards him and kind of hugged her, still holding her fiercely. Tom, upon seeing that Ginny was not coming towards him, jumped at them as it opened its mouth in a gory scream, which Ginny would always remember.

'Expecto Patronum' yelled Harry who was ready for him as a flash of light emerged from his wand. Harry's stag bought them enough time to escape to the Gryffindor Common Room, where Riddle didn't dare enter and a frustrated scream could be heard as the entrance door closed.

Still holding hands, Harry quickly guided her towards his room, not really caring what anyone thought about them. Upon arrival Harry began to pace back and forth. Ginny knew that Harry needed to think, now more than ever. Harry than sat down on his bed and patted the spot next to him.

'I think you should stay here until Ron and Hermione get here. I will protect you until then but once Hermione gets here. I want you to stay in her room.' Harry began.

'No! And I won't stay in Ron's bed either if that's what you are going to suggest!' Ginny exclaimed drawing a look of disapproval from Harry. She didn't want to sound irrational but at this moment only Harry understood her and could protect her.

'Ginny!' Harry said losing his patience. 'You can't stay in your room. He could come after you and we won't be there to help you. You need to stay with Hermione or with Ron.'

'Why should I, when the only one who can protect me is you! Didn't you notice that we where the only ones who where able to see him! The rest of the Gryffindors didn't even much bat an eyelash when we came in or even when we hear that horrible sound!'

'Yes but Ron is your brother…' Harry began but Ginny cut him off.

'Ron didn't even wake up when he was being attack by Sirius until he saw the knife above him. What makes you so sure that he would wake up on time for this type of attack or that he would even see Riddle? I will be dead or worse by the time Ron realises what is happening and comes to get you. I preferred to stay in your bed if you don't mind. That way I can-- '

'What makes you so sure that I won't do the same things as Ron?' exclaimed Harry as he got up from his bed, clearly frustrated with her.

'Because you can see him and you also have that as a warning!' Ginny exclaimed pointing to his scar.

Harry narrowed his eyes, 'Fine! But you will need pyjamas and you will explain this to Ron! Understood?' he growled, clearly not liking the idea.

Ginny felt a lot better knowing that Harry could protect her. 'Thanks.' She murmured as she got up and began to rampage though his truck.

'What are you doing?' Harry exclaimed in exasperation.

'Looking for a pyjamas. Ah…this one will do.' Exclaimed Ginny as she pulled a big pale brown overgrown cotton shirt.

'Don't you have your own!' Harry exclaimed as he walked towards her, obviously not comfortable with the idea of having her wearing his clothes. 'Ginny!' Harry warned as he turned away from her, his cheeks flush with embarrassment upon seeing her undress right in front of him.

Ginny knew better than that but at this moment she was not taking any chances. She needed to stay beside Harry at all times, besides it was not like she was nude or anything. Her mother had taught her better than that, for she always wore undergarments on top of her underwear. Ginny laughed. I wondered what he is going to do once he finds out that he will need to hug me while we sleep. She mischievously grinned at the thought. Of course it will be only for protection in case the monster decides to grab me by the feet and pull me from the bed.

HB

Attention all Ministry Members!

You-Know-Who has given himself in and he is now in Azkaban. No causalities occurred in his captured but we are sadly to report that at the moment of his captured ten Death Eaters escaped. Please be on the alert for they are highly dangerous. Pictures and descriptions of their crimes have been owled to your corresponding offices.

It is believe that Sirius Black is behind it but it is uncertain for his case has been reopened by Albus Dumbledore as of September 3, 1995. We have insufficient evidence to prove that the Death Eaters have gone seeking for Black as their leader is in Azkaban.

Sirius Black's hearing will take place on the September 30, 1995 at 2 pm but Albus Dumbledore was to push the hearing an earlier date. All jury members must attend and will be updated as to the development of the case.

Alert: As of this moment all Ministry members are ask to not apprehend Black or to seek him out. If spotted...alert the Auror Office immediately. Black is to be follow by the Aurors only in hopes to find the Death Eaters hide out.

Sincerely,

Cornelius Fudge,
Minister for Magic

Umbridge put the letter down in her desk, not believing what she has just read.

'The boy had been telling the truth after all.' muttered Umbridge. 'I wondered what else the little bird can sing.' she pondered. 'Maybe Black's little hideout?'