The List
By: lbfan
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, the characters, and the world which was created in the books. These are all owned by JK Rowling, AOL Time Warner, and many publishers around the world. This is written for entertainment purposes only. No profit will be made from this story.
Chapter 16 – Winter Break
It was the first of December and it was time for the first Potter's house elf commitment ceremony. Ginny had to receive special permission from her Dad to leave the school for Grimmauld Place to where the ceremony would be held. Harry and she went out the front gate of the school and Apparated to the house. Hermione joined them to see how well the idea was received by the elves.
Molly and Arthur greeted them with hugs and a spot of tea before they settled in the drawing room for the ceremony.
Harry called all of the elves to the room and started the ceremony. "Stinger, Annibal; please step forward. It is my pleasure to promote you elf first class. Over the last four months, you have show dramatic improvement in you hospitality and cleaning responsibilities.
Tailspin; please step forward. It gives me great pleasure to promote you to house elf lead. You will have access to a petty cash that you can spend at your will. Your leadership skills are admirable and are greatly appreciated.
Starting with you Tailspin; will you serve the house of Potter for another four months?"
Tailspin answered, "Yes sir. Tailspin wishes to serve the House of Potter."
The commitments continued with all of the elves. Only Squirt, Wriggle, Stinger and Doddie wanted to quit.
Slyly Doddie approached Hermione. "Excuse me, Miss Granger. Doddie would like to work for you if you would take her."
Hermione looked at Harry, Ginny and Dobby with a shocked expression. She replied to Doddie, "I would like that." She started in with a promise oath, "I Hermione Granger, will take house elf Doddie as my elf to protect, care for and serve. Will Doddie serve me and keep my secrets?"
Doddie continued, "Doddie will serve Mistress Granger and her house as her house elf and keep her secrets."
Hermione finished, "Doddie will hold the position of house elf first class and would be expected to serve me for the next four months before recommitment." Hermione knelt down before Doddie and gave her a hug. "Thank you, Doddie. This means so much to me."
Wriggle popped down to offer her services to Molly and Arthur who were still in the kitchen. Squirt, they later learned, offered his services to Neville. Stinger, however, was not heard of ever again.
Working up the nerve, Vicky Winters, a sixth year Ravenclaw Girl approached Neville in the Great Hall and asked, "The Yule Ball is only weeks away. Would you like to go to the ball with me?"
Neville looked a bit embarrassed and replied, "I'm sorry but I fancy someone else. Since you reminded me, I'll ask her right now." He walked across the isle to the Ravenclaw table and asked in front of everyone, "Luna, would you go to the ball with me?" Astonished, Luna just nodded. Her eyes and smile told him that she was happy he asked.
Neville returned to the Gryffindor Table and told Vicky, "She said yes. Maybe Colin would be interested." Colin's eyes were wide in fear.
Vicky could not believe that someone would choose Luna over her. In frustration, she stomped away giving Luna a glare.
To avoid Vicky, Colin immediately asked Ruth who accepted.
Ron was complaining that his revision schedule Hermione made for him was brutal. There was very little time for fun when he had his Head Boy, DA and revision responsibilities. What was worse there were constant interruptions.
Knocking on his door Tammy McGregor, a first year, sadly asked, "Excuse me, Ron. Could you take me to the Headmistress' Office? I would like to Floo my mum."
"GO AWAY!" Ron yelled.
Tammy ran back into the common room in tears.
Seamus poked his head in and asked, "Oi, mate, are you all right?"
Ron complained, "That firstie: Insufferable, that she is!"
From outside his room, he heard a sob, a pattering of feet and the slam of the portrait hole.
"Bloody Hell," Ron sighed.
Lavender's voice floated in from the common room. "Watch you tongue, Ronald."
Ron threw down his quill and hastily closed his book. "I'm such an Arse." He quickly walked in to the common room and gave Lavender and expectant look.
Lavender questioned, "What? Are you expecting me correct you? You're spot on this time."
Ron rolled his eyes and asked everyone, "Does anyone know where Ginny is?"
Aubrey answered sarcastically, "She is off having her private time with her dear Professor."
Noticing the empty seat next to Kelsey, he asked her, "Are these things Tammy's?" He gestured to the books on the desk.
Confused, Kelsey nodded in reply.
Ron picked up the strap to her book bag and drew in a deep scent through his nose.
"Ewu," exclaimed many of on lookers. Everyone thought that that he had gone bonkers.
Exasperated, Ron looked around at everyone staring at him. "What? I have to go find her don't I?" With at, he placed down the book bag and hurried out the portrait hole.
When she was sure that he was gone, Kelsey asked Lavender, "Do I have to be worried about him? He scares me."
Pavarti and Dean started chuckling. Lavender replied, "No, he is perfectly harmless. He is just a nutter in that way."
Once out in the hallway, Ron transformed into an Irish setter and followed Tammy's scent. He found her in a girl's restroom. Cautiously, he entered the room and noticed her crying in one of the stalls. Noticing that she was not actually using the loo, but was just sitting, he crawled under the stall door and rested his head in her lap.
Feeling the dog's face on her lap startled Tammy and she about screamed. Looking at the dog's sad eyes, she started petting him and cooing to him. After petting him for a while, she started to forget why she was so sad. Standing up, she told Ron, "It's getting late. I should be getting back to my room. Thank you for comforting me." As she walked back to Gryffindor, Ron padded along beside her. When he heard Peeves down the hall ahead of them, he grabbed the cuff of her shirtsleeve and pulled her into an adjacent secret passage.
They almost made it to the portrait when a tabby cat, with spectacle markings around her eyes, stopped and stared at them. Ron also stopped and sat, raising a paw as if he wanted to shake. After glaring at them, the tabby continued walking the opposite way.
Tammy said to the dog (Ron), "That was the most peculiar thing." She gave the password to the Fat Lady and she let both of them in. The Fat Lady recognized the Irish setter since he transfigured himself in front of her earlier in the evening. As Tammy gathered up her books, she noticed the dog went into Ron's room. Figuring it was Ron's Tammy cautiously walk up to Ron's door and knocked.
Ron answered, "Yeah, come in."
Looking around, Tammy asked, "Where is your dog?"
Ron said, "I can explain."
Feeling more panicked, she stated, "He just came in here." Looking at Ron's eyes, her mouth dropped in realization. "You are that dog. The dog was you…"
He just shrugged and quietly said, "Guilty."
Angry, Tammy stammered, "I was in the loo you prat!"
Ron explained, "It is not like you were using it. Besides, I needed to apologize to you."
"Well?" She was still upset at the charade.
He apologized, "I'm sorry for yelling at you and making the bad remark." He looked up at her and continued, "It is just my revision schedule, homework, DA and everything else is pulling me in different directions, and I sort of cracked. It was inappropriate and I won't do it again."
She relaxed as she heard his explanation.
Concerned, Ron remembered what she originally wanted. "Do you still need to Floo your family?"
Her shoulders fell, and she answered, "No, it is just that I'm scared and lonely. Ron invited her to sit down and together, they talked until she became too tired. She returned to her dorm feeling much better.
Ron made a promise to himself that he would never talk to the younger students harshly again.
Ron, Harry and Neville all waited in the living room of the Granger's apartment waiting for their dates to the Ball. McGonagall gave Hermione and Harry permission to escort their perspective dates to the ball as if they were students.
When the young ladies emerged from Hermione's Room, they were all greeted with happily astonished looks from the guys.
Feeling as if he is the luckiest man in the world, Harry told his girlfriend, "I didn't think it was possible for to look any more beautiful. I feel sorry for the other girls at the Ball. You'll outshine them all."
A smile spread on her lips and her eyes fell shyly to the floor. Looking back at him, she took it hand and said, "You look very handsome yourself."
He turned to the others and commented, "Hermione, you look amazing. Luna…Wow!"
Pleasantly surprised, Luna replied, "Harry, it is the same dress I wore last year at Slughorn's party."
Harry explained, "Yes, but you have different jewelry. Your hair is styled differently, and the look in your eyes… You're happy."
At Emma's insistence, Dan called them together and took their picture. He learned how to use a wizarding camera earlier in the year.
The Great Hall was decked out for the holidays as usual. The decorations were not as elaborate as it was for the Tri-wizard Tournament, but they were still nice. Instead of a live band, Susan found a D.J. from the Wizarding Wireless to play some music for the dance. Colin was dancing on the floor with Ruth, and even his little brother Dennis found a date. Vicky was dancing with Michael Corner. The uneasy look in his eyes made his sister, Rachel, giggle incessantly.
The three couples had the time of their lives. Hermione was astonished, when Ron stopped what he was doing to talk with some of the younger students. Even Tammy approached him and gave him a warm hug.
At nine o'clock Susan, Ron and the professors all sent the first, second and third years back to their dormitories. With the younger students gone, the dance took a more intimate tone as more couples took to the dance floor. When the dance ended at eleven, everyone went back to their beds happy.
The ball was never disturbed by Death Eaters, and the hate that Voldemort perpetuated seemed to have been worlds away. Daphne, Pansy and Blaise did not even attend.
Neville walked Luna back to the entrance to Ravenclaw Tower. Taking her hands in his, he told her, "I had the most wonderful night of my life. Thank you for attending the ball with me."
Breathless, Luna replied, "Oh Neville, I am the one who should be thankful. The night has been so magical, like a dream come true. I never knew I could feel this way."
Leaning close together, they shared their first kiss. Dissatisfied with it, Neville held her closer and gave her a longer more passionate one. He was determined that he would not leave her any doubt how he felt for her.
When he broke apart from her he asked, "Are you taking the train to London tomorrow?"
Nodding, she said, "I'm going home to spend the holidays with my dad." On her face, she had a smile, which nothing could remove.
Smiling back, he asked, "I'm filling in for Ron as Head Boy on the train. Save me a seat?"
She replied, "I will."
Feeling addicted to her, he captured the taste of her lips one more time before he reluctantly left her for his own house.
Neville absentmindedly walked through the portrait and with a graceful dance in his step, made his way up to his dorm.
Ron and Ginny were talking when he came through the common room. Giggling Ginny said, "It looked like someone had just been kissed."
Ron explained, "No, he is probably knackered. Luna hardly allowed him to sit down the whole night."
Ginny corrected him, "I've been to a dance with Neville. He could have easily danced the whole night without stopping. No, the goofy look on his face and the lipstick were obvious."
Suddenly self-conscious, Ron asked, "Do I have any lipstick on my face?"
Ginny rolled her eyes and said, "Good night. Don't forget we have family breakfast in the morning." She went up to her dormitory to sleep.
He did not get a chance to sleep in too late in the morning because Ginny entered his room and woke him up. "Get up dunderhead!" "Tweedle," Ginny called out.
Tweedle popped into the room and bowed to Ginny. She asked him, "Could you please make sure that Ron gets up and packs. He needs to be at breakfast in thirty minutes. When his is done packing, please take his luggage to his room at Potter Mansion."
He responded, "Yes, Mistress, Tweedle is a good house elf and will do as you say."
Ginny knelt down and gave him a light hug. "Thank you, Tweedle. Ignore any derogatory comments he makes to you. Remember, you are a good house elf and I am proud of you."
She got up and pulled Ron's pillow out from under his head. After hitting him with it, she ordered him, "Get up Lame Brain. I don't want to have to wait for you, and don't give Tweedle any trouble." She left his room and went to wake up Harry.
After breakfast, they all helped the students get into the carriages and board the train. When they were done and the Thestrals were released back into the forest, they said their goodbyes to the students who were staying over the holidays at the school.
In the entrance hall of Hogwarts, Ron said his goodbyes to Crabbe and Goyle. "Take care of yourself. I have stayed here during the Christmas Holidays with Harry a few times. It isn't all that bad. Revisions alone should keep you busy."
Vincent asked him, "Where are you going?"
Ron hesitated, relaxed, smile and answered, "We're going into hiding. I'm sorry. It is not that I don't trust you, but we don't tell anyone. However, we will be comfortable and safe."
Goyle looked pleased at the explanation. Vincent Crabbe apologized, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked. I should have realized my knowledge of your location could endanger you."
With a smile, Ron explained, "It is fine Vincent. You're just taking an interest. That's what friends do. Thank you. Now, take care of yourselves and be wary of any gifts or mail. As long as you stay here, no harm should fall the two of you. You two are in a precarious situation with your parents, and you are very brave to have joined the DA. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I know that sometime it is especially difficult to overcome your fears to do what is right." Ron looked over to where Hermione stood with her parents and Ginny.
Hermione waved him over.
Ron said quickly, "It's time for me to go. See you."
They waved goodbye to him.
Ron joined Hermione who was standing with her mother, father and Ginny. Harry, Remus and Tonks were walking down the stairs to join them too. Waving goodbye to everyone, they all left the front doors, down the steps and out the front gate. Once outside the wards, they all Apparated to Potter Mansion. Neville had previously reviled the Fidelius Charm to the others earlier in the week.
When they arrived, the first thing they saw was the magnificent foyer decked out in bobbles, holly and lights. Ginny took Harry over to the entryway to the drawing room and surprised him with a kiss under the mistletoe. She told him, "I love being away from the school. I can hold your hand and kiss you where ever and whenever I want."
Harry was impressed by the way the drawing room was transformed into highly decorated holiday chapel for the wedding.
Molly was already there waiting for them in the library. When she saw Ron and later Ginny, she gave them each a firm hug and kiss. Harry and Hermione each had their turns as well. Ginny greeted Wriggle who seemed very content working for the Weasleys.
Arthur joined them late in the day and they all sat down for a Holiday meal together. The Potter Mansion elves seemed to be in their prime at the Mansion. The meals were orchestrated in perfect precision. Even Wriggle and Doddie filled in what seemed to be their positions in the presenting the delicious meal.
After the meal, the women and the men each took to different areas of the mansion to honor the custom of the Hen and Stag parties. Since Remus was in his late thirties, his party did not have the randy theme many think of Stag parties. Instead, they sat around, drank and played cards as they shared stories and told jokes, some dirty.
The next morning Harry woke up again with Ginny bright brown eyes beaming at him, as she announced the arrival of the new day. After she was convinced that he was awake, she told him, "I set some clothes out for you on the dresser." She stepped out of the room so he could get around. In the hallway, her father stoically stared at her. When his face melted into a smile, Ginny embraced her dad in a firm hug.
At the wedding later that morning, Hermione filled in the role of Maid of Honor, while Harry did the same for Best Man. Neville arrived while bringing Ted, Andromeda, his parents and his Gran. When he was done revealing the Fidelius Charm to them, he had to do it again for the confused guests who waited at the gate at the end of High street. The additional guests were Professor McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout. As soon as they were given the Fidelius Charm password, they were able to recall the grandeur and charm of the Potter Mansion from years past.
With the family and guests all present, Neville Apparated over to the Lovegoods to get his date. When everyone arrived, they started the wedding ceremony. Arthur was asked to do the ceremony since he was a senior ministry official. This was his first time doing the ceremony so he used a book to make sure that he did not flub it up. However, he learned from his daughter's experience, that so long as they said their "I Do's" from the bottom of their hearts, the marriage would be good enough.
Harry was dressed in a dress robe that bore his family crest proudly above his heart. Conveniently, he did not have to deliberate which robe he was going to wear and why he was going to wear it. He gazed over to stare at his beautiful girlfriend once more. With facial expressions and gestures, she encouraged him to pay attention the ceremony.
Ted proudly walked his daughter down the isle as the wedding march played. Remus seemed like he could never have been happier in his life.
After Remus accepted Tonks' hand from her father, Harry knew that his parents' ambitions for Remus have become complete. Like Harry, Lily and James wanted Remus to be rid of his "furry problem" and find peace in his life. Remus had found his peace and happiness in his bride.
Tonks has been a blessing not only to Remus, but also to Harry. She has given this man who he considers like a father, his unobtainable goal, a normal life. Remus distanced himself from the ones he loved for years in fear that one day he would hurt them. Harry missed out on his protective love for years because of it. It took the perseverance of this woman's love that broke this destructive cycle. Even when he was a werewolf with no cure in sight, she wanted nothing more than to live her life with him. Maybe it was his cure, or maybe it was her confession of her undying feelings for him, Remus, at some point, chose to stop running.
Harry too had to learn to stop running away for fear of hurting the ones he loved. It was too easy to push away Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna to face his fate with Voldemort. He had learned that it was because of them, that he had a fighting chance. Their love for him made him fight the fight and endure the hardships. Not only did they help him, but also they provided him the strength and shaped his resolve to believe he can accomplish the impossible.
Participating in this ceremony with Remus gave him the feeling of responsibility that he needed to give their lives longevity. He knew that he had to end this conflict with Voldemort quickly so this couple, his family, the world and his own Ginny can live life again. Turning a blind eye to the anxieties of the unknown, Harry had to move quickly.
Arthur gave a short introduction and started quickly into the vows. Harry could see how the magic manifested itself around them as they announced their "I do's." He realized that must have been what everyone saw when he exchanged them with Ginny. He looked over at her and gave her a wink.
With a nudge from Remus, Harry's attention returned to the wedding. Realizing what he wanted, Harry started fumbling in his pocket until he finally produced the wedding rings. They placed on the rings on each other's fingers, and Arthur announced, "I now pronounce you man and wife, Remus and Nymphadora Lupin. You may now kiss the bride."
The rest happen so quickly for him. Before he knew it, Hermione grabbed his arm and they followed the bride and groom down the isle. The reception was held in the ballroom were he danced with Hermione once. Ginny took his hand and remained his partner for the rest of the reception. Luna looked graceful and happy as she floated across the floor in Neville's arms.
Ginny explained to Harry, "I believe that they are together now. When Neville came back from walking her to her house at the end of the ball, he looked blissfully dazed and unaware of anything around him."
Smirking, he replied, "It is about time. Whenever I receive a Patronus message from him, I can sense his happy thought was always of her."
Later, Tonks pulled Harry aside. "I have to tell you before Remus and I leave. Mr. Robards is probably a Death Eater."
Looking around him to assure their privacy, he asked her, "What do you mean?"
She explained, "You know how we didn't say anything about the vault in the reports?"
Harry nodded, and she continued, "The day before yesterday, Gawain pulled me into his office and accused me of stealing the contents of the vault. He was constantly poking at my mind with a rather weak Legilimency effort. I just kept to the story that there was no vault. If he knew the existence of the vault, we could of busted Malfoy years earlier."
He felt like he had no choice but to confide in her, "I have known since my first training session with him. His loyalties are in conflict within him. Whenever he is lying to me, his mind wanders off to the safety of his wife and daughters. The good thing is he has never undermined my efforts. He actually is happy for me to take control and do what he can't. Because of that, I am willing to continue to run the planning sessions with him present. I intend to use him by planting false information and operate behind his back. At one point, he suspected my ability to see his situation clearly, but he tried to put it quickly out of his mind. I know he hopes his efforts will fail Voldemort."
She asked him, "So you have been reading people's minds regularly?"
He answered her, "Yes, all of the time. It is so practiced now that it is common practice. You know how Dumbledore always seemed to know what we were thinking? I'm sure he had a similar level of skill. This is important to keep as a secret, both Robards and my native Legilimency skills. Just trust me to handle Scrimgeour and Robards myself."
She smiled at him and patted his hand, "Sure thing Harry. I am your Auntie after all."
Harry pulled her into a hug and whispered back, "You are my Auntie. Thank you for never giving up on Remus." He gave her a kiss on her cheek and a smile before returning to his girlfriend.
Hermione caught the bouquet, and Remus and Tonks went off on Honeymoon. The rest of the guests left for their respective homes. The staff of house elves had the Mansion returned to its natural clean state before everyone went to sleep.
Two nights later, everyone paired off for private dinners at different parts of the Mansion. Harry and Ginny ate their meal out on the veranda. A warming charm gave the winter ambiance without the chill. The elves carved a beautiful ice sculpture of a unicorn where the fountain usually was.
Harry confided in her, "I was thinking during the wedding."
Politely, Ginny just smiled, even though she wanted to say something sarcastic.
"I was thinking how Tonks and Remus' relationship is a result of pursuing happiness and love despite the dangers. In applying that reasoning to our lives, I have decided that we need a change in our relationship."
Shocked, tears started welling up under her lids. Sadly, Ginny asked for clarification, "A change?"
Ignoring her reaction, Harry continued, "We are still very young and we are missing out on many experiences which normal teens experience and learn from. However, the truth is that you are who you are."
Ginny started to sob as the fear of separation started to strangle the air from her lungs.
Smiling at her he continued, "You are my comfort, my peace and my happiness. The sun doesn't shine without your presence. When you are near, dark fears and hatred bleed away into the shadows. With your touch, you awaken my soul and stir in me new life. It is clear that the only life lesson I would learn by being apart from you, is that life only starts with you."
She started to find peace in his eyes and his words. Her eyes softened, yet she bit her lower lip.
Harry took a knee before her, and she breathed in a startled gasp.
From his pocket, Harry pulled out a ring box. When opened, the box revealed the solitaire diamond engagement ring he pulled from his mother's jewelry box on his first visit to Godric's Hollow.
The light shimmered off the large stone sending her speechless.
He asked, "Ginny, will you marry me?"
The tears, which were once there from sadness and fear, were washed away from fresh happy ones. She nodded, "Yes." Gasping for another breath she repeated, "Yes, Harry Potter, I will marry you."
Feeling happier than Remus was at his wedding, Harry removed the ring from its box and slid it onto her finger. As it slid on, a blue-white light spread across her body and faded leaving its enchantment.
Confused, she asked, "What enchantment is that?"
Equally confused, he responded, "I'm not sure, but the magic that had been placed on the ring had no malice in it. It must be some blessing."
Harry leaned into her and kissed her.
Later that evening, they announced their engagement to everyone. They still planned on waiting until she was done with school to marry. Everyone congratulated them and hugged them warmly.
They were surprised when they learned they were not the only ones choosing to get married that evening. Ron and Hermione also announced their engagement. They agreed to wait until the summer to have the wedding. Apparently, Ron also seemed to be inspired by Remus and Tonks' wedding.
Christmas at the Potter Mansion included all of the Weasleys, Longbottoms and Grangers. It was by far the best Christmas Harry ever had, opening presents with his fiancé in his arms and their family all around them.
On Boxing Day, Neville moved them to the Black Country Estate, and reset the Fidelius Charm on Potter Mansion. The unfortunate side effect was that many of them forgot where they had their wonderful Christmas.
On New Years Eve, Harry and many others adventured into the catacombs under Borgin and Burkes in attempt to find the missing Horcrux. After fighting through Inferi and traps, they came back empty handed. The only thing they found was how Quirrell broke into Gringotts six years ago. Harry was going to shared this to his Goblin friends. No one died or was seriously injured from the excursion.
Unfortunately, Harry was not the only one who was busy on New Years Eve. The New Years Day Daily Profit Reported:
Large Scale Breakout at Azkaban
He-who-must-not-be-named lead a small army of Death Eaters in an attack on Azkaban that resulted in 10 deaths. All the prisoners were set free and the Aurors who were guarding the prison are considered missing. A call for help was sounded, but no one, not even Harry Potter responded.
Ginny was looking over the paper over breakfast in the Black's Country Estate dining room. As soon as she read the article, she walked up to Harry and took his hand to comfort him. She expected her fiancé to think that he was some how responsible, and she intended to correct it. Through her touch, she thought to him, 'Despite what they said, it is not your fault.'
Harry thought back to her after he read the article, 'Actually this was expected. I suspect Gawain Robards staged it with Death Eater friendly Aurors, so no one would get hurt. Until I find and destroy the last Horcrux, I can't face him.'
She corrected him, 'Until we find and destroy the last Horcrux. You're not in this alone." She could feel his frustration building inside of him.
As the month went by, Harry's frustration turned more into agitation. By February, everyone was trying to avoid him, and he was short tempered to everyone. Desperately he turned to Hermione for help.
He asked her, "All of the information is here. I'm just missing it. How can I find my answer?"
She snapped back at him, "Don't be thick. Go back through the memories and evidence and make a list. Then organize your thoughts." Thinking more about his behavior, she added, "Drop your classes. Remus or Tonks can pick up the classes. You need the time to work through this. Besides you are only aggravating your students by yelling at them."
He was so angry he wanted to yell back at her and throw everything around, but a fundamental respect for Hermione prevented him. Without any argument, Harry stormed out of the apartment and did exactly what she told him to do.
Somehow, he managed to be polite enough that Remus and Tonks agreed to help him. He revisited the memories in the pensive and talked to Dumbledore's portrait. He created a list as he went making notes and looking for patterns.
He was reviewing his notes on Valentines Day when a thought occurred to him. It was a long shot, but it was too easy to check. Without telling anyone where he was going, he went to the portrait of Barnabas the Barmy. Pacing in front of it, he kept thinking, 'I need a place to hide my book… I need a place to hide my book… I need a place to hide my book.' When he opened his eyes, the door to the room of requirement appeared. It was just as it was last time, except it had a few minor additions, which were stored over the past year. Closing his eyes, he reached out with his magic to find the Horcrux. Unfortunately, there were too many maliciously created magical objects in the room. Taking a deep breath, Harry started through the objects one by one.
Hours of looking paid off. A scabbard that once belonged to Gryffindor laid before him. Encrusted on the outside of the scabbard were many gems. The largest one, a ruby, seemed to hold a smoky like presence. Remembering the spell he cast on the locket, he dug into his recent memories for a time when he felt intense love.
Feelings of guilt overwhelmed him, as he had to rely on his proposal and Christmas morning. He realized how much he pushed her away in his frustration and bitterness. From Remus' wedding, that was the one resolution he chose not to do, and he still did it. He pushed away the woman whom he loved.
Closing his eyes and entering a meditative state, he focused his whole being into her presence and love. Strangely, she seemed far away.
Thinking of his love for her and the memories of their engagement, he started the spell. "Exorcismus Immundíssime Spiritus." A soft white light hit the ruby on the scabbard from his wand making it glow. A loud snap shot out from the gem. Arcs of electricity were dancing from it. Finally, it rose to such an intensity that the arc resembled a lime light. A scream escaped from the scabbard as Harry maintained a continued hold of the spell.
When the screaming stopped, he released the spell and inspected the scabbard. The heat from the arcing left burnt marks on the leather, and the gem was cracked in two. Using his magic, he could no longer sense the evil presence in the scabbard.
Wanting to share the news with Ginny, he grabbed the scabbard and ran out the door. When he arrived at the Gryffindor Common Room, Pavarti Patel told him, "I saw her in the entrance hall. A unicorn is having a fit in front of the castle."
Something did not seem right, but he did not worry about it. He stormed out of the portrait hole and down to the entrance hall. From the top of the stairs, his heart leapt for joy, because Ginny was down there on a bench waiting. Harry called out for her, "Ginny, I found it!" He ran quickly down the steps.
She stood up to accept his embrace.
Harry stopped in confusion just before he reached her. With anger in his face, he quickly ejected his wand and cast "Petrificus Totalus."
Witnessing the incident, Ernie Macmillan protested, "Oi Potter! Stop that!"
Ignoring him, Harry stared into Ginny's eyes performing Legilimency on her. He reached around her neck and hostilely yanked off her Monomens necklace. Reaching for her hand, he did the same to her engagement ring.
Alarmed at that point Ernie yelled for help, "Professors, Help!"
Pleased, Harry noticed that she did not have her promise ring. Finally, Harry addressed Ernie, "I leave her in your custody. Take her to McGonagall's office and make sure she doesn't escape."
Reaching into her robes, Harry pulled out a flask. Giving it to Ernie, he explained, "This is her Polyjuice Potion. Pansy will transform into herself within the hour. Be careful, her lipstick is poisonous."
Out of desperation and stress, Harry yelled, "Dobby!"
Dobby appeared worried for his master. Dobby started to bow. Other house elves arrived just to see what he wanted.
Harry interrupted him, "Dobby not now! Go to my room and bring me my personal trunk. I will be outside with the unicorn."
Dobby looked confused.
Harry hollered, "Go! Now!"
Dobby obediently disappeared.
Harry flung open the doors with a wave of his hands and raced outside.
Sweetbriar was in the front shaking his head and prancing around. Luna and a few other girls were trying to calm him. When he saw Harry, he settled down and pranced directly up to him.
Hoping it would work, Harry held Ginny's Monomens necklace up to Sweetbriar's neck and tried communicating with him. It worked. Sweetbriar was panicked as much as he was. Ginny was in grave danger and Sweetbriar knew the way. Harry had a plan and asked Sweetbriar permission to transfigure him.
Dobby arrived with his trunk.
Harry praised Dobby, "Thank you Dobby. Ginny is in danger. Sweetbriar and I are going to rescue her. I will need you to put away my trunk and have Ron gather up a rescue party."
Overhearing the conversation, Luna asked, "Where is Ginny? I thought she was avoiding Sweetbriar in the entrance hall."
Harry explained, "That was Pansy Parkinson Polyjuiced as Ginny, and it was a good thing she hid from Sweetbriar. He would have killed her. Ginny is held captive somewhere called Slytherin Tower. Just look for a large black fortress about 50 leagues from here."
Harry pulled out a backpack, armor and belt. One by one, he put them on.
Handing the scabbard to Luna, he said, "Take care of this. I'm sure you can realize what this was. Tell Neville I need his help and to follow as soon as he can."
Harry turned to Sweetbriar and asked him, "Are you ready?"
Sweetbriar responded by nodding his head.
Harry cast a spell that transfigured white wings on to his back. This gave Sweetbriar the look of Pegasus with a horn.
Climbing onto his back, Harry and Sweetbriar took to the sky.