Author's Notes:
Standard Disclaimer: It all belongs to JKR. That you JKR for letting us play with your toys.
I will continue to use the occasional song lyric in the story and will give credit at the time when needed.
This is the fifth book in my Slytherin Harry series.
Book 1 Harry Potter and the Muggle's Daughter.
Book 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Book 3: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Book 4: Harry Potter and the Blood Traitor's Daughter
Book 5: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
If you haven't read books 1-4 you won't know what's going on. But the bonus is you've got four completed books before you even get to this one!
For the French speakers mortified by the translations I had in previous chapters, I apologize. I can only do as well as the online translator I used and apparently it was horrendous. Sorry about that.
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE
CHAPTER XXVI
It Was Harry's Idea
HPHPHP
Ginny was sitting in her bed, staring out the window. Fred, George and Ron had just left after visiting her for the first time since the second task and she wasn't sure what to think. They had seemed nice enough and appeared genuinely happy that she was alive and well. The twins had apologized for turning their backs on Harry and herself when his name had come out of the Goblet making him a Champion for the tournament and they'd seemed sincere. But then Bill had been there as well and she had little doubt they'd all been read the riot act to be on their best behavior, and with no memories of her own to go from she just didn't know. Her friends all seemed willing enough to be charitable to the three of them, even Harry, so she supposed the best thing to do would be to give them the benefit of the doubt and take things at face value.
She just wished she could remember. But even if she did, would it help? What was she supposed to do with all this knowledge of a life she didn't remember? Occasionally she had vague feelings regarding someone on first seeing them. The twins and Ron hadn't sparked much of anything and having spoken with them she could only really say she was indifferent to them. Apparently she and Ron had never been close, so she supposed that made sense. The twins, she'd been closer with them, but from what she'd learned from Bill and Charlie it seemed as much because they could use her to prank the rest of their other brothers as anything else. It bothered her quite a lot to think people who were supposed to be her family cared so little about her. And that said nothing for Percy; who, not only wasn't interested in visiting her, had declined to come to Charlie and Tonk's wedding. Did he really hate them that much? Apparently, she thought dejectedly.
"What'cha thinking there, Firefly?" Bill asked, breaking into her thoughts. Ginny shrugged. "You know you can tell me, right?"
Ginny frowned and picked at her blanket. "Do I really hate my mother?"
Bill took a slow breath. "It's a fine line, Firefly. I don't know if you truly hated her or not… But after this last Christmas I can't say as I'd blame you if you did."
"What happened at Christmas?"
"That's kind of hard to answer without getting into your second year," he said.
"I wish you all would just tell me instead of dancing around it like this."
Bill leaned forward and took her hand. "I know, Firefly, but I want to make sure you're strong enough to handle it first. Easter break is only a few weeks away. Please, just trust me on this."
"How am I supposed to make decisions if I don't know the truth?"
Bill sighed. "She lied to you, Ginny; to both of us, right to our face. Up to then I always thought I could fix things. At times, I was even angry with you because you wouldn't talk to her. But that day, she proved everything you'd been telling Charlie and I was true. She lied because she was embarrassed for herself. That was more important to her than you or me or anyone else. She's still my mother. I love her, but I don't like her. And I'll never trust her again."
Ginny frowned, considering what she'd learned. "Does she even know what's happened to me?"
"She does."
"And… does she even want to see me?"
"She'd like to, yes."
"But you haven't allowed her to?"
"Not without your permission."
"What do you think I should do?"
Bill thought about it for a minute. "Believe it or not, I know what you want. She's your mother; she should be here. So if you want her here, that's your choice. But I don't believe she really accepts what she's done. I don't believe she can put your needs over hers. And I don't believe you can trust her."
Ginny thought about it for a long while. "But how do I know if I don't give her the chance?"
Bill tipped his head. "You don't." Ginny went back to staring out the window. How was she supposed to do this when she didn't know who she was, or how she was supposed to act? "What do you want to do?" Bill asked.
That was the question, wasn't it? Those things had all happened to her… But then they hadn't either. So how was she supposed to know what to do when she wasn't that girl and she wanted her mother? But then, if her mother did those things to her that she had done to the old Ginny would she still want her mother or not? Maybe it was like Bill said. He loved her, but he didn't like her. Maybe the old Ginny still loved her mother but had decided she wasn't going to let her hurt her any longer.
"Firefly?" he asked softly.
"I don't know, Bill."
HPHPHP
Harry was sitting in his bed reading when the matron poked her head around the curtains. "Ah, you're awake." She stepped fully into view.
"Yes, Ma'am. I thought my session wasn't till six."
"It isn't. You have visitors, if you're up to it."
Harry frowned. He couldn't think of anyone who would be visiting him who she needed to ask his permission for. "Who is it?"
"Miss Delacour's parents."
Harry's stomach clenched. "Are they angry with me?"
"I believe they merely have questions."
Harry played with the corner of the page. "Will you be close?"
Matron Pomfrey covered her heart breaking with a smile. The last month had been hell for the boy. It hadn't been easy on her or anyone else either. But Harry was not himself. He was putting on a brave face. She wasn't sure any of his friends were seeing just how devastated he was and certainly not Ginny. But she was seeing it. And for him to ask her to stay like he just had confirmed her fears. Her experience was of a boy who, no matter how difficult the task or truth, faced things head. Support was available, but he never asked for it. No, he was at his breaking point. Thankfully though, he'd surprised her and asked for help and she was honored to be the one he'd trusted enough to do so. "Of course."
Harry took a breath. "Just give me a minute to use the toilet first."
"I shall tell them you'll see them in five minutes."
"Ok."
Harry was sitting in a chair when the matron returned with Fleur's parents. It was easy to see where Fleur's veela heritage lay. Her father was a distinguished and attractive man of over six feet with salt and pepper hair, a strong jaw and steely blue eyes; but it was her mother who simply radiated beauty. Her hair was the same silver-blonde of her daughter's. Her eyes were wide, expressive and an icy blue that drew you in like the waters of a tropical island. Her skin was perfect and glowing, and even in form fitting robes there was no indication she'd carried two children. She could easily have passed for Fleur's sister. Harry tried not to fidget under her inspection. There was nothing in her gaze to indicate she'd just recently lost her daughter and it was unnerving. He hoped it was just her veela nature that allowed her to look perfect when her husband appeared ragged and like he hadn't slept in weeks.
He stood. "Sir, Ma'am," he spoke in French. "I'm honored to meet you."
They exchanged a quick look. "You speak French?" she asked.
"Not very well," Harry answered. "Fleur was teaching me, but I'm afraid I'm not as quick a study as my girlfriend. I understand it better than I speak it."
"We can speak in English then," she said.
"As you wish." He moved to one of the chairs he'd arranged and turned it for her. "Please, have a seat."
"Thank you," she said.
Harry waited for Mr Delacour to sit before retaking his spot. He sat and tried not to fidget. "Forgive us," she said suddenly. "We asked to speak with you and then we just sit here studying you."
Harry cracked a small smile. "It's all right. I'm rather used to being looked at like I'm in the zoo."
"We're a bit confused," her father spoke for the first time.
"You're wondering why Fleur would risk her life for me?"
"We received many letters from her," her mother said.
"Let me guess," Harry said, "not particularly flattering?"
"You made my daughter's life hell," her father said.
Harry cringed. "I don't deny that."
Mrs Delacour put her hand on her husband's arm. "Behave." He visibly composed himself. She turned to Harry. "Fleur kept a diary. Obviously, something changed between you. We were hoping you might tell us about what happened this year."
"Do you mean like everything, or what?"
"Anything at all you wish to share, we would be grateful for."
Harry picked at a hangnail nervously. "Fleur and I were the same," he said haltingly. "We just want a fair chance. The tournament, Fleur saw it as that chance. When I ended up as a champion, she was angry. Understandably so, I can see that now… Suddenly I was unfairly in her way.
"The thing is, we were both being used; a couple of pawns. She was used first; a distraction for your idiot Minister. Then someone put my name in the Goblet and she and Cedric and Viktor just became collateral damage." Harry took a shaky breath.
"Since the moment my name came out of that damn thing, the only thing I've wanted was to get out of this with as little damage as possible. I broke the charms on the eggs so they could be summoned. I told the others how to get them. Cedric and Viktor listened to me, Fleur didn't.
"It was when she realized Gabrielle was going to be her hostage that Fleur started to get it. We started to become friends then. I told her about Gillyweed so she wouldn't hurt her lungs. The four of us came up with a plan to get everyone out of the loch. We gave Ginny a time delayed dose of gillyweed. When it took affect she would wake up, free herself, draw runes on the other hostages so their champions could summon them and free them from their bindings. The task was supposed to be over in five minutes. Fleur, Cedric, Viktor, me, we weren't even supposed to get wet," he said bitterly.
"But then, that morning, I realized I was playing right in the hands of the people trying to kill me. They would attack during the task and they'd do it when they thought I'd be most vulnerable. That would be when I was dragging an unconscious hostage to the surface. The trigger had to be me touching Ginny. That, or her bindings being cut. So I went early. I got the other hostages out; everyone was safe but for me and Ginny…
"She was my friend and they killed her," he croaked. Clutching at his stomach he folded over. "I'm sorry," he gasped. "I couldn't save her. I'm sorry."
Matron Pomfrey came around the curtains. "That's enough now." She moved to him, wrapping an arm around his shoulders.
"I'm sorry," Harry repeated over and over. "I'm sorry."
"Hush now," she soothed. "You did everything you could." She focused on the Delacours. "I know you've traveled a long way but I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave."
"Of course," Mrs Delacour said. She stood. Tugging her husband along they left without a word.
HPHPHP
"She won't thank you for it." Tonks and Charlie turned, surprised to find Luna had followed them on leaving the hospital wing."
"Sorry?" Charlie said.
"You're thinking of postponing your wedding," Luna said.
"Wha—" they both blustered.
"Oh, I know you've not talked about it, but I can see it in your eyes. Neither the Ginevra we've lost nor this one would want you to. In fact, you'd simply be putting pressure on her to remember. She feels terrible enough now. If you were to postpone the wedding, hoping she remembers, you would only make things worse when she does not."
Charlie glanced at Tonks but she remained focused on Luna. He returned to the blonde girl. Luna had always given him the wobblies. Not that he didn't like her or anything, it was just that she often said or did things that gave him the shivers. Like right now; she was looking right at them, but he felt more like she was looking through them, at things only she could see. "What do you mean, when she doesn't?" he asked carefully.
Luna seemed to snap out of it. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to give the impression she won't recover her memory, just that she'd be devastated if you waited and she didn't."
"But won't she be devastated if she does recover to find we didn't at least give her a chance?" Tonks asked.
"No," Luna said unconcernedly. "Ginevra understands better than just about anyone that tomorrow isn't promised. And how much more devastated would she be if you waited only for one of you to not live to see your new wedding date?"
"Well that's a cheery thought," Charlie muttered.
"Not really, no," Luna said. "Oh, you were being sarcastic, weren't you. How silly of me. I'm usually much more attuned to things like that."
"You really think we should go ahead?" Tonks asked.
Luna nodded. "It would be for the best."
Charlie glanced at Tonks again. She shrugged. "I can't say I wasn't thinking about it."
"Me either," he agreed. He turned back to Luna. She was examining her nails. "Thank you, Luna. We'll think about what you said."
She stepped close to hug him. "Wonderful." He hugged her back. She let him go and turned to hug Tonks. "Don't worry, I'll keep her safe."
"Thanks, Luna," Tonks said. She let her go.
"I should get back."
"You do that," Charlie agreed.
HPHPHP
The day after the Delacour's visit Harry was sitting at his desk writing. Their visit was the first time he'd really talked about Fleur's death with anyone and it had been a catharsis of sorts for him. For the first time in weeks he didn't feel like his world was a small bubble of light with darkness pressing in, threatening to extinguish him if he so much as blinked.
"Harry?" He turned to find the matron poking her head around the curtains. "The Delacours are here again. They hoped to have a quick word with you."
Harry stood. "Okay."
The matron waved them in. "Hello, Harry," Mrs Delacour said.
"Mr Potter," her husband offered.
"Ma'am, Sir."
"We just wanted to thank you for speaking with us yesterday," she said. "We know it wasn't easy for you and we appreciate your willingness to help us understand what happened here this year."
"I'm glad I could help," Harry answered. He hesitated a second before grabbing his notebook and tearing the page from it. "And actually, this is for you." He offered it to them. Mrs Delacour stepped forward to take it. She glanced at it. "I kind of write and sing my own songs," Harry said when she looked up again. Mrs Delacour went back to reading. "And we both just wanted someone to listen," Harry went on, "to hear that she was more than a pretty face and that I'm more than a bedtime story. When we finally listened to each other, that's when we became friends."
A tear slid down Mrs Delacours face. With trembling hands she carefully folded the page.
Her husband took her hand. "Anastasia?"
"Will you sing for me?" she whispered.
"Sorry?" Harry asked
"Her song, I would like to hear it."
Harry hedged, "I haven't tried yet."
"Please?"
Harry tapped his finger against his leg. "Give me a second?" She sank into a chair. Her husband shifted to stand beside her with his hand on her shoulder. Harry went to his trunk. He hesitated a second. Claiming the sound was off even after Remus had fixed it Harry hadn't played his old guitar since his mum had bought him the electric. But it felt right that he should play Fleur's song with it so he pulled it out. He strummed it once, figuring it would be horribly out of tune but it was exactly right. He sat down, eyes closed. Most times a song took concerted effort with numerous rewrites. But sometimes it was like the universe already knew what it wanted and he was nothing more than a conduit. He'd picked up his quill only ten minutes ago. The words had just come; without a single scratch out. The way his guitar felt, the fact it was perfectly in tune; all he needed to do was listen. He wasn't really even aware he'd started playing till the first words were spilling past his lips.
Hello darkness, my old friend
I've come to talk with you again
Because a vision softly creeping
Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence.
In restless dreams I walked alone
Narrow streets of cobblestone
'Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence
And in the naked light I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more
People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence
Fools, said I, you do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you
But my words, like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence
And the people bowed and prayed
To the neon god they made
And the sign flashed out its warning
In the words that it was forming
And the sign said, the words of the prophets are written on the subway walls
And tenement halls
And whispered in the sounds of silence
Harry finished playing, sitting still for a few moments before wiping a tear from his cheek. He focused on the Delacours. "Fleur was my friend."
Mrs Delacour drew a slow breath. "Will you make me a promise?"
"If I can."
"Whenever you sing my daughter's song, promise the audience will know whom it is for."
"I swear."
She stood and moved to him. Reaching for his chin she lifted his face. "My daughter said, in her diary, you had the voice of an angel." Harry blushed. She bent and kissed his cheeks. "Thank you, Lord Potter."
HPHPHP
"Hello, Ginny."
Ginny snapped her book shut. "Finally, someone to talk to." Harry had started back to classes a week ago, but a full four weeks on from the second task and she was in no condition to do so herself. Just two laps around the infirmary were enough to leave her needing a nap. "Where's Neville?"
Hermione sat down in the chair. "I wanted a chance to talk to you alone so he went to the library."
"Oh," Ginny said. "What did you want to talk about?"
"Me, and you and Harry."
"Okay," Ginny agreed. "Have I done something?"
"No. The fact is, you've been amazing."
Ginny blushed. "I don't think I've done much of anything."
"You have, Ginny. And that's the thing. It's taken me an awful lot to see that in the past, and what you're going through now, well, I can only imagine. You survive these awful, horrible things; things I don't think many people could and it makes you strong, stronger than I'll ever be and I just wanted you to know."
"Erm, I'm not really sure what to say, but thanks, I guess."
Hermione grimaced. "I'm not sure I'm doing the best job of telling you what I wanted to say."
Ginny pursed her lips thoughtfully. "Well, why don't you just try saying it?"
"Easier said than done," Hermione huffed.
"Do you want to show me instead?"
Hermione shook her head. "No, I want to talk about it."
"All right then," Ginny agreed.
Hermione took a breath. "Before I met Harry, I had never had a friend in my life. Even after I met him I never managed to make a friend before coming to Hogwarts."
"I've seen how much he cares about you," Ginny offered.
Hermione smiled. "He's my brother. We fight like it, but I would do nearly anything for him."
"It sounds very special. Kind of like what I feel when I see Luna and Daphne."
"It is special," Hermione agreed. "Anyway, we had all these ideas and plans for school and they lasted right up to the moment you and Luna walked into our compartment on the train to school first year. And then bam," she snapped her fingers, "they were gone. Harry took one look at you and suddenly I wasn't the most important person in his life anymore."
"I'm sorry," Ginny said.
"You shouldn't be," Hermione said. "That isn't to say I wasn't upset about it or things were always easy between you and I. But the facts are, I couldn't remain the most important person in his life anymore than he could stay the most important in mine." She stopped, frowning. "Anyway, I'm getting long winded and away from my real point. Just know that you and I, we've made a peace with each other and become really good friends this year."
"I kind of thought what I've learned so far shows we were good friends from first-year?"
"We were," Hermione agreed. "But we're about to move into where things went bad."
"Everyone keeps warning me about this without telling me anything."
Hermione took a slow breath. "We're scared, Ginny. You we're lost to us for a long time. It took you a long time to recover and we're terrified of you having to go through all of that again." She stopped, struggling for words. "Look, it's going to be bad, Ginny. Just know, no matter what you learn or think or feel, it's the past. You've been through it, and you survived and you're stronger than ever and no matter what you see of me in people's memories, you are worthy of Harry."
Ginny watched her for a long time. "You didn't think I was worthy of Harry?"
"I was wrong."
Ginny frowned. "I don't know what to say."
"You don't have to say anything. Just remember, no matter what, I'm telling you, you are worthy of my brother."
"I'll remember."
"Thank you."
HPHPHP
Easter break arrived and with it came Ginny's first meeting with Harry's mum. To say she was nervous was putting it mildly. Bill had collected her and Harry from the school and after three portkey stops they were in the parlour at the Briar Patch. "All right?" Harry asked.
Ginny nodded. "Fine."
He smiled reassuringly. "My mum adores you."
"So you say."
"Trust me." He raised her hand to his lips.
Ginny took a slow breath and blew it out. "I do."
"Good." Just then a woman with long auburn hair and skin like porcelain stepped in from the hall. Of course, Ginny thought. Harry's mum was the mythical redhead who tanned. Piercing green eyes caught her and Ginny was struck by the sudden urge to run into her arms.
"Ginny," she smiled. Ginny blinked a number of times. "Is something wrong?"
Ginny shook her head. "No… Just, you've been very kind to me, haven't you?"
Her face lit up like the sun. She moved to envelope Ginny in a tight hug. "I'm glad you feel that, Ginny." Ginny was stiff for a few seconds before giving herself over to the embrace. Eventually Harry's mum released her.
"You remember?" Harry asked.
"No. Just a feeling." Ginny glanced at Bill. "I'm sorry."
He pulled her in and hugged her. "I'm just glad you remember something, Firefly."
HPHPHP
Ginny's mind wandered while she sat and watched her soon-to-be sister-in-law getting ready. It was April 15th and her brother was getting married. Today was going to be a test and she desperately hoped she'd manage it because after spending six weeks in hospital, she didn't think she could take another day staring at the curtains surrounding her bed in the infirmary for even another second longer. Of course she knew further incarceration awaited her on returning to school. She would be on a limited schedule of classes and rehabilitation for at least a month yet, but for this week she was free. Though she was plenty nervous about returning to school and class. She hadn't regained her memory yet and was quite concerned she wouldn't know or understand what was going on. Her friends all assured her she would be fine; that she was already performing most of the spells perfectly. But classes and exams were more than just performing the spells and she couldn't help being apprehensive. It would be close to the worst thing ever to end up not advancing to fifth-year with the rest of them. But it was still a bit more than a week away yet and who knew when she would get her memory back. She could wake up tomorrow and remember everything.
Ginny forced thoughts of school and class and her missing memory from her mind. For the first time in what, well, in a sense it was her whole life, today wasn't about her. It was actually kind of nice. Though she might have liked having her memory back for today. She liked Charlie and Tonks, and was honored to be Tonks' attendant for the day, but was pretty certain her missing memories would have given her a greater depth of emotion regarding their wedding. Don't get her wrong, she was excited, but she couldn't help thinking something was missing. A knock on the door drew her attention. She glanced at Tonks. The older woman nodded.
"You can come in," Ginny called.
The door opened and Tonks' father poked his head in. "Got a minute for your old dad?"
Tonks blanched. "Is it time already?"
"Nearly."
"I'll just step outside," Ginny said. Mr Tonks moved aside, smiling at her as she passed under his arm before closing the door quietly. She was a bit surprised to see Harry waiting in the hall for her.
He beamed at her. "Hey," he said.
She smiled. "Hey yourself."
Harry reached out and brushed a finger up and down her arm. "Green looks good on you."
Ginny blushed and gave little shiver. Her gown was a silk, A-line, floor-length ensemble with short sleeves and mildly plunging neckline. She was quite grateful that it was fairly modest and mostly covered her. Even so she'd needed Daphne to put glamours over her arms, neck and chest to hide the bruising she still carried from her healing kraken stings. "Looks good on you too," she said. Harry was an usher and was dressed in a smart suit with cummerbund and bowtie to match her dress.
"Is it against the rules to kiss you?"
She stepped closer. "Sod the rule—"
Harry pressed his lips to hers. It wasn't long or passionate, but it was soft and tender and perfect and she was pretty certain she'd have been happy to stay where she was for the rest of her life if she could have gotten away with it. Harry moved further into her space and his lips grazed along her cheek and jaw, ghosting back by her ear. Her breath hitched. This was far more intimate than he'd ever been with her; at least that she remembered. "Don't tell anyone," he whispered huskily, "but you are far prettier than the bride." Ginny's middle turned molten while her knees nearly buckled. He stayed where he was for another moment, purposely expelling his hot breath on her skin before slowly backing away till he was just holding her hand by the tips of her fingers. His eyes locked with hers. "Save me a dance?" he asked softly.
All she could do was give him a breathy, "Yes."
He grinned, raised her hand to his lips and softly kissed it. "My Lady," he said, letting go and turning away. She tracked him with her eyes till he reached the corner and was gone.
"Nimue," she breathed, fanning herself.
Ginny quickly arranged Tonks' train and took her seat between Harry and Sirius. It was on the bride's side, but after much anguish she had asked Bill to bring her mother to the school the day before they'd left. Her reaction had been… visceral; as strong as her reaction the first time she had set eyes on Harry. Only it had been instant feelings of hurt, anger, and betrayal that had flooded her system. Her very first thought had been, 'You are not my mother.' It was so intense it had taken her by surprise. It wasn't like she hadn't seen a picture of her mother or images of her in the various memories she'd viewed over the last month. Apparently she had to see someone in the flesh to have any kind of reaction to them. The visit hadn't lasted long, but it was enough to convince her she wanted nothing to do with sitting with her mother and brothers today. Charlie and Bill had told her she could sit where she liked and if Charlie wasn't bothered, then that was all that mattered. She knew she wasn't helping things, but it had only taken one glance at her mother earlier today to cement her decision.
Harry took her hand and she slowly relaxed. The effect he had on her was terrifying sometimes. Why him and no one else? Why was it Harry she remembered and no one else? Ok, other than her mother and to a bit lesser extent Luna, Daphne and Harry's mum. Why was she so sure of him? Was love really that strong it could bridge the chasm of her death? That's how she was beginning to think of it. Her body had lived a life she didn't know, how else was she supposed to think of it?
Absently she played with the ring on his finger, spinning it round. Soulmate. Just the idea was enough to make her laugh. But how else to explain it? She'd seen the memories. Her old self had been smitten from Hello. For the love of the goddess her old self had not batted an eye on him pulling Kaa from his pocket on the train that day. And he'd been just as taken with her. If Harry was to be believed – she didn't doubt for even a second there was a tree near the Burrow with his handprint burnt into the trunk – he'd been taken with her for years before they even met. She didn't remember that day, but storms and glowing green eyes had been in her dreams before he'd told her of it.
So yes, her old self had taken one look at him and decided no one else would do… Exactly the same as the day he'd first wheeled around her curtains in hospital. One look and she'd known him. When she remembered nothing else, knew nothing else, what explanation besides soulmates existed?
Cheering and Harry pulling his hand from hers broke her from her thoughts. She blinked dazedly. Harry was standing and clapping and cheering and up on the dais, Charlie was snogging the hell out of Tonks. Or maybe she was snogging him. It was kind of hard to tell. Actually, it was Tonks. Definitely. She pumped her fist in celebration a few times, inciting raucous cheers from the back where Charlie's quidditch teammates were. Nimue, had she missed the entire wedding? Tonks and her brother broke apart and turned to their guests. Arm in arm they set off up the aisle. Ginny hurried after them, making certain Tonk's train didn't catch on anything.
Ginny's eyes widened and the next thing she knew Tonks' bouquet had bounced off two women's hands, ricocheted of another's head and landed in her hands. Gobsmacked she stared at it. "NO FAIR!" three women who'd actually been vying for it cried.
"She's not even old enough to have a boyfriend," another complained.
"We'll all be spinsters if we have to wait till she's married first," another added.
"I do so have a boyfriend!" Ginny retorted.
"Well at least you have that going for you girls," Tonks chortled. "Maybe it won't be years after all."
"It better be," Charlie said.
Harry held his hand up. The one with Ginny's ring. "Ring says she's mine, Bro."
"You're married already?" one of the women demanded. "Give me that." She made a grab for the bouquet.
Ginny jerked it way. "Not a chance," she said. "If you wanted it, you should have caught it. And no, we are not married already. It's a promise ring."
Five women faced her. "A promise ring?" one demanded. "You gave him a promise ring?"
"I promised to say yes when he asks me."
"You did what?" they cried.
"How are you supposed to make him sweat if you promised to say yes?"
"That's sacrilege," another said, aghast.
Tonks pushed into the crowd. "Oi, you lot," she said playfully. "Leave my little sis alone."
"But she's cheating," one of them whined.
"No," Tonks said, "she's winning. She's got a man."
"And what a man," one of the women said. "Did you see that boy's eyes?"
"She's lucky I'm not ten years younger," another said. "I'd take the bouquet and the boyfriend." She winked at Ginny.
"That," Ginny said, "would get you killed."
The woman pouted at her. "Fine, but if you're keeping my bouquet, I get a dance with him."
"Oi!" Harry complained. "Don't I get a say in this?"
"NO!" the other four women said.
"Don't you have dates?" Ginny demanded.
"Not yet," one said.
"But the night is young yet," another said. She winked at Ginny.
"And there's quidditch players about," yet another said.
"Do we have a deal?" the fourth asked.
Ginny glanced at Harry. He shrugged. "As long as you know you're the only person I want to dance with."
"Awwww," the women gushed.
"They're so cute."
"I'm first," one of the women said. Before Harry could stop her she grabbed him by the arm and pulled him onto the dance floor.
"She's always first," one of the women complained.
"That's cause she's the biggest, slut," Tonks said. She grabbed Ginny and pulled her onto the floor. "Come on, I'll make sure they behave." Six songs, and what was more of a mosh pit than individual dances, joined by Daphne, Hermione, Luna and Neville, later Harry guided Ginny to a chair.
"Thanks," she gasped.
"All right?" he asked.
She nodded. "Just, it's been a long day."
"Can I get you something to drink?"
"Yes, please."
"I'll be right back." When Harry made it back Neville and Daphne had joined her. He immediately left with Neville again to get drinks for Daphne. The two came back with a tray full of glasses of punch as well as a pizza they'd snagged. Hermione and Luna joined them. "Do you want to go back out?" Harry asked after they'd polished off the pizza.
"I think I need to sit yet," she answered. "But you can go if you like."
"Nah, I'm good."
"Go out with Daphne, Mate," Neville said. "I'll stay with Ginny."
"Don't you want to dance with her?"
"I don't like the fast stuff," Neville said. "I'll bring Ginny out when they play some slower songs."
"Go on, Harry," Ginny said. "I know you like to dance and I'm not up to it."
"I'm barely up to it myself," Harry countered.
"You're fine," Ginny said. "Besides, you need to be pushing yourself and it's good exercise."
"She's right, Harry," Hermione said.
"Come on, Harry," Luna said, "Dance with us."
"You're sure?" Harry asked, focused on Ginny.
"Go. Neville will keep me company."
"All right then." Harry pecked her lips. "See you soon." He turned and offered a hand to Daphne. "Posh."
She took his hand. "Cad."
The others hadn't been gone long before Ron approached them. "Ginny," he said. "Neville."
"Hello, Ron."
"Ron," Neville answered.
"Mind if I join you?"
"Sure," Ginny said. She used her foot to push a chair towards him. Ron flopped into it and a bit of an uncomfortable silence fell on them.
"Good term?" Ron asked.
Neville looked at him. "You're joking, right?"
The tips of Ron's ears turned red. "Right, sorry." He looked out over the dance floor. Neville shook his head disgustedly. "I'm just trying to be nice," Ron said.
Ginny put her hand on his arm. "We appreciate it, Ron." She smiled encouragingly when he glanced at her.
Neville sighed. "Yeah, sorry, Ron."
Ron glanced at him, trying to determine if he was being sincere. "So," he tried, "plans for the break?"
"Mostly just trying to recover so I can start back to classes," Ginny said.
"Have you… remembered anything yet?"
Ginny shook her head. "Not really."
Ron frowned. "But then how are you going to manage classes?"
Ginny grimaced. "I'm a bit nervous about that myself. But I've managed to pretty much perform any spells I knew before and it usually only takes hearing something once or performing it once for me to get it again." She shrugged. "Hopefully I'll be fine."
"So you basically have to relearn everything?"
"Yeah."
Ron blew out a breath. "That sucks."
"Pretty much," Ginny agreed. "But I guess it's better than being dead."
Ron stared at her. He reached for her hand. "I'm glad you're not dead too, Ginny."
Ginny stared at his hand on hers for a second before looking up and searching his face. "That means a lot to me. Thank you." The music changed to a slow song.
Ron jerked his head. "Think you can manage a dance…? I'll try not to trip you this time."
"This time?"
Ron rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I managed to trip us both at the Yule Ball."
Ginny held her hand out to him. "Well, then I shall endeavor to keep my feet out of your way this time."
"I don't want to hear it, Mum," Bill said.
"I don't care, William. Ginny is my daughter and I won't have her behaving this way. What were you thinking, letting her keep a necklace like that? She's far too young for a gift like that. He's obviously trying to turn her head with it and she's too naive to know it. And then he goes and flaunts himself in front of her with every two galleon tart in the place."
Bill glowered at her. "Oh yes, you were so much more worldly and sophisticated when you allowed Lucius Malfoy to turn your head with a few trinkets and broke up with dad."
She gasped. "How dare you!"
"I dare because it's the truth, Mum."
"I don't have to stand here and listen to this!"
"I'm warning you, Mum, if you can't behave I'll have Auntie take you home."
"That woman is not to set foot in my house ever again."
Bill just glared at her. "Try me… One word," he said when she opened her mouth. "One out of line comment. One toe out of line and you'll be out of here faster than you can blink."
"This is my son's wedding!"
"Then for Christ's sake behave. Is that so hard to do, to keep your thoughts and opinions to yourself for four bloody hours?"
"She is my daughter!"
"You gave up the right to call yourself her mother when you lied about Lucius." She opened her mouth. "No," he cut her off. "This is neither the time nor the place. This conversation is over. You will stay away from Ginny. You will behave appropriately or you will leave."
"And when will it be the time or place?" she demanded.
"When the people you've betrayed decide it is," Bill answered.
"Your father—"
"Is rolling over in his grave at your behavior," he cut her off again.
She glared at him. "I'm leaving."
"That's your choice." She continued to glare at him but he held his ground.
"You are not my son," she hissed. Spinning around she stalked away.
Bill watched her till she turned the corner. Sighing he followed. He saw her snatching her cloak from the attendant before she stormed out the door. Pulling his wand he changed the wards so she couldn't sneak back in without him knowing. Turning he found Lily had followed. She stepped into him, laying her head on his chest as he wrapped his arms around her. "I'm sorry," she said.
"What can I do?" he croaked.
"I don't know."
He held her for another minute before reluctantly letting her go. "I don't want Ginny to find out like this."
She backed away. "Later?"
He gave her a sad smile. "Yeah."
Ginny grabbed a handful of birdseed and launched it at Charlie and Tonks as they ran past. The newlyweds ducked in the waiting limo and were off. The rest of the guests cheered till they were around the corner before turning and making their way back into the reception hall. Harry wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her tightly. She leaned into him gratefully. "All right?" he asked.
She nodded. "Just tired." Before she could stop him Harry scooped her up in his arms.
"Oh," she gasped. She started to protest but then decided there were far to many benefits to her current position to do so. She looped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder. "Well this is better than a wheelchair."
Harry chuckled. "I think so. Thanks, Mate," he added when Neville held the door for them.
"No problem."
Harry carried Ginny to a bench and sat with her in his lap. The rest of their friends gathered round them, sitting on the bench or the floor in front of them. "Who knew a wedding was so tiring," Hermione said.
Ginny let out a massive yawn. "You're telling me?" Harry dropped a kiss on her crown.
"How long you think it will take them?" Neville asked.
Harry smirked. They'd managed to pour a delayed action powder on all of Charlie's pants. After completely random amounts of time, ranging from two to ten hours they'd release a rather nasty smell. Hey, he had to do something to they guy getting a leg over with his sister. "Two days at most," he said. "Tonks has been around the block with me and Sirius enough to know not to chance it. If she doesn't just have him buy a new wardrobe I'll be shocked."
Ginny sat up a bit straighter. "Did you prank my brother?"
"Erm," Harry said.
"You pranked my brother on his honeymoon!"
"Erm, maybe a little."
"A little?"
"Yes, a little," Harry said, "Definitely a little."
"You were involved with this?" Daphne demanded.
Neville immediately shifted blame. "It was Harry's idea."
"You son of a—" Harry said. Neville flipped him off. "Just wait till training tomorrow," Harry warned.
Neville rolled his eyes. "Scared, Potter."
"What did you do?" Ginny demanded.
"Erm," Harry said. She narrowed her eyes at him. "I may have covered his pants with time delayed dung bomb powder."
"Eww," Luna said. Hermione wrinkled her nose.
Ginny turned. "Bill!"
What's up, Firefly?"
"Can you get ahold of Charlie?"
"Yeah, sure. Why?"
"Cause my prat of a boyfriend pranked him."
"Seriously," Harry complained. "You're ratting me out?"
"Prank?" Fred and George piped up.
"What'd you do to him, Potter?"
"He put time delayed dung bomb powder on his pants," Ginny said.
"Oh, you are so going to get it, Weasley," Harry muttered.
"Eww," the twins said, grimacing. They, Bill and Ron all focused on Harry.
"He's getting a leg over with my sister," Harry protested. "I had to do something." He cringed almost as soon as the words were out of his mouth.
"Put your foot in it there, didn't you, Potter?" Ginny teased.
Ginny's brothers all exchanged looks. "You want to point out the irony in that statement or should we?" Fred and George said in perfect stereo.
"Boys," Bill said, "It's open season on Ginny's boyfriend."
The twins clapped their hands together and rubbed them gleefully. "Excellent."
Harry glowered at Neville. "Way to keep your mouth shut, Longbottom." He poked Ginny in the side, eliciting a squeal from her. "And you, better watch your back." Grinning impishly, she stuck her tongue out at him.
Author's notes:
A bit of a calm before the storm picks up again.
Harry's song for the Delacours is, Sounds of Silence by Simon and Garfunkel