Adam
January 4th 1997
Much to Adam's relief, Mr and Mrs Weasley had readily agreed that he, Ginny and Ron should spend the rest of the Christmas holidays at Hogwarts.
Mr and Mrs Weasley had left the day after the funeral to begin making repairs to The Burrow. Once they were gone, Adam, Ginny and Ron drifted around Gryffindor Tower unsure of what to do with themselves. In the end, he and Ginny had resorted to doing some revision for their OWLs. It seemed ridiculous that they were starting so soon, OWLs were months away, but eventually, as time went by, things began to get back to normal and Adam began to feel more like his old self.
Today was the day that the rest of the students were returning to school. Adam knew that Ron was especially excited as Hermione and Neville were returning, although he suspected Ron was mostly excited to see Hermione.
"Good morning, Adam."
Adam jerked his head up from where he was sitting on the common room sofa and was surprised to see Professor McGonagall enter the common room.
"Hi, Professor," Adam replied with a smile.
"Why are you down here all on your own?"
"Oh, Ginny has spread out and cluttered up all of her room, so she's cleaning up before the others get back, and Ron's gone to meet Hermione."
Professor McGonagall raised an eyebrow at Adam. "And how do you know what Ginny's room is like?"
Adam gulped. "I don't! She told me!"
Much to Adam's surprise Professor McGonagall winked at him. "I was only kidding, Adam."
Adam gaped at Professor McGonagall. She never joked... about anything! Adam was still sitting there open-mouthed, as she walked over to the notice board and pinned up a notice.
"Have you started preparing for your OWLs, Adam?" she asked suddenly.
"Erm, I've done a bit."
"Make sure you do plenty of revision, you have the ability to do very well," Professor McGonagall began. "Have you thought about what you would like to do once you leave Hogwarts?"
Adam stared at her. He hadn't thought about that. He had no idea what job he wanted to do.
"I..." Adam began.
"Have a think about it, Adam. I will be scheduling a careers advice interview for you later in the year," she sighed suddenly. "Can you believe you have been at Hogwarts five years now?"
Adam laughed. "No, its flown by."
Professor McGonagall seemed to hesitate for a second.
"Keep up the good work, Adam. You are a fine young man."
She turned and left the common room, leaving Adam quite bemused at the praise. He wasn't that special. Well, apart from the fact I'm really Harry Potter, he thought and then suddenly burst out in laughter at the absurdity of it all.
Now feeling strangely restless, Adam stood up and wandered over to look at the notice that Professor McGonagall had pinned to the board.
APPARITION LESSONS
If you are seventeen years of age, or will turn seventeen on or before the 31st August this year, you are eligible for a twelve-week course of Apparition Lessons from a Ministry of Magic Apparition instructor. Please sign below if you would like to participate. Cost: 12 Galleons.
Adam felt a surge of excitement, Apparition Lessons!
When Adam actually thought about it though, he felt himself deflate. Although he knew that it would be really useful to be able to Apparate, Adam also knew that he wouldn't be able to take part; he was old enough, but he knew Professor Dumbledore wouldn't want the extra attention on him. Still, he decided he would definitely ask Professor Dumbledore about it.
"What are you looking at?" Ginny asked, coming up behind him.
"Oh, just this sign," Adam replied. "For Apparition lessons."
"Oh, that's for Ron and Hermione's year isn't it?"
"Yeah, I don't expect Professor Dumbledore will let me do it, even though I'm old enough."
"Well, ask him anyway."
"I might," Adam replied sullenly. "He doesn't normally listen to my requests though, does he?"
"Adam, stop moping," Ginny chided. "So he won't teach you more defence. As I've said we can always practice together, look stuff up in the library. It'll be just as good."
"Sorry," Adam replied, feeling slightly guilty at the way he was behaving.
"I already have a few ideas about how we can find out about some spells we could learn," Ginny continued excitedly.
"How?" Adam asked.
"I've been talking to Hermione a lot since she found out. She actually has loads of ideas for things to do with the DA," Ginny said with a grin. "Plus, she gave me a defence book before Christmas; it has loads of spells in it."
"Oh," Adam said, breaking into a grin. That seemed absurdly simple. "Brilliant."
"I know I am," Ginny replied cheekily. "Hermione, too. It's 'cause girls are smarter than boys."
Adam swatted Ginny playfully on the arm. "Well, shall we head down to dinner? The others should be arriving soon."
Ginny nodded and the two of them wandered down to the Great Hall. They were among the last students to arrive.
"You'll never guess what's happened!" Hermione exclaimed as they sat down next to her, Ron and Neville at the Gryffindor table.
"What?" Ginny asked.
"Hagrid's been put on probation!"
"He hasn't done anything!" Adam exclaimed angrily.
"He told us on the platform," Neville added sounding disgruntled. "Apparently, Umbridge went around all the teachers today giving them their evaluations results."
"Professor Dumbledore won't let her actually fire anyone, will he?" Ron asked.
Adam shrugged in response.
"I'm not sure, but she may actually have the authority to fire a teacher without his permission," Hermione added in a worried tone of voice. "The wording on the decree is a little vague."
"If she thinks she can, she will," Adam spat, remembering when she had tried to expel him just before Christmas.
"I hate her," Ginny added angrily. "Hopefully someone will see sense and get rid of her."
They sat in silence.
"So..." Hermione began. "Did you have a good Christmas?"
Adam stared at Ron and then at Ginny.
"Err..." he began.
"The Death Eaters attacked The Burrow," Ron said in a low voice.
Hermione gasped in response, her eyes immediately turning to Adam. "Is everyone alright?"
"We're all fine," Ron replied, gulping slightly.
"Professor Lupin was killed," Ginny added in a tight voice.
"No!" Hermione wailed, clapping her hand over her mouth. "H-How? What happened?"
Their dinners now forgotten, Ron, Ginny and Adam haltingly retold the tale of that night's events.
Once the story was told, the conversation at the table fizzled out and Adam found himself feeling relieved. Being forced to relive that evening in his head was very upsetting and he reached out under the table, clasped Ginny's hand and squeezed. She squeezed back, and feeling somewhat comforted, Adam turned his attention back to his meal, which was by now nearly cold.
January 11th 1997
"Good evening once again, Adam," Professor Dumbledore greeted him as he entered his office for yet another lesson.
"Hi, sir," Adam replied as he sat down in his usual chair.
"Today," Professor Dumbledore announced, "we will be taking a little trip outside the school to visit an old colleague of mine."
Adam nodded.
"However," Professor Dumbledore paused. "This is a trip for Harry Potter and not Adam Winters. So if you would please..."
Adam sighed, and withdrew his wand. Pointing it at himself, he cast the spells that Professor Dumbledore had taught him, changing his appearance back to that of Harry Potter, his natural appearance.
"Very good, my boy, very good," Professor Dumbledore praised him. "Now, it is important that you leave the school unseen by Dolores."
"Uhh," Adam interrupted. "I didn't bring the cloak."
"Not to worry, allow me," Professor Dumbledore said and tapped his wand on Adam's head.
Adam immediately felt like someone had covered his skin in a thick liquid, he looked down and found that, just like when he wore the cloak, he couldn't see his body anymore.
"Some wizards do not need cloaks to make themselves invisible," Professor Dumbledore said knowingly. "Now follow close behind me, and don't make a sound."
Professor Dumbledore, with Adam closely following, strode out of the school and down the path that lead to Hogsmeade. When they reached the school's gates, which were locked, Professor Dumbledore placed his hand on them and they immediately opened.
"Harry," Professor Dumbledore said softly. "Take my arm."
Adam took Professor Dumbledore's arm and was immediately pulled away from Hogwarts with the Headmaster.
"Very good," Professor Dumbledore mused when they appeared at their destination. He waved his wand, making Adam visible once again. "You of course have experienced Side-Along Apparition before?"
"Yeah," Adam replied. "With Tonks," Adam paused. "Professor, I saw that the year above get to have Apparition lessons and I was wondering if I could take them too," he hesitated. "As... erm, I'm old enough."
Professor Dumbledore stayed silent and began to lead him down a quiet street. The street was lit by the occasional street light and there were rows of terraced houses on either side of the road.
"Harry," Professor Dumbledore said as they walked down the road and turned right onto another similar street. "I do not feel it would be wise for you to participate in the lessons."
Adam's shoulders slumped. He knew that was what Professor Dumbledore was going to say.
"Do not fret," Professor Dumbledore continued. "I had been intending to teach you myself, and I see no reason why my plans should change."
"Great!" Adam exclaimed excitedly and the two of them continued down the street. "Thank you, sir!"
"Harry," Professor Dumbledore continued in a quiet voice. "We must concentrate on the matter at hand. We are here in Sidmouth tonight to meet a man that goes by the name of Horace Slughorn."
"The one from the memory," Adam mused.
"Exactly," Professor Dumbledore replied. "The reason, I have brought you here tonight, Harry, is that Horace Slughorn has a, let us say, weakness towards the famous. A category which you, as much as you may dislike it, fall firmly in."
"But..." Adam began to object.
Professor Dumbledore raised his hand to stop Adam's objection. "Allow me to explain. With your position, wanted or not, you will have significant influence over him."
"What do you want me to do?" Adam sighed.
"I want you to convince him to give you the true copy of that memory that we watched," Professor Dumbledore said bluntly. "But that may not happen tonight."
Professor Dumbledore then strode off ahead of Adam and stared up into the window of a nearby house. Adam quickened his pace to catch up and he too looked up at the house, which was elevated slightly off the road by a set of steps. The house itself was dark and the curtains were all open with no lights on inside.
"Oh," Adam said, feeling slightly relieved. "He's not home."
Professor Dumbledore didn't answer, but instead climbed the steps, withdrew his wand and knocked on the front door.
Several seconds later the door opened a crack and a face looked through.
"Good grief, Albus!" A voice said from behind the door. "Come in!"
Adam followed Professor Dumbledore up the steps, into the house and then down a dark hallway into a brightly lit living room.
"Have a seat," said the man, who Adam presumed to be Slughorn. "And welcome to my humble abode," then his eyes moved to Adam and he exclaimed. "Oho!"
Adam glanced at Professor Dumbledore uncomfortably.
"Is this who I think it is, Albus?" Slughorn asked.
"Yes, Horace, this is Harry Potter. Harry, this is an old friend and colleague for mine, Horace Slughorn," Professor Dumbledore introduced them.
"Er, hi," Adam replied, feeling uncomfortable as Slughorn stared at him.
"So, Albus," Slughorn said, finally looking away. "What brings you here tonight?"
"Well, Horace, I'm sure you'll have read the unique circumstances surrounding young Harry here. He has had limited contact with the wizarding world, and he needs to make some connections if he's to have a successful career."
"Ah," Slughorn responded, his face breaking into a wide smile. "Aha! Yes, my boy," he said turning to Adam. "I'm exactly the person you need to help you. Come over here, lad!"
Adam followed Slughorn over to a large wooden dresser, on which were stood several framed photographs.
"Look here, this is Barnabas Cuffe, editor of the Daily Prophet," he said pointing at one photograph. "And Ambrosius Flume, of Honeydukes; that's Gwenog Jones, who of course captains the Holyhead Harpies!"
Adam stared at the photographs; the only one he'd heard of was Gwenog Jones, and that was only because Ginny was a massive fan of the Harpies.
"I've helped them all get a foot on the ladder! Made introductions, you know the sort of thing."
Adam nodded numbly.
"I'll have to get you along to my next little shindig. You'll go down a storm I'm sure, Harry. That's the sort of thing you need. Meet people, then when they can help you, you have the contact you need!" Slughorn kept on talking, a wide smile and his face and his eyes shining.
"Wonderful, Horace," Professor Dumbledore exclaimed. Leaving Adam feeling mystified. He hadn't agreed to any of this. "I will make the arrangements. However..." Professor Dumbledore hesitated. "There are some security concerns we will need to discuss."
"Of course, Albus, very understandable," Slughorn said brightly. "You will come of course, dear boy, won't you? I'm having a little get-together for Valentine's Day as it happens, and it won't be the same without you!"
"Err..." Adam hesitated.
"Of course!" Slughorn said, jumping upon Adam's hesitation. "You have a young lady, whom you already have plans with!"
"Err..." Adam hesitated again, unsure where Slughorn was getting all this from.
"You don't even need to ask! Of course, you must bring her along!"
"Okay," Adam finally replied, feeling utterly bewildered.
"Excellent, it is settled then, Albus?" Slughorn said looking to Professor Dumbledore.
"Certainly, Horace. I will contact you before the date to arrange the details," Professor Dumbledore said.
"Excellent," Slughorn said loudly, rubbing his hands together. "Will you both join me for a drink?"
"Of course, but then we must be going. Only a brief visit tonight," Professor Dumbledore replied. "What would you like, Harry?"
"Erm, Butterbeer..." Adam replied hesitantly.
Despite the fact that Dumbledore had said it would be a brief visit, they sat around in Slughorn's living room for nearly an hour. Adam sat quietly and sipped on his Butterbeer, feeling very uncomfortable while Professor Dumbledore and Slughorn chatted. They seemed to be talking about past students and teachers from Hogwarts, people Adam had never heard of.
"You look very like your father, Harry," Slughorn said, suddenly directing the conversation towards Adam.
"So I've been told," Adam began uneasily.
"Except for your eyes. You've got your mother's eyes... She was one of my favourites you know."
"Who?" Adam asked.
"Your mother," Slughorn added. "Lily Evans. One of the brightest I ever taught. Vivacious, you know. Charming girl..." he trailed off.
"Er...thanks..." Adam replied, he was never very comfortable talking about his parents; after all, he'd never known them.
"Your mother was Muggle-born, of course. Couldn't believe it when I found out. Thought she must have been pure-blood, she was so good."
Adam stared at him: no one had ever told him that his mum was Muggle-born.
"One of my friends is Muggle-born," Adam said defensively, suddenly realising the other implication of what Slughorn had said. "She's the best in her year."
"Funny how that sometimes happens, isn't it?" said Slughorn. Then his expression fell as he saw the look on Adam's face. "You mustn't think I'm prejudiced!" he said. "No, no, no! Haven't I just said your mother was one of my all-time favourite students? I am sorry, my dear boy, I didn't mean any offence!"
After that the conversation was somewhat stilted and Adam began to feel more and more awkward the longer they were there. Eventually, Adam and Professor Dumbledore left Slughorn's house and began walking back down the street.
"What was all that about?" Adam asked, once they were out of earshot of the house. "Why do I have to go that party?"
"Horace will never divulge the true memory with me around," Professor Dumbledore said tiredly. "You on the other hand, Harry, have a very good chance of convincing him to do so."
"Really?" Adam asked. He had no idea how he would do that.
"Yes, I have faith in you, Harry."
They continued their walk in silence, while Adam digested what had happened.
"I think, we are far enough now, Harry, please take my arm."
Professor Dumbledore Apparated Adam back to Hogwarts, and, after a repeat of their earlier trek through the school grounds, they soon arrived back at the Headmaster's office.
"Good job, Harry," Professor Dumbledore said, sinking down into his chair. "A very successful evening."
"Err," Adam said. "I'm actually going to this thing of his then?"
"Why, yes," Professor Dumbledore replied. "I'll attempt to find someone for you to go with. I would normally ask Tonks..."
"What?" Adam exclaimed. "Can Ginny not go?"
"Harry," Professor Dumbledore began. "I am not sure that would be wise..."
Adam stared. He couldn't go with anyone else other than Ginny. It felt like doing that would be betraying her somehow.
"Professor," Adam said, suddenly feeling a surge of anger. He put up with a lot from Professor Dumbledore, but taking another girl to the party felt really wrong. "I'll go on my own if I have to, but I won't go with anyone else other than Ginny and pretend it's date."
Professor Dumbledore stared at him for a second. "Very well, I need to make some security arrangements before I can allow you to go anyway. I will have to let you know exactly what is happening. But..." he paused. "I won't force you to take anyone else as a date."
"Thank you, Professor," Adam replied. "Err, can I go now?"
"Certainly."
Adam walked towards the door.
"Harry!" Professor Dumbledore called from behind him. "Change your appearance back!"
Adam blushed bright red. He had just come very close to making a horrible mistake!
"Er... sorry," he apologised and, changing his appearance back, he ventured back out into the school.
January 14th 1997
A few days later, Adam and Ginny made plans to sneak away and practice some new spells. So once they had eaten their dinner that night, they slipped away from the rest of the Gryffindors who where making their way back to Gryffindor Tower and headed for the Room of Requirement. When they reached the proper spot in the corridor, they requested the same room they used for DA training and slipped inside.
"Right," Ginny said once they were inside. "What do you want to do?"
Adam hesitated. They had planned to come to the Room of Requirement as often as they had free time, to plan for the DA and practice just between the two of them, but now he was actually here, he wasn't exactly sure what they should do.
"Well, the first DA meeting of the year is tomorrow. We need to talk about what we... err... I am going to cover..." Adam suggested. "I asked Hermione, and she seemed keen to move on and perhaps cover the Patronus charm."
"I agree," Ginny responded, sitting down a sofa that the room had provided. "We covered most of the basic duelling spells last term. I know all the members want to do the Patronus Charm."
"I know," Adam replied, sitting next to her. "But since Ron told everyone about my Patronus, I can't really demonstrate, can I?"
"I'll demonstrate then," Ginny replied.
"Okay, so we'll do that. I also wanted to cover Incarcerous," Adam added.
"Oh, yes," Ginny exclaimed. "I saw Tonks using that once..." She suddenly paused. "Oh... Anyway, it looked really cool. Oh!" Ginny added. "I have an idea for a new spell we can learn."
"Brilliant," Adam replied, turning towards Ginny.
"I' not sure where I know it from," Ginny said looking a little uncomfortable. "But its incantation is Incendio."
"What does it do?"
"I think it makes fire," Ginny sounding slightly uncertain. "But let's give it a go!"
The two of them stood up and walked over to the cushions on the floor. Adam picked one up and tossed it onto a clear area of the floor.
"Incendio!" Ginny cast. Nothing happened.
"Incendio!" she cried again. Still nothing happened.
"Incendio!" Ginny tried once more, now sounding very frustrated. She growled, when once again nothing happened.
"Come on, Ginny," Adam said encouragingly. "You can do it."
"Incendio!" Ginny screamed.
A ball of yellow light left her wand, sailed through the air and hit the cushion, causing a small explosion of fire and the cushion promptly exploded into roaring flames.
Adam and Ginny both jumped back as the force of the spell took them both by surprise.
"Whoa," Adam exclaimed, staring at the mini-inferno that had now enveloped the cushion.
"Don't just stand there," Ginny exclaimed suddenly. "We need to put this out! Aguamenti!"
"Aguamenti!" Adam joined in, helping Ginny to put out the fire she had created.
It did seem like a cool spell, but Adam wasn't quite sure how useful it would be. He would practice it with Ginny anyway. The more spells he knew the better.
Ginny
February 15th 1997
Ginny packed her new dress robes neatly into her school bag. She felt giddy with excitement because she was going with Adam to Slughorn's party tonight. No, she corrected herself, she was going with Harry to Slughorn's party tonight.
Adam had spent a long time explaining exactly why Professor Dumbledore was making him go to this party. He didn't seem to be particularly looking forward to it. Ginny had also been apprehensive about going, but as it drew closer she had started getting excited about it. Her excitement had further heightened when Professor Dumbledore had shown her the new dress robes he had somehow acquired for her to wear. They were absolutely gorgeous! Ginny suspected Adam had had something to do with getting them, but he wouldn't admit to it.
Once she had packed all her things into her bag, Ginny went downstairs to meet Adam. He had arranged to meet her in the Headmaster's office, so they wouldn't attract suspicion by both of them leaving together.
Ginny walked through the school to the Headmaster's office and, after giving the password, walked up the stairs.
She gasped when she opened the door. Adam was standing in the office wearing a very smart black suit, with a jacket and a tie.
"Wow," Ginny said appreciatively. "You look good."
"Thanks!" Adam said brightly, in his slightly modified Harry-voice. Ginny still found that rather disconcerting.
"Dumbledore says you can get changed in the room through there," Adam said gesturing to a door at the back of the office.
"Where did that come from?" Ginny asked.
"Dunno," Adam shrugged. "He did something and it appeared."
Ginny giggled. "I didn't know he could just make rooms appear," she said as she walked towards the door. "I'll be as quick as I can."
"Take your time," Adam replied. "I'm going to come up with some more ideas for DA lessons."
"Okay," Ginny said, brightly. She was getting really excited now.
Ginny hastened into the room, changed and put on the small amount of makeup that she wanted to wear, just to cover up some of her freckles. She had washed her hair prior to leaving Gryffindor Tower, so she undid the tie she had placed in it and let it fan out around her shoulders. After a few more adjustments she was happy with her appearance. She knew Adam would love whatever she was wearing, but it would be nice to go to a little extra effort for him.
Once she was finished, Ginny examined herself in the mirror. She was wearing long black dress robes made from a material that Ginny wasn't familiar with; it shimmered and gave off an almost iridescent green glow when the light hit it. She absolutely loved it!
Now satisfied, Ginny stepped out of the room, watching happily as Adam's eyes immediately settled on her and his face broke out into a sloppy grin.
"Wow," he exclaimed in quiet admiration.
He stood up from the chair, walked over to her and took her hands in his and Ginny stared into his bright green eyes.
"You look amazing," he murmured.
Ginny felt herself blushing. "Thanks," she replied, suddenly feeling self-conscious.
A sudden cough from behind them broke the moment.
"Ah," Professor Dumbledore said, looking slightly uncomfortable. "We're just about ready to go, then," he withdrew a small silver disc. "This is a Portkey. It will take you to Horace's party and then return you when you are ready. I've placed a temporary Illusion Charm on both of your beds. This should ensure no one realises you have left the school... but please try to be back before midnight... your mother, Miss Wealsey, … well let us say I would certainly be on the receiving end of one of her howlers if she knew I was allowing you to do this."
"We've never let the rules stand in our way before," Adam said lightly.
Professor Dumbledore sighed. "I have arranged for some security to be present. You won't see them, but they are trustworthy and know something of the situation, although they don't know your identity, Harry."
Adam nodded.
"Finally, we need to see to the matter of ensuring that Miss Weasley is not identified."
"What!" Ginny exclaimed.
"Miss Weasley, I think you'll agree that if evidence of you being seen with Harry Potter were to make the papers it would be... awkward. I've taken precautions to try to prevent that, but slightly altering your appearance is a sensible precaution and one I insist on."
Professor Dumbledore pointed his wand at Ginny, and she suddenly felt a stinging sensation around her hair.
Ginny tried to take stock of herself, she didn't feel any different. She turned to Adam and noticed that he was staring at her.
"Your hair..." he said. "It's brown!"
Brown! Her hair was brown! Hmm, how did it look brown...
"Very good," Professor Dumbledore said holding out the Portkey for Adam to take. "You just need to think of a false name to use for tonight. Now off you go."
Adam took the Portkey from Professor Dumbledore. Ginny put her hand on it, and suddenly they were both whisked away.
When they landed, Ginny, who had just about managed to stay on her feet in her long robes, looked around. They were standing outside what appeared to be an old abandoned church. The windows were boarded up and there didn't appear to be any lights on inside.
"The party's here!" Adam exclaimed.
"I think this is just to keep Muggles away," Ginny responded, taking Adam's hand. "I've seen something similar before at a couple of places. It'll change for us when we get closer."
As Adam and Ginny approached the old church, she asked. "How does my hair look?"
"Amazing," Adam commented, then lowered his voice. "But I prefer it red."
A door opened as they approached and they entered the building.
"Good evening, my boy!" A large man boomed, clapping his hands together. "And who is this lovely young lady?"
"Mr. Slughorn, this is..." Adam hesitated. "Jenny. Jenny, this is Mr Slughorn," Adam introduced them politely, looking slightly uncomfortable.
"Now, now, none of that. I'm Horace," Slughorn, said excitedly. "Anyway, do come in, do come in. Mingle, enjoy yourselves."
Once they had passed Slughorn, Adam and Ginny entered a room about the size of the Gryffindor common room where the party was taking place. There was a long table in the centre of the room, which was set for dinner. There were several other well-dressed people in the room, many of whom were clustered around a second long table that was situated against one wall.
Adam and Ginny hesitated.
"Err," Adam said.
"Come on," Ginny said nervously. "I think we get a drink over there."
As Ginny dragged Adam over to the long table she asked him. "So I'm Jenny, then?"
"It was all I could come up with on the spot. It's basically your name anyway."
Ginny shrugged. "I don't like all these fake names and stuff."
Adam sighed. "Welcome to the club."
They reached the table that was serving as a bar, only to be confronted with several large decanters and bowls containing various beverages. Ginny saw Adam looking uncertainly at them.
"Err..."
"This looks like Butterbeer," Ginny said, pointing to a large flagon.
Adam reached over and poured both of them a glass, and with their drinks in hand they strolled away from the table. As they walked, Ginny was very conscious that the other guests were aware of their arrival. She could see their furtive glances as people watched her and Adam over the rims of their glasses. This made her feel quite self-conscious, mostly because the other guests were so much older than she, and because she realised that she didn't have the courage to approach anyone.
The room seemed to be filling up and Ginny scanned the room, looking for any familiar faces. She didn't recognise anyone until her eyes settled on a woman standing at the drinks table.
No way, no way, oh my, oh my!
"Come on!" Ginny exclaimed grabbing Adam's hand.
"What?" Adam asked.
"That's Gwenog Jones!" Ginny exclaimed.
"Oh," Adam replied and allowed himself to be dragged over to where Gwenog was standing.
"Hi!" Ginny exclaimed once they drew near. She could barely contain her excitement.
Gwenog turned around and stared for a second, first at her then at Adam.
"Hi," she said uncertainly. "Oh, you must be Mr. Potter. Horace told me you were here. I'm Gwenog Jones."
"Hello," Adam replied. "Yeah, I'm Harry, this is Jenny," he said gesturing towards Ginny.
"Hi, Jenny," Gwenog said with a smile and Ginny nearly bounced up and down with excitement.
They stood there in an awkward silence for a few seconds.
"So, how did Horace get you to come his party?" Gwenog asked.
"Err..." Adam replied. "He asked Professor Dumbledore, and well..."
Gwenog gave a short sharp laugh. "You didn't have much choice from that point, eh?"
Adam decided not to answer that. "What about you, Gwenog?" Adam asked.
Gwenog looked around and lowered her voice. "It's often easier just to come than continually fob Horace off... anyway," she continued, her voice returning the normal volume. "They can sometimes be good fun, and very occasionally you make a useful contact."
Adam nodded.
"Don't worry," she said. "I must say, I was quite intrigued by your story when I read it in the Prophet, but then that is quite like Dumbledore, always having his secrets."
"Yeah," Adam agreed.
"So how did you two meet?" Gwenog asked, obviously trying to keep the conversation going.
"We met at Hogwarts," Adam replied.
"I didn't think you went to Hogwarts, Harry?"
"No, but I've been there from time to time," Adam added, smoothly covering for his near slip-up.
"I see," Gwenog replied. "Do either of you play Quidditch?"
"Yes!" Ginny exclaimed. "I'm a Chaser."
"I play Seeker," Adam added. "But I don't play, err... obviously."
"Excellent," Gwenog said brightly. "All the teams often have scouts at Hogwarts, so you never know!"
Ginny couldn't help but emit an excited squeak at this news. She couldn't believe that a scout might have seen her play!
Ginny was about to ask Gwenog—who she couldn't believe she had actually met—about the scouts, when there was a tinkling noise from behind her, causing both her and Adam to glance at each other.
"That's Horace telling us dinner is served," Gwenog told them.
Ginny and Adam followed a group of people to the table and they took a seat next to each other.
They introduced themselves politely to the people on either side of them. Sitting next to Ginny was a man named Eldred Worple who had written a book of some sort. Once Ginny had introduced herself, she looked over at Adam to see how he was doing.
"I'm sorry," Adam was saying. "But I can't let you take a photo."
"But..." the man protested.
"Sorry Mr..." Adam began.
"Call me Adrian. It would have been a great shot and you two could've had a copy to keep."
"I'm sorry," Adam said, and he turned back to Ginny and made an exasperated face.
The dinner went on with Ginny and Adam making slightly stilted conversation with the people they were sitting with. In spite of this, Ginny did have to admit that the food was excellent.
Once the main course was served, a waiter came around and filled Ginny and Adam's goblets with a red liquid. Ginny picked up the glass and took a sip. She nearly spat it back out over the table. It was strong! It tasted nice and was sweet but it still had such a strong taste to it.
She turned and noticed Adam looking at her quizzically.
"What is it?" he asked.
"I don't know," Ginny whispered back. "It's nice, but strong."
She watched as Adam picked up his glass and tasted it too. Ginny nearly giggled out loud when he face screwed up.
"Gah," he hissed as he swallowed. "Don't think that's my sort of drink."
The dinner went on, and Ginny sipped more of her drink. It's remarkable, she thought, the more I drink the nicer it tastes. Once she had finished hers, she took Adam's glass. It would be a shame for it to go to waste.
As the meal was drawing to a close, Horace stood up and tapped a spoon against his glass, which was full of the same liquid Ginny was currently drinking.
"Welcome, welcome, one and all," Horace began. "It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all, my friends, back again."
Those around the table applauded politely.
"And it gives me an even bigger pleasure to welcome Harry Potter and his lovely partner Jenny, who are joining us for the first time."
The table, much to Adam's seeming dislike, applauded again.
"Err... Thanks," he replied to the table at large, most of whom were currently staring at them.
Horace gave a short, but boring speech and then the dinner wound down. When he finished, everyone drifted away from the table to a set of large overstuffed chairs that seemed to have appeared out of thin air.
"I don't know how we're going to get that memory off him," Adam said leaning over to her. "But I guess we'll need to go and sit with him and talk."
As Ginny stood up to follow Adam, the room suddenly spun and she would have fallen if Adam hadn't caught her.
"What's the matter?" Adam asked looking at her with a concerned expression his face.
Ginny giggled. "I don't know! I just felt a bit light headed."
Adam grinned at her. "Okay, let's go over and try to sweet-talk Slughorn. Then maybe we can get out of here."
Ginny allowed herself to be led over to the chairs where most of the guests were currently sitting.
"Harry!" Slughorn boomed once he saw Adam. "Do join us."
Adam and Ginny sat down together on one of the chairs and she cuddled up against him. They sat there for some time, drinking the Butterbeers that Slughorn had offered them. Adam shrugged when Ginny wondered aloud if there was anymore of that thing she had drunk earlier.
"Horace, I must be going." Gwenog Jones announced, after a short time. "I have training in the morning," she turned to Adam and Ginny. "Goodbye Harry, Jenny. It's been nice to meet you."
"Bye Gwenog!" Ginny said excitedly. "I can't believe I actually got to meet the Gwenog Jones," she blurted.
"Good bye," Adam said weakly as Gwenog turned to leave, giving Ginny a funny look.
"I can't believe I actually got to meet the Gwenog Jones," Ginny repeated again, this time in a whisper to Adam as she leaned closer to him.
"I know," said Adam turning and smiling at her.
Ginny cuddled up against Adam, suddenly feeling very sleepy. Maybe she would close her eyes just for a second, it was very comfortable here.