Chapter 4
The Mistaken Minds
Hello my fans! I am so sorry I haven't updated sooner! I am so mad at my selfbad Hermione, bad Hermione! It's mainly been school...Yes I know, summer's over, and school is here! And unfortunately for all of you, my dear fansyou have had to suffer while I try to finish chapter 4! I'm so evilI know, and I should work faster! I'll try, but High School is different then Middle School! So, here is a few little notes that I want to say to my reviewers.
Rhonda21-Thanks for wanting to stay with me. I know that you didn't have to stay with me and I appreciate your support!
Gaelyn-I'm terribly sorry I didn't update faster. I started High School (yes I know the BIG school) which was a scary transition. I'll try to update faster, but I can't make any promises!
Lord Leon Towaski-Thank you, I will keep it up as best as I can with High School going!
Lil-hand-Yes, I normally have already started the next chapter when I put up the one before! Again, I'll try to update sooner, but no promises...
PhantomFan13-Oh you are so welcome. I was so surprised you hadn't reviewed, I decided to check that you were alright! Thanks for sticking with me!
XxSafety PinsxX-Thanks for the help! Typing on the computer you sometimes don't see a mistake or two, but I will get someone to read it over.
Okay, now here's a small note about this chapter: this chapter may be more dull then the last one, but I hope I still keep interest! There's some Ginny mush, and some really fun stuff! I hope I provide a good readand now onto the chapter!
A tea kettle whistled from within the Burrow. Mr. Weasley went inside to grab it, leaving the party that remained outside. Mrs Weasley marched straight over to her son, and grabbed his ear forcefully. It must have been painful, by the way her eyes flashed dangerously warning anyone that if they stepped near her, they'd get the same treatment.
"Ouch! Mum, get off!" Ron yelled at his mum, struggling to get free.
"RONALD WEASLEY, YOU HAD ME WORRIED SICK," Mrs. Weasley yelled at her son, "YOU SHOULD HAVE TOLD US YOU WERE GOING-INSIDE THE HOUSE, ALL THREE OF YOU-WE ARE GOING TO TALK!"
She dragged Ron off to the house, no trace of mercy towards her son seemed manageable in her temper. Hermione whimpered with fright behind Harry. Harry glanced at her to find her trembling; she gave Harry a small push to get him going. Harry gulped, but with the air of a brave solider about to be chewed out by his mother who forbid him to join yet returning victorious, walked into the house.
Harry and Hermione walked into the kitchen nervously. Mr. Weasley stood in the corner of the kitchen, emptying the kettle into five cups. He looked up as the two entered, then nodded his head towards the living room. Harry and Hermione walked into the room, feeling a bit scared.
Ron sat on the couch, rubbing his now read ear. He looked up, motioned the two to sit down by him, then warned them not to talk. Hermione looked at Ron puzzled, but he only shook his head. Then Mr. And Mrs. Weasley came in, Molly looking quite angry and Arthur upset.
Mrs. Weasley glared at her son, "Ron how dare you not say good bye! Have you any idea how worried we've been? Ginny has been crying that you were all dead, and you all put the Order in a right scare!"
"But mum," Ron muttered, "we only–I, er–we're grown up mum!"
"I don't care Ronald," Mrs. Weasley snarled, "you are still my son, you still are living under this roof, therefore you still live by my rules–and I say NO!"
"And mine," put in Mr. Weasley, "so you need to live by our rule!"
Ron, Harry, and Hermione exchanged looks of disbelief. Ron looked back at his parents, seeing their angry, worried, and loving faces. The other two followed his gaze, and they felt the weight of guild press down upon them. Hermione hung her head, her hair falling past the side of her cheek. The two boys averted their eyes to the floor, not daring to speak.
Harry felt as if he had just made a terrible mistake. How could he not think about the effect it would have on others? He hadn't thought how worried everyone would be, without telling where they were off to. It was now his fault Ron was in trouble, all his fault. Why hadn't he thought it through? He'd thought his plan was perfect.
"It's my fault," Harry said, "I led them both into danger. I should have said something, to stop us from going."
"Oh Harry," Mrs Weasley gently comforting him, "Harry we were not trying to make you feel guilty, just to make you understand how serious of a thing you did."
Hermione then timidly spoke up, "we really are sorry, we didn't mean to make you all worry. I–I suppose we were really irresponsible–" Hermione broke off, tears falling down her cheeks.
"Now you were a bit irresponsible, yes" Arthur said, "but you came back. We want to let you know what we would like you to do."
"All right," all three said at once.
"Okay," Molly started, "we believe you should go back to school. You can finish searching, or hunting, or what ever you are doing, after you are all trained up. That way you can do a bit more learning."
"Now about Apparating," Arthur said seriously, "Harry, Ron, did you ever pass that test? This summer I mean?"
Harry looked at Ron, "yeah we did, because we did that first course during the summer."
"What?" Hermione exclaimed. "Why didn't anyone tell me that? I could have cheered you on or something!"
"We didn't tell you?" Ron asked stunned.
"No, no one ever contacted me," Hermione said angrily.
"I could have sworn I-oh," Ron said comprehension dawning on his face, "Pig ate the letter. I was going to write a new one, but I forgot!"
"Ron, that's the lamest excuse I ever heard of!" Hermione said shaking, her head.
"Look, ask Fred and George," Ron snapped, "they were both in the room with me when it happened. I mean that bird got all excited, and next thing I know he's eating my letter!"
"Okay, so you two just forgot to tell me you can Apparate, but I mean someone could have told me!" Hermione glared at the boys.
"Okay Hermione," Ron calmly explained, "it was the exact same course. Same Teacher, same lessons, same Test. The only difference was that I didn't leave my eye brow behind."
"Oh ha ha, very funny," Hermione skeptically answered.
"Enough, you two," Molly breaking up the fight. "That isn't the point! The point is, we want you to plan this out. Think about your choices. You have four weeks until school starts. By the way Hogwarts letters arrived. I already got you three and Ginny's, books, for if you go back to school. Now off you go to discuss, or what-ever you do best!"
The three of them stood up, and hurriedly walked upstairs to Ron's room. As soon as the door was securely closed, Ron and Hermione looked at Harry. They seemed unable to find words for the situation they were now in. Harry shook his head, then went to Hedwig to stroke her feathers. Hedwig nipped his finger gently, then closed her eyes lazily. Harry sat down next to Hedwig's perch, feeling gratitude to his old friend. The silence was finally broken by Ron.
"Look, mate," Ron said, "we are going to have a closer watch on us now that we're back. So I think we need to find a new plan."
"Well Ron that's obvious," blurted out Hermione, "we have to go back to school. Either that or tell them we don't want to go back. Hang on, speaking of school, I would like to read my Hogwarts letter..."
"Hermione," Ron said skeptically, "worry about Hogwarts letters later. We have a problem and—"
"Sh," Hermione whispered, looking at Harry. "Harry, what's wrong?"
Harry didn't answer. He had stopped petting Hedwig to stare out the window. No matter what he did, he couldn't get rid of the look on Kristy's face when she told him to go back to school. She had looked terrified, almost as if she really new Dumbledore wanted him back at school. Her eyes had looked pained as if she was startled by a bad dream. Harry just couldn't get rid of her face.
Harry turned to look at the other two, his face set. "I personally believe," he said looking at the two, "we should just give in. I mean, let just admit it, we wont be getting any where or anything done, because we'll be watched twenty-four seven. We should probably go back to school, besides, Ron, your mums right. What can it hurt, another year of training?"
"Harry you're absolutely right," Hermione said smiling at him.
"Yeah, mate," Ron replied, "so then at dinner we'll tell them we've made up our minds."
"Right," Harry said grinning, "now I need to go talk to Ginny—"
"I want to read my letter," Hermione squealed running out the door.
"I'll just feed Pig," Ron said, as he went to Pig's cage.
Harry then walked down the stairs to Ginny's room, knocking lightly on the door. He heard a small sob, and then a soft, hurried voice call, "yes?"
"It's me, Harry," Harry answered, "can we talk?"
"I, oh, I guess," came, Ginny's voice, as the door opened.
Ginny stepped a side to let Harry in, quickly wiping away her tears. Her tear streaked face showed that she had obviously cried all day. She forced a half smile, but only revealed more sadness. Ginny walked to her bed, sitting on the edge of it. Harry joined her, putting his arm around her. More silent tears rolled down her cheeks, as she look up at Harry.
"Harry, I—I've been so worried," Ginny cried, "I mean, I was afraid you got hurt. And then I see you back, with some girl—"
"Gin' if you are suggesting I like her, I don't. Besides," Harry lifted her chin to look her in the eyes, "you're the only girl for me."
"Really?" Ginny asked, looking into Harry's bright, green eyes.
"Of course," Harry said, pulling her into a kiss.
Harry's lips touched her lips gently. They pulled away, Harry staring into her brown eyes. Ginny then pushed him back onto the bed, and fell on top of him. Their lips touched again, and everything was black for them. Together they were in eternity, with one simple kiss, and yet it seemed they had time left. It didn't matter what happened, they were together. How could have Harry ever have broken up with his so called, match. It was amazing her body could touch his in a kiss that would last forever. Eventually Harry pushed Ginny up, for some reason it felt weird all of a sudden. As if the magic of their love had suddenly vanished. Ginny however, looked as if magic and passion were in their love, and would never leave. She got off him and sat, back up on the bed, her hair a little messy. Harry, followed suite and looked at the floor.
Ginny looked at Harry, then leaned her head on Harry's shoulder, nestling deep within Harry's arms. Harry placed his head on hers, running a hand through her long hair. Harry felt a sense of peace, sweep through him, almost comforting feeling of safety. Yet some how as he continued to play with Ginny's hair, Kristy's face came to him. Who was this stranger whom he now knew only by name?
As the pair snuggled closer, a load shriek filled the house. The sound of breaking china could be heard as well, and another load shriek was soon followed. Ginny jumped to her senses in Harry's arms, looking at the door as hurried foot steps sounded on the stairs. It finally stopped on the landing out side Ginny's room, and a dead silence fell over them. Harry and Ginny stood up together, Harry still holding Ginny to him. There was a soft knock, Ginny opened her mouth but Harry covered it quickly. Ginny looked at him and nodded, and Harry uncovered her mouth. Fear flooded through the couple, as they hung onto each other. The foot steps ran up stairs. Ginny shook in Harry's arms, fear, cursing through ever fiber of her body. They clung to each other as the foot steps descended and stopped again on the landing. The door handle turned slowly, as Harry reached for his wand. The door creaked open, and Hermione ran in throwing herself on them.
Relief spread through Harry as Hermione's hug gripped them. Harry smiled and pulled away from her.
"What was the scream, and running up and down the stairs?" Harry asked angrily. "And why did you scare us like that?"
"Well, sorry," Hermione snapped letting go of Ginny, "but I wasn't sure you were in there, so I ran up and told Ron first, and asked where you two were. He said that you two must still be in there, so I came to check. The shriek, not scream, was for...I was made HEAD GIRL!"
"Oh Hermione!" Ginny squealed. "That's great! Congratulations!"
"Yeah, Hermione, that's really great!" Harry replied.
"I know!" Hermione exclaimed. "Sorry for scarring you two, I was just so excited, and you two didn't answer when I knocked, so I thought you were with Ron!" Molly says dinner is cooking and will be done shortly. We're going to have a party for me for making Head girl. I do wonder who made Head boy."
Hermione left, running down the stairs excitedly. Ginny and Harry caught each others eyes, and laughed. Smiling at her, Harry sat down on the bed. Ginny let out a heavy sigh, and fell down flat on her bed. She starred up at the ceiling, and shook her head. Ginny then looked up at Harry.
"Harry," Ginny said, "Harry, I need to know, are we back together?"
"I," Harry began taken aback.
"Dinner!" Called Mrs. Weasley from down stairs.
Harry stood up, and hurriedly left the room. Harry wasn't sure, what to think, and he wasn't sure if he and Ginny were good enough to get back together. Harry was confused beyond reasoning. Just a few minutes ago he had felt a passionate love towards Ginny, and now he couldn't even say they were back together. He wasn't even sure he wanted to be back together with Ginny.
Harry made it the rest of the way down stairs. Hermione looked up from setting the table, giving Harry a quizzical look. Harry walked over to her, took the stake of plates from her, and started putting them in place. Hermione gave him a last fetal glance, but then went back to her job. Harry ignored the way she kept glancing at him, giving him questioning looks. Soon the table was set, Ron and Ginny both down from their rooms.
Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat down next to each other nervously. Arthur and Molly sat next to each other across from them. Ginny sat a few seats away from the trio. Molly took a look at her watch, then whispered something to Arthur. He nodded, then looked at the four of the children waiting patiently.
"Well," Arthur said, "the others are going to be a bit late, so go ahead and start eating."
"Others?" Ginny asked perplexedly as she served herself some food.
"Well," Molly explained to her daughter, "Lupin, Moody, Tonks, and of course Hermione's parents. I think Bill and Fleur are out, because they're still on their honey moon. Hagrid wanted to come, but couldn't. Fred and George will be here tho, after they finish closing up. I think that's everyone."
"A pretty good turn out," Hermione commented.
"Yeah, it'll be good to talk to people," Ron nodded.
Molly smiled, "Ron, you should check if you were made Head boy. I mean they're opening Hogwarts for people. Besides, Ron you have a chance because you were a prefect!"
"I—I—I Don't know," Ron said scratching, the back of his neck.
"Oh, come on Ron!" Laughed Ginny.
"Ron, you can do it!" Harry put in, looking at him from his plate.
"Please Ron, for me," Hermione begged.
"All right," Ron decided putting down his utensils.
"Yeah!" Everyone shouted.
Molly handed Ron his letter. He weighed it in his hands. He looked at the green writing deciding where to start. He then turned the envelope over, and ripped it open. Ron dumped out the contents, which was a letter. He opened the letter as everyone watched with baited, breath. Out toppled a gold badge, shining in the dim light.
"Ron!" Molly yelled jumping up, and running to hug her youngest son.
"Well, done Son," Arthur smiled at him.
"This is great, we get to be heads, together Ron!" Hermione cried out.
"Well done mate," said Harry grinning at the very stunned, Ron.
"Arthur, we have to get everyone here," Molly said releasing her Son, "we have to tell all the family now! Ron, my Ron, Head boy just like his brothers!"
She bustled away to go write some letters to people. A sudden knock on the door made everyone remember that guests were coming. Mr. Weasley jumped up and went to the door. Sounds of talking was heard, and suddenly the Granger's came into view, very shy.
"Mum, Dad!" Hermione squealed, running over to be embraced by her parents.
As the Granger's hugged each other, more people came into view. Lupin, Moody, and Tonks came in. Lupin smiled at Ron weakly, "Head boy I hear!" Ron nodded still numb from shock.
The evening went by, with several people talking to one, another. Harry was ignoring Ginny's constant gaze on him, and decided to go to a corner where Moody stood sniffing his drink. He stole a sip from the glass, making his magical eye revolve a couple of times, then deciding it was safe took a long swig from it. He looked up and growled, "Potter, a moment please."
Harry really didn't want to know why Moody had called him over. Harry had no other choice tho, so he sidled over to where Moody was standing. Moody clasped a hand on his shoulder and steered him off to a discrete corner of the room. Moody smiled, stretching the scars on his face, growling, "so, Potter, made a decision about school yet?"
Harry felt his mouth go dry, exceptionally dry. Why did everyone want him to go back to school? He was seventeen, wasn't he very capable of making his own decisions? Not that he was upset about being convinced to go back to school, it would be like going back home. Harry opened his mouth to say something but he was cut off.
"Look, Potter," Moody growled, "my last year of school was the best. You grow closer to the friends, that you'll stay closest to for life. I need an answer Potter, if you aren't going back to school it's my duty to go with you to destroy the Horcruxes, to protect you!"
"I, am going back to school!" Harry said looking directly at Moody.
"Well now!" Moody cried out. "Everyone, Potter's going back to school!' Moody said to the whole room.
Harry watched in stunned horror as the room became happier. This was to much. He watched Molly hug Arthur, and Tonks gleefully smile at Lupin. Everyone looked happy, even the Granger's. Harry just watched as Ginny smiled at him. This was far to much, because they thought they had won with him not going after Horcruxes. He still might be able to track down a few, even at school!
"I'm going to bed. I'm really, tired everyone," Harry said. He turned and went up the stairs, not looking back.
Harry finally reached the landing to Ron's room. He walked in, crossing the room to where he slept. Harry let himself fall backwards onto the bed. He was exhausted mentally and physically. Tiredness took over, allowing his eye lids to close half way. Rolling over, pulling the covers over him, and positioning his head in the pillow he couldn't help thinking a last thought before sleep over took him. He, Harry, really couldn't wait to be home.