DISCLAIMER: See Chapter One.
A/N: Hello, all! Glad you're still sticking with this story; I hope it's not too difficult to follow. I'm trying to make each chapter as self-explanatory as possible without ruining the flow of my writing. Of course, I have my Beta, Stephanie O, to thank for her suggestions, corrections, and general patience with all my mistakes.
Thanks for all your reviews, they're very encouraging. I'm really pleased! NOW, GO REVIEW CHEERS, RON! FOR Luna-Moonberry-Lovegood! Go on. You know you want to. :D
I also wanted to thank Luna-Moonberry-Lovegood for her work on the companion piece and her unfailing kindness and humor. I wouldn't be half as motivated to get this done if it weren't for you.
Key: Letters, Notes, Messages from "Associations"
Smile, Harry!
Chapter Four: Ginny
Gin,
Leaving your bed unmade? Off to a terrific start! Ignoring your homework? Bravo! Opting to go flying instead? That's just fab, Ginny!
These things are earning you some serious brownie points with us, kid, but you've gotta keep it up if you want to make any real difference in our view of you. You're making progress, Ginny, but you've got a good ways to go.
Your wardrobe is acceptable at best, though nothing your mother wouldn't approve of has gotten through her radar thus far. Your bookshelves could use work - not a cheesy romance novel in sight, and all your magazines seem to involve that Quidditch. We believe you'd do well to begin a collection of Witch Weekly, or something equally gossip-y. Quidditch magazines are all fine and good, but you can't exactly get fashion tips from Which Broomstick or Quidditch Update.
Though your walls contain a couple of lovely posters of the Holyhead Harpies, and the bulletin above your desk is plastered with your friends' smiling faces (all moving about, of course...And what on Merlin's green earth is Luna Lovegood doing in that one?), your room is rather bereft of all things teenager. Why is there a rather conspicuous lack of posters depicting dishy males, whether they be sports stars, or those positively yummy blokes from the Weird Sisters? At this point even a Muggle movie star or two will do, if you absolutely must!
Perhaps, if you continue to heroically (heroine-ically?) ignore Hermione Granger's influence and take our criticism to heart, we'll consider accepting you into our esteemed Association.
Heavily-makeup-ed faces alight with hope,
The Association of Teenagers
GINNY, SWEETHEART! OVER HERE ON YOUR DESK!
Come now, don't you give me that look. I didn't go through any of your drawers. That picture of Luna is rather flattering, isn't it? Incidentally...what is she doing?
In any case, I just thought I should warn you: We're having company tonight, and a good deal of it, too. Remus, Kingsley, and Minerva are all to have dinner with us, so I've gone to get some things at the Muggle Supermarket. I know it's Saturday, Dear, but your father insisted upon coming to see how those black moving counter things that you put your purchases on to pay for them work. I'm ever so sorry to take your father away from you, but you know how he is with Muggle things. You'll see him later.
GINNY, YOU ARE IN CHARGE TODAY! I know you're the youngest, Darling, but you're the most sensible one home. Keep the boys in line as best you can and make sure they're well fed and occupied enough not to blow anything important up.
Make sure to do at least two of your essays today. Summer won't last forever, and the sooner they're done, the sooner you won't have to worry about them. I'd suggest Professor McGonagall's as one of them, seeing as she'll be over later. Perhaps you could get answers to any questions you might have on your homework for Transfiguration, though as I understand, she's quite impressed with your skills in her subject.
Make your brothers help you with the chores, and feel free to slap them if they don't.
Love,
Mum
P.S. Make your bed, Ginevra! Honestly, have I taught you nothing?
Ginny,
We see you eyeing those essays. Don't think we don't know what you're thinking. Remember this as you consider demolishing much of the progress you've made today with our association: We've been quite generous with you, have we not?
Though you think all makeup clogs your pores, though you've never even looked at a pair of skinny jeans in your life, though you've allowed Hermione Granger to impress upon you the importance of straight "O's", we still watch you, still lend our knowledge freely, still hold a space for you in our group in the hopes that you'll get your act together, and soon.
And so, watching you consider picking up that handsome, eagle-feather quill that Charlie gave you for your thirteenth birthday and getting started on that Transfiguration paper, you can understand our disappointment.
Especially since you just put that quill to parchment and began to scribble out the first well-formed sentence about cross-species Transfiguration.
Cringing at your digression,
The Association of Teenagers
Dear Ginny,
How has your summer been? I do hope the Wrackspurts have been leaving you alone - you seemed to have quite the infestation of them last year. Especially when Michael Corner asked you out. He's rather a sweet boy, but I'm afraid his brain is almost completely invaded with Nargles. He wouldn't do for you. I suggest you keep your relationship strictly platonic.
Our Dirigible Plums are thriving, though sadly their magic cannot survive when mixed with Gernumbli magic, so we had to de-gnome the gardens. Perhaps some of our gnomes will move in with yours? That would be just lovely, wouldn't it?
Daddy says that perhaps I can Floo you tomorrow. We could go down to the stream for a swim if you'd like? Too bad it's not the season for Plimpies. I rather miss Daddy's Plimpie Soup!
Do write back, and send Pigwidgeon this time. He's just lovely!
Toodles,
Luna
Dear Luna,
Oh, well, thanks Luna. Do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of those Wrackspurts? Unfortunately, I don't know anything about them. I'll keep that in mind about Michael, though he does seem like a nice person.
Well, that's fantastic, Luna! Sorry about having to de-gnome, though. I know how you feel, it's quite tedious. I don't see why we have to waste the time with it - Gnomes aren't that bad, just a little annoying sometimes.
Oh, that sounds terrific! I haven't been down to the stream in ages. Is it still as beautiful as it was back before we went off to Hogwarts? I rather miss it, you know - playing princesses, and catching fairies, and watching the rainbows that the sun created when it bounced off the water... Yes, I would love to visit the stream with you tomorrow. I'll have to speak with my Mum, though. Floo when you get the chance.
I'm rather partial to his Plimpie Pot Pie to be honest, though the soup was delicious. However, I still wonder how you can stand the Gurdyroot infusion! I suppose it's an acquired taste.
Ron was glad to be rid of Pig for a couple of hours, I'll tell you that.
Always,
Ginny
Dear Ginny,
How's your summer been this far? I've written to your brother a couple of times, but he's being rather a git, and I needed a break from boys. I hope you don't mind me writing to you! We got along quite well last year, and I do hope that I can count you among my friends.
Ron says you're writing to Harry, and that's fantastic Ginny, just be careful what you tell him! I honestly don't understand how Professor Dumbledore can't get word to him through some other method, but I think it's rather clear that letters aren't the safest mode of communication for sensitive information!
How is the rest of your family? I heard all about Percy, and I think it's just terrible. How could he do that to all of you? I always rather liked him, it's really too bad.
I was rather hoping to see you all this summer. Do you know of any plans for any such gathering before September first?
All my love,
Hermione
P.S. Have you had any letters from Harry and Moony's mutual friend yet?
Dear Hermione,
My summer has been uneventful at best, unless you count the twins' latest invention turning Ron into a complete coward at the sight of anything that could possibly be used in any dangerous way ever. (Ahem...everything.) They're calling them "Meekle Tarts", and they're Treacle Tarts filled with some modification of a Subduing Potion. While it is really great magic, I hope they don't go too overboard!
Of course we're friends, Hermione! I need another girl friend. Luna Lovegood is great, but she has some rather odd ideas. And I know the feeling of needing a break from boys - I love my brothers, but there should be some sort of law stating how many brothers a girl can have. And it should be less than six!
Yes, I am writing to Harry, and yes, I am careful about what I say. I've been trying to sneak bits of intelligence to him without it sounding suspicious, and I think it's working. I wondered about why Dumbledore wasn't trying harder to get Harry news on what's happening in our world as well. It bothers me, to be honest.
Everyone else is doing as well as they could be considering the circumstances. Yes, you and Percy seemed to get along. No matter how many arguments he and I had, and no matter how angry at him I am now, I still miss him and worry about him. He's my big brother, how can I not?
We've been told to pack, as we'll be moving to a new safe house in a little while. It has something to do with some old friends of Dumbledore's, but we weren't given much information, and it doesn't seem like we will be until we get to wherever we're going. I'm sure you'll be invited to join us soon, along with Harry.
Always,
Ginny
P.S. Yes, I just got one with a very temperamental owl. I haven't read it yet.
Dear Ginny,
Well, isn't this sweet? Letters from your two closest female friends. And how you manage to bridge the gap between their differences, we will never know yet always commend.
Your patience with Hermione's rule-abiding insanity and Luna's...well...general insanity is quite admirable. Continue on like this, and you've got yourself two best friends for life!
Gushing with the absolute perfection of it all,
The Best Friends Club
Ginny Weasley,
I must say, meeting you for the first time in Dumbledore's office after the tumultuous events of last June was quite the blast from the past! Red hair, fierce and fiery, I was rather convinced for just a moment that I was seeing a ghost.
Ginny, you remind me very much of one Lily Evans Potter.
This is one of the reasons that I am so eager to see you become better friends with my godson. He's desperately in need of loyalty, strength, and love from as many people as possible. You, dear girl, fit this description quite well.
I'll be honest - I like you, Ginny. You not only remind me overwhelmingly of both James and Lily, but you are clearly a powerful witch, both passionate and talented.
Please look after my godson when I can't. I love him dearly, and I think it's obvious that you do too.
Sincerely,
Snuffles
P.S. Sorry about the bird, he's rather a menace.
Dear Snuffles,
I was wondering why you kept looking at me as though you thought I might disappear any second. I'm truly honored to be compared to Lily and James Potter, though I'm afraid that the conclusion you came to about me might have been a little off. Hermioneis the talented one, I'm just average!
Thank you, though. I have no doubts where Harry is concerned. I will remain loyal to him, and I will fight next to him whenever it comes to that.
I'll do my best, Snuffles. And, yes, I do love him. Anyone perceptive enough to pick that up from a few minutes of vague conversation shouldn't be lied to, no matter how often I lie to myself about the same thing.
Always,
Ginny
P.S. Next time, perhaps you could choose an owl that won't tear my room to shreds looking for owl treats.
MUM! HERE, ON THIS PILE OF CLEAN LAUNDRY!
Don't ever ask me what Luna Lovegood is doing. I don't know. She's just...you know.
Anyway, I've done my Transfiguration essay, and I just finished that paper on the theory of Summoning and Banishing Charms for Flitwick, so I'm off to the pond - perhaps I'll be able to get away from the boys there for a bit.
If you need help with dinner, just give a yell.
Love,
Ginny
P.S. Don't worry about Ron, he'll only be like that for another hour or so. Sorry I couldn't stop the twins before they gave him that Meekle Tart thing. Be sure you don't mix any of those in with the Treacle you were going to send Harry!
Now, Ginny,
Don't tell us you're actually under the impression that this is really a frivolous dinner party. If you are, then you're not the person we thought.
No, of COURSE it's bloody not just a dinner party! Remus Lupin, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Minerva McGonagall don't visit for just any reason.
In short, this is about the Order of the Phoenix. In fact, it's probably about that safe house everyone has been discussing.
Well, whatever it is, don't tell us you're not at least a little suspicious!
Intrigued,
The Secret and Mysterious Association of All That Is Secret and Mysterious
Ginevra,
You can't honestly think, that even if this is some sort of Order meeting, you and the other kids will be let in on it?
HA! You even less so than the others. You are the youngest. You are the only girl. You are to be protected.
You have been sent out of the room alone before, and you will be again.
Sucks to be you, doesn't it?
Rolling our eyes with disgust at your presumptions,
THE COLD HARD TRUTH ASSOCIATION
Miss Ginny Weasley,
Now that THE COLD HARD TRUTH ASSOCIATION has been so kind as to shut up, we have a few suggestions of our own.
You see, Ginny, you have all the makings of a fine young investigator. We heartily encourage you to embrace that natural curiosity of yours rather than fight it. If it gets you in trouble, learn from your mistakes and make a better plan next time.
In fact, speaking of planning, perhaps you should begin to do so now.
Happy sleuthing,
The Society of Amateur Detectives (In close association with Sensible Suggestions at Your Service)
Ginny, Ginny, Ginny,
Two notes from us in under ten minutes? We thought you might have learned your lesson by now!
How about we make it painfully clear, eh?
THIS. IS. NONE. OF. YOUR. BLUDGERING. BUSINESS!
Beginning to lose patience,
THE COLD HARD TRUTH ASSOCIATION
OI! YOU LAZY GITS! ON THE BREADBOX!
Seeing as it is currently two in the afternoon and you lot have been lazing about all day, I'd suggest you get out of your pajamas and into something presentable. IN CASE IT HASN'T PENETRATED YOUR THICK SKULLS YET, WE ARE HAVING COMPANY TONIGHT!
So. Unless you want me to send Snape a few pairs of those white boxers with the little pink hearts on them, unwrapped, via owl post, get dressed and get your arses into the kitchen to help me clean up from lunch.
…
NOW!
Gin
P.S. Are those footie PJs, Ron?
Sister Dearest,
We're coming, we're coming! Don't get your wand in a knot.
R, F, and G
P.S. OI! Enough about our underwear!
And my PJs -
-Nobody cares, Ron.
Dear Ginny,
I wouldn't say you're risking life and limb. No, more like House Points and detentions. (Equally important, but still rather different.) Yeah, I don't reckon those sentiments fit the essay exactly. However, perhaps you could write a letter expressing aforementioned opinions...Not that I want you to get more detentions on top of the unfinished essay or anything. But an unsigned one sent with a nondescript post owl might have interesting repercussions...I wonder if Snape's face would get paler or turn purple?
In any case, of course nothing is happening here on Privet Drive, but say hi to Lupin for me if he stops by again. I rather miss the best Defense professor we've ever had.
Excuse me? Are you insinuating that I, the great Harry Potter, Son of Prongs, Godson of Padfoot, Boy-Who-Ironically-Enough-Has-Almost-As-Many-Hyphens-In-His-Name-As-You-Know-Who am not Gryffindor enough to crack a casual joke and play an elementary prank? I don't think so, Weasley!
Is there any way you can get your hands on a Howler? It would be bloody amazing if you could! Perhaps Petunia will actuallyfaint...
Oi! Ron'll believe anything! Besides, your mum thinks I'm a right little angel despite all the trouble I attract, so I guess I can effectively feign innocence! Perhaps you should be at my feet, begging forgiveness and undeserved mercy for all your cracks about my supposed incompetence.
Er, yes, I do prefer my appendages all working correctly, but thank you for the concern...
Love from your friend,
Harry
P.S. You've convinced me - I won't thank Colin. I don't want any innocent blood on my hands, eh?
Ginny,
Yes, we saw that, so stop jumping up and down like the lunatic this boy has made of you for a few seconds, will you?
"Love from..."
Yes, he signed it with love.
Our question: SO!
Here's an idea: Remove that pretty little head of yours from your nether regions and figure out that the words following that were "your friend".
Whimpering in despair at the extent of that crush (which you were supposed to be over!),
Always Think Twice Before You Do Or Feel Anything At All Association (In close association with The Memory Trigger Team)
Dear Ginny,
Slow breaths. Yes, that's right, very good! In through the nose, out through the mouth.
...Yes, perhaps you should've stopped jumping around before you tried that. Now sit down on the edge of that wonderfully comfortable bed of yours and release that letter from the death grip of your fingers...Flex them to regain circulation...
Now let's try that again. Take a deep breath...Good.
After all, The Always Think Twice Before You Do or Feel Anything At All Association and The Memory Trigger Team do rather have a point.
Always at your service,
The Take A Deep Breath And Calm Down Society
Recipient: Professor S. Snape
Sender: I'm afraid that is of no consequence.
Sir,
I'm afraid I've been holding my true feelings towards you in for much too long. You see, Professor, although I may not wish to disclose my identity, I do wish to get this off my chest. Bottling up your emotions can result in ulcers, grey hair, and the most unattractive sallow skin.
I'm afraid you might bottle your emotions up a bit too much, Professor.
As for my true feelings:
I feel that someone must introduce you to the wonders of shampoo. It feels truly magnificent to have clean hair, a pleasure I'm sure you have never experienced.
I also feel that you are a horrible, biased, too-much-homework-giving git who enjoys torturing his poor, innocent students.
On behalf of about three quarters of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (the non-Slytherin three quarters!),
Anonymous
Recipient: Return to anonymous sender via post owl
Sender: Professor Severus S. Snape
I KNOW THIS HAD SOMETHING TO DO WITH POTTER!
Reveal your identity, and I might just withhold some of my wrath!
Professor Snape
A/N: Well, that's done! I think this one was a little longer... Sorry if the updates are a bit slow, but you can usually expect at least one chapter a week. Hope you're enjoying. (Oh, and by the way, I don't hate Snape...I just had to put that bit in! :P) Any suggestions and criticism that you have to give will be carefully considered. (Note: The criticism must be constructive and helpful. "You suck" doesn't help, nor does anything like it. Flames will be danced around and used to toast marshmallows!)