Disclaimer: Not mine
A/N: I would have posted this sooner, but a depressive episode was triggered last night. The updates may be farther apart for a little while because of that. This is my longest chapter yet, ten pages! Also I have made some corrections to the prologue, chapter one and two, so check them out. I'm proud of myself, and I hope y'all are to. Enjoy.
Pairings: HG/SS, HP/GW
Chapter 4
Ginny awoke to the sound of someone crying. She slowly rolled over and groaned. Ginny wasn't a morning person. She looked around the room and realized it wasn't her own. The memories of the night before flooded into her mind. She looked over to Hermione; she was curled in the fetal position on top of her blankets. Ginny quietly got out of bed and walked across the room to Hermione. "Hermy," Ginny said softly, "move over."
Hermione looked up at Ginny with a tear-streaked face, and then moved over making room for her. Ginny pulled the blankets out from under her and climbed into the bed and covered them with the blankets. Ginny wrapped her arms around the quivering Hermione, and she clung to her like a lifeline. "Hermy, it's okay, it will all be okay," Ginny whispered, rubbing the other girl's back in a soothing gesture. Hermione's breathing slowly returned to normal, and they fell asleep, with their foreheads pressed together.
'Tap, tap, tap' Harry heard. 'Tap, tap, tap' There it was again, what could it be. Harry flipped over on to his stomach. A large snore from Ron startled Harry awake. Harry sat up and was contemplating which hex to throw at Ron when he heard the tapping again. Harry looked to the window and saw Hedwig sitting on the sill with a strange black owl.
He went to the window and let them both in. Hedwig flew to her cage on the wardrobe, but the strange owl stuck his leg out. Harry removed the letters and saw they were both addressed to Ron and him. Tossing Ron's letter on his bed, he passed a few owl treats to the inky black owl. He ate them, and then flew up to Hedwig's cage, surprisingly she let him in to drink and eat. Harry sat on his bed and opened his letter. It was from Hermione, asking how he was and if he already completed his holiday homework. She explained who the owl was and when she got him.
"Nice to meet you Septimus," Harry said to the owl. "Hermione is staying here for the rest of the holiday's and you are welcome to share Hedwig's cage until yours arrives." Harry knew he understood everything he said to him, Hedwig was smitten with him, so he had to be an intelligent bird.
Harry looked at his watch, 11:oo am and he went to have a shower. He stood in the shower until the water beat all the tension out of his shoulders. He finished up, and then stepped in front of the mirror. Harry saw a bottle of green goo sitting on the counter. He picked it up " Dippity Doo Gel, apply to hair and sculpt to desired shape." He read. He put the gel in his hair and spiked it. Then he went back to his room to dress. He pulled on the baggy hand-me-downs from his cousin Dudley. "I have to get some new clothes when we go to Diagon Alley" He said to himself.
"I second that," Ron said, finally rolling out of bed. He left the room to have a shower.
Harry knew Professor Dumbledore would be arriving soon for Hermione's report, so he went to go wake her up.
Harry knocked on her door before going in. Ginny was just coming out of the private bathroom adjoining the room. Mrs. Weasley didn't think it would be appropriate for the girls to be walking down the halls in just towels, so they got the only room, besides the master, with a bathroom.
"Oh, hi, Harry," Ginny said, blushing the same red as her hair. She was only in a towel. "Hermione had a rough night." She grabbed her clothes and went back to the bathroom. Harry watched her the whole time, and when he realized he had been staring, he blushed.
He walked over to Hermione and sat on the edge of her bed. He gently shook her shoulder and whispered her name. She woke up quickly, she wasn't a heavy sleeper. "Morning Harry," Hermione said, yawning and stretching before throwing back the covers.
"Mione, Dumbledore will be here soon, and Septimus is in my room." Harry said, giving her a quick hug, then rushing downstairs for breakfast.
Hermione didn't relish reliving last night's events, but she knew Dumbledore wouldn't wait for her to be ready. She yawned again and headed towards the shower. The magical world definitely had its perks; endless hot water was one of them.
After washing her hair and getting dressed, Hermione went downstairs for breakfast. She was the only one in the kitchen besides Mrs. Weasley and she hurriedly ate her eggs. When she was done Mrs. Weasley told her Professor Dumbledore was waiting for her in the sitting room. She sighed; she really wasn't ready for this.
When she walked into the sitting room, she noticed only Harry and Professor Dumbledore were there. Dumbledore motioned for her to sit in the chair opposite him and beside Harry. She sat down and took the tea he offered her.
"Hermione, I'm glad to see you well. I hate to have to ask you, but I need you to tell me exactly what happened last night." He said.
'If you hate having to ask, then why ask at all," Hermione thought, rolling her eyes. She spent the next thirty minutes going over everything that happened. She figured if he was going to torture her, with making her relive it, then she might as well make him regret asking. Hermione is an A+ student, so she didn't leave out a single detail, including the exact facial expressions and clothing everyone was wearing.
When she started to relay the clothing of herself and Professor Snape, Dumbledore raised his hand, effectively halting her. " I know you're punishing me for asking," he began, the twinkle in his eye in place, "but I'm going to have to ask you to cut your detailed account short, because Harry has fallen asleep and is drooling all over his own hand."
"Gross," Hermione said, seeing he was right. She poked him to wake him up and handed him a towel that Dumbledore conjured.
"Hermione, what Malfoy senior told you is true, you are Hermione Bourge, heir to the Bourge and Stade estates. The Stade and Bourge fortunes were combined when your real parents were married, and there are 5 vaults, with 5 separate keys, in Gringotts bank for you. Unfortunately we could not recover your wand from your house." Dumbledore said, handing Hermione a key ring with 5 keys on it. He didn't tell her about the prophecy concerning her yet; he figured he should take it in stages. He didn't want to shock her too much in one day. " I also have your Hogwarts letters here with me," He handed them both their letters, and put the other ones on the table. "Because you scored so high on your OWL's, Hermione, and considering your age in the magical community, 18 ½, we have promoted you to the 7th year." The use of the timeturner in her 3rd year increased her age by a year and a half. She wasn't surprised by the promotion, she kind of expected it. She would have asked for it, if it wasn't offered.
Hermione thanked him, and then opened her letter, and the Head Girl badge fell out. "O my gosh," she said, her excitement and pride building. She was practically glowing. "Wait until I tell mom and dad, they'll be so proud…" Hermione trailed off, losing all color in her face. She burst into wracking sobs, and only calmed down slightly when Harry rubbed her back, whispering continuously in soothing tones.
"Harry," Professor Dumbledore said, turning his attention to Harry. "Professor Snape informed me of you continuing occlumency lessons at the start of term. I just wanted to ask if that's okay with you."
"Yes, sir." Harry said, opening his letter and a prefect's badge fell out. He looked at the headmaster astonished. "I thought prefects had to be a boy and girl. Ron's already prefect."
Dumbledore laughed at his expression. "I'm the headmaster, Harry, I can do whatever I want, and I want you to be a prefect. I would never let tradition get in the way of progress." Dumbledore stated, twinkling at Harry. Harry had no idea what he meant by that, but he'd take the position anyway. "Now on to other matters, Harry, Sirius left everything he owned to you in his will. That includes the Black family fortune and Grimmauld Place." He said, letting it sink in before continuing. " I have to ask you, Harry, if we could continue to use Grimmauld as headquarters to the Order of the Phoenix."
"Yes, my home is your home." Harry said, still trying to process all the new information. He was more worried about Hermione right now, when she was relating her story to Dumbledore, she would occasionally get a glazed look in her eyes. He could tell she was still in shock over her parent's death. Anyone who didn't know her, like Harry, Ron, and Ginny knew her, wouldn't notice the silent anguish in her voice, eyes, and even in her actions.
Dumbledore was at the door looking sadly at the two students, so obviously wrapped up in their own thoughts. He hoped they would be all right, he hoped they would be strong enough to endure the many more trials still before them. The fate of the entire wizarding world, no scratch that, the entire world depended on these two students. And for the first time in his life, Albus felt completely helpless, and he had no idea what to do about it.
Harry snapped out of his thoughts and looked over at Hermione. She was completely lost in thought, so he took the opportunity to study her. She had dark circles under her eyes, as if she had been crying most of the night, and no wonder. Her hair seemed less out of control, and slightly more tame. He got up and pulling her up into a fierce hug. "I love you Hermione, you're like a sister to me. I don't know what I would have done if…" Harry began, but couldn't finish.
"I love you too, Harry." She said in reply, sobbing into his shoulder. He began rubbing circles between her shoulder blades. "Hermy," Harry said, pulling her away just enough so he could look into her eyes. " I want you to know that I'll always be here for you, no matter what, if you want to talk, or even, just want some company." She nodded her head in acknowledgement and hugged him again, letting her emotions take over. She cried into his shoulder for a good hour, sometimes commenting on her parents. "They were good people, Harry, they didn't deserve that. My mom was a caring woman, always worried about everyone else's needs. My father was strict, always pushing me that extra mile, but he was always proud of me, even when I didn't get the first prize in the spelling bee in third grade," a lone tear running down her cheek.
"I never thought I'd see the day when, Hermione would admit to not being perfect." Harry joked.
Harry almost panicked when he thought she was going to start crying again, but then she went into a fit of hysterical giggles. Harry was dumbfounded, he thought he would have to console her again because of his dumb joke.
When her giggles finally subsided, Hermione looked at Harry's face and broke down in giggles again. "Harry, thanks, that was just what I needed." She said between gasps for breath and clutching at the stitch in her side.
Harry just stood there waiting for her to gain control again, and he didn't have to wait long. Hermione straightened, her face flushed, a wide smile on her face. " I feel better now. Harry your hair looks really good like that." She said.
Harry blushed, "I found some gel in the bathroom." He said.
Hermione smiled wider, "Are you trying to impress a certain red head," she said conspiratorially.
Harry's blush deepened to a maroon. "We should take these letters to the others." He said, effectively changing the subject. He scooped up the letters, and grabbed her hand, pulling her out of the sitting room. " You can show everyone your Head Girl badge."
When they arrived in the kitchen, everyone was already there. Ron and Ginny were playing exploding snap; Fred and George were leaning over a piece of parchment, and Mrs. Weasley was stirring a soup.
Harry sat down beside Ginny, and passed Ron and Ginny their letters. "Hey, Fred, George, there are Hogwarts letters for you too." He said, confused.
Fred and George grabbed their letters and exchanged confused looks before opening them. They read their letters out loud simultaneously; "Fred (George) Weasley, you have been accepted for the completion of your 7th year at Hogwarts. If you return, you will graduate by Christmas. Deputy Head Mistress, Minerva McGonagall."
"What do you think Fred," George said, looking at his twin.
"I don't know, we can't leave Rebecca in charge of the store for that long." Fred said, his brows creased.
"You are going to finish your seventh year," Mrs.Weasley said, shaking her wooden spoon threateningly at the twins, her voice rising. "If I have to drag you there myself then I will."
Fred and George didn't take her threat lightly, they knew they wouldn't win this fight. When they had left school last year she was in a towering rage, she had almost disowned them. Their father had told them she had broken every window, and every glass at the same time when she found out. She had only recently let them back into the house, and she had them doing chores fro sun up to sun down.
"We could hire another person, and correspond regularly with them." Fred said.
"Hermione was named Head Girl, and I'm taking her place as prefect." Harry said.
"Good job you two, we should have a party," Mrs. Weasley said.
An undignified squeal came from Ginny, then her face turned bright red. Everyone was looking at her, and then she held up her hand with a prefect's badge clutched in it.
"Oh, Ginny, well done, I'm so proud of you, that's another Weasley prefect. I have to get you something special, what would you like?" Mrs. Weasley said, pride practically oozing from every pore.
"Um, how about a wand holster, you know the kind you attach to your forearm and with a flick of your wrist your wand pops into your hand." Ginny said, with a hopeful look on her face.
"Sure, we'll all go to Diagon Alley tomorrow," Mrs. Weasley said, returning to the soup.
The rest of the day leading up to the party was spent in relative quiet. Hermione, Ginny, and Ron worked on their holiday homework assignments. Hermione was already done, she was just helping them. Fred and George had locked themselves in their room, and from the loud bangs coming from their room; they were probably working on more products for Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes. And Harry was in his library, only he knew about it because Grimmauld was now his. He didn't have to worry about anyone walking in on his private studying because the library was protected by a password.
Harry wanted to show this library to Hermione, she would be speechless at the enormity of the room. Every wall was covered floor to ceiling with books. There were five floors, and you could see every floor from the bottom. The floors were dark hardwood, almost black. There were pillars running around the perimeter of the room, holding up the patio style floors above. Harry was standing on the bottom floor, looking up at the domed ceiling. It was charmed exactly like the ceiling in the great hall in Hogwarts. He wondered how many of the books in here were of the dark arts.
"O man, how am I going to find the book I need, this library is bigger than the one in Hogwarts." Harry said to himself, feeling overwhelmed.
Sighing, Harry got to work sending any books that looked helpful down to the table in the center of the room.
After two hours of perusing the shelves he went back to the bottom floor. There was a round ebony table in the center of the room where he had sent the books. The chairs and couch around the table were black leather with an ebony frame. On the couch was a green and silver throw, with matching pillows. The rug was black, green, and silver, with a snake trim. He sat down in one of the chairs, looking at the stacks of books on the table, he sighed. He wished he could get Hermione to help him, but he couldn't risk anyone finding out his plans. He knew he would be spending a lot of time here in the future. He set to work, sorting the books in the piles of related topics.
Harry lost track of the time, and by the time he had gotten to the third book it was time for the party to start. He rubbed his eyes, and then looked at his watch and yelped. Mrs. Weasley would kill him if he were late. He put a bookmark in the book and set it on the chair, and then headed for the portrait hole.
Harry now knew why no one could remove Mrs. Black's portrait, she safeguarded the library. She wasn't happy about Harry inheriting the Black estate, but Harry made a deal with her.
Flashback
Harry tripped over one of Fred and George's new products; invisible trip wire. The loud crashing woke up Mrs. Black. Harry hurriedly got up and tried to close her curtains.
"Wait," she pleaded, "it's so lonely when my curtain is closed all the time."
Harry stopped, "Mrs. Black, you're aware of me inheriting Grimmauld right." He said to the portrait.
"Of course I am," she began, " I'm not happy about it, but you do have the power to override the Order's decision to keep me covered."
"And why would I do that " Harry asked, "You're always insulting everyone."
"I would stop shouting it for everyone to hear, I would still have my opinions, but I won't yell them any more." She said, seeing Harry wasn't totally convinced she added, " I also have a secret, I'll tell you my secret, if you agree to leave my curtains open."
Harry stood there for a minute, Mrs. Black holding her breath, not that she breaths, and then he agreed.
"Ok, but if you start yelling even once, then I'm closing the curtains again." He said.
"Done," she said, "Okay, I am a guardian portrait, I guard the Black library. I designed and built it myself; it's been my little secret for a very long time. I never told anyone about it, not even my husband. Once I brought Sirius in here. I wouldn't give him the password, that's why he was so angry with me. Anyway, you're welcome to use it whenever you wish, it is now yours. The current password is Padfoot. Don't look so surprised, I loved my son, but his father would have beat me if I showed it after he was sorted into Gryffindor."
END Flashback
Harry exited through Mrs. Black's portrait hole, and smiled at her. "Thanks, Mrs. Black, for sharing your library with me." Harry said. Then he went downstairs to join the party.
The party was in the sitting room; there was a banner on the far wall that said, Congrats, Hermione, Harry, and Ginny. There was a long table with food and drink on it under the banner. Mundungus was talking to Fred and George. Hermione, Ginny, and Ron were standing by the table with Remus and Kingsley.
Harry went to join them, he could feel Mad Eye's magical eye following him. " Hi guys, Remus, Kingsley." Harry said. Remus pulled him into a hug, and Kingsley shook his hand.
"Where have you been Harry?" Hermione asked, "You've been gone for hours."
"I was studying," he said. He couldn't lie to her because she knew him to well but half the truth isn't technically lying. Ginny walked up beside Harry and grabbed his hand, twinning their fingers together. Harry smiled at her. No one missed the exchange and Hermione had to hold onto Ron, whose anger was rapidly mounting.
"Ron calm down, it's Harry, you don't have to worry." Hermione whispered in a soothing tone.
Ron walked up to them, "You hurt her, Harry and I'll rip you to shreds. Best Friends or not." Ron shouted effectively getting the attention of the whole room.
Ginny's face turned red, "Ronald Weasley, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. And for your information, Harry and I aren't even a couple, Harry knows that I'm willing to try a relationship, but he hasn't asked yet." She hissed through clenched teeth. Then she slapped Ron, turned on her heel, and stormed out of the party, slamming the door behind her.
Ron covered the slap mark on his face. He was stunned, "I was just trying to protect her," he grumbled.
"Ron. You deserved to be slapped." Hermione said, Ron turned and glared at her. "You embarrassed her in front of everyone. And you're treating her like a child. Harry and Ginny both know you are the over protective older brother, that's probably why they are taking it slow, but she didn't need you to cause a scene."
Ron knew she was right, "I should go talk to her." He said, then left after asking Mad Eye where she was.
"Hey, Harry," Remus began, "did you know they are adding two new courses to the curriculum this year."
"No," Harry said, his interest piqued. "I didn't know. What are they called?"
"Kingsley here, will be teaching one of them, and I haven't met the other new teacher." Remus replied.
"You didn't answer my question." Harry said.
"It would ruin the surprise, Harry, but I can promise it'll definitely be shocking to most of you." Remus replied.
Ron and Ginny returned then, and Ginny grabbed Harry's hand again. Ron grinded his teeth and his eyebrow twitched, but he remained quiet. Harry looked closer at him and noticed many little bites all over his face.
Harry raised his eyebrows at Ginny. "Bat Bogey hex?" He asked. Ginny only smirked in reply.
The party continued for a few more hours, then people started to leave, and soon everyone was gone and Mrs. Weasley was cleaning up. Kreacher was helping, and he wasn't being rude or muttering to himself. He must've talked to Mrs. Black.
Harry and Ginny were sitting together on the couch. Harry was thinking about what she had said earlier about her being willing for a relationship, and Harry was too. 'She is a beautiful, smart, and independent woman' he thought to himself. He wanted her.
"Gin, what you said earlier made me think. I would be honored if you agreed to go out with me." Harry said, holding his breath.
"Harry, of course I will." Ginny replied. She hugged him.
"What about Ron?" Harry asked. He was worried about Ron getting between them.
"What about him." Ginny said. She then planted a kiss on him to make him shut up.
Reviews:
WannaBArtist EvilDeadAshNotwritten
Artemis Virgin Goddess: some people handle things differently. I rewrote the paragraph that had to do with the c-section, check it out.
SidneySnape: It definitely will be. I already have it all planned out.
Snapedreamer: I went back and reread the chapter and I realized I had made a mistake. I write all my chapters on paper first, and then when I transferred it to the computer I accidentally missed a couple of sentences. Go back and check it out.
RavenandRobin4ever: Thanks