A/N: This is the first part of Chapter 3. I've decided to split it up since it was just getting way to long. I've written a 2500 words of the next part. I'm planing on putting in more action/adventure once POA is done. The outlines for GOF and OOTP are certainly more exciting...besides even fluff has an upper limit. If you notice some errors with the times that certain events happen or placement of Hogsmeade weekends or whatever that is completely my fault - I didn't have the motivation to map that out and I'm working without access to the books at the moment as I'm in the process of moving. Speaking of which I don't know when the next update will be - I move on the 14th so I'm not sure when I will get the internet up and working or how much time I will have to write (that and I just might have to read HBP). I inserted Sirius' attack on the Fat Lady on Halloween. I realized I had missed it.
WARNING: At the end of this chapter there may be a couple paragraphs (actually more like two sentences) that might be considered MATURE. I'm not exactly sure how far each rating extends...but you have seen worse on PG-13 films (much worse on R) and I know I've heard worse when I was in middle school not to mention high school. It will be separated by so you know where it ends. It does not add too much to the overall story except setting up something for the summer (probably not what you think), which will able to be understood without reading the last few paragraphs. It is only foreshadowing.
Disclaimer: What do you think...see Chapter 1
Chapter 3: The Prisoner of Azkaban, Part I
The Dursleys surveyed the Harry and Ginny. Uncle Vernon's face was patchy red revealing his irritation. Dudley was looking at Ginny with a strange expression that Harry didn't like. He shifted slightly shielding Ginny from Dudley. Aunt Petunia's expression was different altogether. She looked pale and shocked.
Harry took a deep, steadying breath, "Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, Dudley this is Ginny. Ginny this is the Dursleys." Ginny smiled and extended her hand like her mother had taught her to. Aunt Petunia took it absently, but Dudley just looked on and Uncle Vernon sneered.
"Come boy, we don't have all day. We've already wasted time getting you." Uncle Vernon seemed to be adapting to Ginny's presence by ignoring her. Harry gave a mental shrug and followed the Dursleys back to the car. Harry and Ginny wedged their trunks into the boot. Harry got into the car first so that Ginny wouldn't have to sit near Dudley.
Arriving at Number 4 Harry and Ginny moved their trunks into Harry's small room. Ginny was wide-eyed staring at all the muggle contraptions.
"Dad would be in heaven with all these plugs. And everything runs on elek trisity?"
"Yep, electricity," answered Harry.
Harry was surprised when the Dursleys had automatically set a place for Ginny for dinner without any fuss. They even allowed her to have seconds. As they moved to retire for the night they met Dudley on the stairs.
"She's sleeping in your room?" he sounded incredulous.
"Yes," Harry replied trying to keep things civil with his cousin.
"But there's only one bed in there," Dudley protested.
Harry looked at Dudley, Is that jealousy?
"We only need one." Dudley stared and Harry and Ginny pushed past him.
After using the bathroom, Harry took Ginny's hand and led her to bed.
The sun woke Harry the next morning. He had had the best sleep in his life at Privet Drive. He heard the Dursleys beginning to wake and realized he needed to get up. He nudged Ginny who only snuggled closer and muttered something that sounded like, "five more minutes."
Harry laughed; he knew Ginny was slow to wake. He nudged her again this time in the ribs and she squirmed. Surprised by this reaction he repeated it. Soon he realized she was ticklish and began attacking her. Ginny was awake quickly and then attacked him. Harry had never been tickled before and now Ginny's hands were like blurs. He was completely at her mercy and soon found himself pinned below her.
"So do you surrender Harry?" she smiled impishly, happy with herself.
Harry nodded gasping for breath. "I…need…to go…down…make breakfast." Harry rushed down stairs still in his pajamas and started breakfast, hoping the Dursleys were still going to be civil. Harry made eggs, toast, and bacon and carefully placed the dishes on the table. The Dursleys were at the table and Ginny soon joined them.
After breakfast, an almost completely quiet affair, Harry began cleaning up and Ginny helped him with the dishes. She was fascinated with the dishwasher.
Once they were done she grabbed Harry, "Come on, Harry, get dressed. I want to go to the park today."
Harry quickly changed and left the house before he could be ordered to do any chores. They reached the park and Harry and Ginny found the swings. They spent most of the day exploring the park; Harry showed Ginny all of his hiding spots. They used one alcove of trees to begin practicing their animagus forms.
Returning to Privet drive before dinner Harry gave Ginny a piggyback ride back. Ginny laughed hysterically the entire way. They entered Number 4 smiling ear-to-ear.
When Uncle Vernon saw them be began bellowing, "Boy! What do you mean by leaving? You have chores to do. You need to do the gardening, mow the lawn, mop the kitchen, vacuum, and wash the car."
"I'm sorry, Uncle Vernon, it was Ginny's first day here and I…"
Harry was interrupted by Ginny who was red with anger, "How dare you treat him like a slave! You have no right. Where is your whale of a son? Does he ever do any work? You are pathetic. You make me sick. Where is your shame?" Ginny's volume had matched and then surpassed Uncle Vernon.
Uncle Vernon was temporarily shocked by such a loud outburst from the diminutive red head, "You FREAK! You will not…"
Harry stepped forward and shielded Ginny. He would allow Uncle Vernon to yell at him, but not Ginny not his Ginny. "YOU WILL NOT SPEAK TO HER IN THAT TONE!" Harry's voice was different. The tenor of power permeated it.
Uncle Vernon hesitated and then opened his mouth. Harry could tell that by the color in his face (which was changing from red to puce) that he was going to start yelling again or worse, Harry put his hand on his wand.
Aunt Petunia's voice caused the attention in the room to shift, "Vernon, just leave them alone. It's better if they are not in the house anyway." Harry was shocked. He felt Ginny grasp his hand and pull him toward the stairs. They could hear Aunt Petunia talking to Uncle Vernon.
Harry was even more surprised when Aunt Petunia took dinner up to his room for him and Ginny and told him that it would be best if they didn't come down that night.
The next day they worked out a schedule with his relatives where Harry did one chore a day. The rest of the day Harry could spend with Ginny. That day Harry did the gardening. Ginny helped him and he found that he actually enjoyed working with her.
They were finishing the gardening when they were interrupted by two owls. One was from Hogwarts and carried two letters. The other owl was obviously from the Weasleys as it was carried by Errol their family owl.
Ginny ripped open the letter from her mother first. "Oh Harry! I don't believe it. Dad won the lottery! Look here's a clipping." She showed him a clipping from the Daily Prophet that was an old photo of the entire family including Scabbers on Ron's shoulder. Harry laughed he was glad, the Weasleys deserved the money.
"They're going to Egypt!" Ginny sounded more shocked by this announcement, "Bill is going to show them around the tombs there. They are going without me…how do you like that?" She had mixed feelings about being left behind, but she was still smiling. "What does Hogwarts want?"
Harry handed Ginny her letter and opened his. "Oops, I forgot to choose my classes for next year. What do you think? Ron chose Care of Magical Creatures and Divination and Hermione is taking everything I think."
"HARRY! They are advancing me. I'm going to be in your year!" He hugged her in congratulations.
Smiling Harry changed his question, "So, what classes are we taking?"
Looking down the list Ginny checked off two. "I like Care of Magical Creatures and it will give us a class with Ron, but Divination sounds hokey to me. Bill told me that Ancient Runes is interesting and is good for a lot of careers. Plus I like the idea of being able to read them when others can't."
Harry nodded. "Sounds good to me." He didn't even think about what Ron would think when he found out that he wasn't in the same classes like they had planned.
Ginny mischievously smiled at him, "So you think you can catch me?" Harry nodded and without another word Ginny ran off at full speed. Harry launched himself after her a moment later.
What's the matter Potter? Can't you catch me?
Just give me time. You're fast. Harry sent back as he continued to run after her, his longer legs were slowly gaining on her. It wasn't until they reached the park that he caught up to her and tackled her to the ground. The rolled down a small hill and when they stopped Harry found himself on top of Ginny who was smiling and laughing. Her hair was fanned out behind her like a red halo and her faced was flushed from running.
After they finished laughing, Ginny looked into his eyes. Harry had the sudden feeling he was supposed to do something, but he didn't know what. Not knowing what to do; he let his eyes go over her face from her brows, eyes, nose, lips, chin, and then back to her eyes. Then he said, "My Ginny."
Ginny smiled at him and hugged him whispering in his ear, "My Harry." Just as he was about to pull back Ginny softly kissed his cheek. His senses wheeled and he felt a feeling that he could only describe as only extreme pleasure. He'd never felt this good, the closest was when Ginny held him close. Harry deciding that since she had kissed him, he probably should kiss her back. He turned his head and kissed her cheek.
Harry wasn't alone in his experience. When her lips touched Harry's cheek she felt a tingling sensation travel from her lips, down her spine, all the way to her toes. Then Harry kissed her cheek and she thought she just might explode with pleasure.
Oh Harry. What's going on?
I…I think this must be part of the bonding.
So does this make me your girlfriend? Her voice sounded tentative and uncertain.
Harry tensed and searched his feelings, No, Ginny, I don't think this makes you my girlfriend. The wave of sadness and disappointment from Ginny almost made him cry before he could continue. I think this makes you much, much more. I'm not sure what, but I am yours. Your Harry just as you are MY Ginny.
My Harry. I am Your Ginny. Harry if kissing cheeks does that what will kissing be like?
I don't know. I thought I was going to explode when you kissed me.
That's exactly how I felt.
Harry rolled to his side; Ginny, unwilling to release him from her hug, was dragged on to her side as well. Snaking his arms around her, Harry placed his mouth by her ear. "Ginny, I don't know what I'd do if you left or stopped talking to me. You're, you are…I'm not saying this right. You're a part of me now."
"I understand Harry. Remember what you told me? You told me I would never be alone again and you were right. Even when Tom attacked me and…and took over he couldn't really touch me because of you. You were there. Our bond protected me. Now let's go…enough serious stuff. Let's practice our forms. I want to be able to fly by the end of the summer."
The days quickly became a routine of doing whatever chore his relatives assigned and then they would leave to practice the animagus transformation and play in the park. Three weeks later they had made progress on their forms. They could both hold their arms as wings. Harry could even get his body to start turning into feathers, while Ginny had managed a beak. They were getting closer and closer to a full transformation. They had tried their panther forms, but focused on the phoenix form since they both loved to fly. If Hermione had been there she would have told them it was impossible to manage it that quickly.
Weeks passed and soon it was Harry's birthday. Ginny tickled him awake. "Wake up Harry!" She was sitting on him in nothing but her knickers and one of his shirts she slept in. Both of them had given up wearing a full set of pajamas with the nights being so warm. After spending so much time with Ginny he was now a match for tickling her and quickly responded in kind. Soon he had Ginny pinned, "I give up…I give up. You win!"
Harry gave her a doubtful look, "Did you just admit you lost at something!"
She stuck her tongue out at him, "It's your birthday. Happy Birthday, Harry." She hugged him. "Some owls came in the night. There's something here from Ron, Hermione, and Hagrid."
"I see four presents there…"
Ginny blushed, "One's from me too."
Harry smiled and he sat down cross-legged in front of the small pile. He picked up the one from Ginny first and unwrapped it. Ginny sat down beside him their knees touching. The wrapping came off it revealing a photo album. "Ginny, thank you."
"When we looked through yours all you had was old photographs. I thought you could fill this one with new photos."
Harry opened the album and discovered there were already a few pictures. There was one picture with the whole Weasley family (Harry noticed it was the same one that was in the newspaper), one of just the kids including a tiny Ginny, another of just Ron, and finally one of only Ginny, which was blushing, but smiling and waving at him. Grinning as far as his face would allow he thanked Ginny again.
Ron's present was a sneakoscope that he bought in Egypt. Hermione had sent a broomstick service kit. When he opened Hagrid's gift he was surprised to find a book: The Monster Book of Monsters. Harry and Ginny were quickly standing on top of his bed as the book came alive and tried to bite them. Harry jumped down on top of the book flattening it. Ginny grabbed a belt and they tied the book together.
"Here's a note from Mom and Dad," Ginny said handing it over to him.
"They say I now have my own hand on the clock!" Harry said
"That's great Harry! Now let's get dressed and get out of here before those horrible muggles give you chores on your birthday."
After they grabbed some toast for a quick breakfast they were out the door before the Dursleys had even stirred.
"You know, we might be able to leave here soon and be at the Burrow before your birthday. Dumbledore said that we might be able to leave by my birthday."
"I don't think so Harry. I think they'll be in Egypt until about my birthday."
They spent most of the day with their animagus transformation. It was the first day that they had actually achieved complete transformations, but they were unable to hold them for very long. According to their research they just had to keep practicing until they trained their bodies to hold that form. For both of them training had ceased to be work and had turned into fun. Although they had only managed to hold the forms for a few minutes, they had discovered that with new forms came whole new ways to play and discover the world around them.
During their time in the park they were surprised when an owl arrived with a birthday cake from Mrs. Weasley. They had no idea how she had managed to send one when she was in Egypt, but they were happy for it nonetheless. It allowed them to put off having to return to Number 4 for food.
When they walked in shortly before suppertime Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia were watching the news. The beeps from the television announced a special report. "Look at that," said Uncle Vernon in his gruff voice, "they say this Sirius Black escaped from prison and is armed and dangerous. Hey! They didn't say where he escaped from. He could be near here and we'd not know!"
Harry felt Ginny's astonishment when she heard the name Sirius Black and she had grabbed his hand and moved closer to him.
How do you know the name?
He's a wizard. He was sent to Azkaban a long time ago just after V-V-Voldemort disappeared.
Is it normal for wizard escapees to appear on the muggle news?
You don't understand Harry. No one has ever escaped from Azkaban. Dad says the prison is guarded by dementors and those things drain a wizard of his powers.
The next day Harry took Ginny to see Mrs. Figg like he promised to do on the train. Harry knocked on the door. When Mrs. Figg opened it she looked shocked to see Harry, "Why Harry, it's good to see you. Do they need me to watch you and who is this lovely girl?"
Harry smiled at Mrs. Figg, "No, ma'am. This is Ginny, she wanted to meet you." Ginny shook Mrs. Figgs hand and as they were still standing in the doorway one of her cats, Snowy Harry thought, snuck out.
Harry! That's not a cat! It's a kneazle.
What's a kneazle?
A magical creature. They look like cats and can even breed with them, but only witches and wizards are supposed to have them.
Harry looked at Mrs. Figg again and she seemed to notice their attention on her 'cat' and was looking increasingly uncomfortable. Then Harry did something he had never done before, he asked about her cats. "Mrs. Figg, what type of cat is Snowy?"
Mrs. Figg paled and Ginny spoke, "It's a kneazle, not a cat and you know it."
"Come in, come in. We can't discuss this outside." Mrs. Figg ushered them inside and served them tea. "Let's get this out of the way, I'm not a witch. I'm a squib. I've watched over you Harry for a long time. If you get into trouble I'm supposed to inform Dumbledore."
Harry felt like his world had just turned upside down. Mrs. Figg, the batty neighbor with too many cats, knew about the magical world, knew what and who he was, knew Dumbledore, and had known it all. "Why didn't you ever tell me?"
What's a squib?
Someone born to a magical family, but who can't perform magic.
"Well, you see dear, the Dursleys would never have let you stay with me if I told you about magic or if you enjoyed yourself…" Mrs. Figg let the comment hang for a moment, "You don't know how often I've wanted to tell you everything. You're such a nice boy and those Dursleys are…are…they are just evil to treat you like they do."
Harry was still in shock, but Ginny wasn't. Ginny was angry, "You mean Dumbledore KNEW how they treated him?" Mrs. Figg nodded sadly.
Ginny was still fuming when they left Mrs. Figg's and Harry had been trying for an hour to calm her down. Harry couldn't figure out how to ease her anger. Finally, he just hugged her tightly. She hugged back but he could feel the rage radiating from her. Harry was touched that she cared so much for him; he was sure that if she saw Dumbledore right now she would either yell at him or hex him or maybe both knowing Ginny. He looked down at her face and decided. He kissed her on the lips.
The kiss was very quick, but Ginny's emotions changed from anger to astonishment to pure happiness in a moment. Harry understood. When he kissed her he had momentarily thought the world had exploded. It felt like every nerve ending in his body was tingling in pleasure. Ginny had melted into his arms and her entire weight was now on him. Although neither noticed it, a pulse of magic emanated from them similar to the one when they first met, though not as powerful.
"Don't be angry, my Ginny." His use of the possessive probably calmed her as much as the kiss did and she tried to explain herself.
"It makes me so angry to think that Dumbledore knew and he didn't do anything. You're my Harry. You shouldn't have had to live like this."
The day before Ginny's birthday they still hadn't heard anything about leaving Privet Drive, but they had made significant progress on their forms. For the past two days they had been able to hold their forms for the entire time they were in the park. Today they were flying high above Privet Drive learning. Flying and controlling their phoenix bodies seemed to come by instinct and they ran into no difficulties. They were now figuring out the tricks to flying and gliding.
They had yet to figure out how to flame travel, but they had discovered that they could indeed sing like a normal phoenix and lift immensely heavy loads. They had actually carried each other along with lifting some large cement blocks they had found on the edge of the park.
Harry glanced down at the sleeping Ginny and wondered when he should wake her. It was her birthday, but she liked to sleep in so he thought he'd let her. The only problem was that the position she preferred meant using him as a pillow. If he tried to move she only held onto him tighter. His present for Ginny had arrived and he had ungracefully untied the package from the owl with one hand. He thought it was strange that she hadn't received any owls from her parents.
Another owl flew through the window and hooted loudly. Ginny stirred as Harry detached the letters from it and the owl flew off again.
How long did you plan to allow me to sleep?
As long as you wanted. Happy Birthday.
She giggled, We might be here awhile.
I'm comfortable.
Who was the owl from?
Hogwarts letters.
Okay. Ginny shifted hooking one of her legs around his and moving her head higher on his chest so she was more comfortable.
Smelling the wild flower sent of her hair Harry wondered, How am I ever going to sleep without you?
I've become attached to you too. You're more comfy than any pillow.
Her breathing slowed down again and Harry knew she had fallen asleep again. For the next two hours Harry watched her sleep and played with a lock of her hair unwilling to move for fear of waking her. He did not understand what was happening to them, he had not understood it since the first day he had met her, but he did know that he could not live without her now.
It was after ten o'clock when Ginny woke. "Do I get presents now?" She asked without moving.
Harry chuckled, "Well you're going to have to move. A letter from your parents came too."
Ginny stretched alongside Harry and sat up. Harry grabbed her waist and pulled himself up as Ginny swatted him playfully. The letter from her parents was opened first. Ginny smiled and showed it to Harry. Mr. Weasley was going to pick them up at four.
The only other present that was there was Harry's, apparently the Weasleys were waiting until Ginny was home. She opened it and gaped at it in surprise. It was a leather bound diary. Harry felt the mix of emotions it evoked, "I thought you might like a diary. You know something to put your thoughts down in and I promise the only charm that is on this one is that you are the only person who can open it," Harry explained.
She smiled at Harry and opened the diary and taking a quill began scratching. First the date, 11 August 19XX, which was followed by a short entry:
"Today is my twelfth birthday. It has been the best yet. I woke up next to Harry. Yes, The Harry Potter. He gave me this diary and we are leaving to go to the Burrow at four."
Their Hogwarts letters contained their booklists and permission slips to visit Hogsmeade. Harry walked downstairs hesitantly and asked Uncle Vernon for his signature. The paper went unsigned and Harry received a lecture, "Boy, I'm not signed anything of yours. Especially after you didn't make breakfast and you've been slacking off your chores this summer anyways. Maybe if you are on your best behavior when Marge arrives I'll reconsider."
When Harry told him he was leaving the same day at four, Uncle Vernon still refused to sign the form and Harry dragged himself back upstairs.
Back at the Burrow Mrs. Weasley was giving her four boys a lecture. "Ginny and Harry are coming back today. They have spent the entire time together so they will probably be closer than when you last saw them. I do not want any teasing," despite the warning the twins' eyes lit up, "If I catch any of you teasing them," her eyes bored into the twins, "you will wish you had died at birth."
After she left the kitchen, Fred and George immediately began walking up the stairs towards Ginny's room. They planned on redecorating it. Percy just shrugged, he had N.E.W.T.s and his head boy position to worry about besides Harry and Ginny were too young for anything serious to be going on.
Ron remained sitting at the table sipping some tea and eating biscuits. Ginny and Harry were already very close. There were only a few ways for them to get closer in Ron's opinion, but he didn't see how that was possible. Sure, Harry had said that maybe one day he and Ginny might be more than friends, but it could not be that day already. After all, he had only started to even think of girls seriously in that way.
At four Mr. Weasley arrived in his car and knocked on the door. Harry and Ginny greeted him enthusiastically, eager to escape Privet Drive. The Dursleys had vacated the house and where out in the backyard to avoid his arrival.
Once they were on the road they began telling Mr. Weasley about how they had spent their time describing the park. After they finished telling Mr. Weasley about Mrs. Figg and her kneazles, Ginny ranted about Dumbledore permitting Harry to be treated horribly while at the Dursleys. Mr. Weasley told them to tell the others that they had been at a health spa in London.
When they arrived at the lopsided Burrow only Mrs. Weasley was there to greet them with her bone crushing hugs. "Happy birthday Ginny! It's so good to have you back home. Oh and it's good to see you too Harry. We were so worried." Giving them a critical glance she announced, "Oh look at how much you've both grown. It's amazing how quickly you grow when you're young." Harry blushed a little. He had noticed that Ginny had grown and not just taller.
She informed Harry he would be sharing Ron's room like before. Harry and Ginny lugged their trunks back up to their respective rooms. When they opened the door to Ginny's room they were shocked to see the room covered in pictures of Harry that had been obviously copied out of a newspaper article somewhere.
I'm going to kill Fred and George.
We can do it together. I guess we don't get to sleep together any more.
Mom probably never liked the idea to start with. I'm just waiting for a lecture on being a scarlet woman.
I think it is going to be tough falling asleep tonight.
When they came down the stairs they were greeted by a loud, "Surprise!" and "Happy Birthday Ginny!" from the gathered Weasleys. There was a large chocolate cake and a small mound of presents. Throughout the evening there was a lot of quidditch talk, news about the ministry, and discussion about the escape of Sirius Black. Harry asked more questions about Black, but didn't learn much more than what Ginny had told him already, although he noted that Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked distinctly uncomfortable when the topic was brought up.
Ginny and Harry were both surprised how little they were questioned about the month and a half they spent together. Other than saying they went to a health spa and spent a lot of time in a park they didn't have to explain themselves. After a game of chess, which Harry almost won thanks to Ginny's help, they all went up to bed. Harry hugged Ginny and whispered to her, "I'll miss you." She squeezed him a little harder in answer and then let go and went into her own room. Ron looked on quietly, not willing to risk his mother's wrath over a hug.
Harry was tossing and turning when Ron had fallen asleep and started snoring. He simply could not fall asleep without Ginny. He wanted to feel her by his side, to wrap his arms around her; without her there it just was not right. In Ginny's room she was doing much the same and wishing she was beside Harry.
With a small pop Ginny had disappeared from her bed and reappeared on Harry's cot. This is interesting. Was all Harry commented as he looked at her dumbfounded. Did you just apparate?
No, I don't think so. I just wanted to be near you and well here I am. Now lie down, I'm tired.
Harry smiled and lay on his back so she could place her head on his chest. They quickly realized no matter how they positioned their bodies they would not be able to sleep in their usual places. They settled for Harry spooning Ginny and wrapping his arms around her. They were asleep within ten minutes.
In a twisted turn of fate Ron actually woke up first after having a nightmare about giant spiders. He sat up groggily and wiped the sleep out of his eyes. As he got up to go use the bathroom he glanced at Harry's cot. Ron's eyes widened and his face quickly turned red. "GINNY! HARRY! What do you think you're doing! You shouldn't be in here."
Ginny and Harry woke up with a start and were on their feet quickly. Ginny had only her knickers and one of Harry's shirts on, while Harry had on even less dressed in only his boxers. Ron's face somehow turned even redder, "You're not even wearing pajamas! MOM. MOM."
Mrs. Weasley's footfalls could be heard as she raced up the stairs to her screaming child. "What is it Ron?" She said as the door opened. Ron motioned first to Harry then to Ginny then to the bed. "Ron just tell me what's wrong or breakfast is going to burn."
"They…they were sleeping together," said Ron exasperated. He could not believe it his baby sister and his best mate were caught sleeping in the same bed by HIM and in HIS room. Mrs. Weasley turned and surveyed Harry and Ginny and looked like she was about to start yelling when they started trying to explain what happened. Although Mrs. Weasley did not punish them, she did have Mr. Weasley put apparition and anti-apparation wards on both Ginny's and Ron's rooms.
The day was spent de-gnoming the garden and practicing quidditch. As the evening approached Mrs. Weasley announced that they would be going to Diagon Alley the next day and they needed to make sure they had their booklist with them.
Harry drew back the sheets and got into bed. Ron was still ruffling through his trunk and his desk looking for something, "What are you looking for?" Harry asked eager to get to sleep.
"Oh well. I guess I don't need it. You're taking the same classes as me anyway," Ron backed away from his desk and moved toward his bed.
Harry sat up and looked at Ron guiltily, "Actually Ron, I'm taking Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures. I forgot to turn in the form during the year and Dumbledore owled me with a new one."
"Why are you taking Ancient Runes? It sounds like a lot of work," Ron had chosen his classes on what were least likely to assign homework.
"I…I just thought that it looked interesting and Bill says that Ancient Runes is useful," Harry shifted slightly knowing he was not telling the entire truth.
Ron looked at him funny, "Harry, how do you know what Bill says?"
"Ginny told me. She asked him for advice on what classes to take."
"Oh. Wait, why is Ginny asking advice about classes already? She's only going into her second year," Ron seemed unusually quick tonight.
"Er…the same day I got my form Dumbledore also sent Ginny a letter telling her that her test scores were so good that she would be advanced a year."
Ron goggled him. "What? That's crazy. I mean if they didn't advance Hermione, why advance Ginny? Hermione is going to have kittens," Ron seemed more amused by what Hermione's reaction would be than the reason for Ginny's advancement. Harry was grateful and rolled over to try to sleep.
Again no matter what position he tried he felt restless without Ginny. He supposed Dumbledore had been wrong in his guess about the need for contact ending around his birthday. In the room below Ron's, Ginny punched the mattress in frustration. She could not sleep. She needed Harry with her to sleep; it was as simple as that. The only comfort she had was that she knew Harry felt the same way. She sighed and wished they could repeat last night, but knew she could not go to Ron's room again.
Harry turned onto his back and stared at the ceiling. He wished not for the first time for Ginny to be beside him, but knew Ron would really blowup if he found her here again. He closed his eyes and did not hear the pop he gave as he disappeared.
His nose was suddenly assaulted with the scent of wild flowers as Ginny hugged him in relief. Harry opened his eyes in confusion, Ginny did you apparate again?
No, silly, you did. I don't think we are apparating though. Dad put up wards remember? Or maybe you broke through them.
Yeah, well since I'm here, Harry smiled and rolled onto his back. Ginny's bed was large enough for them to sleep how they preferred. He felt Ginny smile against his chest as she adjusted herself. Putting an arm around him, she used it to pull herself tight against his side. Harry sighed not in frustration this time, but in contentment.
Harry woke to a knocking at the door. His face was buried in Ginny's long red hair. Her head had moved down from his shoulder to the middle of his chest and she was mostly laying on him rather than the mattress.
"Ginny, dear, you need to get up," Mrs. Weasley said through the closed door.
Harry felt a moment of panic and wondered what Mrs. Weasley would do to them, but he smiled in amusement when Ginny only answered, "Five more minutes," and only tried to snuggle into him closer.
In about five minutes Mrs. Weasley returned, knocked, and then opened the door without waiting for an answer. Evidently she was used to having to wake Ginny more forcefully than calling through the door. When she stepped through into Ginny's room she froze, staring at the intertwined bodies of Harry and Ginny.
Mrs. Weasley closed the door and pulled the chair from Ginny's desk close to the bed and sat down. "Are you both awake now?"
"Yes, ma'am," answered Harry nervously.
Ginny turned to face her mother and sat up. Harry followed her example. Mrs. Weasley took a moment to collect her thoughts, "I take it that you are still in the stage of the bonding that we discussed at Hogwarts?"
Harry nodded. Mrs. Weasley frowned, "Is the need to be close stronger or weaker than before?"
"Stronger," they both answered at once.
"Okay. While you two have been together, have you done anything and I mean anything that caused a reaction of some kind?"
Harry and Ginny exchanged a look both blushing. Ginny answered, "When, when we kissed."
Mrs. Weasley raised her eyebrows, "Have you kissed since then?" They shook their heads.
Several emotions crossed Mrs. Weasley's face as she struggled with what she was about to say, "Perhaps, you should kiss again." Without saying another word she rose and left.
Harry, did my mother just say I should kiss you?
I think she told me to kiss you.
Do you…
Okay.
Harry and Ginny leaned in toward each other.
The pulse of magic that raced over the countryside continued for several miles before starting to dissipate. Albus Dumbledore, while sitting at his desk, barely felt it and passed it off as merely an itch. At the Burrow Mrs. Weasley smiled and hoped that it signaled the end.
In Ginny's room the pair gazed at each other intently.
I think we just completed the bonding.
That was amazing.
Ginny, I feel…I'm not sure what I feel, but I feel different.
I know Harry. I feel it too.
What are we though? We aren't just friends and you are more than a girlfriend – girlfriends can't talk to their boyfriends with only their mind or suddenly pass through apparition wards…
Shhhh Harry. I am yours. It is as simple as that and you, you are mine. We need to do some research on soul bonding. I think there is more than they're telling us.
Harry nodded, I think we better get dressed.
When they appeared together at the table no one said anything except Fred, who wanted to know if they slept well. It earned him a glare from Mrs. Weasley.
Harry stood before the fireplace and shuttered slightly before he took a pinch of floo powder.
Relax Harry. Just pronounce it correctly this time. You get lost this time and I will hurt you.
Cutting his eyes at Ginny, Harry saw that she was serious. Throwing the powder into the fire, he stepped into the fire, and carefully called out, "Diagon Alley." He tripped out of the fireplace and found himself in the Leaky Cauldron. Fred or maybe George caught him and they waited for the rest of the Weasleys.
Ron somehow managed to convince the family to visit Quality Quidditch Supplies first. Harry reluctantly didn't follow and he and Mr. Weasley went to Gringotts. Mr. Weasley allowed Harry to go with the goblin in the cart alone as he visited a different counter.
As the goblin led him to the cart, he introduced himself as Grisphook. Just as they reached the cart the goblin looked intently at Harry. Smiling a toothy smile the goblin spoke, "Mr. Potter, I offer you congratulations on your successful bonding. Please also offer my congratulations to your bond-mate."
Harry was not sure how to react, "Thank…thank you, but how do you know?"
"Mr. Potter, your bonding is evident to any who can see properly. I am surprised that you have not informed Gringotts of your bonding, it alters your status with us."
"It does?"
"Yes, sir, For Gringotts your bonding is considered proof of adulthood. I will inform the manager after your business is completed. You should expect to be contacted shortly."
"Okay, thank you."
The goblin nodded and led the cart to Harry's vault. Harry refilled his money bag, "Do you have any more business, Mr. Potter?"
"No, thank you, Gripshook for all your help." Mr. Weasley had told him that it was always good to be polite to the goblins. Harry met Mr. Weasley in the lobby and met the rest of the Weasleys at Flourish and Blotts. They quickly found all their books and while Harry was in the back he asked an attendant if they had any books on soul bonds. The attendant showed him a few books and pointed out the most authoritive one. Harry added it to his pile.
Their next stop was to get new robes. Harry was quickly fitted by Madam Malkin, while Ron and Ginny went to the used rack.
Harry, can I have your old robes? We could resize them easily enough for me.
Yeah sure. They're in pretty good shape. Harry actually found the idea of Ginny in his robe appealing. He did not understand why, but the feeling was there.
I like it too. This way you will always be near.
Ginny turned to her mom who was helping sort through the rack, "Mom, would Harry's old robes work for me?"
"Yes, dear, if Harry doesn't mind."
"He doesn't."
"Shouldn't you…" Mrs. Weasley started and then stopped as she remembered some of the consequences of the bonding Dumbledore had told them.
Ron came over with a pile of robes and saw Gnny putting hers back on the rack, "Ginny, what are you doing?"
"Harry's going to give me his old robes. They're probably in better condition than these anyway," she said matter-of-factly.
Ron's face reddened, "You shouldn't accept them," Ron said stubbornly. He did not like the idea of accepting charity.
"Ron, hush, Harry's just going to throw them out and he is willing to let Ginny have them. No sense in letting them go to waste," said Mrs. Weasley.
Harry walked over with his bag of new robes and smiled at Ginny. Behind them Ron scowled. The only thing Ginny had been forced to buy were bras. When they walked out of the store they met back up with Fred and George who had disappeared to Zonkos. Percy was still off at some specialty shop looking for a present for his girlfriend.
They had just started walking when they heard a shout, "Ron, Harry, Ginny!" Hermione was walking toward them with two large bags from Flourish and Blotts. Her parents were behind her with several other heavy looking bags.
"Hermione! What do you need all of those books for?" Ron asked
"Oh Ron, I'm taking more subjects than you are. Mom and Dad said I could get a pet for my birthday. I think I'll get an owl."
"I've got to visit the pet store too. Scabbers has been off since Egypt," Ron said and paired off with Hermione obviously pleased to have someone to talk to besides Harry and Ginny.
The Weasleys invited Hermione and her new cat, Crookshanks, to stay with them for the rest of the holidays to which she readily agreed. Arriving back at the Burrow George joked that now that both Ron and Hermione were sharing their rooms Harry and Ginny would have to sleep in separate beds.
Hermione had raised an eyebrow in question, but Ron had thrown a glance at his mom and whispered, "Later."
Later arrived sooner than Harry or Ginny would have liked, "So what did George mean by saying you two had to sleep in separate beds?"
Neither Harry nor Ginny answered, but Ron did his coloring a little, "Well the first night they were here Ginny apparated into Harry's bed and then the next night Harry did the same – through the apparition wards mind you."
Hermione turned to the couple, "You know how to apparate? You're not supposed to until your seventeen!"
"No, we don't know how. It just kinda happened. We just got used to…used to being around each other so much at the health spa and I was wishing I was near Ginny and suddenly I was there."
Shifting uncomfortably under Hermione's narrowed eyes, Harry fidgeted. Hermione's eyes narrowed further in suspicion.
Ginny felt Harry's discomfort and noticed Hermione's narrowed eyes, "Hermione, did you know Dumbledore advanced me to the third-year," she said with a huge grin.
It was enough to completely distract Hermione. "He did? That's wonderful. What classes are you taking? What were your marks on last year exams? They must have been really good to skip a year. Do you want to study with us?"
Ron and Harry laughed at Hermione's gush of questions and Ginny looked like a deer caught in headlights.
You better not be laughing at me.
Thanks for distracting her, but it is funny. Only Hermione would be this excited.
"Yeah, I got the letter a little bit after term ended. I'm taking Ancient Runes and Care of Magical Creatures with Harry. Hmmm…what else did you ask? My scores were near perfect or better according to the letter and of course I want to study with you."
Hermione looked back to Harry, "I thought you were taking Divination not Ancient Runes, but I think it's a much better choice," she finished casting a sidelong look to Ron.
Ron frowned, "At least you will be in Divination with me." Ron had evidently forgiving her for allowing her cat to attack Scabbers in the pet shop.
"Yes, but it doesn't sound near as…respectable…as courses like Arithmacy or Ancient Runes, yet it does sound interesting."
Over the next couple of weeks they played a lot of quidditch and chess and even occasionally studied at Hermione's insistence. It wasn't until the morning before they left for Kings Cross that Harry and Ginny managed to sneak away and practice flying as phoenixes. They still had not told anyone about their ability to transform.
When they came in for lunch looking very windswept Harry found two letters from Gringotts waiting. One was addressed to Harry, the other to Ginny. Harry wondered what it could be about; Gringotts had never written to him before.
It must be about the soul bonding. Remember, the goblin said they would contact you.
Harry opened the letter:
Dear Mr. Harry J. Potter:
On behalf of Gringotts and the Goblin Council, congratulations on your successful soul bonding with one Ginevra M. Weasley. Please inform us if you or your bond-mate desire to be addressed differently.
Soul bonding is recognized by Gringotts as proof of maturity. You are now considered an adult by this institution. As an adult and last Potter heir, Gringotts hereby grants you sole access to the Potter Family Vault. Please visit Gringotts soon and inspect the vault to ensure that it has been kept in trust by Gringotts satisfactorily.
Further, the Potter investments that have been managed in trust since the death of the last adult Potter are now legally yours as well. Please consult your account manager at your earliest convenience to discuss these investments.
In addition to liquid investments, Gringotts is currently in possession of the deeds to several pieces of property owned by the Potter Family. If you would like to make any changes to these properties please contact your account manager.
Congratulations again,
Mandrake
Goblin High Council
Griphook
Potter Family Account Manager
Ginny's letter was exactly the same. Harry, why am I being told about your investments?
I think we need to read the book I bought.
No, if Hermione finds it she'll figure out what's going on for sure. We are going to have to wait until we can read it at Hogwarts.
Why are we keeping it a secret?
Do you want to tell them?
No. I don't like Dumbledore and the rest knowing either, but we won't be able to keep it a secret for long.
I know, but other people can figure it out without us saying anything.
Harry ran upstairs to put the Gringotts letter safe in his trunk. He came back down before Ginny and found Mr. Weasley looking furtive. "Harry, come here. I've got something to tell you. The Ministry doesn't want me to tell you, but I think you should know. Sirius Black, the man that escaped from Azkaban, was a very strong supporter of you know who. We think he broke out to kill you."
Harry felt Ginny gasp in his mind, "Why?"
"He's insane. He thinks that if he kills you it will bring you know who back."
………………………..
Everyone was surprised to find that Mr. Weasley had arranged for two ministry cars to take the entire family to Kings Cross. Once they arrived the drivers of the lime green sedans tipped their hats to Mr. Weasley and sped off.
Harry was amazed Percy had changed so quickly into robes and pinned his Head Boy badge to their front. Percy walked over to a long haired brunette. Harry stifled a laugh as George pointed out that they had managed to change the badge to say BigHead Boy.
The talk on the train seemed to have only one subject: the escape of Sirius Black. Some people wondered why he had escaped. Others were more concerned about how he escaped. Everyone seemed to agree on one thing though, the Azkaban guards were scary and not to be trifled with.
The compartment that the four of them found was shared by only one other person. This person was a man who seemed to be going prematurely grey and was sleeping. Hermione was the one to point out that his briefcase identified him as Professor Remus Lupin and that he probably was the new Defense professor. A few minutes later they were all happy that they were sharing the compartment with the sleeping professor. Draco Malfoy flanked by Crabbe and Goyle made his usual visit. "I bet you're going to try and catch Black yourself huh Potter?"
"Shove off Malfoy," was Harry's only response.
"Or are you scared? Going to stay safe in the castle?" Malfoy cackled at him.
"Do you really want to start trouble in front of a professor?" asked Hermione innocently as she gestured to Professor Lupin. Malfoy's eyes narrowed, but he did not say anything more before stalking off.
"That was brilliant, Hermione!" commented Ron. "This year I'm not going to take any bull from Malfoy."
After the food trolley passed by and their stomachs were comfortably full, Ron somehow convinced Hermione to join him in a game of wizard's chess. Meanwhile, Harry fell asleep leaning against Ginny who, once Harry was asleep, silently guided his head down into her lap and began absentmindedly running her fingers through his hair.
The train gave a sudden jolt and then began to slow down. Harry woke to find his head in Ginny's lap and her arms preventing him from rolling onto the floor. "Thanks Ginny, what's going on?"
Hermione's forehead crinkled, "We can't be there yet. It's too early."
Ron had moved to the window, "Hey, I think we being boarded. There are people with hoods outside." The lights in the train went out and the temperature noticeably dropped. Harry and Ginny moved closer together instinctively.
The click of the compartment door signaled someone's arrival. "Whose here?"
"We are," answered Ron, "Who's that?"
"Neville."
"Take a seat Neville," said Hermione then, "Hey what was…"
"Quiet!" an authoritive voice broke through the babble. Then a soft light filled the compartment and Professor Lupin stood with what looked like a small ball of blue flame in his palm. "Now stay here, while I go and check with the conductor to see what the problem is." However, Professor Lupin never made it out of the compartment. Just as he reached the compartment door the door slid open. Standing in the doorway was a black robed and hooded creature. It seemed to draw a low, rattling breath that removed all warmth from the area.
Harry felt the world around him start to go black. He was hearing voices, hearing himself say, "Please! Ginny don't be dead," and then Tom Riddle's voice answering him. Then he heard a woman's scream and "Please! Not Harry!" Harry passed out.
Beside him Ginny was faring no better and reliving her experience in the Chamber and several other dark memories. She was slowly succumbing to the darkness around her vision. But before this happened Professor Llupin muttered a spell under his breath and a shimmering silver wall appeared in front of the black robed creature and he said, "None of us is hiding Sirius Black under our robes." The black robed creature left.
Harry woke to find himself cradled in the arms of a very pale Ginny. Her brown freckles seemed to standout livid against her white skin. "Who screamed? What was that thing?"
Professor Lupin had returned and was breaking off pieces of a large bar of chocolate, "That, Harry, was one of the Azkaban guards, a dementor, they were searching the train for Sirius Black. Here eat some of this chocolate, it will make you feel better."
Harry looked around the room. Everyone looked pale, although Ginny looked easily the worse. Sitting up he opened his arms to her, which she quickly collapsed into.
It was awful, Harry. I felt like I wouldn't ever be happy again.
…or warm. Did you hear things?
Yeah, mostly to do with the Chamber before you got there. You?
I remembered the Chamber too and I think my mother right before…
Oh Harry, I'm sorry.
Shhh…just let me hold you.
"You should eat that chocolate, I haven't poisoned it," Lupin put a piece in his own mouth as if to demonstrate. Everyone soon followed suit and to their surprise found warmth returning to them.
When they arrived at Hogwarts McGonagall asked Harry, Ginny, and Hermione to follow her. Harry and Ginny looked at each other guiltily wondering what they had done. McGonagall saw the look and huffed slightly, "You are not in trouble, although I have no doubt that by tomorrow you will have done something." McGonagall was the professor most adept at catching Harry and Ginny when they were pranking.
Entering her office they were met by Madam Pomfrey who began fussing over them immediately. "I can't believe it. Dementors, how awful. Foul, loathsome creatures. You should all have some chocolate." When they informed her Professor Lupin had already given them chocolate she noted appreciatively that is was about time they had a Defense professor who knew proper defense.
After Madam Pomfrey filed out McGonagall began, "Thank you Mr. Potter and Ms. Weasley you may return to the Great Hall. I need to speak to Miss Granger about her schedule." Ginny and Harry filed out.
That was strange…
What?
She called me "Ms. Weasley" she always used to call me "Miss Weasley." She also called Hermione a "Miss" not a "Ms."
It reminds me of the Gringotts letter asking about how we wished to be address. Do you think McGonagall knows about the bonding.
Dumbledore probably told her. I want to know what's going on. I want to look at the book tonight.
Okay where?
Meet me at the Astronomy Tower. I'll transform and fly there.
They waited ten minutes before Hermione came out of McGonagall's office smiling like the Cheshire cat.
"What did McGonagall want?" Ginny asked. Hermione would only shake her head and was saved further interrogation when they joined the rest of the school at the feast.
Ginny and Harry waited impatiently for their roommates to fall asleep. Harry knew Ginny had left ten minutes ago, but he could not transform until he heard Ron's snores. Finally, Ron's snores began to roll through the dormitory and Harry transformed. He grabbed the book in his talons and flew out the window.
Harry's eyes alighted on a red phoenix soaring high above the Astronomy Tower. Flapping his wings he flew higher to join Ginny. After a few minutes of gentle play in the air, they flew down to the tower. Neither saw another phoenix observing them from the window of the Headmaster's office.
It did not take them long of searching the book to find out that soul bonding changed both of their situations dramatically. Many of the rights that were reserved for adult wizards and witches were automatically conferred as soul bonding was considered proof of maturity. Although it did not remove the constraints of laws placed on those defined as "underage," it did grant most legal adult rights that related to financial and guardianship matters. Most significantly was that soul bonding was considered proof of marriage.
Ginny watched Harry carefully. She had felt his shock at the idea of being married. She reached out and took his hand, "Harry, are you all right?" She was beginning to worry that Harry did not want to be married to her.
Harry picked up the thought and squeezed her hand, "I'm okay. I guess…I mean this doesn't really change anything. I'm…I'm yours and you're mine. I just didn't think it was so…I don't know…formal." Harry stared at Ginny. He was not disappointed to be married to her it was just that he was not even fourteen. It all seemed so fast. Reflecting over all that had happened since he had met her, Harry realized that he would not want it any other way.
"Well, at least this explains why your mom allowed you to stay with me…in the same bed too," Harry smiled at Ginny and she hugged him in relief.
"You realize that I should now be called 'Mrs. Potter,' not Weasley or Ms. Anything," Ginny said with mischief in her eyes trying to shock Harry now that he had accepted the idea. He only smiled and then brought her into a tighter hug while kissing her on the cheek.
Harry crawled stealthily back into his bed and slept under the covers.
Goodnight, wife.
Ginny's smile and quiet laugh of delight could be felt through the bond, Goodnight, husband.
Harry did not understand how calling each other husband and wife gave him such a warm feeling. He could only revel in the feeling; he closed his eyes and went to sleep happy.
The next few weeks were uneventful after the third years got used to Ginny with them. It had come as quite a shock when they had learned that she had skipped a year. The professors were pleased with both Harry and Ginny's work except Professor Snape who seemed to find the presence of two Weasleys in his class insulting and was trying to achieve a new level of vindictiveness. They found that Snape treated them with equal hostility and decided it was best to work together during Potions since Snape had a tendency to mark them and their partners lower even for his normal low standards for Gryffindors. Hermione was working herself crazy with more than a full load of classes and trying to keep ahead of Harry and Ginny in the classes they shared. Defense Against the Dark Arts was by far the most interesting aside from Hagrid's first class and Buckbeak's attack on Malfoy.
Professor Lupin turned out to be an excellent professor. It was the first time Harry had really learned something in Defense. The only hiccup was when he demonstrated boggarts. While he had allowed the entire class to face it, he had not allowed Harry and Ginny. They had both noticed him giving the two of them furtive glances or just looking at them strangely. When he was sick they got one of the greatest shocks of their lives when they walked in and found Professor Snape waiting to teach the class. Despite what Hermione tried to tell him, he insisted on lecturing about werewolves. Ron had received detention after he had defended Hermione when Snape called her a know-it-all.
Wood had taken quidditch practice to a level that Harry had not believed possible. When it came for the game against Hufflepuff in October the weather was simply awful. Rain was pelting down and lighting crisscrossed the sky. Harry was immensely thankful for the charm Hermione had placed on his glasses – if only he had thought of also placing a warming charm on himself. He thought he saw a large black dog watching him, but when he turned to look again it was gone. He was just beginning to think that he was frozen to his broom when he saw the snitch. Placing himself flat against his Nimbus 2000 he soared after the snitch. The air was filled with a woman's scream and the pleading voice that tore into his heart, "Please no, not Harry…" Then a high, cruel laugh followed by the voice he recognized as Tom Riddle, "She won't wake." Harry looked down and below him were at least a hundred dementors. It was the last thing he saw before he lost consciousness.
The scent of wild flowers and comforting warmth woke Harry. He was in the Hospital Wing and Ginny was hugging him tightly with the top of her head just under his nose. His arms seemed to wrap around her of their own accord.
"Get off my patient right now Miss Weasley," Madam Pomfrey had appeared, "Here child, eat this," she ordered handing Harry the largest slab of chocolate he had ever seen. She did not move until he had finished the entire slab. When he was finished she allowed Hermione, Ron, and the rest of the quidditch team, minus Wood, into the ward. Harry was heartbroken to learn that not only had Hufflepuff caught the snitch and won the game, but also his trusty broom had been destroyed by the Womping Willow.
Harry's week only got worse when he realized that he could not go to Hogsmeade. He knew McGonagall would never allow him to go with Sirius Black supposedly after him. The only thing that cheered him up was that Ginny said she would stay and they would go flying.
Once everyone had left for Hogwarts the two of them went onto the grounds and transformed out of sight. They were playing a game of tag over the Forbidden Forest when a burst of flame announced the arrival of another phoenix. Fawkes was now flying around them trilling his song. To their shock they understood him, "Greetings young hatchlings. It has been many a year since I have seen hatchlings."
Ginny trilled a hello and Harry joined her song, "Hello Fawkes."
"It is good to feel the air all around you, but it is nothing compared to fire young ones," Fawkes sang back, "Come, follow me, you have much to learn."
For the next two hours Fawkes led them on a complicated game of follow the leader. He taught them many aspects of flying that they would have taken ages to learn on their own. At the end he began singing a complicated trill that could not be translated into English. He was instructing them on how to travel by fire. When he finished he burst into flames and appeared ten feet behind them. Ginny and Harry followed suit.
Fawkes had been right. As good as he felt to fly, to feel the air through your feathers it was nothing to traveling by fire. They flew and flamed for a few more minutes before Fawkes concluded their lesson saying they would fly together again soon. As Harry and Ginny flew back to the castle Harry spied an individual making his way into the castle. He recognized the person as Professor Lupin.
Ginny, I want to talk to Lupin about how to fight the dementors. I can't have what happened during the game happen again.
I want to learn too.
They quickly landed and making sure they were out of sight transformed and walked quickly after Lupin. They only caught up to him at his office where he greeted them warmly and invited them in for tea.
"Professor," Harry began, "I was wondering…" Lupin handed him and Ginny tea and sat down.
"You were wondering why I didn't allow you or Ginny to take on the boggart," he interrupted. They both nodded, "I should have thought that obvious. I was afraid that it would turn into Lord Voldemort."
Both Harry and Ginny gaped at him open mouth. Neither had expected him to say that much less actually say Voldemort's name.
"I did think it might at first, but then I thought of the dementors," Harry admitted.
"Me too," chorused Ginny.
Lupin smiled at them, "I'm surprised and impressed. It says a lot that a dementor is your greatest fear. It means that what you fear the most is fear. Very wise."
"Do you think you could teach us to fight off dementors like you did on the train?" asked Ginny.
"I don't know," said Lupin doubtfully, "It's very advanced magic and many full grown wizards can't manage it. It's also much harder to do when there is more than one dementor."
"Please, Professor, I can't let what happened at the match happen again. Even if I can't drive them off, at least I might be able to get back on the ground," pleaded Harry.
Lupin sighed, "Okay, but it will have to wait until after the holidays. I'm behind after being sick."
They thanked him and left to go to supper where they would meet up with Ron and Hermione.
…………………..
Over the next month classes went by uneventfully. They quickly found that when they would sneak out to fly and practice flaming Fawkes would join them giving them hints and encouragement. Fawkes seemed to be proud of what they had achieved. He know had them carrying different weights and objects as they flamed to different locations. He told them that they could only flame to a place they or their companion (Dumbledore to him) had been before. It soon became a game about who quickly one of them could flame to a location and be followed by the other.
When Halloween rolled around the usual festivities were interrupted by Sirius Black's attack on the Fat Lady after she refused to let him in. She was replaced with a crazy knight that had quickly gotten onto Harry's nerves and insisted on changing passwords at least daily.
Dumbledore surveyed the grounds from his window. It was the end of November and the only news he had of Sirius Black was that he had been sighted in a small village not far from Hogsmeade. After the break in on Halloween, Dumbledore was very worried about Blacks ability to stay undetected. He sighed; he would have to be extra careful since it was a Hogsmeade weekend again, but at least the dementors had not crossed into Hogwarts again after the quidditch match. He hoped the foul creatures would stay away. Then there was Harry. He knew he was going to have to tell Harry about Sirius Black's role in his parents' deaths before someone else did. It was already apparent that young Mr. Malfoy knew and was needling Harry. It would be better if Harry found out from a friendly source rather than one that was not.
Looking over toward his desk he saw Fawkes preening himself. There was something going on there too. Fawkes had been acting differently, almost prideful, and had been disappearing for long periods of time. Dumbledore knew it could not be bad, but it was another mystery.
Although Harry and Ginny were had fun last Hogsmeade weekend, they both still wanted to go. Harry convinced Ginny to go without him and she had joined Hermione and Ron. Harry watched depressed as they left. Ginny was between the two of them since they were arguing about Crookshanks trying to eat Scabbers every chance he got.
Just as he turned to go an arm draped over his shoulder. Another arm from his other side soon followed. Fred and George led him out of earshot from anyone who was nearby.
"Harry, my boy, we couldn't help notice that you can't go to Hogsmeade," Fred said, the grin on his face never faltered.
"Yes, we have something that might help you with your predicament," said George pulling out an old and battered piece of parchment.
"An old parchment?" asked Harry.
The twins looked scandalized and shook their heads with a sad expression, "Can you believe that George? An old parchment! This, Harry, is the secret to our success so it will be a pinch giving it to you, but your need is greater than ours. When we were back in our first year…"
Harry looked at them incredulously and listened to their story of stealing the map from Filch and shook his head, it was classic Fred and George.
Fred's smile broadened now, "Harry, this is a map! Simply tap it with your wand like so, and say 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.'" To Harry's shock lines began to appear on the parchment along with moving dots that were labeled as people. "To clear it you tap it with your wand and say 'Mischief managed.' We are sure you can find a good use for this and say take a look at this. It looks like this tunnel leads out to Honeydukes…hmmm imagine that and Filch doesn't know about it. Well Harry tah tah."
Harry did not even get a chance to thank them before the twins were gone.
So, Harry are you coming? Ginny had been listening.
Yeah, I'm going to grab my invisibility cloak and meet you there.
Excellent.
Hogsmeade was better than had been described. The Three Broomsticks was fantastic and its butterbeer was even better. Zonko's Joke Shop was full of interesting and sometimes potentially dangerous objects. Honeydukes, the location of the secret tunnel, was full of teeth-rotting sweets and chocolates that Ginny looked at longingly and that Harry made a mental note to buy her for Christmas. Ron and Hermione were no where in sight. They were probably still fighting about Crookshanks and Scabbers Harry mused.
December had come and gone very quickly and it was the first day of the holidays. Harry had wanted to go to the Burrow, but Mr. Weasley had reminded him that he was safest at Hogwarts. So while everybody else was packing up to go, Harry was scrounging in his trunk for some parchment. He saw a folded piece at the bottom. He picked it up and found that it was not a spare piece of parchment at all but the letter he had received from Gringotts.
Harry looked at and wondered if Dumbledore would allow him to go to Gringotts again like last year. Shrugging he decided to find out and made his way around the castle looking for a professor. He found McGonagall near the Great Hall and she led him to Dumbledore's office and provided the password.
When Harry sat down Dumbledore turned his on him and asked why he wanted to see him. "Professor, I got a letter from Gringotts at the start of term about visiting my family's vault and meeting my account manager and I was wondering if I could go over the break sometime."
"Harry, Gringotts sent you a letter saying you have access to your family vault?" Dumbledore seemed more interested in that Harry received a letter from Gringotts than allowing Harry to go.
"Err…yes. When I went there over the summer the Goblin said he could see that I was soul bonded and that Gringotts would be in touch."
"Oh I see," said Dumbledore. "Harry, I do not think it very wise for you to leave Hogwarts without protection with Sirius Black on the loose. There are some things that you need to know about Black…"
Dumbledore related the story to Harry about how Sirius Black was his parents' secret keeper. Harry was stunned and was thankful he shared the bond with Ginny who was now sending as much comfort as she could through the bond.
It's okay Harry. Stay calm.
But how? Why? He was their friend.
I don't know.
Harry gradually controlled his warring emotions and looked back at Dumbledore who appeared to have pity in his eyes. He was about to stand and leave when he realized he had come to Dumbledore's office for a reason; he wanted to go to Gringotts.
"I understand sir, but could I go if Mr. or Mrs. Weasley went with me or met me there?"
"I suppose that would be fine," Dumbledore said hesitantly.
Ginny, can you find out if they will?
Hold on…he could hear her questioning her parents.
"They say they can take me tomorrow. That I should meet them at the Leaky Cauldron at noon. May I use your floo?" Harry asked and Dumbledore nodded his assent and did not question Harry how he knew this apparently assuming he was indeed using his connection to Ginny.
The rest of the day Harry wondered around the empty halls of Hogwarts aimlessly. He could not believe it. Sirius Black was the reasons he did not have a family. Harry tried to clear his head by shacking it for probably the thousandth time. Ginny had been reassuring him as much as possible all day, but Harry was too numb with shock to receive too much comfort. He walked slowly back to the dormitory and stripped down to his boxers.
Just as Harry drew back his bed curtains a burst of flame appeared in the air above his bed and a red phoenix with brown spots.
"Ginny! What are you doing here?" Harry exclaimed, momentarily shocked out of his stupor.
The phoenix transformed into Ginny, who was wearing one of the shirts she had nicked from Harry over the summer.
She smiled at him sadly, "You've been alone for too long today and you weren't listening to me. Besides I sleep better when you're near." Harry started to protest, but stopped before he even got the first word out. He was glad she had come. She opened her arms and without hesitation Harry embraced her. "Come on Harry, it's time for bed," she whispered into his ear. As they settled into the bed spooning each other, Ginny sighed when Harry put his arms around her and said, "I've missed this…" Harry did not answer except to tighten his grip on her.
Harry fell asleep within ten minutes. Ginny, however, lay awake for some time gently fingering and caressing Harry's hand. Smiling, she closed her eyes and snuggled closer to Harry.