A/N: Well this is the last update for awhile. As I said in the last one, I'm moving and it is anyone's guess how long Verizon will take with the DSL. I will begin posting again when I can. It shouldn't be more than a couple weeks. I'm hoping more like one, but I can't promise that since I'm moving and starting my new job on the 25th. That and I will be reading HBP like the rest of you. This is a very rough draft of the rest of POA – I'll probably go over it when I have the time, but may just continue on to GOF. Thanks for the reviews.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter is the product of J.K. Rowlings not me….
Chapter 4: The Prisoner of Azkaban, Part II
Harry paced in front of the stone gargoyle that guarded the staircase to Dumbledore's office. Ginny had left a couple of hours ago and despite the short time he could not wait to see her again. Finally, the gargoyle moved aside and he rushed up the stairs to be met by Dumbledore sitting in his usual position.
"Harry, I want you to be careful today," he began, "Black is very dangerous, although I do doubt he would attack while you are in Diagon Alley, but still we must be careful." Harry nodded and Dumbledore motioned to the fire place. Harry flooed without delay to the Leaky Cauldron.
As usual, he tripped out of the fireplace, but was caught by Ginny who hugged him and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek that could not have been observed by the other patrons. Behind Ginny stood Mr. and Mrs. Weasley along with Ron, who was looking sullen and glaring at Ginny and Harry in turn. Ron had become quite angry when he had been told about the map and Harry sneaking out to go to Hogsmeade. He did not really care that Harry had snuck out, but that he had spent the entire time with Ginny. The rest of the term he had not spoken much to either of them.
"Harry, it's good to see you. Are you ready to go to Gringotts?" Mr. Weasley asked. Harry nodded and the five of them made their way to the white marble building.
When they walked up to the counter and Harry identified himself the Goblin immediately ushered them toward a private room, but stopped Ginny's parents and Ron from entering saying that the financial matters were only between Mr. Potter and Miss Weasley. Ron watched and decided to talk to Hermione about it before remembering he was not talking to Hermione because of Crookshanks. He sighed; it was lonely not talking to your two best friends and sister.
Ginny and Harry seated themselves in the plush chairs opposite a large desk and waited for the Gringotts representative to show. They did not have to wait long when the door opened and a Goblin Harry recognized walked in, "Griphook!" Harry said.
The goblin gave him a toothy grin, "I'm surprised you recognized me Mr. Potter. It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Weasley or would you prefer Mrs. Potter?" Both Harry and Ginny blushed; they knew that the bonding was considered proof of marriage, but it was shocking hearing the address.
Well Harry? Harry knew Ginny liked it that she felt it was another way of making him hers unequivocally.
Yes.
"I would prefer 'Mrs. Potter' Griphook," Ginny said her face turning a deeper crimson, "but I would prefer if I was only called that in private."
Griphook nodded, "Gringotts is always discreet Mrs. Potter. Now shall we discuss your financial matters?" Harry nodded and Griphook continued, "First, your liquid assets are quite large." Griphook slid a piece of parchment across the desk. Harry and Ginny gaped.
"I…have…that…much?"
"No sir, those are only your liquid assets and those are growing nicely with the current interest rate. You also own extensive amounts of stocks in both the wizarding and muggle worlds plus your property. The stocks are currently taking care of themselves, the Potters invested very wisely, and much of the property is rented at prime rates. The number in the middle of the page is the yearly profit. Beyond your financial assets the Potter family also owns some private properties."
"Private properties? What do you mean?" asked Harry.
"The primary asset in this category is the Potter Estate just outside of Godric's Hollow where Potter Manor is located. The Estate has extensive grounds in addition to the large Manor house and the smaller guest houses. But, there are also several other properties including the vacant lot in Godric's Hollow, a small cottage in northern Scotland, and another cottage in France. In addition to these landed properties there are the flats in London, Paris, New York, and Tokyo.
Harry stared at Griphook in amazement, while Ginny looked in wonderment at Harry.
Ginny, how?
…I knew that the Potters had been wealthy, but I had no idea.
Regaining enough composure to take in some of what Griphook had just told him Harry asked, "There's a Potter Manor? Where is it?"
Griphook shook his head affirmatively, "Yes, there is a Potter Manor, but I do not know its location. Normally, old manors are in publicly known locations; however, Potter Manor is charmed so that if its next Master does not reveal its location then it is hidden from all. I believe the charm is an old variation of the Fidelious Charm, but Gringotts does not know who the secret keeper is. I believe that there is a special portkey to the Manor located in the Potter Vault, but it can only be activated by a Potter or in this case yourself and your bond-mate."
All Harry could do was blink. Griphook paused allowing the information to sink in, "If you do not desire any changes to be made to your assets I can show you to your vault." Harry did not know if any changes needed to be made and said that he would leave them in Griphook's hands. The goblin seemed to have been shocked by Harry's immediate trust and promptly led them to an awaiting cart.
A longer cart ride than Harry had ever been on led them to the Potter family vault. Griphook stood and motioned toward the large double doors, but did not move from the cart, "Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter you two may approach the doors. You only have to touch them and say 'open' for them to respond. These types of vaults have extreme security measures protecting them. No goblin or unrelated person my approach the family vault. The soul-bond you share allows Mrs. Potter to approach without danger."
After placing his hand on the door Harry said, "Open," the doors opened obediently sending up a puff of dust. They had not been opened in over thirteen years. As the doors slowly opened they revealed huge mounds of galleons, sickles, and knuts. Money, however, was not the only thing piled into mounds. They were also precious gems; rubies, emeralds, diamonds, and gems Harry did not know the name of.
In the middle of the room was a pedestal. Harry and Ginny walked to it hand-in-hand; on it lay a gold key that was obviously very old. Shrugging Harry reached for it and felt the like a hook pulling his naval inward. There was the sound of whooshing air and Harry's feet hit the ground he never realized he had left. His feet hit with such a force that he fell to the ground dragging Ginny with him.
Harry had dropped the key and upon hitting the floor disappeared.
"Harry, this must be Potter Manor!" Ginny exclaimed still sitting on the floor and looking around. "This place is amazing! We've got to come here over the summer."
Standing up, Harry offered his hand to Ginny and pulled her to her feet. He frowned, "I don't think Dumbledore will let me. You heard him last year – he even made the both of us stay with the Dursleys."
Ginny was disappointed, but knew Harry was probably right. "Well, in that case let's explore while we can."
They looked around the room they had appeared in for the first time. It was decorated similar to the Gryffindor common room, but more resplendent and larger. The fireplace was huge and tall enough to floo into without danger to the person's head. The walls were looked to be made of a deep brown wood that Harry guessed to be oak; they were lined with large tapestries displaying all kinds of scenes and pictures of magical creatures. Phoenixes and Griffins seemed to dominate them, but there were many other creatures including dragons and unicorns.
As they were examining what could possibly be the Potter Family Crest (It featured a Phoenix with its wings spread perched on top of a shield), several cracks were heard behind them. Startled, they swiftly turned, drawing their wands to come face to face with four house elves attired in clean, pressed towels bearing the same crest Harry and Ginny had just been looking at.
The house elves bowed low and one, it appeared to be the oldest, stepped forward, "Master Harry Potter, Mistress Potter. Welcome to Potter Manor! I am Corfy. This is Dinny, Bonny, and Ding." The house elf pointed to each of his companions. "Please follow me. It is customary that the new Master or Mistress be taken before the Manor's secret keeper as soon as they arrive."
The elf led them through several doors and hallways all paneled in the same deep brown wood until they entered another room that was richly furnished with arm chairs and a sofa that formed a semicircle around a single painting in the room.
"Master, Mistress. I present Daniel." The house elf extended his arm toward the painting and then quietly left as Harry and Ginny stared at the painting in confusion wondering how a painting could be a secret keeper.
Then the painting moved, the man it portrayed was wearing medieval garb and had black, untidy hair. "Hello, I'm Daniel and you are obviously the new Master and Mistress Potter. It has been a long time since I last saw a soul bonding, incredible. You look a lot like young Master James except that you have Mistress Lily's eyes. You have to be Harry. Hmmm…yes and your red hair does remind me of Mistress Lily young lady, but the face is different. If I didn't know better with hair like that I would say you were a Weasley. What do I call you Mistress?"
"I am a Weasley and my name is Ginny Wes…Potter," replied a flabbergasted Ginny.
Daniel's eyes widened and he looked shocked, "A female Weasley? How exceedingly rare! You must be the first in generations. At last the Potter family is united with the Weasley family by more than ideals." Daniel smiled at them and then continued, "I suppose it is time to move to business though. When Master James and Lily passed the old enchantments on this Manor activated awaiting your return Master Harry. It is now up to you do decide if the Fidelious Pocous Charm is to be removed."
"What is it?" asked Harry dumbfounded. Griphook had mentioned about a variant of the Fidelious Charm being used on the house and he knew from talking with Dumbledore about his parents how it worked.
"It is a lot like the Fidelious Charm, but not as powerful. Anyone who is taken to the Manor can find it and with enough magic it can be broken. The portkey located at Gringotts also can always reach the Manor. The estate is too large for the normal Fidelious Charm and as I am a painting and not a live secret keeper the charm's strength is further reduced. It is primarily meant to keep out unwanted visitors or burglars if the Manor house is empty. Do you wish to lift it?"
Harry was not sure, but he thought keeping the Manor a secret was a good idea, "No. Keep it in place for now."
Ginny glanced at her watch and her face changed to a worried expression, "Harry, I think we need to go. Dad will be waiting and we've already taken a long time. I'm sorry Daniel, but we do have to go." Daniel nodded and said he looked forward to their next visit.
"How do we get back Ginny?"
"Flame back to the vault and hope Griphook is still there…if not we can always get out and find someway to floo to the Leaky Cauldron."
The both transformed and flamed to the vault. They were pleasantly surprised to find that when the exited the vault a cart quickly appeared, although Griphook was not the goblin driving. They asked the goblin to apologize to Griphook for them and quickly left for the lobby.
Mr. Weasley was flipping through a magazine about muggles, while Ron was pacing back and forth. When he saw them he stopped pacing and flushed red, "Where have you two been? We've been waiting forever! What took so long?"
Harry paled and was not sure how to answer. He had not really thought that he was going to have to explain anything to Ron, after all Ron had not been talking to either of them.
"The goblins just wanted to talk to Harry about his family's investments. It took awhile that's all," Ginny answered glaring daggers at Ron.
"Why did you get to go? You shouldn't have been there anyway!" Ron yelled back.
Mr. Weasley laid a hand on his son's shoulder, "Hush, Ron. They usually only allow two into the private rooms at Gringotts. Ginny was just the first one in behind Harry. Come on we need to go. I promised Dumbledore that we would have Harry back by dinner and we still have to meet up with your Mom."
Ron seemed far from mollified, but followed his father and Harry and Ginny out of Gringotts. They met up with Mrs. Weasley at the Leaky Cauldron.
"Harry, dear, did you get everything done at Gringotts?" she questioned, but did not wait for an answer. "Oh look at the time! You need to get back to Hogwarts." She ushered everyone over to the floo and hugged Harry tightly.
Turning to Ginny he hugged her and spoke softly, "I'm going to miss you. I'll see you when classes start."
Ginny laughed into his ear causing him to wince slightly, "Silly, you can see me before that or have you forgotten already…I'm a phoenix."
Harry smiled and released her and then turned to Ron, "Well, I guess I'll see you when classes start." Ron merely grunted and Harry sighed and thought Well at least he's not totally ignoring me now.
With his goodbyes done he thanked Mr. and Mrs. Weasley and stepped into the floo and called out "Hogwarts."
…………………….
Dumbledore watched Harry as he trudged out of the Great Hall after dinner. Harry had not been very forthcoming about what he had discussed with the goblins and Dumbledore was worried. He knew from the letter he had received from Molly during dinner that both Harry and Ginny had talked with the investment manager for nearly the entire afternoon. It was a pity that goblins or at least those working for Gringotts could identify a soul bond, Dumbledore had hoped to gently introduce Harry to the notion that he was far richer than he could possibly imagine. Then there was the problem of the properties, specifically Potter Manor. It was likely that the investment manager had revealed its location or at least how to get there; Dumbledore feared that Harry would fight him about returning to the Dursleys if he knew about the Manor. He would have to keep a close watch to see if the charms protecting the Manor began to fade; it would a sure sign that a new master had entered it.
At least Harry did not know exactly what a soul bonding meant, Dumbledore thought. He had been careful to ensure that the relevant books in the library had been removed. Thankfully the laws concerning underage wizards and witches were rather restrictive even if the soul bonding conferred nearly all adult rights. Still even without the ability to do magic, drink, purchase certain products, or do a few other things Harry, and Ginny Dumbledore supposed now, had access to a staggering amount of money. If either of them became determined to do something, almost anything, it would be difficult to stop them. Unfortunately, mused Dumbledore with a half-chuckle, both Harry and Ginny were rather stubborn and passionate individuals.
Sighing, Dumbledore leaned further back into the comfy armchair he had conjured for dinner. He knew that the Dursleys were not the most adequate guardians, but Harry's safety was more important. The attack on the Longbottoms had proven that despite Voldemort's demise and the capture of many of his Death Eaters, there were still some free and willing to kill for their lord. With the escape of Black the problem was only intensified.
He had tried to use subtle legitimacy on Harry several times over the past three years and again tonight, but as usual the result was frustrating. By now Dumbledore suspected that it was a result of the bonding as Ginny's mind was as equally difficult to enter. The level of difficulty had only increased since the Chamber of Secrets. With concentration and time Dumbledore could catch a few thoughts, but even these were usually disjointed.
Dumbledore stood and made his way back to his office and sat down and continued brooding over Harry. Harry's bonding with Ginny had been quite a shock. It was still a shock to him after almost three years. The apparating ability they had both demonstrated at the Burrow also troubled him. He had never heard of anyone apparating without conscious thought. He would have to set some extensive apparition wards around Privet Drive this summer.
…………………………..
Harry spent the few days before Christmas bored silly and settled on mostly doing his homework. The Potions essay was difficult as it required extensive research about obscure ingredients, luckily Ginny knew far more about potions than Harry did. The essay Professor Lupin had assigned had been long (three feet), but had been interesting as it involved looking up different dark creatures and how to combat them. The transfiguration essay had been particularly easy. Ever since he and Ginny had studied how to become animagi, much of the theory behind transfiguration was easy for both of them. They had read so many books on animagus theory that they knew most of it. Most of the time it was only a matter of complexity – the more complex the object you were transfiguring from or to the more power it took. The rest was often just the incantation, wand movement, and time…that was so long as you knew what you were transfiguring.
Bored and lonely with only the professors for company Harry wondered out of the castle and walked down to Hagrid's hut. The snow thankfully was not that deep. About halfway along the trail to Hargrid's, the hair on the back of Harry's neck stood up and he felt eyes on him. Whirling around, wand drawn, Harry searched the empty grounds. For an instant he thought he saw a large black dog near the edge of the Forbidden Forest, but when he looked closer it was gone.
Harry shrugged and put his wand back in his pocket and continued on to Hagrid's. Smoke was gently rising from the chimney and he could her Fang barking, probably because of Harry's arrival. He knocked on the door and he heard Hagrid moving through the hut and the door opened.
"'Arry! How are you? You shouldn't be wondering around the grounds alone! But you are here now, might as well come in. I'll walk you back to the castle," Hagrid said. Harry supposed that it was about Black.
"Hey Hagrid, have you heard anything about Buckbeak?" Harry asked suddenly remembering the case pending against the animal.
Hagrid shook his head, "No, they haven't set a date yet, but it'll be soon. Hermione's been a great help." Harry blushed, he had forgotten that he had promised to help and he had been avoiding Hermione lately. Hermione had taken to watching him and Ginny very closely and the look on her face was the same one she had whenever she was researching something. He supposed that Ron had not been helping either since he was not talking to Hermione; and Harry knew Ginny had not helped either.
I feel so bad…we promised and… Ginny said interrupting his thoughts.
I forgot too.
"I'm sorry Hagrid; I forgot with quidditch, homework…and well I'm sorry," Harry mumbled. He had hoped visiting Hagrid would entertain him, but it was only depressing him.
"Don't worry about it Harry," responded Hagrid handing Harry a cup of tea that Harry carefully kept out of Fang's reach. "Hermione has been great. She's found a lot of useful stuff. But I do want to talk to you about her. She's been down here several times crying. With Ron not talking to her and she thinks you and Ginny are avoiding her she's very sad. You shouldn't treat your friends like that…I know you're better than that."
Harry looked down and studied his shoes and the floor boards of the hut. "You're right. Ginny and I will stop it," he felt Ginny's unspoken agreement, "but I don't know about Ron. The whole thing with Scabbers and Crookshanks is keeping him angry with her and Hermione…"
Laughing, Hagrid interrupted him, "Yeah, well, I know you can't make Ron talk to her. People can be stupid about their pets, can't they?" he said with a furtive grin. Harry spent the rest of the day with Hagrid.
The next morning, Christmas, Harry felt something was tickling his ear. Harry reached up and batted it away, but it only returned. Again he tried to brush it away. This time it moved to his neck. When Harry tried to shoo the bug away he was startled awake when someone grabbed his hand and giggled.
"Ginny!" Harry said still bleary eyed and hugged her.
Ginny pushed herself up from Harry's embrace; she was now smiling down at him as she straddled him, "Happy Christmas Harry. Get up…you've got presents and I don't have a lot of time…I'm supposed to be using the bathroom." She giggled again at his expression, "Come on," she said as she slid off the bed and pulled Harry out. Harry docilely followed her.
They had just started down the stairs to the common room when they heard the tell-tale creak of the portrait opening. Harry turned to Ginny and shrugged and she smiled sadly before transforming and bursting into flame. Harry frowned and continued down the stairs.
The tree in the common room only had Harry's pile of presents around it. With Sirius Black's escape no one wanted to stay at Hogwarts over the break. Ron and Hermione probably would have stayed, but as Harry was avoiding Hermione and Ron had not been talking to him neither had stayed. Ginny had pleaded with her parents to allow her to stay, but had been firmly overruled. Harry could not understand it and neither did Ginny.
Harry pulled his small pile to him and looked at the various presents when the person who had just came through the portrait hole made himself known, "Ah, Harry, you're up! Happy Christmas," announced a smiling Dumbledore. "I knew that you were the only one in the tower and wanted to ask if you would consider joining the professors for breakfast after you finish here?" Dumbledore asked his eyes twinkling.
……………………………..
Molly watched her youngest and only daughter run down from the bathroom to the awaiting pile of presents. Strangely, Ginny had a frown on her face, but it was quickly replaced with a small smile. Smiling as well, Molly moved toward the tree. She felt a little guilty, well maybe more than a little, about Harry being alone for the holidays. When she found out that neither Ron nor Hermione were going to stay (she suspected that they were fighting over something again and Harry found himself caught in the middle), she just could not allow Ginny to stay with Harry alone.
She knew that they had spent the entire summer together and in the same bed, she shuddered slightly, but Molly could not come to terms with the idea that her twelve year old daughter might be sleeping with a thirteen year old boy. The kiss that Ginny had given him at the Leaky Cauldron had only made Molly worry more. Of course, Dumbledore had explained that soul bonding was not simply another form of marriage, but something far more intimate. They were soulmates in every sense of the word.
Even with this knowledge Molly did not like it. Indeed, it only made it worse. The fact that her daughter was no longer Ginevra Weasley, but Ginevra Potter made tears come to her eyes if she thought about it long enough. Her youngest was the first to marry…at the age of ten.
Ginny's scream of delight interrupted her thoughts. "LOOK!" She held up a large box of very fine chocolates. Molly laughed; he daughter's love of chocolate knew few bounds. She hoped that Harry would like Ginny's gift as much as she liked his.
……………………………………
After agreeing to meet the professors for breakfast, Dumbledore left and Harry returned to his presents. He was surprised to see that there were two lumpy packages instead of one. Harry unwrapped the first to find an emerald sweater from Mrs. Weasley. Harry smiled and opened the next package lumpy package from Ginny. It was a solid black sweater with a gold phoenix with red bands on its wings, which were spread apart.
Do you like it Harry?
You know I do. This is fantastic! How did you do it?
I had mom make the sweater and then I added the phoenix to it later. She taught me how to knit along time ago. Harry could hear the pride in her voice and he suddenly felt ashamed at his present.
What's wrong Harry?
Well, my present seems kind of silly now…I mean this is…this is incredible and all I got you was chocolate.
Now you are being silly, Harry. Besides I LOVE chocolate and I've never had this type before…mom and dad never could afford it. Thank you.
The next present was from Ron and turned out to be the same thing he had given him: a large box of chocolate frogs. Harry laughed and knew that Ron would come around – he always did. Hermione's present was square and by its weight Harry guessed it was a book. Sighing, he tore the paper off and gasped. It was a book, but it was not just a book. Hermione had gotten him 1000 of the Best Seeker Moves. He smiled and promised again to himself that he would treat her better. Mrs. Weasley had also sent him a large tin of fudge. Hagrid gave him a picture of a juvenile dragon that looked suspiciously like Norbert.
There was one more package under the tree. It was a long one and Harry could not figure out who it could be from. There was not a note on and Harry decided to find out what it was. "Oh my…wow…Merlin…um…" coherent thought was lost.
Is that a firebolt! Harry, THAT'S AMAZING! Ginny screamed in his mind. I want to ride it…
Harry's smiled ear to ear. He quickly got dressed and grabbed the firebolt. McGonagall was going to be floored. She and Wood had been bugging him about replacing his Nimbus all term. Now he had the best broom available. He quickly raced through the halls to the Great Hall and breakfast with the firebolt in tow.
"Professor McGonagall, Professor McGonagall!" Harry called as he entered the Great Hall, "You have got to see this…" He held out the firebolt to her, the broad grin still on his face.
"Is that a…oh my…" Professor McGonagall looked to be having a loss of words, but she quickly recovered. "Where did you get it? Who sent it? Amazing."
"Er. I don't know who gave it to me. There wasn't a note." McGonagall's face instantly changed to one of suspicion and Harry thought that maybe it was not such a good idea to tell her.
"Mr. Potter, I'm afraid I'm going to have to confiscate the broom for awhile just to check to see if there are any hexes or jinxes on it." Harry's eyes were wide as saucers and his stomach plummeted, but he turned over the broom. He could not believe it. For all of maybe thirty minutes he had been the proud owner of the best racing broom in the world.
Don't worry…she'll give it back, Ginny tried to comfort him, but the dismay was evident in her voice.
"I'm sorry Mr. Potter, but it has to be done. We have to make sure it was not sent for a nefarious person. Especially with…" she cut her eyes at Dumbledore who nodded almost imperceptibly, "Sirius Black on the loose." Harry nodded and sat down gloomily at the table.
Professor Trelawney shortly joined them and, to Harry's shock, McGonagall began making snide comments. The entire meal was filled with tension between the two professors, especially when she stated talking about crystal ball gazing for Professor Lupin who was sick again. He knew from Hermione that McGonagall did not hold Divination in high regard, but he had never seen her actually be short with another professor. It took all his self-control not to laugh.
Unfortunately, Ginny was not bound like he was and laughed unrestrained at the Burrow. This caused Harry to snort, which directed Trelawney's gaze to him. "OH MY! OH NO…HOW DREADFUL!" she screamed. Harry pushed back from the table in shock. McGonagall rolled her eyes. "My poor boy. I see death on your path both in front of you and behind you."
McGonagall muttered, "We all have death in front of and behind us…" and then barely audible, "you old fraud."
Harry snickered. He just could not help himself. Trelawney looked appalled, "This is not a laughing matter! The inner eye is never wrong," snort from McGonagall and a glare in her direction from Trelawney. "No matter what others may think," she finished.
Harry did not see Professor Lupin until almost the end of December, but when he did he eagerly ran to catch up with him, "Professor Lupin! Are you feeling better?"
Lupin smiled congenially, "Yes, much better. Horrible time to fall sick over the holidays – don't you agree? At least the potion Severus makes for me makes it somewhat bearable. So what can I do for you Harry?"
After gaping momentarily at the idea of drinking ANYTHING Snape gave him Harry answered, "I was wondering when Ginny and I can start working on the anti-dementor spell," Harry answered truthfully.
Nodding Lupin looked thoughtful and then said, "Well I've got Tuesday nights free so if you two want to start when term begins…"
"That would be great. Thanks professor."
Two days before everyone else returned from break, Hermione came back early. Harry was overjoyed to see someone else his own age. He had not seen Ginny since Christmas. Her parents, especially Mrs. Weasley, were driving her crazy though. They were spending nearly all their time with her. Mrs. Weasley practically insisted they do everything together. Ginny could not wait to get back to Hogwarts. She felt like she was being smothered.
"Hermione! What are you doing back early? It's so good to see you," Harry greeted enthusiastically.
"I decided to come back early and get started on some of my homework for next term. How's your work?" She asked surprised at Harry's tone.
"My work is done…I've been bored without anyone else here," Harry answered.
"What? You're here alone! Didn't Ginny stay?" She asked perplex.
"No, her parents insisted she go home," said Harry dejectedly.
"I'm sorry, Harry, I didn't know – I would have stayed," Hermione's face was now one of concern.
Harry smiled, "Don't worry about it Hermione…I've got so much to tell you. I got a firebolt, but McGonagall confiscated it…"
They spent the next hour catching up. Hermione seemed absolutely ecstatic now that Harry was talking to her again and she did not wear the suspicious look she had taken to whenever he and Ginny were together. He was amazed that Hermione was not going crazy with her course load. She was obviously stressed and he had no idea how she was managing to attend every class.
Harry made sure to stay clear of any subject that involved Ron or Scabbers as Hermione bristled at either topic.
The rest of the day they spent in the library trying to find things that would help Hagrid's defense of Buckbeak. As they walked back to the tower Hermione hesitantly began speaking, "Harry, I was, well, I was wondering what is going on with you and Ginny."
Harry did not know how to answer. He did not want to lie to Hermione, but he did not want to tell her about the soul bonding either.
Ginny, what do I tell her?
I don't know...
Harry fidgeted and then started to speak, "I…I like Ginny – a lot."
Rolling her eyes Hermione huffed a little, "I know that Harry…that's obvious. It just seems like it all happened so quickly. Ron says that even on the platform before Hogwarts you and Ginny acted funny with each other. I only want to know what is happening?"
"Um…" Harry was not sure how to answer, but Ginny did and began feeding him the right words, "There's something about her, it…um…calls to me. I don't know how to explain it," Harry said truthfully, "But Ginny and I, well, I think we're just meant to be. I'm just happy that she feels the same way."
For the first time since Harry had met her, Hermione blushed deeply, embarrassed now that she had forced Harry to talk, "Oh, okay…I'm sorry to pry."
………………………..
The next few weeks were not eventful other than lessons with Professor Lupin. Both Harry and Ginny were able to produce an indistinct patronus, but could not get it to actually form a shape. Both were disappointed, but Lupin had praised them saying that it was impressive that they had been able to even create a shimmer.
Harry had finally succeeded at creating a patronus at a quidditch match when Malfoy and his cronies pretended to be dementors. He did not see the shape, but Ginny had and had informed him that it was a stag. Although disappointed that it had not worked against actual dementors, the fact that he had created a corporeal patronus gave Harry a boost and made Ginny more determined. She insisted on practicing more often and she managed to produce her own patronus a week after Harry. Harry thought it suited her; it was a lioness.
Ron was still not talking to either of them and he had become colder when he saw that they were talking to Hermione, when she was not hidden behind a pile of books. Three things happened in February that upset the relatively smooth progression of time. First, Hermione had angrily stormed out of Divination after a confrontation with Trelawney. Ginny told Harry that she thought Ron was secretly impressed with Hermione, especially after she then hauled off and hit Malfoy after Care of Magical Creatures when he insulted Hagrid.
The second incident happened shortly afterward. A few days later Harry woke up to a screaming and a panicked Ron. Sirius Black had managed to get passed the now retired knight to slash Ron's drapes. Strangely he had not inflicted any harm on Ron, but had run off.
The final incident occurred the following night. Harry had started to think that Ron and Hermione were making up, but then Ron had come running down the stairs and stuffed his hand under Hermione's nose, "Do you see this! This is cat hair, ginger cat hair!" he yelled. "And guess what I found on my sheets? Blood! Scabbers is gone and that that furball ate him." An argument quickly broke out and both stalked off to their dormitories.
Harry tried not to remember too much about February. Ron and Hermione's relationship had sunk to a new low and they were now continually glaring at each other. About the only good thing that had happened during February was Valentines Day. He and Ginny had spent an interesting evening in the kitchen being wined and dined by the house elves.
A Hogsmeade weekend had finally arrived. Ron had gone off with Dean and Seamus. Harry and Ginny, along with a very reluctant Hermione, had agreed that Ginny and Hermione would meet him at Honeydukes after Harry snuck in under the invisibility cloak using the Marauders' Map.
Harry smiled as he plodded down the dark tunnel. He had narrowly avoided both Neville and Snape en route to the one-eyed witch; he was very thankful that Hermione had suggested using the cloak to get to the tunnel unobserved. Opening the trapdoor carefully, Harry peered out to make sure no one was around and stepped out into the shop. He moved to get behind Ginny and tickle her, but just as he got into position she stepped back onto his foot. Issuing a muffled "ouch" Harry tried to contain himself.
Ginny snickered. Really! Harry, do you think you can sneak up on ME? You know better.
Yes, but I was hoping you were distracted by all the chocolate.
No such luck, was the smug reply.
So I found out.
"Where's Harry?" whispered Hermione.
"Behind me, the silly boy thought he could sneak up on me," Ginny whispered back. Hermione's eyes narrowed momentarily, but she smiled and steered them off to the bookstore.
After the bookstore they visited the Three Broomsticks and then made their way up to the Shrieking Shack for a look. Harry and Ginny gazed at the ruin of a building while Hermione rattled off facts about the building. Hermione was actually enjoying herself they were both happy to see. She was under a lot of stress with her overloaded schedule, helping Hagrid, and dealing with Ron.
"Well if it's not the mudblood and Potter's toy. What are you doing up here all alone? So Weasel wondering what it would be like to live in a home with four walls?" Malfoy sneered at them. He was flanked by Crabbe and Goyle who were cracking their knuckles menacingly.
Ginny's hand was on her wand, but Harry saw that Malfoy already had his out.
Let me handle this, he sent to her.
Bending down, Harry scooped up a handful a horrid smelling muck. A smacking sound soon followed and the muck was soon trickling down the back of Malfoy's once perfectly combed hair. Soon Crabbe and Goyle were trying to wipe the mud out of their faces.
Hermione and Ginny were laughing and Harry was doubled over in silent laughter. Regrettably, his foot caught the hem of his cloak and it peeled off the top of his head. Draco's eyes widened and he said, "Potter," then tore off, running as fast as he could toward Hogwarts.
Hermione and Ginny barely said, "Go," before Harry was running toward the tunnel. As he exited the one eyed witch and stored his cloak there for future use, he hoped desperately that he had made it back before Draco. When he turned the next corner he came face to face with Professor Snape and a still muddy Draco.
Being grilled by Snape was never an enjoyable experience, but this time the Potions professor seemed even more irritated than usual. When he forced Harry to turn out his pockets Harry said a silent prayer of thanks that they had not yet made it to Zonkos and that he had remembered to clear the Marauders' Map. However, when Snape began examining the map with a knowing expression Harry felt hope begin to fade. Then the map began to respond to Snape, insulting him.
Harry tried to keep all amusement out of his face and desperately attempted to mold his face into shock. Then Snape called Lupin and the situation became even stranger. The resulting discussion in Lupin's office left Harry feeling ashamed and embarrassed. Trudging gloomily back to the tower he realized that he could have avoided the entire mess if he had only flame traveled. He sighed and promised himself not to forget that particular ability ever again.
……………………………..
The rest of term was absolutely miserable. Since Black's break-in security was heightened to new levels. Harry found professors constantly found reasons to walk with him to class and that Percy had taken to following him during all other times like some kind of guard dog…a very pompous one that had the habit of giving Harry lectures.
The most disturbing thing, however, had nothing, Harry hoped, to do with Sirius Black. Harry was trying to get back on Ron's good side and had decided to meet him after his Divination exam since Ginny was busy trying to keep Hermione calm. With all the classes she was taking this was a fulltime job.
Ron was surprised when he found Harry waiting for him, but pleased. There had hardly started walking down the stairs when Ron realized that he had forgotten his notebook. He complained bitterly about having to see the "old bat" again. Feeling sorry for him, Harry volunteered to get it. He had just located the notebook, which had somehow found its way under a pillow, when Trelawney seemed to appear out of no where. Then she had given what could only be a prophecy…a real one. Harry shuddered at the memory and tried to forget it.
Thankfully quidditch was a huge distraction and enjoyment now that Harry had his firebolt back, which McGonagall announced to be in perfect working order. Gryffindor had won the House Cup and Wood seemed to be floating, unconcerned about his upcoming N.E.W.T.'s. This victory drove most of Harry's worries out of his mind. Now that quidditch was over and the exams finally done, Harry was eagerly awaiting the end of term. He planned on convincing Dumbledore to allow him to stay at Potter Manor.
They were all eating lunch when an owl arrived. It was a good day so far. Ron and Hermione seemed to have settled on a tacit truce. The owl was from Hagrid: the appeal was today, but they had brought an executioner with them. Ron and Hermione rushed down to Hagrid's hut to be followed by Harry and Ginny under the invisibility cloak. While Ron and Hermione might get into trouble for wondering the grounds, Harry and Ginny would certainly get into trouble. It was almost assumed by the professors now that wherever one was, the other had to be nearby.
Hagrid was sad, but cheered to see them. It came as quite a shock when Scabbers was revealed to be hiding in a jug looking distinctly worse for wear. Ron was delighted, but Hermione was in a huff demanding an apology from Ron who was too stubborn to admit he had been wrong. An argument was only avoided when Hagrid repeated his wise refrain that people can be stupid about their pets earning him a chuckle from all assembled. Hagrid shooed them out soon after that, he did not want them to see Buckbeak's execution.
On the way back to the castle Ron started yelling trying to get Scabbers under control. The rat was squeaking madly and thrashing trying get out of Ron's hands. Out of seemingly no where a large black dog bounded up knocking Ron down and then dragging him to the Womping Willow and down an opening at the base of the large and now very annoyed tree. Harry and Ginny threw off the cloak and joined Hermione in the run to the tree. None of them made it. Hermione was hit in her stomach, Harry was thrown a good ten feet, and when Ginny was hit Harry felt rather than heard the cracking of the bone in her left arm. They both cried out in pain. Harry lunged toward Ginny as the tree brought its branches down again to hit her, this time as Harry flung his body over Ginny's the tree's branches rebounded off an invisible shield. No one noticed.
All three retreated beyond the tree's reach perplexed at how to get past it. Harry sat down besides Ginny only to earn an angry hiss from Crookshanks, he had sat on his tail. Looking up at Harry perturbed, the cat bristled slightly and then darted toward the tree and pressed his paws against a low knot. The tree froze.
"Crookshanks you are so clever!" praised Hermione. They all followed the cat down into the base of the tree and emerged into a tunnel. It soon became clear that the tunnel led to the Shrieking Shack. They followed the prints in the layers of dust to a battered door.
The ensuing confrontation with Sirius Black and then Lupin's arrival left Harry in a very confused state. Things were not what they appeared he knew that now. Just what was going on he was not sure, but Black did not seem to have any interest in trying to kill him. Indeed, he claimed that he wanted to kill Peter Pettigrew that Pettigrew not him had been his parents' secret keeper. Ron was disbelieving, Hermione still in a state of shock that Remus, who she had revealed as a werewolf, and Sirius Black were friends, and Harry and Ginny were slowly starting to believe Black. Then Snape burst through the door.
They had tried to convince Snape that things were not as they appeared, but he only tried to bind both Sirius and Lupin. Harry felt his patience disappear and shouted "Expelliarmus." Two other voices joined his in shouting the spell. Ginny did not use the disarming spell; Harry smiled as he looked on the giant bat bogeys attacking Snapes unconscious form. In the corner, Hermione could be heard muttering over and over, "We attacked a teacher; we're going to be expelled."
………………………….
Harry could not believe it. His godfather was innocent; the man who was responsible for betraying his parents was chained to Professor Lupin and Ron. Most importantly thought to Harry, he did not have to go back to the Dursleys now, no matter what Dumbledore said, he could live with Sirius.
Harry helped Ginny out of the tunnel; it was now very apparent that her arm was broken. Lupin had splinted both her arm and Ron's leg. He snickered as Sirius levitated Snape out of the tunnel not minding in the least that Snape's head hit the tree with a loud thump.
"Professor Lupin!" Hermione yelled in panic, "Have you taken your potion?"
It was obvious that he had not. Pettigrew took the opportunity to transform and escape and Sirius was forced to transform to stop Lupin from attacking them.
Harry and Hermione raced after Sirius when they heard him yelp.
Stay with Ron, Ginny. Ginny did so reluctantly. She knew was not too much help with a broken arm.
Dementors. They were lots of them; there had two hundred dementors there and they were all gliding toward Sirius' prone form. Harry and Ginny ran to him. Harry tried to the patronus charm and produced a silver film, but the dementors only slowed. Hermione tried to help, but she quickly collapsed onto him sapping even more of his strength. He looked down. Sirius was so pale that that he looked dead. Staring at Sirius in shock, Harry momentarily allowed the dementors to get closer before trying the patronus charm again. He felt himself weaken and begin to collapse.
Just as he lost consciousness he saw a silvery form approaching him driving away the dementors and across the lake someone stood. It looked remarkably like the pictures he had seen of his father. The approaching patronus was not going to make it in time Harry realized as he fell to his news. Then everything around him turned silver as lioness jumped in front of him and Sirius. Harry smiled; it would be all right now, Ginny had saved them. Blackness took him.
Ginny heaved a sigh of relief. Her patronus was strong enough to force the dementors back, but not drive them away. She was too weak from the broken arm and she had also sprained her ankle running to get to Harry when she had felt Harry begin to lose his battle against the dementors. But her patronus began working with the other one, which she recognized to be Harry's. Confused because she did not think Harry succeeded in conjuring his own patronus and that it was still present after he passed out, she was still grateful for its presence as it and hers forced the dementors away.
Snape regained consciousness in time to see Ginny sprain her ankle and yelp in pain as she ran toward Harry. His head was aching. It felt like there was a hammer hitting his head every two seconds or so. To top it off there were cuts all over his face and there was a mucus-like film on it as well. Spitting a couple times, he unsteadily got to his feet and went in the direction Ginny had gone.
Ginny whirled, her wand drawn when she heard the snap of a branch behind her. There stood one very irritated Professor Snape. She heard Snape mutter a spell before she had even finished turning and a red light shot at her and she fell to the ground.
………………………….
The world was fuzzy. Harry blinked. It did not help; the world remained fuzzy. Then someone handed him his glasses and the world came back into focus. Dumbledore was there and had already turned to several other people in the room who were talking. Hermione was across from him obviously listening. Ron appeared to be out cold and Ginny was sleeping her arm clearly healed.
Snape was saying something about Sirius being guilty and casting a confundus charm or something and a voice that Harry did not recognize was agreeing with him and mentioned the Order of Merlin. Harry immediately realized there was trouble and began loudly voicing Sirius' innocence and Pettigrew's role. Hermione soon joined him. But it was to no avail.
Dumbledore made some cryptic comments and mentioned three turns to Hermione. Harry was confused as Dumbledore walked out and said he was locking the door. Hermione threw a chain around his neck and turned an hourglass connected to it. "Hermione, what…" Harry began.
Then the world changed. Something was wrong. Very, very wrong.
Ginny! Ginny! He called, not even realizing he was also yelling it out loud until Hermione slapped a hand over his mouth and forced him into a closet in the entrance hall. Harry did not care. He could not feel Ginny. He began mumbling and saying her name. Ginny had become a part of him; without her he did not simply feel incomplete, but alone and strangely vulnerable.
Hermione watched Harry with confused eyes, but eventually slapped him and began explaining the time turner and that Ginny was fine. He did not calm down until he actually saw the four of them walk by the closet on the way to see Hagrid. The suspicion and intrigue that Hermione had pushed aside after Christmas about Harry and Ginny's relationship bloomed once more in her mind, but she did not give into it. Now was the time to help Sirius.
After realizing that Dumbledore meant they could save both Buckbeak and Sirius they had freed the creature, but made sure he was seen first by the ministry officials. Harry eventually convinced Hermione to allow him to watch what was going on so that they knew when to act. His real motivation was to see who had conjured the other patronus.
Harry anxiously watched and waited for his unknown savior to appear. Then realization dawned. He thought the person had looked like his father, people always said he looked like his father. He stood and ran to the lake's shore and raised his wand. Just before he said the incantation a flash of red hair caught his attention and he saw Ginny twist her ankle. Despite her condition he felt his heart expand, without her in his head he felt lost. "Expecto Patronum" he bellowed and his patronus stag shot out and began running toward the weakening Harry across the lake.
When the stag returned it hit him, "Prongs." His father's animagus form was the stag like Lupin and Sirius had said. Shaking himself, he ran back to Hermione and Buckbeak and waited to rescue Sirius.
To say Sirius was surprised to see Hermione and Harry on Buckbeak at the window would have been an understatement. He promised to write to Harry and made Harry promise to write to him if he needed anything at all. Harry thanked him with all his heart for coming and for his firebolt.
Sirius just patted him on the back and reluctantly said, "I need to get going and I believe you have a cute little red head to get back to." He laughed when Harry blushed. Harry had not realized Sirius knew that he and Ginny were together.
They barely caught Dumbledore as he stepped outside of the Hospital Wing; he smiled at them and allowed them to enter locking the door behind him. It was just as they were entering the wing that Harry felt Ginny's presence again. He sighed in relief, smiled, and muttered, "Ginny."
Not a second later an irate voice boomed through the Hospital Wing, "HARRY POTTER. WHAT. DID. YOU. DO?" Ginny was out of bad and stalking toward him.
"Ginny, I…" he decided to switch to mentally speaking only.
Ginny…I…it feels so good to feel you again.
WHAT DID YOU DO? YOU DISAPPEARED HERE AND IN MY HEAD!
I'm sorry…I didn't know that would happen. Hermione used a time turner and we went back three hours. I, I thought I'd lost you when she did it…Harry felt his eyes beginning to tear up. He had found his worse fear. His anxiety vanished when Ginny hugged him and he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight.
They were interrupted by the bellows of Snape and the softer tones of the Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge saying that Black must have apparated. Then Snape yelled even louder that no one could apparate or disapparate on the Hogwarts grounds. As was typical of Snape, he suddenly made a leap of logic that turned out to be true, but thankfully impossible to prove, "POTTER! Potter was involved in this somehow. I KNOW IT…" Harry had the feeling that Potions was going to reach a new low next year.
Dumbledore came in later and talked with all four of them about their experiences. He tried to convince Harry that saving Wormtail's life was a good thing, even with Trelawney's prophecy, that one day the life debt Pettigrew owed him would come into play. He said the life debt formed a type of bond between Harry and Wormtail. Harry's eyes widened, but Dumbledore shook his head slightly in the negative at the unspoken question. It was not like the bond he shared with Ginny.
The day before term ended Harry and Ginny finally cornered Dumbledore.
"Professor," Harry began timidly, "I was wondering if I had to go back to the Dursleys. You see the goblins told me about Potter Manor and I thought it might be okay to stay there."
Dumbledore bowed his head; he had hoped Harry would not find out about the Manor. "I'm sorry, Harry, but it is necessary that you return to the Dursleys and renew the blood protection. Sirius' break-in here only proves that no place is safe, but the Dursleys is the safest for you."
Harry stared at the floor; he knew Dumbledore was not going to give an inch. It did not even occur to him that he did not necessarily have to listen to Dumbledore.
Ginny, however, was not ready to give up. Her anger at Dumbledore when she had found out that the old man had known how Harry was treated ignited, "NO! You are not sending him back there. Do you have any idea what it is like there? Have you visited? All you ever did by putting him there was to make sure that he had a horrible life. Mrs. Figg has to have told you enough by now for you to understand how horrible those muggles are! Harry deserves to be happy."
Holding up his hand Dumbledore silenced Ginny, who red with fury, "I understand your concerns, Ms. Weasley," Ginny had to stop herself from correcting him, "but some things are more important than happiness. Harry must be kept safe. There are many that wish him harm," Dumbledore finished and turned. The conversation was over; however, he was not far enough away to not hear Ginny mutter, "Like you." Dumbledore did not sleep well that night.
The train ride back was uneventful and Harry was gloomy as was Ginny who was curled up next to him. The only interruption was the arrival of a small owl from Sirius. It brightened Harry's mood momentarily when he found the Hogsmeade permission form. As the train reached the station, Harry closed his eyes in the knowledge that it was going to be a very long summer.