So you've probably been wondering why Professor Dumbledore sent Snape to the Granger's house to tell them where Hermione went to. Well, I'm sorry to say that you won't find out for a while! There's a reason Chapter 2 Discussions ended the way it did. If you haven't read chapters 1 and 2 yet, do it now because quite a bit happens in those two, short chapters. They're very important, and so is this one. NOTE: I own nothing except the idea for this fan fiction. The characters and everything else belong to J.K. Rowling and her brilliance. Enjoy!
Chapter Three: Harry's Response
Ginny woke up on this Wednesday morning, expecting to have an owl pecking at her face with a letter from Harry. Looking out of the window, she stared at the horizon in hopes of seeing a white, snowy owl flying toward her room. She pulled her head back in and it fell down, eyes closed with tears climbing down her cheeks. With no idea on what to think, Ginny tidied herself up and made her way to the kitchen, located on the ground floor.
As she was placing her food onto her plate, Ginny could tell that something was obviously different this morning. Her mom was running around the kitchen in preparation for someone's arrival. Who could possibly be showing up at their house? The Minister of Magic? Why would he be showing up at their door step so suddenly? Ginny continued on with her breakfast morning meal.
After completing her eating, she thought that it'd be nice to take a short leisurely stroll around the house, inspecting things that have changed while she was away for school. Putting on a pair of muggle shorts and taking a quick glance out the window for an out, she made her way to the backyard where the sun was directly above her. In order to allow time to think, she creaked slowly around the house several times, inspecting every last worm crawling in and out of all holes as she passed by. She thought about Harry mainly, but she also ventured into thinking about the upcoming year at school, quidditch, and even had a thought of spending the day de-gnoming the garden. She shrugged off the idea and went back inside.
"Ginny? Is that you in the kitchen?" Her mom yelled down the stairs.
"Yeah, why?" was her response.
"Never mind!"
What was that about? She thought.
Within five minutes of re-entering the Burrow, a head was seen floating in the Weasley's fireplace. The head began calling for someone to come to the fireplace. After about a minute, Fred and George Weasley eventually heard and went down to see what was the cause of such a demand.
"I need to talk with Ginny. Is she able to talk? It's rather urgent," The head explained.
"Uhh, sure. Hold on. We'll go get her from her room," the twins replied.
Within minutes, Ginny was back on the ground floor, excited by the head in her fireplace.
"Oh! Harry! It's great to see you! Wait, how are you using the Floo Network from your aunt and uncle's?"
"It's a great thing to be able to reply to your letter directly to your face. And to answer your question, I'm at Hermione's home. Snape had it connected to the network for the summer. But I will explain it later. I want to discuss this letter of yours," was his response.
"Oh, I'm sorry for causing trouble. I shouldn't have sent that to you. It could have either waited or not have been mentioned at all. I wish I could..."
"Ginny! I'm glad you told me how you felt!" Harry interrupted, "I want to explain how I feel towards you. I hope you aren't hurt,"
"Oh my. I knew you'd think I was stupid and childish," Ginny's head sunk down. Wait, did you say Snape connected the network, and that you were at Hermione's? How is she?"
"I don't think you are stupid and childish. I'll explain anything regarding where I am and how I got here later. That isn't why I contacted you. I want to talk about you and I,"
"Okay…."
"I…..I do…..I don't think we should be together. You see," tears began to run down Ginny's face, "You see, I do have feelings for you, but there are a lot of things that I want, but know we cannot have. I don't want to lose Ron as a friend, and if things don't work out, I don't want us to hold grudges against each other. I'm looking out for our future more than now. Maybe after we're both out of school. I hope you understand," she was now sobbing has Harry said these words.
"I don't think Ron would have a problem with us being together. He'd probably approve of it actually. He'd rather see me with you than any other person. In fact, I think he mentioned it once a summer or two ago. Please just think about it. If your answer is still a "no", I'll get over it. I'm still glad you know how I feel,"
"Ginny, please don't tell me Ron approves. He told me just before school let out that he does not want you to see anyone. He just isn't ready for it. Maybe when school resume I'll be able to discuss the idea with him. But please don't ask any more of me," he answered and a fiery tear dripped off of his floating head.
"Okay…I won't push you. I hope you are having a happy summer break!" she ran off just as she saw her mother entering.
"Oh Harry dear! It's so wonderful to see you! How've you been?" Mrs. Weasley seemed overjoyed.
"It's great to see you too. Summer has been just fine. I'm sorry Mrs. Weasley, but I should really get going. Snape is….I mean, Professor Snape….is waiting to use the Floo Network. Hopefully see you all soon! Bye!" his head disappeared.
Snape? Where was Harry and why was Severus with him? Molly Weasley waved her wand and washed the dishes Ginny was supposed to do several days before.
Just moments after his aunt and uncle were taken suddenly away by Dumbledore, Harry sat in his room preparing his letter to the Weasleys. When about halfway done, he heard a series of loud and rude taps on the front door. Knowing well enough that Dudley wouldn't answer, he walked downstairs and opened the door. Scowling down at him was his worst nightmare.
I wonder why Professor Dumbledore needs my help to talk with Ginny? He is very capable himself of completing this task on his own. Hermione thought to herself.
"Ms. Granger, I'm sure you are wondering why I am in such need of your help. My philosophy is that since you were raised by charming muggles, you should be very helpful when dealing with such matters." Dumbledore suddenly spoke out loud, as if reading her own thoughts.
"Yes sir, I was wondering that. So we are headed to the Burrow?"
"Not quite yet. We need to pick up a couple of other people first," was the answer she was given.
"Who, sir?"
"Harry's aunt and uncle of course," he stated matter-of-factly.
"Oh,"
Dumbledore stopped and instructed Hermione to grab onto his left arm. She obeyed and he apparated them to Number Four Privet Drive.
"I would be pleased if you were to wait here. If Harry knows you are here, he will want to come along, and he needs to be elsewhere," Dumbledore stated before strolling up to the front door.
Dumbledore disappeared inside the house for only a few, brief moments and came marching out with two struggling people. An oversized man and an undersized woman. Dumbledore walked up to Hermione and she grabbed his left arm again and suddenly they were facing Hogwarts.
"As soon as Harry contacts Ginny, we will go to the Burrow and end this. Until then, we will be remaining here at the castle until I receive word from Mrs. Weasley that a contact of some sort has been made. I apologize for your discomfort Mr. and Mrs. Dursley. This is just the way my plan must be carried out," Dumbledore said with authority.
"Take me and my wife back home immediately! The boy can go to this place if he wants! Just provide me with transportation back to my personal property!" Uncle Vernon exploded in Albus Dumbledore's aged face.
"I'm very sorry Mr. Dursley. You asked for my help, and that is what you are receiving. Within a few days, this will all be settled and you can return to your lovely home," he replied, "Dobby!"
The house elf appeared before the headmaster. "Yes master?"
Please escort these fine adults to the Hufflepuff common room and give them a dormitory for themselves. Make sure the door remains sealed also. I do not want them wandering the castle," the wise, elderly wizard ordered.
"Yes, sir. Right away!" the elf snapped his bony fingers and him and the Dursleys vanished.
"Now Hermione, Harry will be shortly arriving at your house. You will be able to talk to him within the setting of the sun. You may enter the Gryffindor common room. I've told the Fat Lady to allow you and only you to enter without a password. You may go. I'll send word when and where to reach Harry when that time comes," he sat down and began reading the Daily Prophet. "Oh and one more thing,"
"Yes?"
"Welcome back to Hogwarts,"
"Thank you, sir."
Hermione made her way to her destination rather slowly, taking the long route. She wanted to enjoy the castle's beauty without students dashing about everywhere for class. It was rather amazing to see the halls all empty. It felt great to be back already.
During her stroll through the castle, only one thing bothered Hermione. As she was rounding the corner near the Charms classroom, she could have bet she saw a flash of a cloak and greasy, blond hair. Could Malfoy really be at the school still? If so, why? She'd have to keep an eye out for him….
Sorry if all of these chapters seem rather boring. The good chapters are coming up (within the next 2 for sure!) Stay tuned for more!
Oh, and a few questions:
Do you find the POV changes confusing? If so, I'll try not to do that. I just find it hard to keep length in the chapters if I don't do this.
What are you predictions of what are going to happen? I want to get an understanding of what you are thinking.
Is this story truly entertaining? I want the truth…..
Stay tuned for more!! OH! And leave reviews! Even if its saying you hate it!