Author's Note: I own nothing; all belongs to the lovely J.K. Rowling. Thanks for all of your reviews, I really appreciate those of you who are keeping with this story! The next chapter is already written and will be posted tomorrow. (It's steamy, so prepare yourselves!)
Chapter Eight
After saying goodbye to Ron and Hermione (which brought tears to Harry's eyes, but Ginny averted her gaze and pretended not to notice), the pair hopped on their brooms and raised into the air, leaving London behind and flying toward Hogwarts.
Ginny hadn't felt so free in months. Her new Firebolt was exceptionally fast, and she swooped past Harry laughing gleefully. They twisted and turned, dove and weaved around each other as they passed over the tiny towns and lush green fields.
"What do you think?" Harry yelled across the wind.
"It's fantastic!" Ginny responded enthusiastically, letting out a whoop of pleasure. "Race ya!" She took off like a bullet, her red hair flying behind her. She had forgotten how much she loved flying—it was one of the best things about Quidditch. She couldn't wait to be back on the pitch, racing around, chasing the Quaffle and listening to the crowd cheer every time she scored. Harry sped past her, taking advantage of her moment of distraction. Ginny smiled; she loved that he didn't let her win. That was the big difference between Harry and Dean. While her ex considered her fragile and unable to take care of herself, Harry saw her as an equal. When he was Quidditch captain his sixth year, he had frequently looked to her for advice, and she loved that he respected her enough not to belittle her. She pushed forward; they were neck in neck. Finally Harry turned his head and had a familiar gleam in his eye. She slowed, and they resumed a more relaxed pace.
"Let's call it a tie—I want to enjoy the flight." Harry smiled.
Before she knew it, Hogsmeade came into view in the distance. Harry motioned to begin the decent, and the pair came to a halt right past the entrance gates of Hogwarts grounds. They slung their brooms on their backs and entered the gates hand in hand.
Ginny was shocked to see the state of the castle. In a matter of a couple of weeks, the Hogwarts professors had cleaned up the majority of the rubble and erected a massive stone memorial next to Dumbledore's tomb. On it were the names of all who had died in the battle, etched into eternity. Ginny choked back tears when she noticed Fred's name, next to Colin Creevy, Lupin and Tonks, and the various other who had died, etched into eternity on the dark stone.
Once they entered the castle, they noticed there was still much to be done. Professor Slughorn was busy magicking the staircases back to their former glory, and when he noticed that they had entered, he stepped over a pile of marble chips to clap Harry on the back and proclaim, "Harry, my boy! Hero of the hour! And you've brought the feisty Ms. Weasley, how wonderful! Well the more the merrier, things will be back to normal before you know it!"
"Thank you sir, it certainly does feel more like it used to." Harry looked around him, taking in the surroundings. Ginny took his hand. "We actually need to speak to Professor McGonagall, and then Ginny and I will be happy to help with the cleanup efforts."
"Oh, yes of course, she's in the Headmasters—well, Headmistress, I suppose!—office. No password at the moment, I'm sure she'll welcome you up there."
"I really appreciate it." Harry shook Slughorn's hand and Ginny gave him a parting wave before the pair walked up the stairs.
"Are you sure you don't mind me sitting in on this? It's not going to hurt my feelings if you need to speak with her alone." Ginny told him.
"No. We've kept secrets for long enough. I want to share everything with you now." Harry leaned over and kissed her temple before knocking on the headmaster's door.
"Yes, come in." Minerva McGonagall called, and Harry and Ginny entered. Their professor was sitting at Dumbledore's old desk, sifting through paperwork. "Oh, Harry, Ginny, how good to see you! I was wondering when you would arrive." She smiled warmly and motioned for them to sit.
Harry looked above her head at the portraits of the headmasters. Dumbledore was snoozing softly in his chair. "Where's Snape's portrait?" Harry asked without considering his words. After they had escaped his mouth he realized it was a bit blunt, but he was genuinely curious as to why the professor wasn't represented in the room.
"Well, we haven't got a portrait for him yet, Potter. Honestly, we aren't sure he deserves one." McGonagall looked at him steadily. "Perhaps what you're here to tell me will change my mind on that."
Harry sat and absentmindedly trailed his thumb across Ginny's palm. "I know he did some horrible things, but he was still headmaster. And yes, I believe my story will change your mind." Ginny watched Harry's expression as he proceeded to explain to McGonagall why he, Ron, and Hermione had failed to return to Hogwarts the previous year, going into detail about their heroic efforts to obtain the locket from Dolores Umbridge in the ministry and the terrible ordeal at Malfoy Manor, but skimming the details of the majority of the time on the run. However, when he got to the part about Godric Gryffindor's sword in the forest, McGonagall's interest piqued. She didn't interrupt him, but listened to the entire tale intently. Her face twitched with horror when Harry explained the significance of the horcruxes, but she was able to mask most of her emotion.
Finally, after what seemed like hours of talking, Harry finished and took a deep breath. "Professor, I told you all of this because I believe you deserve to know. But I'd really appreciate it if you kept the details of what Ron, Hermione and I did to yourself. I believe Professor Dumbledore wanted the story of the horcruxes to be kept secret, and that's why we had to be extremely careful who we told about them."
"Yes, of course, Potter. Where are Ms. Granger and Mr. Weasley? I feel as if you three should get some sort of award!"
"They're actually headed to Australia to try and find Hermione's parents. She tampered with their memories last summer, you see, to keep them safe. And we would really rather not be recognized or anything, although I appreciate you feeling that way."
"Well." Professor McGonagall sighed. "This is certainly a lot to process. What are you two planning to do now?"
"We want to help with the cleanup process." Ginny answered immediately. "That is, if we can stay at the castle for a few days. And I'd really appreciate the opportunity to help repair the Quidditch field, especially." Harry looked at her curiously; she hadn't informed him of this plan.
"Of course you may stay. The Gryffindor dormitories are perfectly fit for residents. And I'd like to have the opportunity to discuss more details of your adventure, Potter. I'm also not sure what they two of you and your friends are planning on doing this fall, but I'd be happy to help you consider your options."
"Thanks, Professor, we'd really appreciate that." Harry said earnestly. "I think Ginny and I will take our bags up to the dorm, and then get started. What would you like us to help with first?"
"I'll meet you at the Quidditch pitch. Coincidentally, I was planning to go examine the damage this afternoon myself.
Harry and Ginny spent the remainder of the afternoon helping Professor McGonagall. Surprisingly, the majority of the work that needed to be done was manual labor, which allowed Harry to stretch his muscles and take out some of his pent up aggression on the fallen beams and stones. Performing some pretty advance spells, the three were able to get a decent start, and Professor McGonagall assured them that their assistance was much appreciated. "A few more days of this and it will be good as new!" she announced happily, and insisted that the pair join her and the other remaining professors for dinner in the Great Hall.
Afterwards, Harry and Ginny returned to the common room to lounge idly by the fire for a few hours. They didn't speak much, but enjoyed each others' company immensely nonetheless. Finally, Harry announced that he was going to bed, and gallantly bid Ginny goodnight. He was halfway up the stairs when he heard Ginny's footsteps quietly following him up, and he silently whooped for joy.