A Different Beginning
A/N: I just have to post this now. I'm soooooooo happy I finally got into Pottermore! My username is UnicornLight159... so I decided this chapter was complete. It's actually really long, in my opinion. Writing this I think I broke Google trying to makes sure everything fits in the timeline, technology wise. Does anyone remember what a VCR even is? I had one a long time ago, anyways, enjoy :)
Chamber of Secrets Part 1
The afternoon of the 31st found Harry opening his presents under a tree in the backyard of Potter Manor. From Selena, he got a book on pranks, which he made a mental note to read later. Sirius gave him volume 2 of the book Selena got him. From Percy, he got a planner, and Lupin gave him a box of sugar quills. Fred and George gave him an assortment of pranks, disguised as a book on Quidditch. Ron got him 101 Seeker Moves, and Hermionie's present from the owl was a book on defense against the dark arts. Harry grabbed Neville's gift and internally sighed when it felt like a book. Ripping off the paper, he saw it was a book on Herbology.
"Thanks, this is awesome so far," Harry exclaimed, and saw the last two presents. Harry opened a wooden box, to find a puppy inside. Harry recognized it to be a chocolate lab.
"This puppy has magic in it, so it doesn't need training, and it won't grow too big," James explained, "We feel like it's about the right time for you to take care of a pet."
"Wow, thanks," Harry laughed as the puppy jumped up and licked him, "It needs a name."
"It's a she," Lily said.
"Hmm," Harry thought, "How about Lulu?" The dog sat there.
"Coco?" Ginny suggested. The dog jumped up happily.
"Coco it is then," Harry decided. Coco started running around, sniffing everyone there.
"Last present, Harry," Ron tossed him Ginny's present. While Harry opened it, he noticed Ginny stiffen. Inside was a snitch with HP engraved.
"Ginny, this is amazing," Harry breathed, picking up the little golden ball. However, it didn't stretch its wings instantly.
"You have to say Volto to make it fly," Ginny explained, 'I thought a practice snitch like that would be more useful." As she was talking, the snitch stretched its wings and flew off.
"Say Finite Incantatem to get it to come back," Ginny said. The snitch flew back, and Harry grabbed it.
"Thanks a lot," Harry breathed. It then dawned on him that everyone went back inside. A second later Harry found out why. Clouds rolled in, and rain started pouring down on the two. Ginny laughed, and stood up, pulling Harry up with her. Harry became aware of how close the two were standing. He found himself unable to pull away from Ginny's gaze. He tilted his head, and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
"I love your present," he whispered. Ginny blushed, and Harry smiled. The rain continued to pour down onto them, but Harry couldn't care. With Ginny, he felt safe yet invincible. Ginny grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him towards the manor.
"We'll catch a cold if we don't go inside," she pointed out.
"Where's everyone?" Harry wondered as they stepped into the empty kitchen.
"Here's as note," Ginny pointed to the fridge.
Harry and Ginny-
Sorry we left so abruptly, but apparently this storm is doing more damage that we expected. The Weasleys have gone back to the Burrow, something about a damaged roof, and we took Neville back to his place. Selena is with us. Unfortunately, the Floo Network shut down, so Ginny will have to spend the night with us, never mind apperating in this weather. Everyone is sorry we couldn't eat any cake or stay longer.
-Lily
Harry and Ginny looked at each other.
"The weather isn't that ba-" Ginny got cut off by a loud clap of thunder, and outside lightning flashed.
"Well, we better dry up," Harry said, and wrapped a towel around Ginny.
"I hope everyone is ok, this is the worst storm I've ever lived through," Ginny shivered. Harry nodded, and walked into the living room. He moved over the couch, and pulled a lever. The couch extended into a full bed, and Harry threw pillows onto it.
"Harry?" Ginny asked, "Is this right?"
"It's better than being in separate rooms," Harry replied. Ginny shrugged, and sat down.
"We need a movie," Harry declared.
"How about Grease?" Ginny suggested. Harry nodded, and popped it into the VCR. While the movie loaded, Harry and Ginny went back into the kitchen to get some cake.
"Popcorn?" Harry asked, and Ginny nodded. He put a bag in the microwave, and cut two slices of cake. He then noticed Ginny looking nervous. Harry walked over and put an arm around her. She sighed and snuggled into him.
"Everything is going to be ok, you'll see," Harry murmured.
"I just can't help but worry," Ginny told him, "I mean, we're all alone here, who knows when your parents will be back."
"Do you trust me?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Ginny replied instantly.
"Then believe me that everything will be fine," Harry told her. Ding! The popcorn in the microwave was done, so Harry and Ginny went back to the living room, where the movie was about to start. They got under the blanket, and Harry pressed play. Halfway through the movie, Harry noticed Ginny had fallen asleep with her head on his chest. He quietly moved the dirty plates and empty bowl of popcorn to the side, and turned the movie off. Glancing at the clock, he saw that it was 12:10, and his parents still weren't home. Harry decided to worry later, and let his tiredness take over.
Ginny woke up in an unfamiliar room. Moving around, she soon realized she had fallen asleep throughout the movie, and on Harry. Blushing deeply, she moved to get off, but realized his arm was around her waist protectively. Sighing, Ginny looked at the clock on the wall, to see it was 8:00 AM. Where is James and Lily, Ginny thought, shouldn't they be here by now? She put her head back down and looked at Harry sleep. His hair was messed up even worse, but she secretly thought it was cute. Harry had such a relaxed expression, Ginny realized how much she had missed him. With a pang, Ginny finally admitted fully to her self she was falling in love. With her best friend, no less. Even though people would argue that a ten year old wouldn't know what love was, Ginny knew that with Harry, the world was right. Love was the only feeling she could compare to what she felt about her best friend. Of course, Harry would never return her feelings. She was just Ginny, the best friend to him. Ginny decided she would act normal, and not like the fan girl she used to be. She wouldn't let her feelings get in the way, and she wouldn't push Harry into anything. A groan next to her told her Harry was beginning to wake up. She looked into his eyes as they fluttered open.
Harry opened his eyes only to see Ginny's brown ones staring back at him.
"Hey," he whispered.
"Morning," she replied, 'It's 8ish, and no one's home, I think."
"Alright, that's nice," Harry yawned and sat up, "You know, I've always been intrigued by the idea of living alone, as in, without parents."
'Mhmm," Ginny replied, and flopped back down onto the bed, "Have any idea where your parents are?"
"I just woke up," Harry pointed out. He got up and looked around. The morning sun was shinning through the window, showing a clear sky. Harry opened the door to the kitchen to find Selena, James, Lily and Mrs. Weasley sitting around the table.
"Ginny," he called, "You're mum's here." Ginny leaped off the bed/couch, and ran to the kitchen door.
"Er… hi," she said awkwardly, surly everyone had seen them asleep. By Selena's smirk, her guess was correct.
"We're sorry we left you guys alone, we got back at around 1. The roof of the Burrow had fallen in, so James and Arthur spent some time fixing it with magic. The Longbottom's insisted on us staying when we dropped Neville off, so we stayed for a bit," Lily said, "Then we came back and went straight to bed. Molly got here about half an hour ago, and we decided to let you guys sleep, so we've been talking here."
Harry groaned, knowing about the endless teasing he'd get.
'Oh, Sirius took more pictures of you guys, then left," Selena piped up. Ginny groaned, and buried her face into Harry's shoulder. James laughed, and grabbed a waffle off the table.
"Sit down and eat dears," Mrs. Weasley said, and pointed to two chairs. They took their seats, and began putting food on the plates.
"So what did you do?" Lily asked.
'Watched Grease, made popcorn and had some cake," Harry said, putting whipped cream on the waffle.
The next time Harry was able to see Ginny was the day of her birthday. He stumbled out of the fireplace of the Burrow, and landed right on top of her. He scrambled off her and looked around. The living room was empty, and the house sounded quiet.
"Everyone's outside," Ginny explained. Harry nodded, and followed her out. He could see Fred and George on their brooms, and Ron was watching from below.
"How about a game of quidditch, then open presents," George called down.
"Alright, Percy, you playing?" Ginny asked.
"Do I have a choice?" Percy asked.
'Nope," Ginny replied, and threw him the broom. Harry had left his Nimbus 2000 at home, so he borrowed Charlie's Cleansweep 7. After a game of intense quidditch, where Harry and Ginny and Ron won, they flew back down.
"Wow Gin," Harry exclaimed, "You've gotten even better than before."
"Thanks, I've been practicing over the summer," she said, blushing.
"Hey Harry, guess what we found out," Fred smirked.
"Want to know who Ginny likes?" George asked.
"Tempting," Harry began, "But no, she's my best friend, if she wants to tell me, she'll tell me on her own." Ginny relaxed, and the twins walked away, muttering.
"Hey," Harry looked nervously at the ground, "I kind of got you two things, well, one of them is from my family, so that technically is also my present. But I wanted to give you this, without anyone else around." Harry handed her a little box badly wrapped.
"Sorry about the poor wrapping," he grinned sheepishly.
"Thanks, I'll open it last," she smiled, and ran off towards the house. Inside, Ginny had gathered all of her presents. From Bill, she got a marble cut out of a sphinx that was animated. From Charlie, she got a photo book of all the dragons she had seen last Christmas. Percy got her a set of quills, along with a planner. Fred and George got her a set of glamour potions, and Ron got her a quidditch jersey, for the Chudley Cannons. Ginny thanked him, but Harry knew she supported the Holyhead Harpies. She opened her present from her parents to find a new pair of chaser gloves. Ginny smiled, and opened the last present, from the Potters, which was a quaffle with GW engraved.
"Wow, thank you, everyone," Ginny gasped.
"Finally, we can go eat some cake," Ron declared, and ran into the kitchen. Ginny and Harry exchanged a look, and waited for everyone else to go into the kitchen. Harry held his breath while Ginny unwrapped the present. She opened a leather box to find a gold pendant in the shape of a snitch. She pulled it all the way out, and saw the chain was silver, and made up out of mini lightning bolts.
"Harry," Ginny breathed, "You shouldn't have gotten me this." She put it back in his hand.
"Why?" Harry asked, hurt.
"It must've cost a lot, and I'm not worth it," Ginny replied. Harry took the necklace, and put it on her.
"It's your birthday, you mean a lot to me, so I thought why not," Harry explained, "It's a piece of me that's for you." Ginny smiled up at him, and hugged him fiercely.
"I can't say 'no' then, can I," she whispered in his ear, and kissed his cheek. POP! Harry and Ginny sprang apart, and stared at a creature that had just appeared. Harry recognized it as a house elf.
'Harry Potter," it said, "It is an honor to be meeting you. My name is Dobby."
"Erm, hi, Dobby," Harry replied, "Uh, this is Ginny."
"Hi," Ginny said.
"It is a pleasure meeting one of Harry Potter's friends," Dobby squeaked.
"Why are you here?" Harry asked.
"Dobby has come to warn Harry Potter," Dobby said, "Danger is at Hogwarts, history will repeat itself. Harry Potter must not go back to Hogwarts."
"What, I can't just not go back," Harry exclaimed. Dobby leaped onto the couch.
"If Harry Potter goes back, he could die! You must not go back!" Dobby cried. Harry took in Dobby's appearance. He wore an old pillowcase, with arm and leg holes.
"Why don't you sit down, and rest?" Harry suggested.
"Sit… sit down…. Oh, Dobby has heard of the greats Harry Potter has done… but never…. Dobby never expected him to be this honorable…" Dobby cried, "My masters…" Dobby gasped, and started hitting himself with a lamp.
"Dobby, stop," Harry hissed, "Don't hurt yourself."
"Dobby almost spoke ill of his masters," Dobby said.
"Won't they know if you injured yourself?" Ginny asked.
"They won't, Dobby gets punished daily," Dobby explained.
Ginny frowned, "You must not have a good family then."
"Anyways, Dobby, I have to go to Hogwarts," Harry said, "Ginny's first year there, I can't miss."
"Then Dobby must do whatever he can to keep Harry Potter safe," Dobby sighed, and snapped his fingers.
'Dobby, wha-?" Harry broke off when he heard a scream. Dobby had vanished, so Harry raced into the kitchen. He gasped when he got inside. There was cake everywhere, and written in the icing were the words: Do not go back.
'What happened?" Ginny gasped.
"The cake exploded," Ron answered, "I didn't even get to eat my third piece!"
"Ronald, I didn't get any, and it was my cake," Ginny growled.
"What does that message mean?" James looked curiously at the writing, "It was done by magic." Harry shook his head, and silently urged Ginny not to say anything about Dobby.
"Must be a prank," Harry said, "Look, and owl." He pointed towards the window, where an owl stood. Mrs. Weasley got the letter, and handed it to Ginny.
"It's from Hogwarts," she whispered. With trembling hands, Ginny opened it, and pulled the paper out.
"I'M GOING TO HOGWARTS!" Ginny jumped up in joy.
"They'd be stupid to not allow you in," Harry laughed, and gave her a one armed hug.
"Scourgify," Lily said, and all the cake vanished, "It's been a pleasure being here, but it's time we go. Thank you for having us, and happy birthday, Ginny."
"Thanks, Mrs. Potter," Ginny replied, "Bye."
"See you at Diagon Alley," Harry called out, and stepped into the fireplace, "Potter Manor." He was whisked away in green flames.
A week later found Harry and Ginny smushed together at Flourish and Blotts. Harry was still half recovering from an incident in the floo network, which caused him to end up in Knockturn Alley, which the twins thought was 'wicked', but it caused Lily, Mrs. Weasley and Ginny to worry. He had seen Malfoy and his father in Borgin and Burkes, and Mr. Weasley was delighted to find out they were selling. Currently, Gilderoy Lockheart was speaking about some books he done. Harry wasn't paying attention, which is why he looked totally surprised when he was pulled away from Ginny, and forced to stand next to Lockheart. He weakly smiled for a picture, not enjoying the fame at all. After about five minutes of torture, Harry made his way back to Ginny.
"Let's get out of here," Harry grumbled. Ginny nodded, and started walking towards the door.
"Bet you loved that, didn't you, Potter," Malfoy stepped up.
'Leave him alone. He doesn't want anymore fame," Ginny growled, instantly defending Harry.
"I must say Potter, you have horrible taste, I suppose all what really matters is what happens in the end, eh," Malfoy drawled. Harry, seeing only anger, lunged at Malfoy, only to be held back by his father.
"Harry, ignore him," James growled in his ear.
"Potter, why can't you control your children?" Malfoy senior strode up, "I suppose it's the mudblood that made them so… uncontrollable." James let go of Harry, and glared up at Lucius.
"At least my wife can look past her nose," James growled. Mr. Malfoy pulled out his wand and pointed it at James.
"JAMES POTTER," Lily yelled, "OUT NOW!" James glared at Mr. Malfoy once more, before leaving. Harry glared at Malfoy, and grabbed Ginny's hand.
"Take your books back, nothing worth stealing," Malfoy senior spat, and thrusted Ginny's books back into her cauldron.
Once outside and away from the bookstore, Harry exploded, along with James.
"HOW DARE HE-"
"NO ONE CARES ABOUT BLOOD STATUS ANYMORE-"
"ONLY MALFOY COUD THINK OF SUCH THINGS-"
"WITHOUT MUGGLES US WIZARDS WOULD BE EXTINCT-"
"GINNY WOULD NEVER-"
"LILY IS THE ROCK IN THIS HOUSEHOLD-"
"BOYS," Lily and Ginny yelled. Harry and James stopped, and looked at the two redheads sheepishly.
"What, can't I defend my wife?" James put an arm around Lily.
"You can, but just don't make a scene, who knows what would of happened if you attacked Malfoy in there," Lily sighed.
"Ginny," Harry whined, "I just wanted to make it clear to Mal- it that you would never, I would never take advantage of you like that."
Ginny sighed, "I know, just save it for school, not here where you could get even more fame than you need." Harry sighed, and hugged Ginny.
"I trust you with my life, Harry," Ginny whispered, "I know you would never even think like that."
"I guess it's only important that you know I would never-" Harry breathed.
"Nevertheless, thank you for defending my honor, when my real brothers couldn't," Ginny smiled.
"Harry," a voice called. Harry looked up to see his bushy haired friend run over to him and give him a big hug.
"Hermione, it's great to see you, you look fantastic," Harry exclaimed.
"Thanks," Hermione grinned, and looked at Ginny.
"Oh, this is Ginny, Ron's younger sister, and my best friend," Harry said.
"Pleased to meet you, Harry's mentioned you a lot," Ginny stuck out her hand.
"Pleasure's all mine," Hermione responded, shaking her hand.
"Ginny, its time to go," Ron called, "Oi! Hey Hermione."
"Ron, lovely to see you again," Hermione said.
"Bye Harry, Hermione," Ginny said, and started to walk back up. Harry grabbed her quickly and pulled her into a hug.
"If this is about Malfoy," Ginny started.
"No, just cause I need to remind you that you're my best friend, no matter what," Harry murmured. Ginny relaxed into the hug, and pulled away.
"And don't let what Malfoy said get to you, alright?" Harry checked.
"Harry, how about you forget what he said, and stop worrying," Ginny smiled.
"Fine, I get it," Harry said playfully, "You don't want me to protect you, ok."
"Prat," Ginny laughed, "See you at the platform." Harry waved, and turned back to Hermione.
"Best friend?" Hermione questioned.
"Yup," Harry answered.
"Hmm," Hermione thought for a bit, "Wanna get some ice cream?"
"Sure, I'd love to," Harry responded, "Mum, I'll be back here in about 20 minutes."
"Be safe," Lily called. Harry and Hermione were able to catch up, and spent the next 20 minutes laughing and having fun.
At 10:35 on September 1st, Harry and Ginny were talking on their way to Platform 9 ¾.
"No way," Ginny laughed, "I can't believe you would actually sing to it."
"It's totally true, I sang to a dragon to get him to not eat me," Harry laughed, "Just ask my dream."
"Come on, keep up," Lily shouted from a few meters ahead. Harry looked around, and watched as everyone ran into the platform. Making sure no muggles were looking, Harry grabbed the trolley, and ran forward, Ginny right behind him. Just as he was going to enter the platform, he hit a solid wall. Ginny tried to stop, and narrowly avoided hitting Harry.
"Oi! Watch it," an official looking man yelled.
'Sorry," Ginny called back.
"The barrier's sealed," Harry hissed, wincing as he got up.
"What are we going to do?" Ginny gasped.
"Well, we could wait by the car," Harry suggested. Ginny nodded, and picked up the trolley. However, just as they were going to move, James and Arthur popped up.
"Dad, the barrier sealed itself," Harry explained, "We couldn't get through."
"Don't worry, I'll contact Albus, just stay here," James dissapperated with a pop. After waiting for about five minutes, James reappeared.
"Try it now," he suggested. Harry tentatively approached the barrier. He made a quick scan, and ran into the wall. Closing his eyes, Harry pushed through with no troubles. Ginny joined him a second later, and was able to get her luggage onto the train.
"Stay safe, Harry," Lily said, "Be good."
"Pull at least one prank," James told him.
"Look after Ginny," Selena made him promise. After all the goodbyes, Harry, Ron, Neville, Hermione and Ginny were all hanging out in a compartment, on their way to Hogwarts.
"Hey guys, I have to show you something," Harry exclaimed, and reached up into his trunk. He took out a package, and tapped it with his wand. Once it took shape, Hermione gasped.
"You learned?" Hermione asked. Harry nodded, and took out a guitar.
"I've had this since last year, but I didn't really do much," Harry explained, "Since I was grounded, I decided to teach myself, and here you have me playing the guitar to the best of my ability."
"Wow," Neville looked at the guitar in awe, "Was it hard?"
"Once I got a hang of it, not really," Harry said, and started strumming chords.
"Harry, our secret project," Ginny gasped.
"I forgot all about it, get me the paper!" Harry exclaimed. Ginny handed him a paper full of words, and Harry started working out a tune.
"What are you doing?" Ron asked.
"Working out a new song for Hogwarts," Harry grinned.
"We wrote some stuff over the summer, but never did anything with it," Ginny said, "Change that to feast, and add all four houses, just shouting out the name."
"Can we hear anything?" Hermione asked.
"Why not? Just keep this a secret," Harry responded, "Ok, here: Who knows how fast this year's gonna go. Hand me a glass, let the butterbeer flow."
"Nice voice Harry," Hermione complemented, "It sounds like a great verse, can't wait to hear the rest."
"Yeah, well, I'm no what's his face… Michael Jackson," Harry shrugged, blushing a bit.
Ron and Neville started a game of chess, while Hermione pulled out a book. Harry and Ginny worked on the song, but hardly sang enough for the others to understand.
"Sick of summer and this waiting around. It's like we're sitting in the lost and found. Don't take no sorcery for anyone to see how," Ginny sang, "Then add the chorus." Harry chucked, and wrote it down. Harry played a series of chords, and Ginny jumped up.
"That's it! I think we've got it!" she cried happily, "It only took until we get there."
"Potter has a guitar?" Malfoy strolled over and opened the compartment door.
"What's it to you?" Harry asked.
"Nothing, I just think the most proper wizard don't associate with muggle items," Malfoy scoffed.
"Well, I'm far from the stuck up proper wizard you talk about," Harry said, "Now leave us alone." He slammed the door shut, and pulled down the screen. There was little interruption for the remainder of the trip. When the food trolley came around, Harry bought almost one of everything, and everyone enjoyed a snack. The train slowed down, and entered Hogsmead station after a few hours. Everyone had changed, and Ginny looked nervous.
"You'll do great. I'll have a seat saved for you at Gryffindor table," Harry told her.
"You bet," Ginny laughed, and walked off towards Hagrid. Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville all squeezed into a carriage, and were shocked when the carriage started moving without anything pulling it. Suddenly, Hermione gasped.
'What?" Harry asked.
"Last year, when you've been disappearing," Hermione stated, "You were writing to Ginny, weren't you?"
"Wow Hermione, how'd you figure that one out?" Ron asked.
"Simple," Hermione explained, "Ginny's a year younger than us, so she wasn't here last year. Since she's also Harry's best friend, they would be exchanging letters."
"Fine, you're right, I was getting to know her better, and we were having a private conversation, thorough letters," Harry sighed, "I had only met her a few weeks before school starts, and she sent me a letter, what of it?"
"It's just, you were kind of secretive around us," Hermione said. Harry shrugged, and looked out the carriage window. In reality, Harry had been using a mirror that his dad had talked about. It allowed him to communicate to the other person who had a mirror. He had snuck into his parent's room, and stole his dad's. Sirius had then made a copy of it, so he was able to give it to Ginny. Throughout the year, Harry had been hiding in a room he had found out later was called the Room of Requirement. He would talk to her throughout the year, telling her what Hogwarts was like, what the classes were like, and teachers, etc…
"Ginny," Harry spoke into the mirror. Ginny's face appeared, and she looked tired.
'What are you calling me at this hour for?" Ginny asked sleepily.
'Come on Gin, it's only around 9:30," Harry chuckled.
"I've been outside all day, and then working on chores," Ginny responded, sticking her tongue out.
"I have a very important question to ask you, and then something very important to tell you," Harry said.
"Alright, what is it?" Ginny asked.
"Here's the question: What is your favourite colour?" Harry asked. He smirked as Ginny's face turned red.
"Harry James Potter, you wake me up so you can ask what my favourite colour is?" Ginny whispered harshly, "You are such a prat!"
"Well what is it?" Harry pressed.
"Green, emerald green," Ginny replied.
"Alright, thanks," Harry said, "Now, we think Snape is trying to steal that stone I was talking to you about. For Voldemort. We are going to get that stone before Snape does."
"Harry, don't even think about it, you could die," Ginny cried, "Where's Dumbledore?"
"Gone, got a letter from the Ministry," Harry answered.
"Harry, how do you think it will affect everyone here if you died, and I knew about it, and I couldn't stop you? How do you think I would feel?"
"Aw Gin, you know I'll look after myself, you heard about my quidditch match, the troll."
"Trolls are as thick as Ron can be at times," Ginny exclaimed, "Harry, I know you're doing this to save everyone, but Snape, really."
"Yes, I've told you this before," Harry hissed, "Besides, you can't exactly do anything, by the time I get back to the common room, we're leaving."
"Be careful, I can't lose you," Ginny whispered.
"You do know if Ron, Hermione and Neville get in any danger, I'm sending them back, and only I'm going to go on," Harry said.
"Noble prat," Ginny weakly smiled.
"I gotta go," Harry whispered, "Bye."
"Harry," Ginny called, "I won't tell anyone, but if you die, I'm going to kill you." Harry smiled, and disconnected the mirror.
"Harry," Hermione called, "The carriage stopped moving." Harry look up with a start, and jumped out.
"What were you thinking about?" Hermione asked.
"Nothing, just… wondering how Selena's doing with just her and my parents all year," Harry lied. Hermione studied him, and shrugged. They caught up with Neville and Ron, and all four made their way up the stairs to the Great Hall.
"Hey Harry," a voice called. Harry looked over to see Seamus and Dean waving at him. He waved back, and made his way over to where they were sitting at the Gryffindor table.
"Hey guys, how was your summer?" Harry asked.
"Great, what about you?" Seamus responded in a thick Irish accent.
"It was fun," Harry replied.
"Everyone," Dumbledore had stood up, "Please be silent while the 1st years are brought in for the sorting." Harry turned around and looked towards the door. Professor McGonagall walked in, leading a group of 11 year olds into the hall. Harry instantly spotted Ginny, who was talking to a small boy mousy-haired boy. She looked half annoyed, and half amused. During the sorting, Harry hardly paid attention to where the students were going, and focused on watching Ginny. She looked nervous, but strong.
"Weasley, Ginevra," McGonagall called out. Harry suppressed a chuckle when he saw her grimace at her full name. She walked up and sat down. The hat took about 2 minutes before shouting out her house.
"GRYFFINDOR," Ginny relaxed instantly, and hopped off the stool. She made her way over to where Harry was sitting, grinning.
"Told you," Harry whispered.
"I never doubted it," Ginny whispered back. They watched the rest of the sorting, which wasn't long at all, before Dumbledore stood up and addressed them.
"Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts," he began, "I would first like to introduce the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockheart." Harry groaned, and glanced over at Ron and Neville, who both looked horrified. Harry noticed Hermione was clapping enthusiastically, and Ginny was weakly grinning.
"You like him?" Harry asked her.
"He is handsome," Ginny shrugged. Harry shook his head and turned back to Dumbledore.
"Let the feast, begin," Dumbledore waved his wand, and food popped up onto the tables. Ginny stared at it, and looked at Harry.
"I bet mum's cooking is better," she said.
"Maybe, try some," Harry plopped some fried chicken on her plate. Rollling her eyes, Ginny took a bite.
"Not bad, it actually could rival mum's," she declared. Harry looked down the table to see the boy Ginny was talking to earlier staring at him.
Shifting uncomfortably, Harry turned to Ginny, "Who's that, the kid you were talking to when you first entered?"
Ginny laughed, "His name is Colin Creevy, and you are his idol."
"Not funny, Gin," Harry hissed.
"Yes it is," Ginny smiled, "He's muggleborn, and thinks what you did was the coolest thing in the world. Of course, when I said I was your best friend, he bombards me with questions."
"Sorry," Harry looked guilty.
"What for?" Ginny asked.
"Making you have to deal with my fame," Harry replied. Ginny whacked him in the arm.
"Ow," Harry whined.
"I could care less about dealing with your fan club, Harry," Ginny said, "It doesn't bother me, and you shouldn't feel guilty." Harry smiled, and put an arm around her.
"What would I do without you?" Harry sighed.
"Suffer," Ginny simply said.
A/N: Anyone get the reference? It's from AVPM, and I don't own anything you would recognize. It will take a while before the next chapter is up. I'm thinking about doing longer chapters like this one, let me know what you prefer. Review please :)