Chapter Six: Developments And Divination
The next fortnight was a busy one. Harry, Hermione and Ron all had their work and study duties to see to. And, when necessary, help to discipline unruly pupils. Harry, however, now had the extra task of studying himself where it came to the subject of lycanthropy.
He was gradually coming to terms with the fact that he – like Ginny and Ron – was now a dual-being of the supernatural world. Twice a week, he was taking tuition in the evenings from Professor Lupin. Ron and Ginny were there too, working on the speed and control of their voluntary shifts from human to wolf-person (or full wolf), and back. For Harry, he was just starting to get the basics of calling upon the change of his own accord – and, with effort, transform into a wolf man. With repeated exercises and time, he would do better – he promised himself. He wanted to be just as good as his pack-mates, in order to be a worthy guardian of Hogwarts.
Still, Lupin seemed pleased with all three of them – especially Ron and Ginny, who were, to use their teacher's own words: "developing remarkably well".
With Ginny's time being taken up with NEWTS exams, these sessions were one of the few times that Harry could get to be with his… Well, not mate – because they hadn't explored that area yet. 'Companion' sounded like the perfect term, Harry thought. And the four pack-members were becoming fiercely loyal to each other now, as a result of them being of the same nature. And effectively of the same blood. Professor Lupin had bitten Ginny, both had initiated Ron; and Harry had been brought into the werewolf fold by Ginny.
As Harry had feared, the fact that Hermione had not joined the pack along with him had its knock-on effects. Although he had accepted Hermione's decision not to become a werewolf, Ron was trying to get over his phase of being grumpy in her company. Likewise, all of them were doing what they could to avoid Hermione feeling that she was being left out socially – apart from the 'special night classes', which she did not attend.
Still, although the ongoing relationship between Ron and Hermione had cooled somewhat for the time being, Harry and Ginny were developing a greater need for each other's company.
I'll soon be seventeen. Then we will both be adults in the eyes of the wizarding world, Ginny commented to Harry, as they lay in the Forbidden Forest together, one night. They had earlier voluntary shifted to half-form form – along with Ron – and all three had just finished off the last remains of the mice they had hunted down. The Professor was still in his human skin, spending some time with Tonks, Harry understood.
Harry was becoming more proficient at understanding – and communicating – in their lupine telepathy/body language. He watched Ron lying on his side, close by, who occasionally turned his attention to his pack-mates, before returning his gaze to the moon above. Harry sensed that Ron was still feeling somewhat peeved about Hermione not joining the fold. That he could not share these nights with her.
It was strange, but good, being this way – Harry reflected. He – along with Ron and Ginny – belonged here in the forest, at night. They always stayed clear of the centaur community (the haras), as well as the territory of the giant spiders – but otherwise they were the monsters in the dark, free to tackle what game they so chose (they mainly hunted rabbits, mice, and voles). And be as free of human concerns as they ever would be, if they simply were content to spend the night hunting, running, and playing between themselves. As they often were.
Let us enjoy this night whilst it lasts, Harry thought to his pack brother and pack-sister as they all bathed in the moonlight. We still have a threat to the school to fight. And when we have identified the source…
Ron and Ginny licked their fangs and nodded. Everyone in the school was now their responsibility to protect. And they would uphold that duty – by magic, or by way of the fang and claw…
* * * * *
Despite their efforts, the staff had not yet identified the source of the Blight - but there were no further poisonings or deaths in the following week. However, several things happened in the next few days that were of interest to Harry. First of all, there were some new arrivals at the wizarding village of Hogsmeade. Ron, who was still feeling disgruntled since Hermione backed out from becoming a werewolf, was cheered up by the appearance of his boisterous brothers Fred and George, as they moved into a new branch of their joke shop 'Weasleys Wizard Wheezes'. Verity, their assistant, was looking after the original Diagon Alley store, whilst the brothers got the second shop up and running.
Also setting up a shop in Hogsmeade was another Gryffindor face, Neville Longbottom. True to his skills in herbology, he was now acting as a trader in herbs.
"Glad to see you again, Neville," Harry announced as he shook the hand of the other young man upon his first visit to the shop, one Saturday. "It was June the last time we saw each other, I reckon."
"It was." Neville's smile and his follow-up small talk gave way to a wide-eyed whisper, as the other shop browsers hung around the front door. "Er, Harry… How's it going with Ginny, these days? I was in the Great Hall when she got…bit…by Professor Lupin. I'm assuming she's…a werewolf herself, now?"
Harry considered his words. Thankfully, the two pupils who had been browsing were now leaving the shop. He waited for the door to close, and then he smiled.
"She's fine, Neville. And yes, she's now a lycanthrope – but she's in control of her wolf."
"Wow! I know you two are an item. But…Harry Potter dating a werewolf? That'll ruffle some feathers if it became common knowledge!"
"Do you think that my girlfriend being a werewolf is a bad thing?" Harry tested him.
"No! So long as she's not a man-eater, Harry… Oh, you know what I mean! As far as I'm concerned, it's about time the silly old prejudices about blood and race got kicked out. If you and Ginny are happy with your arrangements, it's fine by me!"
Harry smiled at this. Then, trusting his gut instinct, he checked there was no one else around, before speaking again. "Neville, can you keep a secret?"
"Sure!"
"I'm now a werewolf, also! I want to be able to defend Hogwarts from any kind of threat that comes here. And, of course, I'm Ginny's hunting companion."
"Oh…! Crikey!!" Neville's eyes widened. He raised a finger to his lips. "Mum's the word from me, Harry!"
The shop door bell suddenly rang. The jangle pained Harry's wolf-sensitive ears. He took in the scent of the female student before he actually turned round – his eyes then confirming the age and gender of the newcomer. She was a slim, but pretty-looking, dark-blonde haired young lady, who Harry recognised as being a seventh year Hufflepuff pupil. Her metal-framed spectacles supported two small, oval shaped lenses, through which a pair of intelligent-looking blue eyes looked keenly at him.
"Hullo, Mr Potter." She smiled serenely, taking in the sight of the two former pupils chatting. "Catching up on old times, I guess?"
"We are." Neville grinned. "Harry, meet my weekend assistant, Charlotte. She's almost as good with herbs as I am – but then she's one of Professor Sprout's best pupils, so it's no wonder."
Harry shook the blushing girl's light hand. "Hello Charlotte. What's your surname, if I have to address you in different circumstances? Me being new to staff…"
"Oh. It's Greenway. I believe you know my cousin, Alex. For a Slytherin, he's actually open-minded. He and his friends don't hate you for killing You-Know-Who, Harry. You're finally making some friends in unlikely places! Anyway, I've got duties waiting. Good to see you!"
Harry gazed at the back of the disappearing girl, lost for words.
"She's sometimes more batty than Luna Lovegood." Neville shrugged, grinning. "But she's a good soul… Ah! Here comes my business partner!"
Harry was surprised to see the latest person coming through the shop door. It was a smiling, light-brown haired man – who, until last June, had been a Hufflepuff student in Harry and Neville's year.
"Harry! Good to see you." Ernie MacMillan shook Harry's hand in a firm grip, as Harry patted him on the shoulder.
"Another one who couldn't stay away from Hogwarts, I see!" Harry smiled.
"Well, the market for magical aids – herbs and otherwise – is still good, whilst the Death Eaters are still at large." Ernie's voice suddenly dropped, and his expression became serious. "Besides, Neville and I – and our assistant – hear things on the grapevine, Harry. A few of the pupils we knew have disappeared over the summer! Zacharias Smith for one – and Romilda Vane, also. We've learnt a bit about those other pupils – the ones who died recently in the school and were turned to stone! Looks like Hogwarts is under attack again. Will the Death Eaters come back?"
Harry shrugged. "Well, the staff reckons so. But we're still trying to crack this mystery epidemic. We're in the dark about how it's being spread."
As Harry spoke, Charlotte Greenway emerged back into the shop front from the staff archway behind the counter. She was carrying a tray of herbal containers, ready to restock the shelves. But she paused, upon hearing Harry's words.
"We want to help, if we can," she announced brightly. "Horace Slughorn, the potions teacher, has approached us to see about acquiring anything useful. Apparently, there's a shortage of polyjuice ingredients these days."
Neville nodded. "Yes, that's true. Makes me think about that imposter at Hogwarts, during our fourth year, Harry! Hope the Death Eaters aren't disguising themselves with polyjuice potion."
"And we don't have to think in purely magical terms, when it comes to helping the school," Ernie spoke up. "During the summer, I was introduced to the sport of archery by a muggle friend. I fancy I could learn more from the centaurs in the Forbidden Forest – if we could be officially allowed to meet up."
Harry considered their words, then thought of Ron's plans for setting up a system of defences.
"Yes. We ought to start a network again…," he replied. "It was gratifying to form Dumbledore's Army, wasn't it?"
"It was," Neville beamed. "Maybe we can call it the Hogwarts Home Guard this time!" His face then hardened. "If Bellatrix Lestrange and the other Death Eaters show up again, they'll have more than wands to worry about - if we plan this right!"
Right…, thought Harry. Neville was still aching to get Bellatrix for driving his parents insane, years ago. And yet, he considered, hadn't he himself been driven by the wish to avenge his parents? As well as to protect his friends and allies?
He looked carefully at Neville, Charlotte and Ernie – taking in their eager expressions.
"I'll talk to Ron, and get the ball rolling," he announced, smiling. "Let's make the Hogwarts Home Guard a reality, guys!"
* * * * *
And so, after Harry and Ron discussed plans with Professor Flitwick and the other senior personnel at Hogwarts, the various ideas of collective people got underway. Ernie Macmillan, who was keen to learn from the centaurs their knowledge of archery, went with the school's resident centaur teacher – the outcast Firenze – and Professor Flitwick. As a result of the meeting with the centaur haras, the headmaster was able to persuade the other centaurs that their grievances with Firenze and humankind could be settled. Also, although the haras had kept out of the fighting when Voldemort's forces had ignored them when they invaded in June, it was no secret that, had they won, the Death Eaters would have turned their attention onto the centaurs, and persecuted them for being 'impure'.
The results of the talks were favourable to all concerned. The centaurs agreed that – working with Firenze – they would come to the aid of Hogwarts, in its time of greatest need. Also, they would help the Hogwarts Home Guard in the use of weapons – archery, sling-slots, knife-throwing, and so on.
Later on that same day, however, there was another fatally from the Blight. This time it was an adult – a young bar hand at The Three Broomsticks, by the name of Dale Dillinger. He'd been seeing to his duties away from the bar during the afternoon, when he suddenly developed a fit, and died in a matter of minutes. He'd been living in Hogsmeade for the last ten years – since leaving school, and had been, Harry heard, a regular face at all of the shops in the village. Now, he too had become 'glued' to his death bed in the pub – his face contorted in agony. One on his hands had been pressed against his stomach as he died.
Professor Moody had together told Harry and Professor Slughorn about the circumstances. Harry noticed that the potions teacher had looked very thoughtful – and worried – as they went their separate ways.
* * * * *
The next day, during morning break, Harry came across Ginny running in the corridor, as she came down the tower that led to Divination class. She was upset – and, at first, tried to evade Harry as he brushed past a couple of pupils and hurried over to her.
"Hey! Ginny… I mean Miss Weasley! What's wrong? Why are you running?"
"I…" Ginny gulped for breath. Keeping her voice low, she managed to blurt out, "I need some time alone, Harry… Please. Oh, it was horrible…"
Harry hated to see her distressed, but he felt reluctant to hold her against her will. Ginny hurried off, disappearing into the crowd of mingling pupils further along the corridor.
Coming down the stairs, seconds later, was Luna Lovegood.
"Hi, Harry," her face brightening as they met. "Do you know where Ginny went?"
Harry pointed behind him with his thumb, but his other hand pressed against Luna's wrist, stopping her. "What's going on? Why's Ginny crying?" He almost snapped.
Luna paused, then answered. "Ginny and I were the last ones coming out of Divination class, when Professor Trelawney grabbed her. The Professor appeared to be in a trance, Harry." Her grey eyes were wide with concern. "I only caught some of the seer's words…"
"Trelawney!" Harry had learnt from experience that most of the ramblings of the hippie-like and bespectacled Divination tutor were very much open to interpretation. However, underneath her talents for over-prophesying gloom and meditating via the medium of sherry, Trelawney did have some ability for foreseeing the future.
"What did she say to Ginny?" Harry gripped Luna's shoulders – then relaxed his hands as he saw her wince.
"There was something about a terror about to rise…within Hogwarts… And that the darkness…and the blood of a wolf…would claim each other… The voice that came out of Trelawney, Harry… It was unearthly…"
The school bell, in the bell tower, was suddenly struck by the attendant house-elf, signaling the start of the next lesson.
"I've heard that voice myself, Luna," Harry nodded. "Thanks for telling me. See if you can find and look after Ginny for me. I'm going to be late for my next Auror lesson."
Luna smiled. "Ginny's my friend too, you know, Harry. "I'll do my best for her." She gave Harry's hand a quick squeeze, then quickly scampered off, humming as she stopped and weighed up the choice of corridors nearby, in order to find Ginny.
I didn't see which way she went…
Harry paused, then re-joined Luna. His nostrils widened as he tried to filter out Ginny's special scent from that of the other pupils. Eventually, he pointed out the route where the trail in the air seemed to continue.
"Try that way," he suggested to her.
"Thanks, Harry!" Luna beamed at him, then she broke into a light run and disappeared around the corner, leaving Harry to marvel at his improving senses.
* * * * *
Despite his efforts, Harry couldn't get Ginny to talk about the incident the next time he saw her. Whatever Trelawney, in her trance, had said to her – Ginny had been badly shaken by it. She was, in the days following, tense and preoccupied.
"Please forget about it, Harry." She had difficulty looking him in the eye as she said this – but she then surprised him, by kissing him hard on the lips.
After that, Harry didn't raise the subject with her. As far as he could gather, Ginny didn't confide in Luna, Ron, or Hermione about the incident involving Trelawney, either – though Ron was certainly aware of Ginny's sullen mood, and was just as concerned for her. And as for asking the Professor herself, Harry tried just that, only to run into the expected brick wall – the Divination teacher never remembered anything she said whilst in a trance.
* * * * *
A few days later, Ginny had her eighteenth birthday. The event seemed to cheer her up somewhat, and on the day itself – a Saturday – she proved her worth in the Gryffindor team in the Quidditch match against Hufflepuff. As one of the chasers, she scored forty points – and although Hufflepuff caught the Golden Snitch, ending the game, at the last moment her team work with another Gryffindor chaser helped up ensuring that their team scored with the Quaffle - bagging them another ten points.
The end result turned out to be Hufflepuff, one hundred and eighty points; Gryffindor, one hundred and ninety points.
Naturally, there was much cheering and congratulations amongst the scarlet-robed team on the pitch after the game, with Ginny receiving particular praise.
This time when Harry went up to her, they kissed each other on the lips, prompting a few 'oo's from those in the Gryffindor team who weren't already aware of their relationship.
I don't care what anyone else thinks, Harry thought to himself. I love Ginny, and she loves me. Plus, we're of the same species. We belong together. And it's her birthday, too.
Ginny lost herself in his kiss. For a moment, Harry had the lupine instinct to nip at her ear – but he managed to resist doing it in the presence of others.
"You were fabulous in that game!" Harry told her, as they walked off the pitch together.
"Thanks, Harry." Ginny was grinning – the first time he had seen her happy since that undisclosed upset involving Trelawney, Harry reflected.
"Looking forward to your party tonight?" He smiled.
"Yes." Ginny grinned impishly, then whispered in his ear. "After the party, let's go hunting in the forest, Harry!"
He felt a ripple of pleasure run through his veins at the thought of them casting aside their human personas for a while. He had by now, under Professor Lupin's tutorials, succeeded in undergoing the transformation of his own accord. The moon would only be a crescent tonight. It would be a good time to howl and allow the wolf inside to run.
* * * * *
Harry's present to Ginny was a gold bracelet, which she wore at the gathering of friends in the function room at The Hog's Head inn, at Hogsmeade – where the first gathering of (the then unnamed) Dumbledore's Army had taken place. On this night, Ron, Hermione, Fred, George, Neville, Ernie, and Charlotte Greenway were all there – plus Professors Moody and Lupin, Tonks, and some of Ginny's female friends, including Luna.
Later on, when the music and dancing was over and the party was ending, Ginny all but dragged Harry outside. They laughed and raced each other to the Shrieking Shack. There, Ginny slipped out of her red silk dress, and Harry took off the black suit and tie he'd been wearing. His glasses were placed on top of his folded up clothes.
Within moments, the two young adults were transforming in tandem – their limbs and bones reshaping themselves, as claws, fur, and pointed ears grew into place. Tails wagged as they emerged from the base of their spines, and both Harry and Ginny growled through grown muzzles filled with sharpening fangs.
Senses heightened and hearts pounding with excitement, the pair of fully-fledged wolves nuzzled each other, then squeezed through a gap in the Shack's side door, and raced off into the early November night on all fours – howling once they had reached the Forbidden Forest.
After sharing the kill of the hares they hunted down, Harry and Ginny licked each other's muzzles clean. Then the she-wolf gave her male companion a meaningful stare. Her russet fur began to recede into her skin, and before long Ginny was back in her human skin again. Harry concentrated, and followed suit. Naked, the two of them smiled and snuggled up against each other, listening to the night sounds of the forest. A light wind blew, rustling the fallen leaves. Neither of them was cold – the trees close by provided shelter, and they were still warm from their hunt.
Close by, they could hear – then see – a unicorn passing by. Harry smiled. Hagrid had done well to find another one for the forest. And it would come to no harm from the werewolf pack. It was special – like them.
Ginny's eyes widened as she saw the creature pass by – the first time she'd seen a unicorn, Harry guessed. Then she turned round to face him.
"Harry… It's time."
He smelt her apprehension. There was fear, too. Whatever it was that had so troubled her lately, she was trying to push it aside. But Ginny's scent was also laced with mounting excitement, and hope – despite the hunt being over.
He understood her meaning.
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes! Let's make the most of life, whilst we can, Harry." Ginny slipped her arms around his shoulders , and he embraced her in turn. Moments later, they sank down together on the forest grass, their lips locked together, Harry's hands exploring Ginny's body – and she responded in kind with his – as they both gave into their mutual passion…
After resting, they would resume wolf form and play tag and race against the other, en route to the Shrieking Shack. Then the two of them would sleep in one of the rooms there, snuggled against each other's fur to keep warm. But for now, they were together as one – as they had never been before.