December 18th
"Power is not alluring to pure minds." The dark tone of Snape's voice washed over her as she left Potions class. The often misunderstood and disliked professor had a soft spot for her that she was sure had little to do with her future status in wizarding society and more to do with her natural talent at potions making, or at least she hoped that was the case. It made up for the stress she endured in the years spent cooking with her mother.
Snape was, as usually, accurate in his advice. There were many qualities of Power. It can inspire respect, reverence as much as envy and fear. Above all else it raised you above everyone else.
This was the price of power.
You became a lonely target, isolated from the masses, most either feeling too afraid or in awe to truly being a friend but highly attracted to those who craved power for the sake of it.
The masses either condemned you or worshiped you.
The attracted tried to manipulate you to their whim. Even the death eaters believed they were manipulating Tom, doing his bidding to get what they wanted.
If she hadn't already experienced this after the Chamber of Secrets incident, then she may have been more upset by the reactions of her fellow students. When she walked the halls she could feel the weight of the skittish glances, jealous glares, and awe; first years both stalked and scattered when they saw her approaching.
Even her own family had mixed feelings about her ability.
Ron was amazed that she could perform the charm, though when he asked why she learned it she knows her response "To keep Tom away" fills him with guilt and worry. He still can't seem to speak to her, and it's all too much like their first week at home for her liking.
The twins wouldn't stop praising her and at the same time giving her sly winks in regard to the exact form of her Patronous. "Just who inspired that glorious phoenix sister dear?"
The most unpredictable was Percy, who as Head Boy had to publicly admonish her for putting herself at risk "The learning of such a complicated charm should only be done in the safety of a classroom, with a learned professor who may assist you should something go wrong" but when he found her drawing, alone, in the common room late night the night before the train left for Christmas holidays, he complemented her on her tenacity, ambition, and a forlornly asked why she didn't come to him for help.
She hadn't realized, just how much guilt he felt for ignoring her the last year, for not noticing something was wrong, and for not cementing the knowledge that he would do anything to help her if she were in trouble.
The dull look in his blue eyes behind those horn rimmed glasses, the same blue eyes of their Father, and brothers Ron and Bill, was too much for her, and she broke down her resolve of not telling her family just how lasting the last year was on her. She quietly explained that Tom had known the charm, and therefore she knew it. She just had to find her own happy memory to perfect it for herself.
At this revelation his head rose and he barely whispered "Just how much – how old was he?"
Barely a second of silence passed between them and she met his concerned gaze.
"Sixth year."
The implication of it was clear. Percy now knew just how traumatizing Tom had been. The mind of a sixteen year old male being forced on an eleven year old girl was concern enough. The twisted mind of a sixteen year old sociopath was devastating.
"Oh."
As much as he wanted to admire her for keeping that fact a tight lipped secret since June, for trying to protect her family from feeling even worse over situation, he knew she was doing too much damage to herself.
"Yeah."
"Ginny, I think you should talk to someone. It can't be healthy to keep this all to yourself. Is that what the Headmaster needed to speak to you about?"
"Percy…you don't need to worry. I am already going talking to someone."
"Who? Madame Pomfrey?"
"No…"
"Ginevra Molly Weasley if you do not tell me this instant will be forced to take you straight to the headmaster and use my place as your eldest brother in attendance to force him to tell me. I won't take any more chances with you."
She looked at her normally controlled brother, the fierce determination in his eyes blazed with the fire in front of them. He wasn't bluffing. He'd probably petrify her if it came to that.
"The headmaster is has already decided I must attend weekly sessions with Professor Snape."
Percy's bright red face quickly turned to a startled mixture of white and green.
"What?" He cleared his throat. "Why…oh the war. Yes. Snape would be good for you then.
He must have gone through a lot during his time in the first war. Even now it seems he plays both sides."
"I suppose. McGonagall doesn't approve, and should things get too personal I am to come to her straight away. Especially since I probably won't be one of her second year students come January."
"You aren't being expelled for the Patronous are you? That would be insane! You were only protecting yourself!"
"I'm not being expelled! Calm down or you'll wake up Ron even."
"Then you need to be clear plan and honest and tell me just why you probably won't be a second year in January?"
"Because I'll be a third year."
**flashback**
The school wasn't as chaotic as she had feared, everyone was stunned in silence, Ron being the only "Bloody hell" she heard until Dumbledore's voice echoed her way, instructing her to come to his office immediately.
Thank Merlin for Fred! He was nice enough to fly over and give her a lift to the field. It would have been absolutely wretched to have to walk down through the stands with everybody staring at her. It was only half as bad to feel everyone's eyes on them and to be honest; standing alone in the Headmaster's office surrounded by all the professors wasn't much better.
Dumbledore sat calmly at his desk whilst Professors Snape and McGonagall stood on each side, quietly advising him on her and her skills. Flitwick and Sprout would nod and relay their own similar opinions when her class work was brought up.
The sorting hat was the one to surprise them all when it spoke up on its own.
"Mmm yee—eee-ss, I knew you would cause quite the stir at this school Gine-e-evra We-ea-asley. You should have let me put you in Slytherin. So ambitious and clever are you. When will children learn to let me do my job instead of you listening to their friends about which house is best for them…."
Blushing, Ginny silently pleaded for the sorting hat to be quiet, but it would do no good, the damage was done. The office had gone quiet, Snape and most definitely heard that she was meant to be in his house, and so had the now pale McGonagall.
"Headmaster" Snape began, his deep voice coaxing a velvet cover, a clear indication he was going to ask for something. "As head of Slytherin house, and Miss Weasley's Professor, I propose it's in her best interest to not only move her up year or two ahead, but resort her into her proper house, where I promise you I will personally oversee her ascendant to be a most marvelous witch."
"Severus, do you presume to say that I cannot do the same for a student already in the care of my house?" McGonagall's responded tightly, her brogue thickening with her indignation of his implications. "Albus, please, allow the child to stay in Gryffindor where she belongs, clearly the sorting hat wouldn't allow a child to dictate its own house unless the hat believed he belonged there, as Helga Hufflepuff designed it to do! And despite Severus's ambitions, I believe that Ginny would do best in her own year, with her friends. Why shorten the childhood of another witch because of You-Know-Who?"
Overwhelmed by the outbursts of both professors Ginny looked to the others for support, unfortunate for her, Professors Sprout and Flitwick were murmuring about how no one seems to care who's in their house, it was always about lions and snakes; and the other Professors, whom she be barely knew as she was a second year, seemed to be doing their best to appraise her, as they had not had the chance to teach her.
"Excuse me, I know you may not want to listen to me Severus, and Minerva you won't like to hear this, but I have to say as a teacher, Miss Weasley is flying through my curriculum, and despite her enjoyment of the subject, she has become bored in my class, and therefore I agree she should be moved ahead, one year." Remus Lupin, her new favorite professor suggested as to mediate. His warm intellectual tone held the smile on his face. "However, I personally do not believe that my opinion matters anymore than any of the other professor's in this matter, I believe that the decision on what year and what house she should be in should be up to Miss Weasley."
"Excellent idea Remus, you are correct." The headmaster turned his kind and old eyes from Lupin to her. "You are a 12 year old witch, Miss Weasley. In less than a year you will be entering wizarding society as an eligible witch, one capable of making life altering decisions. While much can happen in such a short span of time, I am in agreement with Professor Lupin; you know what is best for you. You have many options before you: you may if you wish, transfer to Slytherin House, as the Sorting Hat has illuminated to us all that you would do well in that house and its head, Professor Snape is more than willing to allow the transfer, however Professor McGonagall, your current head of house wishes for you to stay a Gryffindor, a choice you are more than welcome to choose. You also may be moved ahead to a more advance year, I am in agreement again with Professor Lupin that Third year would be the best year for you. As you confessed earlier, you have all of Tom Riddle's knowledge from when he was a school boy, depending on the courses you wish to pursue, I believe you are at the equivalent of the current Third year, and you may join them. I must emphasis, it is however, your decision my dear, and you do not need to make it at this moment. I advise you to think it over the next month, and speak with your family, that is if you are going home for Christmas?"
"Yes sir, I am."
"Very well, Hogwarts, of course, won't be the same without, however I do believe your mother's cooking will be more delicious than any feast we have to offer. Now, I'm sure your friends are waiting, worried for you, you may go my dear. I will expect to hear your answer when you arrive back from holidays, so we may make the appropriate arrangements."
"Yes sir, Headmaster. Thank you."
"Good. Now I must strongly suggest that regardless of what you choose to do regarding your education that you should speak with Professor Snape weekly. It was an error not to have you do so last year, I misjudged your experience with the diary and its effects on you."
"Albus! Wouldn't Madame Pomfrey be better suited for such a task?"
"Minerva, while I understand your concerns, Severus would be best to help her deal with being so close to something so evil."
Ginny watched her head of house breath in deeply and glare at the beloved headmaster. She had never heard of Professor McGonagall going against Dumbledore. It was enough to shake her opinion of Professor Snape but she found herself numbly nodding her head in agreement as she slowly backed to the door only to find herself looking into the solemn and sincere face of kneeling Professor Snape.
"Ginevra, I swear on my House I would never harm you. The Headmaster is right, as capable as you are; you cannot be successfully repairing your mind fully. The dementors' effect on you is evidence enough. Given your display at the pitch I'm quite certain will become an overnight sensation, one to rival Mr. Potter himself and you must never forget power is not alluring to pure minds."
"Yes Professor."
"Find an open time in your schedule by your next Potions class, I will make it fit into my own. Good Night Ginevra."
"Good Night,"
As she slowly walked out of the office she couldn't help but over hear the Headmaster inquire the Sorting Hat just how many students have decided their own placing based on the input of friends.
**end flashback**
"He wants to bump me up a year." 'And offered to move me to a different house.' I haven't told anyone yet, except Luna, because well she's Luna, but he said that in the decades since Tom's sixth year and the current curriculum it wouldn't be wise to put me at O.W.L level, but he's afraid I've become bored in my current classes. The other professor's agreed." 'Agreed, suggested, demanded…'
"Ginny – that's - that's exceptional news! I've never – never heard of a student advancing to the next year. Why haven't you told anyone?"
"I haven't decided to do it yet." 'And I don't want you all to know I could have been a Slytherin… You were all so proud I was a fellow lion.'
"Merlin's beard! Why not? What's stopping you?"
She looked her elder brother in the eyes, bright brown against brighter blue, willing him to understand. There were just so many reasons not to do this.
"Oh – Ginny – don't –"Percy wrapped her in a hug and mentally composed himself. 'At least he got one of them.' "I'm quite sure you would be accepted by all the third years, even him. I dare say Hermione would be overjoyed. And you already get along with Neville don't you? Besides, where's the girl that shouted at the top of her lungs – no one was getting in the way of her dreams – no man – no one period."
She stuck her tongue out. "Holding the ideals of an innocent 9 year old against me? For shame. You're right though, and really, if it weren't for Luna and Colin I would dire of utter boredom!"
"Then it's settled, if you want, I think I can get our head of house to let you floo Mum and Da'…"
"No thank you, I'll tell them at Christmas, along with the rest of you brutes."
"Good idea. And if Ron reacts badly, I'll find a way to give him detention."
"Why thank you ever so much Sir Percival."
"My pleasure Princess Ginevra."
She swat him on the arm and wished him a good night before settling back to her sketch book, finishing the drawing Percy had interrupted her completion of, when she was startled by the most unexpected of people.
"Ginevra?"
"Harry!" She gasped as she looked up to see his floating head. "What in Math's name are you doing? Is that an invisibility cloak? So that's how you got out to Hogsmeade today!"
"Err – wait – how did you know I snuck out to Hogsmeade?" He said with a slight smile on his face and took off the rest of the cloak.
In the dim light she slyly smirked at him, "You just told me…."
"Hey!"
"And Draco was regaling me in an account of invisible ghosts outside an old haunted house, seeing your cloak I put two and two together."
"Oh" Harry had moved to sit next to her on the overstuffed red sofa. "I should probably be more careful shouldn't I? What about this Ginevra? Is that what Ginny is short for?"
"Yes it is. But before you start calling me that ask Ron why the twins turned his stuffed bear into a spider all those years ago."
Harry swallowed his fear in a smile and squirmed before nodding his head in hastened agreement.
"Ginny is fine. Really. Wonderful name. Ginny. "
"Good. Why, exactly, were you eavesdropping on Percy and I anyway Potter? "
He had the decency to blush, she could tell because he looked down, an endearing humble habit of a hero. "I didn't mean to, I was coming back from asking Lupin about the charm you did at the match, the Patronous. I asked him if he could teach me, he said we'd start after the holidays."
"That's good. I know you don't like them anymore than I do."
"Yeah hate them about as much as my relatives. Any hints about the charm for your fellow third year?"
"Oh you heard that did you."
His green eyes lit up and she could scarcely breathe. Harry Potter would be the death of her if he continued to look at her like that.
"Yes I did. I think it's brilliant, I mean, not the why, but that fact; I mean" He was stumbling and she could tell, but she couldn't tell why. "Voldemort," 'Ah that was why. Ron gets upset still when he says it, he probably thinks I do too.' "destroyed a lot of lives, and for you to be able to take what he did, to take from him, and improve your own, well that's nearly poetic."
"Thank you Harry, and as for the charm, well you have to focus on your happiest thought."
"Hmm. Thanks Ginny."
"You're welcome." She yawned, feeling the length of the day on her suddenly. She had spent much of it in a snowball fight with Neville, Luna and Colin, and the rest romping in the outskirts of the forest with Padfoot before setting him up for 2 weeks of being alone. She was worried he'd all his food at once, but thankfully the house elves in the Kitchens didn't know, or didn't care about the rules on pets, and agreed to bring him food every day until the students returned. Looking down at her sketch she sighed heavily. "I'll just have to put you away for now; perhaps I can finish you on the train." She whispered.
"Finish what? Homework?"
"No, it's a drawing of my," she paused herself and looked him in the eye; "well I suppose I can tell you, I do have blackmail over you now. It's a drawing of my dog. I found him in the forest, he's a stray, and his name is Padfoot." She held the pad out to him, and Harry lit his wand to see it properly. She had used pencil to draw and shade the image of a large black dog chasing pixies at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. He could see every detail of the bark in the trees and the fur on the dog seemed almost touchable.
"This is really good Ginny."
"Thanks Harry, I'm hoping Mum approves of him so I can bring him home for the summer."
"I somehow doubt your Mum would deny any of us strays, but she's bound to feed him loads so by next year he'll be a rolly polly puppy."
She laughed at the thought of Padfoot too large to move. "I don't think he'd appreciate that. For a dog he's awfully conceded."
"Maybe he's not a dog, maybe he's a seventh year who cheated on his girlfriend" Harry joked before yawning. "I'm headed up, see you at breakfast. Good night Ginny."
"Good night Harry. I'm heading up as well." She was smiling sleepily on the outside but the thought that Padfoot wasn't really a dog had woken her up mentally. 'It will have to wait til we get back, the train leaves too early in the morning; I barely have enough time for breakfast. I'll ask Da about a charm to tell if an animal really is an animal or maybe it's in an old book in the attic…' were her last thoughts as she forced herself asleep in the second year dorms for the last time.
Author's Note: Sorry this a few days late, I was exhausted from work this week, too many hours in too little days. I will hopefully have January up within a week or so, maybe even February, fingers crossed. Happy New Year!
Review Responses:
Moneystrine and BekaRoo: Thank you kindly.