A/N: I have had this one ready for a day or two. I was going to wait until I was nearly finished with the next one but with how long it was in between chapters 93 and 94 I decided that I would get this one up now. I am currently working on chapter 96 and hope to finsish it soon.
I must apologiz a head of time...if I have gone to fast or end up going to fast, I do apologize. Unfortunately, there will be moments where I might I have to skip up. I am after all working on chapter 96 and only have reached year 4...three more years to cover, hmmm...also i do not wan to fall into a rut or get stuck on one thing...there is more to come, more to happen and a twist, no wait more than one twist on the way. Not sure if it will be in the chapter I am currently working on or not...then of course there is the tournament...
Enjoy. your thougts are welcome.
Chapter 95
The following morning Harry and Hermione were in luck and they knew it the moment they entered the Great Hall to see Ginny already at the Gryffindor table and maybe about ten other individuals in the Great Hall including staff. As quickly as they could without causing undo attention to themselves, Harry and Hermione went straight to the table and sat on either side of the youngest Weasley.
"Good morning." Ginny said in a mono tone with a confused expression on her face and her eyes clearly wondering what they were up to.
"Morning." Harry said cheerfully.
"Are the two of you alright? Fred and George didn't…"
"Relax Gin your brothers were…their typical selves, well sort of…typical selves but more behaved."
"Hmm. That generally is not a good sign."
"Ginny, I need a favor and you are the only one that can help." Harry said softly, quickly with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"Why am the only one that can help?"
"First of all it requires for one to get into Hermione's dorm room…inside of Gryffindor House."
"Any girl from…."
"Someone who will not blab about it to every single being alive or not that will listen. There is a book in Hermione's trunk under her bed, I need the book or well I want the book…"
"It's the book I used to help Harry."
"I don't know about getting the book…"
"I just want to look through it. I only want to read through it, to know more about what Hermione did. I have this feeling that I won't have much time to be able to look through it and something might come in handy in the future or something that might enable me to help Hermione…"
"I suppose…" Ginny began.
"Harry no. look what happened to me. the magic in that book is really beyond our level…"
"I realize that Hermione. I won't try anything without being absolutely sure that I know everything I need to know. In fact if I find something that could potentially help you, I'll let you scourer through the whole section first and then go from there. I promise. Don't forget that I have two things in my favor. One being that I am a descendant of Merlin and Morgan le Fey and second with everything I have been through the past several years or a different time line or universe…"
"I can't believe that I am saying this, but he has a point."
"You can say that again Hermione. Okay, fine I'll get the book and I will be discreet about it. When should I bring it to you?"
"As soon as you can."
"Oh, most importantly I put some security charms on it and I will go over what I did with you. It won't be difficult to get through the security measures I placed since I placed them after helping Harry."
"Regardless of how minor or gentle the result of trying to open it…I'd rather not go through any consequences. And we had better eat while you go over what you did. Staff is rather intrigued with us at the moment and Madam Pomfrey has an eyebrow raised."
"I wouldn't worry about it you two. Look they're probably just intrigued because we have been talking and haven't touched our breakfast yet. There is no way that they could possibly know what we have been talking about…"
"Snape." Both girls said in unison.
"From the look on his face he has no clue or he really doesn't care what we have been talking about and maybe he knows something…as in the Ministry knows the entire ordeal and will be here at the school soon to confiscate the book before anyone aside from you, Hermione…bloody hell…Ginny do you have a class right after breakfast?"
"No why?"
"Just wondering. Of course not immediately after breakfast, give it about fifteen to twenty minutes and get the book. Find something else to bring to us or well Hermione since you will be in her things…a cover…no rushing, take your time but be quick and then…"
"Bring it to you."
"Yes."
"But what else could I bring to cover the real reason why I'd be in Hermione's dorm going through her trunk?"
"My diary. I haven't written in it in years but it will work. I'll even start writing in it again if need be. If anyone asks you, I requested that you retrieve my diary for me so that I can write what I am feeling at any given moment to help ensure I don't end up accidently using magic of any kind. Once Madam Pomfrey were to get wind of that…let's just say that I don't think anyone would be questioning a thing…I'm supposed to be calm and relaxed…no stress and such…" Hermione trailed off as Harry began to choke and sputtered his drink everywhere.
"Harry are you alright?" Ginny asked a tad alarmed.
"F-fine. Breakfast, important information passed and we get the bloody hell out of the Great Hall."
"Harry…"
"I'll explain once we leave the Great Hall. I promise Hermione."
"Okay." Both girls said quietly and a little unsure.
As much as the three Gryffindor's wanted to leave the Great Hall once they had finished breakfast they sat right where they were. They tried to pay attention to what their friends and house mates were discussing but no luck. Although, the rest of the Great Hall were oblivious to this as the three young Gryffindor's managed to keep their expressions blank or at least managed to keep their expressions form sowing what was really on their minds.
Roughly a half hour later Harry, Hermione and Ginny couldn't take it much longer and casually got up and left the Great Hall. they remained silent as they walked as normal as possible until they reached the seventh floor but out of hearing range of the portrait of the Fat Lady and in a short, really sort stretch of wall without a portrait on it.
"Okay, Harry spill." Ginny said firmly.
"Let me just say that I don't much time to look through the book. I was right…as I was talking some of the things I said Snape reacted. We need to hurry unfortunately. Ginny straight to Hermione's dorm get the book and the diary and then come to our room as fast as you can. At this point I don't think it will matter if you actually run. Nearly everyone is in the Great Hall or on their way to class."
"That's true." Ginny said thoughtfully. "What was that noise?" Ginny asked paranoid.
"I don't know." Hermione said nervously. "Regardless let's get going. I'll feel better once it's done." Hermione added softly.
As the group reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Hermione had a thought. She knew that it would helped with the cover.
"Hey, Gin."
"Yea?" Ginny replied slightly confused.
"Could you go up to my dorm room and get my diary? I think that if I have it and write down how I feel throughout the day that it might help prevent me from causing Madam Pomfrey from to re-admit me to the infirmary. It's worth a try and see if it will help be relax more."
"Sure no problem. I'll bring it by in a few minutes." Ginny said smiling catching on instantly to what Hermione was doing.
Harry and Hermione parted ways with Ginny once they were directly in front of the portrait entrance to Gryffindor House. Ginny proceeded to give the password and quickly entered. Harry and Hermione continued on their path to their current house within the school.
Once inside and sitting as comfortable as they could considering the fact that their nerves were in over drive, Hermione broke the silence that followed them to where they now were.
"I have a feeling that it was rather close. Maybe too close."
"I know what you mean. You know that was good and quick thinking asking Ginny to get your diary and explaining. Whoever had been around and made that noise…"
"I just hope that whoever it was did not hear what we were saying before the noise was made."
"Hopefully he or she didn't hear any of it. Best we don't think about it, analyze it or dwell on it."
Before Hermione could verbalize her agreement there was a knock on the door. Hermione froze in place, her heart hammering as though it was the last beats it would give. Harry hesitated briefly but moved quickly to the door when the knock was heard again.
"Bout time." Ginny said softly once Harry opened the door.
"Sorry." Harry whispered back and then invited her in for a moment.
Ginny sat down on the couch next to Hermione and handed over the diary. Ginny then reached into a pocket and pulled out an object that looked to be about the size of a matchbox. After setting the object on the coffee table Ginny enlarged it to reveal the book Harry wanted.
Though Harry desperately wanted to start reading it right then and there, he instead tapped it with his wand and a duplicate book materialized next to the original. Harry then handed the copy to Ginny shrink and put back in Hermione's trunk. Harry then picked up the original and glanced at Hermione.
"Sorry, Hermione." Harry said sincerely before waving his wand over the book while muttering an incantation or more.
"What are you doing?" Ginny asked, sincerely wanting to know.
"Just placing and putting protection charms and spells on it as well as an undetectable spell on it. Before either of you ask, yes the spell and charms are quite powerful. One of the times at Potter Manor or even Sirius', I read up on a few protection charms and spells as well as undetectable spells and charms. The undetectable spells are stronger than the charms and more difficult to break through. Add in the fact that what I was reading included some really powerful, strong and nearly impossible to break spells and charms and the magic I have…"
The girls were impressed, surprised and a little shocked. Ginny couldn't think of anything to say. Hermione gave Harry a small smile. Hermione at that moment completely understood what Harry had been apologizing for.
All three jumped when a 'thud, thud, thud' hit the door. Ginny quickly put the shrunk copy in a pocket, Harry tossed the original into his room and gave a sigh of relief when the book landed in the middle of his unmade bed giving the result of a silent landing and concealing it as well.
Hermione, Harry and Ginny walked to the door. Harry shakily placed his hand on the knob, slowly turned it and then opened the door to find the Headmaster on the other side.
"I'll see you two later. I'll stop by around lunch. Again, I'm sorry Hermione that I grabbed the wrong diary for you. I'll be sure to bring you the un-written in diary."
"It's okay Gin. I should have specified which one, although I honestly didn't realize that I have been brining my old diary with me as well. Thank you for trying. And like I said, don't worry about it."
Ginny smiled and slipped passed the Headmaster. As quickly and quietly as she could Ginny slipped through the portrait hole and to Hermione's dorm room. After a quick glance around and seeing no one, Ginny pulled out the copy, enlarged it and placed it back into the trunk. Once that was done Ginny rummaged through the trunk and sure enough found a brand new diary. With the diary clutched in her hand she left the dorm rooms and placed the diary in her book bag.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
"Professor Dumbledore what brings you here?" Harry inquired surprisingly in a calm and steady voice and without giving away his nervousness.
"May I come in?" Dumbledore asked cheerily with a twinkle in his eyes.
"Of course." Hermione answered curious as to why the Headmaster was there.
"Thank you." Dumbledore said pleasantly. "I assume that Miss. Weasley has a copy of the book and is placing it where the original had been previously." Dumbledore stated once the door closed.
"What?" Hermione asked startled.
"Yes, sir. I want to look through it and read up on some things. I have a feeling that the Minister will want to confiscate the book. The book belongs to me it came from my…property."
"I also assume that you have placed security spells and charms on the book so prevent anyone other than yourself from opening it."
"Yes, sir. I put a powerful undetectable spell on it as well. I'll always be able to find it no matter what though."
"I'm impressed Harry. I find myself approving of what you have done. And your feeling regarding the Minister is not far off. He has only recently found out about what Miss. Granger accomplished and the consequences."
"I bet he's not happy."
"No, he is not."
"Are you telling us that the Minister is not happy because of what I did for Harry or the result?"
"I believe Miss. Granger that it is both."
"I would have been fine if I had read further and had followed the steps to prepare before enacting the blood magic. The consequences I am going through is on me not the magic or what the book contains."
"I agree Miss. Granger. Cornelius obviously feels differently and is demanding to know where the book came from as it is not on the curriculum, not Ministry approved and not on the list of books in the library."
"The last I checked we are allowed to bring in items from home. Not just personal effects but books and other publications…"
"You are quite right Miss. Granger and it has not changed either."
"What's the Minister's problem then?" Hermione asked irritated.
"It has to do with me." Harry said in a bored yet exasperated tone. "I am guessing that you and several other's would like to question me and or Sirius about it."
"Quite. And there are a few of us here at Hogwarts that would like to go through this mysterious book. Strictly for educational and healing purposes. We would also like to discuss some things with Miss. Granger. All this will and can wait for a later date. I have not yet discussed this with Madam Pomfrey, that is discussing things with Miss. Granger."
"Fun." Hermione said sarcastically with a roll of her eyes.
"It won't be all that bad Miss. Granger."
"Once I am allowed to engage in something of the sort I'll be swamped with school work." Hermione whined.
"I have no doubt that you would be able to catch up on what you have missed fairly quickly…"
"Hmph."
"Time will tell Miss. Granger."
"That it will." Hermione said softly almost too softly for the Headmaster and Harry to have heard.
"Well, I believe I have intruded long enough. At least according to Madam Pomfrey that is."
"Professor, any idea as to when the Minister…"
"I'm afraid not Harry. I assume that it will be unexpected so that he can retain the air of surprise. But we know that you have…I believe the Muggle term is, pulled one over on him."
"That I have, more than once it seems." Harry mumbled receiving a chuckle from the Headmaster and a full out laugh from Hermione.
"Good day." Dumbledore said with a faint laugh in his voice.
"Good day." Harry and Hermione said in unison.
"Oh, Miss. Granger I strongly advise that you do write in your journal in regard to what is going through you mind from time to time. Madam Pomfrey would indeed be pleased if you do and it would prevent anyone from figuring out that the diary was a ruse." Dumbledore said before opening the door and leaving.
"I can hardly believe that Dumbledore is alright with what we have done with the book." Hermione said with a hint of disbelief in her voice.
"I know what you mean, but I am glad…mostly relieved that Dumbledore is not upset or having a problem with it."
Time seemed to go by quickly once Ginny had left with the copy and the Headmaster leaving. Hermione spent the time thinking about what there was to discuss about what she had done as well as the unknown possibilities as to how the information in the book could help the Wizarding community now and in the future. Harry passed the time with reading through the book, particularly the section that Hermione had used to help him when he was in the infirmary.
Lunch arrived with a quick visit by Ginny. She only stayed long enough to drop off Hermione's unwritten in diary. That evening shortly after dinner Violet and Mercedes knocked on the door.
"Draco managed to let me know that he will do his best to try and get away as soon as he can." Mercedes said once the door was closed and they were sitting in front of the fireplace.
No sooner had Mercedes let Harry and Hermione know that Draco would be there as soon as he could, if he could when there was a urgent knock on the door. Harry got up before Hermione and answered the door. When he opened the door he did not see anyone but felt a slight shift in the air pass by him. Harry was sure pretty sure that it was Draco as well as hoped that it was Draco.
"Hmm." Harry said as he shrugged his shoulders and then closed the door. "Either all of us are hearing things or someone is playing a practical joke. Or…"
"You're not hearing things." Draco said as he seemed to materialize in front of them.
Harry shot the girls a quick glance to keep them from saying anything and then looked back at Draco or someone disguised as Draco. Harry then pulled his wand out of a pocket and started to point it towards the new comer.
"Relax Po…Harry. It's me, it's really me. You and your friends have been helping me for a while now. You healed a sever burn my father gave me by the means of the Muggle way. Dudley is your cousin as well as Granger. Weas…Ron though does not trust me in the slightest is doing his best to give me a chance…"
"Okay. I had to be sure…"
"No offense was taken Harry. I'm actually glad that you took the time to be sure that it was me and not someone disguised as me."
"Dudley didn't say anything but, how have you and Dudley been treated lately?"
"About the same as always. I see that Granger is still recovering and that you are alright."
"Yeah. Madam Pomfrey is keeping out of classes and in her care so that Hermione doesn't have to recover alone. Not that Madam Pomfrey has actually said so exactly, but when she tells me privately that I actually have no restrictions and that the reason why she placed restrictions on me is so that it makes it easier on Hermione as she is still not allowed to use magic of any kind."
"I'm not surprised that she's not allowed to use magic, I mean after everything she's gone through. Sorry, Granger, didn't mean to talk as though you aren't in the room."
"It's okay. I know that's not like me, but it's okay all the same."
The remainder of the time Harry and Hermione let the others know the latest that was going on and not just Hermione's progress but the surprise visit from Dumbledore as well.
"The Minister is expected without prior notice?"
"Yep. After what he did to me and Sirius and everything since I'm not surprised about this. I have been expecting it actually. It all has to do with me. Hermione retrieved a book and used the information in it to help me recover from the accident in Care of Magical Creatures."
"I saw the article. So, how is it…wait because you and Sirius remember what happened has to do with your blood line, doesn't it."
"Yeah. It seems when I went all aglow Sirius placed a hand on my shoulder and the glow covered him as well…it worked for a short while but once we got back to Sirius' we remembered. Fudge has been, I am sure, just waiting…biding his time for something to come up that involves me. I mean he's still in a bit a fit over the Tournament but there isn't a damn thing he can do about it."
"I'm surprised that he's even giving a damn about it all. I mean with you and Sirius knowing what he did, you'd think that he would just leave you alone. And now with the witness…who is this witness?"
"That would be me." Mercedes said shyly. "I saw and heard everything. The Minister wasn't supportive of Harry claiming his inheritance. I do have to say that Harry clearly hit nerve with the Minster." Mercedes said with a bit more confidence. She also felt an odd pull towards Draco but could not explain it.
"How did Harry git a nerve with the Minister?" Draco asked quite intrigued.
"Stating that the Minister was acting as though he would like Harry to forget about the inheritance so that the Minster could take and do what every he wants with it. Accused the Minister of keeping an eye on the inheritance. Harry asked if the Minister wants to better is vault. I thought it was rather gutsy and brazen of Harry so therefore I have a lot of respect for him. That's when it was obvious to me that Harry had hit a nerve with the Minister. That's when the Minister hit Harry and Sirius with the memory charm. Then add in how the Minister has been since…"
"Harry hit a nerve."
Before much else could be said, the fire in the fireplace flared up and turned a brilliant green. Violet and Mercedes thought quickly and reacted even faster. The girls quickly shoved Draco down behind the couch and hoped for the best. A second later the girls gave a sigh of relief when Draco seemed to disappear.
"Sorry to startle all of you." Sirius said as he stepped through the floo. "Oh, hello." Sirius said surprised as he noticed and greeted the visitors. "I see Madam Pomfrey is allowing you company." Sirius said to Harry and Hermione.
"And it's about time to. I've been bordering on going nuts." Hermione said animatedly with a soft laugh. "Draco it's okay you can…" Hermione began.
"I pretty much figured that out at hearing Sirius' voice.
"Draco, how have you been?" Sirius inquired slightly on edge anticipating the answer.
"Alright. No injuries or anything. it's just a bit tedious having to sneak around but it's necessary though."
"Good to hear. I have seen your mother quite often and she is doing just fine. Avoiding your…father…" Sirius said the last word as though it was something disgusting or degrading. "With my help we are trying to see if the marriage can be dissolved. It is proving to be quite difficult."
"At least she's alright. Knowing this…well it helps."
"Sirius what are you doing here? Don't get me wrong, it's nice to see you but, is there something wrong?" Harry asked concerned, interjecting before anything else to be said.
"Nothing is wrong, at least I don't think so. I received an alert from Gringotts and feel that you have the right to know what happened."
"Gringotts?" Harry said as his anger began to rise within and it showed on his face.
"After receiving the alert I went straight to Gringotts and talked with Vargot as he is the one that sent me the alert. The Minister of Magic has tried to place restrictions and limitations on your vaults…"
"All of them? Including the one my parents left for me?" Harry said through gritted teeth as he became flushed, a deep red color.
"Yes." Sirius chuckled in reply.
"What? He can't do that!" Harry growled out.
"No, he can't…at least not to your vaults."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked quickly in the hopes that Harry would calm down.
"In most cases the Minister can place restrictions and limitations on vaults that have been given to a young witch or wizard for whatever the reason. As in restrict or limit how much he or she can spend for a certain amount of time or how often he or she could make a withdrawal. The Minister can, in certain situations, prohibit a young witch or wizard from establishing a line a credit with any shop that would receive their payment of products at the end of the day when they submit the claims. But, Harry, in this case the Minister cannot do such things with your vaults, especially not the one your parents left and set up for you."
"The Minister can't do that to Harry's?" Hermione asked curiously.
"No he can't."
"Why do I get the feeling that it's going to go south?"
"First off, the Minister cannot place the restrictions and or limitations on your vaults because you declared yourself…"
"You can finish that Sirius, everyone in this room knows about it." Hermione said.
"You declared yourself as the Head of House of Potter. The Minister cannot touch any of it nor do anything about it. He can't even change the law about it. He would be rather daft to even try. He would look really bad and it would give the impression that the Ministry is shady or seedy in a sense. You don't have anything to worry about…"
"As far as my vaults are concerned any way. Sirius, this means he knows…"
"All Fudge knows is the full extent of the vaults individually and combined and just that you have a piece of property and a house…a grand house. It would be easy to determine that it would be a grand house, a Manor due to the value of the property and of course that you declared Head of House."
"That's just wonderful." Harry muttered sarcastically with his anger beginning to shift to fury. "The Minister is really going to be after me now." Harry spat as he began to glow as he did in Gringotts when the Minister had cast the memory charm but softer, more subtle.
"Harry, it's okay. There's nothing that the git can do. He has no idea as to the location of Potter Manor. It isn't that bad." Hermione said quickly in an attempt to calm her cousin down.
"Harry, Hermione is right. Fudges' hands are tied. If only this could hit the Daily Prophet on top of what already released. He can't watch you too closely as he would look suspicious for singling out a wizard, regardless of age. Mainly, don't let him get to you or goad you into doing something that could potentially back up whatever he could make up about you." Draco said in a 'matter of fact' tone of voice.
"Draco has a point Harry. Don't take the bait the Minister puts out there." Mercedes said soothingly as she walked over to Harry before placing a hand on Harry's shoulder.
This was helping in the sense that the red glow stopped progressing to the intensity of when the Minister had cast the memory charm. The intention and the objective was to get Harry calm to the point of the glow dissipating to nothing. Each continued to give his or her best try but nothing seemed to change.
"Everyone keep trying. I'll get Ginny. She seems to be the only one that can get through and calm him down." Hermione said as she stood and headed to the floo.
Hermione tossed in a small amount of floo powder and stated the destination. She did not step through but only stuck her head through startling a small handful of first years.
"Sorry. Anyone know where Ginny Weasley is? I really need to talk to her and it is important."
"Hermione, what's going on?" Ginny asked with a hint of concern in her voice as she hurriedly made her way to the fireplace.
"I promise to explain or at least that someone will explain, but we really need you to come over and calm Harry down. You'll have to go around though." Hermione whispered, but loud enough for Ginny to hear her.
"I'll be there shortly." Ginny said as she stood and then headed to the portrait hole.
Hermione quickly pulled out of the floo and went straight to the door and opened it to find Ginny on the other side about to knock. Hermione gestured for the witch for enter as she quickly stepped out of the way.
"What the bloody hell happened?" Ginny gasped out as her eyes fell on Harry.
Violet and Mercedes walked over to Ginny and softly explained what had happened to her. Violet and Mercedes made sure that while they explained to Ginny, Harry could not hear.
Ginny quickly moved over to Harry, placed her hands on either side of his face and softly, calmly talked to him. Reassuring him that what everyone else had said was true and she agreed with them. Ginny continued on with suggesting that Harry beat the Minister at his own game and be the one that is in control, calm and nothing to hide or gain from allegations or attacking another verbally. Ginny took a short breather and smiled as she could see that the red glow was starting to recede. She began again, repeating what she had previously said and then did the only other thing she could think of to do…she kissed him softly and quickly.
"There now isn't this better?" Ginny said softly, breathily with a smile.
"Much. Thanks. I know, not necessary but all the same. And Hermione, thank you for…"
"What are friends and family for, if not to get help or know just what someone you care a lot about needs something or in this case someone to help." Hermione replied halting Harry's thanks.
"Well, I should get going. Don't want Madam Pomfrey to have a fit for staying longer than necessary." Sirius said regrettably before heading to the floor to head home.
"Hold on. Sirius…"
"Madam Pomfrey arranged it. Yes, I had to talk to her and the Headmaster beforehand. I really must be going, she will know how long I stayed. Good night." Sirius said as he tossed some floo powder into the fireplace before stating his destination and stepping into the fireplace.
"Harry, if Madam Pomfrey will know how long Sirius stayed…she only gave the okay…"
"Calm down Hermione. It will be alright. We just have to explain what happened, explain why Ginny was needed…"
"Don't worry about it, I'll go…"
"But…Draco you just barely…"
"I know, Hermione, I've barely been here but I really should get back. It wasn't easy getting out as it was. I had to be sure that no one was around before I disillusioned myself and then I had to wait for the door to the Slytherin common room to open due to someone leaving or entering. Someone would have noticed and wondered why and how the door opened on its own. It should be fairly simple to get back in." Draco explained as he headed for the door before disillusioning himself and leaving.
Through all of this Harry remained standing with his arms around Ginny holding her closely and tightly. As Draco left, Ginny guided Harry to the couch. Ginny unwrapped Harry's arms from around her, gently pushed him so that he would sit down and once he did, Ginny sat on his lap with her feet on the couch and resting her head against Harry's chest. Harry wrapped one arm around her back and the other was placed over her legs with his hand holding her outer thigh to ensure that she did not slip off of his lap. They remained this way, barely listening to what Hermione, Violet and Mercedes were talking about. Harry and Ginny did not notice when Violet and Mercedes had left nor did they notice Hermione smiling at them as she headed to her room for the night.
Harry and Ginny were still sitting on the couch not talking but just sitting there. Harry did not want Ginny to leave and she didn't want to either. Both were starting to drift off to sleep when Madam Pomfrey entered the room to check on him and Hermione.
At seeing Harry and Ginny on the couch her forehead furrowed, her mouth opened to scold the two but then she closed her mouth. A smile began to spread across her face at the sight. Madam Pomfrey figured that she could let it slide this time. Knowing why Sirius was at the school and what he would be doing, Madam Pomfrey knew that Harry would have been rather furious at the news and knowing what has happened in the past with magical flares weather protective or in anger that Ginny Weasley seemed to be the only one to be able to get Harry to calm down. Madam Pomfrey was sure that is why the young red head was in the room still so late at night. She could not disturb the couple on the couch and decided to just leave them be. Since Hermione was nowhere in sight the only possible conclusion is that she was in bed and the nurse was fine with that and quietly left, glad that when she had entered the room that it had not alerted the couple on the couch.
The following morning Hermione woke up in the six o'clock hour. She threw off her blankets and went straight to the bathroom figuring that she might as well get ready for the day. Once dressed she left her room and froze in place as she saw Harry's head just above the couch and a few locks of red hair and smiled knowing that Ginny had remained all night. Regrettably, Hermione walked over to the couch and quietly attempted to wake the two of them. Hermione's first attempt was partially successful as it had woken Ginny. Once the redheaded witch's eyes opened Hermione quickly shushed the girl.
Ginny's eyes closed and a soft groan rolled out of her mouth as the realization hit here that she fell asleep with Harry on the couch. She was not looking forward to the school day, her body was already complaining about how she had slept. After a few minutes Ginny gave an attempt to wake Harry. It took a few attempt but he finally opened his eyes with a soft groan.
"The groan isn't because of you…" Harry said quickly, suddenly awake and realizing that the groan could have gone the wrong way.
"Shhh. I know and I can relate." Ginny quickly interjected softly with a smile on her face.
"You both might want to shower and get ready." Hermione suggested and then nearly clarified separately but stopped herself in time since neither of the two reacted in any way to what she had said other than agreeing with her.
Ginny slowly climbed off of Harry's lap and stretched before walking over to the fireplace. Harry quickly stood with a slight wince and then joined Ginny by the fireplace. He wrapped his arms around Ginny, hugging her from behind. Ginny smiled, sighed, rested her arms over Harry's and leaned back into him.
"Harry, I really should go. I'll see you at breakfast in the Great Hall." Ginny said sweetly with a smile. "Unfortunately, I have a class this morning after breakfast." She finished sadly.
"I know." Harry said softly, "I really appreciate your help last night and though I am sure there will be consequences but, I also appreciate that you stayed last night. Even if it wasn't intentional, it still means a lot to me."
"I know. I hadn't planned on staying all night…I knew I should have left but, I didn't want to and let sleep take me. Even though I know I should have left, I don't regret staying. Whatever the consequences are they'll be worth it."
"I'll see you at breakfast." Harry whispered in her ear as he reluctantly unwrapped his arms from around her.
Ginny turned around and softly placed a chaste kiss on his lips. Instead of turning around and using the floo, Ginny swiftly walked through the little common room and out the door. Though entrance to Gryffindor House wasn't far away at all, Ginny still practically ran to the portrait, quickly muttered the password and ignored the Fat Lady as the portrait swung open. She quickly walked through the portrait hole, through the common room and ran up the stairs all way to her dorm. As Ginny walked through the door her roommates were starting to rise. Ginny quickly grabbed a fresh, clean set of robes and a completely uniform to go underneath. Ignoring the comments, remarks and questions, Ginny headed to the bathroom to shower and ready herself for the day. She knew it was going to feel like a long day especially if the comments, remarks and questions were to continue throughout the day. As Ginny headed back down to the common room she wondered how long she would be able to put up with it before reacting. Finally the young witch left Gryffindor House just as Harry and Hermione had rounded the corner.
Hermione stopped dead in her tracks, Ginny looked withdrawn and pale. There was also worry in her eyes.
"Gin, are you alright?" Hermione asked with concern present in her voice.
"Yeah. I…well, when I got back here to get ready…I received some comments and remarks that were not so nice and annoying questions as to where I was all night. Nearly everyone in Gryffindor knows where I went last night and knowing the girls in my year they will tell everyone that I didn't return until this morning. I don't know how long I will be able to ignore it. It won't matter what I say, it will get turned around…" Ginny trailed off at seeing the pained expression on Harry's face. "Harry, it wasn't your fault or mine. It just happened. I still have no regrets despite what happened this morning after I returned. It's just a little bothersome, mostly annoying that too many students here have nothing better to do than gossip and spread assumptions about others. I just hope certain individuals do not get hear any of it in any way. there are some that will go off the handle with this and not listen to anyone."
"I know it sucks that most refuse to listen to and hear the truth and would rather take rumor as fact instead or horrible things said about another. It will be fine Gin. You know the truth and so do we. The most important people in your life will know what's true and what's not."
"Yeah, I suppose. We'll we don't want to miss breakfast do we. Not that I am feeling hungry right now." Ginny said softly. "I almost feel like not going to classes to day but that won't help anything…well, it would only fuel what has already been said." Ginny added trying to make herself feel batter and to give her the strength she knew she needed to at least get through the day.
As the trio headed to the Great Hall Ginny hoped that it wouldn't be as bad as she feared and that her mind was just in overdrive with the worst possible scenario or scenario's that could happen.
It was a little difficult as they walked into the Great Hall to ignore the sudden the whispers that erupted throughout the room. They did their best to do so.
"What happened last night?" Ron inquired as the three had sat down and began to fill their plates.
"Whatever you've heard Ron ignore it." Ginny snapped at her brother with a glare that could potentially rival any one of Snape's.
"I was just wondering Ginny." Ron said annoyed. "Yes, I've heard some off the wall things and just so you know, I do not believe them. I know you stayed all night with Harry and Hermione. I also know that the only reason why you would be needed over there. I heard the urgency in Hermione's voice. What happened that had Harry at point to where you were needed to calm him down."
"Sorry, Ron. I'm a little on edge." Ginny said truly apologetic.
"Well, that's obvious." Ron said with a tad more sarcasm than he had intended. "And, it's okay. I can only imagine how it is making you feel to hear it. You were only helping and I figure that you passed out over there. I trust you and Harry to do the right thing and to know when something would be appropriate. What happened?"
"The Minister tried to place limitations and restrictions on Harry's vaults. Yes, including the one his parents had set up for him." Hermione answered with as few words as she could.
"What?"
"I know. The good news is that he can't do such a thing to any of the vaults. The bad news is that the Minister is now aware of the property. Not the location of course just that he has some property and has declared Head of House. That's the reason why the Minister can't place restrictions or limitations on the vaults, Harry declared Head of House."
"Blimey. I'd be quite pissed off myself. Thank Merlin that Ginny can calm Harry down. It could have really been bad if there wasn't anyone that can manage that."
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked curiously as well as confused. Harry and Hermione had expressions that matched Ginny's tone.
"Well, with what Hermione is going through, what she's recovering from. With how powerful Harry is, the magic that runs through his veins, well if there wasn't a way to calm Harry down all the way…we all know what would have happened. But, there is something that could have very happened in reaction to that. Hermione, automatically, instinctively would have used magic. Powerful magic at that more than she should use, uncontrollably mind you. Let's not forget that Morgan le Fay's magic courses through Hermione's blood stream as well. And then add in the familial bond that they have as well as the blood familial bond."
"Bloody hell! I hadn't thought of that. If Harry had…it would have been a chain reaction…it would have triggered my magic and that…Merlin…" Hermione said slightly in a broken speech and stark white at the possible catastrophe that could have happened.
"Wow Ron. I'm not necessarily surprised just…well, wow. That's also quite disturbing and scary to think about. In regard to the current situation Hermione, it is good for should in the future if there isn't a way to get me calmed down and if I haven't figured out to completely control the magic…innocent people, magical or Muggle, would be protected…"
"Hmmm." Hermione replied with the only thing that she could as she was truly at a loss for words. And she did agree with Harry.
"I believe two of you should heading off to classes. You don't want to be late." Madam Pomfrey said from a short distance from where the four sat. "Now, as for you two, please follow me. Don't worry, you will be allowed to return to your quarters shortly. Since you two are still hear and I was unable to do a checkup on both of you last night I will be doing the checkup in the infirmary. Yes, Mr. Potter I am aware of what went on last night. I wanted to check on you knowing that what your Godfather had to say would have affected you in some way. Seeing Miss. Weasley in the common room, it wasn't difficult to come to the conclusion that she was need to help you calm down. And since you and Miss. Granger were sound asleep I just couldn't wake either of you. To be honest I am relieved but with everything I want to make sure that you haven't been affected negatively by your reaction to the news and as for you, Miss. Granger, it's just a routine checkup."
Hermione relaxed and what color had drained from her face returned knowing that she would be able to leave the infirmary after the nurse had finished the checkup. Harry shrugged, he didn't know what to say. The nurse had stopped the night before and was not furious that Ginny had been there all night, hell the nurse didn't wake them up and shoo Ginny out without lecturing them.
The two Gryffindor's followed the school nurse to the infirmary. Once the nurse finished with the checkup and let them know that the checkup was good she dismissed them to their quarters.
The day passed fairly quickly. Hermione did her best to focus on more school work with that being the only thing she could do. She was happy and relieved with her recovery process though she wished that it would go a little faster. Harry attempted to work on more school work but bout couldn't push aside what the Minister had tried to do to his vaults, what the Minister ended up discovering in the process and what would he say? How would he react when the Minister showed up at the school? Harry thought about what the Minister could possibly say or ask and what he would say in response without getting riled up. Ginny got through the day fine as it had not been quite as bad as she had feared it would be. Though there were quite a few that were talking crap there were even more that were not listening to it or believing it.
That night about an hour after Harry and Hermione had finished dinner and returned to their quarters with Ron and Ginny, the nurse entered the little common room.
"Madam Pomfrey." Ginny said nervously. "Ron and I will go." Ginny added and began to put her homework away.
"Not necessary Miss. Weasley." Madam Pomfrey said smiling.
"Really? They can stay?" Hermione asked, excitement rolling out as she spoke.
"Yes, really Miss. Granger. I am only here to let you and Mr. Potter know that as of tomorrow I think it would be fine to allow the two of you to go to the library once a day."
Hermione's eyes opened widely looking as though they would pop out of their sockets. Her heart rate increased slightly and her breathing was a little rapid. Excitement emanated from the girl.
"Looking over all the tests, checkups, exams and evaluations it seems as you do more the more progress you seem to have in your recovery. I will though do tow checkups tomorrow. As soon as you return here and just before dinner to be sure."
"And if everything checks out alright?" Harry inquired though not expecting the nurse to answer the question until tomorrow.
"Possibly more stimulation and more activity but only in small amounts at a time, I do not want to rush either of you, mainly Miss. Granger."
"Thank You." Harry said with a smile.
"I will let you get back to what you all were doing. Oh, as far Miss. Weasley and Mr. Weasley…I only ask that they get plenty of rest and sleep before breakfast tomorrow and are able to be alert in classes as well. I would prefer that they return to Gryffindor House but it will be fine as long as you adhere to what I asked a moment ago. I am not worried about curfew since the two of you can return by floo. Good night."
"Good night." All four said to the retreating back of the nurse.
Not one of the four said anything about what they had learned from the nurse. All were smiling though. Hermione had the most difficult time refocusing on her studies. Being allowed to go to the library the following day had consumed Hermione's mind. Though she would bring her books with her she knew that she would be looking through the library for something different than she had been filling her mind with. She needed a change of scenery as well a change of reading materials. She could almost feel the spines of other books and the smell of the library already.
It had become late, well after curfew. Though there was nothing to worry about Ron and Ginny packed up their books, parchment, quills and ink bottles.
"Leaving already?" Hermione asked as she noticed the two stand with their book bags slung over a shoulder.
"It's best. Madam Pomfrey said that we had get plenty of rest and sleep as well as be able to be alert in classes tomorrow. I don't want to make her upset or worse." Ginny added as though it should have been obvious.
"She also said that it would be fine if the two of you stayed here." Hermione said defensively as well as a tad argumentatively.
"True but, Hermione where would Ginny and I sleep? There are only two bedrooms in here. There is only one couch, one of us would be in a rotten mood tomorrow. I'm not that good at Transfiguration, you can't or well you are not allowed to use magic and I'm not sure that it would be a good idea to have Harry do so."
"That and I have not quite reached that level of Transfiguration. It's better this way. I know we could always ask someone else that could do it in his or her sleep, but it will look better to Madam Pomfrey if Ron and I left." Ginny added.
"They have a point or well, actually several. You can't argue with that."
Hermione sat on the couch chewing the end of her quill thinking of a counter argument but couldn't for the life of her come up with anything. After several minutes Hermione conceeded defeat on the matter. It wasn't long after Ron and Ginny disappeared through the floo when Harry retired to his room for the night. Not that he was going to bed but to read more in the book that Hermione used to help heal him and to get him to regain consciousness. Harry had a thought on his mind all day and surprisingly managed to keep it to himself without anyone picking up on that he was keeping something to himself. Hermione did not think anything out of the ordinary when Harry retired for the night, it was late after all and besides they could go to the library. Hermione left her books, parchment, quill and ink bottle on the small table, of course she stoppered the ink bottle before retiring for the night as well. Hermione had a little difficulty getting to sleep, she was too excited about being able to get out of the temporary quarters and be able to go to more than just the Great Hall for meals. It wasn't long though before sleep claimed her.
