24. The Order's Secret and the Lion's cub

As he ran up the stairs and through the corridors, Hermione at his heels, Harry thought desperately that she had just missed it somehow. He, himself had found the cup difficult to find when he had been showing it to Slughorn, and since he was the last person to have it, it was perfectly plausible that she wouldn't be able to find it. Harry had sensed its whereabouts last time, and would again; he just needed to get there. Yet even as he told himself this, dread flooded him.

Ron was standing outside the passageway when they arrived with a pained expression on his face. Without a word, Harry drew his wand, lit it, and sped into the open entrance, jogging the short distance to the rubble. Rocks were spread on the floor of the passageway where Ron and Hermione had scattered them in their desperate search, and as Harry made his way through them, Hermione came up behind him, panting.

'Its not here, Harry! We looked … its gone!'

'Bring your light over here!' he ordered as he extinguished his and slid the wand into his jean pocket. She edged her way over the debris as Harry began running his hands gently over the stone.
'What are doing?'
'Sh! I'm trying to see if I can feel it.'
Hermione watched him silently as he traced the outline of the rocks. At one stage he thought he could feel something creeping into the tips of his fingers, but after he heaved a few stones aside, the sensation was gone. It wasn't long before the dread that sat like a knot in his stomach, twisted into anger and frustration, and with a heated growl he turned.

'Slughorn!'

He pushed past Hermione and made his way quickly back into the corridor, his anger at Slughorns betrayal seething within him.
'Where are you going?' Ron asked as Harry emerged and stalked off.
'I'm going to kill him!' Harry said viciously over his shoulder.
'Harry!' Hermione was stepping quickly behind him in an effort to keep up with his angry strides. 'Do you really think he would steel the cup?' she questioned.
'Yeah,' said Ron, as he too caught up after having sealed the passage. 'Its more likely the Malfoy's took off with it, isn't it?'

'You didn't see the look on Slughorn's face when I showed it to him!' Harry said through clenched teeth. 'I knew he was up to something. He's the reason I was checking the map in the first place yesterday! I can't believe I was stupid enough to show him where it was!'

When he reached the door to Slughorn's office, he pounded his fist on it and turned the handle immediately, not waiting for an answer, but the door wouldn't open. Harry drew his wand and pointed it at the lock.

'Harry! It's a teacher's private quarters! You can't just unlock it-' But Hermione's warning was interrupted by a frustrated growl as Harry pushed on the door after having tried to unlock it magically, and it still wouldn't budge.

Harry took a couple of steps back and pointed his wand at the door.
'What are doing?' she squeaked.
Hermione gasped and Ron swore as the door suddenly exploded, sending shrapnel flying into the air and showering the three of them with splinters of wood.
'Geez Harry!' Ron gawped in a half laugh as Harry strode the few steps into the Potions Masters office, inspecting the room before him.

Nothing was out of place; the room was exactly as it was when Harry had been there the morning before, except of course, for the pieces of Slughorn's door which now littered the area in front of the trio, and ... a pair of shiny black shoes on the floor, which pointed to the ceiling as they jutted out from behind the comfortable chintz sofa that backed onto the Professor's sleeping quarters. Harry walked hesitantly towards them, stopping when he rounded the couch.

Slughorn was lying on his back, eyes wide open and his mouth gaping as if quite literally frozen in fear. Harry's anger ebbed as he crouched down over the still form. Reaching out, he gently peeled the chubby fingers from the golden cup clasped to the Professor's rounded stomach.

'Go and get McGonagall,' he said gravely as Hermione clapped her hands to her mouth. 'Tell her he's still alive, but needs a hospital.' Hermione retreated immediately. Harry lifted the cup and turned it over in his hands. A large crack ran from the lip to the base.

Days later they were still trying to piece together what had happened, but whatever his motives one thing was clear; Slughorn had destroyed the Horcrux. McGonagall had shipped him off to St Mungos and Harry made a point of asking everyday for news, but there was no change in his condition.

'I'm glad it wasn't you, Harry.' Hermione had said on more than one occasion, and maybe because Harry wasn't angry with Slughorn anymore, he didn't share her view. It was his fault that Slughorn had the cup, and guilt prickled at him that he had somehow managed to get out of destroying it unscathed.
'He deserved what he got, if you ask me,' said Ron 'He shouldn't have told Riddle how to make a Horcrux in the first place!'
'Tom would've found out some other way.' Harry commented.

With only four days until the Christmas break, Harry called a meeting of the D.A. He decided the Room of Requirement was still the best place, so the trio sent word out, and before the afternoon was out, everyone who was enlisted had been informed. After dinner, Harry headed up to the seventh floor with Ron and Hermione in tow. He rounded the corridor with the expectation that maybe a dozen people would be waiting for them, and was somewhat taken-a-back by what lay in wait.

There were the old D.A. members milling around beneath the tapestry of the dancing trolls, which included Dean, Seamus, Lavender, Colin and Dennis Creevey, Ernie, Justin, Hannah and Anthony Goldstein, Michael, Susan, Terry Boot, Luna and Ginny, yet there was also two Ravenclaw seventh years, Neil Sanders and Lucinda Kellynack, standing with a girl Harry had met briefly last year and whose name he couldn't remember but her parents owned a string of apothecaries, a small gaggle of sixth and seventh year Hufflepuff girls who were giggling and whispering while shooting looks at Harry, and lastly, Blaise Zabini, who was eyeing Harry challengingly as he stood with two other sixth year Slytherins Harry had only ever had dealings with when dishing out punishments.

'What are they doing here?' Ron asked under his breath.
'They asked about the D.A., so I gave them the details of the meeting.' Hermione said matter-of-factly.
'Zabini' Harry said in cautious greeting as he stopped outside the already materialized door. Zabini merely motioned his head in return. Everyone cleared the way for Harry to open the door, and then filed in after him. He waited until they were all seated on one of the many cushions spread throughout the room, and the door was secured behind them, before speaking.

'Hogwarts is not safe.' He started gravely 'Death Eaters have been roaming around beneath us the whole time we've been here.' Gasps rang out, and eyes boggled out of their gaping faces, but no one spoke; they sat with their wide-eyes glued to Harry as he continued. 'It's time for us to mobilize. We need to pool our resources and help McGonagall keep an eye on the castle. It'll be our job to be on the look out for anything … or anyone that shouldn't be here. Hermione,' he said, turning to her, 'can you make out a roster for people to check the passageways between classes?'

'I'll need everyone's timetables when we get back to the Common Room.' She said tentatively. 'I can have something worked out by morning.'
'Good, and it'll need to include the grounds as well.' he turned back to the rest of the room. 'Myself, Ron and Hermione will continue to do the night shifts; the rest of you can cover the days.' Harry look out at the anxious faces before him. 'We'll have to start conducting regular meetings, so I'm suggesting we start with another one on the first school night when we get back from Holidays, same time and place. Between now and the break, if you see or hear anything suspicious, report it to one of the three of us immediately.'

'Does this have something to do with that night you saw Malfoy?' Seamus asked.
'Yes, it does.'

For the rest of the meeting, Harry was bombarded with questions about Draco and his father's activities. He wasn't able to tell them much as he had no idea himself what they were doing, which only seemed to unnerve everyone all the more, and as Harry described the screaming wraiths that lurked beneath them, there was much head-turning and whispered murmuring.

More to make them feel like they could do something to help protect themselves than actually thinking it was necessary, Harry advised them to learn the Lumo Sepia charm and to find out everything they could about the wraiths in the unlikely event they should find themselves face to face with one. Before he dismissed the meeting, Harry asked Dean, Seamus, Ernie and Justin to stay behind. They hung back as the rest slowly trickled out the door, all except Zabini who approached Harry once most of the crowd had gone.

'What would Death Eaters be doing at Hogwarts?' He had asked it without any trace of scepticism, and was watching Harry intently.
'We don't know.' Harry replied shortly, not at all sure he should be comfortable having Zabini in on their dealings. Zabini looked away thoughtfully and muttered something under his breath that he knew they had been up to something before turning back to Harry and added 'Whatever our differences, I don't like what's happening anymore than you. I've got plans of my own when I leave Hogwarts, and things going the way they are, is … less than ideal for me. I'm not promising anything, but I'll put some feelers out and see what I can reel in.' He turned, and Harry watched his back as he left the room.

'What did he want?' Ron asked as Hermione and the others gathered round.
'I don't know, but he might prove useful.' Harry said grimly. 'Anyway, I called on you, because I can trust you not to say anything,' he looked around at their expectant faces, 'especially to Ginny. She's in trouble, more trouble than she knows, and its up to us to keep an eye on her. I want someone on her every waking hour until schools out. Hermione, you'll get her timetable with all the others tonight. I want you to work out the rosters so that not only are the passages and corridors covered, but Ginny as well.' Hermione gave him a worried look.

'I don't mean to sound difficult,' Dean interjected, 'but she isn't going like that one bit!'
'That's why it has to be done carefully. She doesn't have to know she's being followed if we plan it right.'
'Why does she need following?' Ernie piped up with a bemused look on his face. 'She doesn't come across as the "damsel in distress" type to me.'

Harry breathed out heavily; he hadn't wanted to have to explain. 'Voldemort has been told Ginny and I were together.'
'But that's history isn't it? I mean, you broke up, right?' asked Justin. Harry stared at the floor.
'Yeah, but he doesn't know that. He'll try and get to her if he can.' He hated saying it out loud; the guilt twisted in him painfully.

'I'll work it out,' Hermione said, watching him. 'I'm sure between the seven of us we can keep her covered.'
'Don't worry,' Dean said solemnly, 'if its that important, we wont let her out of our sight.'

The last few days of school went quickly as the weather cooled and the snow began to fall once more, and by the time Saturday morning rolled around, Harry was beginning to feel nervous about leaving Hogwarts. He knew McGonagall was working with The Order and the Ministry to ensure the castles safety, but once he and the others left for The Burrow, The Order would be concentrating on keeping the place where "Harry Potter" was spending Christmas safe. McGonagall had told him the Ministry would be placing live-in Ministry Guards over the holidays, and that she and several of the staff would be remaining, she also informed him that Hagrid was returning in a few days, all of which helped stay some of his fears.

Tonks, Sturgis and Hestia were standing in the snow waiting for them just inside the gates, all of them rugged up to the eye balls and beating their hands against the cold as Harry and the other's strolled out into the grey day. After a rather intimidated and shy Peter was introduced, they shuffled through the gates as other students passed them accompanied by nervous looking parents. They waved a hasty goodbye to Hermione, who was apparating out; not at all happy her parents had insisted she go home for the holidays. She was holding out that they would let her go a week early, allowing her join Harry and Ron at The Burrow eventually.

Tonks took charge of Peter's luggage, morphing her features to do a convincing impression of Professor Flitwick giving nervous instructions on the levitating charm on Peter's trunk whilst pretending to duck for cover and finally toppling off the stack of books he was always mounted on. The young boy took to her immediately.

'Why aren't we apparating?' Ron said as he helped Tonks to her feet as she resumed her usual appearance.
'We are!' she said. 'The Knight Bus is going to be full. It seems most people feel it's the fastest and safest way to travel under the circumstances, and its not a good idea for us to endanger the other passengers.' She shot Harry an apologetic look.

'I-I-I can't a-apparate…' came a small voice near Harry's elbow.
'I'll take you,' Tonks said brightly, 'someone else can bring your trunk.' Peter flushed as she instructed him to grab her arm tightly, and a few suffocating seconds later, they were all at The Burrow.

Harry had a shock as Mrs. Weasley rushed out the front door, waving her arms madly and singing greetings at the top of her voice. She looked much thinner than she had done even at the beginning of school term, and there were dark shadows under her tear stained eyes. She grabbed each of them in turn, pulling them to her and squeezing so tightly her fingers went white.

Harry felt slightly nauseas as he watched her almost lift Ginny off the ground. He didn't relish her reaction when he told her about the danger her daughter was now in because of him, and the guilt weighed heavily on his chest. It wasn't a conversation he wanted to rush into, but he knew both Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had a right to know.

'Oh!' she said as she wiped at her damp cheeks, 'You're finally here!' sounding almost as if she couldn't believe it. Then she launched into another round of hugs before stopping in front of Peter. 'And you must be Harry's young guest!' Harry had sent one of school owls with a note earlier in the week to let Mrs. Weasley know Peter was coming, certain that even though he had told Ron, he wouldn't have passed on the information. She put her arm over Peter's shoulder and drew him to her. 'Well, you just treat this as your home while you're here! C'mon, lets get inside in the warmth.'

They all bustled up the cleared path through the snow and once inside, they separated off to unpack. Harry took his trunk up to Fred and George's old room, while Peter was set up in the Den. After meeting downstairs again for a deliciously warming lunch of Mrs. Weasley's homemade vegetable soup and fresh crusty bread, they retired to the lounge in front of the fire while Mrs. Weasley quizzed them on the happenings at Hogwarts.

It was obvious as Ron told her about the tunnel under the grounds that she hadn't heard about it, and she tried quite unsuccessfully to hide her growing fear and anger by laughing loudly at the most unfunny things they said. After a long while, she rose and headed for the kitchen.
'Arthur Weasley, you wait until you get home!' Harry overheard as she disappeared through the doorway. The clashing of pots and pans being slammed on benches in angry abuse could be heard as Ron leaned in sheepishly.
'I wouldn't have told her if I thought she didn't know. Dad should have warned me!'

Peter had been shifting uncomfortably in his chair the whole time they had been discussing Hogwarts, and Harry noticed his face was somewhat paler than usual.
'Well it's not a problem anymore.' He said, motioning slightly to Peter. 'The tunnel has been discovered, so Hogwarts is safe again.'
'Of course,' Ron chimed in, picking up on Harry's hint and glancing sideways at Peter. 'Professor McGonagall's on top of it.'

Ginny sat silently by the fire, the golden light of the flames flickering on her hair. Although Harry couldn't see her face, he could tell by the way her shoulders sat that she was tense. Maybe with the thoughts of how close Voldemort's Death Eaters had come, it had finally hit home how much danger she was in. Maybe now she would drop her tough exterior and accept the protection afforded her.

Maybe she would not to return to Hogwarts at all.

Harry stood up and left the room, heading for the back door. It was late afternoon and already the sun had retreated, leaving a billowy grey blanket of snow under the starless sky. He wandered across the backyard, crunching crusted snow underfoot, picturing Ginny's face, as it must have been in front of the fire. He looked around, but could not see any Order members, yet he knew they were there; hidden in shadow, or disguised by magic. The sound of boots in the snow coming up behind him made him turn.

'I suppose you feel like you're never alone.' Ginny said as she watched her feet's progress in the icy mounds. She pulled up along side his shoulder without looking at him. 'I brought you a coat,' she held out a thick jacket. 'You'll catch your …' She had been going to say death. '… It's freezing out here.' She wrapped her arms about her as Harry donned the warm fleece.

In the pale light, he caught a glimpse of something, and without thinking, he reached up to her neck and trailed the chain in his hand until it fell on the pendant that nestled between her collarbones. It was the pendant he had given her when he had left to find the locket, except instead of a badly tarnished and blackened wheel, it glittered silver in the sparse light. Now that it was clean, markings could be seen on the five spokes.

'I cleaned it.' She said quietly. Harry nodded before letting it fall back to her bare skin. 'I've worn it since that day you gave it to me … never taken it off.'

They stood alone, awkward silence reining, Ginny scuffing her boots lightly in the snow, and Harry watching her. He knew she was there for a reason, something other than delivering a coat. He waited. Then finally she looked up.

'Don't tell mum and dad about us … don't tell them Voldemort knows.' she said it nervously, unable to meet his steady gaze, as if knowing his thoughts. Harry continued to silently watch her. 'They'll stop me from going back.' Her eyes had been roaming the ground, but now she turned them on him. 'I want to go back, Harry. I need to go back.' If telltale fear hadn't shown in her eyes, it would have been easy to think her angry the way her brow furrowed under her fiery fringe. She searched Harry's face for a reaction, but received none.

'If-If it makes any difference, I'll do as you asked. I'll stay within the castle walls, I wont go out … not even into the grounds unless it's safe.' Her speech was coming faster than normal as she reached up and lightly grabbed the front of his coat. 'You can put the D.A. on me … I wont complain about them following me everywhere … I'll even make it my responsibility that they're always with me!' There was a look of hopelessness behind her watery eyes as she pleaded 'Harry, please … don't tell them what's going on … don't make me have to stay! I have to go back with you when you go!'

She brought her mouth to his in a desperate kiss, her sudden determination taking Harry by surprise. The painful feelings that had been burning in him; a melting pot of guilt and anguish, were doused by the touch of her lips, and he kissed her back with all of the passion that she aroused in him. And for a moment, it seemed like everything was going to be okay.

She had finally shown him that she wanted him too; needed him as he did her. She had thrust herself on him when he had remained stiff with resolve … and yet … she had made no mention of forgiveness. She had not actually said that she wanted him, only that she wanted to return to Hogwarts. With a terrible unwillingness to let his thoughts interrupt, the realization slowly sank in. She wanted something from him. Harry grabbed her arms and pulled her away.

Breathing heavily, he asked 'What do you want from me, Ginny?' She stared at him with glistening cheeks in the grey light.
'I want you to tell me that you wont say anything to mum and dad … Promise me!'
He stepped back, unconsciously increasing distance between them and swallowing the lumpy pain in his throat.
'I can't do that.' He said grimly. She had kissed him to get around him. To manipulate him. Harry removed the coat and dropped it at her feet before turning and walking the harsh path back to the unwelcome warmth.

When Christmas day arrived, Harry rose late, as had become his habit since he found it painful to be in Ginny's company. He had not yet told Mr. and Mrs. Weasley about their history together, or the threat that now hung over her, but everyday he reminded himself he would most probably tell them tomorrow.

He was not feeling at all in the Christmas spirit when he entered the kitchen to find Mrs. Weasley basting the biggest turkey he had ever laid eyes on. She had pots galore boiling away on the stovetop and knives chopping carrots and green beans on the benches noisily. Harry sat down wondering where everyone else was, at least until she started huffing over getting the impossibly large turkey back in the oven, (which Harry was certain had already been magically enlarged for the occasion) and finally sensing why no one else was in sight and not wanting to be on the receiving end of her frustration either, Harry decided to skip breakfast and rose from the table quickly before she noticed him, and headed for the lounge.

As he suspected, the rest of the household, including Mr. Weasley, Bill and Fleur were spread around the furniture in front of the fire, and upon his entrance, they looked up anxiously, but seeing it was Harry, not Mrs. Weasley, relief flooded their faces and they went back to either staring off into space, or chatting to the person next to them. Ginny was busily putting up Christmas decorations, gradually turning the room into a spangled forest of tinsel, but Fred and George were yet to show, and Charlie, Harry had been told, was not making the trip across.

As the morning drew on to afternoon, other people began arriving, and it wasn't long before Harry understood why Mrs. Weasley had needed such an enormous bird. Not only had Lupin and Tonks shown up, but several other Order members as well. Apparently they were taking it in shifts; while some would be inside enjoying a Christmas dinner, others were outside on guard until it was their turn. When Fred and George made their entrance, they greeted Harry heartily before offering to help Mrs. Weasley with the food. She shooed them out heatedly after they managed to turn a second pot of asparagus on its head "accidentally".

'Alright, Potter?' Moody growled as he made his way to Harry and Ron.
'Yeah, you?'
'Can't complain, no one to listen to me anyway! I heard about the tunnel at Hogwarts, wasn't able to be there myself, but Lupin tells me its under control now.' His magical eye was scanning the room, and appeared to be lingering in the direction of the kitchen. 'Don't suppose you've got any idea what they were doing there?'
'No'
'Strange things are happening all over now.' Moody said gruffly. 'Some say they're just random occurrences, purely coincidence. Bollocks, I say. They're all little pieces of a bigger picture if you ask me, we just got to find a way of stickin 'em together.'

'Mad eye!' interrupted Hestia indulgently. She had obviously been listening, 'you can't possibly still think that poor boys missing body has anything to with his plans.'
'I do, and if it isn't then why can't the Ministry find him, eh? Oh … excuse me, Molly's needin my help.' Harry had been about to ask what body, but Moody melded into the crowd just as Lupin emerged. He handed Harry and Ron and eggnog each.

'He's right about the strange happenings, though.' Hestia continued, 'If the whole Quintaped thing at Halloween wasn't bad enough, all sorts of stories have come out of it since that just don't make any sense.'

'Oh, that reminds me,' Ron said to Lupin, 'I never got a chance to thank you for saving Hermione and me. Wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for you!' he lifted his eggnog in a toasting gesture. 'You know, with all the life debts I'm chalking up, I'm beginning to think I would be better off dead.'
'What are talking about?' Lupin took a sip of his eggnog.
'Halloween!' Ron said 'When the Death Eaters had Hermione and me cornered. If you hadn't come along when you did I wouldn't like to think-'

'I didn't.' Lupin said with a frown. 'We found the two of you fast asleep after the Death Eaters retreated. I thought you knew.'
'Well who hit Amycus and Avery then?' Harry asked, his heartbeat unconsciously increasing. Lupin shook his head slowly.
'There were no passed out Death Eaters near you when we got there,' he addressed Ron, 'just the two of you slumped in a doorway.'

'Are you sure no one from The Order did it?' Harry asked slowly.
'Absolutely certain! Everyone was accounted for. Maybe you just thought you saw a couple of Death Eaters, wouldn't be surprising, the state you were in.' he said to Ron.
'What? Its not possible to both hallucinate the same thing … is it?' Ron scoffed.

'What about this missing body then?' Harry pushed, an uncomfortable pounding now growing in his chest.
'Who told you about that?' Lupin asked gravely. Hestia gave him an apologetic look before slinking into the crowd. 'This is not really the time to be discussing such matters, its Christmas Day, Harry.'

'What body?' Harry said in a way that indicated he was not going to let the subject drop. Something about Lupin's reaction told him Lupin was keeping it from him for a reason. Lupin sighed deeply and turned his eyes to the floor for a moment, before settling on Harry again.

'Two days after he was killed, Neville's body disappeared.'

Harry felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. Lupin hastily took Harry's drink from his tightening grip, shoving their cups into nearby idle hands and edging Harry backwards into a chair.

'Are you all right?'
'Wh-what do you … h-how could h-he…' The words wouldn't come.
'Harry.'
But he could barely hear Lupin; he had managed to bury Neville's death deep within him, smothering it quickly whenever it threatened to surface, but now the tiny lump that he had suppressed for so long was expanding rapidly, filling him with the wretched feelings he had numbed. Harry dropped his head forward as his eyes closed tightly trying to contain the pain and rage that spread through him.

'Harry?' Lupins tentative voice coaxed, 'I'm sorry. You weren't supposed to find out, not this way.'
Harry did not lift his head as he spoke, his voice thick with anger. 'How did it happen?'
Lupin crouched on the edge of the chair next to him. 'He was taken to the family crypt the evening after he died and sealed within a tomb.' Lupin sighed heavily as he shifted uncomfortably. 'His grandmother discovered what was left of the broken stone the following morning.'

Harry was sickened to his core. 'Why would they take him? Hadn't he paid enough?' He said in ghastly bewilderment. 'What could they possibly gain?'
It was then Harry realized the whole room was silently watching them. Ron's face was bloodless as he stared dumbfounded at Harry while the twins were glaring at Mr. Weasley.
'I can't answer that.' Lupin said, running a weary hand through his hair. 'I wish I could.'

Harry couldn't bear to sit there any longer; he pushed himself to his feet and made his way through the parting crowd. He had no idea where he was going, but found himself outside a few seconds later … walking, making dents in the downtrodden snow, his eyes stinging as the salty water chilled in the biting cold. He slowed when he reached the garden shed, his hands thrust deeply into his pockets, turning this way and that, not knowing what to do with himself.

Why hadn't Lupin told him? Maybe it would have been easier … maybe he would have been able to do something … Maybe he wouldn't have felt like his insides were slowly decaying.

Who would do that to Neville? What could they possibly gain from desecrating him? Why couldn't Neville rest in peace … he should be at peace! As his rage became unbearable, Harry's fist flew at the wall of the shed; the weathered wood caved and shattered as his hand disappeared beyond his wrist.

A small whimper came from inside followed by a low shooshing sound.

Harry drew his wand and put his hand to the rusty latch, yanking the stubborn door open. Sitting on a wooden crate beneath the small window were two shadowy figures, one smaller than the other. Harry squinted as he tried to adjust his eyes to the dim light.

'Are you going to stand there pointing that thing at us, or are you coming in?'

Harry lowered his wand at the sound of the cool female voice. He moved away from the door slowly, allowing the light to penetrate the darkness where Ginny sat. She had her arm around Peter's shoulders, frowning intently at Harry as the curly haired boy wiped quickly at damp cheeks.

'You know, most people just knock.' She said with a hint of impatience. Harry was keenly aware he had interrupted an awkward moment, and though he instinctively wanted to ask what was going on; why Peter was so upset, the boy's obvious embarrassment stayed his tongue; instead he sat down on a rickety chair opposite.

'Sorry…' Peter said in a small voice. Harry leaned forward on his elbows.
'Don't be. There are things worth crying over Peter.' The small boy nodded and stood up, wiping his hands down his jeans.
'I-I think I'll go back inside now.' He said to Ginny as she got to her feet. She smiled warmly and nodded her head, and Peter walked out of the door, disappearing behind the wall. Ginny waited until the sound of crunching snow faded before speaking.

'He knew Neville.' She said gravely. 'He overheard Lupin telling you.'

Harry ran his fingers through his hair. 'I didn't know.' He slouched back on the chair, eyeing the blood that was slowly beginning to ooze from his scratched and battered knuckles. 'Its not right,' he said as dark red trails ran down his hand. 'Why does it have to be the innocent people who suffer? Neville ... even Pete's been through more than any kid his age should have to go through.'

'I can think of another eleven year old who'd been through as much, if not more.'
Harry continued to stare at the ruby streaks. 'It's different,' he said 'Peter is so … young.'

'So were you.'

The sudden softness of her voice sent an unbidden surge of yearning through Harry. He was beginning to feel wearied by the emotions that were tearing through him; too much anger and pain pulsated beneath his dormant exterior as he watched the blood creep down between his fingers and drip to the floor. He was tired of this war. Tired of fighting. Yet as he sat there, he knew he could not turn his back on it. Exhausted by sorrow he watched the tiny peppered spots on the floor as they merged. He needed to purge himself of the poisonous hurt.

Bleed it out.

'Thanks for not saying anything to mum and dad. I don't think they'd have let me go back if they knew.' Then almost as an after thought, Ginny added 'You're not going to tell them … are you?'
'No, I'm not going to tell them,' Harry said grimly, 'but you are.'

Ginny did not answer at first, and he could tell by the sound of her breathing she was restraining herself with obvious difficulty. Harry still did not look up; instead he watched the small pool of blood at his feet slowly expand.
'I can't.' Her voice trembled slightly.

Harry stared at the sticky reddish-black liquid darkly 'It must be important if you're willing to continue to deceive and manipulate to go back.' He finally dragged himself away from the bloods morbid progress, grabbing Ginny's wrist sharply as her determined hand headed for his face. Without releasing it, he drew himself to his feet.

'How dare you!' she said heatedly.
'How?' Harry said roughly, his own anger ignited. 'Because only days ago you tried it on me, and it nearly worked! You almost had me thinking…' He stopped himself as his heart beat painfully in his chest.

'What?' Ginny said, the anger gone from her voice. 'Thinking what?' Harry let go of her wrist and dropped his gaze, his breathing shaking with uncertainty. He suddenly felt as though he was standing in quicksand. Right now he was in it up to his neck, and he was almost certain whatever move he made, he would sink completely. 'Harry … what were you thinking?'

'I thought …' he hesitated.
'What?'
'I thought that you might have … forgiven me.'

A horrible silence filled the room as he waited for her to say something, and as it stretched on, Harry began to sense the awful truth.

'No, Harry.' She shook her head slightly. 'I haven't quite managed to forgive you, though I have tried.' Harry closed his eyes briefly.
'At least we don't have to pretend anymore.' Ginny said flatly.
Harry could feel his heart being squeezed dry. 'We haven't needed to pretend for a long time now.' He said grimly.
'You're wrong. I have been pretending, but I don't want to anymore.' Her eyes betrayed her steady voice, pooling with water as she stared at him.

'Harry, don't you know the effect you have on me?' Ginny took a step closer to him. 'When you walk into the room, every nerve in my body sparks, and every time you leave, you take those tiny pieces of beautiful light with you. When you're hurting … its like ... like I can't breathe until you smile again. Your touch is all I ever needed, yet you turn me away time and time again.' She was visibly shaking yet there was no anger in her voice. 'And I thought I knew why … I thought I understood you … and then…' her eyes dropped to the floor 'then you made love to Julie.'

'It wasn't love.' Harry said quickly, 'I-I don't know what it was … or-or why I did it…' he felt the quicksand swamping him, suffocating him. He had to make things right. 'I-I never wanted to hurt you. If I could take it back, I would.'

'She's had more of you than you were ever willing to give me…'
'No … no, that's not true,' Harry took hold of her arms, desperate to make her understand. She pushed his hands off and stepped back, her head dropping as she brought the back of her hand to her mouth.

'I hate thinking about it, but I can't stop myself! I see you with her … the two of you together' she sank down onto the edge of the crate, staring at nothing in front of her 'I think about how it must have felt to you … touching her … her hands on you …' her brow furrowed, 'and I start to feel like I'm drowning with it.'

Harry could feel a hot droplet of guilt and anguish creeping down his cheek as he watched her. He wanted to go to her, take her in his arms and hold her until she was healed, but his guilt held him back. 'I don't know how I can make things right … tell me how…'

Ginny looked up at him through sorrowful eyes, her voice much calmer now as she spoke. 'I don't know if it can be made right.'
'You can't forgive me.' he breathed in realization.
She pushed herself to her feet and approached him. 'No, Harry … I can't forgive you,' she touched her hand to his cheek 'but I'll neverstop loving you.'

She raised her head and brushed her mouth against his. At her words, the quicksand rapidly retreated; she had told him she loved him.

Harry closed his eyes to her kiss, gently caressing her soft lips as he breathed in her scent, immersing himself in the sweet sensation of her touch. The need in him grew as he increased the pressure of his lips on hers. He wanted to drink her in, fill himself with her. She had said she loved him...

When she slowly pulled away from him, her lips were full and reddened from his want. 'Maybe its something I'll learn to live with, I don't know.' She fixed Harry with her green eyes. 'What I do know is I don't want to go on pretending. I don't want another day without you.'

He bent his head and kissed her again, not wanting to let her end it. Her mouth was so tender and warm as she offered it to him, and he delicately played his lips across hers, lost in the passion that burned within. It was the kiss that he had craved when he slept alone at night; when his deepest desires would surface, and he lingered his lips as if in hope it would never fade. Harry traced his hands along the contours of her body longingly as she slid her arms inside his jacket and un-tucked his shirt to lay her hands against his bare skin. The feel of it sent ripples of pleasure through him, and he gave himself over to the love he had for her, burying his guilt, knowing he would never hurt her again.

Ginny had found the strength to tell Mr. and Mrs. Weasley about Harry and the threat she now lived under with Harry's encouragement, knowing it was the right thing to do, and Harry had insisted they do it together now they were no longer hiding their feelings for each other. The afternoon after the awful disquiet of Christmas Day, Harry and Ginny approached Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. Ron had taken Peter out into the back garden to practice hexes, giving them the space they needed, and no one else was expected to turn up, so they asked Ginny's parents into the lounge room, both of them feeling very nervous.

As Ginny explained how she and Harry had realized their feelings for each other last year, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had exchanged glances, and when she began stumbling towards their break up at the end of the year, Harry took her hand, squeezing it as he brushed his thumb over her skin in an effort to comfort her, and took over. The look on their faces as he told them about his connection to Voldemort, and how that put Ginny's life in danger, almost made him wish he hadn't been so determined to tell them. When Harry finished, the Weasleys sat in silence, side by side on the couch, staring at Ginny.

'So,' Mr. Weasley said hesitantly, 'there was a prophecy?'
'Yes.' Harry renewed his hold on Ginny's hand.
'And that's why he's after you?'
'Partly.' Harry had not told them the prophecy word for word, but he could see Mr. Weasley's mind ticking over, putting everything together. A very alarmed looking Mrs. Weasley clasped her husband's hand in hers tightly, her knuckles turning white.

'And Ginny,' he said slowly 'he knows you have feelings for her?'
'Yes.' Harry watched as Mr. Weasley lifted his head slightly, swallowing his raw emotions, and turning his gaze on his daughter. Ginny had hardly moved, hardly even breathed as she listened. Harry could feel her fingernails digging into the flesh on his hand. Mr. Weasley dropped his eyes to the floor.

'Under any other circumstances, I'd be glad that my daughter chose someone such as yourself. You are a fine young man, and I know I could trust you to treat her well,' A gaping black hole was stirring in Harry. He had expected this, and even worse, he agreed with it. 'But I think the best thing for both of you right now is to do what ever it takes to stay safe. We'll keep a closer eye on the house until you go back to school Harry, and then we'll leave men here to watch Ginny and Molly after that. I'll try and be here as often as I can…' but he trailed off as his eyes fell on Ginny again.

'No, no…' her words were barely audible as she shook her head lightly, 'No … I'm going back … I'm not staying…' Harry let go of her hand, placing it on her shoulder.
'Your dad's right, Gin.'
'No Harry! Why isn't anyone listening to me? I'm going back to Hogwarts, its no more dangerous than staying here!' Mrs. Weasley rose and came towards her. 'Mum, please… if I go back, with all of the increased security, I'll be fine! It makes sense that I'd be better off there!'

'You're mother will want you here with her, Ginny.' Mr. Weasley said 'Surely you can understand that?'
'I-I do, I know why you want me to stay,' She was looking from one to the other 'Please, just trust me on this; I know what I'm talking about. Hogwarts is the safest place for me … Mum?' she pleaded 'Please…' Mrs. Weasley, who had not spoken at all yet, turned her intent expression on Arthur.

'Well, I can see only one-way out of this.' She said. 'I'll go with them when they return. I'm sure Minerva will be able to find some empty quarters for me to stay in. I'll be at Hogwarts as an Order member after all, not just a mother.' There was a sudden interruption as someone cleared their throat.

Harry and the other three turned in the direction of the kitchen. Standing in the doorway was probably the last person Harry had expected would turn up.

'Hello mother.' Percy said gravely. Mrs. Weasley let out a strangled gasp, clutching at her chest, but she did not rush to embrace him. Mr. Weasley also stood his ground.

'I didn't mean to interrupt; Sturgis told me to … the front door was open.' he gestured awkwardly.
'What can we do for you?' Even as Mr. Weasley said it, Harry could tell he was extremely uncomfortable with having to be so formal. It seemed necessary though. The last time Percy had appeared at their door, he had come not for his family, but to give the Minister his opportunity to get to Harry.

'I want to see Harry, actually.' He said stiffly, 'Though, he's not the sole reason I am here.' He still had that pompous air about him, but Harry also thought he looked rather weary.
'I doubt whether Harry has anything much to say that would be of any use to you, or the Ministry.' Mr. Weasley said.

'Well, yes … of course Harry's an adult now.' Said Percy, glancing in Harry's direction. 'Therefore I would imagine that decision is up to him.' Mrs. Weasley placed herself in front of her husband, facing him.
'He's right Arthur. Come with me and I'll put the kettle on, you too Ginny.' She grabbed her hand and led her passed Percy. She looked back at Harry questioningly as Mr. Weasley turned to him.
'I'll stay if you want.'
'Its fine.' Harry said. Mr. Weasley only gave Percy the briefest of glances as he made his way to the kitchen.

'Well,' said Percy briskly 'that went as expected.'
'What are you doing here Percy? Still Scrimgeour's right-hand man?'

Percy tilted his head. 'It might surprise you to learn that I was reassigned.'
'Not really, people like you always seem to do well at the Ministry.' Harry stated unkindly. Percy's eyes narrowed for a fraction of a second before he moved into the room.

'I said reassigned, not promoted, though I see you still harbour a certain amount of resentment towards us, even though the Minister has respected your wishes and not interfered.'
Harry kept his tone flat. 'From what I understand, he didn't have much of a choice after his henchman almost killed me.'

'Yes, yes well that was a most regrettable situation.'
'Regrettable? See, now I wouldn't have put it like that. Catastrophic seems rather more fitting.'

Percy tensed as he gestured to a nearby chair. 'Why don't we sit down?'
'No, I don't think so. Why don't you just get to the reason you're here?'

'Very well,' Percy said huffily, and then he leaned in and said slowly and succinctly. 'I came here to inform you that you can now consider the Ministry as a "safe house" if you should need it.' Percy raised his eyebrows and nodded, looking very pleased with himself. Harry stared at Percy in silence for a moment.

'What?' He finally said, unable to stop an incredulous smile from hitting his lips.

'It is common knowledge that Lord Voldemort is pursuing you,' Percy said pointedly. Harry frowned slightly at Percy's use of the name, but he continued conspiratorially 'and should you ever need it, the Ministry is the place to go.' Percy gave Harry a half-wink as if intimating some other meaning only the two of them could share in, and Harry let out a small laugh, much to Percy's obvious annoyance.

'Right. So let me just get this straight.' Harry said pleasantly. 'You came all the way out here to your parents home, whom you no longer even talk to, to tell me - the person the Minister himself almost had killed a few months ago, that I should go running to the very place I was left to die, in the event Voldemort pops round. Is that about right?'

'Well' said Percy defensively, 'When you put it like that it sounds almost comical, but-'
'Comical?' Harry scoffed 'It's completely ludicrous. Why would I return there for safety after everything your Minister has done to help me in the past?'

'Look, I know you've had your difficulties with the Ministry, but not everything is always about you!' Percy said heatedly, his cool persona evaporating. 'I've been working on this too, if you must know, and something you should remember is the Ministry has the money and the resources to do things you can not.'

Harry sighed, 'Voldemort wont be defeated with red tape and paper shuffling by a bunch of bureaucrats.' Harry said, all traces of amusement gone from his voice. 'He's the most powerful dark wizard that ever lived, or haven't you heard?'

Percy's chest was heaving angrily as he spoke. 'I had hoped you would have grown up enough to understand. I see I was wrong. You are still as stubborn as you always were!' He pulled something from out of his robes and thrust it into Harry's hands. 'Listen to the people who are trying to talk to you, Harry. And remember, not everything is aboutyou.' Then he turned and stalked out of the room.

As the front door slammed shut, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley hurried into the room, Ginny, Ron and Peter trailing after them.
'What happened?' Mr. Weasley asked. Harry turned his gaze to the small, yet heavy clay container in his hand. As he lifted it so he could inspect it, he saw a small hinge running along a crack, he turned the pot, and spying a small brass latch, he opened it.

A tiny seedling was nestled in the rich, dark soil filling the container