A/N: Next Chapter! Sorry about long update, hope you enjoy.
Warnings: None Really
Disclaimer: Don't own it.
Chapter Ten
The crackling of the fireplace was the only noise Hermione could make out as she descended the stairs to the Common Room. What was Malfoy doing back? He had left earlier to have dinner with his friends. She had remained behind, begging a headache. Luna and Harry had gone down to eat without her. Her stomach was still rebelling after so many hours. The images of that nightmare still haunted her, refusing to leave her mind. The plan to enjoy a quiet evening reading in front of the fire was gone.
"Am I in your spot?" Draco flipped the page hearing the gentle sigh coming from behind him. It was the reason he had chosen this exact position. Every night Granger would sit in it and read. The long legs would usually be stretched out on the cushions as she chewed on her bottom lip.
"There are other places to sit." She'd just sit in one of the chairs to read, she wouldn't flee just because he had decided to grace her with his presence this evening. Besides a few days ago they had gotten on rather well. The others had been here but she wanted to believe that they were both mature enough to co-exist without throwing hexes or insults.
He wouldn't have complained if she had sat with him but she took up the chair furthest from him. Was she scared that he'd bite? Had she been laying down? Her hair was pulled back with some kind of clip but the sides were in disarray. The look was rather fetching and had him wondering what kind of sleeper she was. Would she remain in a single position all night? Or was she the kind to toss and turn? Would she stay on her side of the bed or try to cuddle in the night?
"What are you reading?" Hermione eyed the old leather-bound book with unconcealed curiosity. The title couldn't be made out from overuse and it appeared to be really old. She was sure she had read all the books Hogwarts had to offer and she couldn't recall one with a gold and green spine. There was also the diagram of a cross with a circle at the base.
"Why?" Why did she want to know? Would she lecture him if he told her? There was a reason he didn't read it anywhere but when he was alone. The Headmaster would not approve of his choices and he didn't care to explain his reasons to the old bastard. "Dark Truths of the Azure Tribe by Nowazera Alwells."
"I've never heard of it. Where did you get it?" Was it about dark magic? Is that the reason she hadn't found it in the library? What was it about? Why was he reading it? "Is it any good?"
"Normally, I would be shocked that you haven't read it but it can't be found here at school or in
most book stores. None you would be found shopping at." Draco was sure she'd never lower herself to go inside some of the places he frequented with his father. Not even his mother would tag along when they went shopping. It wasn't a lady's place to search for vile texts. "If you are interested, I just started. You are welcome to read with me, if you can keep up."
"Very well," it would be better than rereading something she had already read dozens of times already. She was curious as to what kind of things he liked to read. What kind of books did he read in his spare time? He was the only one that read as much as she in the entire school. She placed her book on the table and walked over to take a seat next to him. He was kind enough to twist in order to share the book. The pages were flipped back five times, "Thank you."
Allowing her to read meant being extremely close to her. She didn't seem to notice that she was leaning towards him in the process. He could feel her reactions with each deep breath she took. "If it is too disturbing, I won't take offense."
"No, it is just different. I wasn't sure what to expect." Hermione went back to reading the fourth page and saw the attraction to such literature. It was morbid in the telling but the facts were intriguing. She was also curious about other cultures and in history, in general. The book was starting out as one wizard's tale in encountering the clan. What would the pages hold? By the time she got to page ten, it was an introduction of what to expect inside the text. "Ready, if you wish to continue."
"Just tap the page with one of the fingers clenching the corner when you are ready for me to turn." Draco drew his eyes away from the small hand to look back at the words. Engrossing himself in Granger would not be wise at this point. She wanted to read and so did he. Only two seconds after he finished the last words, she was tapping for him to flip. The first chapter was nothing more than an explanation on how the criminal wizard came to end up on an island inhabited by the clan.
The second was going on how they had introduced him into the clan by carving symbols into his chest and branding his penis. Hermione saw the shiver going through her company's body seconds before reading that part. The man actually went into detail of the pain and how the witch had cast a spell to make him erect beforehand. "So there is a spell to make a man erect against his will."
"Of course, it isn't much different from a lubrication spell." Draco would rather have his cock removed over being branded by some witch that way. Even if mentally and emotionally he ever gave it to one, branding was going too far. His eyes roamed over the next few paragraphs and wished he hadn't let Granger read along with him.
"That is horrible, I pity the wizard. Does it say how the curse affected those he slept with?" Hermione leaned forward, becoming enthralled with the telling. Had the man's penis really been cursed? Or was he another liar like Lockhart? "It sounds a little far-fetched. How does one curse the genital section of the body?"
"Keep reading, Granger and let's refrain from discussing that part. There are a lot of things dark magic can do and cursing just a single appendage isn't that hard. Just like a jelly-leg hex or invading someone's mind." He didn't want to discuss it. Maybe he shouldn't let her read it or he could be damning himself in the future. It might give her ideas if he ever pissed her off again.
"Do you often read these types of books or did I catch you on an off day?" Hermione wasn't sure how much more she could read without snatching the book away. It was truly intriguing, if it were based on fact and not the work of one's imagination. Would a wizard really admit to having his manhood bound to just one woman? It was an ingenious way to ensure one's spouse did not stray.
"I read whatever I find interesting. There are still many books that I've yet to read in my father's library. Some I will probably never read." Even he had his limits when it came to gore and death. "If there is some knowledge to be gained, I will read it."
And Ron thought the blonde wizard wasn't worthy of the title Headboy. Hermione didn't care for his previous attitude but she would never once have accused him of being stupid. An arse, yes. A hyprocrite, definitely. An annoying, pompous dunderhead, most of the time. Gorgeous with beautiful eyes, damn right. And he did smell nice. That little rumor was very true. He had classic features, probably from the pureblood breeding. His hair looked silky in the light.
Did she realize that her breast was pressing into his arm? Draco reread the sentence for the third time as she adjusted to get closer. Was she sniffing him? Or could she not see? Was that a sigh? He tilted his head to see what she was doing. It couldn't be reading since her eyes were glued to his face. What was she staring at? "See something you like, Granger?"
"No, do you?" She could feel the heat rush to her cheeks at being caught staring. How horrifying! There was no way to lie out of it either. He was looking right back at her and had that infamous cocky grin in place.
"Actually, I do." He saw a pair of soft, pink lips. Did she not comprehend that there was only a few inches between them? All it would take would be to lean just a bit and he'd be able to sample the mouth.
"Malfoy," the name came out as a mere whisper. Hermione closed her eyes as the distance shortened until the touch of plush lips ghosted over her own.
"MIONE!" The door swung open so hard the painting began swearing at the lack of consideration of some students. Harry didn't care if it wasn't happy, he couldn't believe what had just happened. The gentle hand on his arm was bringing only the smallest amount of comfort.
"It's alright, Harry." Luna apologized to the knight and jumped inside the doorway. It was a good thing she had decided to head back to the Common Room or there would have been a huge blowup. "Calm down, we will work something out."
"How? By going to the Headmaster? Right, he'd just laugh it off and I'm so tired of this shite." Harry couldn't believe that bitch had gone so far. Who the hell had let her into the boy's dorm? Why would she go so far?
"Great!" Talk about timing. Did Potter hate him that much? Draco scowled as the two barged into their Common Room. Did the two not understand privacy? What were the two going on about? Was this going to be another Weaslette complaint?
Hermione cleared her throat to push down the embarrassment. It was a good thing Harry was upset or they would have taken in the scene they had interrupted. She had yanked away from the blonde wizard but anyone paying attention would have noticed that something had been going on. "What is wrong? Why don't you come sit down with me?"
"Ginny, she tried to slip Harry a potion." Luna had the vial in her hands. Harry had been about to toss it but she had grabbed it. They needed to know exactly what she had been trying to give him.
"Probably a love potion." Hermione patted his shoulder as he took the seat next to her. Harry was still shaking from anger that he had probably refused himself to release. "Why don't you tell me what happened?"
"After dinner I went to lay down in my room to get away from everyone. I was dozing off when I felt something messing with my mouth. I woke up to find myself tied to the bed, Ginny trying to pry my mouth open and deposit that gunk into my mouth. I could hardly move, so I'm sure I was stunned before being tied up. Luckily, I was able to move my head enough to call for Dobby." If not for the elf responding so quickly, he would have swallowed that vile concoction.
"Seems she went through a lot of trouble just to give a simple love potion. Is that it?" Draco eyed the liquid inside. It didn't look like most love potions. "Keep it intact for a few minutes. I'm going to head down and fetch Professor Snape. I think we should find out exactly what she was trying to give you. Even a simple love potion would be dangerous now. You could open your mouth and say things you shouldn't."
"Don't you think I realize that? I was so pissed off, I wanted to strike her. Then Ron came in acting like nothing was wrong. Saying it was my fault if Ginny was trying to do a potion to make me see that I still love her." Harry hadn't been able to hold his anger and had struck out to deliver a blow to Ron's jaw. Neville and Seamus had interrupted before the fight could go further. He had only made sure to grab his wand and the vial before running out. Luna had been strolling around when he had ran into her. Or it could be the fact that she always managed to find him when he was in distress.
"Be right back. Calm him down and don't let him leave the room. I'll be back with the Professor." Draco was glad that Harry hadn't drank any. Something would have to be done to keep that witch away from him.
Luna took the vacated seat, "I hope Professor Snape will be able to do something. A love potion is going too far. I'm sure she should have been taught better. Forced emotion aren't real, I wouldn't want them."
"She is spoiled and thinks she should get what she wants." Hermione snapped at no one in particular. The fact that Ginny thought she was special was plain for all to see. Molly had treated the youngest different since Hermione had known the family. A prime example was the fact that Ron had been given dress robes with mold during fourth year and Ginny had been bought a new dress. Ron had been the one officially old enough to attend but Molly had made Ginny the priority when it came to getting new clothes. Even Fred and George had been forced to wear something old and handed down. "And she wants to be Mrs. Harry Potter. She's been infatuated with his name before she even knew him."
"That's not love. It takes lack of respect of a person to try to manipulate their emotions." Luna didn't want anyone to pretend to like her for any reason. If someone didn't care for her then that was their right. She was herself and wouldn't change for anyone.
"Drink this," Hermione poured a cup of tea from Malfoy's pot. She was sure he wouldn't mind if she let Harry have some. It would give him something to do with his hands. No one spoke as he drank from the cup.
"This is good," there was a hint of peach flavoring. Harry wished there was a hint of something stronger as the portrait swung back open and the swishing of black robes could be heard. The air itself chilled as the man entered the room in full force.
"Please, the vial." Severus kept his tone light as he walked to stand in front of the three siblings. He was already in a foul mood and this would only strengthen his earlier arguments with the Headmaster. Dumbledore had brought up Potter's odd behavior of late. Even prissy Minerva couldn't discount the many rumors and the reasons for Potter's lack of interest in the Weasley girl. Did the old fool really think any man would continue dating a two-bit whore that couldn't keep her knickers on her arse? Luna handed the vial over to him. He sniffed the potion and examined the contents. He hadn't been sure what to think when Draco had come to him. "This is not a simple love potion."
"What is it? She went through a lot of trouble to ensure Harry swallows it." Hermione had a good idea on how Ginny had gotten into the dorm room. She didn't think Ron would actually let her in just so she could try to slip Harry a potion. But all it would take would be for Ginny to tell Ron that she just wanted to talk to Harry and the dolt would believe it. Neville nor Seamus would have let her inside, so it left only one explanation. "And I hate to say it but I'm positive it was Ron that helped her get inside the room."
"Naturally," Severus had no doubt that the two had conspired together. Even if the wizard didn't know that there would be a potion slipped, he should not have helped her get inside the room. A friend would not force a confrontation knowing that the other did not want to see said person. "This is a Commitment Draught."
"But that is illegal." Hermione couldn't believe she would do that. Something so strong would completely take away Harry's freewill. "She can't be allowed to get away with that. You have to do something, Professor."
"Indeed. If he would have digested the potion, he would have been completely enthralled with the girl. It is worse than a love potion, it would have made her will your own. You would have done anything she said, told her anything and the cure takes months to brew. By then your secret would have been out and your life in peril. Well, Lovegood and Granger's lives but you would have sided with the girl simply by her willing it." Severus didn't want to be the one to inform the Dark Lord that their enemy was willing to go that far to keep Potter docile and on their side. Some of the components of that potion was extremely rare and illegal. Someone of age had to have bought it for the girl. "Unfortunately, I doubt there is anything we can do about it. She will not be punished for her attempt."
"He's right. Dumbledore will just brush it off and say he lectured her. The most she will get is detention for a few days. He'll come up with the excuse that she didn't realize how serious the potion was." Draco snorted at the very idea of the old bastard actually doing something severe with the witch. Someone had bought her the ingredients. It was either the Headmaster himself or the parents. "We have to figure something out. Obviously, Weaslette has it bad for him."
"If she loved me, she wouldn't have been fucking Dean. She sure the hell wouldn't try to force me to be with her." Harry hated feeling helpless and at a loss. Dumbledore wouldn't allow Ginny to get into too much trouble over the attempt or the potion. He would keep it quiet and the only way for the Ministry to know was for him to go behind the old man's back and use the Dark Lord's influences to see something done as punishment. That would defeat the entire purpose of trying to keep their secret quiet. They wouldn't be able to go over the Headmaster's head or it would cause too many questions.
"There is only one way to nullify and eliminate any future attempts." Severus wasn't sure if the boy would go so far but what choice did they have? They couldn't allow one of the others to get to the boy. The Weasley tart had her own objectives but it could cause damage if she were to get Potter to tell her the truth. "You could undergo a Bonding Ceremony."
"What the bloody hell is that?" Did they forget that he hadn't been raised as a wizard? The man spoke as if he should already know what that entailed. He didn't. Harry was willing to do just about anything. How was he to sleep when he had to constantly worry about being attacked and drugged? No matter what happened, Dumbledore wouldn't remove Ron and that idiot thought his sister did no wrong.
"It is an old and pureblood engagement ceremony. It is rarely used any more since most purebloods have lost their pride." Draco wouldn't mind going through it, if he had the right one as his intended. These days most of the marriages were arranged to others that they didn't even really know or like. His own parents had gone through it but they had come to love each other before marrying. "It involves blood magic."
"What will it do and what would I have to do?" An engagement ceremony? Did that mean he'd have to go through with the actual marriage? Or could he call it off at any time? Harry wasn't sure if he wanted to get married yet. His parents had married young but they were still at war.
"It isn't complicated." Severus scoffed that the boy would take it so lightly. It would be a solution but not one to be taken lightly. "You will be bound to your intended. It is like a wizard's oath, sort of. You can't be unfaithful without your intended knowing. The point is the magic will immediately nullify any attempts of a love potion. Magic bound in the blood is stronger than any that is ingested."
"I think we are overlooking the most important thing." Hermione had read about the ritual. The older pureblood families still did the ritual. "It is just like a wizard's oath. He can't break it once it is done. There is no calling off the engagement or being with another. Harry, if you do this with someone random, you will be committing yourself to a future with that person or one alone. If you try to sleep with another, it will be worse than being tortured with an Unforgivable. You will be taking an oath to remain faithful to that person for the rest of your life. This is why love potions and the like don't work. Your blood oath makes it impossible for them to take effect."
"Don't forget, we'd have to find someone that is also willing to remain with Harry." Luna didn't think that would be easy but the hardest part. That took a lot of commitment. It took either a lot of love or pride. There was always a chance that one would remain married but would want to seek outside affection. It was the reason many no longer did the ceremony.
"Or Potter could just choose someone. Many would now do as he bids." Severus didn't see what the problem was. There were more important things to concern oneself with than whether or not he'd be able to tolerate bedding the same woman for the rest of his life. If the potion had been ingested, it would have caused serious complications. The Dark Lord wouldn't have stopped until he had the Weasley witch dead. There was a good chance Harry would have died trying to protect the witch he couldn't remember that he despised.
"I won't order someone to do it with me. I don't have a girlfriend and the only two I'm close to are my sisters. There isn't anyone I know willing to do it, except the one I'm trying to stay away from." Harry wouldn't force someone to remain at his side. If he wasn't in love with the person, he couldn't guarantee that he'd be a good husband if he did manage to survive the war.
"I have someone, be right back, again. I'm sure Potter will be pleased with the selection." Draco had the perfect witch in mind. This would all have to be done in private without prying eyes. "I suggest we take this somewhere private."
"We will head to the Room of Requirement." Hermione suggested the only place where they would not be overheard or interrupted. They had to keep all of this a secret from Dumbledore. If it came to be known that Harry was getting engaged to another, there would be an uproar. "You better not return with Bullstrode, Malfoy."
"Please, Granger, even I wouldn't do that to Potter."
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Was she really allowing Draco to talk her into this? Okay, it hadn't taken much. So much for her firm resolve and pride. Pansy grumbled as he escorted her by the arm. Where were they going? He had come to her without telling the others who he was fetching. It made sense since she did know their secret and she despised the ginger witch. Did she fear the Dark Lord enough to help out his son? Did she like Potter enough to commit herself to him? It would be better than going along with whatever arrangement her father had planned for her. Her luck she'd end up engaged to Goyle. If she did go through with it then she'd one day wed Potter. He'd have to go through with it if he ever wanted to have sex again because she wouldn't be his casual relief. At least this way her parents couldn't fault her if she did secretly engage herself to another. They wouldn't dare speak out against the Dark Lord's heir.
"This is the door." Draco thought about what kind of room they needed. It swung open and they stepped inside. The others were already inside and looking none too pleased with the wait. It wasn't his fault that Pansy had tried to hold onto her damn pride. They both knew she had a thing for Potter and this was the perfect opportunity to get him while saving face. He wished his own desires could be easily gained. He was going to have to work just to get close to the witch he wanted. He could've gotten a bit closer today if Weaslette hadn't pulled that damn stunt.
Could she really go through with this? Would Potter be okay with Draco coming for her? Or would he want someone else for his intended? Just because he had commented that she smelt nice didn't mean he would want to spend the rest of his life attached to her. It just meant he liked her lotion.
"Good choice," Luna agreed with it. Pansy would be faithful and wouldn't do anything to go against the Dark Lord. She also liked to think that the witch could be a good person. It was better than asking a Gryffindor or someone loyal to Dumbledore. Harry hadn't officially chosen a side yet but they had to be careful.
He agreed. Harry made a mental note to thank Malfoy later for his instincts. He definitely wouldn't mind being attached to someone like Pansy. He wouldn't have to worry about her running around without the bond. She had pride and respect for herself. They could work on their differences and their relationship after the war. Marriage could come later. "Are you sure?"
"No, but this will probably save me from having to marry someone like Goyle." Potter was the better option. "You're the better option, even if the rumors of you having a small penis are true."
"Parkinson!" Severus scolded her only for talking so disrespectful towards a child of the Dark Lord. He had to keep his mouth from lifting into a smirk. That didn't keep the blonde witch from giggling at her sibling's expense. The comment had been uncalled for, "Watch what you say in front of your elders. I don't care to hear any information pertaining to Potter's groin."
"If you are expecting a husband with a foot long cock then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. You'll just have to learn to accept what I do have to give." Harry didn't care if Ginny felt it necessary to spread rumors about his size. If it was so damn little, why was she constantly trying to climb on it? Did that mean Pansy was going to go through with it? Being on the Dark Lord's side, it would be seen as a great accomplishment to land the man's heir and son but he didn't want it to be the only reason she was doing it. He couldn't change that fact now but he would in the future. He'd make sure neither of them regretted the decision. When forced to make a difficult decision, it was best to make the most of it. "Thank you, for agreeing."
"Don't thank me just yet, Potter. You're going to discover I'm nothing like Weaslette." Like he wouldn't be getting into her knickers any time soon. Not until they were married. She was also high maintenance when it came to being kept happy. There would be no worshipping because he was The Boy Who Lived or related to the Dark Lord. He would treat her as a proper fiancé, even if they couldn't announce it to the public.
"You two can discuss the details of the engagement after it has been performed. I will have to inform the Dark Lord of this little predicament as soon as I see it done." Severus would have to inform the Headmaster that he had been 'summoned.' There would be some retaliation over this, he could foresee this without needing a crystal ball. The wizard would be pissed that the witch had attempted to control the boy. "Normally, the wizard says his oath first but seeing as Potter doesn't know them, I ask that you do it first."
"Fine," Pansy put the discussion of their engagement and the future on hold for now. This had to be done quickly to keep Potter from being drugged and used. She was doing this out of loyalty to the Dark Lord and to their side. Draco had convinced her to do it to protect the truth and to keep their key to victory out of Dumbledore's hands and Weaslette's knickers.
Severus motioned for both of their hands, palms up. Both were presented as they stood before him. The occasion was usually witnessed by family and friends, not done in a stuffy old room. There would be no celebrating the event or their upcoming nuptials. He sliced both of their palms open and watched Parkinson take over the goings. She placed her palm into Potter's and began.
"I, Pansy Parkinson, hereby swear to dedicate my life to one, Harry Potter as his future wife. Upon this oath, he will have my trust, my fidelity and my unwavering loyalty." If he so much as treated her horrible, she'd make his life hell. She'd take over the cooking duties of the manor or dye her hair red. There were many ways to punish him if he got out of line. As long as he didn't abuse her or disrespect her, she would do her best to be a good wife in the future.
"I, Harry Potter, hereby swear to dedicate my life to one, Pansy Parkinson as her future husband. Upon this oath, she will have my trust, my fidelity and my unwavering loyalty." Why was his hand burning?
Severus placed his hands over the entwined palms. "I, Severus Snape, have bared witness to the oaths taken. To break this oath is punishable by the pain caused to your spouse ten-fold. Do you both agree to the oaths you have just taken?"
"I do."
"I do."
"Then it is done." The magic swirled around their wrists and took hold. Severus hoped they didn't live to regret this. It was better than being saddled with Molly Weasley's replica in his opinion. That woman was the most annoying witch to ever hold a wand. The bossy, bitchy and over-bearing attitude always had him with a migraine. She was always yelling and telling others what was best. Trying to be a mother to the entire Order. She should spend more time disciplining her youngest instead of worrying on whether or not he is eating his vegetables. "This must be kept secret for now. The Headmaster will question if you two suddenly started dating. We all have our parts to play and this will all be pointless if the meddling old fool were to discover the truth before it is time. I must take my leave now."
With a swish of robes the Professor left the room. With a quick hug to Harry, Luna skipped out of the room as well. Hermione cleared her throat and turned to Pansy, "Harry, will you go back to the Common Room with Malfoy? I think you should sleep there tonight. I'll escort Pansy back to her room so she doesn't get lectured by Filch."
"Fine," Harry didn't feel like going back to his dorm anyways. Ron would be waiting for him like always. There would be no point in talking to him. It was always the same, he should give Ginny another chance. The bitch had just tried to trick him and he was supposed to be forgiving. It didn't matter if she knew the full extent of that potion, she had been trying to get her way by force and underhanded tactics.
Draco watched both witches leave the room. He had the mind to turn and blowup at Potter. The fact remained that he had just interrupted what could have been a very heated snogging session with Granger. "Don't worry yourself gray, Potter. Pansy will make a fine wife in the future. Unlike your last piece, she isn't a disgrace to purebloods."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Was he being a bigot again? Harry had no idea about the many traditions of being a pureblood or any kind of blood. Except he wasn't supposed to like muggles. Well, he had nothing against muggles, even if he had lived with a few that hadn't been kind to him. He would probably never enter their world again since he had no reason to.
"We are taught from birth to honor thy spouse. However, your mother is an exception to the rule in my family. No offense, but my family and Pansy's has their own beliefs. To come to your spouse on your wedding night over-used and stretched out is disgusting. Weaslette lacks moral and she thinks she's Dumbledore's gift to the infamous Harry Potter." That girl saw nothing but the fame attached to Potter's head. Would she still want to be connected to the name if she were to learn the truth of Harry Potter's parentage?
"That is a gift I'll be returning." Harry didn't want it anymore. That was a present that would be left unwrapped under the tree and thrown away once it began smelling. "I guess I'll be crashing on the couch tonight."
"Potter, just so you know, my feelings towards Pansy is the same as yours towards Granger. She is a pureblood and deserves some respect even if she is a prudish nag. Mistreat her and we will have it out, the Dark Lord be damned." Draco wouldn't allow for any mistreatment of his friend. It was different with Pansy because they had grown up together since birth and she had her good qualities as well.
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Knowing the confrontation was coming didn't help to calm his nerves. Harry wasn't foolish enough to think that he'd be able to defend himself against a seasoned wizard like Dumbledore. The best thing he could do was rely on his acting skills that had forced into him while living with the Dursleys. He had in his mind how to handle this conversation and to make the Headmaster believe that everything was still good between them. The only problem he forsaw was not exploding when the arse would insist that he give Ginny another chance. "Raspberry Tops."
The stairs began to turn to open the way to the office. The message had come for him during Charm's class. He was to come see the Headmaster after the lesson. He was only prepared from having a good night's sleep. Only two weeks had passed since Ginny's attempt to chain him. Snape had gone out of his way to inform Ronald that if he were to ever hear of him allowing a girl into the dorms again, he'd find himself sleeping with Filch for the rest of the year. It had been fun to watch the ginger squirm at the idea.
"Ah, Harry, my boy, come have a seat." Albus waved for the boy to join him. He immediately noticed that Harry rushed to take a seat and clenched his fists in front of him. The shaggy head was leaning downwards, "Is something bothering you? I've noticed that you seem to be aggitated lately and some of your friends have come to me with concerns."
More like Ron and Ginny had ran to him with the lastest gossip. None of his other friends would bother reporting to the Headmaster. Harry knew what the man was wanting to hear, "I'm just concerned, I'm sure my friends have told you what is going on. It is Ginny and I'm not sure what to do about her."
"Perhaps talking to her would help. Ms. Weasley adores you and no problem has ever been solved by running away."
"I know and I've tried. I've been trying for the last few months and I'm tired of it." Harry wanted to tell the old bastard he could have her if he thought she was so great. "I think of the Weasley family like my own and I don't want to lose them. I just can't take it anymore. She has been cheating on me and she blames my focus on the war and you, Sir."
"Me?" Albus reached for a lemon drop heraing this. What exactly has the witch been saying about him? He had told her that he approved of the relationship as long as she accepted that Harry had a destiny to fulfill.
"She says if I weren't so dedicated to helping you and the Order then I'd have more time for her." Harry saw that he had the man's attention. "Now matter how many times I explain that we all have to making sacrifices for the war, she blames you. Saying if you hadn't put it in my head that I had to be the one to defeat Voldemort, I wouldn't be so obsessed. She doesn't understand, he didn't kill her parents. I know Ginny loves me but I think it is best if I put a relationship on hold and focus more on what needs to be done. I don't know how I can defeat him but Hermione is right, that takes priority over making Ginny happy."
"I see and I apologize that things aren't working out for you but you are correct. It would be nice for you to find some happiness during these troubling times but defeating the Dark Lord needs to be our top priority. Every day his power is growing and the Ministry is falling apart." Albus made a mental note to have a strict talk to Ginerva Weasly. If she couldn't look past herself then she would have to stop pursuing the boy. He was glad to see that Harry was still focused on the fight and his part in the war. He had been hoping that being with Ms. Weasley would make Harry more determined to defeat the other wizard. In a different manner it had. Her selfishness was pushing Harry to fight this battle on it's own.
"I knew you'd understand, Sir." Harry looked at the book on desk, all as an excuse to avoid eye contact. "She is just too demanding and there are more important things to worry about."
"Don't worry about it, I'll explain things to Molly and Arthur." He'd inform them to keep their daughter away if she couldn't control herself. Albus was pleased that was out of the way. "Now, for the reason I have brought you here, Harry. Tell me, have you ever heard of something called a Horcrux?"
"No, Sir." Perhaps, Hermione had but the term was unfamilar to him. Did this have to do with his plans to defeat Voldemort? Harry remained silent knowing the Headmaster would want to explain it himself.
"I won't go into the definition one would find in a text. However, I will explain it in terms that apply to Voldemort." Albus placed the ring and the diary onto the desk. "A Horcrux is when a wizard's soul is torn and placed inside another object. As long as the wizard's soul is stored away in the object, he can remain immortal. Voldemort is a prime example and that is why he did not perish when the spell rebounded that night."
"I see," so that is why. Harry had never heard of such a thing. He wanted to know how Dumbledore had discovered about the Horcrux, "Are you saying you think he has one somewhere?"
"Not one, but six." Albus knew it best to refrain from mentioning the seventh for now. "And old friend of mine once taught him when he was a student here. I recalled that Tom was once a favorite pupil and accessed the retired professor's memories to see what could be discovered. He let me have the memory and that is what I discovered. Tom was very interested in the topic at one point and here is the proof. The diary you destroyed in second year was one of them. It contained a piece of his soul."
"I see, so there are five more?" Harry wanted to reach out and touch the diary. The memory of stabbing it was fresh in his mind. He had almost been killed that night by a piece of his sire's soul.
"Indeed. I believe this ring is one also but I've yet to find a means to destroy it." Albus had an idea of what he could use but he would need Harry for that. The fang had managed to destroy the diary, perhaps he could get another since the corpse remained. The only problem was that the entrance was closed and he couldn't get inside without speaking Parseltongue. Once he had them all, he would have Harry open the way. Then the boy could fulfill his destiny and die at the dark wizard's hands. Once Harry was gone, he'd step up and destroy the last piece of Voldemort that existed.
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