Harry and Ginny, A Love Story
Chapter 2: Things are a Changing
Harry looked at Ginny intently, he knew he had heard her and just as surely he knew she hadn't opened her mouth.
"Ginny? He asked back tentatively.
"Harry, what's happening?" Ginny asked, her question laced with concern.
"I'm not sure Ginny," Harry replied, his thoughts racing.
They both looked around, eyes darting to see if anyone was noticing anything strange. Harry's eyes locked on Hermione's for a moment and she looked at him questioningly but he ignored her for the moment.
"Try to act normally and we can talk later when we're alone," Harry said to Ginny.
"OK Harry, I'll try, but this is definitively strange," Ginny replied, looking at Harry.
Harry smiled at her encouragingly, hoping if he remained calm that Ginny would too. They went back to eating their breakfasts but they kept glancing at one another as they did so.
Harry was aware of Hermione watching them with a bit more attention than normal, but Harry hoped she would pass it off as he and Ginny being together as the cause.
They finally finished eating and Harry was happy to see that Ron was filling his plate again with fourths or fifths. That would keep him occupied while he and Ginny made their escape.
He and Ginny rose as one and even though Hermione gave them a strange look they both ignored it.
As they exited the Great Hall, Harry glanced over at Ginny, "Astronomy Tower?" he asked.
Ginny smiled, "OK, sounds good to me, it should be empty at this time," Ginny sent back to him.
Harry's hand just naturally seemed to find Ginny's without his even having to look for it and as he did so Ginny smiled at him. For some reason he no longer felt nervous or hesitant around Ginny. Somehow it just seemed natural to be with her and touching her.
Ginny was feeling the same things Harry was, his hand in hers felt so right and she didn't feel any of the shyness or nervousness that she had before. Though she couldn't quite place it, something was definitively different now.
They climbed up the stairs of Hogwarts in total silence, exchanging smiles and sly glances. Both were feeling so happy but again they couldn't quite understand why.
Harry led Ginny out onto the top of the Tower and they went to the edge, staring out, taking in the view, both feeling that somehow the world seemed different. The sun seemed a little brighter, the air cleaner and the colours more intense.
Harry took Ginny into a hug and let her warmth wash over him. For the moment words seemed unnecessary, it was enough just to hold her in his arms. He closed his eyes and just reveled in the feeling of Ginny in his embrace.
For Ginny's part, she felt so safe and secure. After her experiences in the Chamber, she had thought she'd never feel that way again. Though she had always considered herself to be quite independent, she welcomed the feeling of security that Harry's embrace afforded her. She closed her eyes and laid her head on Harry's shoulder and sighed contently.
They stood there unmoving for many minutes, just relishing the feel of the other. Slowly they became aware of the growing connection between them, their hearts beating as one, breathing in and out in sync, somehow joined together.
"Harry," / "Ginny" the sent together.
Ginny giggled as Harry chuckled, "You first," Harry sent.
"Harry do you have any idea what is gong on?" Ginny asked.
"No Ginny, I really don't. I take it this is unusual in the Wizarding World?" Harry replied.
"I've never heard of anything like this," Ginny sent, her "voice" tinged with her uncertainty.
"Well you would probably know more than I would. You at least grew up in a Wizarding household," Harry sent back.
Ginny led Harry over to one of the benches that lined the wall of the stairway enclosure. She sat down, pulling Harry down next to her.
"Who can we talk to?" Ginny asked.
Harry looked troubled, "I'm not sure, for some reason I really don't want to go to Dumbledore about this."
Ginny looked thoughtful, "I can understand that," she replied. "Something about him makes me uneasy." She then sighed, "How about McGonagall? She's our head of house."
Harry contemplated Ginny's suggestion for a moment. "All right, McGonagall it is. I trust her more than I do Dumbledore."
Once they had made their decision, both felt more at ease and the feelings of happiness returned. Harry stared into Ginny's deep chocolate eyes and he felt that he could get lost in their depths.
Ginny looked into Harry's emerald eyes, seeing nothing but love and acceptance in their depths. Slowly they leaned in to each other and their lips came together. It was a soft sensual kiss of new found love, one that spoke of a deep commitment to each other, cementing a pledge to the other, binding them together for all time.
Slowly their lips parted, as they did, their eyes locked and smiles formed on their faces. Subconsciously they knew that they had found the one that made them whole.
Harry's hand came up and he ran it down through Ginny's hair. He closed his eyes and sighed at it's soft silkiness that reached him at a primal level. It was as if it was made just for that purpose, calming him as he breathed in its wonderful fragrance and he knew he'd never tire of feeling it.
Ginny nuzzled her face into Harry's neck, taking in his woodsy, musky aroma that filled her with a sense of calm and contentment. She knew that he was the one that made her feel complete somehow. The other half of her that she needed to be complete.
As if on cue, they stood up, smiling at one another, Harry taking Ginny's hand in his as they headed back down to find McGonagall to see if she could help answer their questions and explain what they were feeling and experiencing.
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Hermione watched Harry and Ginny leave. She didn't know what, but something seemed different about them. She glanced at Ron but she knew he was totally oblivious to them, he was too busy feeding his face to have noticed anything.
She sighed and shook her head slightly. She glanced over and saw Ron finishing up clearing off his plate, he sat up, belched and sighed as he turned toward her.
"What's going on between Harry and Ginny?" he asked, frowning now that he was satiated.
"Whatever do you mean?" Hermione asked, her anger rising a little.
"Well he left early to go see her in the Hospital Wing and then he turns up here for breakfast with her, then they left together, and he hardly said two words to us," Ron rambled.
Hermione sighed, "I'm not sure Ron, but it looks like Harry has become closer to Ginny. Maybe he feels that he needs to protect her since he saved her in the Chamber of Secrets. I mean she just got out of the Hospital Wing and she probably sees Harry as her saviour," she said grasping at straws.
"Well I'm not sure if I like it," Ron said moodily. "What's he doing messing around with her anyway?"
Hermione's patience was growing thin. "Professor Dumbledore said to give them some time, I mean it was only yesterday that Harry saved her so things must be pretty overwhelming," she said sternly.
"Yeah, well, she's still my sister and I don't think he should be hanging around with her," Ron said testily. "She's too young."
Hermione rolled her eyes, like Ron was so much older. "Let's head up to see if we can't find them," she said, wanting to see them interact some more, hoping to figure out what was going on.
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Albus Dumbledore sat in his office contemplating what he had noticed the previous night. There seemed to be something between Harry and Ginny Weasley and he wasn't sure it was something to watch or not.
As far as he was concerned things like that could be nothing or something major. He didn't want anything to distract Harry from what he needed to learn and do. Harry had a destiny to fulfill and something like a relationship with someone like Miss Weasley could be disastrous.
Yes, he would need to keep a close eye on young Miss Weasley in respect to Harry. Steps may need to be taken to insure that Harry wasn't distracted by anything that might jeopardize his reliance on the right person, and in Albus' mind there was only one person that Harry should come to rely on and that was him.
Well with Harry having to return to the Dursley's for the summer, that should be enough time for things to cool down in respect to Harry and Ginny. Feeling confident that his plans for Harry were going according to his plan, Albus Dumbledore turned his attention to the pile of parchments on his desk.
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Harry and Ginny made their way down to their Head of House's office, a bit apprehensive but with a certain sense of that they were doing the right thing, they knocked on the door.
It took a moment but the door swung open and the stern visage of Professor McGonagall looked down on them. "What may I do for you two?" she asked.
"May we talk to you Professor?" Harry asked.
Professor McGonagall looked from Harry to Ginny with a somewhat concerned look on her face. Her countenance softened as she looked at the two who just the previous night had looked so troubled after Harry's rescue of Ginny and she wondered what they could need to speak to her about.
"Come in," she said softly as she stepped out of the way.
"I was just about to have some tea, would you care to join me?" she asked.
Harry was about to decline when Ginny spoke up, "That would be nice, thank you," she said with a small smile.
The Professor led them over to her desk and conjured another chair so that they could all sit down. She then poured out the tea and handed cups to Harry and Ginny. "Biscuit?" she asked as she offered them the plate.
"Thank you Mam," Ginny said as she helped herself to a couple.
Harry followed suit and they all sipped their tea and munched on biscuits for a moment. "Now what can I do for you?" she asked kindly.
Ginny and Harry looked at each other before turning to the Professor. "We have a kind of dilemma," Ginny said hesitantly. "The thing is we aren't sure what is happening and we didn't know who to ask."
"What seems to be the matter?" the Professor asked, intrigued by Ginny's lead in.
Ginny took a deep breath, "Well this may sound like we're crazy but we can talk to each other without speaking."
At first McGonagall looked puzzled but then they saw understanding come to her, "Are you saying that you can hear each other in your minds?"
"Yes Professor," Ginny said softly.
"When did this start?" Minerva asked.
"This morning at breakfast," Ginny replied, glancing at Harry who nodded in agreement.
The Professor got an extremely thoughtful look on her face. "Have you noticed anything else unusual?" she asked.
Harry and Ginny looked at each other again, "Well yes, I guess," Harry said. "We seem to like being in contact, holding hands and stuff," he added blushing slightly.
Ginny nodded in agreement with Harry, "We seem to be very in-tune with each other," she added. "I have this feeling that our hearts are beating in time and I have this feeling that there is some kind of connection."
"Yeah," Harry agreed. "Like last night, I felt like Ginny was calling out to me, that she needed me," Harry said, glancing shyly at Ginny.
Ginny smiled at him and took his hand in hers. "I feel more comfortable when I'm with Harry, like somehow I'm more complete now. If I close my eyes, I can feel Harry's presence," Ginny said softly.
"Me too,"Harry said with a smile. "It's like I know where she's at without even looking."
Harry and Ginny got quiet, looking at their Head of House, expectantly.
Minerva McGonagall looked from one to the other, their sincerity evident in their faces. She noticed their clasped hands and she could actually see them breathing in time.
'There is only one explanation that I can think of," their Professor said. "Though it is a very rare occurrence and it will take some further investigation to verify but I feel I can safely say that what you are describing is a Soul-Bond."
Harry and Ginny looked at her with stunned looks, Harry because he had never heard of such a thing and Ginny because she had heard growing up that they were a myth.
"We should go see Professor Dumbledore," Minerva said.
Harry and Ginny got panicked looks on their faces.
"What's wrong?" the Professor asked.
"We would rather not involve him if it can be avoided," Harry said.
The Professor looked at Ginny, "Is that your feeling too?" she asked.
"Yes Professor," Ginny replied, her face mirroring Harry's concern.
Professor McGonagall sat back and thought furiously. Obviously Harry and Ginny had their reasons for wanting to exclude Albus from knowing and even though she didn't know what they were she was inclined to honour their wishes for the time being.
"Very well, there are other ways for me to investigate this," she said looking kindly at them. "I'm pleased that you chose me to confide in."
"You're our Head of House and have always treated us fairly," Ginny said, with Harry nodding in agreement.
Minerva looked at Ginny closely, "I'm rather surprised but pleased how well you are doing after your experiences of last evening," she said gently.
Ginny blushed a little and glanced at Harry, "Well to tell the truth, it's because of Harry that I'm doing so well."
"Really?" the Professor asked. "And why is that?"
"Should I tell her?" Ginny asked Harry.
Harry shrugged after a moment, "If you want to," he replied.
Minerva watched in awe as Harry and Ginny looked at each other, she could tell something was going on but she couldn't tell what. Then it struck her, they were mind-speaking, she was sure of it.
Ginny looked back at the Professor, "Harry came and stayed with me last night in the Hospital Wing, he was a great comfort to me and helped me get through the night."
Minerva McGonagall's one eyebrow shot up into her hairline and she eyed them critically. "While I can't condone a student being out after curfew, I applaud Mr. Potter's care and concern for a fellow student. Ten points, Mr. Potter."
She then looked at her two students, a kind smile on her face, something neither Harry or Ginny could remember seeing before. "Now if there is nothing else, I suggest you go and enjoy this beautiful day. I'll let you know what I find out, even if I have to contact you over the summer, I assume you'll be with your relatives in Surrey, Mr. Potter?"
Ginny immediately felt Harry's discomfort and she knew something was the matter. "What is it Harry?" she asked.
At first Harry was reluctant to speak, Professor McGonagall's mention of his returning to Privet Dr. had brought back the unpleasant memories of his life there.
Minerva McGonagall knew with a fair amount of certainty what was the matter, she had seen it before. "Harry," she said tenderly, "Please tell me about living with your relatives."
Harry looked up at her, and then quickly down, ashamed how he felt about his home life, if you could call it that.
"Please Harry," Ginny sent to him, letting all her emotions flood through their connection, telling him non-verbally that she was worried about him and just like he had helped her, she was there for him.
Hesitantly at first but then with increasing ease, he began to pour out his life at #4 Privet Dr., from the cupboard under the stairs, to all the missed meals and the physical abuse he had undergone. Once he began he couldn't stop till it had all tumbled out.
When he was done, Ginny went over to him and took him into a big hug, letting all her love and compassion flood into Harry. Professor McGonagall was shocked at the story she heard. She had been very reluctant to leave Harry with his relatives all those years ago because of what she had witnessed but now she'd be damned if she'd allow him to return to that environment.
"Harry, thank you for telling me and rest assured I will not let you return to a place where you are treated that way," she said tenderly.
Harry looked up, trying not to get his hopes up too much, "But where will I go?" he asked softly.
Minerva smiled at him, "You leave that to me for now, I need to contact a few people before I say anything more but I'll let you know as soon as I can, OK?"
Harry could only nod dully, he didn't want to get his hopes up to high. Ginny sensed his unease and hugged him again. "Don't worry Harry, McGonagall will fix things, you wait and see," she sent to him.
"I certainly hope so," he replied, wishing with all his might that his nightmare existence with his relatives would come to an end.
"Now off you two go and let me get to fixing things," their Head of House said encouragingly.
Harry and Ginny rose and got ready to leave but at the last moment Harry turned and hugged himself tightly to the Professor for a moment. Minerva felt tears start to well up in her eyes and she vowed that she'd do everything in her power to help this wonderful, unassuming boy get the life he deserved.
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Hermione sat alone in the Gryffindor Common Room, waiting patiently for Harry and Ginny. Ron had gone off with Dean and Seamus, too agitated to hang around waiting for Harry to come back. He wasn't sure he wanted to be there anyway, what with Ginny hanging around with Harry.
He didn't see why she had to hang around with his best mate anyhow. Harry was his friend and Ginny could just go find some of her own.
Hermione was really troubled by Ron's attitude, not understanding it at all, of course she didn't know of Ron's underlying jealousy.
She wasn't waiting long when Harry and Ginny came in, both looked rather upset and she wondered what was wrong. Earlier they had seemed so happy and she couldn't fathom what could have made such a drastic change.
As they headed towards her she could see Ginny whispering to Harry, as if she was trying to comfort him. As they got closer she could tell that even though Ginny was upset, it seemed it was Harry who was the one worse off and Ginny was upset for Harry's sake.
As they got to the couch Hermione made eye contact with Ginny who gave her a small shake of her head, which she took to mean, leave Harry alone for right now. Hermione nodded in response and she saw Ginny sigh in relief.
They sat down next to Hermione and Harry stared into the fire, trying not to get his hopes up too high that McGonagall would be able to fix things so he didn't have to return to the Dursley's.
Since Ginny was sitting in between Harry and Hermione, she whispered into Ginny's ear, "Is everything all right?"
Ginny glanced at Harry who still just stared into the fire and she felt that he was contemplating his situation. "We'll talk later," she whispered back.
This satisfied Hermione's curiosity for the moment, hopefully Ginny would fill her in completely, if not she could see what see could from Harry later.
Ginny took a quick look around, "Where's my prat of a brother?" she asked Hermione.
"Off with Dean and Seamus," Hermione answered, a bit hesitantly.
Ginny knew right away it was because of Ron's reaction to her and Harry being together, she may be a year younger than him but she was also much more perceptive than he was and she knew him all too well. She was sure that Ron was jealous of her becoming friends with Harry, he had voiced that fact several times over the past couple years. Even though he was twelve, he sure didn't act it at times.
Hermione went back to reading her History of Magic text book but kept glancing at Harry and Ginny while she read.
Ginny started to rub Harry's back gently and Hermione could see Harry relax as she did so. Hermione watched as Harry shut his eyes and rolled his head and neck as Ginny continued to rub his back and neck.
Harry couldn't believe how good it felt as Ginny rubbed his back, it was the first time he remembered somebody doing something like that for him.
"Thanks Ginny," he sent as he relished the wonderful feelings she was creating.
"You're welcome Harry," Ginny replied. "I'm glad I can help you feel better."
"Do you think that there s anything to this Soul-Bond that McGonagall mentioned?" he asked her.
"Well I have heard of such a thing but all I ever heard was that they were probably a myth since no one in recent history has experienced one. My dad was talking about it to Bill a couple of years ago and I listened while they talked," she said in answer.
"I mean, this being able to talk to you without anyone hearing is really unusual," Harry said thoughtfully.
"Well I guess we'll just have to wait for McGonagall to get back to us with anything she can find out," Ginny said with a smile.
They heard the Clock Tower Strike Twelve and in silent agreement all three got up and headed down to lunch.
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Professor McGonagall watched Harry and Ginny leave and as soon as the door shut she went to the Floo. Taking a pinch of Floo Powder she cast it into the flame and stuck her head into it after saying clearly, "The Burrow."
Molly Weasley was sitting down to have a cup of tea, trying hard not to worry about Ginny staying at Hogwarts till the end of the year. Even though it was only a few days, she couldn't get the thoughts of Ginny's ordeal out of her head.
She jumped when the Floo flared and Minerva McGonagall's head appeared.
"What is it? Is something wrong with Ginny? Is she OK?" Molly spouted off in a little of a panic.
"Ginny's fine," The Professor said, not wanting to mention the possibility of the Bonding without checking on things first. She wanted to address the immediate concern of Harry's situation and see if something couldn't be done.
"Molly, can I came over and talk to you, it is rather urgent but it doesn't have anything to do with any of your children directly," Minerva said.
Molly was relieved to hear none of her children were in trouble and that made her intrigued to hear what Minerva had to say. "By all means, come over. I was just sitting down to tea and would welcome the company."
Within moments Minerva McGonagall appeared in the Burrow. She sat down and took a sip of the tea that Molly already had waiting.
"What's so urgent?" Molly asked.
Minerva took a deep breath to calm herself. "I need to talk to you about Harry," she said plainly. "If only half of what he told me is true and I have no doubt that all of it is, I can not in good conscious let him return to his so called relatives for the summer."
Molly paled at what Minerva said. "What is going on?" she asked, afraid for the young boy who was fast becoming like a son to her.
"He has been systematically abused and neglected at their hands. In fact I'm convinced that Harry did not tell me everything, and what he told me was horrifying enough," Minerva said vehemently.
"What can I and Arthur do?" Molly asked immediately.
"While I know you and Arthur are not that well of financially I know you have a strong loving family and I was wondering if Harry couldn't stay here for the summers."
Molly smiled, "Of course Harry would be welcomed here, he has always gotten along well with all our children and I can't see any reason that he wouldn't love to stay here."
Minerva relaxed considerably. Her first hurdle had been cleared. "I was also wondering if you wouldn't consider becoming Harry's guardians," she asked.
Molly was taken a little by surprise, "Why? Is that really necessary?"
"Right now his Aunt is listed as his legal guardian and if she is treating Harry as I believe he is being treated, I think it is for the best if he have a new guardian or guardians. If you wouldn't object I'd like to be listed as co-guardian, it will make it easier to deal with certain people," Minerva explained.
Molly, ever the shrewd one, said knowingly, "Albus Dumbledore."
Minerva could only smile and nod her head, she knew Molly was sharp and probably understood more than she usually let on.
"Would you be willing to go with me to the Ministry right now? I think we can catch Amelia and maybe get this handled today," Minerva said with a shrewd smile.
Molly rose, "Let me go change and I'll be back in a couple minutes."
Minerva relaxed, sipping her tea once more as Molly went to get ready. If things went as well as they had so far, they could have everything handled before Albus knew anything about it.
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Arthur Weasley sat at his desk, reading a rather dull report about a series of minor muggle baiting crimes, enchanted keys, brooms and the like. Nothing serious but troublesome in their underlying intent.
"Arthur Dear," he heard from the door to his office.
Arthur looked up and was surprised to see his wife, Molly standing there.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, confused by her appearance.
"Come Arthur, we don't have a lot of time," she said as she grabbed his arm and yanked him to his feet.
"What's going on dear?" he asked in confusion.
He barely heard her reply as she hurried him along the halls, all he caught was something about Harry, the Burrow and it was criminal. The next thing he knew he was in Amelia Bone's office and being pushed into a chair next to Minerva McGonagall.
Amelia looked at him and Molly and asked, "Is that OK with you?"
Arthur looked bewildered but he heard Molly say "Yes."
Amelia smiled and said "OK, lets get going then."
Molly grabbed him by the arm again and hauled him to his feet, everyone else seemed to be smiling and he still had no idea what was going on. As they made their way to the lifts he whispered to Molly, "Care to explain what's going on?"
"Really Arthur, didn't you pay the slightest attention to what I was saying?" Molly said in a huff.
Before he could reply, the lift opened and Molly dragged him in after Amelia and Minerva. His head still spinning, the next thing he knew they were in the lobby. Amelia was casting a disillusionment charm on their robes so the seemed to be wearing muggle suits and dresses and in a moment they were Apparating somewhere.
Arthur blinked at the bright sunlight as they appeared in a small park somewhere and the three women set off at a brisk clip. He hurried to follow, still wishing he knew what was going on. Again before he could get anyone to clarify what was happening they were at the door of a residence in the neighbourhood they had appeared in.
He barely had time to look around before the door was opening and Amelia was speaking to a rather horse-faced woman who at first seemed very reluctant to allow them into her home.
After Amelia flashed some type of credential, the woman reluctantly let them in.
At first he was fascinated by his surroundings, he recognized he was in a muggle house and everything seemed to scream for his attention. There were so many fascinating things to look at.
His attention was finally drawn to the four women, in the parlour. The horse-faced woman had a disgusted look on her face as Minerva and Amelia were talking evenly but forcefully to her.
She finally looked from one to the other and spat, "Well as long as I never have to see him again, I don't care. I never really wanted him in the first place. Give me that damn paper and I'll sign it."
Petunia Dursley, grabbed the pen and document, scribbled her name furiously and handed them back to Amelia Bones. "Is that it?" she said indignantly.
Molly was glaring at the muggle woman, "Does he still have anything here that belongs to him?" she asked, her voice dripping with her distaste.
"How should I know, I never set foot in his room if I don't have to," Petunia sneered.
"Where is it?" Minerva said sternly.
"Upstairs, last room on the right."
Minerva and Molly marched up stairs and returned a few minutes later with a small box. Petunia eyed it with a frown but didn't say anything.
"We'll be leaving now," Minerva said, eyeing Petunia like she was something loathsome and to be pitied for her lack of tolerance.
With one last look around, the Four Witches and Wizard, turned on the spot and disappeared with a crack.
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A/N: Well things are certainly happening, Harry is finally Dursley Free! I'm sure Albus isn't going to be pleased but I feel Harry's well being is more important.
JKR owns the Potter Universe, I'm just here to play around with her toys.
As always please Review.