Harry and Ginny: A Love Story
Chapter 3: Going Home
Harry, Ginny and Hermione sat eating their lunches. Hermione noticed that Harry and Ginny kept glancing at the head table. The only thing she saw that was a bit unusual was that Professor McGonagall was missing.
While Professor Dumbledore was often missing at meals, lunch especially, it was very unusual that McGonagall wasn't there. Gleaning nothing from that fact, she turned her attention back to Harry and Ginny.
She couldn't really see anything different, though they did seem to spend quite a bit more time staring at each other. Hermione could only shake her head, that fact did nothing to help her understand what was happening.
"Where do you think McGonagall is?" Harry asked.
"I suppose she is off handling what she said she was going to take care of," Ginny replied soothingly. "She has only been gone a short time, you need to be patient Harry."
Harry nodded and sighed. After all this time he wanted things to happen in a hurry. He desperately wanted to be done with the Dursley's and the sooner he found out something the better, as far as he was concerned.
Ginny sympathetically patted Harry's leg under the table, letting him know that she was truly there for him and that he needed to let what needed to be done, get done.
Sighing, Harry looked once more at Ginny, "Thanks Ginny," he sent in appreciation of her support.
"Any time Harry," Ginny sent back with a smile.
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Arthur was still very confused when they reappeared back at the Ministry. He was further thrown off by Amelia turning to them, smiling and saying "Congratulations you three."
Arthur could only nod, noticing the very pleased looks on Molly's and Minerva's faces. Seeing Minerva turn to talk to Amelia, he took the opportunity to grab Molly's arm and whisper to her, "Are you going to tell me what just happened?"
Molly chuckled, "Really Arthur, you mean to tell me you have no idea what just took place?"
Arthur got a relieved look on his face, finally he was getting somewhere. "That's exactly what I'm saying."
"Come on Arthur, it's just about lunch time, why don't we go over to the Leaky Cauldron and I'll explain everything to you."
"OK Dear," Arthur said. At least he'd get to find out what was going on, even if it did cost him for the lunches.
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Minerva turned to Amelia Bones as the head of the MLE prepared to leave. "Do you have one more moment Amelia?" she asked.
Amelia smiled, "Is there something else I can help you with Minerva?" she asked.
"Yes there is," Minerva replied. "Is there somewhere more private we can talk?"
"Let's head back up to my office, we can talk there," Amelia answered.
"That will be fine," Minerva replied, "Just let me say goodbye to Arthur and Molly."
Minerva went over to the Weasley's, "I'll talk to you two later to finalize the details," she said smiling at them.
Arthur was still a bit confused and he hoped Molly would fill him in with all he needed to know.
Molly just smiled and said "That will be fine, Minerva, why don't you come to dinner tonight or tomorrow night."
Minerva nodded, "Let's make it tomorrow night. That will still give us enough time before the end of term to finish the arrangements."
Molly nodded and hugged Minerva, "OK we'll see you then. I need to take mister observant here to lunch and fill him in," she said with a chuckle.
Minerva got a surprised look on her face, "You mean he has no clue what just happened?"
"Apparently not," Molly replied.
Both women laughed and went their separate ways. Molly to take Arthur to lunch and fill him in, Minerva to talk to Amelia Bones to see if she could discover anything more about the possible Bond between Harry and Ginny.
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Minerva and Amelia made their way back to Amelia's office, talking about the events that happened that afternoon.
"I'm so glad I was able to help expedite things today, no one should grow up in such an environment," Amelia said with a smile.
"I want you to know that I appreciate what you did Amelia, I never wanted to leave Harry there in the first place. I could just Hex Albus for insisting," Minerva replied, shaking her head.
"Speaking of Albus, I take it he is not aware of what you have done,"Amelia said with a grin.
"No, he knows nothing about it. I want it to be a done deal before he tries to meddle in it," Minerva said, a bit sadly. "I have the feeling he would still want Harry to return there even if the situation isn't as he called it "Ideal"."
Amelia shook her head, "Men! They can be so pigheaded at times."
Minerva laughed, "Yes, and Albus in particular."
The two women finally reached Madam Bone's office, she ushered Minerva inside, followed her in and shut the door. "OK, what do you need to talk to me about," she said as they sat down.
Minerva took a deep breath, "I was hoping you could do some discreet inquiries here at the Ministry," Minerva said hopefully.
Amelia eyed Minerva critically, "What do you need investigated?" she asked, intrigued.
"What do you know of Soul-Bonds?" Minerva countered.
Amelia's eyebrows shot up. "Does this have anything to do with today's events?"
"Not directly," Minerva replied.
"But it pertains to the individual in question."
"Yes," Minerva admitted.
Amelia sat back in her chair and stared at the ceiling for several moments. "I can see why you want to do this discreetly," she said, once more looking back at Minerva.
"Yes, the poor boy has been under enough scrutiny since his return to our world," Minerva said sadly.
"OK, I know what needs to be done, just leave it to me and I should have an answer for you in a day of two at the most," Amelia said, with a smile.
"Thank you Amelia, for everything. I knew I could rely on you," Minerva said, sincerely.
"Well good luck with your ward, I'm sure Albus isn't going to be happy when he finds out what happened."
Minerva chuckled, "No, I don't suppose he will be but my only concern is for Harry. I can handle Albus, don't worry about that."
"I'll let you know as soon as I find out anything," Amelia said, rising to let Minerva out of her office.
"Thanks again Amelia. I'm not sure we could have pulled this off with out Albus knowing without your help."
Minerva left, satisfied with her accomplishments for the day. Harry would be heading off to the Burrow and a much better life and Albus couldn't do a damn thing to stop it.
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Harry and Ginny finished their lunches and Ginny could feel Harry's agitation. She took his hand under the table and it seemed to help for a few moments, but then Harry turned to her and said, "Want to go for a walk?"
Ginny smiled at him, hoping to cheer him up and keep him from dwelling on what was happening. "Sure Harry," she said brightly.
Harry helped her rise and without even looking at Hermione they made their way toward the entrance hall to head outside.
Hermione watched them go, still quite perplexed by what was happening. Even though she couldn't put her finger on it, there was definitely something going on with them. Sighing in frustration, she turned back to her lunch, which she had neglected while watching Harry and Ginny.
A few moments later Ron plopped down beside her, his face in a scowl as he piled food on his plate.
"I see Ginny is still hanging out with Harry," he said with a frown.
"Very observant," Hermione said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
"What?" Ron said forcefully.
"What's wrong with Ginny and Harry spending time together?" Hermione asked, in hopes of understanding Ron's reaction.
Ron shot a look at Hermione, shaking his head as he took a bite of his sandwich. Swallowing, he said, "You just don't understand."
"Well I'm trying to," Hermione replied, her anger starting to rise.
"It's just. . . What I mean is. . . . Oh never mind!" Ron spat out.
"No, please tell me Ron. If it's something I can help with, maybe we can straighten things out," Hermione pleaded.
Ron sighed, still scowling. "I just don't think that she should be hanging out with him, I mean he doesn't have any time for us any more."
"Ron, it's only been one day!" Hermione said in disbelief.
Ron dropped his sandwich in disgust. "Harry's my friend, Hermione. Mine! Why does she have to ruin it?"
Hermione looked at Ron totally bewildered, "What are you talking about Ron? Can't Harry like other people besides you? Do you want me to stop being his friend too?"
"No!" said Ron, a bit more forcefully than he intended. "It's just within the family, you know?" he pleaded.
"No I don't know Ron," Hermione replied, still confused.
Ron sighed, "It's just growing up I always had to share everything and everything was hand-me-downs. I never had anything that was my own," he said morosely.
Hermione began to understand what Ron was driving at, not that she agreed, to her he was being childish. Jealous of Ginny's growing friendship with Harry and she felt sorry for her friend.
"Ron, Harry isn't some toy or piece of clothing, he's a person who has his own feelings, wants and desires. You can't expect to control who he likes, can you?" she asked in disbelief.
Ron leaned his head into his hands, which he had braced on the table by his elbows. "I knew you wouldn't understand," he whined.
"Oh, I understand all right. I just think that you're only thinking of yourself and not of Harry and Ginny," Hermione said in disappointment.
Ron sighed again, his morose attitude radiating out and affecting those around him.
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Harry and Ginny ended up down by the lake, Harry sitting against a tree and Ginny close by, laying on her stomach facing him. She was idly playing with some blades of grass and they were just talking quietly.
Harry kept asking her about growing up at the Burrow and she was telling him loads of stories about her and her brothers.
Whenever Ginny asked about his life growing up, he gave her short very vague answers before asking her for another one about her and her family.
Ginny regaled him about Christmases, birthdays and everyday occurrences that made life at the Burrow so much fun. She had Harry laughing so hard his sides hurt and he had fallen over so that he was lying next to her, head to head.
Their eyes locked and they just smiled at one another, content for the moment that things would be all right.
"Oh Ginny, you make it sound so wonderful, I wish that I could live somewhere like that," Harry sent wistfully.
"Who knows Harry, sometimes wishes come true," Ginny sent with an encouraging smile.
Harry's smile faltered, "I don't know Ginny, I've been wishing for as long as I can remember and nothing has happened yet, I try not to get my hopes up so I won't be disappointed."
Ginny's heart went out to Harry, saddened by the brutality that he was forced to grow up enduring. She hoped that McGonagall would be able to come through for him, she felt he certainly deserved it.
It was late afternoon when they finally made their way back into the castle, hand in hand they had just entered the Entrance Hall and were starting up the stairs heading for the Gryffindor Common Room, when they heard their names being called.
When they stopped and turned around they saw Professor McGonagall coming up to them. "I would like to talk to you two, if you have a few moments," the Professor said.
Harry felt his heart leap into his throat, as much as he wanted to hear what she had to say, he was afraid that he would be disappointed again. He tried to read the Professor's demeanour but she was as stoic as usual.
So it was a bit of trepidation that he and Ginny followed her back to her office. She ushered them inside and closed the door. Harry stood there tensely, with Ginny almost as tense as she felt him through the Bond.
Minerva looked at them both stoically before she went and sat down, indicating for them to do likewise. It was then that she smiled at them and she said gently, "Harry, I'm happy to tell you that you never have to go back to the Dursley's ever again."
Harry could barely believe his ears, "You mean it?" he asked earnestly.
"Yes Harry, I've made all the arrangements, I got your Aunt to yield custody of you so you now have new guardians."
Harry looked at Ginny, his eyes alight with wonder.
"OH Harry! Isn't that wonderful," Ginny sent, her heart filled with joy for him.
"I can't hardly believe it!" Harry sent back. He looked back to the Professor, "Who's my new guardian?" he asked.
"You now have three new guardians Harry," Minerva said kindly. "I'm one of them and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley are the others."
Ginny looked at her with her eyes wide and a huge grin on her face, "You mean Harry is coming to live at the Burrow?"
"Yes Ginny, that's exactly what I mean, that is if Harry agrees," she said her eyes dancing with merriment.
Harry sat there stunned for a moment, "The Burrow" he said to himself. Suddenly it was all too much and tears began to fall and run down his cheeks as his emotions got away from him.
Ginny wasn't concerned when he began to cry, she could feel his happiness and sense of relief. She gently took him into a hug, "It's OK," she said softly. "I'm so happy for you."
Harry hugged Ginny back hard before he broke away and threw himself at Minerva, hugging her just as tightly. "Thank you," he exclaimed emotionally. "Thank you so much."
"You're very welcome Harry. I take it then you have no objections to your new home?" she said with a chuckle.
Harry couldn't help but laugh, "No, none at all." he said beaming.
"I didn't think you would," Minerva said kindly. "Now as to the other thing we talked about, I have someone looking into things and should have an answer in a day or two. I would also like to keep this all a secret for now, if certain people found out before you get home it could cause a spot of trouble but don't worry because it is all legal and filed with the Ministry."
"Thank you again Professor," Harry said fervently.
"Harry since I'm now one of your guardians, in private you can call me Minerva," she said with a smile.
"I'll try," Harry said thoughtfully. Then he smiled, "Is it OK if I call you Aunt Minerva?"
Minerva smiled back, "If you want to Harry, I'd like that very much."
Harry hugged her again and as he was pressed into her he said softly, "Thanks again Aunt Minerva, I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me."
Minerva returned his hug, "I'm pretty sure I can tell how much without you having to put it into words."
Ginny not to be left out, hugged her too after Harry was done, "Thank you for caring so much," she whispered.
"It's my pleasure," Minerva whispered back.
After Ginny had stepped back and taken Harry's hand again, Minerva looked at them and said "Off with you two now. I still have work to do."
"Yes Aunt Minerva," they both said, as they turned to go.
Minerva watched them leave, her heart feeling happier than she had in a long time and she also felt years younger too. Somehow dealing with the two young Gryffindor's was effecting her too.
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Hermione watched as Harry and Ginny came into the Common Room and it was obvious that something had happened. Where at lunch they had been tense, moody and nervous, they now exuded a sense of elation. You could just tell by looking at them that they were exceedingly happy.
They made there way over to the couch in front of the fire and sat down. They virtually bubbled with excitement and happiness. They sat there glancing at one another, breaking out into huge smiles when they did so.
Hermione also noticed they tended to keep in contact, mostly holding hands but occasionally Harry putting his arm around Ginny's shoulders and leaning together. The thing she found strangest was they weren't talking to one another, just making eye contact, smiling with the occasional giggle or chuckle.
She just found their behaviour more and more bizarre the more she watched them.
Harry and Ginny sat down in front of the fire, both exceedingly happy with what McGonagall had told them. Harry was going to live at the Burrow!
"Ginny, I can't hardly believe it. Please tell me it's not all a dream and I'll wake up and have to go back to my relatives," Harry said, trying hard not to shout out loud.
"Harry, you're not dreaming, unless I'm dreaming too," Ginny replied. "On top of it my parents are now your guardians and no one can take you away from us. It's almost like I have a new brother."
Harry blushed deeply, "What if I don't want to be your brother? I don't think a brother should feel like I do about you."
Ginny looked at Harry with widening eyes, "Just what do you mean by that Mr Potter?"
Harry blushed deeper still, "Well,. . .I, ah, I hope that you'll be more than my sister, I mean I kind of fancy you. It's weird, I can't really explain it, maybe it has something to do with the Bond Aunt Minerva was talking about."
Ginny blushed too, looking at Harry shyly, "Maybe there is something to that because I don't feel very sisterly to you either. It's more like I want you as a boyfriend. I only said something about a brother because you'll be at the Burrow all the time."
Harry could only smile at Ginny, the feeling of their connection seeming to grow stronger. It was like the mind-speaking was getting strengthened the more they used it and their ability to feel each others emotions increased as well.
"Ginny, I'm not sure what is happening but all I can say is I like it, It's like we've been given something special. Something that no one can take away from us," Harry said looking deep into Ginny's eyes.
"I know Harry, I feel the same way. I don't think I'd like it to go back the way it was before. It would feel like losing a part of myself. I feel you're part of me now and I find that wonderful."
Harry couldn't help himself, he wrapped his arms around Ginny and pulled her into a big hug. Ginny's head rested on his shoulder and he buried his face into her hair, inhaling deeply, letting Ginny's wonderful, flowery fragrance fill him up.
Ginny sighed, smiling as she felt Harry's arms encircle her. It made her feel so safe and secure, something she felt she had lost this past year with her struggle against Tom Riddle.
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Amelia Bones made her way deep down into the bowels of the Ministry, heading for a little used and mainly forgotten about room. So obscure and out of the way, that the last she had heard it was only checked once or twice a decade.
Seeing that a Soul-Bond hadn't been recorded in well over six or seven centuries she wasn't surprised that it wasn't checked that often.
She had once asked why a spell wasn't placed on it to notify someone that a new Bond had been recorded and she was pointedly told that it had been tried in the past but that the book had resisted all efforts to have any spell or enchantment placed on it. The Unspeakable who had told her that had frowned at her deeply, acting as if she was highly insulted that a new intern in the MLE would dare question anyone from the Department of Mysteries.
Amelia turned the last corner and saw the door she was looking for straight ahead. Just as she was just about to the door, an elderly Unspeakable exited from the room she was headed for.
She frowned, it just seemed too coincidental that someone would be there at this time to check on bondings. She looked closely at the man and was surprised she didn't recognize him. Though she didn't know all the Unspeakables, she recognized most, especially the older ones who had been around forever. The Unspeakables only took young graduates who dedicated their lives to whatever it was the Unspeakables did.
As she neared him, he gave her a short bow, "Madam Bones," he said amicably. He smiled at her and said softly, "The information you are looking for is right where you expected it to be. I'm sure you'll be surprised and delighted to read it." With that he bowed again and continued on his way.
Amelia went and opened the door, a matter of just a couple of steps, her curiosity raised she turned to look at the man again and she was shocked to see the corridor was empty. The was no way he could have traversed the length of the hallway in that short of time and there were extremely strong anti-apparation and portkey wards in place for this part of the Ministry.
Amelia stared down the corridor for several moments trying to figure out where the man could have gone. Coming up with no answers she turned and went into the room. It was empty save for a book stand against the far wall holding one huge ancient tome along with wall sconces flanking it giving the only light in the room.
She got the feeling that the room had been unused for a long time and if she hadn't just seen someone exit, she wouldn't have believed that anyone had been here in years.
She went over to the book and read the page that the book was open to. At the top of the left hand page she read Albert Gerald Smythson to Abigail Marie Cooper – December 12th,1258. Just below that was Harry James Potter to Ginevra Molly Weasley – May 29th 1993.
Amelia Bones stared at the page for several moments, struck speechless as she looked at the information. She understood Minerva's request for secrecy and the urgency with which she had pressed for the information.
Amelia turned quickly and headed back to her office, tomorrow be damned, she planned to go see Minerva tonight, this information needed to be handled quickly and quietly. She knew that Minerva wanted to know as soon as possible so she hurried to the Apparation point wanting to get to Hogsmeade as fast as she could.
She would send Rosemerta's Owl to summon Minerva to the Three Broomsticks, there was no way to enter Hogwarts without Albus knowing.
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Harry and Ginny sat together at dinner, much to the displeasure of Ron who sat next to Hermione, frowning the whole time he wasn't shovelling food into his mouth.
Harry and Ginny, though aware of Ron, chose to ignore him, smiling with the secret knowledge that Harry would be coming to live at the Burrow. Ron was in for a huge shock.
Ginny sighed while looking at Ron, "How do you think he's going to react when we get home?" she asked Harry wistfully.
"I honestly don't know, Ginny. I hope he can accept it and us being friends. You mean way to much for me to give up what we have," Harry replied.
Ginny could feel Harry's emotions flooding at her. It was stronger than ever and she found it a little overwhelming. It filled her heart with such joyous feelings she thought she'd pass out from it's intensity.
"Merlin Harry, what's going on?" Ginny asked, her body visibly trembling with the emotions running through her.
Harry wasn't much different, he felt the same things encompassing him, "I don't know Ginny, all I know is that it feels right, and that everything will be OK."
Both were aware that Ron and Hermione were looking at them intensely, but they didn't care, all that mattered was their connection and their feelings for one another.
Slowly they came back to themselves, and they became aware of the room around them once again. Harry saw Minerva looking at them with great concern, she was also glancing at Dumbledore who luckily didn't seem aware that anything had taken place. He was in a deep conversation with Pomona Sprout who was on the opposite side from Minerva so that he wasn't facing the Gryffindor table.
Minerva sighed in relief as whatever was effecting Harry and Ginny subsided. They seemed a bit dazed and were breathing hard, but they weren't showing any more outward signs of anything being wrong and seemed to be recovering quickly.
Luckily dinner ended shortly afterwards and Albus remained ignorant of anything happening between Harry and Ginny. Though Minerva was a bit worried about the way Hermione Granger was looking at the young couple, that girl was sometimes smarter than for her own good.
Well there wasn't much Minerva could do about that at the moment, all she could do was try and keep an eye on things and maybe try to distract Hermione if she caused too much trouble.
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Minerva hurried to the Three Broomsticks, wondering what was so urgent. She had been surprised to find an Owl waiting when she got back to her office, She had a hard time believing that Amelia could have found out anything so quickly and even if she did, why was it so important that it couldn't wait till tomorrow.
She entered the Pub and saw Amelia sitting alone at a small table at the back of the room. It was situated that anyone sitting there had the most privacy available in the Pub and had a great view of the rest of the room.
As she approached the table she saw that Amelia was enjoying a goblet of Rosemerta's finest Oak matured Mead and that she already had a goblet waiting for her.
Minerva sat down and took a sip of the Mead, it gently warmed her mouth and throat as she swallowed. The taste was rich, smoky and mellow, and Minerva savoured it immensely.
After a couple sips Minerva looked at Amelia and said softly, "Well, what is so important that it couldn't wait?" she asked.
Amelia smiled, "Sorry I just had to come and talk to you, I don't think I could have slept if I didn't tell you."
Minerva looked at her expectantly, and was a little annoyed when Amelia took another sip of her mead. Finally she looked at Minerva and chuckled. "I could hardly believe it and something very odd happened too."
Minerva was getting quite agitated with Amelia, "Well what did you find out?" she asked a little testily.
"There is a new Soul-Bond listed and you were correct that it concerns the young man we spoke of, his betrothed is one Ginevra Weasley, it said the bond was formed on the 29th," Amelia said with a grin.
Minerva nodded, she suspected as much, "Were you able to find out anything about what the Bond means?" she asked.
"Yes, I did a little research before coming here. Since the couple in question is so young the bonding is more like a betrothal, than a marriage but it is still a very serious thing. All indications are that once Bonded, the couple is tied together no matter what, any attempt to alter that could have dire repercussions."
Minerva nodded once again, "Anything else?"
"Not concerning the Bond itself, but something strange happened when I went down to check on the Bonding. As I approached the room, the door opened and someone came out. I didn't recognize him at all and because of his age, I should have known him at least by sight."
"Anyway he called me by name, told me the information I was seeking was there and then he turned and left. The really strange thing was when I turned around to ask him a question a few seconds later, he had disappeared," Amelia said, her brow furrowed in concentration. "The thing is there hadn't been enough time for him to traverse the Hallway to get out of sight and there are very powerful wards to prevent magical means of transportation. He just disappeared."
Minerva was glad that the Bond had been confirmed and she knew it was going to come as a shock, especially to Molly. She tended to be very protective of her children, Ginny more so than her brothers just because she was the first female born into the Weasley family for many generations.
The more she thought of it, the more she knew she'd have to look into it too. Ginny was the seventh child and if Minerva remembered correctly, it had been seven generations since a female had been born into the Weasley bloodline. She wondered if there were any more sevens involved with the youngest Weasley.
The two Witches finished their drinks, talking about the interplay of the political scene at the Ministry and how much Albus was going to have kneazles when he found Harry wasn't at the Dursley's any more.
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Minerva appeared at the Burrow, wondering how the information of the Bonding would effect having Harry come live at the Weasley's home. The door opened almost immediately, as if Arthur had been waiting for her to knock.
Arthur greeted her warmly as he shut the door behind her, took her cloak and had her sit at the table.
Molly was busy putting the finishing touches on the dinner she had prepared but did take out a moment to come over and give the Professor a welcoming hug, before she went back to the stove.
Arthur had broken out one of the special bottles of Elvish wine and poured everyone a glass as Molly brought everything to the table.
They ate their meals with nothing but idle conversation, manners dictated that serious discussions waited till after pudding and they could retire to the parlour with cups of tea.
Finally they were all seated comfortably in the parlour and the time for the serious conversation to take place had arrived.
Minerva smiled and said, "I take it you have brought Arthur up to speed on what has happened so far." She was surprised but amused when Arthur blushed slightly while Molly giggled at her statement.
"Yes, the poor dear," Molly said with a smile. "I really didn't realize just how hurriedly we did everything the other day. I'm really glad that he didn't protest or anything as that could have caused some problems."
"Well I figured Molly seemed to know and if it was that important, I'd just trust her judgement," Arthur said with a grin.
"I take it from your reaction that you have no objections then to having Harry come live here?" Minerva asked, even though his answer seemed quite apparent.
"None what so ever, I can't think of a finer boy, so polite and unassuming. I just hope we don't overwhelm him at first," Arthur chuckled.
"Well that's great to hear, but I do have another bit of information that just came to light and I hope it doesn't give you a reason to change your minds," Minerva said, a bit nervously.
Molly and Arthur looked quite confused. "I can't think of anything that you could say that would alter our thinking on Harry," Molly said, Arthur nodding in agreement.
"Not even if I told you the he has formed a Soul-Bond with your daughter," Minerva said softly, watching closely to gauge their reactions.
At first it almost seemed that they hadn't heard, because they didn't react at all. Then the Weasley's looked at each other, neither saying a word.
Finally Molly cleared her throat and looked back at Minerva, "A Soul-Bond, you say."
"Yes, Amelia confirmed it yesterday," Minerva said.
"But there hasn't been a Bonding since. . . since..." Molly said looking around wildly, trying to come up with a date.
"1258," Minerva supplied.
Arthur raised an eyebrow up into his hair line, "That long?" he asked softly.
"Yes," Minerva said succinctly. "Amelia gave me that little tidbit when she told me about the Bond."
Molly looked at Arthur, a worried look on her face, "What does this all mean?" she asked.
"Well due to their ages it is like an old Betrothal contract, though as far as I know there is no way to get out of it short of one of the parties dying," Minerva said lowly.
Molly sighed, looking quite forlorn, "My poor baby," she lamented.
Arthur placed his arm around her shoulders, "There, there Molly. Don't fret, we'll work through this."
"But Arthur, she's only eleven! Much to young to be betrothed!" Molly said, trying hard not to cry.
"The question is does this effect your position about bringing Harry here?" Minerva asked, trying to keep things on topic.
Arthur looked serious, "To tell the truth, I don't think so. We'll need to practice some increased vigilance, but other than that I can't think of any objections. I mean it wouldn't matter where he was, if what I've heard is true then we couldn't keep them apart if we tried. Ginny would just find a way to get out and to him, at least this way we can monitor them,"Arthur said realisticly.
"But Arthur," Molly cried softly.
"No Molly, we have to think about both of them, we agreed to be his guardians and that's just what we're going to do and be. He's our responsibility now, no offence Minerva," Arthur said seriously.
"None taken, Arthur. "While I am legally one of Harry's guardians I know that he will be living here, and while we're talking about that, I insist that we split Harry's expenses. I will not have you assuming all the financial responsibility," Minerva said emphatically.
Molly seemed ready to protest but Arthur cut her off, "We wouldn't have it any other way, Minerva. I can tell you care about Harry too."
"Lily and James were two of my favourite students, they were so happy when Harry was born, so proud. I will do whatever it takes to help him," Minerva said a bit emotionally.
Molly knew just how much Minerva must be feeling, for the usually stoic Witch to be showing any emotion at all, she must have been close to breaking down.
"We'll all take care of him, Minerva," Molly said softly, coming over to lay her hand on the older woman's shoulder.
Minerva pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes, "Look at me, being all weepy and emotional. Next thing you know I'll start asking Severus to tea." She took a few deep breaths to calm herself and after she had recovered, Harry's three guardians made the final arrangements to bring Harry home.
XX HP + GW XX
The end of the term had finally arrived and Harry could hardly contain the excitement that he was feeling. He would be going Home and for the first time he was looking forward to it.
He and Ginny had sat up late the previous night, both so excited they couldn't get to sleep. It was only when one of the prefects had come down, scolded them and ordered them to bed had they gone to their rooms.
Sleep had finally come but it had taken them both a long time to calm down. It didn't really help that they kept up their conversation through their Bond after they had gone up to their respective dorms.
They both found it wonderful that even though they couldn't be together physically they could still "talk". Though Ginny had to end up trying to cast a silencing charm because her giggling woke up her dorm-mates, finally when she failed they reluctantly lay down and eventually fell asleep.
After a splendid breakfast where Harry and Ginny had to endure Ron's hostile looks, they were finally on the Hogwarts Express heading home for the summer.
Ron had gone off ride with Dean and Seamus which was just fine as far as Harry and Ginny were concerned. Hermione had opted to ride with them as opposed to enduring the endless talk of Quidditch verses Muggle Football that Ron, Seamus and Dean would be having.
Hermione was a little surprised when they were joined by Neville Longbottom, who was actually a very nice boy, once he got past his nervousness. He knew quite a lot about the Wizarding World, especially the High Society goings on. His Grandmother being something of a Matriarch and Society Leader.
Hermione really found herself hanging on Neville's words as he told stories about the inner workings of Wizarding Society. Harry and Ginny had listened politely for a while before they kind of huddled together, tuning him out and talking mind to mind for the remainder of the trip.
The only incident that Harry found strange was when Malfoy had come by their compartment. He had looked through the glass, sneered at Harry but then kept going. It was as if Ron wasn't there it wasn't worth the effort to stop and annoy them.
After that they settled back into their seats and continued as before. So engrossed were they that it seemed like they had hardly gotten on the train before they were pulling into King's Cross Station.
Harry and Neville helped the girls unload their trunks before they all went off to find those picking them up. Harry was quite surprised when Ron came up beside him and acted like nothing was wrong.
"Where are your relatives?" he asked Harry. "I would have thought that your Uncle would be waiting to get you away as fast as possible."
Harry replied carefully, he didn't want to be the one to break it to Ron that he wasn't being met by his Uncle and that he'd be heading back to the Burrow with the Weasleys. "I don't know," Harry replied truthfully.
Ginny was standing on the other side of Harry trying desperately not to laugh when Ron had asked about Harry's relatives.
"He's in for a big surprise," Ginny sent with a grin.
Harry glanced at Ginny, though he was a little amused by the situation he was also a bit leery about how Ron would react. He certainly hadn't been very accommodating to Harry and Ginny hanging out while still at Hogwarts.
Just when Harry thought things were going to get a bit dicey, they saw Mr. and Mrs. Weasley making their way through the crowd. They gathered everyone up and pulled them off to the side.
Mrs. Weasley was beaming and couldn't hide the huge smile on her face. The Twins were looking at Harry with amused looks on their faces, Percy looked totally disinterested, just acting slightly annoyed at the delay in their departure. Ron was looking at Harry with a frown on his face, you could literally see him wondering why Harry was still with them. Only Ginny was smiling as widely as her mother.
"Boys," Mr. Weasley said, getting all their attentions. "We have an announcement to make."
Everyone focused their attention on their father, except Ginny, she really wanted to see Harry's and her brother's reactions when it was announced to everyone that he was coming to live with them.
Mr Weasley cleared his throat nervously, "We have always tried to instil in all of you just how important family is and that having a strong supportive family is very essential for growing up happy and health."
Fred rolled his eyes and glanced at George. "Ah Dad, could you just say what the announcement is and leave out the preamble speech? We'd like to get home to Mom's fabulous dinner sometime tonight."
"Hear! Hear!" said George.
Mrs Weasley scowled at them slightly but when even Percy nodded in agreement, Mr. Weasley continued. "Well, OK then. Well the thing is that we have a new addition to the family."
The Weasley boy's all looked puzzled, their mum certainly didn't look like she'd had a baby and they were sure someone would have mentioned it sometime during the year.
"Just spit it out Dad," George said.
Mr. Weasley smiled, blushing like any other Weasley. "Well the thing is, Harry is coming to live with us."
There was stunned silence for a moment and Harry's heart was in his throat, thinking that maybe the Weasley brothers didn't want him included in their family.
Then suddenly the Twins were all over him, smiling, clapping him on the back, ruffling his hair and shaking his hands. Percy just looked at him and said, "Well, right. Welcome to the family Harry."
Ron was the only one who had a stunned look on his face, not saying anything, just eyeing Harry with a weird look on his face but Harry couldn't gauge his reaction because of the Twins.
Ginny of course squealed with delight, even though she had known all along, she couldn't help but let out her joy. She hugged Harry tightly, "Welcome to the family," she sent.
Harry just smiled at her, returning her hug and letting her feelings for him wash through him like a cleansing stream. He couldn't remember ever feeling so loved.
Molly and Arthur kept a close watch on Harry and Ginny, trying to gauge their interaction. The biggest thing they noticed was that Harry and Ginny were almost always within arms length of each other and though they didn't say much to each other they seemed to know exactly what the other was thinking or wanted.
Harry noticed that most of the other people had left the platform so it was with relative ease that they were able to get everyone's things together and head off to the Burrow.
XX HP + GW XX
It seemed in a blink of the eye they were all back at the Burrow, the twins charging past everyone, hauling their trunks up the stairs to their room. In a few brief moments they were gone, Molly shouting after them to stay out of mischief because she would have dinner ready soon.
Harry stood in the kitchen with a slight bewildered look on his face, there was such a hub-bub of activity around him that he didn't know what to do.
Unbeknown to Harry, Molly and Arthur were keeping an eye on him, they just wanted to see how he would react to the normal chaos that was the Weasley family.
Ginny was also watching Harry closely, trying to take in all that Harry was feeling.
Harry couldn't believe that he was actually at the Burrow. Up till now it had all seemed like a dream and that it would never come true. He turned and looked at Ginny and with a huge smile on his face he sent to her "I'm Home!"
Ginny was smiling just as much as he was, seeing his reaction along with feeling the joy and happiness radiating off Harry filled her heart to overflowing.
"Yes Harry, you're home," Ginny sent back, pouring her love into their connection.
Harry turned to her, with tears beginning to form in his eyes, "Ginny, I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me."
Arthur and Molly were watching him closely now and they could see his emotions coming over him. Molly got a little concerned when she saw his tears begin to fall. "Are you OK?," she asked tenderly.
Harry found that his heart had gotten lodged in his throat and no words would come out so he just threw himself at her, taking her into a huge hug. Something so uncharacteristic for him, it took her completely by surprise.
Ginny was smiling widely at Harry and her mother but it quickly turned to a frown as she watched Ron's reaction. He was scowling at Harry and his mother and with one last look of disgust, he turned and stormed up the stairs to his room.
Ginny's eyes had followed him and as she looked back into the kitchen, her eyes caught her father's. He nodded sadly at her, letting her know that he had seen Ron's reaction. Ginny was glad that she wasn't the only one who had seen him.
Harry finally let go of Molly who was beaming at him, but when she turned to have Ron help Harry take his trunk up the stairs, she didn't see him and with a puzzled look on her face she looked at Arthur.
"Where'd Ron go?" she asked.
Arthur crossed the room to her and put his arm around her shoulders, "We'll need to have a little talk later," he said lowly.
Molly nodded, not quite knowing what had happened but she could hear the sadness in her husband's voice and she knew that there had to be some kind of problem.
Smiling once more though, she turned to Ginny, "Why don't you show Harry to his room, dear. It's Bill's old one, I'm sure you remember where it is."
Ginny's smile got even bigger, Harry would be right across the hall from her and she couldn't have been happier if she wanted to.
"Come on, Harry," she said with a grin, as she grabbed the bottom handle on his trunk. "I'll show you to your room."
Harry couldn't help but smile at her, as her happiness radiated back to him through the Bond. He grabbed the other end of the trunk and let Ginny lead him up the stairs.
Ginny opened the door and led him inside. She set her end of the trunk off to the side of the door to allow Harry to stand it up as he came in. Ginny stared at him as he took in his room for the very first time.
Though slightly smaller than Dudley's second bedroom that he had stayed in after they moved him from the cupboard under the stairs, it actually felt bigger because it wasn't filled with all his cousin's broken stuff.
Though the furniture was rather old and mismatched, everything was neat and tidy, the wood polished, the mirror clean and the freshly laundered curtains drawn back to let the light flood into the room.
Harry's eyes tried to take in everything at once. He had a bed! A real bed, not just a old lumpy mattress thrown on the floor in the corner. There were bookshelves and though they weren't quite square, they were sturdy and would hold all his textbooks.
The thing that caught his eye the most though was the stand just inside the window for Hedwig, it was obviously new, handmade by Mr. Weasley.
Hedwig hooted at him softly so he went over to her and gently stroked the feathers on her head and neck. Smiling he said softly, "Hey girl, we're home. No more being locked up, we're both free now."
Ginny's heart cringed as she heard his words, she still couldn't believe that anyone could treat a young boy in such a manner.
Hedwig gave him a much more hearty hoot, indicating that she approved of their new room and with a bob of her head she turned to fly out the window, going hunting unrestricted for the first time away from Hogwarts.
Ginny felt Harry's heart soar with Hedwig as he watched her fly up and out of sight. Knowing he was feeling just as free as his owl was.
She watched Harry take everything in. She could feel the wonder and awe he was feeling as he looked at each and every feature of his very own room. She was practically giddy with the happy emotions she was feeling from him.
She smiled as she went over to him as he stared out the window, watching Hedwig fly off. He was running his hand along the window frame and she felt his emotions change. "What is it Harry? She asked, concerned by what she was feeling.
Harry looked up at her and smiled wanly, "No Bars," he said softly. "There aren't any bars on my window," he said his voice choked with emotion.
Ginny's eyes filled with tears and she hugged him tightly. Harry clung to her just as tightly and she slowly felt his melancholy leave him. "Thanks Ginny," he sent.
"You're welcome Harry," she said trying desperately to get her emotions under control too. As they clung together, Ginny leaned her head up and softly kissed Harry on the cheek, "Welcome Home, Harry," she whispered in his ear, and then with a grin she added "See I told you sometimes wishes come true."
Harry tightened his grip on her, his cheek tingling where her lips had touched him. "It's good to be Home," he whispered back as he laid his head on her shoulder, face into her neck so he could breath in her wonderful flowery fragrance. Sighing contently, he knew in his heart he was truly Home.
XX HP + GW XX
A/N: I hope you all liked this next instalment. Harry is safely at the Burrow and Albus is none the wiser. Ron still doesn't seem to be handling it well. I think the Twins think they have a new mark to test things on.
Molly's reaction was much more low key than most would think, It's my humble opinion that she still doesn't understand the implication of the bond.
Stay tuned for more and as always your reviews are greatly appreciated.