Harry and Ginny: A Love Story
Chapter 8: Like a Needle In a Haystack
The sun was much higher in the sky when Harry woke for the second time. Ginny was still snuggled tightly into his side and he had an arm wrapped around her protectively.
He couldn't help but notice the smile on Ginny's face as she slept, her head resting on his shoulder and her arm draped across his chest. The soft light that was filtering into the room through the curtains covering his open window gave her skin a soft glow.
That along with the way it made her hair shine mesmerized Harry and he couldn't ever remember seeing anything that looked so beautiful in his whole life.
Almost as if she could feel his gaze, her eyes fluttered open, meeting his. Her smile widened and she gave him a hug, gently squeezing herself tighter into his side. "See I told no one would bother us," she said softly.
"Yeah but we still could be caught," Harry said, looking very nervous.
Ginny sat up and stretched and Harry thought she looked very cat like as she did so. "I haven't slept so well in a long time," Ginny said softly, looking at Harry and smiling.
Harry couldn't help but smile back, Ginny's feelings of happiness permeating him through their Bond. She bounced out of bed and turned and hugged him again. "See, now if anyone comes in I can say I'm in here waking you up."
Harry had to laugh at her deviousness, and he followed her out of the bed. "I wonder what we'll be having for breakfast," Ginny said, as her stomach gave a rumble. "I hope it's pancakes," she added with a giggle.
Harry could only shake his head, the idea of actually getting a full breakfast and having someone ask what he wanted was so foreign to him now that he wasn't at Hogwarts.
Ginny felt his emotions, "What is it?" she asked.
"It's just so strange," Harry replied. "I mean when I stayed with my relatives, I was lucky to get some dry toast and a glass of water for breakfast. I sure like it here better," he said shyly.
Ginny didn't want him to dwell on the past so she hauled him towards the door, "Come on, lets get down there before my brothers eat everything."
Harry couldn't help but be cheered by Ginny's attitude and he found himself smiling as she drug him down the stairs.
Harry and Ginny bound into the kitchen and were surprised to find Aunt Minerva there, sipping on a cup of tea and enjoying a raspberry scone.
"Good morning Aunt Minerva," Harry and Ginny said together, causing them both to giggle.
"Good morning to you too," she replied with a smile.
Ginny pushed Harry down into a seat across from Minerva and went over to her mother at the stove. She looked at the frying pan and smiled, "Pancakes!" she said to Harry, before she headed to the cold box to get out juice for Harry and her.
Minerva took in Harry's smile at Ginny's pronouncement, and she was sure that he hadn't gotten anything like that at his relatives house.
Harry looked at Minerva with a smile and said, "What brings you here today?"
"What? Can't I come visit you and Ginny without a special reason?" Minerva chided playfully.
Harry blushed deeply, never before had someone come just to see him, or at least him and Ginny. "Well I guess, but I'm just not use to it," he said shyly.
"You're just going to have to get use to it Harry," Minerva said kindly. "I take my job as one of your guardians very seriously."
Harry dropped his gaze, not use to being the centre of attention. Ginny could feel his mixed emotions, uncomfortable with someone showing that kind of attention to him, but elated just the same that someone actually did.
"Relax Harry," she sent as she poured juice for him and her. After which she came over and gave him a hug and sat down next to him.
"There is another reason for my visit too," Minerva said with a smile, "A couple as a matter-of-fact. First I wanted to tell you that I wasn't able to find out much more about what you may expect while you Bond. It seems the records of the previous Bond-mates was lost in the Great Fire of London back in 1666, so we're pretty much on our own because of that for now, though in the future I may be able to check with some other sources. We'll just have to be discreet for now so we don't let anything slip."
Harry's and Ginny's faces fell, showing their disappointment at that news. Though they were enjoying what they were sharing now, they wished that they knew more about what to expect.
"Second," Minerva continued, "I'm here to take you shopping again Harry. Molly has informed me of the deplorable condition of some of your things and we need to rectify that."
Just as Molly had warned her, Harry got a defiant look on his face, "I won't be a burden, I have money and can pay for my own things," he said adamantly.
Molly looked a Minerva to see how she was going to handle the situation and she was glad that she had tipped her off to Harry's intractable position.
Minerva smiled at Harry, "Trust me Harry, you are not a burden and it is one of my jobs as your guardian to help provide for you. I'm well able to fulfill that role and please don't deny me the fun and privilege of doing so."
Harry was quite taken aback. He had never thought that someone would actually want to do something like that for him and the fact that Minerva had said, fun and privilege befuddled him.
Ginny could feel his confusion, "It's OK Harry, let Aunt Minerva help. She wants to, I can tell."
Harry looked at her questioningly, "Are you sure Ginny?"
"Yes Harry, I'm sure."
"Will you come too?" he asked his Bond-mate.
"You bet! I wouldn't want to miss it for anything," she sent with a grin.
Molly and Minerva watched as Harry and Ginny stared at one another for several minutes, at first not realizing what was taking place but then Minerva rolled her eyes and shook her head. The first thing they had come to her about was the fact that they could talk mind to mind.
Minerva got up on the pretext to freshen her cup of tea but whispered to Molly, "I'm pretty sure they are talking to one another."
"I know, they do it quite often and they are practically inseparable," Molly replied with a small smile. "I wonder what will happen at Hogwarts next year?"
"Harry, I really think you should let Aunt Minerva take care of your everyday things," Ginny sent.
Harry started to protest but then thought better of it as Ginny looked at him pleadingly. He could feel her concern and he knew it was probably the right thing to do.
"OK, but I'm going to insist on buying some of my own things that I might want that are beyond the normal things, like some new Quidditch gear," Harry sent, firmly but pleasantly.
"I think that would be a good idea and I'm sure that will be acceptable if you ask. Don't be pig-headed though or you'll only get them mad at you. Try to get things by being nice and I'm sure they'll be much more likely to allow it than if you fight with them," Ginny sent with a smile.
Harry nodded at Ginny and smiled at her. They then turned to Minerva and Molly, "OK Aunt Minerva, but is it OK if I buy some of my own extra stuff, like new Quiditch gear and anything that would be beyond what would normally be covered?" Harry asked, maintaining a pleasant manner.
Minerva thought about it for a moment, "That will be acceptable, but only if Molly, Arthur or I approve of your purchases. You just can't go spending Galleons like they're water.
"I can accept that," Harry said with a smile. Turning to Molly he said, "Can Ginny come with us? I'd like her help with picking out some of my new clothes."
Ginny looked at her Mum, her eyes silently begging to be allowed to accompany Harry and Minerva to Diagon Alley.
Molly took one look at Ginny and almost burst out laughing at the puppy dog eyes the were staring at her. Minerva also had to stifle a laugh at the comical expression on Ginny's face.
"It's OK with me as long as it's OK with Minerva," Molly said, smiling at the older witch.
Minerva had to chuckle as Ginny turned her face to her and with the same pleading look, waited to hear if she could come.
"It's fine with me," she finally said.
Ginny broke out into a huge smile and she got up quickly, grabbing Harry's hand and began to pull him towards the stairs. "Come on Harry. Let's get changed!" she said gleefully.
As the two youngsters vanished up the stairs, Minerva looked at Molly who was watching with the same look of delight at the exuberance of the children.
"I'm somewhat surprised that Harry asked that Ginny help him pick out his clothes," Minerva said.
Molly chuckled, "I'm not, if you could see them together all the time, you'd know who he is going to be dressing for. Who better to help pick out what he should be wearing."
Minerva had to laugh at Molly's comment, though slightly young yet, Harry and Ginny were starting to exhibit the actions of somewhat older teens.
"Do you need me to come along?" she asked Minerva.
"I'll be fine, Molly. If I can't handle two children, I should probably retire from teaching," she said, refreshing her tea before sitting down to wait for Harry and Ginny to come back down.
XX HP + GW XX
Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody stomped his way from the gate to Hogwarts to the main Entrance, grumbling all the way. "Damnation," he muttered, "There should be some better way to get from the gate to the Castle. Hell, they have carriages for the bloody kids, yet they expect visitors to walk."
He finally made it to the doors and found them open. Shaking his head he wondered what Dumbledore was thinking. Moody knew that Dumbledore was certainly aware that a war was brewing, but he sure didn't act like it.
In the stillness of the summer morning his wooden leg echoed sharply in the empty corridors. Clunk, Clunk, Clunk, it sounded as he made his way to the Headmaster's Office. He was glad that he had taken the time to get some rest, he would have hated to make this long trip earlier, as tired as he was.
Giving a snort of a chuckle, he smiled wryly, thinking how age had slowed him down almost as much as his various injuries had.
He finally arrived at the Gargoyle that guarded the stairs that led up to the office. He was surprised to find the way open and he decided that a little reminder about "Constant Vigilance" was warranted.
His Magical eye scanned the way and he saw that the way was clear. He shook his head, the Castle was so permeated with magic after centuries of it soaking into the very stone of the edifice, that his magical eye was almost useless inside the building.
As he rode the spiralling stairs up to Dumbledore's office he wondered idly what the old wizard wanted. Though he knew the work Dumbledore was involved in was important, he was glad to supplement his retirement with the extra Galleons he earned from the Ministry and he just hoped that whatever he was wanted to do wouldn't take up too much time.
Dumbledore was bent over a parchment on his desk, quill scratching hurriedly as it flew across the page. Alastor took his staff and rapped it a couple of times on the door frame.
Dumbledore's head shot up and when he saw who it was a smile broke out on his face. "Ah, Alastor, I'm glad you could make it so quickly," he said as he rose.
Moody stomped his way over to a chair by the desk and flopped down into it. "What's so all fired urgent that you had that bloody bird flash into my room late last night?" he growled.
Fawkes trilled at him disapprovingly, and after eyeing him for a moment he flashed away, leaving Alastor and Dumbledore alone.
Dumbledore's face took on a serious look as he paced back around his desk. "We have a bit of a situation Alastor," he said with a frown.
Moody just watched him pace, not interrupting, knowing to do so would only slow things down.
"It seems that Harry Potter has gone missing," Albus said, stopping and looking at Moody to gauge his reaction.
'Hell, Bells, Dumbledore! How in the name of all that's Holy did you manage to lose the Boy?" Alastor spat out
"It seems that someone has managed to convince his Aunt to sign over her guardianship before the end of the school year and instead of his returning to Surrey at the end of the year, he disappeared after arriving at Kings Cross Station to whereabouts unknown," Dumbledore stated, trying to sound not terribly concerned.
Mad-Eye grumbled as he shook his head. "What the hell has been going on?"
"For once I have no idea," Dumbledore admitted.
"Do you have anyone out looking for the boy?" Alastor asked pointedly.
"That's what I was hoping you would do," Albus replied. When Moody scowled at him he added "I do have Auror Tonks keeping an ear out at the Ministry for any mention of his whereabouts."
Mad-Eye went silent and contemplated Dumbledore and his dilemma, "What else have you done to try to track him down?", his magical eye focusing on the Headmaster.
"Not much really. I don't wish to cause undue alarm," Albus said.
"Hum. . . . Well I guess if your toys can't place him, I'll have to do this the old fashioned way," Moody said with a smile that was twisted by his scarred features.
Dumbledore looked at him hopefully, "I have great faith in you Alastor, if anyone can find him you can."
"Humph," was Moody's only reply. Then rising, he looked at Dumbledore, "Anything else I should know before I go?"
"Not really, all I can say is this is of the utmost importance and I can't stress enough about how discreet you need to be," Albus said.
"I'll be in touch," the grizzled old Auror said, and then turning he left Dumbledore sitting at his desk.
Dumbledore watched him go and satisfied that he had delegated the task to the person best suited to handle it, he turned his attention back to the mountain of work on his desk.
XX HP + GW XX
Ron and Percy descended into the kitchen just as Harry and Ginny were heading up the stairs. Both were surprised to see Professor McGonagall sitting in their kitchen, calmly sipping tea and munching on a scone.
Percy immediately went into Prefect mode. "Good Morning Professor, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?" he said, rather pompously.
Ron just muttered under his breath, "Pleasure?"
"Ronald, where are your manners?" Molly said a bit sternly.
"Sorry Mum," he replied sheepishly. "Good morning Professor," he mumbled.
Molly rolled her eyes and gave a small shake of her head. Sometimes she just didn't understand her youngest son. None of his brothers had been as surly as Ron could be.
As the two Weasley boys sat down for breakfast, Molly plated up their breakfasts and set them on the table. Ron dove right in, as usual eating like he hadn't seen food in weeks instead of just since dinner last night.
Percy rolled his eyes and shot Ron a very disapproving look and he started in eating at a much more sedate pace, his other hand on his lap and with an air of superiority looked at the Professor.
"It's very nice to see you Professor. I for one am glad to see you, though it is quite unusual to see a teacher after the school year," he said rather formally.
"Well yes it is a little unusual, but these are unusual times and circumstances," Minerva replied. "And because of it you'll probably be seeing me occasionally through the year."
"Really?" Percy said in surprise.
Ron didn't comment but his head had shot up, he had a slightly stunned look on his face and looked like he had just heard bad news.
"Well yes," Minerva drawled, enjoying the boys reactions. "Since I am one of Harry's guardians I'll be here on a somewhat regular basis."
Percy looked shocked but it was nothing compared to the look on Ron's face. He was looking quite peekish and for once had stopped eating his breakfast. "Visiting regularly?" he managed to squeak out after a moment, his voice rising several octaves.
"Yes that's right, dear," his mother said, as she sat down at the table with a cup of tea of her own.
Percy and Ron were just staring at the adults when they were startled by the sounds of people coming down the stairs. Fred and George came barrelling into the kitchen, followed closely by Harry and Ginny who were once again hand in had and smiling at one another like they had just shared a secret.
The twins paid no one any mind, just gave everyone a quick "Good morning" before they started in on their breakfasts. Molly was a bit surprised because they treated having Minerva there like it happened all the time.
Ron scowled at Harry and Ginny, and Molly wondered if it was his previous attitude re-exerting itself or because of hearing the Professor McGonagall would be visiting the Burrow on a consistent basis. Sighing she wondered if he'd ever get over his inferiority complex and the jealousy it sparked.
Her attention was brought back to the present when Minerva rose and went over to Harry and Ginny. "All set you two?" she asked with a smile.
Harry and Ginny looked up at her and smiled back, "Yes Mam," the replied in unison.
"Right, now since Harry is subject to a lot of unwarranted attention I want to cast some charms on the two of you to change your appearance slightly to make you a little less recognizable, that is if you have no objections," Minerva continued pleasantly.
Both Harry and Ginny nodded enthusiastically, feeling that they were embarking on an adventure, neither having been transfigured before to alter their appearance and finding the idea quite exciting.
Harry's hair was changed to a medium brown, his eyes a bright blue and a concealing charm was used to hide his scar. Ginny had her hair colour changed from her brilliant red to a brown that was very close in colour to Harry's and they looked like they could have been brother and sister.
Ron looked on with a frown on his face and Molly wasn't sure if it was because he didn't approve or was jealous that he wasn't included in their little sojourn.
After Minerva was done the three of them went to the Fireplace where they would floo to Diagon Alley, via the Leaky Cauldron. With the prerequisite flash of green flames and the disorienting spinning they all ended up in the Leaky Cauldron, where they made their way into the back alley where Minerva tapped the correct brick to open the archway.
Harry was almost as impressed as he was when Hagrid had brought him to Diagon Alley for the first time. The hustle and bustle of the magical marketplace was as overwhelming as ever, with vendors hawking their wares, people scurrying to and fro, greeting friends and yelling for attention from sales people.
Harry couldn't help but smile, he found the sights and sounds exhilarating and he felt his heart beat rise with his excitement. Ginny too felt the excitement, though she did so mainly through Harry. She had always found the crowded lanes and the hurried feeling somewhat overwhelming and she preferred to shop in Ottery St. Catchpole where the pace was much more laid back.
"Please hold hands stay with me," Minerva said. "It's quite busy today and I don't want to risk getting separated."
Both Harry and Ginny nodded in agreement, neither wanted to get lost in the huge crowds that filled the streets.
Minerva took a hold of Ginny's free hand, the other one firmly gripping Harry's as the started into the crowd. As bad as it had looked, it wasn't actually too bad once they got away from the archway. The further up the Alley they got, the more the crowds thinned out.
They first went to Madam Malkin's where Minerva got Harry several new sets of robes, both everyday and one dress. Harry got particularly upset while trying on his new dress robes when he felt Ginny's sadness at not having anything as nice to match with Harry's.
"I could always buy you a new set," Harry offered.
"I'm sure Mum wouldn't permit that," Ginny replied sadly.
Minerva could see Harry's change of demeanour, "What's the matter Harry?" she asked softly.
"Ginny's sad that she doesn't have anything as nice to match my new dress robes," Harry admitted. "And she's sure that Molly wouldn't allow me to buy her some," Harry added, downcast.
Minerva smiled at her young ward and his Bond-mate, "Well I'm pretty sure I can convince her to allow me to do so."
Harry looked up hopefully, "Are you sure?" he asked incredulously.
"I'm pretty sure and if need be I can always say that they're a birthday present," Minerva said with a wink.
Harry's heart swelled when the happiness that Ginny was feeling passed through the Bond to him. It was matched by the smile on her face. Once they were done with Harry's robes they had the saleswoman help Ginny pick out several different robes to try on.
Minerva had them go in the back so she could cancel the transformation on Ginny's hair so they could make sure they looked good.
Harry was stunned when he saw Ginny in her dress robes, they made her look a little older and actually made her look more womanly, accentuating her budding breasts and widening hips. They were enchanted to enhance those attributes slightly.
Ginny blushed when Harry looked at her, she could feel his approval of the way she looked and though she was very pleased that she looked so good, she was also not use to it and the feelings that it caused in her.
"Ginny, you look stunning!" Harry sent, in total awe of how she looked.
Blushing deeper, Ginny replied "Thank you Harry. Though the dress is charmed to make me look better."
"I don't care Ginny, it's only enhancing what you have and whatever, you look Brilliant!"
Ginny giggled and had to cover her face for a moment but when she dropped her hands she was smiling widely and the saleswoman gave her a wink as she nodded in Harry's direction.
Once they were done at Madam Malkin's they headed back out and proceeded up the Alley. They came across a new clothing store, Murphy's Muggle Mantles and they went inside.
Ginny right away drug Harry down the aisles picking out several shirts, khakis and jeans for Harry to try on. Minerva was quite amused with the way Ginny handled Harry and she was just as surprised at how Harry let Ginny have her way.
She let Ginny and Harry pick out several outfits and some new trainers. She also insisted that he buy some nice dress shoes to wear with his new dress robes. Minerva couldn't remember the last time she had so much fun shopping. The enthusiasm and excitement of the kids infecting her with the same level of fun that they were experiencing.
Minerva had shrunk down all the packages so that they weren't burdened with all they had purchased for the two of them. As they headed back towards the Leaky Cauldron, Harry made them stop at Eeylops so that he could purchase some owl treats for Hedwig, which Minerva let him buy with his own money.
As a treat, Minerva took them to Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour before they left. It was while sitting there outside that they were interrupted. Minerva heard someone say, "Hello there Professor McGonagall," and they looked up to find Auror Tonks smiling at them.
"Who do we have here?" she asked, indicating Harry and Ginny.
Harry and Ginny froze for a moment unsure what to do, but Minerva calmly introduced them, "Let me introduce you to my niece and nephew, Britney and Bryce. I am taking care of them for a few days while their parents are away."
"I'm please to meet you, are you enjoying your visit here to London?" the young Auror asked.
Harry and Ginny glanced at one another before Ginny replied, "Yes Mam, very much."
Tonks laughed, "No need to call me Mam, you can call me Tonks, all my friends do."
"OK, Tonks," Ginny said with a smile. Even though she knew she had to be careful, especially since Minerva had pointedly introduced them as her niece and nephew, she couldn't help but like the young Auror.
Harry was equally taken with the young Auror for some reason that he couldn't explain and he felt bad about having to lie to her.
"What flavour do you have," Tonks asked him, looking over his shoulder.
"Triple Chocolate Delight," Harry answered softly, taking another spoonful.
"Umm, sounds delicious, and how about you," she said turning to Ginny.
"Chunky Strawberry," Ginny said with a smile.
"That's one of my favourites," Tonks told her, smiling back at they young witch.
Tonks turned to Minerva and they began to talk about the goings on at the school and what certain people that they both knew, were up to.
Harry and Ginny were finishing their ice creams when Ginny dropped her napkin and both Harry and she bent to pick it up, knocking their heads lightly. They both sat up, rubbing their heads and Ginny reflexly said, "Thanks Harry."
Minerva and Tonks looked at them and Ginny realized what she'd done. "Sorry, I shouldn't have called him that. When we were younger and Bryce was clumsy I called him a hairy beast. Now I just shorten it to Hairy and he knows what I mean, but Mum has been after me to stop."
Minerva recovered first, "Yes as she should. You really must be nicer to your brother Britney."
Tonks looked from Ginny to Minerva, at first with a slight frown on her face, but then she broke into a smile and said to Ginny, "Well I don't have a brother, but I'd probably have similar nick names for him if I did." As she was saying that to Ginny she reached up and ruffled Harry's hair, dragging her hand down across his forehead as she finished.
She gave a strange look for a moment, she could of swore that she felt something on his forehead, but when she looked she couldn't see anything.
Minerva took that moment to say, "Well we really should be going, I need to get these two home for lunch."
The thought that was trying to form in Tonks' mind, slipped away and she said her good byes to Minerva and the two children. As she left Minerva breathed a sigh of relief.
When she was far enough away, Ginny said, "I'm sorry I let Harry's name slip."
Harry could feel how badly Ginny felt and he took her into a big hug.
"It's OK Ginny," Minerva said sympathetically. "You did a bang up job of covering up for it. Hairy Beast," she added with a chuckle.
"Thanks Ginny, is that how you see me?" Harry asked, but you could tell he was amused.
Ginny felt slightly better after that but she still wished she hadn't let anything slip. Finished their shopping and ice cream they headed back to the Leaky Cauldron to Floo back to the Burrow.
XX HP + GW XX
Mad-Eye made his way to Kings Cross Station. He knew it was a going to be like looking for a needle in a haystack without magic because of the amount of time that had passed but he figured you never know what someone will remember and he might get lucky.
He had transformed his robes to look like a Muggle detective and put a charm on his magic eye so it looked like a muggle glass eye.
He had been standing in the background, taking in the hub-bub of the busy station. There were several prospects for questioning, the main ones were a ticket agent who had a great view of the area and a porter who seemed to always be around.
He waited to a lull in the traffic of people hustling to get to their trains, the ticket agent was free first so Alastor went and talked to him. He still had his Ministry issued Muggle Police ID. He flashed it at the Agent who cooperated with the grizzled Auror without a fuss.
Alastor had a copy of a picture of Harry that had been muggle developed which he showed to the agent. "Did you happen to see this kid come through here several weeks ago. It would have been on the day all the weird kids come through," Moody growled.
The agent knew exactly what day Moody was referring to, every June there was a day when kids came through with the strangest assortment of luggage and most had some kind of animal with them. He studied the picture closely.
"Nah, I don't recall seeing this kid, but then again I see mainly the outbound passengers," the man said with a shrug. "Is he in some kind of trouble?" he asked.
"Nah, missing person case," Moody replied.
"Well I hope you find him, but there are a lot of runaways that come through here, most never return home," the agent added. He shook his head and said sadly, "It's a shame really, so many turn to drugs and crime to survive."
Moody left the man to his work as a new batch of people came to buy tickets. He was able to catch the porter taking a short break before the arrival of the next train.
Once again he showed the man Harry's picture. He studied it carefully, face in a frown but he eventually shook his head. "Sorry, I can't quite place him. He looks familiar but it just isn't clicking," the porter said slowly.
Moody wished he could get a Legilimens to penetrate his mind but that would require Ministry approval if he wanted to stay legal or at least taking someone into his confidence about who he was looking for and he was sure that Dumbledore would not want to go that route.
Sighing in frustration, Moody left as the next train was announced and the porter needed to return to work. He walked around the corner of a pillar and Apparated away.
The porter was thinking hard and then it came to him, the kid had been with the family of redheads, a whole slew of them. He turned around and just saw the back of the detective disappearing around a corner, he hurried after him hoping to help locate the missing boy. But he stopped in shock when he rounded the corner and found no one. Shaking his head, he went back to his station as the first of the passengers were debarking from the train, looking for help with their luggage.
XX HP + GW XX
A/N: Close calls all around, Will Tonks figure it out? Will Moody track Harry down? Will the Grinch steal Christmas?
As always please review.