Harry and Ginny: A Love Story
Chapter 13: Past and Future Come Together
Alastor Moody, better known as Mad-eye, sat in the back corner of the Three Broomsticks. He usually preferred the Hogs Head because of the information that he could pick up by carefully listening to those around him. But tonight he wanted to think without feeling obligated to listen to the plans of others.
Nursing his Old Ogden's, he contemplated Harry Potter, Albus Dumbledore and what was at stake. The more he learned, the more he was becoming convinced of Tonks' assessment of the situation. Somewhere along the way Albus Dumbledore had turned into a meddlesome old fool.
Sure his heart was in the right place, but he had somehow gotten the notion that no one but he could know what to do. Alastor knew it wasn't arrogance really, just old enough to have gotten stuck in a narrow mind set, without being able to see any other options.
He knew in reality that the Potter kid hadn't just disappeared, someone had to have seen him pass through King's Cross and since the workers there couldn't remember, he'd have to explore other avenues.
The one option with the greatest chance at succeeding was talking to someone that was there. In doing so he would most likely have to divulge the fact that Potter was missing. Knowing he couldn't possibly search every square inch of Britain himself, Mad-eye decided that the possible risk of the wrong people finding out that Harry was missing was far outweighed by the fact that he needed assistance in finding Potter in a reasonable amount of time.
Now that he had made his decision, Alastor finished his Old Ogden's in one fiery gulp as he stood up and made his way to the door. Madam Rosmerta smiled at him and he vowed he'd have to be back sometime soon to enjoy her special brand of hospitality that she reserved for a select few.
He smiled back and made a certain motion with his hand, signalling Rosmerta that he would return to spend time with her later. Her smile widened and with an inclination of her head she signalled back she would be waiting with open arms as well as a couple of other limbs.
Humming to himself, Alastor made his way out of the Inn and Apparated away, set on finding out where Harry had gone, and now it was more for his curiosity's sake and not for Albus Dumbledore.
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Everyone stared dumbfounded for several seconds, then Arthur said to Minerva, with a laugh, "Interesting company you're keeping these days. Won't you two come in and join us."
As they entered and Arthur shut the door, Minerva said "I hope everyone here recognizes my good friend Aberforth.
Harry looked at him intently, "You're Professor Dumbledore's brother, aren't you?"
Aberforth smiled at him, "Well yes, but I hope you won't hold that against me."
Ginny was watching the Twins closely and she knew from experience that though they were pretty good at not revealing much, that they knew Aberforth and she suspected he was their source for their seemingly endless supply of butterbeer.
Aberforth greeted everyone around the table and Ginny wasn't surprised when he looked at the Twins as his smile widened just a bit and his eyes took on the Dumbledore twinkle, that he knew them by sight, if not name.
The one he seemed most surprised to see was Tonks, but he greeted her warmly, teasing her slightly, wondering what she was doing here with this roguish band of conspirators.
Tonks saucily looked back at him, and said, "If you don't expose me, I won't tell who your paramour is."
Aberforth's eyebrows went up in surprise, not expecting such a retort from the young Auror. "I'm not sure who would be exposing whom, but I know who I'd like to expose," he said as he glanced a Minerva and wagged his eyebrows suggestively.
Minerva took it all in stride, just shaking her head and rolling her eyes. "That will be enough of that," she said, but the usual sternness was missing from her voice.
The Twins immediately sat up straighter and their faces lit up, sensing Minerva and Aberforth were much more than just friends.
Molly eyed them, her face a picture of parental disapproval. "If I hear of anyone here ever making comments out of turn, they will suffer some very severe consequences.
Fred and George exchanged looks with their Mum, trying very hard to portray the essence of innocence, but Molly wasn't buying it and she shot them a glare that froze the smiles on their faces.
Once all the chatter had died down, Molly began to serve the meal. It just so happened that Aberforth was seated right next to Harry. Several times during the meal, Harry was sure that Aberforth was watching him intently, but whenever Harry looked, he couldn't catch him at it.
Ginny squeezed his hand, as she was sitting on Harry's other side. "What's up Harry?" she asked.
"I'm sure that Aberforth keeps looking at me, but I can't catch him at it," Harry replied, letting a little of his frustration come through.
"Just ignore him, I'll keep watch and let you know," Ginny sent with a smile.
Harry squeezed her hand, letting her know that he heartedly approved of her plan. Harry from then on ignored Aberforth, letting Ginny keep watch.
"You're right Harry, he keeps looking at you whenever you are looking away from him and looks away if you make the slightest move with your head towards him."
"Guess he doesn't know that we can talk to each other without being overheard." Harry replied.
"I guess not," Ginny responded and Harry felt her merriment in her voice.
Harry felt turn-about was fair play, so he began to study the older Wizard next to him. He was a little surprised the he wasn't dressed in resplendent robes much like Professor Dumbledore wore. He figured Aberforth must have a much more down to earth vocation.
He was also much more easy going and laid back than the Headmaster. He laughed often and fully. He was as different from Albus as Harry thought he could be. Where Professor Dumbledore seemed cold and calculating, his brother Aberforth was very warm and out-going.
Harry also took the time to look at Aunt Minerva, she was a very different person in the company of Aberforth than when she was not. She literally had her hair down, and Harry was surprised how far down her back it came. At school she always had it up in a tight bun and it really added to the strict persona that she projected there.
Harry decided to have a little fun. "Hey Ginny, pay attention to this," he sent with a smile.
Ginny turned her attention on Harry and he gave her a wink. "Aunt Minerva, I must say you look exceptionally nice tonight. I really like your hair that way."
Minerva was taking a sip of her wine and almost choked on it, being caught off guard by her ward. "Why thank you, Harry," she said, blushing a little.
This did not go unnoticed by the Twins and you could see their minds working as to how to use this information to it's best advantage.
Harry continued, "I think you should wear it like that more often, it makes you look years younger."
Harry and Ginny were enjoying putting the spotlight on the usually staid Professor. She was actually getting a little flustered, something that they didn't think was possible.
Everyone at the table noticed Minerva's blush deepen but she was literally save by the bell.
The chime rang signalling that someone had entered the boundary of the Weasley property. No one was particularly worried because the chime that sounded was one that indicated that it was someone known to the family.
Before anyone could move there came a resounding knock at the door. Arthur glanced at Molly and then at Harry. Molly made a quick decision and motioned for Harry to go into the parlour. Harry nodded and made his way there quickly.
Ginny followed close behind, not wishing to be separated from her Bond-mate. They sat huddled together on the smaller of the two couches. Hand in hand they stared at the doorway, wondering who had arrived.
Arthur wasted little time once Harry was out of sight and opened the door. A cloaked figure stood there, unmoving and silent. No one said anything for a moment.
"You going to invite me in Arthur or are we going to stand here for the rest of the evening?" Mad-eye growled.
Arthur backed into the kitchen and made room for Moody to enter. "Well this is a surprise, Alastor," Arthur managed to get out without to much trouble.
"Looks like I interrupted a fancy dinner," Alastor commented.
"It's OK Alastor, we were just finishing up and about to have tea and the pudding, would you care to join us?" Molly said, hoping that everything would be OK.
Alastor looked at the table and said, "We seem to be a couple of people short. Perhaps your lovely daughter and her companion would like to join us." His magical eye staring intently at the wall that separated the kitchen from the parlour.
Molly and several other of the Weasleys paled, "Alastor," Molly said shakily, "I don't know what you're talking about."
Even the twins rolled there eyes, "Ah Mum," said Fred, dryly. "You know he can see through the wall, right?"
"Yeah, Mum, even Percy knows that," George said with a smirk.
Percy's face began to turn red as his usually officious manner dropped away and he looked more like an older Ron.
"That will be enough boys," Arthur said sternly. He then turned to Molly, "Dear, why don't you go and ask Ginny and Harry to rejoin us."
Molly glanced at Arthur, her eyes full of concern. To her, Mad-eye had always been Dumbledore's man, the one that did most of his dirty work, well the stuff not quite dirty enough for Mundungus Fletcher to do.
Tonks was watching Moody very closely, and though he rarely gave much away, he seemed to at ease to be here to find Harry for Albus. That thought heartened her, and maybe their talk had gotten him to see things in a different light.
Molly returned with Harry and Ginny, both looking slightly concerned but not obviously so.
"Now why don't we all get comfy, cosy," Mad-eye growled.
Harry and Ginny took their previous seats, both staring at the grizzled old ex-Auror.
Moody looked at Aberforth, "Who's minding the till tonight?" he asked.
Aberforth looked at Moody shrewdly, "One of my kindly neighbours, not that it's any of your business."
"I didn't mean anything by it, just a little surprised, that's all. Hell, according to Albus you never set foot out of the Hog's Head," Moody said, as amicably.
"I'm sure there are lot of things Albus doesn't know about me," Aberforth said, his manner showing his displeasure with his brother.
Mad-eye studied him intently for a few moments, using both eyes. "Aye, I'm sure there is," he said lowly.
Aberforth gave Moody a curt nod, which Mad-eye returned with a smile. "And it's very nice to see you here Minerva, and I must say you're looking especially splendid this evening."
Though her appearance hadn't changed from when she entered, her manner was once more of the stern Deputy Headmistress. "It's nice to see you too, Alastor," she replied, her face a stony mask.
Mad-eye looked at Molly, "You did say you were just about to have tea and pudding, didn't you?" he asked hopefully.
"Why, yes I did," she replied as she began to bustle around the stove, finishing preparing everything.
Everyone sat still and quiet, watching with Molly or Mad-eye, though neither did anything unusual. Mad-eye just sat there stoically while Molly prepared the tea and placed the desserts on the table.
Harry was surprised to see one of them was his favourite treacle tart and he wondered if Molly knew that it was.
Once everyone was seated and served, Moody looked at Harry very closely. "Do you mind if I ask Harry a few questions?" he asked.
Molly was a about to say something, but Arthur cut her off, "Harry, would you be willing to answer some questions from Mr. Moody?"
Harry looked back at Moody, "What do you think, Ginny?" Harry sent.
Ginny had also been watching Moody very closely. "I don't see any harm in it, and if you don't like a question, you can just refuse to answer it," she replied calmly.
Harry gave her hand a squeeze under the table, and said to Arthur, "Yes, I guess so, as long as I don't have to answer anything I don't want to."
All eyes turned once more to Moody, "I see no reason to compel you to answer anything Harry, I'm just trying to find out the truth."
Without taking his eyes off the old Auror, Harry said, "OK, then. What do you want to know?"
Instead of launching directly into questioning Harry, he looked at Arthur, "Perhaps it would be better to conduct this interview some place more private."
Arthur was a little surprised at Moody's suggestion, but gratified just the same. He was taking into account Harry's feelings and that was a good thing as far as he was concerned.
The only one's who protested were the Weasley children, with the exception of Percy. He showed no interest at all. "Well then Mother, if I can be excused then, I'd like to go up to my room and study the Ministry Handbook some more."
The twins rolled their eyes, "You don't even know if you got the internship yet," Fred said sarcastically.
"Yeah, it would serve you right if you didn't get it," added George.
All the kids snickered at George's statement, wishing it would come true.
"Not quite yet," Molly said sternly. "I want all you kids to help cleaning up while your father and I accompany our guests into the parlour."
Harry looked from Molly to Ginny and then back, "Mrs. Weasley, I'd appreciate it very much if Ginny could remain with me."
"Of course she can Harry, I never meant to imply that she couldn't stay with you," Molly answered, a tight smile on her face.
Harry and Ginny were both happy to hear that from Molly, as neither wished to be separated during what was potentially a very stressful time.
Molly refreshed the tea pot and once everyone was seated and comfortable, Mad-eye turned once more to Harry, "OK, Harry. I just want you to relax for me and we'll be done before you know it,
"I know you will and don't wish to anger you, but please make sure your answers are truthful." Moody said softly.
Harry nodded once more and set his face, waiting for the questions.
Harry noticed Arthur once more casting privacy and imperturbable charms on the door. He and Ginny took there customary place on the smaller couch, holding hands and looking at the others arranged in front of them in a semi-circle. Harry eyed each of them in line, Tonks, Molly, Aberforth, Mad-eye, Arthur, and Minerva. Most were seated but a few chose to stand.
He was reassured because he didn't see or feel any belligerence in any of them, only their concern, except for Moody. Harry couldn't tell what he was thinking.
"All right Harry, first I want you to tell me about your childhood growing up at the Dursley's," Mad-eye began.
Right away Harry felt his stomach tie up into knots and he thought he might be sick. Ever since he had come to the Burrow he had locked those memories away, they were that painful.
Ginny felt Harry tense and could tell he was in great emotional distress, he began to shake and she knew Harry was fighting what he was thinking.
The adults watching could see that Harry's demeanour had changed but from where they were they really couldn't tell just how much the question had effected him.
"Harry! What's the matter?" Ginny sent frantically to Harry.
Harry didn't immediately answer, so lost in his memories of how he had been treated. Images flashed through his mind, Uncle Vernon, removing his belt to punish him for some supposed infraction of their rules, of Aunt Petunia slapping him for ruining the supper when he was only seven and just learning to cook.
He remembered long stretches lock in the cabinet under the stairs, without food or drink for days at a time. Then there was Dudley and his "friends" who routinely beat Harry when he was younger.
Ginny was becoming frantic and Molly could see how distraught she was becoming. "What is it Ginny?" she asked.
"I'm not sure Mum. All I can get right now is Harry's emotions and he's really, really terrified."
Harry slowly fought his way out of the abyss that his emotions had flung him in. The thing that kept him going and sane was a brilliant red light above him that seemed to be calling for him to come to it.
To Harry it seemed to take forever, but to the others it was only a couple of minutes. Ginny kept gently running her hand through his hair and speaking softly to him. "It's OK Harry, just come to me," she whispered in his ear.
Harry's eyes fluttered open and he looked around himself wildly. When his eyes found Ginny, they locked on her and he stared into her deep chocolate brown eyes and he slowly calmed down.
Molly and Minerva had rushed to the couch where he sat and where checking him over carefully. When they found nothing physically wrong with him, they relaxed slightly and Molly asked, "Are you OK, Harry?"
Harry broke his eyes away from Ginny long enough to croak, "Water" and then he looked immediately back into her eyes.
Tonks quickly conjured a goblet and filed it with water, handing it to Molly, who handed it to Ginny. Ginny tenderly held it to Harry's lips, letting him take a sip. She refused to give him to much at one time, making him drink it slowly.
"What's the matter Harry? Can you tell us what happened?" Molly asked softly.
Harry glanced up at her, his eyes filled with anguish and then he dropped his head again. Keeping a firm grip on Ginny's hand then just above a whisper, "I began to remember everything that happened to me at my Aunt and Uncle's house. I had locked it away when I came here because here there are only happy memories," Harry said hoarsely.
"I know this is difficult Potter, but can you tell us anything about your life there?" Moody grumbled softly.
Harry once again looked at Molly with tears in his eyes, "Please Mum, don't make me."
Molly felt her heart break for this wonderful young boy who had come into their home and life. "That's OK dear, you don't need to say anything right now."
Harry clung to Ginny, his head now resting on her shoulder as she hugged him to her tightly. Taking comfort from her warmth and the love he felt from her, it penetrated deep inside of him and he felt the tightness and pain begin to lessen.
"Thank you Ginny, I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here."
"I'll always be here for you Harry, just like you'll always be here for me."
Harry felt a calmness settle over him and he felt a peace like he had never experienced before. Ginny could sense what he was felling and it spread to her as well.
Neither knew if it was because of the Bond or not, but they both revelled in the sensations it was filling them with.
Moody watched Harry closely, and then leaning in close, he said softly, "Potter, I know this is extremely hard and painful but can you tell us anything, anything at all."
Molly and Minerva looked at him in outrage, but as Harry lay in Ginny's comforting embrace, his eyes closed, he slowly began to tell about his life with the Dursley's. As more and more horrors were revealed the more upset the adults became.
Some like Molly and Minerva were heartbroken by what they heard, others like Tonks and Aberforth were angry beyond belief at what Harry had been forced to endure.
Harry finally fell silent, eyes still closed, snuggled tightly into Ginny. He looked pale and drawn, physically and mentally drained.
Minerva looked at Mad-eye, "Is that sufficient for you Alastor!" she said hotly.
Moody nodded slowly, "Yeah, I reckon it is."
"Was the really necessary Mad-eye?" Tonks asked, though still angry, she had tears in her eyes.
"I needed to know and more importantly, he needed to tell."
Tonks took a deep breath, knowing full well that he was right. If Harry had kept that buried inside there was no telling the psychological havoc that it could have caused.
Mad-eye, Tonks, Aberforth, Minerva and Arthur went back into the kitchen. They sat down at the table, the earlier good feelings that they had experienced were gone, replaced by a deep sadness for how much one young boy had to endure, just because he was different.
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Molly sat watching Ginny and Harry closely. Right at the moment, neither was paying any attention to her. Ginny and Harry were still in a tight embrace, eyes closed and seemingly oblivious to everything around them.
"Harry, I can't believe all that they did to you," Ginny sent, her emotions colouring her thoughts.
"It's over now Ginny and actually I feel better for having said everything. I just hope I never have to go through something like that again."
Ginny smiled at Harry's thoughts and she squeezed him a little tighter. "I'm glad that some good came from this horrible experience. It would have really sucked if it hadn't."
Harry could only nod in agreement, so drained that replying seemed to much effort.
"Come on Harry, time for bed."
"What about your Mum?"
"To tell you the truth, I don't care, your need is greater than whatever they may think."
Harry smiled at Ginny's firm attitude, he knew that she wouldn't take no for an answer.
"Mum," Ginny said as she and Harry stood. "I'm taking Harry up to bed now, and we will be sleeping together tonight. He really needs me to be there for him, I hope you understand."
"All right Ginny, but that doesn't mean that this is settled, it is still inappropriate for you two to sleep together on a constant basis."
Ginny nodded but you could see her jaw set against the backdrop of her pale skin. Her eyes seemed to glisten but it was with an inner fire that burned brightly and Molly knew that nothing had been resolved.
Ginny led Harry upstairs and into his bedroom. He offered her no resistance of any kind. She gently pushed him against the side of the bed, causing him to sit down. She removed his trainers and socks and then unbuttoned his shirt, removing it also,
She then put on the tops of his pyjamas, buttoning it up, leaving the top two undone just like Harry preferred. Then taking a deep breath and steeling herself, repeating, "Just relax, you have six brothers, it's not like you haven't seen one before."
Ginny urged Harry to his feet and deftly unbuckled his belt, letting his khaki's and boxers fall to the floor. She then assisted him in putting on the other half of his pyjamas. The whole time Harry remained very passive, almost asleep standing on his feet,
She took a hold of his hand, "Come with me Harry," she said softly.
"OK, Ginny," he sent sleepily.
Ginny guided him across the hall and into her room. She steered him over towards her bed, where after she turned down the blanket and sheet, she urged him to get into it.
Harry tiredly did as he was told and while he settled himself, Ginny quickly got changed, not even worrying about the fact that Harry was in the room. She striped down to her knickers, pulled her nightgown over her head, then quickly removed her knickers.
She briefly thought that Harry had gotten a raw deal, but she rationalized it by saying that he was barely conscious and wouldn't have appreciated the display anyway.
She then joined Harry in bed, snuggling close to him and was happy when almost automatically he wrapped his arms around her, buried his face into her hair along her neck. She heard him sigh contentedly and felt him relax.
After the evenings emotionally trying time, both of them drifted off to sleep, looking quite peaceful compared to earlier when both had been trying feverishly to keep Harry from breaking down completely.
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Molly followed Ginny and Harry from the Parlour and joined everyone at the table. Her first priority was to make a pot of fresh tea. It was a custom her mother had taught her, making tea when stressed, it helped calm everyone, especially her as it gave her something to concentrate on other than the problem at hand, something that was far away and didn't need attending to immediately.
It also gave everyone else time to cool down if need be. As she waited for the water to heat, she looked at everyone around the table one by one.
Everyone was upset to one degree or another, thought some were angry and others were deeply concerned for Harry's well being.
When the tea was ready she joined the group at the table. Aberforth was the first to speak, "Moody, we need to know where you stand on this?"
Moody was silent for a moment before speaking. "It's not that I don't sympathize with Potter, it's just that it puts me in a difficult position," he growled, irritably.
"I certainly don't want to see him returned to his relatives, that much is for sure, but if I don't tell Dumbledore something, things could get a little uncomfortable for me," he added with a frown.
Tonks looked at him disgustedly but didn't say anything.
Moody noticed her look, "Don't look at me like that, Nymphadora," he said, defensively.
Everyone could see Tonks get angrier but she still kept herself under control. "It's as plain as the half a nose on your face," she said hotly to him.
Aberforth had a difficult time in stifling his chuckle, earning him a swat on the arm from Minerva, who looked at him disapprovingly.
It was Minerva who took a calmer path, "The thing is, do we really need to keep Harry's location a secret any longer?"
Everyone stopped what they were doing, and stared at Minerva. Arthur looked thoughtful for a moment and said, "That's right, Harry is legally our ward and this is now his home. Maybe it's time to let Albus find out where Harry is so we can deal with it."
That started a conversation around the table, by twos and threes that were ever changing they discussed the pros and cons of letting Albus learn of Harry's location.
Slowly they came to a consensus, Aberforth being the lone hold out for letting Moody let Albus know where Harry was.
"Damn meddler, I still think you should keep him in the dark, there is no telling the lengths he'll go to get Harry back under his control," Aberforth said darkly. He still hadn't forgiven Albus for the death of Arianna.
Now that a course of action had been agreed upon, everyone cooled down and things were much more amiable.
Though Moody wasn't going to part of the core group protecting Harry, he promised that he would do everything in his power to keep Harry safe. This pleased Tonks though she was still a little miffed for him calling her Nymphadora.
The conversation then turned to Minerva and Aberforth. Aberforth took it in stride though Minerva blushed several times, most uncharacteristically. She took the ribbing with good humour and even got some of her own digs in too, mostly at Moody.
He, of course, wasn't phased in the slightest and laughed along with the rest of them. It was while Tonks and Minerva were discussing men, that Moody took a good look around the table. He was pleased with what he saw, a good solid core group with a common goal. He could see them already becoming a tight knit bunch that would be fiercely loyal, very protective and a force to be reckoned with.
With a smile, he rose and said his good nights, telling them he wouldn't be telling Albus anything for at least two weeks, he had a little fishing trip planned and was going to get away from it all for a while.
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A/N: Well the long awaited identity of Minerva's "Friend" has been revealed. Those of you who gave correct guesses can stop by the nearest branch of Gringott's to collect their prize money. Just say you are a Love Story Prize winner and you will be paid, but fair warning, I will be giving them a list of all those who submitted a correct guess, if you aren't on that list and try to collect, I will not be held responsible for what the Goblins do to you.
If you insist on trying, I suggest you have your affairs in order and an up to date will.
As always, your reviews are greatly appreciated.